I hope you all had a great holiday season, and this newsletter finds you and your loved ones doing well! 2025 is here, which means we have a new chapter in our club’s history to write. We have been working on so many initiatives over the past couple years and I look forward to the work we will accomplish over the next year. Our strategic plan work has been making fantastic progress. We will be continuing with our fundraising efforts surrounding our Legacy Playground Project and we will be entering another year of planning for our core programs including our scholarships, 100 Fund, pancake breakfast, and Harbor Fest.
Our club does a lot of great work in our community, but in my view, one of the strongest
attributes of our club is how we rally around one another in times of need! I’ve witnessed so many acts of kindness and compassion among our membership, and honestly value each and everyone of you as friends and colleagues. I’m looking forward to 2025 and working with all of you on our mission to make our community a better place to live and work.
We welcomed Josephine Harriman in November as one of our newest members. Josephine works at New Hope - Midcoast. She is shown here with president Jason.
We were very happy to induct another new member in December. Geoff Bird, who was sponsored by John and Bev O'Malia, is a recent person to join our club. Geoff is a retired education administration and currently serves as the vice president of the board of trustees for the Cornerspring Montessori School. Welcome to our club!
We were very excited to have another new member join our club in November. Tim Place, a retired Maine warden with inland wildlife and fisheries, was inducted this week. He was sponsored by Greg Dutch.
Welcome to our club, Tim!
Rob Dwelley Pays Tribute
to Tom Russell
Our speaker on December 11 was Rob Dwelley. Rob gave a tribute to Tom Russell, who was instrumental in making the National Boatbuilding contest a success. Tom traveled to Maine on several occasions to help with our contest at Harbor Fest. He gave of his time and energy both here and in South Carolina.
A Joyful Holiday Gathering
Our Holiday Gathering on December 18th included a children's choir from CASS Elementary School, special guests, holiday attire and loads of fun as we celebrated the success of the 100 Fund with a shot of schnapps!
Here's a note from Lee:
I am pleased to report that the 2024 100 Fund campaign was financially successful in providing for all 207 children on Marjorie’s list. Our budget of $29,000 was met. If anyone has yet to donate, they are welcome to do so! As is often the case, a last-minute family appeared that has experienced periodic homelessness and has four children. The family requested towels and a toaster! They were added to the list, with any additional donations to go towards gift certificates for the four kids and maybe some towels and a toaster!
In the end, the Club will has made Xmas brighter for 211 needy children.
This year’s 100 Fund success illustrates the fact that the commitment of Belfast Rotary to the youth of Waldo County is as strong now as ever in its 100-year history.
Marjorie, it pains me to say this, but “you done good”!
Lee
The Harbor Fest Committee presents the Legacy project with $20,000
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