Fisherman Troy Plummer accepted a donation of $5,000 from Ed and Arlene Jewett of Southport Aug. 18 on behalf of Boothbay Region Maritime Foundation. The Jewetts said they and BRMF have the same concerns about the culture of the harbor and working waterfront, its history and its future as commercial waterfront access becomes rarer.

“We appreciate the community's support,” Plummer said. “It's really nice to meet people like Ed and Arlene who want to help out.”

The Jewetts said the thought of working boats and piers and processing facilities being completely replaced with destination-type business is inconceivable. Hotels and tourist-driven businesses are important, but not at the expense of local people who need access to the waterfront and lend to the character of the harbor so many love to visit, they said.

“We believe the men and women who earn a living on the water contribute to the culture, character and appeal of the Boothbay Region,” said Ed. “We cannot imagine a harbor without working boats. The harbor and all its attributes were what attracted the original settlers many decades ago and continues to attract visitors and the rusticators of today.”

The Jewetts said the donation is also a challenge to all visitors, summer residents and locals to pitch in and support BRMF in its mission to keep the working waterfront accessible to those who depend on it. Ideally, the challenge would draw a matching amount, said Ed. “We feel it is important to help preserve the harbor as we know and appreciate it.”