ROCKLAND — The upcoming dedication of the street leading to the Midcoast Habitat for Humanity’s Firefly Field homes will honor the late Emily Mecklenburg, “a beloved young doctor whose spirit has left a lasting mark on our community,” said Habitat, in a news release.

Together with her family and friends, Midcoast Habitat for Humanity (MHFH) will unveil the newly designated Emily’s Way on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The dedication of the street stands as a symbol of gratitude and remembrance, ensuring that Mecklenburg’s spirit of generosity will be honored and remembered for generations to come, said the release.

"We are deeply honored to dedicate this street to the memory of Emily Mecklenburg," said Tia Anderson, Executive Director of MHFH. "Her legacy will be woven into the fabric of these homes, this neighborhood, and our city, inspiring us to continue her hands-on work of caring for our neighbors and building community."

“Through her work as a hospitalist at Pen Bay Medical Center, Waldo County General Hospital, and Maine Medical Center during the pandemic, and her engagement in community activities, Emily exemplified the heart and soul of Midcoast Maine,” said the release. “She was keenly aware of the housing crisis that is challenging our region, and how it impacts us all in some way.”

As a lasting memorial, her family has established the Broad Reach Fund at MHFH to support housing creation in Rockland and beyond. The fund has been generously supported by many of Emily’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Donations may be made to the fund in her memory at https://midcoasthabitat.org/donation-form.

“Although Emily’s death in October was a heartwrenching loss, she was known for her persistence- pressing on through tough times with determination and a cheeky grin. I hold that inspiration close, and I know she would be very proud of Midcoast Habitat’s work that is being supported in her memory,” said Sarah Austin, former Rockland City Councilor.

The dedication ceremony will feature remarks from MHFH, Homeworthy, and Mecklenburg’s family, a ceremonial unveiling of the street sign, and flower planting. MHFH expects that the first stage of homebuilding at Firefly Field will be complete and deeded to Homeworthy late this year in preparation for providing homes for up to 30 of their clients. The second building phase of the project, to include three Habitat homes, will be completed by the end of 2025.