Peggy Pinkham sure knows how to liven up a room.

Pinkham, outgoing president of the Boothbay Region YMCA Board of Trustees, used the words of her fellow trustees to honor the outgoing board members at the 34th annual YMCA annual dinner meeting on Tuesday, April 8. But Pinkham didn't stand behind a podium to do it. She walked around the tables in the gym with a wireless mic, finding each outgoing trustee and having them stand while she read each person's contributions to the board. A touch of Y magic.

“Y Magic” was the theme of the meeting, as the crowd of over 130 people enjoyed the performance by the three dozen young Y-Arts members, who sang and danced through several "magical" songs (such as the Lovin' Spoonful's "Do You Believe in Magic" and Olivia Newton John's "Magic") before dinner and during dessert. Also, the dinner decorating committee used magician's hats adorned with pictures of Y programs as table centerpieces.

The annual meeting is mostly about honoring service to the Y by staff and volunteers. Awards in various categories and forms are handed out to deserving recipients by Y employees.

The Y's highest award, the Character Development Award, was presented to the Rev. Dr. Sarah Foulger by Meagan Hamblett, membership and marketing director. Hamblett said that Foulger "improves this world and our community on a daily basis ... whether it be around the tables of the many committees she serves, singing in a choir, praying beside a hospital bed, mentoring a friend in need, patiently listening and spiritually guiding or sharing her own beautifully written, thoughtfully expressed lessons behind the pulpit, she does so in the most caring, honest, respectful and responsible of ways — all of which represent the Y’s four Character Values." Hamblett cited Foulger's founding and organizing of the Boothbay Region Community Resources group.

"This group, not unlike the Y, touches nearly every citizen in one way or another on this peninsula. This is an outstanding accomplishment for an organization, but even more so for the one individual who began the process," said Hamblett.

Another award that prompted great audience response was presented to YMCA Administrative/Development Assistant Doris Welch, who was honored by Executive Director Andy Hamblett for her 30 years of service.

"She's worked with 15 YMCA presidents, starting with Roy Lewis; saw the establishment of Camp Knickerbocker and its growth; and has been involved with three major capital campaigns, the addition of the Coastal Club wing, the Field House, Annex, Child Care Center, and the new Aquatic Center and renovated Wellness Center," said Hamblett. "She sees the Y with a cup half full, always looking at the great work our Y accomplishes and, I believe, thoroughly enjoying her role in making it all happen."

Other top awards were presented to: Andrew Morley, Volunteer of the Year; Karl Alamo and Rick Hilscher, Youth of the Year; Joel Biron, Program Service Award; and Pam Baldwin and daughter Maddie Rideout, Volunteer Recognition (for co-chairing the Y's annual fund drive). Andy Hamblett also recognized dinner coordinators Chef Kim Mills, Pauline Dion, Mary Williams and Laura Honey.

The outgoing board members Pinkham honored include Sarah Baldwin, Sue Bradley, David Eastwood, Deezie Flower, Sarah Foulger, Helen Meserve, Ted Repa, Sophia Thayer and Bruce Washburn. Pinkham also introduced the incoming board members: Dianne Gimbel, Brad Hastings, Maria Hoecker, Mary Neal, Jen Orchard, Anne Seltzer, Jonathan Tindal and Sandy Wheeler.

During her final talk as board president, Pinkham spoke about the past year's strengthened connections with such groups as the Central Lincoln County YMCA, Boothbay Region Land Trust, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay Register, Boothbay Region Health & Wellness Foundation, Boothbay Region Community Resources and others. She recognized Andy Hamblett for being a "very involved executive director," and the talented YMCA staff. She concluded her talk by remembering the "exemplary" qualities of service left behind by the late Rev. Dr. Mary Jo Zimmerli, a former trustee who died this past winter.

Incoming board president Wells Moore and Andy Hamblett thanked Pinkham for her work as president and presented her with a gift. Moore's brief message at the conclusion of the meeting touched upon strategic planning, program initiatives and development of the Harbor Montessori School in the year ahead.