The Boothbay Civic Association has been busy finding partnerships to help raise funds for local projects. On Sept. 10, Bet Finocchiaro helped by donating proceeds from her takeout, Bet's Fish Fry, for BCA to inch closer to the $1 million mark.

Bet's opened at 11 a.m. like any day and  employee Gretchen Lauriat said that by 11:09 a.m., there were already 15 orders and there were five fish fiends waiting in line to order. About half an hour in, only one picnic table was up for grabs.

Finocchiaro said her involvement was in hopes of drawing more attention to the Boothbay Common.

“There are lots of things that the Common could use. You know, bring back the Fourth of July bake on there, the bean hole dinners like we used to have. I'd like to see music on there with local groups like Murky Water Band. That's what I'm looking for because I'm out here by myself. I want some action going on out here!”

BCA President Dawn Gilbert did not disclose how much was made on the fundraiser, but agreed it would be an understatement to say it simply helped. 

“Now we're moving,” said Gilbert. “We've got to move. We've done a lot of things and they all think (the BCA) is a bunch of old ladies … Well, the old ladies are alive and well.”

BCA still needs to figure out how much it has raised since the nonprofit began funding projects, starting with the town office; but Gilbert said she knows it is beyond $900,000 and approaching the $1 million mark. She said there will be more fundraisers in the near future, and BCA has already set its sights on a handful of projects, including a new sign for the Common.

“We're making progress,” Gilbert said excitedly. “We're making good progress.”

Finocchiaro, tense to go back and tend to the fryers, said she is a natural comic off the cuff, but was finding it hard to come up with some quick words.

“I love my town and I'd do anything for it. That's what I said for the last article and that's basically it,” Bet said leaning out the order window. “I don't know, Gretchen – what should I say?”

Said Lauriat, “Life's a fish and then you fry.”

If you missed the fish fry, your donation will still count by popping a check in the mail to: BCA, Box 81, Boothbay, ME 04537. Write "Go Fish" on the subject line.