The March 13 meeting of the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club was devoted to a club assembly. The main topic for discussion was a proposal by the board to deal with the rising cost of meals. President Skip Kreahling outlined the problem, which involved both fixed and variable costs. After considering a number of possi­bili­ties, the board recommended to address the fixed costs at this time by an increase of $20 in the semi-annual dues. After discussion, the proposal was adopted, to be effective with the July dues payment.

President Skip reported that the board is also looking into the building fund, which stands at just under $6,000 at present. There is a general feeling among board members that the fund should be larger, but hard data are lacking. Doug Harley and Vic Taylor are reviewing the condition of the building with a view towards developing a list of potential major maintenance items, with costs, on the basis of which we can determine an appropriate level for the fund. No action by the club is needed at present.

Dwight Swisher announced the kick-off of the Vidalia onion sale. The price for a 25-lb. bag will be $25. Orders are due by April 24.

President Skip introduced visiting Rotarian Steve Burton from the Damariscotta-Newcastle club and surprised him with a 46-year perfect attendance pin.

I.J. Pinkham reported that the basketball tourney went well and that he had all the help he needed. Financial results are not yet final, as some bills are still outstanding.

Jim Botti presented a status report on preparations for the Soup Bowl supper at the American Legion Hall on March 27. We still need a few restaurants to contribute soup, in place of several that have closed since last year. He also needs three more volunteers to act as waiters as well as for pickup on Thursday and return on Friday. More baked goods are also on his wish list. He asked members to take flyers and post them at appropriate locations.

Lucia Wright, who will be inducted as a new member next week, has taken on the assignment of preparing biographies for our members. She asks for a few paragraphs telling how each of us came to the club, what our outside interests are, what business we are in, etc. She will edit the submissions for incorporation into a booklet.

On March 20, Ann Lee Hussey, a member of the South Berwick club, will talk about Rotary Action Groups and both the polio survivors syndrome and her goals for starting the Polio Survivors Action Group. Brenda Blackman and Steve Salorio will be waiters and Marty Helman is program chair. March housekeeping assignments are: steward, Bob Jacobson; innkeeper, Adam Maguire (2 weeks), Pat Forestell (last 2 weeks); 50/50, Daren Graves; and sergeant at arms, Cy Seifert.

Want to learn more about Rotary or about our Club? Interested neighbors, visiting Rotarians and guests are invited to join us for our weekly meetings each Thursday at our one-of-a-kind Rotary Clubhouse at 29 Oak Street in downtown Boothbay Harbor. The bell is rung and dinner is served promptly at 6:30 p.m., then comes a short business meeting and special speaker, and the evening ends by 8 p.m. Check us out on the Web: www.boothbayharborrotary.org .