It was to a massive crowd that the ribbon was cut at the new Community Center at the Meadow Mall in Boothbay Harbor on Saturday, Aug. 29. Cutting the ribbon were Trudie Seybold and Lucille Machon, both 98 years old.

The many rooms of the Community Center were packed with people enjoying desserts, hors d'oeuvres, and talking about the benefits the center would bring to the area as Danny Beal played the donated organ.

People crowded around the volunteer and wish lists tacked to the doors, writing down both ideas for the center and ways they could help. Just some of the wished-for things included knitting and needlepoint classes, iPad and computer lesson, learning to play the banjo, and trivia game nights.

“I'm just bowled over,” said summer resident Sandee Burow. “I expected just an empty room and a couple of card tables, and what is here is amazing. I would definitely like to get together here and play cards with people.”

State Sen. Chris Johnson and State Rep. Stephanie Hawke were both present at the opening.

“There's such a need in this community,” Hawke said. “This is a wonderful gift the health and wellness foundation has given. It's a place kids and their grandparents can share stories.” Hawke also commented on how delicious the treats being passed around were, especially the mini cheesecake squares.

“It's a delight to see a place like this for the community,” Johnson said. “There's no time limit, no agenda, just a special place for the community. What is accomplished here is directly related to what is brought, and I think it will become an indispensable part of social life here.”

According to Community Center Committee member Jane Good, nearly everything was donated to the center. Many pieces of furniture were purchased at the Rotary Club’s annual auction from the “Make an Offer” area.

“I'm amazed at how much is back here,” said Chris Haskell, former board member of the wellness foundation. “I only knew it as a bank and they did a fantastic job of putting it together.”

Carol Cragin was knitting in a side room and encouraging people to sign up for the new knitting group, which will be meting from 10 a.m. to noon on Mondays starting Sept. 14.

“Whether you've never held a needle in your life or are a longtime knitter, we want you to come,” Cragin said. Cragin has been knitting for years. Besides regular knitting classes, she also teaches an “Oops” class for people who need to fix a mistake such as a missed stitch or a too-tight sweater neck.

“It's beautiful. They've done a lot of work,” said Lynette Page, looking around the room.

The Rev. Kit Sherrill blessed the center at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“Today our hearts are full of gratitude for the vision, the determination, the tireless effort, and the generosity of so many, which has resulted in this incredible center for the welfare and benefit of all in our community. As we prepare cut the ribbon to dedicate this gathering place, we pray that this center will enrich and support all who come here. May they find it to be a harbor of healing and health, a haven of hospitality and harmony, and a holy place of joy and delight.”

The Community Center will so far be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, though according to Good, those hours are not set in stone.

“If people need the center open later, and we can get people to staff it, we will absolutely stay open,” Good said. Right now, the committee needs feedback from members of the community who use the center on what is needed, and volunteers from the community who can help make that happen. Stop into the center during open hours, located at the Meadow Mall in between Boothbay Harbor Framers and Family Dollar.

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