The Rotary Club of Ogunquit
HAPPY-DOLLARS BUILD COMMUNITY
 
 
Rotarians are the do-gooders who build community one happy-dollar at a time.   For the uninitiated, Rotary Clubs meet regularly for fellowship and to progress their community service mission.  Twice a month the Club members meet around a shared meal for a little over an hour.  Officiants give minutes, report on finances, talk about old and new business, and reserve about fifteen minutes for a guest speaker’s talk.   Perhaps as a gesture not to take themselves too seriously, happy-dollar chatter follows immediately after the group-recitation of the Rotarian four-way test, which is: “Of all the things we think, say or do: Is it the truth?  Is it fair to all concerned?  Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” 

However, if you were to read a meeting recap, you would find the “happy-dollars” review length besting the amount written about the rest of the meeting by a healthy 2:1 ratio.    From jolly jousts to milestone achievements and noteworthy observations – no matter how small, Rotarians happily pay-to-play.  Happy-dollars ransom penalties and reward recognition equally.    Caught without a nametag?  Pay a dollar fine!   Sitting only with your friends?  Put some dollars toward repentance.   Want bragging rights for a celebrity sighting, new baby, wedding announcement, milestone birthday or professional award?   All those are good excuses for giving happy-dollars.  Although nobody’s keeping score.  Happy-dollar amounts tend to reflect the donor’s level of enthusiasm for the roast or the toast!     And, although, luckily not as often, happy-dollars are also offered in hope to heal the sick and for those lost, near and far.
 
What better way to monument the important and delightful work of building community than to recite, record, and reward the stories that make us laugh together and to raise a glass or bow our heads for all that we work for, and to pay tribute to the contributions of others. 

Most recently, Ogunquit’s happy Rotarians cooked up some cheer for a Valentine’s Day of Warming with area neighbors and friends at the Wells-Ogunquit Center.  Organized annually by Club member George Wilson, the celebration included a delicious hot lunch prepared by Ogunquit Village Market’s Harvest and Plate Catering, festive decorations, lots of heart-shaped treats and chocolate, and irresistible cupcakes for dessert.   According to Club President Erin Haye, “George’s homemade coleslaw is a hallmark of what has become one of our signature events. It’s a fun day for all involved.”