More than 50 Rotarians and community friends gathered at Fisherman’s Wharf Inn on June 27 to celebrate the beginning of a new year for the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club.

After enjoying fellowship, cocktails, and light fare provided by Laura Honey and team, outgoing President Jim Botti bid farewell to his year at the helm and announced Past President Connie Jones as the 2013 Rotarian of the Year.

As Jim shared with the group, Connie was the “never say no” Rotarian in 2012-2013, volunteering for an array of assignments, most notably chairing the Winter Dance, handling all solicitations from local merchants and raising more than $4,000 for the Community Fuel Assistance Fund.  

Before letting Jim slip away, incoming President Jennifer Page Osman thanked Jim for his year of service to the Club and the community. She commented that Jim was, “one of the most kindhearted individuals she has ever met.” Jennifer then presented Jim with a fleece jacket bearing an embroidered Rotary logo for him to show off during the cooler months to come.

With that, Jim made it official, announced Jen Page Osman as the new Commander-In-Chief and presented her with the rather worn, yet coveted, Boothbay Harbor Rotary gavel.  Rotarian Mohamed Osman then received some ribbing from the rest of club asking him how it felt to be the “First Man” of Rotary.

President Jen then led the troops to Pier 8 for a “sunset” cruise amidst the fog with Captain Bill Campbell of the Balmy Days. Despite a light drizzle, most hearty Rotarians braved the top deck and enjoyed the sights ranging from visiting cruise ships to eagle nests.  

President Jen served up a delicious blue and gold cake for all aboard to celebrate the occasion.

After an Independence Day hiatus, Rotarians will return to the Clubhouse on July 11 to welcome new District Governor, Carolyn Johnson of the Yarmouth Club, as she takes over the gavel from our very own outgoing DG, Marty Peak Helman.

Following the festivities, administrators from Lincoln County Healthcare will address the Club on “Our Health Care Services: Today and Tomorrow.”  

For more information about our club, please visit us at www.boothbayharborrotary.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bbhrotaryclub.