On Dec. 23, historic extra-tropical bomb cyclone Elliott arrived, leaving the peninsula with hundreds of residents without power, and roads strewn with trees, power lines, and rocks. Mercifully, Boothbay’s American Legion Hall was left untouched and with full power from the electric grid, propane gas, and from the 20-plus volunteers who collaborated to make a successful Christmas dinner buffet there, for 125 attendees.
 
The hall set-up on Saturday included members of the U.S. Coast Guard Station Boothbay Harbor, the Ross and Marin families, and the Conlin kids. Two amazing high school students, Luke Morley and Tyson French, peeled 50 pounds of potatoes in 40 minutes. 
 
On Christmas Day, the attendees were greeted by Sue and Shelby Burge. Owners of the Alpaca Farm on Southport offered coupons for an after dinner stroll viewing the alpacas. Big Al provided small Christmas tree decoration gifts. The tables were set with Christmas centerpieces, candles, and glass globes: an inviting addition to the dining decor. The servers were all in their places ready to load plates with turkey, ham, pork loin, prime rib, vegetables, cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy, salad, rolls, punch, and homemade pies.
 
The event was magical and very fulfilling. Community ... Maine ... The Way Life Should Be rang loudly. We are grateful to all the volunteers who helped serve and the amazing kitchen team who kept the pots, pans, and silverware rolling through soap and water. Bob Moore, pianist, entertained with his delightful gift of Christmas music.
 
A special note of gratitude goes out to all who donated food, supplies, and money: Hannaford, The Rotary, Pinkham’s Gourmet Market, Boathouse Bistro, House of Pizza, Brady’s, Shaw’s Supermarket, Pie Ladies from Boothbay Harbor Methodist Church, Pie Women from Boothbay Baptist Church, Elaine P. Walsh, and to those who donated cookies and other goodies.
 
With the exception of 2020, when Covid caused its cancellation, the Community Christmas Dinner has continuously fed spirits and bellies since Elaine and Tom Fogarty hosted the first one in 2008 at Our Lady Queen of Peace. When health issues tragically interrupted the Fogartys’ ministry in 2015, Barb House, Nancy Van Dyke, Eve Jamieson, Charlene Franz, and, more recently, Sue Burge, continued the tradition of bringing joy to the community.

Times may be extra tough, but this successful joint-effort proves that our community ties are even tougher.