Sometimes friends just like to hang out together. 

And so, when our speaker canceled, and with Chef Amy on sick leave, president Laurie decided that we would have a social night, potluck, with friendly efficient self-service.

And it turned out great.

Everything was delicious. Byron was smart enough to bring pizza – always a winner. Laurie brought a shrimp platter of which she claims she did it all – whether “all” means procure from Hannaford or grow the shrimp herself seemed unclear. There were quiches and salads and Doug Lockwood’s dessert was scrumptious enough to make me forget about the ice cream bars in the freezer. 

Along with the pizza, Byron brought his friend Sandy, who has moved here from Belfast by way of Texas. Seems geographically complicated to me, but we were happy to welcome her to the festivities. 

Jeff Long won the 50/50 (again) and happy dollars were expressed for friends coming to visit – and leaving again – as well as for all the great chefs in the club. In fact, more than one of us expressed the wish to Laurie that we might schedule a potluck again – maybe once a quarter. Why not indeed? Meanwhile, People Power was passed around – don’t forget to sign up.

Certainly, we have a lot to be thankful for as the summer winds down. Our club is doing well; the Barn is remarkably successful, and the laughter and stories suggest we just plain enjoy being with one another and sharing time. What can be better than that?

That said, the Clubhouse will be dark next Thursday, Aug. 28 – no meeting so that people can get a start on their Labor Day weekend. But not too much of a start: The Barn will be open for business as usual on Aug. 30, and we are expecting a great Labor Day crowd. The following Thursday, Sept. 4, our District Governor, Emma Bodwell, will be our guest speaker. Emma hails from the Bridgton-Lake Region club, and she has a story to tell about engagement and giving back.

Got something to donate to our Rotary barn? Want to come and check out our steals and deals? The great, big, gray Rotary barn is open every Saturday morning from 8:30 to 11, and all the funds we raise we turn around and give back to the community. Come check us out – and if you would like to schedule a pickup of your castoffs, phone or text 207-619-1417 or email rotarybarnpickup@gmail.com. And join us any Thursday night for our weekly meetings. Both meetings and the barn are located at 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor. Join us! You’ll be glad you did.