Dear Editor:

Too often in this day and age we hear of individuals not caring enough about their fellow man. The notion of giving back is all but forgotten by many, but not all. Giving back and caring for your fellow man is not forgotten in Boothbay Harbor.

Recently, we were hauling out our family recreational lobster traps as we prepared for the coming school year in Southern Maine. While tying up our boat to the pilings during high tide at Barrett’s Park, I noticed a familiar face in the distance closing in on our location. Mr. Robbie Begin, manager of Harbor Bait, came strolling up to us as we were offloading our nine traps. Robbie asked if I had a key to the swing gait and when I said no, he said, “Let me get someone to open the gate so you don’t have to carry the traps all the way up to the parking lot.” He said, “Why don’t you take your boat back and come over with your truck and pull down here with the trailer."

This was a very kind gesture in and of itself. However, after dropping my boat at home, two of my sons and I were driving to Barrett’s Park to get the traps. Low and behold, pulling up the road toward us was Robbie with our nine traps in the bed of his truck. I was speechless. Once I figured it out, I said “Robbie, why did you do that?” he replied “You’re supposed to give back, right?” I showed him where our camp is and he dropped off the traps.

Before he left I told him I was surprised at his gesture and he quickly replied “I wasn’t working today anyway, have a great day!” It is great to see that after my 44 years of being a part of the summer community, kindness is alive and well in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

Terry Gray

Cape Elizabeth