The March 9 well attended meeting welcomed guests Doug Fowle, Don Wescott and our speaker Jerry Farnham.

Updates of club activities include:

● The teacher appreciation program will focus on the Edgecomb School this year as other area schools had to make different program arrangements due to weather disruptions. Rotary continues to wish our school staff all the best and they have our high respect for the work they do.

● The Southport Island Teacher Appreciation was held in collaboration with Rotary and Southport Island.

● Rotary Fellowship is scheduled again at Whales Tail for March 14 from 4 to 6 with half price drinks and lots of time for socializing! Bring friends and relatives along.

● Our Rotary St Patrick’s Party will be Thursday March 16 here at the club. All family and friends are invited. Don't forget to wear that green sweater, hat, blouse that you've had in the closet saving it for St Patty's Day.

● Our president, Bruce Harris, led us in a sharing of special women in our lives to honor International Women’s Day. Many folks shared women they valued for leadership, courage, wisdom, inspiration, a strong accomplishment, and work histories. Thank you, Bruce, for this joyous discussion.

● During the sargeant at arms an announcement was made of the Health Center Fund Raiser on March 18 including dinner for $75 a plate and live music. The theme, “Hats for Health” encourages all to come in their most unique hat!

● And finally, the 50/50 raffle was won by Jeff Long and Bill Prince!

Program

Last week's program was given by Jerry Farnham sharing his new book, Red at Night, a romance novel about a lobsterman. Jerry shared bits of the plot including information about lobstering, as well as problems such as drug usage, and the unique people and places of our community.

Jerry was raised in Boothbay Harbor, went to school here, and then joined the Navy serving for many years. Jerry hopes his book will entice folks to come and see our very interesting community as well as encourage folks to work for goals and allow themselves to “try again” when first attempts fail! Currently the book is available as an iBook on Barnes and Noble and Amazon. His inspiring talk was sure to foster interest in reading “Red at Night”!

Rotary Barn

The big, gray Rotary Barn was busy on Saturday with many members cleaning and sweeping and rearranging for the grand reopening on Saturday, April 1. We'll be open from 8:30 to 11 a.m. every Saturday starting April Fool's Day till mid December unless there's a snowstorm. Don't forget to dress warm. There's no heat in the Big, Gray Barn.

We're accepting donations again of gently used furniture, tools, household goods and collectibles, even boats and cars. We'll most anything. Text or call Deb at 207-380-3550 to arrange pick up or drop off.

If you're interested in the fun and work of Rotary, join us every Thursday at 6 pm at our Clubhouse, 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538. We share a buffet dinner, have interesting programs, but mostly share fun and friendships.