Well, it’s feeling more like spring everyday.  The days are longer, the daffodils are out, so are the spring peepers and some of the Rotary Club snowbirds are back. Welcome back, don’t forget to sign up for People Power. I know you missed it terribly.

Last week we welcomed our returning snow birds and Emily Rabbee, the executive director of the Lincoln County Regional Planning Office. Emily was a delightful and informed speaker. She is involved with planning for transportation, land use, sustainability and more, but her talk focused on housing needs in Lincoln County. The LCRPC recently completed a housing needs assessment which she shared with us. A few highlights were: year-round population growth has been steady the last 20 years, most of the new home construction during this time has been for seasonal housing which comprise three out of every 10 housing units in the county, the median priced home in Lincoln County is out of reach for three out of 10 resident households. Not surprising information, but she did have some positive news about several new laws that will provide some land use flexibility to increase year round housing. Her office is also actively working with builders to access grants and programs that encourage and support work force, year-round housing.

This week is The Rotary Interact Club spaghetti dinner, yummy. No program, just a chance to visit, eat spaghetti and support our marvelous Interact Club students. They have had a busy year, it’s always fun to meet them and hear some of the ways they had fun while working together on the Rotary “Service Above Self” motto. To-go boxes will be available.

The Big, Gray Rotary Barn is open every Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. offering all kinds of gently used items donated by our neighbors. We are accepting donations, just call or text Deb at 207-380-3550 for pick up or drop off plans. We have an enthusiastic pick up crew, just waiting to move that furniture, boats, lamps, dishes, rugs, coffee pots, well just about anything. All donations go toward the projects and work of the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club and are tax deductible.

Last Friday we held our annual Teacher and School Staff Appreciation dinner at the clubhouse. The teachers and staff of our schools do some of the most important work. The Rotary Club loves to have this chance to officially thank them every year with pizza, beer, wine, dessert and a place to relax and visit one another. A special thank you to the other supporters of this event, Hannaford Supermarket, The St. Andrews Auxiliary Thrift Shop, Janson’s Clothing, House of Logan, Coastal Maine Popcorn, Good ’N You fuel, Marcel’s Subs along with salads from Pinkham’s Market and The Boathouse Bistro and Tindal and Callahan for some of the beer. It takes a village to raise young people. We’re so fortunate to live in this caring community.

If you’re interested in the fun and work of Rotary, join us every Thursday at 6 p.m. at our clubhouse, 66 Montgomery Road. We love new guests and new members too.