Belfast hospital invites public to view artworks

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Going to the hospital just for the fun of it might not have occurred to you as something you would want to do.

But, in this instance, you might consider doing just that.

The public is invited to view “Beautiful Walls,” a display of art- work of more than 30 local and well-known artists at Waldo County General Hospital from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the hospital on Northport Avenue in Belfast.

The event includes a tour of the newly expanded and renovated 100-year-old facility, and concludes with a reception, featuring some of the artists, in the hospital’s Education Center.

Community relations coordinator Sandra Gordon said the new environment “is beautiful. It doesn’t look like a sterile hospital anymore.”

Helping coordinate the project of creating an innovative and stimulating environment for everyone who spends time at WCGH was Belfast photographer Beth Anne Gordley, with Belfast artist Stew Henderson, who arranged and hung the work.

The artwork you will see is that of well-known and local artists, and includes original paintings in oil, pastel and watercolor; signed photographs; prints; pottery lamps; illustrated books and handcrafted tables.

Among the works on display for all to enjoy are three signed Jamie Wyeth prints, which are part of the hospital collection, and a donated print by Lincolnville artist Neil Welliver.

Also included in the exhibit are a number of prints by Ron Frontin of South Thomaston, who was commissioned to paint a life-size portrait of the late U.S. Sen. Margaret Chase Smith for the U.S. Capitol, and the official portrait of former Maine Gov. John McKernan.

You will also be able to see an oil painting of Belfast by Northport artist Linden Frederick.

If you do not have occasion to visit the hospital often, you might want to take advantage of this opportunity because some of the works are on loan and will be replaced periodically.

It’s always nice to hear from Maine author, humorist and educator Sandy Phippen, of Orono and Hancock, especially when he’s involved in a project to help others.

Phippen wrote that he is participating in one of two fund-raisers for the Hancock Historical Society.

He will be signing copies of his book, “The Sun Never Sets on Hancock Point,” and other works, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 28, at the Hancock Town Hall.

The second presentation features Ken Emerson, author of “Doo Dah! Stephen Foster and the Rise of American Pop Culture,” and a showing of the film based upon the book at 8 p.m. Monday, July 30, at Hancock Point Chapel.

Admission for this event is $10.

Book signings and historical societies seem to go together like peas and carrots this summer.

Valerie Felt McClead recently published “The Ena Dexter Chapman Photodocumentary of the Town of East Corinth, Maine Circa 1866-1968,” which will be on sale, and which McClead will sign, from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at the Corinth Historical Society, 306 Main St. in Corinth.

If you happen to be driving through Willimantic tomorrow, and wonder what’s going on, here’s the scoop.

The Annual Town-Wide Yard Sale, sponsored by the Civic Association, begins at 9 a.m. and ends when residents decide it is over on Saturday, July 28.

Throughout the day, you can purchase hot dogs, soda, chips and more at the Willimantic Town Hall.

Looking for entertainment for the family this weekend?

Why not plan to attend the Annual Old Time Farm Picnic beginning at noon Sunday, July 29, at Page Farm and Home Museum on the campus of the University of Maine in Orono. The museum is located near the Maine Center for the Arts.

The picnic runs through mid-afternoon, and promises to be lots of fun for everyone, with such wonderfully old-fashioned games as croquet, horseshoes and sack races.

You will enjoy hearing live music from the 1940s and earlier, touring the museum and one-room schoolhouse, and helping turn the crank to make ice cream.

And don’t forget to visit the gift shop.

Those who plan to attend are asked to bring a dish to share with others, their own eating utensils, and lawn chairs. The museum will furnish the lemonade and ice cream.

For more information about this fun, summer event, call Patricia Henner at 581-4100.

Here’s a search that is definitely a long shot, simply because of the age of the individual being sought.

Richard Bliemegger of Paulsboron, N.J., has written the NEWS to ask our help in “finding a Bangor resident from pre-World War II.”

Bliemegger explained that an “Air Force School” was located on Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia “that sent trainees to live with local families” around 1941-42.

One of the eight people who “were put up in my parents’ home for the duration of their duty tour,” Bliemegger wrote, was a young man named Elliot, who was, apparently, from Bangor.

However, Bliemegger can’t remember the man’s last name.

As I said, this is one long shot.

But, if Elliot is still around, or if anyone remembers who it is that Richard Bliemegger remembers, he asks that you write him at 1519 Paul Ave., Paulsboro, N.J. 08066.

Bliemegger wrote he would “most certainly appreciate hearing about Elliot.”

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.