Our program last week was Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME), an amazing organization that responds to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles from Kittery to Rockland. It cares for sick, injured and abandoned mammals.   

Lynda Doughty is the founding executive director and has led marine mammal response organizations for many years prior and since 2011 when it became a 501c3 non-profit organization. Born and raised in Phippsburg, Maine, Lynda always knew she wanted to work with helping marine mammals. Lynda received her degree in marine science from Maine Maritime Academy. Her life’s passion is apparent in her fun and educational presentation.  

MMoME involves both rescue and rehab acting as a voice for those who cannot speak: our stranded mammals. MMoME has 5.5 staff and runs primarily on grants and donations. Besides rescue and rehab they focus on education and getting the word out, so folks don’t misunderstand and increase the stress on stranded mammals. 90% of rescues are seals and volunteers assist the primary staff in executing a “wait and watch” to a full rescue and care.   

The MMoME HOTLINE is 1-800-5329551. Please call for any stranded live or dead seals, dolphins, porpoises, whales, or sea turtles. If a mammal is actually up on the shore it is likely in trouble. But if seen on a beach they may be ok as the tide returns. Young mammals are generally not without the mother nearby. However, the Hooded seal only keeps her young for 4 days before releasing them to independence!  

You can help by:

1. Getting on the mailing list: see the web site of Marine Mammals of ME (https://www.mmome.org/)
2. Help get out the information 
3. Donations and grants
4. Volunteers 
5. Check their wish list for needed supplies 

Last Friday we hosted about 35 teachers and school staff for “Teacher Appreciation Day.” The festivities started at 3 p.m. so school staff could come to our wonderful clubhouse right from school to end the week socializing while enjoying pizza, salads, drinks and of course , cake. President-elect Laurie Zimmerli welcomed and thanked them for the important work of caring for our young people.  Being in education herself, with a bit of humor, she knew just how to make our guests feel personally welcome.    

Laurie then MC’d a raffle of really wonderful prizes that Judy deGraw and Linda Clapp spent time gathering. Special thanks to Hannaford, A Silver Lining, Boathouse Bistro, Marcel’s Submarine Shop, Coastal Maine Popcorn, Jason's, House of Logan, Good 'N You and China by the Sea for their generous donations.  

A really big thank you to co-chairs Cathy Fisher and Nancy Adams. The heartfelt thank yous from our guests showed how much it meant to them to be celebrated for the work they do. Thank you, too, to the Rotarians who built our clubhouse. It makes events like this possible. Definitely an all around feel good day. 

This Thursday we welcome Marie Pelletier from Finance Authority of Maine. FAME helps Mainers of all ages plan for higher education.  They also manage the Alfond fund.  A unique asset available to Maine families.  

People Power needs waiters. Don't be shy, waitering is an honorable and meaningful position. Remember the Rotary Motto “Service Above Self” that definitely applies to waitering at a meeting.  

Don't forget, the Big Gray Rotary Barn opens Saturday, April 5.  It's gonna be fun. Greg Thornton is our new pickup captain. Let him know if you can help with pickups.   

Cathy Fisher is organizing a final Flea Market clean up Tuesday the 25th from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Join the fun and bring any boxes you might have.  

Judi White talked about Rotary Foundation giving at last week's meeting.  Our club is one of  over 35,000 Rotary Clubs worldwide.  Together we work to build peace through our Rotary Peace Centers, eradicate polio, provide safe drinking water, build a vegetable garden for the Edgecomb Eddy School and so much more.  If you haven't donated to the Rotary Foundation this year, Judi can help you.