The working waterfront. The footbridge. Foggy mornings in the harbor. These were just a sample of what people answered when the question was asked “What does the Boothbay region mean to you?” at the Community Vision Workshop held October 24 at the YMCA.

The Walkability Steering Committee met with over 60 local volunteers to find out what we, as a community, value most about the Boothbay region.

Participants were asked what they valued about the region; what, if lost, would forever change the region; and why they not only moved here but also why they stayed.

“We seek a statement of truth,” said Jane Lafleur of Friends of Midcoast Maine. “Something that people can connect and identify with. A message that is both meaningful and important to ourselves and possibly, others.” Lafleur led the workshop.

Participants were asked to write ideas of sticky notes during small group discussions. Ideas flew thick and fast, and soon piles of notes were in the center of each table.

“It's picturesque,” said Mary Baudo, the Wellness Director of the YMCA.

Danielle Betts of East Boothbay said the region is a great vacation spot. “And we have great social networking at Hannaford,” Betts said.

“We have the only high school that still does the Grand March, and there are no damn traffic lights in town,” said John Hochstein of Boothbay Harbor. “And the day they put traffic lights on Townsend Avenue is the day I leave town.”

“This community makes me feel young,” said Margaret Perritt of Boothbay Harbor.

At the end of the meeting, all the notes were gathered up so the Steering Committee can take every single idea and compile them into a report showing what the community values most.

Once the report is complete, the committee will hire a designer or firm to assist with the creation of a slogan and logo for the region, using the community feedback gathered. Once the initial creation is complete, the committee will test the rough draft with a focus group.

When the final logo and slogan are ready, the committee will offer it to the entire Boothbay peninsula to use for creating clear and consistent signage, which the committee said would strengthen the identity of the region.

Eventual goals would be the attraction of families, year-round residents and jobs, which would all strengthen the economy of the region.

The meeting was considered a success by those who attended.

“A lot more came out of this than just a logo,” said Bob Adler, who has just purchased a home in Edgecomb and is moving here from Upper Montclair, NJ. Adler scheduled inspections at his new home to coincide with the workshop to make sure he could attend.

The Steering Committee is still looking for members to help. To join, contact Michael Tomko at michael@createestates.net or Jane Lafleur at jblafleur@friendsmidcoast.org.