March 27 marked the end of the Community Lunches held at Brady’s that started in October of 2022. The support for the lunches steadily grew throughout the season with a much different format than previously run Community Lunches.

Tancy Mitchell and Lisa Hallinan opened the lunches to be hosted by area businesses and groups as a way of truly bringing the community together. The idea had immediate support from such as Janson’s Clothing, the Rotary Club, Wiscasset Ford (which then sponsored a huge food giveaway at Wiscasset Ford in December), the Boothbay Dart League, St Columba’s Church, the Gimbels Store Group, Boothbay Craft Brewery, Freedom Auto, The Anchor Church, Shore Hills Campground, Reny Construction, Hallinan Catering, Guy Peaslee & Son, Boothbay Baptist Church, and of course Tancy “Momma T” Mitchell.

The Community Lunch focus throughout the year was not only a warm meal but the fellowship it created. Folks who were sitting alone at the beginning of the season met new acquaintances who by the end of the season had become friends. Donations were never expected but greatly appreciated. Because of donations collected throughout the season, the Lunch Bunch was able to donate over $4,500 to a dozen different local causes.

The community-wide effort has created a lot of buzz and next year’s lunches have already seen other businesses and groups who want to join in on the fun. The first Lunch of the upcoming season will be held on Nov. 6. Brady’s will again be the spot for these lunches every Monday starting at 11:30 a.m. If you are interested in providing food or becoming a host next season, please contact Tancy Mitchell or Lisa Hallinan