Last Thursday we welcomed and were totally wowed by Marina LeGree. She talked about “Ascend: Leadership Through Athletics,” a program she started in Afghanistan in 2015. Ascend is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young women and girls through hiking, mountaineering, education and community outreach. Marina described how the program was structured initially with outdoor adventures and social service projects. Since the Taliban took control in 2021, Ascend has had to restructure, but is still active in Afghanistan along with programs in Pakistan and now one in the USA. Thank you Marina for telling us about this amazing program and the impact it has in our world.

Our chef is far, far away for two more weeks. This Thursday we're having a pizza party. Let Jim know if you have a hankering for a specific pizza. He’ll add it to the order. The following week we're having an old-fashioned potluck. No organization, just bring enough for 8-10 people (at least). Hopefully it won't be all dessert, so we'll need a few entrees, some salads, and the whole schabang. Our speaker that week is our District Governor Michele duBois. I bet she'll enjoy all the desserts we make.

This Thursday, along with pizza, we are welcoming Kate Burke from the Railway Village. The Railway Village is one of the organizations that make our region fun and special. Not only do they have steam train rides, historic buildings and an amazing collection of antique cars, but they also run many programs and events that bring our community together. Rotary is gearing up to participate in the annual Spooktacular at the Railway Village. It's a fun day meeting lots of young people, admiring their costumes, handing out treats and letting our neighbors know about Rotary. Talk to Conxa if you want to join in the fun with her.

The Rotary Barn is still open every Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. We have lots of new, wonderful stuff because of the generosity of this wonderful community we live in. We are accepting donations. Just call or text 207-619-1417 for a pickup and someone will get in touch. Please only drop off donations on Saturday morning when the barn is open.

We're a diverse group of people working together to learn about the world and hopefully make a positive impact while having fun together. Join us any Thursday evening at 6 for dinner and a program. We meet in our Clubhouse, 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor.