The St. Andrews Auxiliary Annual Meeting and Luncheon on Oct. 21 brought a wonderful turnout to St. Andrews Village. It was a day to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate what our shared efforts make possible, including $87,700 in gifts to organizations caring for our community.

Grants were presented to MaineHealth ($36,100), Boothbay Region Ambulance Service ($21,600), District Nurse ($10,000), Lincoln County Dental ($10,000), Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine ($5,000), Boothbay Region Health Center ($2,000), Community Resource Council ($2,000), and Meals on Wheels, ($1,000).

Along with more than $56,000 in scholarships awarded this year, that represents over $143,321.72 supporting healthcare and the next generation of medical professionals. The heartfelt appreciation from our recipients reminded us how much this support matters to the people they serve.

As incoming president, Stephanie Conzelman shared in her remarks, much of this starts at our busy little Thrift Shop. A donated sweater, a set of dishes or a lamp someone no longer needs becomes a scholarship or helps a local provider care for a neighbor. Every donation, purchase and volunteer shift plays a part.

We also celebrated the people who have guided this work. Our sincere thanks to outgoing president Patty Colhoun and our outgoing officers and board members for their years of dedication. Their care and hard work leave the Auxiliary in wonderful shape, with a strong team and so much to build upon. 

Leading the organization in its upcoming year is our new slate of officers: Stephanie Conzelman (president), Marion Coleman (vice president), Carole Zalucky (recording secretary), Kevin Bowler (treasurer), and Linda Cagle (corresponding secretary). 

A special thank you to St. Andrews Village for generously donating the delicious luncheon and making everyone feel so welcome. There was plenty of laughter and good conversation around the tables, with much to celebrate and look forward to. As we enter our 75th year, Stephanie’s words captured the spirit of the day: “This is not my Auxiliary. It is ours.” Thank you to everyone who helps make this work possible and makes being part of it such a pleasure.