The Big Gray Rotary Barn sure was hopping last Saturday thanks to the two page story in the "Summertime" magazine of the Boothbay Register. Thank you Kevin Burnham for the wonderful write-up and pictures. Our community is so very lucky to have this weekly newspaper and editors like Kevin Burnham.

This Thursday we are welcoming Denny Dennison from Barters Island Bees, an Eco-friendly Natural Honey Bee Farm in Boothbay, Maine supporting non-profit environmental organizations and donating the bulk of their profits to charities addressing hunger. Since combating food security is one of our club's projects it will be interesting to hear about bees, bee keeping, but also about the work of this inspiring organization right here in our own backyard. Denny will be bringing some honey to sell at the meeting to sweeten our daily lives. "What bees do for the world is truly amazing, from producing delicious honey to pollinating plants around the world."

We all enjoyed the talk by Nancy Van Dyke last Thursday about " Bridging the Gap," a Veterans Outreach Program sponsored by Boothbay American Legion Post Auxiliary. This program coordinates Veteran to Veteran visits, phone calls and other correspondence providing friendship and support for our local Veterans. She also spoke about the very high incidence of Veteran Suicide and how programs like "Bridging the Gap" create opportunities for Veterans to give and get the help they need.

Many sad dollars and stories shared for the loss of long time member, Daren Graves. Until recently Daren did all our mowing, plowing and shoveling. He did it quietly, not asking for recognition or thanks. But, we did and do thank you Daren. You will be missed.

The Program Committee, and the Fun sub committee, are meeting this Thursday at 4:30 at the clubhouse. Join us, we have fun together and try to come up with interesting programs.

The Rotary Barn is open every Saturday morning between 8:30 and 11. We are accepting donations, contact Deb at 207-380-3550 to arrange a pick up or drop off. Sales at the Rotary Barn support the many local and International projects and programs of the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club, from food insecurity, world wide polio eradication, scholarships and camperships and so much more.

The summer workers bike program is in full swing till early July. Temporary workers can "borrow" a Rotary bike for the season after leaving a $100 security deposit that is returned when the bike is returned in good condition. The bike shed is next to the Rotary Barn and is open Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m., then Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m.

If you're interested in the fun and work of Rotary, join us every Thursday night at 6 for dinner and our weekly meeting. Our Clubhouse is at 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor 04538.