Bath Subaru 'Shares the Love' with Woolwich Historical Society

PHIL DI VECE News Contributor
Mon, 12/17/2018 - 7:15am
From left are Bruce, Jane and Maria McElman, Debbie Locke and Richard McElman, Jr. They are shown holding last year’s simulated check to the Woolwich Historical Society. The donation amount for this year will not be known until the promotion ends Jan. 2. PHIL DI VECE/Wiscasset Newspaper
One of the original 1968 Subaru, 2-cylinder coupes can be seen in the newly renovated Bath Subaru showroom on Route 1, Woolwich. PHIL DI VECE/Wiscasset Newspaper

    For the second year in a row, Woolwich Historical Society will benefit from Bath Subaru’s “Share the Love” campaign.

    Bruce McElman, owner and manager of the family-owned dealership at 116 Main St., Woolwich, made the announcement last week. He said 95 percent of his customers picked the Society as their preferred recipient. With every new Subaru bought or leased through Jan. 2, Subaru will donate $250; the program got under way this year Nov. 15.

    Over the last 10 years, the “Share the Love" event Subaru of America and its participating retailers sponsor has donated more than $118 million to charities including Meals on Wheels, the Make A Wish Foundation, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Park Foundation and Maine Cancer Foundation.

    McElman said his sales staff makes customers aware of the different charity options. He said it was gratifying to see his customers again pick a local nonprofit. Past recipients have included Patten Free Library serving Bath, Woolwich, Arrowsic, Georgetown and West Bath, and Bath Area Senior Citizens.

    “We're extremely honored and so grateful to Bath Subaru and the community,” said Woolwich Historical Society President Debbie Locke.

    The Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Woolwich through events, membership and education. The museum on Nequasset Road next door to the municipal building also serves as a resource for genealogical research and historical inquiries.

    In a newsletter to members, Locke said last year’s “Share the Love” donations funded new siding and interior repairs to the museum. Over the past year, the society also bought a display case for the town office.

    Locke wrote one of the museum’s major needs is to get the shed attached to the historic farmhouse on a more stable foundation.

    Other Society board members are Jason Shaw, Tammy Given, Collette Coombs, Sherry Goodkowsky, Amy Hennin, Allison Hepler, Todd McPhee, Barbara Richards, Rebecca Roche, Vince Shatto and Jan Stephen.

    Bath Subaru has been a family affair since it opened in Woolwich Nov. 1, 1973. McElman noted the building just underwent an extensive remodeling inside and out, completed in time to celebrate the McElmans' 45th year in business.

    Most Popular