It’s a night that has been in the making for 75 years. The Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor will mark its 1939 origination during a Dec. 4 ceremony. The event begins at 6 p.m. in the new clubhouse located on the Montgomery Road. 

The celebration includes an address by Rotary International Vice Chairman Michael McGovern of Cape Elizabeth. Rotary International is the sponsor of all the humanitarian and charitable works sponsored by the organization. Rotary International has worked to eradicate polio and for water purification and better living conditions throughout the world.

Rotary International assisted the Boothbay region in 2011 during Hurricane Irene. Rotary International also contributed to the construction of the Camp Knickerbocker outdoor stage.

The celebration will also recognize five people who have made significant contributions in the local community. The Boothbay Harbor chapter will recognize Toby LeConte, a special education teacher and area manager of the Special Olympics of Maine; Sally Barter, a Rebuilding Together volunteer; Gerry Gamage, a man known for his decades of dedication to projects in Southport; and Pat Farrin and Eric Wood, two local contractors who regularly donate their services for community projects and assisted in construction the Rotary’s new club house.

“Gerry is known as ‘Mr. Southport’ for his years of dedication to community projects in Southport,” said Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor member Mardy Helman. “Toby’s been involved with special education and Special Olympics of Maine, Sally is well-known for her work with Rebuilding Together, and Pat and Eric have for years donated their contracting services and equipment for local projects.

“This is a good group of community volunteers that deserves recognition for all they have done.”

The Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor will donate $1,000 in the honorees’ names to Rotary International. The contribution will make each a Paul Harris Fellow within the worldwide organization. Rotary International designates anyone who makes a $1,000 contribution or one in a person’s name a Paul Harris Fellow. Each of the honorees will be presented with a Rotary International pin and medallion. The donation comes out of the local Rotary’s general fund.

According to the local club’s website, it raised $41,000 this year during its 57th annual Charity Auction and Flea Market. The local Rotary has donated thousands of dollars to various community organizations over the past eight decades. Project Graduation, Rebuilding Together, student aid funds, senior transportation, and local food pantries are among those who receive donations from the local chapter.

The event also includes a baked haddock dinner. The meal costs $25.