New BMHI centennial book celebrates patients

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Those who know their Bangor history, and their horticulture, know of Hepatica Hill.

Those who don’t will come to know it by reading “The Soul of Hepatica Hill.”

The Centennial Book Project is a compilation of creative writing and artwork of patients who were treated at Bangor Mental Health Institute, which sits on top of a hill once known for the flower that grew there: hepatica.

“The oldest poem in the book was written in 1905,” said Francis Pratt, a teacher in the BMHI Learning Center.

He suggested the idea of a Centennial Book Project to celebrate the 100-year history of BMHI, which opened in 1901.

Publishing the book was made possible, Pratt said, by a donation from an anonymous family, a grant from the Maine Community Foundation and a donation from the Rindy Hayne Mental Health Fund administered by MCF.

The book is dedicated to “Charlie,” a member of that anonymous family who was a patient at BMHI.

The introduction and forward explains “a little bit” of the history of BMHI, Pratt said.

The book contains material not only on patients who “have been there over the years,” he said, “but of recent patients as well.”

Understandably, it took a lot of groundwork on the part of those putting the book together to get the necessary permission to publish such work, but it has been well worth the effort, Pratt said.

The “cost” of the book is actually what you wish it to be, Pratt explained.

“We want people to make a minimum $15 donation to a local organization such as Spruce Run or Manna Ministries,” Pratt said of programs and nonprofits in our area that provide emergency food or shelter, or services for those affected by domestic violence, HIV and AIDS.

“We have a list of about 25 agencies and services we would like to see the donation go to,” Pratt said.

To order the book and make a donation to an agency, call the BMHI Learning Center at 941-4230, or write Francis Pratt, BMHI Learning Center, P.O. Box 926, Bangor 04402-0926.

For this particular centennial project, Pratt said, “we wanted a different kind of book.”

Rather than focusing on the facility itself – its bricks and mortar – the book focus on its human element: those who were patients there.

“Local Artists for Hope” is a two-part concert featuring area musicians raising funds for the United Way of Eastern Maine and the September 11th Fund.

The first “Local Artists for Hope” concert is 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer.

This concert, which will appeal to families, features bands ranging from rock ‘n’ roll to country and oldies.

Refreshments donated by area businesses and restaurants will be available.

The evening’s concert is adult-oriented, and is from 6 to 11 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, at the same site.

Dancing is encouraged, and a cash bar will be available.

Tickets for both concerts are available at the door.

Admission is $5 for adults age 21 and older, and $3 for youth.

All proceeds benefit UWEM and the September 11th Fund.

Participating bands include John Williams & Mitch Geel, Scott Wright & The Maine-ly Country Band, John Tercyak, RiverTown (formerly known as Entity) and DAKOTA.

Other bands taking part are England Bros., with special guest Mark “Guitar” Miller, Euphoria, ThunderHead and Serious Fund.

The results of the second annual “Race to End Domestic Abuse” the first Saturday in October at Beech Hill Farm in Bar Harbor are quite impressive.

Approximately 60 individuals and their supporters participated in the 5K race and family walk, raising $3,200 to help The Next Step serve the needs of people in Hancock County affected by domestic abuse.

Top fund-raising honors went to Jessie Davis, who collected $314.50.

Jeremy Cline won the men’s division with a time of 17:05, and Emily Farley placed first in the women’s division with a time of 19:37.

The first walker to complete the course was Tammy Crawford in 30:50.

The Next Step provided support and assistance to more than 500 individuals this year.

On behalf of the agency and those it serves, The Next Step staff members extend their thanks to community members for providing their time, hard work and much-needed aid.

If you would like to make a donation to The Next Step, or learn what volunteer opportunities are available, call 667-0176.

The Next Step maintains a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential crisis line at 667-4606 or (800) 315-5579.

The Pine Tree Society for Handicapped Children and Adults again is offering Maine holiday greeting cards.

This year’s cards feature the work of two noted American watercolorists.

The Carlton Plummer card depicts Dover-Foxcroft after an overnight blizzard.

Joy Shott’s work is of a lobster boat docked on Round Pound.

Cards may be ordered on the Society’s Web site at www.pinetreesociety.org, or by calling 443-3341.

Founded in 1936, the Pine Tree Society began offering holiday cards in 1969 and since then they have become a major source of revenue for the nonprofit organization that provides direct service programs, statewide, to people with disabilities.

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