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OUR STORY

A vision rooted in compassion, community, and the belief that no one should walk through life alone.

Located in Damariscotta, Maine, Inn Along the Way was created as a place where hospitality and care meet—where older adults, caregivers, and community members can find connection, purpose, and respite. Through shared experiences, meaningful relationships, and a growing vision for community living, we are helping reimagine aging and end-of-life with dignity, belonging, and care.

MEET THE TEAM
AT THE FARM
CONTRIBUTE

A Vision Rooted in Community

Inn Along the Way began with a simple but powerful idea: that community has the ability to sustain us through every stage of life. The founders imagined a place where people navigating aging, transition, caregiving, loss, or simply the need for rest could find companionship, reflection, and renewal—a place where hospitality is an act of care and everyone is welcomed exactly as they are. From that vision grew Inn Along the Way — a place grounded in dignity, connection, and belonging. The concept for Inn Along the Way had been quietly taking shape for many years — inspired by the belief that our deepest purpose often lies where compassion meets the needs of others.

A community where the experiences of aging and end-of-life are reimagined through connection, care, and shared humanity.

THE BEGINNING

The vision was never simply to create an inn. It was to create a community where independence and interdependence could exist together. A place where people could both give and receive care, where companionship was valued, and where meaningful connection remained central to daily life.

JOIN US
Our Vision

A community where the experiences of aging and end-of-life are reimagined through connection, care, and shared humanity.

A PLACE FOR REST, RENEWAL & CONNECTION.
Our mission

We provide connection, purpose, and respite for older adults and caregivers through a supportive and compassionate community.

Located on 31 acres of rolling fields at the end of Main Street in Damariscotta, the former dairy and poultry farm sits in the heart of Midcoast Maine, just one hour north of Portland. For nine generations, the Chapman family cared for this land, creating a legacy deeply rooted in community, stewardship,
and a strong sense of place.

AT THE FARM

A Place with History

Long before Inn Along the Way became a place for rest, renewal, and connection, Chapman Farm was home to generations of the Chapman family.

When the family considered the future of the property, they chose a path that honored those values. As family member John Gallagher shared:

“David Chapman had the opportunity to sell the property many times in the past for much greater sums, but David thought of his community as his home and could not see any outside commercial enterprise improving his community by developing his land. The family felt that Inn Along the Way would better this community, and that is what David and Madeline would have wanted were they still here.”

In 2013, a group of friends and colleagues began meeting to imagine a different future for aging—one where older adults could find connection, purpose, and belonging within a supportive community. Inspired by the hospitality offered to travelers along life’s journey, they called their vision Inn Along the Way.

When Chapman Farm was purchased in 2015, that vision found its home.

Since then, the farm has become a gathering place for workshops,
meetings, shared meals, celebrations, and meaningful conversations. It has welcomed people seeking respite, connection, and community. Following the restoration of the farmhouse in 2022, Inn Along the Way began welcoming overnight guests, creating even more opportunities for people to experience the comfort and care that define this special place.

Today, Chapman Farm remains at the heart of Inn Along the Way—a place where people come together, build relationships, and discover that they do not have to walk life’s journey alone.

EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
HOST AN EVENT AT THE FARM

The Vision Continues

While the farmhouse may have been the beginning, the vision extends far beyond a single building.

Inn Along the Way was created to address the isolation and loneliness that many older adults and caregivers experience and replace it with something more meaningful: connection, purpose, support, and belonging.

Over the years, the campus has continued to grow as spaces have been thoughtfully added to support that vision.

SUPPORT THE VISION

Rendering of a future Respite Cottage at Inn Along the Way

LOOKING AHEAD

The story of Chapman Farm is still being written.

With each new garden bed planted, each gathering hosted, each volunteer welcomed, and each future project realized, Inn Along the Way moves closer to its vision of creating a place where older adults and caregivers can find connection, purpose, respite, and belonging.

Respite Cottages
(Coming Soon)

Currently in development, the respite cottages will provide short-term accommodations for caregivers and their loved ones navigating illness, caregiving responsibilities, or end- of-life journeys. These cottages will offer a peaceful place for rest, support, and renewal during some of life’s most challenging seasons.

The Pocket Neighborhood
(Future Vision)

Looking ahead, Inn Along the Way envisions a pocket neighborhood of environmentally conscious small homes designed for older adults. Currently in the planning stages, this neighborhood will provide long-term housing on a sliding-scale basis and foster a culture of interdependence, where residents share their gifts, talents, and wisdom in support of one another.

