This coming year, approximately 148 families in the Boothbay community can sleep easier because a new, 10-year lithium battery operated smoke/CO alarm has been installed in their homes. A small group of friends calling themselves the “Boothbay Yahoos” has been raising funds for the betterment of our community for the past four years. The group identifies small projects that will have an immediate impact on local families.

Most recently, the Boothbay Yahoos raised money to purchase smoke/CO detectors for families in need in the Boothbay community. “We had an idea, good friends who worked diligently, and a generous community. Together, we raised just over $4,000 to purchase and install smoke/CO detectors in homes that need them, many of which heat primarily with wood” stated Cliff Thaell, a member.

The Boothbay Yahoos’ like to create fun, social events with live music and delicious food, while raising money for a worthy cause. Struck by the number of home, fire-related occurrences, along with having a volunteer fireman join the Yahoos, they chose home smoke/CO detectors. Individuals purchased tickets to attend, knowing their ticket price funded one detector.

The Yahoos also appealed for sponsorships from local businesses and individual donors. All of the money donated goes directly to the cause.

“This is what community looks like,” said Donna Denniston, who suggested the smoke alarms as this year’s project. “We came together because winter is approaching, and we care about the welfare of all our neighbors.”

On Sunday, Oct. 6, about 50 people gathered at the Barters Island Community Hall for a great time. The Boothbay Fire Department gave an entertaining presentation that kept attendees laughing, and significantly raised awareness about fire safety.

Fire alarms will be available to families in need via the Boothbay Fire Department in about one week, and will be installed by our volunteer firefighters. “Having us install them insures that the home owner understands their operation, placement, and maintenance. Early detection, and preventing home fires, is all about basic education”, states Boothbay Fire Chief David Pratt, “We’re happy to get these detectors in folks homes."

We wish to express our heart felt thanks to friends, neighbors, and local businesses who gave generously to help make Boothbay communities’ homes and families safer. In addition to a very generous donation, Hammond Lumber is purchasing the fire alarms at their wholesale cost for the group. Along with each generous person who purchased tickets or donated at the door, we give a special thanks to the following sponsors and generous individuals: Hammond Lumber, J. Edward Knight Insurance, Bishop Insurance, Pinkham’s Gourmet Market, Footbridge Brewery, Eventide Specialties, Hannaford, Nathan’s Pharmacy, Tindal & Callahan, Harbor Realty, Camden National Bank, Bath Savings Bank, Knickerbocker Group, House of Logan, Barters Island Community Association, Arsenault Plumbing & Heating, Barters Island Bees, Chill Vacation Rentals, Kathleen Jones, Cheryl Rust, William Butterfield, Lenore Imhof and Kirk Mikkelsen.

For more information call Boothbay Volunteer Fireman Lucian Laurie at (252) 241-8865.