Robinson Ballet Company starts 3-year campaign

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New costumes, renewing and restoring existing costumes, a new Christmas tree and improving technical and lighting equipment for its much-loved annual production “The Nutcracker,” is the expected end-result of a three-year fund-raising campaign by the board of directors of Robinson Ballet Company.

The goal of “Color for Costumes” is to raise $10,000 each year of the campaign. It will be launched 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, in Center Court at Bangor Mall.

Coloring books, illustrated by Karin and Katherine Wilkes and based on characters and scenes from the ballet’s “Nutcracker” performances, will first be available at the campaign kickoff.

“The coloring books are free, and will be printed in black and white, ready to color,” Karin Wilkes explained. “We’re hoping to raise the money by corporate and individual sponsorships for the coloring book, and a pledge form located in the back of the coloring book.”

Campaign contributions also will be sought through the ballet’s annual fund letter to help keep this local treasure performing for young Maine audiences.

Each year, children who color the books will have the chance to win several prizes in varying age categories, ranging from the first prize of six tickets and an RBC backpack filled with goodies to a Corps de Ballet cocoa mug.

Since 1984, RBC has been performing “The Nutcracker” with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra.

Additionally, RBC takes its production on tour throughout eastern and northern Maine, conducts in-school “Nutcracker” programs, and collaborates with Maine Discovery Museum and BSO to offer the interactive exhibit “Nutcracker Neighborhood” at the museum in Bangor.

After the kickoff, coloring books will be available at the BSO office, sponsor locations Bangor Daily News, WEZQ, Bangor Mall, Friends of Robinson Ballet, Deighan Associates, Merrill Merchants, Hannaford Bros., Dr. Irwin Pasternak, River City Dance Center, the Bangor Public Library and Old Town-Orono YMCA.

Contributions to “Color for Costumes” can be made to Robinson Ballet, P.O. Box 1885, Bangor 04402-1885, or by calling campaign chair Caroline Travis-Tully at 945-3807.

Larry Charloux, comptroller of Dave Gould Ford in Ellsworth, called to report employees of that business have established a fund in memory of one of their own.

“The employees at Dave Gould Ford are suffering from the recent loss of our fellow co-worker and friend, ‘Mac’ McEldowney, and his son Christopher,” Charloux said.

Paul “Mac” McEldowney, 46, was killed Thursday, Oct. 28, when his car collided head-on with another vehicle in Searsport.

His 15-year-old son was hospitalized and died the next day from injuries suffered in the accident.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to Mac’s family during this difficult time, and share with them in such a tragic loss,” Charloux said. “He will be missed by all of us.”

McEldowney, an auto technician, had worked 10 years at Dave Gould Ford.

“We’ve set up a account at Union Trust to help this family,” Charloux said. “They’ve had a rough time.”

Donations may be made to the McEldowney Family Fund, Union Trust Co., Attention Cindy Pinkham, P.O. Box 479, Ellsworth 04605.

It’s being called a “Holiday Fair, with a Difference, and Afternoon Auction,” and the reason for the difference is that it’s being held on a Saturday rather than its traditional Thursday.

The Phillips Strickland House Holiday Fair is 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at PSH, 21 Boyd St. in Bangor.

Then, at 1:30 p.m., Executive Director Nelson Durgin will take up the gavel and call for your bids on several quality auction items donated by local merchants.

“Two local oil dealers have each donated 100 gallons of heating oil,” Durgin said. “And we have six sets of University of Maine hockey tickets, a Sunday brunch at Lucerne Inn,

gift certificates and a queen-size quilt made by a local

quilter” among other items.

The event also includes a seafood chowder luncheon and several new items for you to purchase at the fair.

All proceeds benefit Phillips Strickland House residents. More information may be obtained by calling Linda Nickerson at 941-2820.

A “Show and Sale by Designing Women” is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at Holiday Inn, Main Street in Bangor.

Admission is a $2 donation at the door for the show that features fine craft and art by select woman artisans.

All proceeds from admission donations will benefit the Mabel Wadsworth Women’s Health Center in Bangor, our state’s only independent women’s health center.

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