This correspondent has been out of town the past few weeks, and when I turned into the driveway to the Rotary Clubhouse last Thursday evening, it was a beehive of activity. Club Rotarians were whacking away at the ever-healthy weeds and clearing away last autumn’s leaves and generally making the Clubhouse yard as hospitable as possible. All this while President Laurie was doing her thing at the grill – the reward for our sweat equity was burgers and dogs and all the fixings, topped off by Klondike ice cream bars. Do we live right or what?

This coming Thursday, May 28, we’re looking forward to hearing from our own Melody Rees. Since 2011, Melody and two fellow nurses have worked to improve access to healthcare and comprehensive support to families living with HIV in Kenya. Their goal - a multi-purpose clinic in the Gongoni region of coastal Kenya – is becoming a reality. A highly anticipated grand opening will take place later this year, and next steps include fundraising to outfit the clinic. Join us to learn what Melody has been accomplishing and about these exciting plans.

Back here at home, the club’s Bike Program is ready for the seasonal onslaught of summer workers. Workers from away are invited to “borrow” a bike to help them get around town during the weeks they are with us; the only requirement is a $100 deposit, which will be returned at the end of the season when the bike is returned in good condition.  So take advantage of the opportunity! The Rotary Bike Shed – located at 66 Montgomery Road, next to the Rotary Barn - is open Saturday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. and Thursday afternoons from 5 to 6 p.m. Our Rotary Bike Crew are dedicated individuals who keep over 100 bicycles maintained and serviced every year. And we couldn’t do it without the Chester and Muriel Dawes Foundation, which helps underwrite the program.

Save the date - the Windjammer Parade takes place on Wednesday June 24 at 4 p.m. Once again, we will join the fun with a trailer and float. Volunteers are needed to decorate and to walk or ride on the float. We’ll meet prior to the parade at the BRES parking lot – stay tuned for more information as we get closer to Windjammers.

Meanwhile, the big, gray Rotary Barn, 66 Montgomery Road, is open every Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. All sorts of treasures - furniture, tools, boats, dishes, antiques, and more – sell at bargain basement prices and the proceeds go to charities here in our beloved community as well as overseas. If you can't find it at the Rotary Barn, you probably don't need it. And we couldn’t do it without the donations that come from all over the Region. To schedule a pickup and turn your trash into someone else’s treasure, call or text 207-619-1417.

And please join us any Thursday evening at 6 at the Clubhouse for food, frolic and fellowship. We meet at – you guessed it -- 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor. Join us – we’re always looking for new members who love our community and enjoy giving back.