The Rotary year is drawing to a close. What a year it's been. We’ve been so lucky to have Laurie Zimmerli as president. But, all good things come to an end they say. (Which is not breaking Laurie’s heart, I bet.). But, that doesn't mean that good things don't take their place. Because: we're still lucky because we have a great slate of officers for the coming year, which we’ll vote on this week. Then the following week we’ll induct them and it will all be very official.

So, here it is: President - Jim Herbold, President Elect - Conxa Packard, VP - TBD - Executive Secretary - Desiree Scorcia, Recording Secretary - Irene Fowle, Club Treasurer - Brian McGrath, Foundation Treasurer - Bill Prince, Board Members at large: Cathy Fisher, Vicki Haugen, Mike Thompson, Barbara Thornton, Charlotte Jameson and Laurie Zimmerli as Past President. A big thank you and round of applause to each of you. 

Not only are we having the official vote, but we have two “Classification Talks” this Thursday. Desiree Scorcia and Kim Mastriana, who will in 20 minutes or less each tell us their life stories and why they joined Rotary. It's always fun and interesting to learn about our newish members, their careers or hobbies or just how their life unfolded.  We often share common threads that led us to Rotary and “Service Above Self.”

Last week we welcomed back Jerry Farnham, author of three, going on four terrific books set in his and our hometown, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, the “Red Sky At Night” series. One of his latest books “Red in the Morning” starts with this line. “Carla Rand had been sitting at McSeagulls bar…..”. Could it be more local? Jerry grew up in Boothbay Harbor, was the stern man on his dad's boat at a young age, graduated from Boothbay Region High School then joined the Navy. He had wonderful, personal stories about growing up here. You can see where he gets his inspiration for his books, which are available at Sherman's Bookstore. Linda Foster is part of the Jerry Farnham fan club. She says you have to read them in order. But, by the line waiting to buy his books last Thursday our whole Club might be part of the Jerry Farnham fan club.

Last week we also had the great pleasure of inducting a new member, Donna McGurk. Donna has been working at the Boutique with Barbara, and attended a few meetings. Lucky us, she decided to join.   

The members running the Bike lending program sure have been busy. Bikes can be leased on Saturday morning from 9 to 11 until June 27, or Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. until June 25. We require a form of ID, local address and phone number, $100 deposit which is returned once the bike is returned in good condition.

We're in the Windjammer Parade again this year on Wednesday June 24. We need to line up at the High School at 2 p.m., so we're doing our decorating there. We’ve got streamers, flags, but no candy this year. We'll move some cars to Sample’s Shipyard so we don't have to ride the trailer back. The parade starts at 4, so come by 3:30 if you don't want to decorate. You can walk with our banner, ride on the trailer or join Bill Prince on a bike. It's always a lot of fun. 

The Big Gray Rotary Barn is open every Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. We’ve got anything you need and so much more. Proceeds from sales at the Big Gray Rotary Barn support many local and international projects and programs. You can do good, get a bargain and have fun all at once at the Rotary Club Barn.

We meet at our Clubhouse, 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor every Thursday at 6 p.m. for dinner and a program. Join us, you'll be glad you did.