July 2022
“What a long, strange trip it's been” - Grateful Dead - Truckin'
This is my final President's Message. I started my term with great optimism as the Covid-19 infections seemed to be subsiding. I cast myself as the “Recovery President” with a return to Pancake Breakfasts, Santas and Elves and all of the activities that this wonderful club does.
Following the visit from our District Governor, Doug Curtis, in August, my hopes were dashed as the Delta Variant reared its ugly head followed by the Omicron Variant.
In July, Megan Pinette, president of the Belfast Historical Society and Museum gave us a presentation on the museum. We also heard from Chip Curry, our State Representative.
We returned to weekly Zoom meetings in August. In lieu of a District Governor's Gift, Doug asked that we make a local charitable donation. Our club gave $1,000 to the Belfast Free Library Preschool Reading Program.
In August, we did manage to have Harbor Fest after a year's hiatus. There was a boat building demonstration, an online Charity Auction, vendors, the Boat Gear Swap plus the every popular Cardboard Boat Race on Sunday. Even though the activities were curtailed due to the pandemic, Harbor Fest had a wonderful return.
In September, we heard from Chip Lagerbom about Maine ships and Cape Horn. Club members Mary Alice McLean and Donna Kelley made presentations about RSU 71 and WCAP, respectively. Also, we resumed our Football Pool to benefit Rotary International's efforts towards Polio eradication.
In October, Congressman Jared Golden spoke to us. Also Chris Nickerson, the owner of the Whale's Tooth Pub in Lincolnville Beach who spoke to us about his unique plan to house his workers. We sent out a Survey to the membership in October requesting some guidance in how the membership felt about Zoom meetings and how to proceed.
Results (in brief):
- Hold a Holiday Party
- Zoom was not popular
- Missed in-person socialization, but Breakout Rooms were OK
- Zoom singing was dumb
- A lot of great speaker suggestions
November saw a Marshall Wharf takeover where we had several people interested in joining Rotary come by for a beer. Even Chip Curry showed up! John and Beverly O'Malia offered free Christmas trees to anyone making a donation to Rotary. Lee Woodward and Marjorie Crowley kicked off this year's 100 Fund. Once again, due to the pandemic, we provided gift cards and vouchers to families in need. Also, an anonymous member offered 3 bottles of vintage schnapps in return for a donation to the 100 Fund.
Russell Werkman spoke to us about the Belfast YMCA in December. On December 8, we held an in-person Holiday Party at the Shrine Club and no one got sick! Also, two words: “Marjorie's Way” - you had to be there. The Board of Directors presented the results of the October survey (see above).
In January, Dr. Mark Fourre of Waldo County General Hospital spoke about the Coastal Health Alliance and Covid-19. We also held a Club Assembly.
In February, Scott Boucher spoke to us about Polio Plus and Rotary International's efforts to eradicate Polio. He covered some District activities dealing with Polio Plus. We also heard from Ray and Patricia Estabrook who spoke to us about the Game Loft.
Alice Seeger gave us a live video tour of Fiber Arts in March. Mike Hurley spoke to us about housing in Belfast.
On March 12, Honorary Member, Patti Ann Lord passed away. She was Marjorie Crowley's mother and was very active in our club.
Also in March, the club asked for donations to the Rotary Ukraine Relief Fund. We ended up giving $3,834 to help with refugees from the war in Ukraine.
On March 30, we resumed in-person meetings at the Shrine Club and to help kick things off, our own Dorothy Havey spoke to us about the Chamber of Commerce.
April saw our kickoff to the annual Charity Fundraiser and Golf Tournament. We heard from Karen Smith, the Director of the Penobscot Marine Museum and Colby Horne owner of Colburn Shoes. The club contributed $1,000 to the Belfast Keep the Faith Fund to support the Penobscot McCrum workers who lost their jobs following the fire.
In May we heard from several speakers involved with Belfast's well-being. Chief Patrick Richards spoke to us about the Belfast Fire Department and the Penobscot McCrum fire. Mary Mortier spoke to us about some City Council activities and goings-on in Belfast. Barbara Gage spoke about the Belfast Garden Club. And finally, Keith Pooler, Superintendent of the Belfast Water District gave us some interesting statistics about Belfast's Water supplies. We also received a First Place Best of the Best award as the top Civic/Fraternal Organization.
We kicked off June with our Annual Scholarship Luncheon held at the Hutchinson Center. Lee Woodward, Greg Dutch and a host of presenters spoke of many excellent recipients of this year's scholarships. We also finished our Charity Fundraiser with a golf tournament on June 4. We raised $19,100 for the club. Kristine Wentworth, our incoming President, gave her reclassification talk and we were shown an interesting documentary about the Robin Peace Initiative produced by Haley Norris of the Cornerspring Montessori School.
On June 29th, we held our Annual Awards Dinner.
Finally, a word of heartfelt thanks to my 'kitchen cabinet'. Kristine Wentworth, our incoming President, and Richard Koralek, our immediate Past President, served as my Executive Advisory Committee and were extremely helpful throughout the year as I met the various challenges and concerns that were presented to the club. I value their friendship and advice. Thank you all for your contributions and dedication to Rotary. I know that I’m leaving the club in good hands as Kristine take the reins to guide us through the coming year.
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