Every year the incoming Rotary International President identifies a motto for the Rotary Year, July 1 to June 30. This year, John Germ from Chattanooga, Tennessee chose “Rotary Serving Humanity.”

The Sunrise Club started the year at 13 members. We are a service oriented club. That has attracted others to join, increasing our membership to 17. During this past year the Club tracked the humanitarian work of its members in the community.

The results are impressive and the year is not over yet. Our members have been quietly involved in a myriad of service activities benefiting the community. At the recent Rotary District Conference the club received the Governor’s Literacy Award for our efforts. We have supplied books, read to children, helped our middle schoolers interested in robotics, and acknowledged the achievements of Morse High School students.

In addition to our work at the Bath Area Food

Pantry and literacy efforts, a number of our members have provided STEAM

(science, technology, engineering, art and math) opportunities for RSU1 students. Last year we purchased LEGO Robotics kits and continue to work with Middle Schoolers on Wednesday at Patten Free Library. This year we are helping the STEAM Coordinator at Morse set up and organize a robotics program for students. We have a Rotary District grant pending to purchase VEX Robotics equipment and supplies to have a Robotics Club up and running when the students return in September.

Up to this year we didn’t have a record of what we do. The results are enlightening, from suicide prevention to Maine State Music Theatre; food insecurity to senior citizen care and security; dance, culinary arts and student achievement recognition. Then there’s Honor Flight, Pine Tree Camp, United Way, Patten Free Library; ringing bells during the holidays and filling a bus for the hungry.

We are on track to log 2,500 hours of service. That’s 50 hours a week. Think of the value. If you use $15 an hour our club has given $37,500 to the community this year. Now we ask you. Do you want to be a part of this? Bath Sunrise Rotary Club needs likeminded people who want to be involved in the solution. It’s easy. YOU Serving Humanity!

The next move is yours. Get in touch with Bob Reed at 207-844- 0451 or e-mail reedart@sover.net. Or show up for breakfast at 7 a.m. on the first or third Friday at Mae’s. We’re an easy group to get along with and we know how to get things done.