CONTRIBUTE

MEET THE TEAM

SHERRY FLINT

Co-Founder &
Executive Director

MEET SHERRY
DEB TALACKO

Administrative & Respite Coordinator

MEET DEB
SUSANNAH CROLIUS

Engagement &
Arts Coordinator

MEET SUSANNAH

Staff

BOARD MEMBERS

PAM WYLIE

Board President

MEET PAM
ERIN BLOMQUIST

Vice President

MEET ERIN
CORY ETHRIDGE

Treasurer

MEET CORY
MARYANN LOOK

Secretary

MEET MARYANN
SHARON ABAIR

Board Member

MEET SHARON
BETTY ALLEN

Board Member

MEET ELIZABETH
JOHN
GALLAGHER

Board Member

MEET JOHN
LUCAS MINER

Board Member

MEET LUCAS
MARIANNE PINKHAM

Board Member

MEET MARIANNE
JAMES PUCKETTE

Board Member

MEET JAMES
ANNE RUNDLE

Board Member

MEET ANNE

INN ALONG THE WAY COMMITTEES

  • Barn Yard Sale
  • Building & Grounds
  • Communication
  • Endowment
  • Finance
  • Friends of Inn Along the Way
  • Garden
  • Hospitality
  • Landscape
  • Lunch with the Bunch
  • Office & Administrative
  • Open Mic
  • Volunteer
JIM HUSH

Finance Commitee Chair

MEET JIM
TRACY VERNEY

Barn Sales Manager,
Board Member Emeritus

MEET TRACY
VOLUNTEER

For more information about joining a committee, call 207-682-0118 or email:

INFO@INNALONGTHEWAY.ORG

EMERITUS FRIENDS

  • Cynthia Hasty
  • Jan John
  • Betsey & Tim Norland
  • Anne Ogden
  • Mike Stevens
  • Laurie Worth

Find Your Place Along the Way

Inn Along the Way receives Community Service Award

Inn Along the Way received the 2025 Community Service Award from the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce, recognizing its commitment to strengthening the local community through service, generosity, and volunteerism.The award celebrates the collective efforts of Inn Along the Way’s staff, volunteers, supporters, and community partners, whose time, talents, and dedication help bring its mission to life. To learn more about our mission, click here.

BUILT BY MANY HANDS

While the vision began with one idea, Inn Along the Way has always been shaped by many people, many hands, and many hearts.

Volunteers, neighbors, supporters, and local organizations have contributed thousands of hours helping to restore buildings, cultivate gardens, host guests, and bring programming to life. Their generosity and dedication are the heartbeat of the project.

This collective effort reflects the very spirit of the community Inn Along the Way hopes to nurture — one where individuals remain independent, yet connected through shared purpose and care.

VOLUNTEER
CONTRIBUTE
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SHERRY FLINT
Co-Founder &
Executive Director

Sherry Flint is the founder of Inn Along the Way and has dedicated much of her life to building community-centered initiatives that support individuals through life’s transitions.

Her vision for Inn Along the Way grew from a deep belief that people are meant to care for one another—not only in times of need, but as part of everyday life. She continues to guide the organization with a focus on compassion, dignity, and connection.

Sherry lives in Midcoast Maine and finds inspiration in the land, the people, and the shared experiences that bring community to life.

DEB TALACKO
Administrative & Respite Coordinator

Deb Talacko is an end-of-life doula and retired hospice nurse whose work centers on compassion, presence, and care.

Outside of the Inn, she enjoys time with family, creative work in fiber arts, and cheering on her granddaughter at softball games. She also serves her community as a board member for the Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit and as President of the Maine Fiber Frolic.

SUSANNAH CROLIUS
Engagement & Arts Coordinator

Susannah Crolius brings a lifelong calling to gather people and help them explore and share their deeper stories.

Her work has taken many forms—as an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ for 25 years, through hospice and grief work, refugee resettlement, and as the founder of art + soul, a community exploring the intersection of spirituality and creative practice.

Since moving to Maine in 2025, Susannah has become an integral part of Inn Along the Way’s community life. When she’s not at the Inn, she can be found in her studio creating found-object art or walking along the beach with her dog, Lucy.

PAM WYLIE
Board President

Pam Wylie spent nearly thirty years in the Boston area working in the construction industry, specializing in large-scale capital projects including the YWCA, the New England Home for Veterans, and numerous affordable housing initiatives.

Her work has long been rooted in building spaces that serve people and strengthen communities. That same commitment carries into her role at Inn Along the Way, where she supports a mission centered on connection, dignity, and care.

