Auction fever was beginning at the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club meeting on June 6. This year’s fearless leader, Henry Wyatt, is back for the summer and enthusiastic about the August 3 event.

President Jim Botti started the meeting at 6:30 p.m. with the singing of “God Bless America” and the Pledge of Allegiance. Jean Huber gave the invocation. Although she is an intrepid Yankees fan, our pianist Viv Daniels played “Sweet Caroline” for those of us with another baseball team favorite. We enthusiastically sang along.

Chef Kim Mills served a delicious dinner of ham with raisin sauce, mashed potatoes, vegetable medley, and an ice cream sundae treat cheerfully served by Craig Tukey, Connie Jones, Doug Harley and Doug Roberts.

Bob Raudenbush was recently elected leader of the American Legion Post and will not be our vice president. We congratulate him on his new position and the search is on for someone to fill the slot. Jim reminded us that our “change-over” evening is June 27 beginning with hors d'oeuvres at Fisherman’s Wharf and continuing with a sunset cruise. Please sign up by June 13.

Tony Curulla told us that Rebuilding Together is seeking people for leadership positions. Chip Griffin reminded the group that the Lifetime Service Award will be given at next week’s meeting. He said we will be delighted with this year’s choice. Many guests are invited.

Marty Peak Helman gave Guatemalan coffee packages to all club members who helped with last month’s District Conference at the Spruce Point Inn; what an enticing aroma. Debbie Graves was praised for her diligence in selling raffle tickets that netted twice as much as expected.

Margi Spratt, wife of Rotarian Henry Wyatt, was presented with the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her extraordinary efforts with our Rotary Auction and Flea Market books. Not only does Margi organize the books for sale but she also sold several valuable ones for us. The Paul Harris award is given for people who exemplify Rotary’s slogan of service above self.

Auction leader, Henry Wyatt, conducted a general discussion of the year’s Rotary Auction and Flea Market on Boothbay Common on August 3.  A rainstorm on the night before last year’s auction ruined many of the books for sale. Pallets and extra tents will keep everything safer should the same happen this year. (We sincerely hope it doesn’t.)

An early morning breakfast will be available before Friday’s setup. Please speak to any Rotarian for contributions to the auction or to arrange for a speedy and cheerful pickup.

President Botti adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.