Coming soon to the Boothbay peninsula: A Senior Community Center, a drop-in gathering place mostly for the fifties and over crowd, but with any age welcome. No membership required, no fees. It will be free.

The Boothbay Region Health and Wellness Foundation, which has been working tirelessly for months to promote the health of our elderly (and others!) will be leasing space in the Meadow Mall, between Boothbay Harbor Framers and the Family Dollar store in the former bank space, to help meet the needs of many senior citizens who currently have no place they can call their own. In the new space, they can arrange to meet a friend, have a cup of coffee, watch television (provided some generous person donates one) or simply relax.

The possibilities are endless, depending upon volunteers and donations. One Boothbay selectman commented, “Make sure you have plenty of playing cards and cribbage boards.” Right on. Maybe someone will donate a foosball, ping-pong or pool table or other similar games. The center will also be looking for furnishings such as a microwave, refrigerator, couches, chairs, a few iPads (again, depending upon donations) and other items in the next few weeks. Organizers hope to begin welcoming drop-ins by mid-August with an official grand opening in early September. Also most welcome will be financial donations to help meet the lease commitment.

News of this new community center will be welcomed, we’re sure, by many potential users on the entire peninsula because it comes with no strings attached, free of charge. What a great place to wait while the wife shops or has her hair done; it sure beats sitting in the car in the parking lot!

When the YMCA’s Coastal Club was active, many members congregated in a special room at the Y to chat over a cup of coffee. For years when Burger King operated in the space currently serving as a laundry and car wash, it was not uncommon for folks to meet there for coffee or lunch. Management didn’t mind it if they hung around, lingering a half an hour or more over a cup of coffee. However, activity was naturally limited; after all, it was a business.

We think the foundation’s decision to try a community center experiment for a year as a pilot program is a great one, and we feel it will be well-received and well-used.  All are encouraged to share ideas on a wish list board while a sign-up sheet will be posted for those willing to volunteer to man the center, which will initially be open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.   

A variety of classes could be offered, depending upon the interest. In our opinion, the foundation couldn’t have found a better location with plenty of parking directly in front and easy access for those with walkers, canes, etc. The space was formerly occupied by the Bank of Maine. It’s through the first door on the left after starting down the inside corridor. The new Community Center is also convenient to St. Andrews Village whose residents may want to enjoy the new drop-in center, too.

Thank you, Boothbay Region Health and Wellness Foundation, for a great idea for a much-needed service for our citizens over 50. We hope the community will respond with financial donations, furnishings and with offers to help staff the center. Call Jane Good evenings at 207-633-2563 if you can help in any way, or write Boothbay Region Health and Wellness Foundation, P.O. Box 335, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538. Is will take help and support to get this project off the ground, but we’re confident it will be forthcoming.

As to making an appeal to folks to use the new center when it opens, we don’t think any is necessary. We predict it will be an immediate success.