Chair Gerald Homer briefed Community Center directors Nov. 17 at the organization's annual meeting, providing updates on fundraising, use of the Center and its programs.   

"Our income comes mostly from town grants," he said, noting those grants - which totaled $19,000 this year from Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Southport - have been "consistent and steady support." Homer said other donations received were from McEvoy Foundation, Southport Island Association, All Saints Chapel, Ocean Point Colony Trust, Wilson Memorial Chapel and Winslow Trust and from individuals.

Saying the facility in the Meadow Mall is a drop-in center for the community, Homer explained its goal is to counteract social isolation and loneliness which contribute to unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations. It is open weekdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and staffed entirely by volunteers with the exception of one part-time employee. This year, he estimates the number of visits to the Center will reach 5,400.

Board member Mary Connelly summarized activities at the Center. She mentioned current collections of winter coats for First United Methodist Church's clothing closet and non-perishable food items which are taken to the Community Fridge. Toys for Tots are also being collected. A trip to Kennebunkport is planned for early December and the annual pie sale was set for Nov. 25.  

Homer also gave updates for three of the Center's programs and services.  One of these, People Helping People, provides those who cannot drive with volunteer drivers. For a nominal monthly fee, members are taken to medical appointments, grocery shopping and other locations, providing companionship and saving area residents the cost of taxis or other transport.  He noted that through Oct. 31, volunteer drivers have logged 5,200 miles. One PHP volunteer, Benny Borkowski, has a weekly group of riders who travel with him for their groceries and other necessities.

Homer also gave an update on the Durable Medical Equipment program which takes in used DME. Center volunteers clean it, the organization provides and pays for its storage and then gives it for free to anyone who needs it, saving recipients hundreds of dollars over the cost of purchasing it new. "I'm amazed by the people who have been referred to DME," he told attendees. "We get referrals from many places all over Maine and the inventory turnover is amazing."

The 911 Emergency Sign Program was another that Homer mentioned. The program was started by local fire, police and emergency medical services. Larry Brown, Boothbay Harbor Police Department officer and School Resource Officer, sought and received funding from McEvoy Trust so that reflective signs showing a house number are provided for free in most instances. In this way, first responders can quickly identify the location when responding to an emergency call. Center volunteer Dwight Lewis creates the signs using equipment and materials in the Center. Between 2024 and 2025 year-to-date, 1,076 signs have been made and provided to area residents to identify their homes. 

New members Francine Rondina and Pam Olson were unanimously elected to three-year terms as directors. Board officers re-elected were Gerald Homer, president; Pandy Dickinson, vice president; and Rich Gray, treasurer.