Garden of Quilts to bloom at Pembroke church

The biennial St. John Quilt Show, “A Garden of Quilts,” is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church along the banks of the Pennamaquan River in Pembroke.

According to information provided by Gail Menzel, this year’s show at the historic 1855 church is dedicated to Rita Barr of Pembroke, who was an early organizer of the event.

A former Maine Teacher of the Year, Barr was a founding member of the Ironworks Quilters and has for years introduced not only adults but also young children to the art and history of quilting.

Admission is $3 to view quilts that will be displayed everywhere inside St. John church, founded by Irish immigrants 150 years ago and which remains today essentially unchanged.

Bonnie Hunter is chairing the show that includes quilts of all shapes and sizes from wall hangings to king-size bedcovers.

Quilts will be on the walls, draped over pews and hanging from the choir loft, thanks to the diligent work of committee members Monica Goodwin, Sharon Lund, Donna Jamieson, Bertie Jamieson, Marie Orrell, Helen Sexton, Fran Mulcahy, Sybil Estes and Lisa Peters.

However, Menzel wrote, “their work wouldn’t be possible without the help of Ron Sexton, Phil Sexton, Paul Thompson” and the other “men on ladders who scale the heights to hang the quilts.”

Drinks and sweets will be available, door prizes will be awarded every hour and demonstrations will be offered on paper piecing. There will be a Quilter’s Corner, and you will also find books and quilting supplies for sale.

Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite quilt with first-, second- and third-place winners awarded People’s Choice ribbons.

Proceeds from two quilt raffles will also benefit the church and Pembroke Historical Society.

Tonight at 7:30, it’s the first Faculty Chamber Concert of the SummerKeys Mary Potterton Memorial Concert series at Lubec Congregational Christian Church.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted for the Piano Tuning Fund, and transportation from Eastport via the Concert Boat (for which there is a charge) can be arranged by calling 853-2500.

The concert features SummerKeys faculty members Anna Maria Baeza, clarinet; Gregory Biss, piano; Winslow Browning, guitar; Biana Cvetkovic, cello; Caroline Medford, violin and Suzanne Gilchrest, flute.

Marilyn Somers of Patten wrote that the Sherman Alumni Association will host its annual banquet Saturday, Sept. 3, and informational letters have been mailed to members.

However, she added, planners do not have addresses for several people, and they are hoping our readers can help.

SAA is seeking information about Glenice Thomas, Elfreda Drake, Queenie Hayes Bragg, Erma Farley, Elaine Jacobs, Eugene Bragdon, Betty Spinney, Carroll Stubbs and Althea Sullivan.

Also among “the missing” are Ella Lewis Bates, James Stubbs, Sharon Goodall Hill, Clifford Folsom, Frank Duffy, Frank DeWitt and Donald Distant.

Readers who have information about these SAA alums are asked to write Mrs. Elgah Merry, Apt. 8, 181 North St., Sherman 04776.

Soon-to-be-newlyweds Nick Raymond and Kim Stowell of Hampden wrote to thank everyone who supported and encouraged them in what they considered “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” when they participated in the TV contest, “Today Throws a Hometown Wedding Series.”

And, although they lost the contest, the couple wrote, they considered it “an amazing experience” and note that “we really haven’t lost anything, because we still have each other.”

They sincerely thank you for your support “throughout this process,” and especially thank “an anonymous little boy who approached us with a precious gift, which is already up on our bookshelf.”

They also appreciated the effort of those who made the Friday morning trip from “near and far” to West Market Square in Bangor “to show support for us” when the contest results were announced.

The young couple also thanks representatives of the media for encouraging people to vote for them and for telling their story, and thanks individuals and business owners who donated items for their wedding.

“Last but certainly not least,” they extend their thanks to “the city of Bangor for the hospitality shown on Friday morning.

“Again, thanks to all for your support last week. It was greatly appreciated, and it really makes us proud to wear our red T-shirts representing the great State of Maine.”

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