Spring officially began on Monday March 20, ushering in a season of longer days, more sunlight, warmer weather and hopefully no more snow. Another spring highlight is the reopening of the Big Gray Rotary Barn on Saturday, April Fool’s Day (how perfect), from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Unless, of course, we do have another snowstorm.

We've been cleaning, sweeping and organizing the Rotary Barn in anticipation of welcoming our friends and neighbors to the barn to support the many local and international projects and programs of the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club. But, dress warm as there’s no heat in the Big Gray Barn. We are accepting donations again of gently used furniture, boats, tools, pots, pans, silverware, art and collectibles. Just text or call Deb at 207-380-3550. She will arrange a pick up by our friendly pick up crews or plan a drop off time.

We held our second annual Teacher Appreciation Day last Friday for the teachers and staff at the Edgecomb Eddy School. We delivered pizza and dessert for all, along with salads donated by Pinkham’s Gourmet Market and soda donated by Hannaford. Raffle tickets donated by T&D Market and the St. Andrew’s Thrift Store added to their fun. Our school teachers and staff have one of the most important and challenging roles in our community. We are delighted that sales from the Big Gray Rotary Barn help us show them how much we all appreciate the work they do.

This Thursday’s meeting will be a Celebration of the Big Gray Barn. We’ll hear the news about the barn and share stories and ideas from the last two years. I bet we’ll be quite entertained. A lot of funny and crazy things have happened at the barn. If you don’t have a story to tell, at least come to make sure we hear the other (your) side.

Last Thursday the clubhouse was decked out in green for our annual St Patty’s Day social. Usually no program or speaker, just a chance to socialize. Except, the previous Monday the club Board of Directors voted to add a Corporate Membership Status so local businesses can also participate and join the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club. President Elect Tory Paxson led this lively discussion. We’re not a shy group, but she kept us on track and moving forward. Great job, Tory. The membership vote for this change will be held this Thursday. Hope to see you then.

Visiting Rotarians, community members, friends and neighbors are always welcome at our weekly meeting on Thursdays around 6 p.m. We enjoy a buffet dinner together before the evening’s program. We meet in our clubhouse, built by our members, at 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor.