Club History

Club History

History of the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club
Edited by Rotarian Joe Losquadro

Editor's Note: Most of this document comes from a notebook full of notes and comments passed on to me by Judge Edwin Smith, one of the founding members of the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club. As I began compiling this document in 2003, Judge Smith had just recently passed away; consequently, I would like to dedicate this effort to him. While it makes the most sense to me to present this history in chronological order by recording the recollections of the past presidents found in Judge Smith's file (supplemented by recollections from other Presidents still in the area), I will depart from that practice at the outset by reproducing an effort by Judge Smith himself, written in May 1979.

Founding Members:

Scott H. Avery	George O. Barker	Robert J. Brown
Derek V. Bush	William J. Carey	Dwight B. Carter
Douglas B. Chapman	Harold L. Collier	Dwight L. Eaton
John L. Fuller	Earl L. Green	Donald H. Hackett
David R. Harding	Donald E. Hobbs	Harold A. Hopkins, Jr.
Thomas B. Hyde	Richard S. Libby	John A. Phelps
Charles Sawyer, Jr.	Normand P. Shaw	Edward M. Smith
Edwin R. Smith	Bernard C. Staples	Cary B. Swan
James Vardamis	David L. Wallace	Peter L. Young

Notes on the History of Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club
Prepared by Rotarian Edwin R. Smith - May 1979

Our eleventh President, Steen Meryweather, has during this past year been urging an historical review of the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club. Steen is not one to be easily put off and a bit if research does yield significant information about the activities of our membership in the past eleven years - activities which have had an influence on the community and the lives of all of us.

The genesis of the Club came from the enthusiastic interest of twenty-seven men in the early days of 1968 under sponsorship of the Ellsworth Club. Dennis Lombard, District Governor of Bangor, Carl Rogers, John Raymond, Malcolm Noyes, Phillip Eaton and others of Ellsworth attended our organization meeting on March 20, 1968 at the Bar Harbor Police Building. Officers elected were Ed Smith, President; Don Hobbs, Vice-president; Cary Swan, Secretary and Dick Libby, Treasurer.

The original name for the Club as proposed would have had a geographical description only, that is, "Mount Desert Island Rotary Club." International Headquarters, however, would not permit a club to be named with no reference to a municipality, so the original name adopted and authorized was Mount Desert Island (Bar Harbor) Rotary Club. In 1969 we changed this to Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club in the interest of ready identification of the Club and its location by Rotarians outside the immediate area.

Solicitation of charter members, and later other members, scrupulously avoided approaching members of other service clubs. As a result, our relationship with the Lions Club has been most cordial. Apparently, there was felt need for Rotary in Bar Harbor in 1968. Cary Swan, newly arrived to town from his Rumford Club, was a key person in recruiting new members.

At first we were only provisionally accepted by International Rotary, and it was in that status we had our first official luncheon meeting as the Mary Jane Restaurant on March 27, 1968. John Raymond, President of the Ellsworth Club, was the first speaker of the hundreds we have since heard. Jim Allen of Portland was First Guest, while First Visiting Rotarian was Richard Gay of Milbridge. Early programs reflected concerns of the community in the later sixties:

Clarence Dressing, Job Corps Director

Father James Gower, Plans for College of the Atlantic

Peter D'Erico, Industrial Agent of Bangor, later Director of the New International Airport

Eddie Hayman, songwriter and producer of a variety show at the Criterion Theater

Charter night for the Club took place at the Tidewater Golf Club on September 21, 1968. Harry Rowe, former Dean of Bates College, a noted historian and distinguished Rotarian, delivered the address of the evening, welcoming the Club into International Rotary. The District then consisted of fifty clubs, stretching from Newburyport, Massachusetts to Quebec City. Charter members of the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club who are still active (in 1979) are:

Don Hobbs
Cary Swan
Dwight Eaton
Dave Harding
Ed Smith
Dick Libby
Doug Chapman
John Phelps
Bernard C. Staples

Many others joined shortly after organization, resulting in considerable change in membership with the passage of the years. Early members who have moved out of town include John Fuller, Don Hackett, Jim Vardamis, Derek Bush, Harold Hopkins, and Peter Young.

We have been most fortunate in the continuity of key officeholders such as Dick Libby, who has been Treasurer from the beginning. John Dorey was Secretary for seven years. Earlier Secretaries were Cary Swan and Ralph Anderson. Riley Sutherland is our present Secretary.

Presidents of the Club over the years have been:

1968-1969 Edwin Smith
1969-1970 Donald Hobbs
1970-1971 Dwight Eaton
1971-1972 Dean Bryer
1972-1973 Cary Swan
1973-1974 Jim Surridge
1974-1975 Bernie Staples
1975-1976 Dave Harding
1976-1977 Seldon Bernstein
1977-1978 Dean Booher
1978-1979 Steen Meryweather

In the enthusiasm of our early days, one of the first projects was the Lobster Festival, later called a Seafood Festival, in August of 1971 at the Bar Harbor Airport seaplane ramp. Overly optimistic estimates of 6000 picnickers led to thousands of leftover lobsters and ears of corn, when less than 1500 customers attended. We learned lessons, however, from the experience and the $3000 debt in itself served as a project for the next two years. Subsequent Seafood Festivals on the Fourth of July at the Athletic Field in Bar Harbor have been financially successful and expanded to become a central attraction in Bar Harbor's Independence Day celebration.

Another early project in 1970 was for the Club to provide waiters at a Lions Club District Banquet in Bar Harbor, serving some 800 meals. The proceeds were used toward sending a High School student to England with the US High School Band. In later years, Rotary financial aid has enables other young people to participate in Olympic tryouts and Junior Olympics. Continuing projects have included contributions to the Jesup Memorial Library, Housing for the Elderly furnishings, Dental fund for schoolchildren, MDI Hospital, FISH, the Boy Scouts, the MDI Community Arts, the Cystic Fibrosis campaign, the Sea Coast Mission, College of the Atlantic and the Rotary Educational Foundation. From a recent Bike-a-Thon, we were able to make a substantial donation toward a linear accelerator for cancer treatment at the Eastern Maine Medical Center.

Club participation in aid to the YMCA swimming pool (the "old" new pool) brought forth newspaper picture of some of our members at a sampling of waters shortly after the pool opened.

The scarcity of Bar Harbor restaurants open past winters is evidenced by the number of places where the Club has had noon meetings, including:

The Mary Jane Restaurant
The Acadia Restaurant
The Congregational Church vestry
The Kebo Golf Club
The Wonderview Restaurant
The Mast and Rudder Restaurant in Northeast Harbor

At these various locations, the Club has been favored with more than five hundred programs arranged by individual members according to a rotating assignment. Speakers have included politicians, scientists, educators, entertainers, college students and schoolchildren, plus brass quintets and the Hancock County Gilbert and Sullivan Players. Christmas parties and the annual Spring Dance have provided social pleasures for membership. The Club acted as host to the District Convention at Northeast Harbor in 1978.

Individual honors from Rotary International to club members have been Paul Harris Fellowships to Egerton Sawtelle and Steen Meryweather.

A prime recommendation of Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island for a Rotary Club eleven years ago was its being widely known as a summer resort and tourist center. It was anticipated that Bar Harbor would become a popular make-up center for other Rotarians, as well as a social luncheon meeting place with guest of members. Such has turned out to be the case; a special dividend of our location has been the stimulation of meeting an ever varying flow of visitors. Hundreds of business and professional men and women from this country and abroad have enjoyed fellowship with our Club members who have welcomed them to Mount Desert Island - one of the beauty spots of the world.

Eleven years, (is) indeed a short space of time, but enough for significant service to be rendered by the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club to its island community.

1968-1969 - President Edwin Smith

See the recollections of Judge Smith above.

1969-1970 - President Don Hobbs

The second year of the Club's history was a "building year." Memory being what it is it is difficult to recall much activity of any major significance. It was a year spent learning what Rotary stands for and what our contribution to Rotary and the community could be. The Club did participate with members of the High School Band in a money raising project serving dinner to a State Lion's Club convention at the High School. Funds raised went to sponsor a local student's participation in an All State High School Band tour of Europe.

1970-1971 - President Dwight Eaton

1971-1972 - President Dean Bryer

The highlight of the Rotary year for me was the disastrous First Annual Lobster Festival fund raiser.

As I remember our net loss was in the area of $3,000. The loss seemed to draw the Rotary Club closer together. We at last had a project, namely, at that time, to stay together and get out of debt. It was a difficult year in that we had little money to fund our Rotary Club charities. However, with the help of Cary Swan, and my other able officers, we were able to plan a more successful Fourth of July program for the following summer.

I especially remember my effort to bring as much of the Club's business to the floor of the general meetings as I could so the merits of each proposal or charitable request could be discussed by the entire Club.

As I recall we had a net gain of two memberships during my tenure as President.

1972-1973 - President Cary Swan

Being the year of our fifth anniversary as a club, we planned the initial birthday party-dance on 5/5/73 which has become an annual event looked forward to by Rotarians and friends. Al Corey a Waterville Rotarian, has always provided that little bit extra in music.

1973-1974 - President Jim Surridge

From my recollections as my year as President:

1. It may have been after Bernie Staples took over as President; I did make all the initial contacts and was the Rotary Club representative for the US Army field band and soldiers concert held at MDI Regional High School on October 9, 1974.

2. I helped to establish a program shard by Rotarians and Boy Scouts in the area of beautification - we picked up trash along Highway Number 3 from Acadia National Park entrance to the village and from the village to Kebo Valley Club in the year 1973.

3. Energy conservation was a concern than as it is now and we established an exercise program of walking from downtown Bar Harbor to Wonderview for the weekly meetings in the summer. Some of the Rotarians rode their bikes.

4. Annual spring dance established a year earlier was carried on, and I believe still exists (in 1979). At least it did last year when I had the opportunity to attend the dance during a visit with a special invitation having been sent to me in Hilton, New York.

5. During my Presidency we broadened the dental program and expanded the program to include the entire school system on Mount Desert Island. Prior to that time I believe it was pretty much restricted to students in Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor.

6. The annual Lobster Festival was carried on -- on the annual date of July 4, 1974. The festival during my Presidency was expanded to include booths of the OTHS and displays by other nonprofit and voluntary (sic) organizations.

1974-1975 - President Bernie Staples

1975-1976 - President Dave Harding

1976-1977 - President Seldon Bernstein

The 1976 MDI Rotary year was, in my estimation, a notable one. We entered the year with a diminished treasury, thanks to a showery 4th of July Seafood Festival, our main fundraising effort. The income was just barely capable of supporting our charitable efforts on behalf of the Boy Scouts the FISH Organization, the Maine Drug Unit, the MDI Community Arts Program and our exemplary program in dental care. Much of the funds necessary for other benevolent ventures were raised at the regular weekly luncheon meetings where I felt free to fine "for a cause" and did so enthusiastically. By this means we were able to offer significant financial assistance to the MDI Hospital, the Bar Harbor YMCA, the YWCA, and the Jesup Memorial Library.

The District Governor's visit by Dom Tardiff and his wife proved to be a delightful affair commencing with a boat trip aboard the Beal and Bunker Ferry to Cranberry Cove Restaurant where we had an excellent "Downeast" meal and enjoyed good conversations, good humor, fine singing and really spirited fellowship of the type we and all Rotarians would like to achieve on a more continuous basis. As a reminder of his visit to our Club, Governor Tardiff took back with him a magnificent piece of pink granite cut into bookends by Rotarian Wes Willys. We were all proud to be able to present this superbly crafted gift to him.

The annual Christmas party and Buffet Supper held at the Mast and Rudder in Northeast Harbor proved to be another enjoyable occasion for all; one marked by the presentation of humorous gifts by Vice President Dean Booher to each member of our Club. Great ingenuity and good humor were characteristic of his efforts. The occasion was further brightened by the appearance of the sisters, Beth DeMeier and Kathy Sikkema, who played Christmas music on old instruments.

The annual Spring Dance, one of those occasions where the larger Rotary family had an opportunity to get together, was held in the public meeting hall (Odd Fellows Hall) above the town office in Bar Harbor. Once again, Al Corey, Rotarian from Waterville, and his 8-piece band entertained us royally. I even learned to dance for this occasion and was delighted with all that transpired, s truly memorable occasion.

What can one say of the Seafood Festival except that everyone shared in the planning, execution and camaraderie of the occasion? The menu of clams, corn on the cob, lobsters, potato chips, drawn butter, coffee, watermelon, and ice cream was as usual prepared to perfection and served in the style reflecting its true downeast origin. The assistance we received from Rotarian wives and children really make this occasion worthwhile. To my mind there is no substitute for working together to build friendship, fellowship and club cohesiveness as rapidly and as well in this gargantuan effort. It does build the treasury, but if it were in my power I would have it continue even if it were but a break-even operation because of its human values. Eighty-five prevent of the membership participated and the remainder because they were actively engaged in their professional duties (for example, as Chief of Police, etc.) were justifiably excused for the 4th of July celebration, unquestionably the busiest time in this community.

During the summer months, that is May thru October, our regular meetings were held at the Wonderview Restaurant in Bar Harbor and during the remaining months we traveled each Wednesday Noon to the Mast and Rudder in Northeast Harbor. Both establishments serve us extremely well and often probably the best fare and certainly the most pleasant surroundings of any club in this or any other district. A special luncheon meeting was held on 4 May at the Summit House Nursing Home in Bar Harbor where Rotarian Dave Waldron proved himself to be a most generous and gracious host. Jeff Thorpe, Director of the Family Counseling Service in Bar Harbor was the guest speaker on that particular occasion.

The year, in general was marked by personal gains and losses. Numerically the membership dropped a bit. The losses primarily reflected job transfers; Jim Clarke to Boston, Mass.; Tom Hobbs to Brice Canyon National Park; Paul Byrd to Augusta, Maine and Mel Cote to Princeton, NJ. Other losses also came from the inevitable time conflicts which make good attendance impossible. This was particularly true for the Chief of Police, Bill Pearson. All of these members were an essential part of the Club. We miss them all. A considered effort to add "young" members was deemed essential of we were not to become and "old fogies" luncheon club. In this regard, Bob Pyle, Jim Thompson, Chad Smith, David Myers, Hans Heiniger and Father Rice were successfully recruited. All are good men and will be good Rotarians.

The QUAD system, an attempt I made to distribute more evenly the efforts of programming and running the weekly meetings failed. Its purpose was to promote sharing in the planning and execution of the weekly programs; that is, giving the invocations which are not solely the responsibility of the ministers, and also to get some difference in expression; the sharing and the making of the physical arrangements which is indeed not the sole responsibility of the Sergeant-At-Arms and the sharing in the publicity effort and the letters of thanks which go out to all speakers. The plan was that each month four new members would combine their efforts and share in the various duties and responsibilities and this would provide some freshness of approach. Either the intent was inadequately communicated or I did not sufficiently supervise the effort to make it successful. In any event it did not prove to be an uproarious success and when my term of office ended the system was abandoned.

From a personal point of view, the greatest gains and disappointments I experienced came from preparing a weekly column in the Club bulletin entitled President's Corner, where I tried to present significant thoughts, questions, poetry, aphorisms, etc., and which I wished to share with the membership. In this process I encountered many first-class minds and spirits, but from my fellow members I received nary a comment. I was disappointed because we are not on the same frequency, yet clearly I treasure them all, their charity, helpfulness, their good humor, one and all.

1977-1978 - President Dean Booher

1978-1979 - President Steen Merywether

1979-1980 - President Chet Dorr

1980-1981 - President John Dorey

1981-1982 - President Austin Carter

1982-1983 - President Richard Libby

1983-1984 - President Fred Clement

1984-1985 - President Bob Suminsby

1985-1986 - President Sheldon Goldthwait

1986-1987 - President Don Allen

1987-1988 - President John Harding

1988-1989 - President Ken Smith

1989-1990 - President Peter Swazey

1990-1991 - President Dick Fox

One thing that I recall when talking with the District Governor was that he was pushing attendance. I said that many of our members have other commitments that sometimes prevent their attendance. I said that to me I would rather have 70% attendance and 150% commitment when something needed to be done. He agreed. I know that at our Fourth of July function that year I had 100% participation.

Another item that was critical to me was to make sure that in our budgeting process that we raised enough money from dues, fines etc. so that every penny that was raised by any fund raiser went to charitable uses.

I also felt that on our 4th of July festival that the public should see where our money was going, hence the start of having a poster that said how much money had been raised and a listing of the places where the money had been dispensed. Not individual $ and beneficiary but total $ distributed to the following charities.

1991-1992 - President Bob Raymond

I remember spending that winter having our meetings in The Village Green (now the Chinese Restaurant in Bar Harbor). Bob Del Pappa treated us very well and the food was excellent. However, it was a crowded place to be, as were several of our winter homes over the years.

We had a fine Lobster Festival, but there was a major screw-up in getting rid of the left over lobsters - whoever arranged for them did not arrange for the seller to take back any leftovers, and because it was a rainy day, attendance was down and we could only sell so many to Club members. We finally did find some restaurants to take most of them off our hands.

It was a pleasure for me to have women as members, although I do not remember the first year they were in the Club. Their presence caused the language of members and speakers to be cleaned up to a great extent.

One thing I did that appeared successful - I felt that we needed to add more joy to our fellowship so I instituted a "joke of the week" that I would throw in whenever it was convenient. I think some of my most pleasurable times in meetings were (and are) when people are laughing and having a good time.

