Gina Caldwell, Harpswell’s recreation director and community services coordinator, resigned effective Friday, Nov. 8, after more than 16 years working for the town.
As recreation director, Caldwell organized youth sports leagues and supported concerts at the Harpswell Bandstand by the Sea, among other activities. As community services coordinator, she connected residents with resources by reviewing applications for heating assistance and working with local organizations such as Harpswell Aging at Home.
“She is always willing to assist anybody who comes in here,” Select Board Chair Kevin Johnson said at a board meeting on Nov. 6. The board presented Caldwell with flowers.
Deputy Town Administrator Terri Gaudet praised Caldwell for stepping up during the coronavirus pandemic, taking on new communication responsibilities when her department’s activities were shut down.
Lili Ott, co-chair of Harpswell Aging at Home’s Steering Committee, said everyone at the organization who worked with Caldwell is “very sad to see her leave.”
Ott said that Caldwell helped Harpswell Aging at Home organize programs for older adults as the town’s recreation director. When the town added community services to her position in 2022, Caldwell took on answering the phone for Harpswell Aging at Home. “She did it all with good humor and kindness,” Ott said.
Caldwell said in an email that she first got involved with local recreation programs as a volunteer basketball coach when her daughter was in kindergarten.
“Growing up in Harpswell and working here for most of my adult life has been an honor and a privilege,” she wrote. “Harpswell is a special community.”
Without giving specifics, she said she is “moving on to a new adventure and looking forward to the challenges that will bring.”
“Some of the kids that were in the programs when I started out are now enrolling their own kids!” Caldwell said. “I feel like things have come full circle and it’s time for someone else to take the lead and experience the joy this career has to offer.”
Recreation Coordinators Kayla Matthews and Tom Mahoney will split Caldwell’s responsibilities while the town seeks her replacement. Gaudet estimated that it will take about three months to fill the position.
