06/06/2026
We couldn't be more proud of CHIP's very own dedicated volunteer crew, The Regulars, who were honored as recipients of the 2026 Governor's Awards for Service and Volunteerism!
From Volunteer Maine: Outstanding Volunteer Team:
This award recognizes a team of volunteers (family, employees, friends, club or association members) who committed significant time and effort to improving the life of individuals or the community through volunteer service. Fundraising is not considered a volunteer activity for the purpose of this award.
For over 20 years, a dedicated group of six volunteers known as “The Regulars” has quietly transformed lives across Lincoln County through their twice-weekly, year-round commitment to helping neighbors remain safe, warm, and dry in their homes. With a steady commitment to consistency, skill, and compassion, they provide essential home repairs for low-income residents in a county with aging housing stock, who would otherwise go without.
Since partnering with CHIP, Inc. in 2017, The Regulars have completed projects for more than 150 households, contributing an average of 50 hours per home. Their work includes building ramps and stairs, securing railings, replacing doors and windows, and restoring floors damaged by water and wear. They often take on challenging repairs in older or mobile homes—projects many contractors are unwilling to do—approaching each job with creativity, persistence, and care.
The impact of their work is deeply felt by those they serve. One Waldoboro resident, a 70-year-old man with severe arthritis, reached out when his handicap ramp became unsafe due to deterioration and instability. Within days, The Regulars assessed the situation and returned as a team, completing the repairs in just a few hours despite summer heat and difficult conditions. Reflecting on the experience, he shared that their generosity required no qualification or expectation – “just the love thy neighbor rule” – and left a lasting impression of kindness and community spirit.
Recipients of their kind acts consistently note not only the quality of the repairs, but the warmth and respect the team brings into their homes. One homeowner described the volunteers as “beyond nice, respectful, efficient, and knowledgeable,” while another recalled how their laughter and camaraderie helped ease the anxiety of accepting help.
Now with an average age of over 80, The Regulars continue to show up with remarkable dedication and energy. Their decades of experience, reliability, and generosity have made them an irreplaceable asset to CHIP and the broader community. Through their hands-on service and genuine care for others, The Regulars embody the spirit of volunteerism and serve as an inspiration across Maine.
