This week, Oct. 5, we will have a “biting” presentation on ticks from Chuck Lubelczyk of Maine Medical Center Research Institute — what you need to know, how to avoid them, and what to do if you should get bitten. On Oct. 12, Bob Devine will talk about what it was like to spend his career at McDonald’s; and on Oct. 19, Wendy Wolf of the JEDC will return to talk about development in the region.

Interested in learning more about Rotary and our fellowship and community service? Visiting Rotarians and potential members are always invited to join us at our own Rotary Building, 66 Montgomery Road in Boothbay Harbor, every Thursday evening. Action gets underway at 6, and the meeting starts/dinner is served promptly at 6:30. The festivities end at 8.

Rotary honors auction volunteers

Thank you’s and good times resonated at the Rotary clubhouse Sept. 28 as members honored the many community volunteers who made the 60th annual Rotary Auction the best ever. A full house enjoyed chef Amy’s spaghetti dinner followed by a short business meeting led by President Jonathon Tindal.

The rest of the evening was devoted to recognizing the ever-growing number of community volunteers without whom the Rotary club could never accomplish such a huge event. In attendance at the dinner were the following volunteers from the Community Center who were instrumental in keeping the Flea Market organized and welcoming: Mary Conley, Betty Sullivan, Mary Nolon, Jane Good, Alice Grant and Mary Huntington. Also helping at the Flea Market were Diane Wood, and Interacters Ann Prost, Maddie Barter, Joey Lane and Gerald Gagne.

Enjoying dinner were Silent Auction volunteers York Fischer, Francina Rondina, Susan Stapleton and Tom Rondina, with Boutique staffers Sara Strauss and Sietske Turndorf. Monica Elder, with Bonnie Ginger and Will and Juliana Anderson, were thanked for keeping books in circulation with the Book Tent. Setup day would have been impossible without the help of Benjamin Borkowski and Tim and Pam Utley. Last, but not least, Elise Roberts kept things moving in the Auction Tent.

In addition to those named above, there were many many other volunteers who were unable to attend the dinner. Special mention goes to Doug Harley’s son and granddaughter, and Brian McGrath’s brother who have been coming from out of town, year after year, to help with our annual event. (They have figured out that there is much fun in the work!).

Co-chair of the 2017 Auction Margi Spratt shared that she became a Rotarian after first being an Auction volunteer, being impressed with the camaraderie in the club and inspired by the selfless efforts of volunteers. A spontaneous standing ovation honored her commitment and sentiments. The following committee captains honored their helpers: Brenda Blackman for the Flea Market, Dwight Swisher for Tools, Linda Clapp for Silent Auction, Joy Ward for Boutique, Monica Elder for Books, Steve Demeranville for Children’s and Mike Thompson for Live Auction. Of special note, Mike thanked Auctioneer Bob Foster for his 21 years of holding the gavel.

Auction 2017 net profits were boosted over the $50,000 mark by the generosity of the following sponsors who helped defray the costs of overhead: A C Midcoast Storage, Boothbay Harbor Country Club, The First National Bank, Hodgdon Yachts, J. Edward Knight Insurance, Making History Matter, Paul Whitehead Jr., and Tindal & Callahan Real Estate. The club is very thankful for these generous donors who made it possible for approximately 85 percent of funds raised to be given to a long list of local organizations and needs, with the rest being contributed internationally.

President Jonathan summarized how the Auction is a win-win all the way around. Furniture and goods find new homes where they are needed, with profits generated all contributing to the “greater good.” More intangible, but equally important, is the coming together of the community for a common purpose. The Auction is a year long event as the community donates items and Rotarians store and organize with their new Rotary Barn. The barn, built and paid for by Rotarians (not using any monies from fundraising) made the logistics for this year’s Auction a more organized event.

Club business

Announcements: Dwight Swisher invited volunteers present to consider joining Rotary and/or join our email list to learn about our upcoming speakers. Billy Dodge is seeking a 10 x 12 popup tent for the Fall Festival Fair. Henry Wyatt needs pickup help for Auction items on Saturday. Laurie Zimmerli, co-chair Auction 2018, hopes everyone in the room will be back to help next year. I.J. Pinkham handled the 50/50 draw awarding the smaller draw to Sandy Leonard and larger prize to Jim Botti.

Many laughs were generated as seargeant at-arms Bob Pike started collecting money: Chip Griffin was fined for being late (again), Jim Botti was questioned for his style of golfing, Steve Demeranville bragged about his photography being published online again with the BBC. Notable was Bob himself donating to acknowledge the stellar service of our evening’s waiters: Griff Winthrop, Irene Fowle, Robin Reed and Rich Mitterling.

Happy Dollars were many: Brenda Blackman was thankful that the Boothbay Charities Classic raised over $55,000 for Maine Special Olympics. Ingrid Merrill said the visiting German students had a great 2-week stay in Boothbay. Jim Botti was sorry to miss the Auction but happy to enjoy a family reunion in Bermuda courtesy of his sister. Alden Woods acknowledged his bride of 36 years after which wife Diane gave the quote of the evening: She and Alden were both at committee meetings the night of their anniversary to which their son responded, “Nothing says love like public service!”