It was a night 75 years in the making. The Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor began serving the local community, and later, efforts around the globe, on Dec. 14, 1939.

The Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor began in the Boothbay Harbor Methodist Church vestry.

Three-quarters of century later, local Rotarians dedicated their new club house location on Dec. 4  in conjunction with its 75th anniversary at its new home on Montgomery Road. The local chapter moved into the new club house this year.

The Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor received praise and congratulations from state and international Rotarian dignitaries who recognized the local chapter’s accomplishments. Rotary Maine District Governor Lawrence Furbish of Sanford and Vice Chairman of the Rotary International Foundation Mike McGovern of Cape Elizabeth were among the 90 people present who honored the club’s past work and participated in the club house dedication.

Both Furbish and McGovern recognized the local chapter’s work organizing and funding community projects. The Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club raised over $32,000 last year.

The club raised money for several local projects. Among those projects were the Boothbay Region Student Aid and Home Heating Oil funds, and taxi coupons for people needing transportation.

The local chapter has also contributed $432,000 to the Rotary International Foundation. These funds have been used for various humanitarian projects dedicated to eradicating polio, aiding earthquake victims, and providing funding for surgeons to fix international children’s cleft lips and palates.

McGovern said the Boothbay Harbor chapter adhered to a Rotary tenet of placing “Service above self.” He praised the community for its longstanding dedication to improving people’s lives in the local community and around the globe.

“We belong to an organization that immunizes children around the world against polio, and at the same time, does projects in your own community,” McGovern said. “Your work makes a difference to so many people here at home and around the world.”

The club also honored five people who have volunteered to make the Boothbay Region a better place to live. The local chapter made a $1,000 contribution to Rotary International in the honorees’ names. Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor President Swisher introduced the five recipients who have demonstrated a willingness to continually help their neighbors.

The Rotary Club of Boothbay recognized Sally Barter of Boothbay Harbor, Pat Farrin of Boothbay, Gerry Gamage of Southport, Toby LeConte of Boothbay Harbor, and Eric Wood of Boothbay. Swisher explained that all five represented the spirit of Rotary through their volunteerism.

Sally Barter has been involved with Rebuilding Together Lincoln County since its inception a decade ago. As a board member, she has been instrumental in home improvements in over 140 local homes, according to Swisher.

Pat Farrin and his workers are well-known in the community for making his contracting services available for people in need, said Swisher. This year, Farrin’s company assisted Geoffrey and Lorraine Marston rebuild their home. The Marstons’ home was destroyed in a fire.

Gerry Gamage is a Southport selectmen, Boothbay Region Water District member, honorary Southport Island Association member, and has served as the town’s fire chief for 38 years.

“The list goes on,” Swisher said. “It’s needless to say that little goes on in Southport that he isn’t involved with.”

Toby LeConte is a special education teacher. She works with Boothbay Region kindergarten through grade 12 students.

“That alone is worthy of the award,” Swisher said. “In her spare time, she is the area manager for Special Olympics Maine in Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties.”

Eric Wood has owned his construction business for 28 years and in that period his company has been involved in many community projects.

“Look closely at many community projects and you will frequently see E.M. Wood Construction listed as a sponsor,” Swisher said. “We wouldn’t have the community tennis courts without him. He also helped out the Leonard family when their daughter was hospitalized.”

Each honoree will now become a Paul Harris Fellow. Rotary International bestows the distinction for anyone who donates $1,000 or has a donation made in their name. Paul Harris founded Rotary in 1905. Swisher presented each recipient with a pin and certificate.

Swisher closed the ceremony by stating that Rotary is a gift of opportunities, conceived to improve business, and personal interactions.

“This statement is true for us, the members of the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club,” Swisher said.

The Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor also thanked the efforts of its building committee (Mike Thompson, Doug Harley, Robin Reed, Tony Curulla, Craig Tukey, Bill Bailey, Brian McGrath, Debbie Graves, Daren Graves, Mike Pollard and Jim Botti) in completing the new clubhouse.

Swisher also thanked the following businesses; Eric Wood Construction Company, Hans and Jennifer Albee of  Revision Energy, Guy and Abbey Frazel of Pro Paint Maine, Sawyer Brothers Concrete, Mike Peters and Lisa LaTourette, who painted and provided dry wall, Rideout Plumbing, Scott Yereance Plumbing and Heating, and Steve Salorio of Conley’s Garden Center.