In 2016, Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor created the Elder Forum to address challenges facing local seniors. The Elder Forum is now its own entity, but still meets in the local Rotary’s clubhouse on a quarterly basis. That was until COVID-19 struck. So after a  two-year absence, the forum resumed May 11. Four members attended the forum: Vic Taylor, Shawn Lewin, Rich Blouin and facilitator Chip Griffin. Members discussed creating a nutrition program for local seniors. “We want something like Food For Thought,”  Taylor said. “We probably have enough people to visit the elderly, but we probably need more drivers. Right now, we are discussing the best way to start the program.”

Food For Thought is a program sponsored by the Community Resource Council. The program provides nutritious, child-friendly, accessible snacks for families in need. Besides the new senior nutrition program, members discussed another pressing topic. Members pondered the Elder Forum’s existence due to the departure of a key contributor. Griffin announced he wouldn’t be as active in the group’s future operations. “He really has been the one who organized all the meetings, but he is too busy and can’t do it anymore,” Taylor said. “So we’re thinking about our future and whether we should continue or combine with a similar organization.”

The Elder Forum has two quarterly meetings remaining. One is in September, the other in November. No dates have been set for either forum.