As is our usual custom, we began the last Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club evening with cocktails, snacks and lots of conversation. At 6:30 p.m., the bell was rung, we sang a few songs, recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sat down to a delicious meal of spaghetti and meatballs expertly prepared by Chef Kim. The formal portion of the meeting began with the introduction of guests but the only stranger was Club Member Henry Wyatt back for a visit.  

Given that June is the last month of the official Rotary year there were quite a few organizational announcements from incoming President Dwight Swisher. First, after many years of excellent stewardship, Andy Hamblett is stepping down as fruit sales chair. The “Y” will still be available for pickup but we need a new volunteer for this important fundraiser. Another person who has done yeoman service is Sue Kreahling who has coordinated all cards from members to those who are sick, etc. The position is affectionately called flower girl but a guy can also do it. Again we need a volunteer. Dwight also announced that steak or fish are the menu items at the change-over dinner on June 19. Please place your order by next Thursday.

Announcements continued with Skip Kreahling announcing that the deadline for Rotary Foundation giving is the end of next week. Please contact Skip or Sue with your pledges. Keep in mind that this gift is matched by the club so it is a “golden” opportunity. Seth Hedgcock announced that there were over 60 bikes in circulation already. Anyone who has a few hours can stop by Oak Street Provisions to rebuild additional road warriors (bikes).  Catherine Wygant Fossett announced that a bike safety program will be held at the Congregational Church on June 17 from 1 to 4. Debbie Graves reported that The Hometown Heroes Fund has already raised $1,000 from their “flocking” efforts. If you happen to see a bunch of plastic pink flamingos on your lawn, look for a tag with instruction that tell you how to get rid of them.

Our favorite Sargent at Arms Bob Pike then took charge of the festivities. He asked many excellent questions about Africa and collected dollars for wrong answers for most of them. I think most would be very surprised at how many countries there are in Africa! There were many happy dollars for new grandchildren, good health news, and scholastic achievement by smart children and/or grandchildren. Parents’ 70th wedding anniversary celebration dollars were donated on behalf of Marty Helman’s parents. Some were simply “I am happy to be here” dollars. Mike Thompson announced that rapid progress was being made on the club’s new building.

The focus of our evening speaker was our upcoming auction scheduled, as always, for the first Saturday in August. As has been the trend in recent years it is bound to be as exciting as ever if how many treasures we have stored all over town is any measure. We will have all of the usual events including a flea market, tool table, thousands of books for sale, a silent auction, a collectibles auction and the main auction. This year we are expanding the flea market area and adding a new area for children’s toys. We have been told that for many residents and visitors this event is a major highlight of their Boothbay summer.

After some feedback and questions and answers, the meeting concluded.