The Camden Rotary Club has many people to thank for their help with this year's Music by the Sea celebration on July 4th.

We are deeply grateful to the sponsors of this event, whose generous contributions will help our club award grants to local nonprofit organizations including the Mid-Coast Recovery Coalition, the Sixty-Three Washington Street residence for seniors, MCH Meals on Wheels, Camden Public Library and the Area Interfaith Outreach Food Pantry.

Our fundraising efforts this year were dedicated to the memory of Parker S. Laite, Sr., a longtime member of our club. Parker, who died last year, was devoted to local causes. He was honored in 1994 as Rockport-Camden-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce's Townsperson of the Year, and in 2007, Camden's Annual Town Report was dedicated to him for his service to the community.

Music by the Sea is a group effort that involves many of our club members as well as the wider community. It would not be possible without the cooperation of the Town of Camden, Camden Public Library and The Conservancy for Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre.

Bravo to our wonderful bands: Steelin' Thunder, Casco Bay Wind Symphony, MOJo (Mondaynite Jazz Orchestra) and The Lowdown – a collection of dedicated musicians who spent a good deal of the holiday bringing joy to others.

And three cheers for the appreciative audience. It was great to see so many people come out for a beautiful afternoon and evening among family, friends, visitors and fellow community members.

We are also grateful to the many organizations that sponsored the spectacular fireworks in conjunction with the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce. What a display that was: the grand finale to a great day in Camden.

Barry Timms is president of the Camden Rotary Club