Congratulations! We, The Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club, received the 2022 Spirit of America award last Thursday. Boothbay Harbor Selectmen presented this award to Laurie, Debbie and Irene on behalf of the entire club for all the work and creativity shown transitioning in 2020 from our yearly big Auction to the weekly Rotary Barn Sales. It sure was a fun night with much laughter and camaraderie. Only Deb, Laurie and Irene got the crowns, but the whole club was honored and thanked for the positive effect the weekly barn sales have had on our community. “The Rotary Barn was transferred from a place to pile up auction items for an annual one-day event into a resounding community center throbbing with life and laughter on weekly Saturday mornings.”

The Boothbay Harbor Selectmen also honored George and Nancy McEvoy with the 2021 Spirit of America Award last Thursday at our meeting. “Historians, benefactors and heroes with huge hearts, George and Nancy McEvoy are the most humble and deserving recipients of this award.” We were so proud and happy to receive this award for 2020 but sharing the stage with George and Nancy McEvoy made the night extra special.

This week we will welcome Richard Rehm. He is the new aquarist at the Maine State Aquarium out on McKnown Point. He is also a hot shot at cornhole and was a close runner up to our champions a few Thursdays ago. The aquarium was always a favorite visiting place for my friends and family. It has been missed the last few years. Richard will bring us up-to-date on plans for this wonderful facility.

For many years our club has held a big dinner in September to honor the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 and thank our local firemen, police, sheriffs, ambulance service and other “Hometown Heroes.” After reaching out to these organizations to explore how best to thank them in this post-Covid environment the Rotary Board of Directors voted to donate $250 to each local fire department and the Boothbay Region Ambulance Service to use as directed by their members. The local police and sheriff declined any donation. (Maybe a conflict of interest). The Rotary Club and our whole community thank you for the care and service you provide every day.

The big, grey Rotary Barn is still open every Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor. Come visit for a great selection of your neighbors gently used furniture, boats, household goods and collectibles. We are accepting donations. Call or text Deb at 207-380-3550 to make pick up or drop off arrangements.

All visiting Rotarians, family, friends or community members interested in the fun and work of your local Rotary Club are welcome to our weekly dinner meeting, Thursday at 6 p.m. in our clubhouse at 66 Montgomery Road.