Opening Ceremonies:
President JoAnn Rodick called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with opening remarks and the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was held at Pat’s Pizza in Ellsworth.
JoAnn thanked Peter Farragher for serving as Sergeant-at-Arms and Ashley Johnson for taking notes.
Rotary Business/Upcoming Events/Volunteer Opportunities:
Rotary Ladies Night: Once a month at 4:30 p.m. at Black Moon on Main Street in Ellsworth. An email will be sent with the date. Please RSVP to JoAnn Rodick.
Join a Rotary Committee: Club members are encouraged to join a committee within the club. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Rotary and how you can help.
Autumn Gold Breakfast: The Autumn Gold Breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, at EEMS from 7:00–10:00 a.m. Set-up will take place Friday afternoon, September 25. Kelly has provided a sign-up sheet. Flyers were passed around at the meeting, and tickets will be available soon.
Bangor Savings Bank Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive: Our club is collecting donations of peanut butter and jelly for Bangor Savings Bank. Please bring donations to an upcoming meeting.
RYLA: RYLA will be held the weekend of September 18 at Adventure Bound in Northern Maine. The club will be sending two individuals to attend.
Membership Night: Membership Night will be held Tuesday, October 13, at the Moore Community Center. Invitations will be shared with members soon. Flyers were also shared at the meeting.
Kentucky Derby Fundraiser Committee: The next committee meeting is September 22. Please contact Debbie Ehrlenbach if you are interested in helping.
The Board meeting was held earlier in the day at 4:30 p.m.
Thank You Cards: Thank-you cards were received from Sarah’s House for the club’s donation and from scholarship recipients.
Rotary Merchandise: Dave Wells brought in some Rotary merchandise that he has left over for club members to purchase. Everything is 25% off! Contact Dave!
Happy Dollars: First-quarter Happy Dollars will go toward the Bouquet family. Rotarian Rachel and her husband are both fighting cancer. Many Rotarians contributed Happy Dollars.
Polio Cups: Reminder to donate to Polio. For every $1 donated, seven children are vaccinated.
Club Assembly
Treasurer’s Report – Pancake Breakfast Recap:
Partner Donations: $11,950
Ticket Sales: $9,428
Total Income: $21,378
Expenses: $7,470
Net Proceeds: $13,908
Donation Jars for Scholarships: $658
Foundation Report: The goal for 2026–2027 is $5,000, and to date, $1,860 has been raised. The Polio goal is $2,000, and to date, $98 has been raised.
Community Service Report:
- August 31: EHS Freshman Class BBQ, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon. The event was well attended by Rotarians and appreciated by the students and staff.
- Month of September: Bangor Savings Bank PB&J Collection
- September 26: Autumn Gold Pancake Breakfast (International Committee)
- October 31: Trunk or Treat at the YMCA
- November 14: Loaves and Fishes Food Drive
- December 5: Ellsworth Christmas Parade
- December 12: Gifting Experience
- December 15: Rotary Christmas Party
Vocational Report:
Student Scholarships: Last year, our club funded eight $1,000 general scholarships—four each to EHS and HCTC—using District Grant money and club-raised funds. An additional $1,000 Law Enforcement Scholarship and two $500 Vocational Equipment Scholarships were privately funded.
The club is looking to increase the number of equipment scholarships, if possible, through member donations.
There was a request from the International Committee to have the tip jars at the Fall Pancake Breakfast used for international programs rather than scholarships.
Rotary’s HCTC Recognition Evenings: A meeting will be held with Bill and Hope to discuss the recognition evenings. Bill Tracy previously proposed next year’s schedule as December 1, 2026; February 2, 2027; and April 27, 2027.
Honors Banquet: Next year’s event is expected to be held Tuesday, April 6, 2027.
RYLA – Rotary Youth Leadership Awards: The club will be sending two individuals this year.
Club Service Report: We have a full schedule through January 2027. If anyone has guest speakers in mind, please contact Linda Elliot. Check the club website for upcoming events and speakers.
Club Community Giving: The committee has donated to the Linus Project, Woodbine Wreaths for Veterans, and EHS for a new grill for outdoor use. The committee will also be donating bulbs for the Yellow Tulip Project to EHS and HCTC. The total budget for the year is $7,000.
The Rotary Handbook for 2026–2027 is complete and will be emailed to all club members soon. It can also be viewed on the club website under Club Documents.
Next Meeting:
The next Rotary meeting is September 15 at the Moore Community Center. Our guest speaker will be Adam Hatch. Adam is a part-time comedian who has opened for Bob Marley, a full-time girl dad, and the full-time Community Engagement Manager for NEXAMP. A Bangor native, he helps Maine businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities enroll in community solar and reduce energy costs while supporting Maine communities through NEXAMP.
Respectfully submitted,
Ashley Johnson
