Every nonprofit, not just in our region, but everywhere, depends upon the selfless giving of time and more by its volunteers. The Boothbay Region Community Resource Council (BRCRC) is no exception, and to honor those volunteers held its second annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

With over 60 in attendance, certainly not all of our volunteers, but contributors to the over 4,000 hours of volunteer time given to BRCR, the breakfast was a lively, warm gathering with a wonderful buffet breakfast prepared by the East Boothbay General Store.

Board President Ted Repa, remarking about the “big shoes” to be filled from retiring president, Sue Burge, asked her to share some comments. Sue praised the volunteers with whom she has worked and the wonderful growth and importance of programs such as Set For Success, providing all students with backpacks and all teacher required supplies for the school year and Food For Thought, providing food for students who may be in at risk from lack of nutritious food over the weekends. Sue recognized two “Woodchucks,” Maurice Landemaire and Alan Strauss, who have passed and thanked their widows for being present. Sue specifically expressed thanks to “Big Al” for the great amount of support he has provided Set for Success through donations and access to goods at reduced prices.

Repa followed with comments of appreciation for the board members whose terms have expired noting that they had been major contributors to the successful growth of the BRCRC over a number of years. New board members were announced and include Lisa Carbone, Leigh Sherrill, The Rev. Maria Hoecker, Willard Brinegar and Jane Smith.

Two BRCRC board members present were honored with “Extra Mile” awards. Bill Smith, one of the original “Woodchucks” who puts his all into keeping our neighbors warm, and Holly Stover, the BRCRC Addiction Outreach Specialist who, teaming with Police Chief Bob Hasch, has worked with those suffering from addiction and has moved this program’s effectiveness and connection forward significantly for those in need in the first year of its operation.

Thank you to all who have contributed to the work of the BRCRC, whose mission is to assist persons in need on the Boothbay Peninsula by providing information, referrals, resources, and programs.