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Costumes and Pumpkin Carving

By Marty Helman

 

There were a lot of strange and spook-tacular happenings at the Rotary Building last Thursday, with everyone dressed for our Costume Competition and first (annual) Interact Pumpkin Carving Contest.  The decorators had done their usual fabulous job; we had to push through cobwebs and spider webs to get through the door, where a skeleton was serving as a (remarkably quiet) greeter.

As the first order of business, President Bruce welcomed Interact club members, newly refreshed after the pandemic hiatus, and introduced the club’s officers and advisors.  About 30 young people are involved in the meetings at BRHS, and they have already accomplished their first service project of the school year – collecting and delivering pet food to the food pantry for Fidos and Fluffys in need.

We had other guests at the meeting, although it was hard to tell who was who since everyone was in costume.  Joining us were Melody (combining business and pleasure by dressing as a doctor); Ellis (an all-American cowboy); and Charlotte (a sea critter).

Did I mention the dinner?  Pinkham’s Gourmet Market provided amazingly yummy hamburgers for the whole crew.  Thank you, Pinkham’s! You are the best!

Among the crowd was a brilliantly red lobster, a standout amid the by-now-usual  hippies, witches, and lumberjacks. Also noted was Robin Reed, who came dressed as himself.  Awesome and amazing gold trophies were handcrafted by Tory (a monarch butterfly witch) – the trophies were definitely worth fighting over.  President Bruce (an astronaut) presided over the costume contest, and although the voting was somewhat irregular, everyone agreed that the winners were wonderful. Top prizes went for Scariest Costume (Irene, a dubious angel with removable wings); Silliest (Karen and Julie as Minions) and Most Creative (Grace as – well, you figure it out).

Then the Interactors – who had been out on the deck carving away – lined up to compete for the best pumpkin carved in the shortest amount of time.  Again, Bruce presided over what can better be called a popularity contest than a serious competition. Top Pumpkin went to Duncan, although frankly, they all looked like winners to me! 

Not with us during the festivities but not forgotten:  Our own Billy Dodge is celebrating his birthday next week.  Many happy returns, Billy!

But it’s not all about Halloween.  In other club news, Mr. Gorey at BRHS is asking for Rotarians to monitor debate practice – President Bruce will send out a signup sheet and instructions. 

Judi White, aka Dorothy, remarked on the Community Pantry, which opened earlier in the day next to the Town Hall.  The idea is that anyone can access food at any time, no questions.  All donations are welcomed; Judi will get a list of most-needed items as it develops. 

And Laurie Zimmerli, who came dressed as a Rotary barn worker, asked for volunteers to help out this Saturday.  She said the barn is full – and our pickup crews nodded in agreement – so now its time to get busy selling.  

This Thursday John Ward from Coastal Senior College will be our speaker.   Coastal Senior College offers classes, events and activities to learners primarily 50 and older in Knox and Lincoln Counties.  Several Rotarians enjoy these classes and recommended Coastal Senior College for a program.   The Program Committee loves your recommendations.   Just contact Irene or Nicole. 

Ed Harmon and Arthur Clarke from the Boothbay V.E.T.S, Inc (Veteran's Emergency Temporary Shelter) recently asked us for eight more 20lb propane tanks to keep the trailers warm  and 10 Hannaford Gift Cards that are given to each Veteran for food and necessities when they move into a trailer.  Thanks to all the donations of gently used furniture, boats, trailers, pot/pans, jewelry,  etc from our neighbors to the Rotary Barn we were happy to help support this amazing organization.  Just call or text Deb at 207-380-3550 to arrange a pick up or drop off.

Rotarians work hard and we play hard! And we give back to the community in lots of ways! Interested in joining us?  Ask any Rotarian or just show up at 6:00 pm on a Thursday evening for one of our meetings at the Rotary building – 66 Montgomery Avenue.  And don’t forget to shop for deals and steals every Saturday morning at the Rotary barn – same address.  Doors open promptly at 8:30 and close just as promptly at 11:00.  See you there!