Well dear friends, those of you that read this column from time to time know that I have told you of the really great programs we have had - and if you weren't present at the Coastal Club meeting on Tuesday, March 4 - you missed out on another really interesting and dynamic presentation.

President Faith Meyer called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. and we had the usual opening.

After the pledge to the flag, Bob Zimmerli gave a short narrative of his early relationship with the YMCA. Living in Washington, D.C., the YMCA was way across town from his home, and a neighbor took him to the Y where he learned to swim. It was many years later, during the summer breaks in college, that he had the opportunity to be assistant director of a large YMCA camp in upstate New York. He related a few stories about the influence the Y had on his life.

President Meyer then introduced the "speaker" for the day, and what a "speaker he was! It was Kris Roveillo, the newest staff member of the Y, who is the director of the sports program and will be the new Director of Camp Knickerbocker. What a dynamic, enthusiastic and knowledgeable person he is! He also has an amazing world view. Born in the U.S., he moved to Norway as a baby (his mother is Norwegian) his father was a representative for Amoco Oil, and traveled almost all over the globe. Kris went to schools in Norway, and in several countries in Africa, South America, Europe, the Far East and the United States. He even lived and went to school right here in Boothbay Harbor. After getting his college degree here in the U.S., he wanted to be a newspaper journalist, and for a time he was on the staff of the Boothbay Register, moved to a paper "Down East" and when the paper was sold to another company, he returned to the Boothbay area.

As many of you know, Neil Verge who has done a yeoman's work at the Y, is retiring, and fortunately with the talent and experience that Kris has, he was asked to take over at least part of that job.

Kris then gave a beautiful and informative outline with pictures covering the background of the Y, present activities of the Y and future plans and hopes for the Y in all of its activities and programs, especially Camp Knickerbocker.

There is just not enough space here to tell the story, but I hope that you will have an opportunity soon to hear about all the wonderful programs and plans.

So, again dear friends, drop in on Tuesdays, you will not be disappointed. Bring your lunch, and we have the coffee and tea (and almost every week lots of homemade goodies). Programs coming up are: March 18, Bob Zimmerli will talk about "The Holy Land - Then and Now," March 25, Judy deGraw will have a story on Safe Passage, and I'll fill you in on what's coming after that.