Pam also volunteers with the local library’s Second Hand Bookstore and enjoys staying engaged in her community.

ERIN BLOMQUIST
Vice President

Erin Blomquist is a fifth generation Damariscotta area resident living in Bristol. She works at First National Bank in Damariscotta, currently in the Fraud and Compliance team. Erin has volunteered and served on several boards and non-profits from a young age. She is a graduate of Lincoln Academy and Smith College, holding a BA in Psychology. Erin says she is happy to bring her talents and enthusiasm to Inn Along the Way “as we develop this wonderful community space and resource.

CORY ETHRIDGE
Treasurer

Cory Ethridge holds an MBA from NYU and specializes in nonprofit financial management, accounting, and operations.

She brings a thoughtful and strategic approach to financial stewardship, helping ensure that organizations like Inn Along the Way can grow sustainably while staying true to their mission.

MARYANN LOOK
Secretary

Maryann Look is a retired production planner, purchasing and warehouse manager, and business analyst.

She brings a strong background in operations and organization, along with a thoughtful, steady presence that supports the continued growth of Inn Along the Way.

SHARON ABAIR
Board Member

Sharon Abair is a retired teacher who remains deeply engaged in her community. She co-facilitates a bereavement group, serves as a Deacon at North Nobleboro Baptist Church, and is an active member of local conservation organizations.

She brings compassion, steadiness, and a deep understanding of community care to her role at Inn Along the Way.

ELIZABETH ALLEN
Board Member

Elizabeth Allen is a retired geologist with an A.B. from Mount Holyoke College, a Ph.D. from the University of Delaware, and over 40 years of experience in both industry and academia. She has served as a professor at Mount Holyoke College and the University of Maine.

Elizabeth continues to lend her expertise through service on both nonprofit and corporate boards, bringing insight, perspective, and leadership to her work with Inn Along the Way.

JOHN GALLAGHER
Board Member

John Gallagher is a retired high school teacher and deputy sheriff who has also served as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for over 47 years.

His lifelong commitment to service reflects a deep dedication to caring for others—something he continues through his involvement with Inn Along the Way.

LUCAS MINER
Board Member

Lucas has developed a wide range of skills over the years, including auto mechanics and small engine repair, welding and fabrication, landscaping, paving, carpentry, plumbing, heating, electrical work, and botany. He has received training through EMS, Fire, and FEMA and serves as a volunteer EMT with the Town of Whitefield. Lucas enjoys working directly with his community and has dedicated his life to helping others, always seeking common ground and opportunities to make a positive difference.

MARIANNE PINKHAM
Board Member

Marianne Pinkham is a dedicated advocate for older adults, working through local and state organizations focused on aging and community development.

Her work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that individuals remain connected, supported, and valued throughout all stages of life.

JAMES PUCKETTE
Board Member

James Puckette is a general practice attorney specializing in family law, estate planning, and probate matters.

His work centers on guiding individuals and families through important life decisions, bringing clarity and care to complex moments—values that align closely with the mission of Inn Along the Way.

ANNE RUNDLE
Board Member

Is a public health nurse of 30 years, having most recently worked for the Maine Department of Public Health. Anne grew up enjoying summers in New Harbor, and she and husband Pete moved there permanently in 2022.  Anne has served on the Board since 2022 and most recently was the Executive Director of the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce. Now retired, when not at the Inn, Anne can be found in her garden, swimming at Pemaquid Beach or subbing at the Nurses office at Lincoln Academy.
Anne Rundle, MS, RN

JIM HUSH
Finance Commitee Chair

Jim brings more than four decades of public and private international security leadership experience to his work.

He has served on numerous boards, including the Atlanta Metropolitan Area Red Cross, Kennesaw State University Foundation, and the Atlanta Police Foundation, and co-chaired the U.S. Secretary of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council.

Now splitting time between Georgia and Maine with his wife, Jim remains committed to community service and supporting organizations like Inn Along the Way.

TRACY VERNEY
Barn Sales Manager,
Board Member Emeritus

Born and raised locally, Tracy Verney has always had a deep sense of connection to her community.

Her volunteer work spans decades and includes service with the local ambulance, hospice programs, and spiritual care initiatives at Lincoln Hospital. She has been recognized with the State of Maine Hospice Volunteer Award and the Inn Along the Way Volunteer Award.

Since joining the Board in 2013, Tracy has played a vital role in strengthening community engagement and supporting fundraising efforts. She is especially passionate about bringing people together and building meaningful relationships.

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