Dear Editor:

A couple of recent issues of the Boothbay Register have presented an interesting contrast within this community.

On page one of the October 31 issue is a story of the expansion of the Boothbay Harbor Country Club. According to the paper, “(Paul) Coulombe said he has already spent approximately $11 million on the golf course and expects to spend an additional $16 million on a new clubhouse.”

On page 16 of the same paper is “Our Impact,” a listing of the Boothbay Region Community Resources’ assistance to citizens during 2012. The rundown is reported by the BRCR’s Community Navigator.

It includes “heating assistance for 107 families,” “196 people (450 household members) were assisted by the Community Navigator for case management, referrals and resources,” “Food Pantry: over 333 families served, plus 110 Thanksgiving supplies,” “House repair by Rebuilding Together for 140 families in the region,” “68 truckloads of wood delivered to 34 families by the Woodchucks,” “150 families assisted financially,” “Free Clothing Closet: open at a church for two days a week for eight months,” “Community lunches and warming spaces provided to people at local churches and town halls; winter, four days a week and all year, one day a week,” “Connecting people to local food through the Fresh Food Project — 1,750 vouchers used at the local Farmers Market,” “Set for Success backpacks and school supplies for 400 students,” “FISH transportation provided 139 rides,” “Holiday programs: toys and Christmas trees through many local organizations.”

And in the November 14 issue on page three is a picture of the pastor of the Boothbay Harbor Methodist Church presenting a check for $520 to Community Navigator. The money was raised at a Harvest Supper at the church.

Except for the Methodist Church’s supper proceeds, no actual dollar amounts are given for the BRCR’s help to local people. And, of course, there is no way of putting a dollar amount on the many hours of volunteers’ service.

It is hard to avoid making the comparison: $27 million for a golf course and its clubhouse, compared to a year of financial and other help to local folks by volunteers and donors.

Lincoln Furber
Southport