On Nov. 29, Norman “Tootie” Fogg of 29 Williams Street in Boothbay Harbor was working on his furnace at his home with his friend, Jim Lusher. Tootie thought he had smelled something but was sure his oven was not on. He went into the kitchen to investigate and found smoke billowing out from under the cupboards. Suddenly, the kitchen caught fire. Tootie grabbed his 10-pound dog, Squirt, and he and Jim ran out the back door. Tootie’s trailer was fully engulfed in flames as they fled the building.

Tootie has been a resident of Boothbay Harbor since 2002, after moving here from Connecticut upon retirement after a long career with Howard Barter in the Slocum family business. Tootie bought his trailer on Williams Street and transformed it into a botanical oasis. To say Tootie has a “green thumb” is an understatement. Tootie’s gardens, both flower and vegetable, are something to behold. Tootie created his little piece of heaven over the years with plants shared with friends and folk art from the dump.

Tootie is a daily patron of the dump and has transformed hundreds of his “finds” into usable furniture for his trailer. Tootie furnished and decorated his home with these “collectibles,” often repainting, performing minor carpentry, and/or cosmetic surgery to arrive at an “object d’art.” He was constantly painting the interior rooms of his home and rearranging his furnishings, based on his latest finds. He enjoyed visits on his screened porch with his friends and neighbors in the summer, as Squirt played in the front yard. Tootie loved his home and shared it with all his friends.

Tootie is well known around town, particularly at the dump and at Hannaford. He always has a ready smile, a hand to lend, and a story to share. Many of us remember him from his younger days when he would help out with landscaping or clean-outs for Pottle Realty. Tootie’s sunny disposition, Irish heritage and love of cooking make him a wonderful storyteller. Tootie has a recipe for everything.

The fire is long out, the heavy rains have subsided and Tootie’s home is a total loss. Tootie is now faced with the challenge of starting over at age 79. He and his 13-year-old dog are homeless at this point, with the insurance adjuster determining his trailer a total loss. All of his belongings, furniture and keepsakes have been ruined by smoke and/or water. Tootie is staying with good friends temporarily until he can find a place to rent.

Tootie could use a little help now. He has given so much to his friends and community. Perhaps it is time to give back to Tootie and help him get back on his feet. Tootie could really use our help as a community. He needs a place to live with reasonable rent.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up in Tootie’s name for those who would like to contribute. Also, a savings account in Tootie’s name (Norman Fogg) has been set up at The First National Bank of Damariscotta for those who would like to contribute.