Rallying around a brilliant October day, St. Andrews Auxiliary members recently gathered at the American Legion Hall for their All-Member Annual Meeting . The site was a-buzz as old friends arrived, new members were welcomed and guests were introduced.

As the group settled in for the yearly update, many highlights unfolded. Notably, the all-volunteer Auxiliary completed a successful year in their expanded Thrift Shop. The all-volunteer makeup of the Auxiliary allows the organization to funnel proceeds directly into their mission of serving the medical community. The Thrift Shop was key in generating a profitable year. Led by manager, Carole McCarthy, the new space in the Meadow Mall, introduction of credit card use, proper placement of rooftop signage and the steady efforts of many , invaluable volunteers were a winning combination for the Auxiliary. Sales have been strong this fall due to out of state leaf peepers, vacationing Mainers and numerous regular customers.

With a click of the gavel, Auxiliary President Laura Zajdel noted $16,625.80 awarded to eight scholarship recipients pursuing medical careers. Scholarship Chair Linda Redman reported on the Fran and Don Hale Scholarship Program as well as the St. Andrews Auxiliary Scholarship Program. Both programs support students attending the CMCC/LH Nursing School in Damariscotta, another completing a 4-year nursing degree at the University of Maine and a LincolnHealth employee receiving certification in wound care management. Additionally, $14,000 was donated to LincolnHealth’s Tufts Program - bringing doctors to Maine.

Treasurer, Paula Endicott had everyone’s attention when she presented the Auxiliary’s $63,800.00 Annual Gift to LincolnHealth. Funds were specified for St. Andrews Campus Wellness/Rehab equipment (Parallel Bars, Extremity Pump and Adjustable Hi-Low Table), the Tufts Program, Central Maine Community College/LinolnHealth Nursing School in Damariscotta and the Miles MRI Project. Accepting the donation on behalf of LincolnHealth was Christine Anderson, Chief Nursing Officer, who addressed the Auxiliary on developments at the nursing school.

Additional donations were presented to New Hope, formerly New Hope for Women, a family crisis agency ($1,500) and the Boothbay Region Ambulance Service ($2,000). BRAS is currently receiving matching funds in their drive to purchase a new ambulance.

Zajdel reminded everyone of the many hours served by Auxiliary volunteers screening and greeting at the Boothbay Y LincolnHealth Vaccination Center. During that five-month period, volunteers met ambulance crew members who served daily at the clinic. Their effectiveness in supporting LincolnHealth staff during any medical crisis was on display. Accepting the donation on behalf of the ambulance service were BRAS crew members Bridget Malmsten and Tanya Bailey.

While many Auxiliary members volunteered time at the vaccination clinic, others continue to volunteer - assisting with patient activities St. Andrews Village or handling reception duties at St. Andrews Campus. The Auxiliary has sent rounds of personalized cards and handmade seasonal gifts/decorations to long term care patients at Cove’s Edge and the Gregory Wing, delivered food to employees across St. Andrews Village and Campus and also to Coves Edge. It was the many hours of volunteer service at the shop, clinic and in the facilities that earned the Auxiliary the 2022 Governor’s Service Award - Outstanding Volunteer Program last May. The award banner is proudly displayed in the center of the Thrift Shop.

When the inviting smell of homemade soups became too tempting to resist, the meeting adjourned and a lovely fall luncheon was served. There were many return trips to the soup buffet to try a different chowder. Auxiliary members appreciated the efforts of Linda Clapp, Social Chair, who coordinated the Auxiliary cooks, autumn decor and clean-up crew for the event. The Auxiliary is also grateful to two local businesses - Pinkham’s Gourmet Market and Eventide Specialties, who generously donated delicious luncheon items.

Newly elected vice president Gloria Wakefield, who also addressed the gathering, has been part of a publicity team that initiated two Auxiliary letter campaigns to help raise funds and public awareness about the Auxiliary’s mission of volunteerism, scholarship and service to the medical community. Many Auxiliary members participated in summer bake sales, shop raffle baskets and other fundraising efforts. Gloria and other Auxiliary Board members recently organized a Volunteer Corner to highlight volunteer opportunities and interest potential new members. Please check it out at the front entrance of the shop.

Follow us on Facebook (St. Andrews Auxiliary - Thrift Shop) or view our event videos on You Tube (St. Andrews Auxiliary). Our address is St. Andrews Auxiliary, P.O. Box 202, West Boothbay Harbor, ME 04575 - if you’d like to support us with a monetary donation. There are many ways to volunteer in our shop and throughout the medical facilities. We’d be happy to tell you about it. And please – keep those gently used items coming!