If you didn't make it to last week's meeting you missed an engaging, interactive talk with Chief Dan Gardner from the Boothbay Region Ambulance Service (BRAS). We are so fortunate to have this caring group of medical professionals in our community and glad to show our appreciation.

Chief Dan Gardner has 35 years in Emergency Medical Service, leading large EMS services and relatively small ones like BRAS, where he manages 31 staff, 8 are full time. Chief Gardner said “culture keeps staff,” so he tries to create a family friendly culture that supports his staff who spend long hours away from home.

BRAS has four ambulances, two of which are staffed 24/7, but this summer Chief Gardner staffed a third ambulance, which allowed staff to provide improved service to the community during a time of increased calls and longer travel times because of road construction and summer traffic. He is currently leading a Capital Campaign to purchase another ambulance for BRAS. He asked us to guess how much a new ambulance costs. None of us came nearly close to the actual $444,000 which covers the basic vehicle only.

After meeting with Chief Dan Gardner, we understood some of the challenges he faces, but we're reassured that the Boothbay Region Ambulance Service is in good hands and will continue to be there for us.

This Thursday our own Jim Herbold will show us how to use the Club Runner website to find the upcoming calendar, a member's contact info and even if you’re up to date on paying your dues. Bring your phone, laptop or computer notebook and Jim will help you make our website on Club Runner easy to find and manage.

The Big Gray Rotary Barn is open every Saturday from 8:30 to 11 am. We are accepting donations, contact Thom at 207-619-1417 to arrange pick up or drop off of your donation. We do not take books, beds, sofa beds or big appliances. We are looking for household goods like pots/pans, lamps, toasters, art, small appliances along with gently used furniture and collectibles. Your donations are used to support the many projects of the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club.

If you're interested in the work and fun of Rotary join us any Thursday at 6pm for dinner, conversation and a fun and informative program.