Bangor Museum, Center for History seeks volunteers

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With the recent announcement of the wondrous “rebirth” of the Bangor Historical Society as The Bangor Museum and Center for History – under new and dynamic leadership that, I hope, will ensure that the marvelous history of the Queen City is forever protected and available – comes word from board president Beth Bohnet that your help in making that possible is urgently needed.

A volunteer informational meeting is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Thomas A. Hill House on Union Street.

“We are encouraging anyone who has an interest in volunteering, or anyone who already is a volunteer, to join us that morning,” Bohnet said.

A presentation by Sally Bates will inform you of the results of the board’s long-range strategic planning process, which includes a vision, mission statement, strategic objectives and action plans.

“We have spent the last year, with the board of directors, working with new board members, and working really hard on a funded, long-range strategic plan, and we are hitting the ground running,” Bohnet said. “At the volunteer meeting, we will also talk about volunteering in general, and the many, varied, specific opportunities at the Bangor Museum and Center for History.”

Bohnet said the board is planning several major events, such as its opening exhibit on Saturday, June 1.

“Ruffles, Patriots and Parasols” features Bangor’s history told through costumes acquired from The Quipus collection.

“We are going to do some work on the outside of the building to make it look more attractive” and several other events are planned as well, Bohnet explained.

“But what we really want is to get volunteers out. We want to be able to lure people back into the museum,” and the organization is especially eager to enlarge its volunteer base.

There are any number of ways people can help, Bohnet said.

“We have lots of tours, for example, such as the Best of Bangor bus tour, walking tours, and tours of Mount Hope Cemetery, so we need people who want to be tour guides.

“We’re interested in people who want to work in the museum and, frankly, we could use just about anybody, with any talent, who wants to volunteer at the museum. We would like a whole variety of volunteers and we have lots of opportunities,” she said. “We need clerical people working in the office, for example.”

At Saturday’s meeting, board members will speak of “volunteering in general, and then we’ll offer additional, specific training, based on what people sign up for, at a later date,” Bohnet said.

The whole thrust of this meeting, she emphasized, is to “let the whole area know just how energized the new board is, and the extent of our plans. People have been hearing about this, and this new board, which is just an amazing group of people.”

Bohnet leads a board she describes as “very enthusiastic, and going forward on a number of fronts,” one of which is hiring a new executive director.

“We’re doing so much” Bohnet said, “that we’re looking at this meeting as an opportunity for people to come back into the museum and be part of it.”

If you can attend, please do.

If you cannot, but want to know more or offer your services as a volunteer, call 942-5766.

On behalf of Rape Response Services, executive director Kathy Walker invites the public to join that organization in its fourth annual “Take A Stand Against Sexual Assault.”

Three “Stands” will be conducted, all beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, in our area.

You can participate in the “Stand” in Cascade Park on State Street in Bangor, on the lawn of the Congregational church in Dover-Foxcroft or at the bandstand in the center of Millinocket.

RRS provides support for people in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties who have been affected by rape, incest, childhood sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

Participation in the “Stands” indicates your support for victims and survivors of sexual assault, and helps inform the communities of Penobscot and Piscataquis counties that you believe in zero tolerance for rape, incest, harassment and child sexual abuse.

Teal ribbons and wooden nickels will be distributed at each one-hour “Stand,” and refreshments will be served. You are invited to speak if you wish.

If you have questions about any of these events, call 941-2980.

The public is invited to attend a baked bean and casserole supper set for 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at St. Joseph’s Parish, 531 North Main St. in Brewer.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children and $15 per family. Tickets will be sold at the door the night of the supper.

The event benefits the church’s Father Ron Schmit Good Samaritan Fund, which assists people in need.

Final plans are being made for the Greater Bangor-Brewer area March of Dimes WalkAmerica Fundraiser that begins with registration at 8 a.m. and the walk at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 28, at the Brewer Auditorium.

A 6-mile route includes downtown Bangor and a 3-mile route includes Brewer only.

Committee members Bridgett Lindsy, Drew Sachs and Paula Pierce promise prizes, food and fun await all who participate and, if you have not registered, you can do so by calling 989-3307.

Funds raised support the work of researchers, outreach workers, educators and advocates who are involved in helping prevent birth defects and premature births.

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