Dear Editor:

I’m writing to express thanks and gratitude for all who were a part of the first Changing Aging at the Boothbay YMCA on Sept. 22. The planners, the keynote presenters, the pharmacist available to answer questions, the hairstylists and the flu clinic workers helped make the day a success. Many of the area’s nonprofits were well-represented and offered information to those who visited their booths.

Planning an event like this is not an easy task, and the support from volunteers exceeded all expectations. Coast Guard Officer in Charge Adam Smart and a half-dozen ‘Coasties’ set up the gym on Saturday. A few returned Sunday, assisting those who needed help getting into the event and making sure the gym was returned to normal before they departed.

Thanks to those who provided food, to our “teens and ‘tweens” guides who helped seniors navigate their way to the breakout sessions, and the YMCA custodial staff for their help. The teams at the Y, the Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, LincolnHealth’s Coulombe Center for Health Improvement and others worked nearly six months to plan the event and it went off without a hitch.

Finally, I appreciate those who took the time to join us to learn more about things like brain development, how to avoid being scammed and how best to prepare for your passing in order to ensure those who are left behind can best meet your wishes.

I hope that those who didn’t make it this year can join us for the second Changing Aging next fall.

Sue Burge

Boothbay