Another beautiful fall day, clear blue skies, cooling temperatures. There’s even much needed rain on the way. We sure are fortunate to live in this beautiful and lively community. The one thing that’s been missing is the Maine State Aquarium, closed since 2020.

Last Thursday Dottie Yunger, the Aquarium education director and Richard Rehm, the aquarist, spoke to us about the plans to reopen the Aquarium in spring 2023. Dottie reported that much of the original infrastructure has deteriorated beyond repair because of water damage and age. Dottie and Rick are working on a new look for the Aquarium they hope will be even more visitor friendly and informative. They are also planning to make the research at DMR more accessible to the public and plan to incorporate it in the new displays. The plans look great and we look forward to the reopening.

This week is trivia. Yes, once again Darrell Goodrow will be the “master of ceremonies” and “impartial judge” (Unless bribed I guess). He will challenge us with questions sure to outwit many of us. We’ll divide into teams, search for the correct answer and devise any nefarious way possible to trick other teams. Of course, there will be fabulous prizes for the winners, but fun and laughter for all. Bring your family, friends. Maybe they are smart.

The Maine to Spain Rotary Exchange must be going well. No news is good news, they say. The only news we’ve received is this great picture from Linda Clapp showing the two clubs together somewhere in Barcelona. They all look happy. We’ll hear more when they return. Next Spring we get to host the Barcelona Club.

The club’s Board of Directors met last Monday. We had a busy meeting. President Bruce does a good job of moving it along, but there is always much to discuss. We approved a potential new member, Vicki Haughen, Hooray. We made donations to many organizations including “Veggies to Table,” the grow-to-donate farm in Newcastle. Also, the Boothbay Region High School Class of 2023. The pandemic presented many challenges to this class. We’re so proud of them. We voted to continue the Soup-to-Go project for the Food Pantry. We donate approximately 50 pints of healthy soup monthly. All labeled with ingredients and nutritional info. We have been doing this for several years with much good feedback. We also approved support for the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, Community Resource Council, District Nurse and the St Andrews Free Bed Fund.

These donations and projects are possible because of your donations to and purchases at the Rotary Club Big Gray Barn. It’s neighbors taking care of neighbors. We thank you for your support. We are still open every Saturday morning from 8:30 to 11 with gently used furniture, pots/pans, boats, rugs, glasses, knick-knacks and collectibles. To schedule a pick up or drop off call or text Deb at 207-380-3550.

All community members, visiting Rotarians, family and friends interested in the work and fun of Rotary are welcome to our weekly meeting on Thursdays at 6 p.m. at our clubhouse at 66 Montgomery Road. A wonderful buffet dinner is served, followed by the night’s program.