An often-repeated question from Boothbay selectmen during the Feb. 14  meeting pertained to local nonprofits. The question: “Why are you asking more from Boothbay than from Boothbay Harbor?” These questions were directed at Veggies to Table, a Newcastle-based organization which provides fresh flowers and produce to families in need throughout Lincoln County, Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library and Boothbay Region Health Center. Only Patty Seybold, representing the health center, was prepared to answer.

Seybold is the center’s former treasurer and current Grants Committee chairman. “The reason why we ask more from Boothbay is we’re trying to bring Boothbay Harbor up. We’ve succeeded in raising them from $2,500 to $5,000. This year, we’re asking for $7,500, and eventually I’d like to see them become pretty equal,” she said. “There are more Boothbay residents using services, but Boothbay Harbor should still pay more.” 

This is Veggies to Table’s first year seeking funding. The group asked for $1,500. Selectmen wondered why there were no documented requests from Boothbay Harbor or Southport. Anna Tracht represented the organization, which has provided fresh flowers and produce to several peninsula locations. One location is the community refrigerator at the Boothbay town office. Others are Boothbay Region YMCA and Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library. Tract responded not seeking funding from other local towns was an oversight. 

Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library is seeking $74,360 from Boothbay which is up about 4%.

Executive Director Joanna Breen said, “The board is asking a 4% increase from both towns this year.”

On Friday, Breen said, “We asked Boothbay Harbor for less this year; it was due to the fact that the board approved a request for a 4% increase on what each town gave us last year, and Boothbay Harbor gave us less.”

Selectman Dale Harmon looked over the request and supported placing it on the warrant. “In the grand scheme of things, I think this is pretty reasonable,” he said. “And now I know you have a chess club, you might be seeing me there more often.”

Chess club is one of the many programs sponsored by BHML. Breen explained the library is one of the few place providing intergenerational contact on the peninsula. Besides chess club, there is an afterschool program, Grandparents Club and Homeschool Connection program. Other services provided are a book delivery program and joint events with civic organizations such as Veggies to Table and local fire departments. “We had Touch a Fire Truck or Ambulance Day,” Breen said. “The library is a very busy place. All the services are free, and we are very conservative with our dollars. We do a lot with a little.”

Selectmen requested all non-profit groups seeking increased or first-time funding discuss their requests during a board meeting prior to the board’s finalizing of the warrant.

Boothbay Region Health Center tried to fill a gap created over a decade ago when St. Andrews Hospital closed. In 2022 and 2023, the center requested and received $10,000. In 2024, the center requested $12,500. Seybold described the “community as still underserved,” but the health center provides an option for those seeking preventative and primary care. “Many have not seen a doctor in nearly five years. Many patients are not in good shape,” she said. Seybold reported the health center receives nearly $300,000 in grants and donations which helps in funding the nearly $100,000 per year in non-received payments. 

The health center has three physicians and is trying to replace a vacant position. Seybold said additional funding would help fill the vacancy. “The health center is at the lowest number of staff we’ve ever had. The board is nervous about hiring a new doctor due to a long credentialing period of about 90 days,” she said.

Seybold also told selectmen about a five-year old Alzheimer’s disease research program conducted at the clinic. The center has 60 patients enrolled in research designed to reverse Alzheimer’s symptoms. The program is using social engagement, volunteer work, finding purpose in your life, listening to music and dancing as therapy. “Dr. (Chip) Teal is using the work of  (Dr.) Dale Bredesen at UCLA through reversing the effects through lifestyle changes. LincolnHealth is now referring patients with possible Alzheimer’s symptoms to our study,” she said.

Harmon told Seybold he was impressed with the research project.

Boothbay Region Ambulance Service requested $499,904 which is up from $469,054 (6.8%) from 2023. BRAS Board Chairman Robbie Ham explained about 90% of the increase comes from labor. In recent years, the service has offered better pay and benefits. Selectman Chuck Cunningham pointed out 2025 salaries increased by about $4,000 while benefits increased by over $27,000.

“With the staffing shortage, it’s increasingly difficult to find people to come down the peninsula. At first, pay was the focus. Now it’s benefits, as we now offer dental and vision,” Chief Dan Gardner said. The chief also explained products like an IV catheter pre-COVID cost $1.50 and is now $4. “As much as we don’t want to see the increases, that is the sign of the times so it’s probably unavoidable,” Harmon said. Ham also reported revenues would likely increase this year. The service is negotiating with insurance companies Anthem and Blue Cross which will likely result in better reimbursement payments.

The Community Center requested $8,000 which is $1,000 more than in 2023. Gerry Homer is the center’s new board president. The Community Center is part of Boothbay Health and Wellness Center. He described the center as providing an important service in maintaining community health. “Since 2013, U.S. health is in decline compared to the rest of the developed world. Life expectancy is declining,” he said. “Social isolation is a factor impacting older people.”

The center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Guests enjoy coffee, social contact, board games self-improvement classes and field trips. “We’ve operated at a loss for most of our history,” Homer said. “We relied on cash donations in our earlier years. We have adopted a balanced budget which has a focus on increased fundraising.”

Homer reported the 2024 fundraising goal is $22,500. “It’s an aggressive goal, but we think an attainable one,” he said. The Community Center also began providing 911 emergency reflective signs. “This is for every home on the peninsula. We recently got a big lift from the McEvoy Foundation and local first responders. You may be seeing those highly reflective signs on every street of the peninsula,” he said. Boothbay residents accounted for 43% of all Community Center guests in 2023, according to Homer.

This is the first year Boothbay Lights has requested funding. Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce is seeking $4,000 for the winter event. Boothbay Lights is organized by volunteers and chamber staff. It runs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve serving as an economic winter stimulus. 

“This brings thousands of  people from all over to celebrate the wonder of the season in our special community. We want to help all businesses during Boothbay Lights, not just members. We want to continue and foster a sense of community,” said Marketing Coordinator Kjirsten Flores. “This is not just a seasonal celebration, its a crucial contributor to the local economy.”

She listed several Boothbay Lights events: North Pole Express, Gingerbread Spectacular, Pot Buoy Tree Celebration and Lighted Fire Truck Parade. 

Selectmen will finalize the 2024 warrant during the next meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28 in the conference room.