Event to celebrate heyday of Bright Horizons

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United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Maine “is closing one of our longstanding, preschool programs,” Tish Baron wrote of Bright Horizons, “which has been open for more than 30 years.”

But, she emphasized, the program that served children with special needs for more than three decades is not closing because of financial reasons.

Instead, it is closing “because more and more special needs children are getting referred into mainstream schools,” so there is no longer a “high demand” for the program.

In recognition of the end of the program, UCP of Maine is hosting a celebration for Bright Horizons Preschool 5-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20, in Suite 320 at 700 Mount Hope Ave. in Bangor.

“We are trying to locate all of the teachers and children who have attended this program in the past 30-plus years,” Baron said, hoping they will attend the celebration and enjoy hot dogs, ice cream and other refreshments as they reminisce about their days at Bright Horizons.

Since 1954, UCP has served people with disabilities, Baron wrote, and most of them were “under the age of 21.”

Baron hopes many former Bright Horizons teachers and students will want to participate in this celebration.

For more information, call her at 941-2952, ext. 206.

Not one, but two, Ellsworth Rotarians, Cynthia Shoppe and Jack Frost, wrote to make sure you know the Ellsworth Rotary Club’s 45th Pancake Breakfast is 7-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, in the parking lot of R.F. Jordan & Sons on Water Street in Ellsworth.

Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children under 12 for the rain or shine event where you dine under a large tent.

Proceeds benefit the club’s high school scholarship fund and other local charitable organizations, they wrote.

Club members estimate that more than 500 Ellsworth Rotarians have served up to a half-million blueberry pancakes to more than 68,000 diners over the years, and remind you that the meal comes complete with real Maine maple syrup.

Once again, you will dine while enjoying fine musical entertainment offered by conductor Michael Povich and the Fletcher’s Landing Philharmonic Orchestra.

Bob Thompson and Dave Belyea are co-chairmen of the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church’s annual chicken barbecue that starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at the church on the corner of Sweden and Prospect streets in Caribou.

Using a special, secret sauce handed down by a fellow church member, they cook 96 chicken halves at one time on a specially-constructed, 6-by-25-foot grill, Oscar Nelder wrote.

Held in conjunction with the annual Caribou Cares for Kids weekend, the meal of half a chicken, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, rolls, strawberry shortcake, coffee and beverages can be eaten there or taken out.

The cost of the full meal is $8 or, for $4, you can have half a chicken and a roll.

Proceeds benefit the operation of the church and its Youth Family Ministry.

Also, the Crown of Maine Quilters will offer a free display of works not seen before from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day in the church sanctuary.

Proceeds from the 22nd annual Mostly For Fun Trombone Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at Elm Street Congregational Church in Bucksport will benefit the church’s antique Hook Organ Fund, reports Don Blodgett of Orland.

Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for students. A reception follows the concert.

Soloists include conductor-composer-arranger Dr. Gordon Bowie, retired University of Maine music department member Fred Heath, Castine Town Band director Silas Yates, Bangor Symphony Orchestra principal trombone Jim Trembley and the Fredericton Brass of New Brunswick.

Gaynor Reynolds invites you to hear the Sweet Adelines Heart of Maine Chorus at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13, at ECOTAT Gardens on the corner of Annis Road and Route 2 in Hermon.

“You are invited to arrive early to enjoy the gardens,” she wrote, “but please bring a lawn chair and gather near Garden No. 50 for the concert.”

Plans are under way for an informal class reunion for Old Town High School Class of 1967.

The gathering is at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, on the deck of City Park Grille on Main Street.

Prospective attendees are asked to RSVP by calling Shirley Rand, 314-0511, “so the Grille can plan, adequately, for wait staff,” she wrote.

“This evening promises to be full of fun and sharing memories. Please join us. It’s been 40 years!”

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