Otherwise, it was an uneventful year with a lot of new members brought in - and it certainly is a joy, a pleasure and a privilege for me now to be a Past President of the MDI Rotary Club.

1992-1993 - President Dana Reed

1993-1994 - President Jeff Hobbs

Fifteen years have elapsed since the first history memorandum of the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club. Five of the charter organizers on March 20, 1968 are still active: Don Hobbs, Cary Swan, Dwight Eaton, Edwin smith and Dick Libby.

Twenty-seven constituted the first membership. There are now fifty-seven members from fifty-three different occupations.

The most significant change in the Club's make-up since 1968 has been the addition of women members. They have been cordially welcomed and contribute a great deal toward fulfilling the objects of Rotary. They presently make up about 15% of our membership.

Our traditional Seafood Festival has continued to be the chief money raiser for funding charitable projects. In addition, this activity is a tremendous morale builder which helps bind the club together in a common community effort. One of our early President's reports well describes this Seafood Festival highlight of Rotary's annual contribution to Bar Harbor's Fourth of July:

Winter season meeting places have continued to be a perennial challenge. In addition to the seven weekly restaurant eating places listed in our 1979 history notes, the Club has patronized two different Main Street restaurants, two others on West Street and Mount Desert Street, illustrative of the transitory nature of our tourist oriented town. Presently the Club meets each Wednesday for lunch at the Kebo Valley Golf Club in Bar Harbor.

Among our more recent participating community donations have been men and women members volunteering in Acadia National Park hiking trails cleanup and Park Carriage Road repair in conjunction with Friends of Acadia.

An opportunity for improvement in club operation would be to slow down the rather fast turnover of membership. However, we do not have a problem said to be characteristic of Rotary, that of being an "old men's club." On the contrary, most members are young to middle age. Some have found they become so active in their business practices, they cannot meet our attendance requirements or do not find the programs interesting.

Presently the Club is divided into four member solicitation groups, who will be reporting to their respective chairmen concerning prospective new membership.

The extensive visitation to our Club by Rotarians and their friends, literally from all over the world, during the summer months suggests a permanent heavily bound Visitor's Book be established as a memorial record of Bar Harbor Rotary hospitality and friendship. I would favor consideration of such a project.

1994-1995 - President Dave Woodside

1995-1996 - President Pat Curtis

1996-1997 - President Andy Kropff

1997-1998 - President Jim McFarland

1998-1999 - President Rob Jordan

1999-2000 - President Bill Weir

2000-2001 - President Mike Gurtler

I wanted to take a little time and reflect on this past Rotary year. I liken this past year of my Presidency to a great Thanksgiving. So, please close your eyes and imagine with me some favorite memories of Thanksgiving…

Preparing all Day
The Hustle and Bustle
Spending time with friends, relatives and neighbors
Loading up the Plate
The feeling of fullness
Always leaving a bit on the plate

Last year, around this time I was introducing to you all, my plan for the upcoming Rotary year. It represented several months of preparation. It required several of you to commit to helping in the cause and I am proud to say many, if not all participated in one form or the other.

The foundation of my plan was to install an active committee system. A method for our club to become more efficient and utilize the resources at hand more effectively. Our committee system is in place and will continue to grow as our club grows. If nothing else, I feel satisfied that this is part of my legacy as president.

Because of everyone's involvement in Committees we have been able to accomplish the following:

Review, amend and adopt our Bylaws
Create two new successful FR events
Raise awareness of RI within the club
Raise the "Fun" we have
Begin our exchange program
Move ahead with the Interact Club
Streamline our review and response to financial aid requests
Create a direction for future growth
Strengthen our image and PR efforts
Involve more members within the Club
There is also some other things that have been accomplished this past year.
Raised more money through new efforts
Given out over $10,000 year to date
Raised the weekly attendance average
Added to the past and laid a path for the future
New involvement on the District level

As with all good Thanksgiving dinners, there are many hands that have made this possible. I'd like to thank all of you for your efforts.

I'd like to thank all the committee chairs, especially Betty (Bryer) and Gina (Farnsworth) for all their hard work. I'd also like to thank the Board of Directors for their help, support and advice.

There is still more on this plate however. We have the BIG DESSERT coming up in a few weeks. The Seafood Festival is still the most important event for our Club and we will be successful again this year. We have a lot more preparation to do for this event, but the wheels are in motion. We will spend more time discussing it next week.

There are a few more leftovers that unfortunately will be left on the plate either to be saved or thrown out. I leave these things for you to make that decision:

A new Breakfast Club
Membership growth (one new member, three others pending)

Thanks you all again for making this "Holiday" of a year possible. I only informally pass the plate to Joe to discuss his plans for next year. I will formally let him be the carver on the 11th of next month, and will then go sit on the couch and watch the game.

2001-2002 - President Joe Losquadro

My year as president of the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary club was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Beginning with the PETS conference in March 2001 and through the end of the program year in June 2002, I was regularly impressed by the vast well of resource that resides in the capacity for service that is within the fabric of our membership.

I was very fortunate to follow the presidency of Mike Gurtler, who laid a strong foundation and organization for stepping out and further into the world of Rotary International. I take great pride in the support of our membership that earned for our club, for the first time in the collective memory of those active members, the twin distinctions of being recognized as worthy of:

The District Governor's Citation - as one of the top 25 clubs in the district
The Rotary International President's Distinguished Club Citation - awarded to only 3,615 of 31,000 clubs worldwide

Some of the accomplishments that helped the club earn these awards include:

Processed 16 new members in the 2001-2002 program year; lost 7 members for a net gain of 9.
Sponsored and coordinated an effort in partnership with the Ellsworth Rotary club to provide assistance to an elementary school in Los Chillos, Ecuador -- our first International Project.
Chartered the Mt. Desert Island Interact club on March 27, 2002. There were 22 charter members of this new club.
Sponsored two youth exchanges -- outgoing student Kendra Treadwell from Dover , New Hampshire in District 7780 to Bouchemaine , France, and incoming student Gabriella (Gabi) Ribeiro, sponsored by District 4600 in Sao Palo , Brazil
Hosted an incoming GSE team from India for a three-day visit to Bar Harbor.
Designed and posted to the Internet a comprehensive club website (see www.mdirotary.org) and publicized this site in many of our newspaper ads.
Initiated a President's Newsletter, posted to the website each month to report the actions of the board of directors, happenings and upcoming events of the club and as a tool to inform and instruct members on information about Rotary.
Received significant media coverage of Rotary club events; took out a weekly ad in the local newspaper; featured regularly in the Club Notes section of the local newspaper.
Initiated a more formalized induction ceremony for new members
Replaced the old Rotary road sign (lost in the reconstruction of the major route into our community) with two new road signs; developed "tent" signs for display in local businesses that highlight our meeting places and times; and another that cites that a "Rotarian Works Here."
Initiated a "Golden Apple Award" to recognize excellence within the teachers on our Island. Connie Blaney of Connors-Emerson was the inaugural winner.
Established a practice of awarding a Paul Harris Fellowship to a non-Rotarian who exemplifies the highest traditions of Rotary. John Reeves was the first recipient of this honor.
Awarded Paul Harris Fellowships to four members of the club:

Past President Rob Jordan
Past President Bill Weir
Gina Farnsworth
Betty Bryer

Of the members we lost in 2001-2002, one was particularly sad with the death of 25-year Rotarian Dave Waldron. Whether as a pancake maker of very high regard, or just the fact that he was always late to our weekly meeting, Dave let you know that he was there - and that he cared! Dave's place was taken later in that program year by his daughter Linda Shelton, who was one of the 16 new members inducted in 2001-02.

My thanks go out to all Bar Harbor Rotarians who made a difference with their contribution of one of life's most valuable commodities -- time. Whether it was the time spent at the annual Seafood Festival, as a member of the board, as a host for our international student or GSE visitors, as a member of a committee or just as a regular attendee at our weekly meetings; the regular and active participation of our membership makes it happen.

2002-2003 - President Steve Powell

2003-2004 - President Ron Wrobel

The Club was awarded the District Governor's Award. The first Adventure Mini-Golf Tournament was held to benefit club member Bob Noonan and his battle with cancer. At the annual recognition dinner the Non-Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow award was presented to Robert Collier and the Paul Harris Fellow was awarded to Past Presidents Joe Losquadro and Steven Powell. All club members participated on committees, which met during club assemblies quarterly throughout the year.

It was my honor to be President of the club. I truly thank all of those individuals who helped make this a wonderful year. I am particularly proud of our club's support of the MDI High School Ecuadorian project. Through this effort our club provided funds to establish a sustainable farming project which will provide continuing benefits for years to come.

2004-2005 - President Mike Bonsey

2005-2006 - President Annette Higgins

President – Annette Higgins President Elect – Benni McMullen

Secretary – Nancy Corliss Treasurer – Jim Kitler

Asst. Secretary – Nancy Tibbetts Sergeant at Arms – Sean Sweeney

Directors – Becky Buyers-Basso, Barbara Hepburn, Terry O’Connell, and Mike Bonsey (past President).

