Probably because of the weather (it seems as if we have snow every other day), a small, but hardy group met for the weekly meeting of the Coastal Club on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the Y. (I wonder where the person is who said, "We just don't have winters like we used to.") President Faith Meyer called the meeting to order, and after welcoming the group, and some brief announcements, Vivienne Daniels at the piano warmed us up with some singing.

After the pledge to the flag, Chaplain Mary Jo Zimmerli tied her meditation in keeping with the program of the day - the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund. She told of the economic struggle she had after high school and went into nurses training. She had a longing to go to college and seminary, but being married, there were no funds for additional college education. She then explained that her dreams of college and seminary were fulfilled due to the scholarships she received from churches, individuals and organizations similar to the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund.

Allen Johnson, President of the Student Aid Fund, was introduced and gave a most interesting and informative presentation about the "Fund" and what it does. The organization was started by the Rotary Club in 1964 and after excellent work, and increasing need, the Student Aid Fund was organized and took over the work.

The purpose of the Fund is to provide scholarship assistance to graduates of the Boothbay Region High School. These awards seek to fill the unmet needs of these students attending an accredited four-year college, community college, technical school or nursing school. After the college makes grants and loans, and the amount students and families can reasonably afford to pay is determined, based on a standardized government formula (FAFSA), there is often a remaining unmet financial need. The Student Aid Fund provides grants, paid to the college (or approved institution) for as long as the student is in good standing, even through graduate school.

The Student Aid Fund is managed by a volunteer board of directors from the Boothbay region, working closely with the high school guidance office and directing an investment manager for endowment funds. The source of funds come from the endowment fund - which includes memorial, permanent and other gifts, ongoing gifts and awards from local businesses and organizations, and proceeds from the annual fund drive.

It is amazing how many students in this community have been helped by the Student Aid Fund. Last year for example, $182,000 was given to help 89 members of this community attend school. Allen said this is possible because of the generous contributions by people in the Boothbay community, the commitment of those working in the school system, and the large endowment that the Fund has built up. As I said in the beginning of this column, Allen's presentation was not only interesting, but very informative.

And again, let me invite you to come join with us and share in these excellent programs - and along with that, a great time of fellowship and good times.

Coming up in the future are:

March 11 - Students from the Southport Central School will entertain us.

March 18 - Bob Zimmerli will give a presentation on "The Holy Land - then and now."

March 25 - Judy deGraw will tell of her work (having just returned from South America) with "Safe Passage" will present a program on her work and the work of "Safe Passage."