It just keeps getting better and better. 

It was 20 years ago that the Rotary Club started the Veterans Appreciation night.  Since then, our community has lost its World War II and Korean War vets; and most of the people who came last night were from the Vietnam era. So the participants have changed over the years, but the heartfelt thanks to those who serve remains as it ever has been. 

What would Veterans Night be without the slide show that Jim Singer has lovingly created and kept up-to-date? Jim also said a word about the banners program – they are coming down for the season, but will be going up again in time for Memorial Day. We’re up to 650 banners around town, and Jim is still taking orders – reach out to him with a photo and a check for $200 if you want your loved ones honored in this incredible way.   

At the meeting, we went around the room and asked each guest to introduce themselves. All of the stories are personal and patriotic.Eldest, of course, is Barclay Shepherd, 99 years young and now the author of an autobiography. Newest to serve is a young man from the Coast Guard base, just six weeks out of basic training.   

Mike Fritz, who saw three tours in Vietnam, asked us to remember the families who supported the service personnel during their time away. As the daughter of a career service officer, I add my “amen” to that. 

All-in-all, including vets, actives, Rotarians and Interactors, we served 100 people at dinner that night. Chef Ivan outdid himself with a choice of chicken or lasagna, and I heard rave reviews about each. Thank you, Ivan! 

We also offer many thanks to Hannaford, which provided the water and soda at no cost. You are the best!  

Our Interact students were out in force to serve and clear away. Interact Club president Sarah Harris introduced herself and her fellow club officers – Sophia, Titan and Maddie – and shared that the group has really turned out to help the 283 households in the Region affected by change in SNAP benefits. Club fundraisers include a pet food drive and a canned food drive on Community Night at Gardens Aglow. The young people have cool new T-shirts, and I can report that at the end of the evening they rapped their way through “Hamilton” while washing the dishes. Among the 30 or so Interactors who came out and made all the serving and table-moving look easy is Frieda, our exchange student from Germany.  It turns out that Veterans Night is a good time to remark on the value of the next generation as well as generations past. 

This coming Thursday, Nov 20, we will be prepping for the holidays by filling an estimated 140 Christmas goody bags for the Food Pantry and Food for Thought to distribute to local kids. We will also assemble some basic food essentials and cleaning supplies for homeless veterans moving into VETS trailers. It’s a “welcome home” package for them, and always a fun night for us.   

In the meantime, yes, the Rotary Barn is open and deals are happening every Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor. It’s the money raised here that makes possible all the work we do in the community, including Veterans Night and support for our Food Pantry and Food for Thought. Our last sale will be Dec. 13, weather permitting.  There’s still time to email rotarybarnpickup@gmail.com to schedule a pickup of your furniture, bric-a-brac, tools, and household stuff.  No white goods, beds, sofa beds or bedding, athletic equipment, or anything too heavy to haul.  No hernias, please. Our last pickup this year will be Monday, Nov. 24. 

Interested in learning more about Rotary and all the fun we have while giving back to the community?  Ask any Rotarian or come by the Clubhouse at 66 Montgomery Road on Thursdays at 6 p.m. or so for a social. A scrumptious dinner is served at 6:30, the meeting starts at 7, and we are outta there by 8. Check us out! You’ll be glad you did.