I enjoyed my year at the helm of the club, although at times we seemed to hit a few swells that required a little seamanship to navigate.

The year started out with a little controversy regarding starting a second club that would meet for breakfast. There were strong opinions on both sides of the issue that served as an indication of the dedication and commitment of our club members.

A committee under the leadership of chair, Mike Gurtler was formed to create a 3 to 5 year strategic plan for the club, which would incorporate the new club leadership structure that the district was adopting. One of the new committees formed from this process is the Club Marketing and Public Relations Committee, which will serve to promote our club’s activities as well as Rotary in general. The creation of the Strategic Plan was an involved process that required the committee of Mike, Joe Losquadro, Dean Read, Sharon Broom, Mike Siklosi, Dan Berry, Benni McMullen and myself to coordinate feedback from focus groups of club members and set goals. The final product was voted on and approved in May 2006. Thanks to all who participated to ensure that our club continues to be one of the strongest in the district.

Throughout the year we awarded a Rotarian of the month honor to recognize the efforts of various club members contributions to our efforts. Here are the highlights:

July – Mike Bonsey, for donning the lobster suit for the 4^th of July parade float.

The annual Seafood Festival netted over $17,000.

August – Bill Weir, who was recognized by the American Red Cross for his ongoing work

on behalf of the club with their blood drives.

September – Mike Gurtler, who organized the Thursday morning meetings as another

opportunity for members to stay involved with the club. We welcomed back former

members, Martha Abbott and Andy Kropff. We sent Ben Ketchem from BHBT to RYLA.

The club also held a charter night celebration with the Ellsworth club and

acknowledged the members of both clubs that were involved in 1968!

October – Ron Wrobel, for updating our club website.

November – Joe Losquadro, chair of the club’s Rotary Foundation Committee who helped

increase awareness and donations from our members.

December – Susan Braley, who submitted the paperwork for a District Simplified Grant

for Adam Nordell’s La Esmerelda Stove Project in Guatemala, which was approved.
We also participated in The Run, Run, Rudolph Project started by the West Bay Camden club to help the youngest victims of Hurricane Katrina by sending 5600 stuffed animals to Pass Christian, Mississippi for Christmas. Our holiday auction and party was held at the Atlantic Oakes with the Ellsworth Club and we raised over $2000.00, our portion was dedicated to literary causes.

January – Barbara Fox, who produces the club’s weekly bulletin.

We helped the Ellsworth Club with an ambulance project in Ecuador.

February – Barbara Hepburn for tracking members’ hours of service as well as her

involvement in creating the quilt we raffled along with Lily Sweeney, Barbara Fox,

Benni McMullen and Kathy Stanley.

March – Lisa Horsch for stepping up to help with the Safe Passage Fundraiser,

spearheaded by Nancy Corliss who committed $1,000 to the Guatemala project

that helps to get children off the dumps and into school. We raised over $2,000. to donate!

April – Todd Hardy for his work on the Hancock County Technical Fair. He was assisted

by a committee from the breakfast group.

May – Nancy Corliss, who has kept the Annual Business of Reading Project going with the

Emerson – Connors school. Rotary District 7790 held their annual 3 - day

conference here in Bar Harbor and about 200 Rotarians from Maine and Quebec

attended, several members of our club stepped up to make it a great experience

on MDI for them. Also, that weekend, several club members helped with the Tour de Cure.

June - An international meeting was held with clubs from Nova Scotia onboard

THE CAT on June 8^th, about 50 Rotarians from 6 clubs attended this unique

opportunity! Our Annual Adventure Golf Tournament for Cancer Causes was

scheduled but due to inclement weather we postponed the event to September.

At the annual recognition dinner special awards were given. A Service above self

award was given to Nancy Tibbetts for her invaluable assistance to Nancy Corliss as

our “back-up” secretary and her willingness to help wherever she can. An “Involved

New Member” award was given to Lisa Horsch. Rotarian Paul Harris Award this

year is Mike Bonsey who wasn’t able to be there so we will award this to him at a

future meeting.

         Perfect Attendance – Nancy Corliss, Mike Gurtler and Sean Sweeney.
                     Golden Apple Award Winner – Fran Howley from Southwest Harbor.
                     Scholarship Recipients – Brianne Records, Terrace Reed

The year also saw 13 New Members to the club, 2 were returning former members.

