Dear Editor:

On behalf of the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor and our Community Lunch volunteers, we would like to thank our neighbor, Miranda Barrett, and the Boothbay Region Water Department for making sure we had running water for the Community Lunch on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, during a scheduled shutdown of the water lines on Eastern Avenue.

Community Lunches provide a warm space where anyone can come out of the cold to enjoy a free, warm, homemade meal. When Dale Harmon came to the church office Tuesday to explain the water would be turned off all day Wednesday, I worried for those who rely on these lunches in our community. After weeks of publicizing the lunch, we could not cancel at the last minute. Dale assured me he and his crew would figure out a solution so the Community Lunch could happen. After some investigation, Dale and Shawn (Simmons) spent Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning running a hose from our neighbor’s water line to the church. Dale troubleshot every situation by my side throughout the day, including ensuring the emergency alarms were disarmed and armed, the church was locked up, and all the lights were out when all was said and done. He was professional, reliable, and communicated at every transition. Dale and Shawn went above and beyond to serve their community, and we feel blessed to know we have people like them looking out for all of us.

If you or anyone you know is food insecure, unhoused, or needs to get out and socialize, please stop by the Congregational Church at 125 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor on the first Wednesday of each month through March from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. for a warm meal. You may park in the lot behind the church and enter using the rear entrance.

Thank you, Dale, Shawn, and Miranda! It takes a village, and we are proud you are part of it.

Heather Bryer-Lorrain 

Church Administrator