Public to view changes at Pembroke Library

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Taking her cue from one of my favorite children’s books, “The Ugly Duckling,” Linda Gralenski wrote “the Pembroke Library is about to undergo a metamorphosis from an ugly duckling, old building, to a graceful swan, cozy, neighborhood library.”

She was writing about the 1860s structure built by William Hobart that served as a private residence into the 1900s but in more recent years, housed the Pembroke Grange “and was the site of many suppers, dances, exhibits and other local attractions,” she added.

It was vacant for many years before being purchased and given to the Pembroke Library Association.

“Grants from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, the Libra Foundation and others has enabled the association to make needed repairs and stabilize the building,” Gralenski continued, “and a Community Block Development Grant will make possible the transformation into a local library.”

To celebrate the progress made by the library association, a “Before Party” is planned from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at the library in Pembroke.

The event includes tours of the structure, a preview of construction plans, a kids’ corner and the opportunity to meet and speak with six local authors.

Autographed copies of books by Abigail Walsh, Katherine McAlpine, Sarah Graves, Frank VanRiper, Sherry Christie, and Roland Botelho will be available for purchase.

Library association members will conduct tours and answer questions and, all that is requested to attend is a $5 donation from adults.

Children will be admitted free to enjoy the events planned for them; there will be a book swap and refreshments. Casual attire is suggested.

Fred Gralenski is president of the library association, serving with Secretary Joan Arbuthnot and Treasurer John Bloemendaal.

People arriving early for the 66th National Folk Festival can enjoy a Pancake Breakfast 7-10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at John Bapst Memorial High School on Broadway in Bangor.

Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children 6 and under.

Amanda Bost said proceeds benefit the 108 Boy Scouts from Eastern Maine who will attend the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Virginia in July 2005.

The meal features pancakes, sausage, blueberry sauce, juice and coffee.

Ann Carter of Charlotte writes that the 11th and final SummerKeys Mary Potterton Memorial Concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Lubec Congregational Christian Church, is not only a traditional one, but an additional one as well.

It’s the “traditional” one because it will be the final concert combination of cellist Peter Lewy and pianist and SummerKeys director Bruce Potterton. Potterton was the “original piano faculty” 11 years ago while Lewy is now completing his 10th summer with the concert, after joining Potterton in 1995.

It’s also an “additional” concert thanks to this year’s calendar, which features a “summer” the Wednesday before Labor Day, which for most of us is when summer officially ends.

Tickets for the Concert Boat from Eastport to Lubec are $12 in advance and $15 the night of the concert.

They may be reserved by calling 853-2500.

Tickets for the eighth annual Fall Festival Auction and Awards Night to benefit Rape Response Services are now available.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, at Jeff’s Catering on Coffin Avenue in Brewer.

Tickets are $8 each, two for $15 and $50 for a reserved table of eight.

Executive director Kathy Walker reports area businesses and individuals have donated many wonderful items for the live and silent auction.

Among the live auction items are “Joe Otter,” a small bronze artist’s proof numbered and signed by sculptor Forest Hart; an autographed copy of Barbara Delinsky’s “The Summer I Dared,” and a limited-edition matted and framed “Canoe Hullabaloo” print signed by artist Jan Owen.

Sue McKay returns as auctioneer for the event that is underwritten by Pine Tree Landfill of Hampden, the Bangor Daily News, Veazie Veterinary Clinic, Filene’s and many friends of Rape Response Services.

A list of auction items can be obtained at rrsdir@raperesponse

services.com and you may call 941-2980 for your tickets.

Rape Response Services assists people in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties affected by sexual violence.

I extend a hearty Maine welcome to everyone performing in, working for, volunteering and attending the 66th National Folk Festival this weekend along the Bangor waterfront.

My husband and I will be Safety Escort volunteers on opening night and we hope to see you there!

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