Opening Ceremonies: Past President Peter Farragher called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm with opening remarks and the pledge of allegiance.
Peter thanked Nancy Mayo for serving as Sergeant at Arms, Michael Houlsen for setting up Zoom, Ashley Johnson for taking notes. and everyone for helping set up and take down the meeting.
Please note that the time of club meetings have changed to start at 5:30 pm beginning January 2026. Club meetings will be 1 hour 5:30 – 6:30 pm. We will try this for the winter months. Please be at the meeting a little before 5:30pm.
Birthdays and Anniversaries: Each week birthdays and anniversaries wishes will be sent from the club via email with an electronic greeting card. Be on the lookout for yours!
Rotary Business/Upcoming events/Volunteer Opportunities:
February 3rd Club Meeting: Will be held at HCTC at 5:30pm.
Donation checks to Next Step: $500 and $350 to Kelly Brown of Next Step.
Rotary Ladies Night: January 22nd at 4:30pm at the Black Moon on Main Street in Ellsworth. Please RSVP to JoAnn Rodick.
Join a Rotary Committee: We encourage club members to join a committee within the club. Learn more about Rotary and how you can help!
Door Prizes: Rebecca Toci, Shelly Van Camp, Mary Beth Harmon and Carl Lusby.
50/50: $9 to Jack Frost
Happy Dollars– 3rd quarter Happy Dollars will be going towards The Waterville Rotary Club President who was badly hurt on Thanksgiving Day. Several Rotarians shared happy thoughts.
Carl Lusby auctioned off a Lobster Feed Goodie Bag filled out Lobster plates, napkins and etc to have a Lobster Dinner! JoAnn Rodick was the highest bidder and the money will go towards happy dollars.
Guest Speaker: This week’s guest speaker was Matt Montgomery. Matt has been a YMCA professional for more than 25 years and currently serves as CEO of the Down East Family YMCA, a role he has held for the past two years.
He began his YMCA journey as a swim coach and instructor. He later advanced through leadership roles, including Aquatic Director, Membership & Marketing Director, and ultimately Branch Executive when the Blue Hill YMCA opened in 2020. A four-time Maine YMCA Swim Coach of the Year, he has helped build one of the strongest YMCA swim programs in the state.
Matt gave an update about the Moore Community Center and what the future holds.
Polio Cups: Reminder to donate to Polio! For every $1 donated, 7 children are vaccinated.
Respectfully submitted Ashley Johnson
