It sure feels like winter in Maine lately.  Time to stay home by the fire sipping tea or other stronger libations. Unless, you’re a member of the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club, because this month we seem to be hearing stories and  adventures from our members. It has been fun and fascinating.   

We started the New Year with member and Methodist minister Thom Marston sharing “amusing” stories of several weddings and funerals he officiated at early in his career. Thank you, Tom. 

Last week, our resident historian, Chip Griffin, gave us a brief historical tour of our nearest neighbor, Edgecomb. He started by saying something like “not just a place to drive through” and proceeded to share some of the interesting Edgecomb historical events and people. Thank you, Chip, we’ll never “just drive” through Edgecomb again, now that we know some of the history and the people who made that history. 

This week member, Patty Seybold, will take us away to a warm, even hot place. Patty is best known for her leading role in the Boothbay Region Health Center. As if that’s not enough to keep her busy, she also helps direct an innovative and successful project in Uganda, Africa, a school/farm organization where farming is part of the school experience improving pupils' nutrition along with their education. It is an inspiring project. 

Of course, the most important part of any meeting is the fun and camaraderie we all share, which this week focused a lot on the recent big storm and the heartbreaking damage to roads, buildings and homes in our community. Our hearts go out to all affected by these storms, including many members of our own club. 

Club President Tory Paxson started the meeting last week with a discussion of some of the topics at the recent board of directors meeting. Then Treasurer Bill Prince quickly reviewed this fiscal year’s Foundation Giving report, reporting that we have donated almost $29,000 this fiscal year. He also reported that Rotary Barn sales are almost identical to last year at this time, around $60,000. After Bill’s report, Operations Treasurer Brian MacGrath reported our Operating budget is on track. Dues statements were sent our last week, so income from dues will help our operating budget stay solvent. 

The donations voted on at the January board of directors meeting include:  $1,250 for a liter basket requested for use by the Southport Fire Department, $2,000 to Shelterbox, $2,000 to the Boothbay Sea and Science Center, Increase donation to the Community Fridge to $100 weekly, and partner with the Boothbay Region YMCA to rehab the McEvoy Lodge, $10,000. 

The work and donations of the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club would not be possible without the generous donations of household goods, boats, jewelry, etc from this wonderful community that allow us to fill the Big Gray Rotary Barn. We also thank the shoppers, the pick up crews, and the Saturday morning crew. Everyone makes it possible. 

If you’re interested in the fun and work of Rotary, join us every Thursday at 6 p.m. at our clubhouse, 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor; www.boothbayharborrotary.org