Reflecting on Recent Events at Our Community: A Message from Our President

Hello everyone. It’s finally spring in Maine, and we who live here year-round are looking forward to the return of summer weather and of our neighbors, friends, and visitors who winter elsewhere. A lot has happened since our Fall 2023 newsletter came out.

In this blog post, we’ll reflect on both the challenges and positive developments that have shaped our community in recent months. From the impact of severe weather to exciting new hires, there is much to discuss.

Acknowledging Recent Challenges

I must start by acknowledging the two storms with devastatingly high tides that struck our community in January, seriously damaging or destroying fish houses, piers, homes, the bell house at the point, our beach, roads, and more.

Many were historic properties and venues that were dear to us all. Our heartfelt sympathies and support go out to all those who were directly impacted by this tragedy.

In this newsletter, you will find an article on some of the storm damage by colleague Bobby Ives with photos and more information.

The storms served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our coastal environment. They brought our community together to support those in need, showcasing the resilience that defines us as a collective. Residents rallied to offer assistance, demonstrating the strong bonds that unite us in times of adversity.

It’s crucial that we continue to step up for one another as we navigate the recovery process. The restoration efforts will take time, but with our shared commitment, we will emerge stronger.

Positive Developments on the Horizon

Amid the challenges, there have also been a lot of positives too. An important one is that we have recently hired our first staff, all of whom are part-time.

Violet Artemis Fletcher signed on with us as our winter caretaker at the end of October. While our History Center is not open to the public between Indigenous People’s Day and Memorial Day Weekend, our staff and volunteers continue to meet and work there.

Violet has been keeping the space clean and accessible throughout the winter. Along the way, she has taken on another role: editing and converting our speaker series to video. Thank you, Violet!

Staffing our organization is an important step in enhancing our community engagements. With dedicated individuals like Violet onboard, we are better equipped for both maintenance and educational outreach.

Additionally, we are grateful for the support provided by several generous donors, which made it possible for us to bring in Alison Brislin as our Collections Manager in January.

Taking over from our long-time outstanding Collections Manager, Chuck Rand, requires filling some big shoes, but Alison has jumped in with both feet!

Alison’s enthusiastic approach and expertise in collections management will help us preserve our community’s history and enhance our operations significantly.

Most recently, Michael Chaney started with us as our first Executive Director on March 1. This is a BIG DEAL for OBHS.

Michael brings decades of relevant experience, and he will be invaluable in providing leadership and helping us to build capacity as we grow into the community resource that we aspire to be. Welcome aboard, Michael!

The hiring of Michael marks a transformative moment for our organization. His leadership will undoubtedly empower our team, infusing new ideas and direction as we pursue greater opportunities for community engagement and support.

Embracing Growth and Collaboration

As we navigate through these transformative times, it’s essential to embrace growth not only within our organization but also throughout our community.

With new staff members coming onboard, we are looking forward to harnessing their skills and experiences to improve our services and outreach. These changes give us an opportunity to re-assess our goals and how we can best serve our community.

Collaboration will play a key role in our progress. We encourage everyone in our community to participate in dialogues about the future of our organization and how we can work together to achieve mutual goals.

Whether it’s through volunteerism, attending meetings, or simply sharing ideas, every voice matters. Together, we can create a welcoming environment that reflects the diverse needs of our community.

Looking Forward

As we welcome spring and prepare for summer, let’s also look forward to the future. The recent storms have shown us the importance of resilience, community spirit, and the willingness to support each other in times of need.

In addition to recovery, let’s focus on growth. With our new staff members and ongoing community support, we are positioned better than ever to expand our outreach and promote our historical mission.

In closing, I encourage all of you to stay engaged with our community initiatives. Keep an eye out for upcoming projects and events; your involvement can shape the future of our organization and the community at large.

Furthermore, let’s work together to ensure our community remains a vibrant and enriching place for both residents and visitors alike. We have the potential to create a lasting impact through our united efforts.

Thank you for your continued support, and here's to a hopeful and productive spring!

Note: For those interested in learning more about local history and ongoing efforts, please make sure to check back for future newsletters and announcements. Your involvement makes a difference!