Chamber gathering at WCC a family-like affair

Over 150 people joined Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce to mark Wiscasset Community Center’s 25th anniversary. The June 15 celebration had the feeling of a family reunion as friends gathered in the gymnasium, shared many fond memories and raised a toast to the community center’s continued success.   

Don Brewer, the center’s first director, summed up the atmosphere. “I can’t imagine this facility being the wonderful place it is today without having had such a dedicated staff over the years.” Brewer added construction of the community center would have never happened without those who volunteered their time to serve on its building committee, or without the support of the community as a whole. Robert “Bob” Pontau, Richard Grondin and Wayne Applebee, all members of the building committee, joined in the celebration. Applebee served as the center’s director following Brewer’s departure.

Others on hand included Scott Pontau of Wiscasset who worked alongside Brewer as his assistant in the center’s formative years and later served as recreation/community center director. Todd Souza and his wife Stacy were there as well. Souza took over as parks and recreation director in early 2003 when Applebee left and stayed on until 2017. After Souza announced his own departure to take a similar job in Scarborough, he was quoted in the Wiscasset Newspaper as saying Wiscasset Parks and Recreation staff were not co-workers to him, “I consider them family members.” That same feeling was shared over and over again throughout the evening.

Duane Goud, parks and rec director since 2019, opened the gathering with a welcoming address. He thanked the Chamber members, selectboard members past and present and the Wiscasset area community for its support over the years. Goud recognized longtime staff members Doris Gabriele and Bonnie Blagdon who supervise the reception desk and Kristy Lincoln, the After Schools Adventures director. Also honored were Lori Lapointe, the swimming pool’s longtime aquatics director who recently announced her retirement, and Robert “Bob” MacDonald, the center’s former facilities manager who recently retired. Ken Cooper of Wiscasset, a 44-year member of Wiscasset’s public works department, also now retired, was recognized for his years of dedication to the Wiscasset community.

The gathering also marked the 12th anniversary of the Chamber and served as its annual business meeting. Rev. Nancy Kennedy, acting president for Chewonki Foundation, chaired the business portion of the meeting. Kennedy, current chair of the chamber’s board of directors, nominated Gabrielle DiPerri of Wiscasset as the board’s newest member.

The Chamber’s 2023 “Lifetime Achievement Award,” presented by Cheryl “Shep” Rust, went to District 48 Rep. Holly Stover of Boothbay. Sheila Sawyer of Wiscasset was named the Chamber’s “Volunteer of the Year” for her work with Wiscasset High School’s Alumni Association, the Chamber and other community groups. Sumner Averill, the owner of Laid Back Lumber, was recognized with the Chamber’s “Growth & Development” award. Averill manufactures hundreds of wooden corn hole boards and builds Adirondack chairs and other wood products in the former Ames Supply building on Route 1, Wiscasset. This year’s award for “Community Impact” was fittingly presented to Wiscasset Community Center.

The Chamber meeting was organized by Sue Robson, Monique McRae, Sheila Sawyer, Jean Beattie Flynn, Sara Gross, Lana Allen and Pat Cloutier. They decorated the hallway leading into the gymnasium with dozens of commemorative photographs and dozens of colorful balloons. Jodie’s Café & Bakery, Route 1, Wiscasset donated desserts for the evening and Boogie2Shooz provided live music.

The Chamber’s next After Hours gathering will be hosted by Birch home furnishings on Main Street, Wiscasset on June 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Chamber began in 2011 to serve Wiscasset along with Alna, Dresden, Edgecomb, Westport Island and Woolwich. The Alive on the Common Thursday Night Concert Series will begin July 6 at 6 p.m. featuring Papa Tim’s & The Desperate Men. Pan Fried Steele will perform July 13. To learn more about upcoming Chamber activities, visit wiscassetchamber.com