Bluegrass fest to benefit ailing Crystal man

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For 12 years, Brooks Skinner of Crystal has been struggling with a rare bone marrow disorder known as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, a disease that causes chronic destruction of red blood cells.

While no matches for Skinner have been found through bone marrow drives, life recently became better, thanks to a new drug.

His mother, Caroline Skinner, said there has been a remarkable change in her 30-year-old son since he has been able to take Soliris, a drug the Food and Drug Administration recently approved for PNH patients.

“This has really improved his quality of life,” she said.

That is good news for all who know and love Brooks Skinner, because they’re planning a Bluegrass Music Benefit for him at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at the Oakfield Community Center.

The lineup for the concert is a bluegrass lover’s delight, and Caroline Skinner “just can’t believe these people … are donating their time to come and do this” for her son.

In fact, she added, there is probably “no better place to be,” this weekend, if you love bluegrass music.

Featured performers include The Muellers, a family bluegrass band that just returned from performing in Missouri; The Beecher Boys & Girls Hillbilly Band; The Adrians; Borderline Bluegrass; and Original Condition.

Admission is by donation, and all proceeds will help with the expenses incurred by Brooks’ continuing treatment, treatment that “will be part of his life for the rest of his life,” his mother said.

A beans and steamed hot dog concession stand will be available, and the benefit will include door prizes and a raffle.

The Skinner family is very grateful for the support and encouragement they have received during Brooks’ long struggle to live with this rare disease, and they thank you for your care and concern.

The Saturday Night in Dover-Foxcroft 2007 Concert Series begins with Ianna at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at Center Theatre, 20 East Main St.

Ianna is a six-member group that explores the “the heritage and rhythms of West Africa using authentic African instruments,” according to a program release.

Advance tickets are $15, tickets at the door are $17, and season tickets are $108.

Individual show tickets can be purchased at Mr. Paperback stores in Dover-Foxcroft and Dexter, and at Hudson Avenue Florists in Guilford.

Season tickets are available at the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce or Center Theatre.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for each production. The program benefits Center Theatre and Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce.

According to co-chair Russ Page, the quality of the programs and the low cost of the tickets are mainly thanks to the generous sponsorship of several local businesses.

For a complete schedule, visit centertheatre.org and click on Saturday Night in Dover-Foxcroft Series.

The Maine Community College System has announced it is seeking players and sponsors for the 15th annual Governor’s Challenge Cup Golf Tournament beginning with a shotgun start at noon Monday, July 30, at Augusta Country Club.

The $110 per-player fee for the four-member scramble includes greens fee, cart, a dinner buffet, soft drinks and a gift.

Proceeds benefit MCCS initiatives including scholarships for students who attend Maine’s seven community colleges.

Sponsorships include a $500 corporate sponsorship, a $200 hole sponsorship, or a $100 cart sponsorship.

To register, become a sponsor, or receive more information, contact Marcia Schools at 629-4000 or e-mail mschools@mccs.me.edu.

Webster’s New World Dictionary has eight definitions for the word “steward,” and it is the final one that, to me, epitomizes the remarkably substantial life and times of Charles Bragg II, who died Tuesday at 96.

Charlie Bragg was, truly, “a person morally responsible for the careful use of money, time, talent, or other resources, especially with respect to the principles or needs of a community or group.”

We were certainly fortunate to have had the dedicated stewardship of Charlie Bragg for so many years, and we are grateful to him for passing those values and ideals along to the members of his family who are following in his footsteps.

I consider it an honor and privilege to have served on some of the community boards Charlie Bragg headed, and will always be grateful to him for his graciousness, his leadership, and his commitment to our community.

To the Bragg family, I extend my deepest condolences on the loss of our devoted steward.

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