Dear Editor,

It truly takes a village. Just a couple of weeks ago, Rotary hosted its 23rd Annual Soup Bowl Supper with (and as a benefit for) Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts and Rebuilding Together. With this being my first year as Chair of the “Soup Bowl,” I was struck by how many hands make an event like this possible. I wanted to thank the many individuals and businesses who donated their time, goods and supplies, and –of course– their soups!

Thank you: American Legion Hall and Dave Patch, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, members of Rebuilding Together Lincoln-County, Boothbay Railway Village, Susan Brackett, NAPA Auto Parts, Carquest, Freedom Auto, Good ‘N You, Hammond Lumber, T&D Variety, Hawke Motors, Coastal Maine Popcorn Company, Boothbay Region Greenhouses, Steve Salorio, China by the Sea, Mama D's Café, Sarah's Café, Boat House Bistro, Kim Mills and the Tugboat Inn and Restaurant, St. Andrews Village, Eventide Specialties, The Thistle Inn, Carriage House Restaurant, East Boothbay General Store, Kaler’s Restaurant, And Candy Too, Brady's Restaurant, Uncle Phil's Bakery, Robinson's Wharf, Southport General Store, and Pinkham's Seafood.

I also want to thank the many Rotarians who, as always, did an incredible job behind the scenes. Lastly, I want to thank all who came to the dinner to support and enjoy.

We are lucky to live in such a place, where a village comes together to support the organizations and people that do good in our community. The best way to give thanks to these community focused businesses is by patronizing their stores, services, and restaurants, and thanking them in person while you’re there. I know I will be.

Tory Paxson, Chair

Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor Board of Directors