Last Thursday’s program was a Rotary Classification Talk, a Rotary tradition going “way back” and always a special night. Classification talks are a chance to hear a piece of the life story of our fellow members. We are an interesting, to say the least, group of folks, different backgrounds, different careers, very different life stories, but somehow we come together, work together, have fun together because of the Rotary Motto “Service Above Self” and the beloved Four Way Test, ending with “Is it Fun”?

So, all that because last Thursday was a Classification Talk by Conxa Packard. Talk about an interesting life in twenty minutes or less. Conxa is a native Mainer, born right here at St. Andrews Hospital, delivered by Dr. John Andrews. Her parents were both oceanographers doing research at Bigelow Laboratory in its early days.

When she was eleven her family, mom, dad and four siblings moved to a small town in French Quebec, where she became fluent in French. Then, they all moved to Reus, Spain, her mother's hometown, and she became fluent in Spanish and Catalan, too. (Conxa 's mother currently lives in Spain in a house her family has occupied since 1741. Amazing). Conxa and her husband, Jordi, have three children. As if she's not busy enough, Conxa is a World Language teacher at Wiscasset High School. Conxa was a fun, engaging speaker Thursday night and for her high school students as well.

This Thursday is the Halloween party. Don't be spooked, but there will be costume wearing , with “fabulous” prizes for categories deemed appropriate at the time. There will be strange, spooky games and Halloween candy too. The “Fun Committee” has been making plans. Don't miss it.

A big thank you to Jim and Margi Herbold and Eric Wilts and Elaine Gabrielli for grilling two turkeys for our dinner last week. They were so fabulous. To top it off, Chef Amy Ronan, completed the meal with vegetables, mashed potatoes, squash, and stuffing. Yummy! Thank you everyone.

The Rotary Interact Club sent out invitations to the Rotary Veterans Dinner which will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Rotary Club. If you are a Veteran, Active Service member or family member of a deceased Veteran and did not receive an invitation please call Tom at 207-619-1417. Leave your name and address and we will send you an invitation. There is no cost. This is our chance to thank you for your service.

The Big, Gray Rotary Barn is still open every Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Dress warm, no heat in there. We are accepting donations, just call Tom at 207-619-1417 for pickup or drop off plans.

If you're interested in the work and fun of Rotary, join us any Thursday at 6 p.m. for a dinner meeting at our Clubhouse, 66 Montgomery Road. You'll be glad you did.