OTISFIELD — The Otisfield Social Outreach Committee will host a community cook-out Tuesday, July 17, at the Otisfield Community Hall. 

To this point the group’s events have been mid-morning/noon events. In an effort to allow more people to become involved, the committee is planning an evening event.

There will be barbecued burgers, hot dogs, chicken, salads, watermelon and ice cream. Beverages will also be provided. Two settings, to accommodate different work schedules, will take place at 5 and 6 p.m.

These events are free to residents but donations are accepted. To contribute by bringing a salad, call Ginny Noble, food coordinator, at 539-4027.

To volunteer some time and help with set-up, serving and/or breakdown, call Dave McVety at 539-4368 or Elaine Doble-Verrill at 539-4846. Anyone needing a ride should call Carol Trebilcock at 539-2579.

In August 2011, members of the East Otisfield Free Baptist Church, in partnership with members of the larger community, launched their first Otisfield Community Luncheon in effort for ‘neighbor to meet neighbor’ and to begin rebuilding a sense of community. The luncheons were designed to offer a free meal and a place for social gathering and connection.

The project, which initially was going to be a three-month trial, has been so successful in its mission that it continues.

More than 185 people have participated in one or more of the luncheons or coffee events. The Board of Selectman have supported the project and witnessed its mission in action, which helped lead them to move forward with the necessary renovations to make the Community Hall available to residents year round.

Out of the participants at these luncheons a group of 16 or more has been gathering on Wednesdays for sewing and craft work as another social networking opportunity.

The steering committee for the project has decided to become more formal in its intention, naming themselves the Otisfield Social Outreach Committee, and have been working to develop a mission statement under the leadership of Callie Zilinsky. Current committee members are Elaine Doble-Verrill, Frank Blauvelt, Gerda Eaton, Nancy Coombs, Ginny Noble, Dave McVety and Janet Douglas.

In this year’s community Fourth of July parade the grand marshalls were selected from this committee, donning the banner “Building Community.”

Many in the community have given freely in food donations to make this effort possible.