It’s always a great evening when we hear from our young adults, and last week – when the graduating class joined us at dinner – was no exception.  BRHS is graduating approximately 40 seniors this year, and they shared their plans and expectations, which ranged from community college to four-year university to licensing programs. This correspondent was sitting next to Tricia Campbell, high school principal, who pointed out that the talented young people included a number of future engineer/current problem solvers along with those planning to study social sciences, health/human services, and finance. Wow! 

Maddie Andreason started off the evening with a brief (if such is possible, given all they have done!) recap of Interact activities this year.  Readers of this column know that the young people reached out to St Andrews residents with bingo and Christmas cards.  They ran a pet-food drive, supported the Rotary veterans’ dinner, raised money for the Student Aid Fund and, oh yes, found time to do pumpkin carving and hold a costume contest and picnics and more.  How great it is to see young people have fun while giving back to their community.  We wish each one the best as they move on to the next phase of their young lives 

Every year our Rotary Club gives out four $2000 scholarships to HS grads– but this year the essays we received at request of these scholarships were so good that we added a fifth scholarship.  Winners – who were announced at the dinner, but who will receive their actual award at the school’s awards ceremony – are: 

• Vocational awards: Logan Bourne and Piper McKane. 

• Service awards: Madeleine Andreasen, Sarah Harris and Lillian Burnham. 

In announcing the recipients, President Laurie stressed how qualifying all the applicants were, but our club finances can only stretch so far! 

Which brings me to the subject of the Rotary Barn (the source of our finances and, ultimately, these scholarships). 

The Big Grey Rotary Barn at 66 Montgomery Avenue continues to be open every Saturday from 8:30am to 11:00am.  There’s lots to choose from – furniture, bric-a-brac, tools, toys, collectibles -- just about anything EXCEPT clothing, white goods and things that are too heavy to carry and for which we can’t find buyers anyway.    Last week a boat sold, and separately, an outboard motor.  The week prior to that, a tractor changed hands.  

 You never know what will be for sale – and we never know either, because it’s all dependent on what is donated to us.  We couldn’t do it without you, our neighbors here in the Region, those of you who donate to us and those of you who come by to buy.  And the proceeds come back in scholarships and donations to Rotary causes! To schedule a pickup, please call or text 207-619-1417 and let us know what you wish to donate. Many thanks! 

Yes, it’s the time of year to donate to The Rotary Foundation, the one that funds District grants and so much more. The club will match your donation, so join in on the two-for-one sale; donate by check to Judi White or online at www.rotary.org. 

Next week, we will hear from Jerry Farnham, local personality and self-described “blue-collar author,” whose “Red at Night” series has introduced us to Jack Finn, a hardworking lobsterman, whose connection with a from-away actress provides the backdrop for small-town secrets, tragedy, comedy and suspense.   

There’s more: 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 – also located at 66 Montgomery Road, right 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 keeps 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 is coming up later this month 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 the date. 

Are you a visitor to the Region – or maybe you’ve been here a long time but are curious about what this Rotary thing is all about?  Speak to any Rotarian or join us at our weekly club meetings at 66 Montgomery Road.  We always have an interesting program; we enjoy each other’s company, and we are always thinking of ways to give back to our Region.  Join us! You’ll be glad you did.