October is here and with it our annual Bulb Sale. Every October Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, you’ll find Bath Sunrise Rotarians at two locations — the Farmers Market at Waterfront Park and IGA on Front Street. Sales have been brisk the first two weeks. We sold so many allium bulbs we had to have more shipped in from the Netherlands. These are the finest tulips, narcissus, crocus, iris, lilies, and allium at only $5 or $10 a bag. Now is the time to plant so that you get a pleasant surprise in the spring. You can also feel good because the money you spend helps others through the projects and programs our club supports.
Bath Area Food Pantry
The Bath Area Food Pantry is high on our list. Many of our club members are involved and we are replacing a freezer a year. A few months ago we bought the freezer for this year. Things don’t always go as planned, so they had a freezer fail a few weeks ago. What could we do? They needed a replacement, so we said order one. Naturally we are letting people know about the pantry as they buy bulbs. Some have said they would like to join us. Easy to do! Mail a check to the Bath Area Food Bank, PO Box 65, Bath, Maine 04530. Note that it’s for the new freezer and they will mail you a receipt and a thank you.
Morse High School
Did you know that many businesses in the Bath area give discounts to students at Morse who get Honors? At the end of each quarter, Bath Sunrise Rotarians set up outside the cafeteria and hand out Honor Cards to students as recognition of their achievement. We have been doing this for years and the students are always pleased to get their card. If you have a business in the area and would like to be part of this program, contact us at http://bathsunriserotary.org/
The Robotics Club is starting up. This is a new project we are working on with the school. Over the summer we received a Rotary District Grant to help get things rolling. Our members are excited about helping the students with this new venture.
Patten Free Library
The Middle School program at the library is up and running for another year. The word on the street is that there is a musical theme. The young people are putting together a band. They may need a little practice, but we can’t wait for their first performance. Stay tuned.
Wreaths Are Coming
Just as we finish our Bulb Sale in October, we will pick up wreaths for sale in November, as another fundraiser to help us continue our projects and programs. You can check our website or Facebook page for info on how to purchase wreaths. You’ll also see us the weekend before Thanksgiving putting wreaths up on all the light poles in the business district. We want the city to look festive when Santa and Mrs. Claus come to see the children on Saturday, November 25.
News from Rotary International
More than one billion people around the world live in inadequate housing, according to the United Nations Center for Human Settlements. Through a partnership between Rotary and Habitat for Humanity, many more people will have access to safe and affordable housing across the globe.
The partnership will facilitate collaboration between local Rotary clubs and local Habitat for Humanity organizations, enabling Habitat to extend its volunteer pool by tapping into Rotary’s 1.2 million members in 200 countries and regions.
“Habitat’s aim is to bring people together to build homes and communities, and that hope aligns perfectly with Rotary’s commitment to make positive, lasting change in communities around the world,” said Rotary General Secretary John Hewko. “With Habitat’s expertise and the power of Rotary’s volunteer network, we will help build the foundation for stronger communities.”
“The values of our organizations are so closely aligned, and the desire to help others runs deep for both groups. That makes us such a perfect match,” said Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan T.M. Reckford. “So many Rotarians have worked alongside Habitat, and the knowledge, experiences, and connections that are so strong in local Rotary clubs will make them valuable Habitat partners in many communities worldwide.”
Rotary members develop and implement sustainable projects that fight disease, promote peace, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, and grow local economies. These projects are supported by more than $200 million awarded through Rotary’s grants programs.
Habitat for Humanity joins a list of Rotary service partners including the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, Peace Corps, Dollywood Foundation, the Global Food Banking Network, and Youth Service America (YSA).
Bath Sunrise Rotary Club meets at 7 a.m. on the first and third Fridays at Mae’s Café, 160 Centre Street, Bath. Interested in finding out more about Rotary and our club? Visit our website at http://bathsunriserotary.org/ or contact me — Bob Reed — at reedart@sover.net or 207-844-0451. Better yet, stop by the Farmers Market any Saturday in October and talk with one of our members. Thank you for reading our column.
Bob Reed is the president of the Bath Sunrise Rotary Club.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
