President Tory Paxson called our July 27 meeting to order for an on target efficient round of business. We welcomed guests, Julie Denegard and Kendrick Foster, Linda’s grandson! We were reminded by Linda Clapp to please sign up on the activity boards for fun and social gatherings.

We heard from Judi White the Community Fridge still needs donations, especially higher end items such as peanut butter or hygiene products. The Bath Savings Bank now accepts cash donations that go directly to the Community Fridge if that provides an easier venue to donate.  Our meeting ended with a roaring cheer to begin our evening program, the Second Rotary Cornhole Tournament!

Rotary Cornhole game night reminds us that, “Don’t forget the fun!” is our Rotary club motto. In a recent Rotary magazine, a Nova Scotia Club spoke of fun and suggested things like ghost tours and even axe throwing! Well, our super fun night was the Cornhole Tournament. After all people need to engage and refresh with fun in order to keep vital.

Karen Pritchard and Vice President Laurie Zimmerli had planned an exciting eventful night. Laurie officiated with Deb Graves and Judy deGraw as judges. Ten teams of two faced off to the raucous cheers and laughter as tosses missed or hit the holes in the boards. Early in the game our “best dressed” competitor, Charlotte Jameson, dunked two in a row to the cheering of her team and all of us. As the game went on many great and less helpful tosses were enjoyed, cheered, and even jeered at times.

As the rounds continued and teams paired off, we had to admit our best “good sport” player was Nancy Adams, who took her tosses from a bowling to a badminton form. But she kept at it with style! Our youngest player, Kendrick, was a quick learner and good shot with precision and joy.

Once the many teams played off and the semifinals lead us to the three teams for the finals. We watched in suspense till the team of Mike Thompson and Laurie Zimmerli won the tournament! Congrats Mike and Laurie, “well played against many good adversaries.” But all in all, the night was about fun and friendship and ended happily on that note!

This week we welcome Ed Harmon from the Boothbay V.E.T.S, a temporary shelter program for veterans. This is an amazing organization right here in Boothbay. Ed is very involved in veteran affairs and will talk about some of the current programs for veterans. Last time Ed visited us was on Zoom during the pandemic. The program has changed and grown since then, but is still successfully providing services and housing for veterans.

Community members are welcome at our dinner meetings at 6 on Thursdays at the Clubhouse, 66 Montgomery Avenue, Boothbay Harbor. Come this week to hear about the Boothbay V.E.T.S. program.

Rotary Reminders: The Rotary Barn continues to accept donations of gently used furniture, pots/pans, dishes, glasses, lamps, boats, collectibles, tools, just about anything. Call or text Deb at 207-380-3550 to arrange a pickup or drop off your donations. Don’t forget!  Dues are due! Just mail a check to Boothbay Harbor Rotary, P.O. Box 518, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538 or leave it in the desk drawer at the clubhouse.