Energy level was very high as over 50 boisterous Rotarians, Friends of Rotary, and guests mingled and exchanged local news and prepared Christmas presents for children of veterans and also housekeeping and cleaning supplies for veterans in tiny homes. Others prepared goody bags for 50 boys through the Boothbay Region Food Pantry, thanks to the suggestion of Fleet Davies emulating the example set for years by the East Boothbay Methodist Church at Easter. A third project this evening was decorating the Christmas Tree with a Safe Passage theme raising up the children of the Guatemala City Garbage Dump, where many area residents of all ages have made trips and continue to plan future trips to help the poorest of the poor combat poverty through education. This is all thanks in part to our visioning process established by Boothbay Harbor Rotary last year for such hands-on work helping others.

Ann Demeranville thanked nine Rotarians who have formed a Kiva micro-lending club donating funds to people in need all over the world in any amounts. More are welcome to ask about this and learn about the power of donating through Kiva with Steve or Ann Demeranville. Also check out generally www.kiva.org and then contact the Ann or Steve. Ann also showed us thank-you cards from our local children in preschool to second grade who are enjoying the new playground which was partially underwritten with Rotary funds.

Monica Churchill announced Saturday, Dec. 15 from 4-7 p.m. for a silent auction and holiday get-together in memory and celebration of our dear friend Elise Roberts. Proceeds go to local charities.

President Alice announced the Rotary International Convention, June 1-5, 2019 in Hamburg, Germany. Mike Thompson handled 50/50 with Ham Meserve as the big winner, but Ham donated back to our Rotary funds to eradicate polio worldwide, soon to be only the second disease ever eradicated worldwide.

Ham also thanked Boothbay Harbor Rotary for becoming a sponsor for our local Harbor Theater. “We are delighted and thankful that the Rotary Foundation approved sponsorship tonight of our showing four movies @$500 (total $2,000) for Edgecomb, Boothbay and Southport elementary and high school children selected by their teachers to complement class readings. The first movie was Charlotte's Web for 240 3-6th graders.”

Patty Seybold paid tribute to outgoing physician Nancy Oliphant and incoming physician Steve Cook to the Boothbay Region Health Center. Many lingered long after the meeting in camaraderie, conversation, and dialogue, something we all need in greater abundance in these times. Beware, the life you change may also be your own.

Upcoming

Dec. 6: Dr. Keith S. Laser, Ed.D., Superintendent AOS 98 will engage Rotarians and guests on the subject of the future of our schools and engagement of the community to address our educational goals

Dec. 13: Florence Rosenberg - France during WWII

Dec. 15: You are invited to the Rotary clubhouse for some holiday cheer and a chance to do something for the community in Elise Robert’s memory. Saturday December 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. - a silent auction and holiday get-together in memory and celebration of our dear friend. Bring an appetizer to share if you can. Proceeds go to local charities.

“Prospective members, visiting Rotarians and guests are always welcome to join the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club at our weekly meetings, held Thursday nights 6-8 pm at the Rotary Clubhouse, 66 Montgomery Road in Boothbay Harbor. If interested contact Alice Neily Mutch 410-353-3861. Conviviality at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30, followed by a short business meeting and a special speaker. To learn more about Rotary and our Club and all the good things we do, visit boothbayharborrotary.org or friend us on Facebook.