Rainy and cold again today. Do May showers bring June flowers in the Gulf of Maine? It always seems like spring is a late bloomer here. That beautiful, but cold Atlantic Ocean that we love just doesn't help with the spring warm up. Thursday we heard about an organization working to keep that cold, beautiful ocean healthy. 

Last Thursday we welcomed Emma Weed, program director for the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation (GOMLF) which is dedicated to protecting and sustaining a healthy lobster fishery and marine environment through collaboration with fishermen, scientists, educators and communities. It's a huge goal, but after meeting Emma and hearing about the GOMLF we were wowed by her organization, energy and passion. Also, we were really impressed by the work and effectiveness of the GOMLF. One of the main projects is the removal of “Ghost Gear” from our ocean floor.  Through their “Gear Grab” project they hire local lobstermen, who during the winter extract “Ghost Gear.” For example, in five days this year they took a total of 6.61 tons of ghost gear out of the area around Cundy’s Harbor which included two large gear balls each weighing close to two tons. Emma talked about the laws that affect the removal of “Ghost Gear” and how the GOMLF works with fishermen towards shared goals.   

This Thursday is the annual Yard Cleanup and Cookout. Bring your rakes, clippers, shovels, weed whackers and other yard “Implements of Destruction.” We'll be getting the grounds ready for another summer season. We'll have a regular summer cookout with burgers, cole slaw and lemonade. We're so fortunate to have this Clubhouse and the beautiful plantings and yard. So come ready to rake or clip, then share a summer cookout, hopefully on the deck.  

Then, the following Thursday we’ll be back inside the Clubhouse to hear our own Melody Rees talk about a program she helped to start in Coastal Kenya to support families living with HIV.  From the Gulf of Maine to our own back yard to Coastal Kenya - it's an interesting world. We're so lucky to have the chance to hear about these projects and the people working to make it a better place for all.  

It must be spring because the Rotary Bike Program is open for business. Seasonal workers can “borrow” a bike after leaving a $100 deposit, which is returned at the end of the season if the bike is in good condition.  The Bike Shed is open Saturday mornings from 9 to 11 and Thursday afternoon from 5 to 6 at 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor. Many thanks to the Rotary Bike Crew who keeps the over 100 bicycles we loan out maintained every year. Also, thanks to the Chester and Muriel Dawes Foundation for their support of this program.  

Save the date - the Windjammer Parade is on Wednesday, June 24 at 4 p.m. and we're in it. We will meet a bit earlier at the elementary school parking lot. We'll need to decorate the trailer.  We'll have seating in the trailer but looking for walkers to lead the way with our banner.  

The big, gray Rotary Club Barn is open every Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m. selling furniture, tools, boats, dishes, antiques, and right now a Honda motorcycle and. king power tractor. If you can't find it at the Rotary Club Barn, you probably don't need it.  If you need a pickup, call 207-619-1417.  

Join us any Thursday around 6 p.m. for an interesting program and fellowship at our Clubhouse. We always welcome new guests.