Women go out on limb for community needs

loading...

Sometimes, it takes a willingness to go out on a limb to get something done. That appears to be the attitude shared by two women in two communities who are willing to be that lady on the limb.

June Thompson of East Millinocket is one of them. She’s responsible for the organization known as Willing Hands that works for specific local needs as they arise.

“At this time, our area is being hit very hard with the mill situation,” Thompson said of business factors affecting employment in that area.

Thompson is receiving many calls for help, and she’s getting Willing Hands up and running again to raise money for those adversely affected by the economy.

Willing Hands is sponsoring a benefit Thanksgiving supper for needy area families from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the DAV Building on Route 157 in Medway.

The DAV has offered Willing Hands free use of the building, and admission is by donation.

Those unable to attend but who want to help neighbors in need can contribute to the Willing Hands Fund at the East Mill Federal Credit Union, 60 Main St., East Millinocket 04430.

For more information about the work of Willing Hands, call Thompson at 746-3002.

Eunice Finley of Dover-Foxcroft is the other lady on a limb.

For 25 years, she has been coordinating a much-appreciated community event, “The Christmas Craft Fair,” which is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the SeDoMoCha Middle School in Dover-Foxcroft.

“Sixteen crafters, with high hopes, joined together in 1978 at the Congregational Chapel” for the very first fair, Finley reported.

This year, people eager to do their holiday shopping locally will find 100 crafters at what Finley describes as the biggest fair ever. Admission is still free, and attendees will be given numbered tickets for a chance to redeem $10 gift certificates to be used as cash at any crafter’s table.

Refreshments sold by members of the SeDoMoCha Student Council will benefit school improvement projects. The goal of Finley and her planning committee is to “treat the public with another successful kickoff for the holiday season.”

I am certain they will meet that goal!

Today is the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout celebration.

According to information provided by Peggy Markson, regional executive for communications for the ACS New England Division in Topsham, more than 80 percent of lung cancers in the United States are thought to result from smoking.

If you are ready to quit, you can receive tips on how to do that, receive up-to-date information on cessation methods and find contacts for local support resources by calling the ACS at (800) 227-2345 or visiting www.cancer.org.

My local pharmacist also informed me the Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine Bureau of Health has a medication voucher program that will pay for nicotine gum and the nicotine patch. People eligible for the vouchers are those who have no insurance or no benefits for nicotine replacement therapy.

If you think you might qualify for this free service, ask your pharmacist about it.

Brewer Middle School coordinator Rich Kimball reports that “it’s showtime in Brewer” as members of Brewer Youth Theatre present “Crazy for You.” Kimball said the big singing and dancing spectacular features the music of George and Ira Gershwin.

“Crazy for You” features the talents of Brewer High School students and Brewer Middle School pupils.

Showtimes are 7 tonight; Friday, Nov. 22; and Saturday Nov. 23, in the Brewer Middle School Auditorium, 7 Somerset St.

Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for student s and seniors.

I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Bob Brennan of Old Town, who died Thursday, Nov. 14, at the age of 77.

Our family first met the Bob and his late wife, Joan, in the early ’70s when they oversaw the day-to-day summertime operation of the Lucerne Beach Club.

Bob’s work there was as efficient and orderly as it was on the football field, where he was one of the most appreciated coaches in eastern Maine.

For young mothers watching over fast-growing children delighting in all manner of summertime activity from swimming to boating to basketball, Bob’s daily presence at the Beach Club helped us a great deal, especially when it came to keeping the kids in line!

Many a young man learned, early on, that you paid strict attention when he spoke, whether it was on the beach, in the water or on the field.

Coach Brennan left a lasting impression upon countless men and women who, today, are grateful he was there when they were growing up.

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