Spring is in the Air

Today is warm and sunny.  The birds are singing, I even heard a phoebe sing this morning.  Feels like spring might not be too far away.  But, mother nature has a way of laughing at us up here in Maine. But, luckily we have Rotary to keep us entertained and laughing despite what she throws at us.

Meet at Harbor Theater This Week

So come to our meeting this Thursday, February 16, for lots of entertainment and laughter too.  We’re going to the movies at the Harbor Theater to see “80 for Brady”.  I bet that’s a funny movie, lots of laughter and I bet some swooning too……OH!  Brady!  Don’t miss it.

So we’ll be meeting at our usual time, but NOT at the clubhouse.  Just go right to the Harbor Theater where you’ll find a mini-turpentine club and a spread of delicious appetizers from Chef Amy Ronan. If you can, bring a dessert to share, after all we need our Valentine’s Day fix.   We’ll have social time, then settle into those comfortable theater seats for our own viewing of “80 for Brady”.  All family and  friends are invited, too.  If you have any football, soccer,  basketball or hockey t-shirts, hats, scarves or paraphernalia in your closets wear them for fun.

A big thank you to the Harbor Theater for making this possible.

Boothbay Region Housing Trust

Our speaker last week was Debrah Yale from the Boothbay Region Housing Trust (BRHT).  The lack of affordable workforce housing in the region is a detrimental factor in maintaining economic growth and school stabilization.  There has been limited workforce housing construction causing a shift from a growth of year round residents to a growing seasonal population.  The demand for seasonal houses has driven real estate prices out of reach for many families.  The average home price was around $500,000 recently.  Well beyond the ability of most working families in the region.

The Boothbay Region Housing Trust has acquired land and is planning to build and sell seven homes for $287,000 to buyers who qualify through the Maine State Housing Trust Home Loan Program.  There will be several deed covenants, including no renting of property and before 15 years resale is only to buyers qualifying  for the Maine Housing First Loan Program at a formulated price.

The total cost of the seven homes is estimated to be around $850,000 more than the sale price of these homes.  This funding deficit is being covered by some grant monies, but the BRHT is looking for donations from anyone interested in this project.  Their address is Boothbay Region Housing Trust, PO Box 10, West Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04575.

Debrah started her presentation with a brief, but informative YouTube video available to anyone interested in more information about this important project.

Plenty to do - Sign Up Sheets Available

Even in deep winter, we are a busy active club because of all the creative and hard-working members who have fun working together.  Several sign up sheets are going around.  Don’t be shy!!

Monday, February 20th, is Rotary’s Day at the weekly Community Lunch held at Brady’s Restaurant.  Judi White is the coordinator and still needs a few desserts, one soup and help with set up and take down.  Let her know if you can help.  A big thank you to Brady’s Restaurant for hosting this wonderful winter time Community Get Together.

Boothbay and Edgecomb Eddy Schools Staff Appreciation Day is Friday, March 17th.  Please sign up to help deliver about 10,000 pizzas (oh, that might be an exaggeration), but many pizzas, salads, desserts and drinks to show our local school staff how much we appreciate the work they do.  New members, Nancy Adams and Charlotte Jameson, are co-chairing this event.  Let’s all support them along with this important project.

Southport School Staff Appreciation Day is Friday, February 17th.  Rotary and the Southport Island Association share this project, chaired by Alice Mutch.  Thank you Alice.

The Annual Winter Barn Clean Out day is Saturday February 25th at 9 AM.  If you have a truck or trailer bring it, but mostly “many hands make light work”.  Should be fun, but cold.  Dress warmly.  No heat in that big, gray barn.

The Nominating Committee will be meeting soon.  If you have a member to recommend, talk with Bruce Harris.  Presidents serve for one year after a two year term on the Board of Directors as Vice President, then President Elect.

And last, but not least, People Power.  Oh yes, say yes to being a waiter or scribe or greeter at one of our meetings.  You can fill out the paper circulated sign up sheet or sign up from the comfort of your own home on any meeting notice you receive via email.

If you are interested in the work and fun of the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club, join us most Thursdays at 6:00 PM for a buffet dinner and program at our clubhouse at 66 Montgomery Rd, Boothbay Harbor, 04538.  We welcome all interested year round or seasonal community members.