From volunteering with his church to participating in Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce events to making sure folks are being safe on the water, Charlie McSorley is always there to pitch in wherever help is needed.

Shortly after moving to Old Saybrook in the early 90s, Charlie was approached about volunteering at the First Church of Christ in town.

“The first year we were here, the minster at the time was very active in getting new members involved in different committees. She grabbed me and said, ‘You should serve here’, and my wife said, ‘You should serve on this one’. We’ve been here ever since,” Charlie says with a laugh.

Charlie currently serves as the treasurer for the church in a volunteer position. Charlie is quick to point out that by volunteering at the church, the impact is felt all over the community.

“A lot of people don’t realize all the churches in the area reach out to local organizations to see how they can help give back to the community,” Charlie says.

The Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantry, Boy Scouts, and other local groups are all organizations assisted by the church.

“By helping the larger organization of the church, you’re also able to help the other smaller organizations, as well,” Charlie says.

However, the church is certainly not the only way Charlie in which is involved with the community in town.

“I’ve always been an active volunteer in the community. When I retired, I started a small health insurance agency and, through that, I became active with the Old Saybrook Chamber. And when you’re active with the chamber, you’re involved in a lot,” Charlie chuckles.

For example, if you find yourself making your way to downtown in Old Saybrook for the 27th annual Chili Fest, you’ll likely see Charlie. The event takes place on Saturday, March 2 from noon to 3 p.m.

Chili Fest is an annual tradition in Old Saybrook during which chefs compete for the title of “Best Chili“ by winning the public vote. Ballots cost $15 and are available for pickup at the Chamber of Commerce office at 1 Main Street and online on the chamber’s website. Money raised will support the chamber’s Wilfred Hunter Memorial Scholarship, which provides scholarships to high school seniors. The chili chefs that get the top votes get a donation made to a charity of their choice.

“I’ll be there manning a booth and taking tickets,” Charlie says.

It isn’t just Old Saybrook residents who know Charlie, either. Starting last month, Charlie was named acting harbormaster in Westbrook and has served for four summers as a member of that town’s Marine Patrol. While he has since sold his boat, Charlie has long been a fan of marine recreation, having sailed out of Old Saybrook, Westbrook, and Groton over the years.

“When we moved here, one of the things I told my kids is they’d get to take sailing lessons, which they did over at North Cove,” Charlie says.

As harbormaster, Charlie mainly works with the Harbor Commission to make sure buoys and markings are in the right spot, as well as managing the moorings in the town.

“We also try to work seamlessly with the Marine Patrol, which is easy because I’m on that,” Charlie jokes.

Charlie says the Marine Patrol works to make sure that everyone is following safety protocols, such as obeying no wake zones and speed limits.

“We have people out there on paddleboards and kayaks, and a big wave can knock someone off of a paddleboard or kayak. We need people to be aware of that, and we need people to also make sure they’re wearing flotation devices. We’re really just making sure people use common sense while they’re on the water,” Charlie says.

Asked about what inspired him to be active in his community, Charlie points to the feelings that come from doing good for others.

“Giving back to the community, working for organizations, giving back—I feel good about that,” Charlie says.

Charlie grew up in New York, but moved to Old Saybrook for a job in May of 1990.

“I liked the small hometown feel. It was a place where kids could play outside, the schools were good, and it had a friendly hometown feeling,” Charlie recalls.

Charlie was also a fan of the town’s proximity to water.

“There’s same cool things in the tidal waters, the marshes. There’s lots of cool things to see in the water around here,” Charlie says.

In his spare time, Charlie enjoys golfing, skiing, and spending time with his grandkids.