Tonight’s meeting offered good energy and friendship as we welcomed our newest member, Kimberly Mastrianni, sponsored by Cathy Fisher. We also enjoyed seeing Marcus Packard,  a visiting member and brother of Conxa Packard. This Thursday, Marcus will give a short presentation. He will explore how to inspire more people to engage in community service and contribute their time and resources toward improving the well-being of all. Following Marcus, we will enjoy a fun night of Cornhole! Be sure to join us Thursday! 

Our program presenter on Thursday was 15-year-old Alana LaCourse accompanied by her parents Mary Baudo and Jeff LaCourse. When the club invited Alana LaCourse to speak on July 31, we were inviting the “Alana” who wished to present a ski program to support competitive skiing. But her story includes so much more than that. 

Alana started skiing at age 2 because her parents had been ski instructors. She learned how to ski at Mt. Abram in Greenwood, Maine, yet lived in Boothbay. Her parents took her skiing every weekend and at age 9 she started competing in recreational races and was “hooked!”  She is currently a sophomore at Gould Academy and does competitive skiing amongst other sports.  

During her competitive skiing she remembers seeing a “girl who virtually had no equipment; she had no race suit, no protective gear, no race skis, but kept showing up to compete.

“This really made a huge impact on me as competitive skiing requires huge amounts of equipment: safety equipment such as helmet with chin bar, shin and arm guards, a race suit with padding, a back protector, race boots, and multiple types of poles and skis for both training and racing.”  Alana shared her sadness and concern for the kids who kept trying so hard but could not afford the required and needed safety equipment.  

“At Gould Academy, students are encouraged to think outside the box and to set goals to not only better ourselves, but to support those around, and to give back by volunteering in the community.” So, Alana started a nonprofit called GIVE O.N.E. which stands for GIVE Opportunities through New Equipment.” GIVE O.N.E. offers Maine Junior Ski League ALPINE participants in 6th-8th grade a chance to apply for a scholarship to purchase skis and safety equipment. Her passion to help others was deeply apparent.  If you would like to help by donating to GIVE O.N.E. please go to https://app.ribbon.giving/links/1hSn0G  

But this was not our only joy in having Alana speak, as she is also the newly awarded Miss Maine Teen! Alana is a force to be reckoned with, and an inspiration to all youth to push the boundaries of life and give of self!  Our congrats and best wishes to Alana!  

People Power needs you.  We’ve all been busy, after all it is Maine Summer, the busiest time of the year.  But, that said, we’ve forgotten to pass around People Power, every one’s favorite thing. So, you can sign up right here. Doesn't take a minute, sign up, it will do your heart good. 

The Rotary Club Barn is hopping every Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. selling furniture, art, collectibles, boats, just about anything, even a car. All to be redistributed into donations to organizations that promote food security, housing, scholarships and camperships for young people and so much more. And, now you can get your morning coffee and donuts too.   

Interested in the fun and work of your local Rotary Club.  Join us any Thursday at 6 p.m. for a dinner meeting at our Clubhouse , 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor. We have fabulous, inspiring speakers like Alana LaCourse or other interesting programs.  You'll be glad you did.