The Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club had a bittersweet meeting on June 20. Our President, Jim Botti, was completing his year. We enjoyed a social time with him before he called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Bill Dodge was greeter for the meeting and Jean Huber gave the invocation. Craig Tukey was our steward. Jen Page Osman and Mo Osman waited on tables.

We sang an interesting combination of patriotic songs that our wonderful pianist Viv Daniels later had us correct with “God Bless America.” Chief Kim Mills prepared a delicious dinner of grilled chicken, tossed salad and potato salad with chocolate cake for dessert.

Rotarian Paul Whitehead returned for the summer and Rotarian Cathy Fisher was visiting with us. Cathy presented us with a banner from the Tidewater Rotary Club.

President Jim had Chef Kim come out for a hearty round of applause for the wonderful dinner he prepared for last week’s Lifetime Service Award presentation. Seth Hedgcock reported that 60-70 Rotary bicycles are now on the road with some of the Region’s visiting summer workers. One-hundred-and-fifty license plates are also ready.

Seth has a busy year ahead and would like someone else to be in charge of the bike project. Henry Wyatt told about the preparations for the August 3 Rotary Auction. Four-thousand books are already in his barn and four pickups are coming soon. Vic Taylor and Henry will be coordinating the silent auction. They have already started collecting certificates from local merchants.

Stephanie Blecharczyk will be at the tent on August 3. We have the donation of a golf cart and can already imagine Henry riding around the Boothbay Common.

District Governor Marty Helman gave gifts of Guatemalan coffee to Doug Harley and Debbie Graves for their help at the recent District Conference. Marty, who is a member of the Boothbay club, was given an account from the club to cover her expenses this year. Enough money is left to give a small contribution to the Rotary Foundation in the name of every club member.

Marty presented the Paul Harris Award for Service above Self to Stephanie Blecharczyk for her tireless help with Nigerian visitors who came for the recent Rotary Conference.  

Finally, it was Jim Botti’s turn to talk to us about his year as our President. With a little emotion, he thanked all members for their efforts on behalf of the Club through a challenging and rewarding year for him. He was so glad that Muriel Jacobson received a Paul Harris Award.

Our activities included the annual Flea Market and Auction, the lobster bake, citrus fruit sale, Hometown Heroes, and our tribute to Veterans in November. Then wreaths were distributed to Rotary widows and widowers and we contributed a decorated tree to the Opera House exhibit.

New this year was the Stuff the Bus event for our local food pantry. During the winter we held the girls’ basketball tournament and held a dance at the Botanical Gardens with the Breakers Jazz Band playing. Spring brought the Soup Bowl Supper, the Vidalia onion sale and the Lifetime Service Award presented to George McEvoy.

Jim conceded that he probably had his picture in the Boothbay Register more than any other president thanks to our intrepid photographers. He thanked all our committees that work all year behind the scenes.

District Governor Marty was most supportive as were the board of directors. He presented a gift to each member of the board. We were able to give $36,700 locally to people and groups needing help

President Botti ended his remarks by reminding us to keep sharing our wonderful club and all we are able to do for others. In our usual tradition, Jim signed a book to be given to the Boothbay Harbor Library.