Summer sure is here, at last! These long days, warm temperatures and flowers are a welcome change. But, most importantly summer is time for Change Over Dinner, especially to president Jeff Long. Change Over Dinner is this Thursday at the clubhouse. It is the annual Rotary Gala welcoming in our new president, the lucky Bruce Harris, while thanking Jeff Long for steering us through this year with humor and patience. One of the big highlights of the night will be the much anticipated return of the “Rotations,” led by Thom and Monica Churchill. This, on its own, is worth the price of admission. The Rotary Foundation was started in 1905. Part of what keeps it vital and flexible is the yearly change of officers. And, the fun we all have at this annual event.

We’re in the Windjammer Days Parade on Wednesday, July 29.. The night before Change Over dinner. We'll meet at the Elementary School before 3 p.m. to ride on the Rotary Float, wave at the crowd and throw candy, a time honored parade tradition. Wear your Rotary T-shirt or a blue shirt. A big thank you to Tory Paxson for organizing this, and to Todd Hyson for use of his trailer and the patience to drive it in the parade.

Then, after all that fun, we’ll need a break. Especially Bruce. We won’t be meeting on Thursday, July 7. We’ll be back in the clubhouse for our regular Thursday meeting July 14 with our new president, Bruce Harris.

The big,gray Rotary Barn is open every Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. We are accepting donations of furniture, pots/pans, lamps, tools, jewelry, boats, well just about anything. If you are moving, downsizing, tired of paying for storage, our friendly pick up crew can help. Just contact Deb at 207-380-3550.

What a productive meeting we had last Thursday. The clubhouse grounds were looking pretty shabby. A good group of members showed up with rakes, clippers, weed whackers and other implements of destruction. We worked together and in no time the grounds were all spruced up. Thanks go to Linda Clapp for the geraniums. They brighten the entrance. A really big “Thank You” to Daren Graves, who has been mowing the lawn. He also did all the snow plowing this winter. He lives our motto “Service Above Self.”

If you’re interested in the work and fun of Rotary, join us any Thursday (except 7/7). We are a diverse group of your neighbors working to better our world. Our meetings start at 6 p.m. at our clubhouse at 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor.