Bangor library seeks donations for art restoration

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Labor Day weekend often brings not only visitors but former residents “back home,” which provides an excellent opportunity to let everyone know that our wonderful Bangor Public Library could use your support, for a very special cause.

Elizabeth Stevens, who is doing historical research for the library, wrote to remind readers that the library’s Art Restoration Project continues to need funding, and she hopes you will consider a contribution.

In May, an article in The Weekly described the sad condition of much of the BPL art collection.

Dirt, old varnish and other impurities, the article explained, could “sink into and permanently become part of the paint film and could never be removed.”

The library secured a Maine Community Foundation grant to help restore the paintings, but that only funded cleaning 15 paintings and 18 remain in need of repair.

Depending on the painting, restoration costs range from $120 to $1,700.

“The library appreciates everyone who has given of their time and money to ensure the preservation of the community’s art,” Stevens wrote.

“We recognize the generous spirit of organizations like the Bangor Mechanics Association whose members supported the restoration of our portrait of Jeremiah Hardy painted by none other than his daughter, Annie, herself a gifted artist.”

Stevens wrote the Antique Study Group “rescued Annie Hardy’s ‘Violets’ from oblivion with their donation,” and how much everyone involved with this project appreciates every donation, large and small.

She also singled out the effort of an “unsung hero,” Joseph Morse, who works at an area hospital but managed to donate up to 100 hours to finish “the massive frames of the Veazie portraits, in gold leaf.”

The works of internationally-renowned artist Waldo Pierce also need restoration.

Stevens wants you to know that “his legacy is in jeopardy,” and strongly suggests that “we not take this legacy for granted.”

Stevens hopes many people will “come to the library and enjoy their art,” which she describes as a “treasure that depends on their care and commitment to stand the test of time.”

Every single dollar counts, and no donation is too small to make a difference.

Contributions of any amount can be sent to Bangor Public Library, Art Restoration Fund, Attn: Elizabeth Stevens, 145 Harlow St., Bangor 04401.

If you have questions or wish to book an art tour, Stevens invites you to call her at the library, 947-8336, ext. 103.

And she most sincerely thanks you, in advance, for your commitment to this project.

Are you headed to southern Maine next weekend?

Do you have unused items that could help physically challenged people throughout the world?

Bob’s Discount Furniture is hosting a “Wheels for the World” program 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at 333 Clarks Pond Parkway in South Portland near the Maine Mall.

Donations of unused wheelchairs, walkers, canes and crutches, to be refurbished and distributed to those in need, are requested.

For more information about Wheels for the World, visit joniandfriends.org or call the New England regional coordinator, (508) 653-3743.

If you have questions about this event, call Bob’s at 523-1100.

Suzanne Wagner of Maine Kids-Kin, formerly known as Family Connections, has scheduled three fall training events for grandfamilies.

The first is a Legal Information Round Table 4:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Families and Children Together, 304 Hancock St. in Bangor. You must register by Friday, Sept. 8.

A pizza dinner will be served, and child care is available on site by request.

The meeting will focus on what you need to know about the law as it relates to guardianship, adoption, child protective proceedings or finding good legal services.

An online “E” conversation for grandfamilies is open any time between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, and Thursday, Oct. 5, at www.mainecenteronaging.org/moodle.

Topics to be discussed with Grandfamilies, professionals and officials from around Maine can include the availability of local resources for Grandfamilies, policies and policy changes that affect them, and how Grandfamilies can make changes in the system.

A school law round table is 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at Child Care Connections, 136 Route 1 in Scarborough. You must register by Monday, Oct. 2.

Here, you may ask attorneys questions about school registration, discipline and special education, and learn about the law, school systems and advocating for your children.

For more information about these events, call Wagner at 941-2347 or e-mail her at swagner@mainekids-kin.org.

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