A full house of Rotarians and guests gathered last Thursday to enjoy conviviality and cheer and escape the March weather, and to learn more about the income based housing development ongoing along the Butler Road. 

Erin Cooperrider and Steve Malcom spoke at length about the decade-long project to build affordable housing for folks who work in the region – but can’t afford to live in the region. Their nonprofit organization – the Boothbay Regional Development Corporation – is working with a 30-acre parcel and the goal to build 162 units – a combination of condo/multiplexes, apartments, and single family homes. 

The group is several years into the project, and to date, have done their homework in terms of the size of the potential market, their needs, and available grants and donations. The town of Boothbay’s TIF has been extended to bring town water to the site, and the group is currently at work to write grants to help with building costs. When the project is complete, it will solve 15 percent of affordable housing needs in Lincoln County, Erin said. 

Next week our speaker will be Joseph DiMauro, stone artist. Joseph graduated from BRHS, went on to college, then discovered a passion for working with stone. He has a stone sculpture displayed in the Boothbay Harbor’s Sculpture Trail. He will talk about his work and The Boothbay Harbor Sculpture Trail.  

When Irene Fowle announced this, she also announced that she is “retiring” from the job of Program Chair – a job she has managed remarkably for five amazing years! One of our co-presidents-elect, Alden Wood is stepping up to the plate and I am sure he  would appreciate any thoughts about programs that you might have, 

Meanwhile, our calendar is busy: 

This Saturday, April 6, the Big Gray Rotary Barn is opening for the season. Laurie Zimmerli put in a plug for Rotarians to come to volunteer, or alternatively, to come to purchase. The barn is more than a lot of fun (check out the new ad in the Register); it is the way we fund all the good we do in the community and beyond. We are accepting donations. Just call Deb at 207-380-3550 for pickup or drop off plans. 

The previous day, Friday April 5, Nancy Adams and Charlotte Jameson are organizing our third (or so) annual teacher appreciation night, 3-6 p.m., with pizza and adult beverages. Come, help out, and be part of the fun. 

For the umpteenth year, Rotarians are invited to aid our high school students by taking part in mock job interviews. The interviews will take place over a four-day period starting April 22; sign up with Bruce Harris if you are interested in taking part in this project, which always gets rave reviews from the Rotarians involved (I don’t know about the kids).   

On Thursday evening, May 2, the Interact Club will take over the Clubhouse for a spaghetti dinner/fundraiser to support the Student Aid Fund. Bruce also said that Club members have signed up for a Bingo night with St. Andrews residents on April 10. You can’t make this stuff up. 

If you're interested in the fun and work of Rotary, join us any Thursday at 6 p.m. at our clubhouse at 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor.