Over the past 51 years, Boothbay's Meals on Wheels all-volunteer organization delivered an estimated 331,000 dinners to area residents not able to cook for themselves, according to board members Pat Wheeler and Mary Lou Koskela. It's a remarkable tradition of caring people working together over five decades to make sure members of the community have a hot meal.

Boothbay Harbor resident John Schindler and wife Jane Wissman have delivered meals once each week for the past six years. "It's not a hard thing to do," he told the Register in a phone interview. "It's taking care of people and that has its own reward. People in their 80s and 90s are still volunteering. It keeps people young." Schindler feels delivering meals is not a "huge commitment.” He estimated it takes about 90 minutes to pick up the meals at St. Andrews Village and deliver them to recipients.

He explained that prior to COVID, drivers would knock on the door and give a meal to the resident which gave them a chance to make sure the person was safe. He recalled helping rescue people's cats and once assisting someone who had fallen. During the pandemic, drivers would place the meal in a cooler that recipients provided on the front porch, he said.

Often those who receive the meals are homebound and look forward to seeing the volunteers. One recipient has a sign on her door saying, "Please come in and chat for a minute," Wheeler said, adding that there are currently about 13 drivers and substitutes and the program is looking for more volunteers to help deliver meals. 

Joan Stark has been receiving meals each weekday for about eight years. She sees it as a vital program. "I don't know what I'd do without it," she said. "I can't safely cook anymore."

Wheeler and Koskela share the job of creating the weekly list: Wheeler in summer, Koskela in the winter. There are a lot of logistics: Instructions are prepared noting each day's deliveries, any dietary restrictions and what days the recipient is scheduled to receive a meal. Some opt for delivery only on certain weekdays. Does the meal need to be gluten free? Are salted meats like ham restricted? Are there any food allergies or strong dislikes? Which beverage is preferred?

Boothbay Meals on Wheels was founded June 18, 1973 by the Rev. Charles S. Hartman of Boothbay Harbor's Congregational Church and his wife, Louise. For the first 10 years of the program, meals were prepared in the vestry kitchen. Over the following years, the Yacht Club, St. Andrews Hospital and Boothbay Region Elementary School all offered their kitchens to prepare meals to keep the program going.

Wheeler said she has "nothing but gratitude" for all of the kitchens and compassion for those at the elementary school. "They were preparing meals for 8-year-olds and 80-year-olds at the same time."

She said meal preparation shifted to St. Andrews Village kitchen when the facility was built. There is a $5 charge for each meal, often paid by the recipient's family. Those not able to pay the full amount may pay a portion of the cost. The remainder comes from the generous donations of people and area service organizations.

Holly Stover, state representative and director of operations for the Community Resource Council, told the Register, "Meals on Wheels is an invaluable asset to our community, delivering balanced and nutritious meals and fostering essential social connections for those who may otherwise face isolation. Their dedicated service nourishes body and soul, ensuring our neighbors feel supported and cared for daily.”

Those interested in driving for Boothbay's Meals on Wheels may call Mary Pierce at 592-1221 or Kathryn Sullivan at 380-5439. Donations to the program are tax deductible and very welcome and can be made by calling Peggy Peters at 633-2743 or sending a donation to Meals on Wheels, c/o Peggy Peters, 82 Oak St., Boothbay Harbor, 04538.

Those who would like to receive meals may call Pat Wheeler at 633-4370 or Mary Lou Koskela at 633-5161.