MEMBER SPONSORED BY:

Bobbi-Jo Thornton Betty Bryer

Dan Berry Mike Gurtler

Matt Horton Ron Wrobel

Lisa Horsch Becky Buyers Basso

Martha Abbott Mike Gurtler

Andy Kropff Joe Losquadro

Debra Deal Dan Berry

Kathy Stanley Sean Sweeney

Tim O’Brien Scott Hammond

Mary Ann Starbird Barbara Hepburn

Jenn Bridgers Mike Bonsey

Rick Starbird Betty Bryer

Amy DeMerchant Gina Farnsworth

Other highlights of the year included receiving the District Governor’s Citation and the RI Presidential Citation (I believe it is only the second time the club has received this award, the first was during Joe Losquadro’s presidency), producing a supplement for the MDI Islander for the District conference and hosting exchange students Becca Campbell, who went to Turkey and Advan Satriopandu from Indonesia.

I’m proud to say that we had a very active and involved membership during the 2005/2006 Rotary year!

2006-2007 - President Benni McMullen

The following is excerpted from the club's submission of an application for the Presidential Citation.

The club completed work on a strategic plan in time to establish the RI recommended Club Leadership Plan as it's organizational structure for '06-'07. Goals were set for each committee from priorities in the plan. The club embraced and grew from working with this plan. Board members took leadership roles as committee heads and set up working groups to accomplish year one goals of a three-year plan.

Membership.

Although the goal of net one new member was met, the membership committee did much more. Membership accomplished a review of the club members' ages, diversity and classification, identified new potential members, and established a goal of four new members helping to reach almost equal diversity between men and women. They held a new membership celebration, introducing them and their sponsors. The sponsors were also recognized at June Annual Meeting. The club fairly represents the community and has a varied array of talented leaders. All new members have joined a committee.

One activity that was enjoyed for the fellowship as well as getting community recognition was the "Dine Around Fall." From August until November, we met at a different local eatery each week.

Membership has put together a flier of information for prospective members.

There were three fellowship activates where spouses, families and friends were invited to join the fun. A lobster cook out was held in the town where the member who travels the furthest to attend our club meetings lives. A Holiday celebration and dinner in December and a special luncheon dedicated to Paul Harris Awards were all attended by friends and family.

Club Service.

The goals put forth from the strategic plan added strength to this already active committee. The committee established the practice of donating a book to a local library in honor of the club meeting's guest. This thanks our guest and brings RI name into circulation with books from our libraries. Approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of all guest speakers are from local non-profits and government entities.

New Rotary banners were purchased and hung outside each place a Rotary activity or fundraiser was happening. Also, supplies of T-shirts for members' "Rotarians at Work" were made available for members to purchase.

Two new projects were added this year to the list of more than a dozen already ongoing projects. The Back Pack Project was a collection backpacks for the local county chapter of DHS (Department of Human Services). Members filled each pack with age appropriate necessities, educational materials and fun items, which were given to foster children in our county to have something of their own, packed and ready to go to a new home on short notice. 46 kids in Hancock county move regularly and quickly during any year.

The second service project was developed around the Bar Harbor Food Pantry. This program has its home in the basement of a local nonprofit building. It was in need of repair. Members painted and papered walls and ceilings purchased new flooring and worked on getting water into the area. In addition, our club members, who have been irregular volunteers for the pantry have now committed to serving the months of June and December, taking full responsibility for those two months.

A Community event that met several goals both service wise, financially and educationally was a joint effort with the MDI Interact Club (now 30 members strong).
The Basketball troupe, the Harlem Ambassadors, a traveling team of semi professional players, came to our high school to play a game against our local team, the "Rotary Crushers." They brought a message of stay in school, stay off drugs and respect diversity to the schoolchildren. That evening they entertained the whole community as the kids brought parents and friends to watch "the game." The Rotary Club and the Interact Club split the financial profits and OUR
ROTARY NAME WILL LONG BE REMEMBERED IN THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.

MDI Rotary supports financially and with volunteer hours about three dozen local non-profits each year. The largest of these is the oncology department and the breast center at the local hospital. Others are quilts for Wrap a Smile quilt project, Thanksgiving Baskets, Safe Passage, YMCA, YWCA, Island Connections (a program for the elderly) and the Challenger Learning center.

Three club members and one community leader (our RYLA attendee) have started meetings and invited local young adults to the local college for interest in a Rotaract club.

Public Relations

The club leadership plan offered an opportunity to create a P/R committee with goals for 1- 3 years As of March 1, 2007 they have completed their first year goals: