Passion to give back comes in numerous flavors. 

Last week David Eastwood spoke on the Coast Guard Auxiliary, of which he is a member, of the work of the Auxiliary in general and Coast Guard Station Boothbay Harbor in particular.  And it is clear that he is as passionate about the work that he does for the community on the water as we are by what we do on land. 

The Coast Guard is the country’s oldest service – it began life in 1790 when funding for 10 ships was passed as part of the new country’s Tariff Act.  As the words suggest, the first job of the Coast Guard had to do with ensuring that customs duties were paid and smuggling halted. Times have changed; the Coast Guard’s mission now includes safety at sea, search and rescue, aids to navigation, training plus public education and safety checks.   

Station Boothbay Harbor includes about 30 active duty staff, two 47-foot rollover boats that can make up to 30 knots, and one smaller rapid response boat that can make up to 50 knots.  The next CG station north is in Rockland; South Portland is to our south.  The nearest CG air base is on Cape Cod.  So the station covers a lot of water, and its mission mostly has to do with recreational boating. 

The Auxiliary performs safety inspections that are as useful as they are informal: By means of an Auxiliary inspection a boat can be cleared or can informally learn what needs to be done in order to be cleared.  The Auxiliary also performs training.  Classes include Suddenly in Command – which David said is very useful to give novices the confidence they would need to make decisions on the water; Navigating MidCoast Maine, and Boat America, a general course that now – for the first time – is required of new sailors in Maine who plan to operate a boat and who are under a certain age. 

The Auxiliary also teaches common sense: “If you want to get the Coast Guard’s attention, indulge in bow riding,” said David.  Jack on “Titanic” might have made an indelible impression with the stunt, but David’s point is that it is incredibly dangerous since one misstep puts the actor in line with the prop.  

I think we were all impressed that our neighbors, like David, work so hard to ensure our safety while boating for recreation! 

In addition to David, we were also joined at the meeting by his wife Judith Eastwood, as well as New Member, Graham Hurst.  In other news, Judy deGraw says she is officially old; that her condo is going on the market and she is moving to St Andrews Village – next week! Sue Lousigneau is looking to share a ride to the Rotary District’s substance abuse and recovery conference to be held in Berwick on September 28.  Contact Sue if you can join her.  

Meanwhile, People Power needs us – that’s part of the price we pay for having our own clubhouse, so belly up, everyone!   And Barn operations are going swimmingly – we’ve had a number of big pickups recently, so the Barn is full, and that means deals galore.  Me, I’ve decided that there are two kinds of people who live in the Boothbay Region: Those that come regularly to the Barn on Saturday mornings, and those that pay too much retail.   

This Thursday we sail away from the deep blue sea to Pittston, Maine, the home of Doom Forest Distillery and Chadwick's Maple Craft Spirits. Did you ever wonder how whiskey becomes, well, whiskey.  Founder and Master Distiller, Lynn Chadwick, will share her journey of starting a distillery in Pittston and maybe share some samples too.  You don't want to miss this. 

Dues were due in June, but summer sure gets busy and we forget.  So, in case you forgot, just send a check for $142 to Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club, P.O. Box 518, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.  Or just leave it in the top drawer of the check in desk. It will do your heart good. 

Curious about Rotary and all we do for the community?  Want to give back and have fun while you are doing so?  Wondering about all the laughter you hear on Saturday mornings at the Barn?  We meet (practically) every Thursday evening at the Rotary Clubhouse at 66 Montgomery Avenue; the fun gets underway by 6 p.m. and dinner is served a half-hour later. Join us!