Last August, The Harbor Theatre announced it would close its doors exactly a year and one month later — September 4, 2017. With just three months to go before the peninsula’s only film theatre closes its doors, the 501 (c) (3) Friends of the Harbor Theatre is happy to announce that as of October 1, the theatre will change hands and remain open. Jason Sheckley, owner since 2002, will continue to manage the day-to-day business and film projection as always.

“It doesn’t seem possible that 10 years has gone by since I stood here with a number of other people,” said Bob Devine, board president of Friends. “Dorothy (Ferrell), Ham (Meserve), and Jason.”

“I think it’s fitting and appropriate ... to acknowledge and thank Jason Sheckley for all his demanding work, dedication, and keeping the theatre open and running in the 17 years of his ownership,” said Devine, interrupted by a round of applause. “It’s been a labor of love and for that we owe him a great deal of gratitude.”

Devine presented Sheckley with a framed certificate of appreciation which outlined and recognized his hard work and dedication over his ownership, saying, “He is a warrior and a glutton for punishment and we are absolutely so grateful he has come back.”

Devine then changed gears and launched into the mission of Friends. In order to broaden the audience, Friends plans to amplify its program to include independent films, revivals, film festival titles, and events that can be coordinated with Boothbay Region High School.

“What we are trying to do is save this theatre as a critical asset on the peninsula and the quality of life that exists here. The Friends are going to pitch in and help as much as they can, but we have to look out to the entire community for support.”

The theatre itself is only the tip of the iceberg — there are many stipulations and underlying factors for the doors to remain open. 

“The Friends have committed to raising the $40,000 that I have calculated is necessary for us to meet the rent, salaries, and other expenses,” said Meserve, the Friends’ treasurer. “Through the new board, we have been able to raise half of that money already.”

However, the rent agreement with Meadow Mall is for a three-year term with the option to renew twice more. Meserve’s calculation of cost is for every year, and the rent terms only apply if Friends can find success in its new program.

“We’re looking to crawl before we run,” said Meserve. “The first year is going to be the test — can we raise the first $40,000 and can we, in effect, prove that the community will support us? If so, we’ll go on to year two and then year three.”

Devine noted that the type of community help the Friends will be looking for will not just be in memberships, annual giving, and gifts, but other, as yet unspecified, opportunities as the group looks forward to its options. “Everyone we have talked to has said, ‘For heaven’s sake, this is an asset that should be saved,’ but it’s going to take a lot of work and effort and dollars,” said Devine.

Friends is now accepting donations. Since it is a nonprofit, all donations are tax-exempt. Checks can be made out to: Friends of the Harbor Theatre, P.O. Box 507 Boothbay, ME.