It was the first meeting of the new Rotary year, which meant that Jim Herbold wielded the gavel. Past President Laurie used the occasion to take the night off; Jim showed his stuff by whacking the bell and leading us in a rousing chorus of the Four (or is it Five?) Way Test. 

Desiree announced that the Maine Historical Society’s statewide tour of an original 18th century Declaration of Independence will be on display at Bigelow Lab July 24-25. You’ll need to reserve a spot to see the document via the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library website; meanwhile, we are all invited to learn about lesser-known participants of the American Revolution from Louise Miller, education director at the Lincoln County Historical Association.  And guess what?  Louise is giving her talk right here at the Rotary Clubhouse on July 15, 6 p.m. How cool is that?  

Jim also announced that the Club has passes to the Railway Village. So if guests or other lead you in that direction this summer, ask Jim for a pass. After all, the price is right. 

We enjoyed a delicious dinner of chicken with a curry dressing, and then turned our attention to our speaker, David Hirzel, introduced to us by one of our neighbors, Carole Cochran. David is a historian who believes in teamwork – in fact, his three books have all been co-written with team member and partner Brad Borkan. Their latest book has taken them to develop a list of 11 traits of epic achievers, many (not all) of whom are teams of two.   

The list includes Susan B Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, with the trait of “pursuing a goal” for, in their case, 70 years and a new generation before women got the vote. Other achievers on the list were Everest-climbers Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norkay, under the heading of “learning and sharing.” My personal favorite was “pivoting and zigzagging” which they awarded to Ernest Shackleton who, of course, failed in his attempt to get to the South Pole but earned undying fame by bringing all his men back alive after his ship, the Endurance, went down, stranding his men stranded hundreds of miles from any possible help. Anyway, it was an interesting way to look at achievement, and fun to hear the stories behind the events. 

Next week we will get an update on BRTV from Lang Sheppard, who has been station manager and executive director for a little over a year now. Erik Bertelson is on the board of the TV station and we thank him for making this connection. 

Meanwhile, the work of the Rotary barn continues. We’re open every Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. (sharp! We’re all volunteers, you know!) at 66 Montgomery Road, selling housewares, furniture, tools, bric-a-brac and so much more. And all at prices that will make you swear never to buy retail again! Come and check us out. And if you have stuff to donate, call or text 207-619-1417 and we’ll arrange a pickup. 

That’s us! We raise money and give it back in the form of donations, scholarships, and so much more.  And we have  a good time while we are giving back.  If that sounds like something you would like to take part in, get in touch with any Rotarian or drop by one of our meetings, held Thursday evenings beginning at 6 p.m. at our Clubhouse at 66 Montgomery Road. You’ll be glad you did!