letter to the editor

Helping our international workers

Mon, 06/26/2017 - 4:00pm

Dear Editor:

Tuesday, June 20, marked the tenth year in which the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor has welcomed our summer international workers with lunch and resources to help them navigate our community. This year, representatives from the Boothbay Harbor Police Department and SASSM (Sexual Assault Support Services) were also on hand to share hints on safety and what to do in time of crisis.

Unfortunately, seven young people from Romania said that when they arrived earlier this week, they were told that the contracts they thought they had with the Rocktide Inn would not be honored by the Oceanside Golf Resort. As a result, they had neither jobs nor — of more immediate concern — places to stay.

Larry Brown, the police department representative at the event, made a phone call to Spruce Point Inn, and the result was that within a few hours, all seven of the Romanian students had both employment and rooms for the summer. Thank you Officer Larry and SPI!

It's young people like these from around the world who do the work that keeps our restaurants and motels open during the busy summer season. Now, more than ever, we need to ensure that they feel safe and comfortable in our region!

Marty Peak Helman

Chair, Mission Committee

Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor