Program: “The Landing School” by Jim Borsig. Jim is the current interim president of the school and provided us with an energizing education on “The Landing” and all the incredible boat building experiences for students of all ages interested in the marine industry. “The Landing” is a short stretch of the Kennebunk River where The Landing School is located. It was once an internationally famous shipbuilding area and the home of more than 20 shipbuilding firms dating back to the 1600s. 

The Landing School effectively prepares men and women for careers in the marine industry as practical designers, builders, and systems technicians who work professionally on today's vessels, adapt to the industry's evolving technology, and appreciate the traditions of the past while imagining and building the boats of the future.

Students vary in ages, currently from 18 to 66, and include post high school to hobbyists with longstanding desires to learn boat building. The school retains almost 100% of their students and graduates almost 100% of their students also! Most students get successful jobs in their area of choice and can be found working all over the world.

From scratch” wooden boat building to the repairing of boats brought in by customers, students learn a variety of building skills and design skills. Since Covid the use and desire for boating has greatly increased. The boats built this year need to be finished and sea trialed by May 18! Education from The Landing School reinforces and preserves traditional design and construction methods while advancing the art of boat building and design. 

Meeting announcements 

Be sure to attend the Rotary meeting next Thursday at 6 .m. April 18 for the movie, “Bob Marley: One Love,” at Harbor Theater. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share and come join in the fun!   

Come one, come all this Saturday for the spring reopening of the Rotary Barn from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Our recent stormy weather kept us back from opening last weekend, so barring any further loss of power or storms our Barn doors will be open!

Volunteers are needed and welcome for our annual Teacher Appreciation Pizza party on April 26! Contact Charlotte Jameson, if you can help.  

Last and not to be forgotten, our kind and thoughtful president, Tory Paxson, called out the names of those Rotarians who frequently sign up to help with meetings (People Power). Thanks, Tory, for reminding us all how we enjoy each other and participate by volunteering to work during our meetings.