The Rotary building was rocking and rolling with fellowship and good cheer last week and with lots of visitors and guests.  We were introduced to Matt Crane, who is considering a move from Wayne, Maine to the Region.  Hey, Matt, we don't rhyme very well, but we make it up in! Dorothy Seybold, grand-niece of Patty, was also here, and helped to cheer on our guest speaker.  But more about that in a minute.  Doug Fowle, aka “Irene’s Husband,” once again graced us with his presence, and we noted that he has become a regular at the Curmudgeon Table.  

It’s also worth noting that Robin Reed and Chip Griffin had both signed up for waiter duty. And that they managed to fulfill their duties without burning the place down. 

Which seems like a good opportunity to push PeoplePower, the engine that keeps the club running. Grab a friend and sign up (online or at the club meeting) or make a new friend and do the same. Rick Jameson is our PeoplePower guru, which means that Charlotte will be first in line to thank you for your volunteer spirit. 

Judi White provided details on our ongoing work to combat local food insecurity.  Did you know that Brian McGrath and Ham Meserve separately make a weekly trip off the peninsula to pick up fresh veggies provided by the Gleaners, a Healthy Lincoln County group of volunteers who do just that? The guys work with Judi to deliver the food to where it is needed most in the Region. If you would like to get involved – or just volunteer to spell these hard working guys when they can’t make the commitment, or to arrange another weekly pickup,  contact Judi. It’s amazing what can be accomplished! 

Judi also put in a word for Nesterly, a national organization that is piloting a homeshare program here in Maine. The idea is that many empty nesters have more space and bedrooms than they need, and Nesterly pairs them with potential tenants who need a bedroom and bath and kitchen share. The organization takes care of references and background checks and has thought of all the safety measures; check it out at mainehousing.org/nesterly and see if the program may be right for you. 

Many happy dollars were gathered for vacations, for pickups, and for Shawn Lewin, who has both gotten married and is recovering from surgery. About those pickups:  phone or text 207-619-1417 or email rotarybarnpickup@gmail.com and let us know what you would like to donate. Hint:  Leave contact info including the street address where you wish the pickup to occur. We’ve had several mystery callers lately who didn’t provide the latter. Darwin Awards, anyone? 

Then it was time for the main event, which in this case was a presentation by new member Doug Lockwood.  Doug said that he learned early on that if you do what you love, you will always be happy, and from an early age he wanted to be an elementary school teacher. His career took off at Wilton Academy in Maine in the 1960s. That was followed by a year-long stint learning how to be an elementary school principal in St Mary’s, Alaska; a town predominantly made up of the Yuupiit tribe of indigenous Americans and located on the Bering Strait 500 miles west of Anchorage. After that, Doug returned to Maine and for 20 years was principal of a school in Searsport until he retired, so to speak, here in the region. 

Doug emphasized lifelong learning and doing what you love. And he clearly loves what he does, the children he has met along the way, and the opportunity to grow and do new things. Thank you, Doug! 

Next week, Aug. 1, just in time for the Olympics, we will have our annual Cornhole Tournament.  Bring yourself and your pitching arm; it’s lots of fun and lots of laughs. Mike Thompson and Laurie Zimmeri will be defending their title as last year’s reigning champs; Judy deGraw will again act as referee (knowing Judy, I’m sure bribes will be accepted). If the past is prologue, look for Nancy Adams to come in as a ringer and for Karen Pritchard to bring fabulous prizes.  If anyone notices: It’s possible to enjoy the Turpentine Club and still participate in the Tournament. See you there, regular time. 

The following week is a bit of a mystery; then on Aug. 15 our District Governor, Bob McKenzie, will be visiting with us. Bob has spoken to us before about the initiative he has led here in our District to de-mystify and de-stigmatize opioid and other chemical addictions.  Bob first got interested in helping to solve the addiction problem from his viewpoint as a police officer; then, like too many other American families, addiction struck home and he has been battling the disease both as a cop and as a father.  His story is poignant and one many of us can relate to – and all of us can help to correct.   

And don’t forget: Every Saturday, the Big Gray Rotary barn is open. Here’s where we turn cast-offs into treasure; here’s where the funds we need to support our Region are earned. So come out to support the Club – help volunteer or help out by purchasing. Both are critical:  66 Montgomery Road, 8:30 to 11 a.m.  Be there!