The weather outside was frightful last Thursday, but inside, Rotarians were warm and the camaraderie was terrific. Goal of last week’s meeting was to create and fill gift bags for previously homeless veterans and veterans at the nursing home at Togus. The project was organized by Irene Fowle, and we left with job accomplished. But lots more happened at the meeting in addition to the service project:

First, we had guests! We welcomed Melissa Thornton, Rick Taylor and Rick Chaplain to the meeting, and hope to see them in the future.

Second, exciting news: Steve Carbone came on-board as a member! Steve first joined Rotary in 1983 in northern California, which means that his Rotary membership pre-dates everyone in the club except Chip Griffin! Steve was president of his club in 1989, and started visiting our club summers beginning in 1997 when he bought a home here. That home is now to be his primary residence – good-bye, California! Our newest member is also our (second) most tenured Rotarian. Welcome, Steve!

But though we gained Steve, we lost Paul Whitehead. You sure couldn’t tell it from his southern accent, but Paul was born in Boothbay Harbor and summered on Spruce Point for decades. Again, he frequently visited our club during his time here. Unfortunately, news came of his death in his home in Virginia this week – he shall be missed.

Third, the Rotary barn will be open Saturdays at the usual time – 8:30 to 11 a.m. -- from now through Dec. 18, and then we close until April. Deb Graves reports that pickups have ceased, except for a few holdovers, and Bill Prince updated us on the income numbers, which are astounding!

Fourth, Christmas approaches! Chip and Robin Reed delivered wreathes to our Rotary widows/widowers, and reported that they had a great time and some great conversations. This is something that we’ve been doing since the early ’90s, and it is always much appreciated.

Next week’s meeting will be our annual Christmas party/Yankee swap. The point is to bring a gift that, when opened, everyone will want to steal; the price tag should be anywhere from found-around-the-house (or Rotary barn) to a maximum of $10. There’s more: Judy deGraw is asking that everyone come properly dressed in their mink or equivalent. So bring out your grandmother’s fur and dress the part.

The following week, Dec. 16, will be via Zoom only. We’ll learn the status of adoptions in Maine from the privacy of our own living rooms. Watch for info coming in the Rotary Star for more!