Date: 12/30/2021

Winter Harbor has been Nancy Townsend’s summer home for 70 years. She first came with her parents on an overnight trip from Philadelphia with her brother and sister. She hiked, swam, fished, sailed, played with her cousins, and generally learned how to get along in a more rural setting. To Nancy, “home” was different; the air smelled pine-y, the trees grew more gnarly, the salt water stingy and delicious. Nancy explains why she loves summers in Maine and why she is supporting the Building on a Promise campaign.

Q: What do you appreciate most about Maine in the summer?

A: Playing tennis, sailing, foraging for food, tackling lobsters, cooking with family, tennis, and bridge. I enjoy sharing summer weeks with my far-flung family and seeing how the grandchildren have grown. Most particularly I enjoy seeing how we all age differently and yet the same, and how their family stories are like or dissimilar to mine.

Q: Why is it important to have good local healthcare nearby?

A: My family and friends have aged, so we need good medical care close. Most Winter Harbor full time residents make their living from the sea; fishing can be dangerous, and these older fishermen need the assurance that good medical care is close by when hurt.

Q: Why are you supporting the Building on a Promise campaign?

A: Helping with the campaign is not like painting a house, buying a new dress, or re-roofing your home. Most people think little of helping a hospital. After all, who will see the difference anyway? Yet when they need medical care or a grandchild is seriously hurt, that is when you realize it’s importance.