Tourists aren’t the only ones who descend upon the Boothbay region each summer. Dozens of international seasonal workers also travel to the Midcoast community earning college tuition and experiencing American culture.

For 10 years, Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church has greeted them with a welcome lunch. This year, nearly a dozen Turkish, Bulgarian and Russian seasonal workers attended.

The luncheon helps workers learn about resources available in the region. Whether the workers need inexpensive transportation, such as a bike rental sponsored by the local Rotary club, or a friend in local law enforcement, the luncheon provides them with a list of phone contacts.

In past years, international students have picked their bicycles at Oak Street Provisions, but not this year. Local Rotarian Bill Prince provided information about bike rentals including a new location. This year, the Rotary’s clubhouse at 66 Montgomery St. is the pick-up spot for approximately 60 bicycles. There is no fee for rentals, but a $100 deposit is required, according to Prince.

International students also received bicycling tips from local biker and Boothbay Harbor policeman Larry Brown. He explained local traffic patterns such as one-way traffic along Townsend Avenue and Oak Street. Brown advised students unfamiliar with Boothbay Harbor to "go with the flow.”

“Just follow the traffic especially on Townsend Avenue and Oak Street. We may stop and remind you about the traffic. We won’t give you a ticket. We just want to make sure you remain safe,” Brown said.

Local Rotarian and Congregational Church member Marty Helman encouraged students to use Boothbay Harbor police as an information and safety resource. “Chief Bob (Hasch) and officer Larry are good people. They are here to help you. If you have any questions, please just ask,” she said.

Rotarians and Congregational Church members also provided information about various community resources. They provided a card with contact numbers. One is for the Community Navigator which, Helman advised, helps local residents with services. Another was for Boothbay Harbor Code Enforcement Officer Geoff Smith.

“If you don’t have a place to stay call us. We can help. Also, if you are in a substandard place there is a number for code enforcement. We are here to help so please let us,” Helman said.

Students also heard from New Hope for Women representative Mary Hanley who explained what domestic violence services the organization provides. “We assist men, too," she said. "So if you are having problems or someone is giving you a hard time, please give us a call. The call is free and everything is confidential.”

Students spent the two-hour luncheon meeting local people interested in making them comfortable during the summer. They made friends with other students either from their home country or a different one, and most had one question in common.

“Where can we learn English,” a Turkish male student asked.

Local representatives didn’t know of any local programs, but they promised to seek someone who could provide information about improving their language skills.