OTISFIELD — A move by a local church to help neighbors meet neighbors through a monthly luncheon has been so successful that organizers say they want to continue the program but have no space.
Close to 100 Otisfield multi-generation residents have participated in each of the three luncheons at the Community Hall on Route 121 since last August, but winter weather and a not-fully-insulated building caused organizers to rethink the location.
Elaine Doble-Verrill, a steering committee member, said the community coffee and social will be held at different churches throughout the town this winter. “This is necessary because the Community Hall isn’t fully insulated and it would be prohibitive to heat,” she said in a statement announcing the new locations and times.
Members of the East Otisfield Free Baptist Church partnered with members of the Otisfield community on a three-month free community lunch and social project to bring people together so that “neighbor could meet neighbor” and rekindle the sense of community that many say was once prevalent in town.
The program developed in response to a church assessment, and part of the Community Missional Learning Experience through the American Baptist Churches of America. It showed many people were dealing with socialization issues and a feeling of isolation, steering committee members said. The luncheons were intended particularly to target the elderly and shut-ins during the long winter months.
Doble-Verrill said the first winter coffee and social will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 18 at the Spurrs Corner Church on Route 121. Participants are encouraged to bring board games to share if they are interested. The lunch is free with donations accepted at the door.
On Feb. 15, the community lunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Hall on Route 121 because the building will be heated for the Winter Carnival that week.
On March 21, a coffee social will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the East Otisfield Free Baptist Church on Rayville Road.
The April 18 coffee social will be from 10 a.m. to noon at the Bolsters Mills United Methodist Church.
“These events are meant to help build a sense of community in our town as well as to lessen the sense of isolation that can happen in our rural town where there is no center,” Doble-Verrill said.
Because Otisfield does not have a recreation center, organizers are attempting to broaden the social time with outside activities such as field trips, sewing and crafts groups.
A sewing/craft group is forming, meeting the second and fourth Fridays of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. The first meeting will be on Jan. 13 at the Rayville Church. For information contact Cyndy Zils at 739-9470.
Doble-Verrill said senior citizens interested in field trips may be able to participate in the Casco Recreation Department field trips if seats are available. Casco Recreation Director Beth Latsey said Wednesday that the trips are for Casco and Naples residents but there are sometimes seats available. Otisfield people who want to attend should contact the Casco Recreation Department for more information.
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