Hi folks,

You have probably heard of the team of six from Sally’s memos. We have been meeting every Tuesday morning since mid-March- the beginning of Covid. I call us the gang of six as it sounds more exotic. Four of us from the gang (Judy Bauman, Mary, Phil and I ) have volunteered at least once a week and occasionally twice, and I thought it might be useful for you to know, from our individual points of view, what it has been like. I should also say that there has been a number of additional volunteers who have served as consistently as the gang members have.

The gang has met so consistently every Tuesday morning because operational and major physical changes have been made to protect everyone— guests and volunteers alike. Changes are still being made. An expansion of outdoor activity will continue even in the colder weather. (More about that later) Ventilation and air filtration changes are being made. And, of course, as we move inside, because of social distancing, the number of guests will be reduced quite substantially. There have been so many changes I can’t remember them all. You would have to see them. But when Judy, Mary and Phil report to you, as they will, they will report further on what is being done, as well as on their own individual experiences and impressions.

Personally, being at TGP during the summer has been a distinct pleasure. Before we opened in July, I had some concerns, and I think most volunteers and guests did, but very quickly we realized this was going to work fine. Most of us volunteering have been outside because that is where mostly the guests sit, except to use computers. We follow CDC guidelines closely, and Mary is in touch with CDC often. We have been absolutely amazed at the responsibilities that the guests seem to take during these Covid times. Not once have I had any pushback from any guest about masks or social distancing. We locate all chairs on marks on the ground which are a minimum of 6 feet apart. We have a plentiful supply of masks which we make available to guests who may have forgotten theirs. Every guest has been careful about masking except that we exempt masks while they are seated to drink coffee or smoking in the smoking area. There is an occasional lapse in mask use due to simple forgetting, but when we remind the person involved, the compliance is immediate and pleasant.

There have been no arguments, no fights, no obstreperous behavior, nothing but pleasure. Guests and volunteers tend to sit together and chat. There’s been a number of new guests, who seem to appreciate the availability of The Gathering Place. When we began on July 1, we usually had 8 or 10 guests in the morning. We have since gone to 2 full days a week and will soon go to 3 days. The numbers have since increased to a total of about 35 one day last week, usually no more than 7 or 8 at any one time. We register each guest by name and telephone number before they sit down or enter the building so that we can do contact tracing, should that become necessary.

There have been relatively few guests using the indoors as they tend to prefer to be outside. As things get colder, we are sure that will change, and we are making provisions for heated outdoor space where people can drink their coffee. We are doing that because we will require complete masks at all times indoors, and no coffee drinking, except outside. We received a generous grant for a very large awning, on the right as you approach the door to The Gathering Place, which rolls up electrically so it can be protected during nighttime or storms. We are planning outdoor heating elements under the awning which will provide for comfort except on the coldest of days. Because of Covid, we began to orient activities outside, and with the large awning and outdoor heating, we hope we can continue outside seating on fair days all winter.

Altogether, the summer has been a real pleasure and I’m inclined to think that that will continue. Guests seem to feel a greater sense of responsibility and a greater tendency for cooperation than they did prior to Covid. It has been really gratifying to see.

Whether you choose to volunteer this fall and winter is, of course, entirely up to you and your circumstances. The number of days we are able to open as the season advances will be determined by the number of volunteers. We are fortunate to have some new volunteers, very competent ones you will enjoy getting to know, including: Frank Maucier, Kathy Hirst, Dana Cary, and Ken Spidle. Also, many regular volunteers have served this summer, including: Ken Darby, Nancy Chandler, Bob Lord, Mary O’Brien, Jo-an Jacobus, Lisa Green, Judy Bauman, Les Hodgdon, Marcia King, Annie Rose, and Denise Deschaies.  There has been a regular crew of supervisors all summer as well in addition to those in the gang of 6, including Colt Hitchcock, Patsy Oehl, and Madeleine Msall, Ann Lindner who is a new supervisor. Beulah Tobey and Bob Lord will be returning to their Wednesday shifts next week.

When Covid first hit in March, none of us could foresee what the future held. The reality has been wonderfully fulfilling— and easy, as well, thanks to everybody. Will it continue in the same way? I have given up predicting anything these days.

Best to each one of you,

Chick Carroll

|August 28, 2020|

By JUDY BAUMAN-

With heavy hearts The Gathering Place (TGP) temporarily closed on March 17, 2020 due to COVID-19, honoring local and state requests to help prevent the spread of the virus. Closing meant our 70 plus guests per day would not have a place to gather to access resource information, use computers, charge personal phones, use the TGP phone, or pickup their mail. Talking with friends, playing a game of cards, working on a jigsaw puzzle or word puzzle could no longer be an everyday occurrence with the closing of TGP, the day drop-in shelter in downtown Brunswick.

Often, the word shelter is associated with homelessness, but not all our guests who visit TGP are homeless. Many have housing but live alone and welcome the opportunity to socialize, enjoy a cup of coffee and become involved in an ongoing activity such as craft making or a monthly birthday celebration.

From the day of closure, TGP Staff kept in close contact with other Community Resources including the Tedford Shelter, Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program and Oasis Free Clinics to see how our guests could continue to be assisted with the basic needs of shelter, food and medical care. By posting hours, pick-up at the door was arranged to obtain mail, sleeping bags and personal items.

Early in the closure, “The Team of 6” was formed, consisting of Staff and Board Members/Volunteers to develop a plan for re-opening on a date unknown. The Team first focused on how social distancing could be obtained and maintained. Diagrams were drawn to configure the 6-foot distancing of both indoor and outdoor space. Plans were made for obtaining Plexiglas, masks, and sanitizing supplies.

With TGP Board approval, our doors opened for Monday and Thursday mornings on June 18, with the wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and guests of the uppermost importance. Signage was posted indicating the ways of entering and exiting; correct social distancing was marked inside and outside, and masks and hand sanitizer was readily available at the entrance and throughout the building. By then Plexiglas was in place dividing computer space, chairs were properly distanced, bathroom faucets had been changed to touch-free operation and window fans were in place for adequate ventilation.

No matter the amount of time dedicated to reopening, the realization was that TGP would not look the same as before closing, and we would only be open for two mornings a week. However, our ongoing mission is to always to welcome our guests, which would not be changed by COVID. No doubt in the minds of staff and volunteers, there were smiles behind all the masks as guests thanked us for re-opening for them.Advertisement

Overall attendance remained low initially in comparison to our previous census, but as word traveled more guests began to arrive. Some asked if coffee might be made available. With further board approval, a plan was made to serve beverages. A designated outdoor area was mapped out allowing for seating and maintaining proper social distancing when masks were removed to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of ice cold water.

It was noted that we weren’t seeing some of our usual guests. Would it be helpful to remain open into the afternoon, making it more advantageous for those needing transportation or traveling from a distance to have more time at TGP? Our volunteers readily agreed to help with the extended open hours, and our doors are now open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays. Our daily census increased, especially during mid-day.

We have been fortunate to have had good weather during our reopening, and our guests have spent more time outdoors than indoors, but what happens when seasonal changes occur? More guests will seek the comfort of daytime shelter, and the indoor square footage with proper COVID guidelines will not accommodate everyone. We will not have enough available space for mask removal to sip coffee.

The challenges of challenging times! Our Team of 6 will be going back to the drawing board to see how we can continue to provide a safe, welcoming and comfortable space in downtown Brunswick for our guests, while being mindful of the guidelines brought about by COVID-19.

Judy Bauman is The Gathering Place’s board president and volunteer. Giving Voice is a weekly collaboration among four local non-profit service agencies to share information and stories about their work in the community.