Dear Editor:

The gym at the Boothbay Region YMCA was the scene of a grand, end-of-winter celebration. An estimated 400 folks walked through the doors to a waiting venue of local businesses and nonprofits offering the hope of spring after a long difficult winter. Guests of honor were our municipal plow and tow drivers.

Lincoln County Health, partnering with the Y, provided printed T-shirts with the event logo, I Survived the Winter of 2015. The Rotary helped with financial support, and folks throughout the community brought over 65 homemade pies, cookies, fresh fruits and ice cream for the dessert bars. State Rep. Stephanie Hawke and Hawke Motors crew jumped right in to offer wonderful handmade banners, and balloon bouquets by the dozens among many other supportive items.

A huge thank you to those who offered event booths: The YMCA; Lincoln County Health/Family Care Center Medical Professionals along with Wellness Rehab physical therapists; Dresses for Princesses at Second Season Consignment Boutique; Coastal Maine Popcorn; DJ Calvin Crocker; Jonne Trees/BRCTV; Boothbay Region Community Resources Council and Food For Thought Program; Tom Dewey; the U.S. Coast Guard; Lisa Walby/Mary Kay Cosmetics; Sarah Hodgdon, Sea Glass Spa; Lorri Higgins, Julia Peters, Sue Webster/Dragonfly Massage; Rotary Interact Club/Nail Polish; Y Teen Center/Face Painting; Ruth Perry, Cultural Homestay Program; Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce; Sharon Goldhirsh, Yoga Instructor; Bill Burge Sr./Raffle table; Kris Rubio and Enid Winchester, Community Garden Project at Rittall Farm; Police Officer Larry Brown; Boothbay Register and Suzi Thayer for complete coverage and gifts of over 200 hand-held posters “I Survived the Winter of 2015!”; entertainers, Boothbay Baptist Church Praise Singers, Ben Betts band, and Brigitte Schlosser and Zumba dancers.

Thank you to Patricia Moroz of Starlight Custom Cakes, Boothbay, who brought forth one of the biggest surprises of the event — a huge edible plow truck cake and snow pile — and all as her gift to our plow drivers.

To Andy Hamblett, Abby Jones, Rose Mooney, T.J. Peaslee and the front desk staff at the Y, a sincere thank you for the use of the Y pool, walking track (free to all) and for the use of the gym for the event. Your support and care for our community speaks volumes.

And to the community of people who came to celebrate including our municipal plow and tow truck drivers and their families. We were so happy to see you all. We’re almost there — spring!

Sue Burge

Event Coordinator