(As reported in the Bangor Daily News)

10 years ago – March 20, 1998

BANGOR – More than 20 years of trying to redevelop the old Waterworks soon may come to fruition. Officials confirmed that tentative plans call for Eastern Maine Healthcare to develop offices in the State Street landmark, obtaining the 125-year-old facility in a swap for its former lab building on Sylvan Road.

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NEWBURGH – NASCAR Winston Cup driver Ricky Craven won’t be racing anytime soon. Craven, currently 21st in the points standings, is suffering from post-concussion syndrome and will be sidelined for up to three months, according to Rick Blackburn, business manager for Ricky Craven Motorsports.

Charlotte, N.C., neurologist Dr. Jerry Petty said tests verified that Craven has a balance problem, but the prognosis for recovery and a return to racing is good.

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ORONO – The University of Maine’s Cindy Blodgett has earned awards on the hardwood for four years, but the latest honor notes her work in the classroom as well.

The 5-foot-9 senior guard from Clinton was named to the GTE Academic All-America women’s basketball team. She was named to the University Division first team. To be eligible for the teams, a player must be a varsity starter or key reserve and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Blodgett has compiled a 3.32 GPA in education.

25 years ago – March 20, 1983

BREWER – Cynthia Marie Faulkner of Brewer was selected to attend a Presidential Classroom for Young Americans program in Washington.

During her stay, Faulkner studied the three branches of government and the impact of special interest groups, the military and diplomatic community and the media on the government.

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BANGOR – Mrs. Rita Zoidis was the recipient of this year’s Honor Icon, presented to a member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in recognition of her many years of service to the society and the church. Paula Page and Father Vasilio Flionis made the presentation.

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BANGOR – Barbara G. McKernan was chosen Woman in Business Advocate of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. She was cited for her exemplary role model credentials as an entrepreneur and her extensive involvement with community projects and services.

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ORONO – Lasting friendship and a renewed appreciation for life are what two volunteers say they have gained from their work with a dying man.

“We set out to improve the quality of his life; I think mine is improved,” said Ella Waitt of Orono, a volunteer for COPES – Community of People Extending Support, a Bangor hospice program that started in April 1981.

“I think we will be friends forever now,” Waitt said of her partner, Rita Gallant, of Hampden. Last July the women became the first COPES hospice members to work with a patient.

The volunteers worked with a retired 83-year-old woodsman who had lived alone for a half-century.

50 years ago – March 20, 1958

BREWER – Miss Jacqueline Wood, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Wood of 95 Silk St., a senior at John Bapst High School, won a $1,500 scholarship and has the honor of being Maine’s Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow. Miss Wood’s father is on the composing room staff at The NEWS.

In addition to winning the scholarship, Miss Wood will leave April 14 to join girls who won in 47 other states for a trip to New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington and Washington. Each girl will have her expenses paid and those of a faculty member. Mrs. Thelma Vining will accompany Miss Wood.

Miss Wood is captain of the Bapst cheerleaders, co-editor of the school paper, a member of the French Club and a member of the school Sodality.

Her winning also brings to the school a beautiful set of encyclopedia.

Miss Wood plans to take a course in nursing after her graduation from Bapst in June.

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BANGOR – There was spring in the air for nearly 2,000 at the opening of the Bangor Sportsmen’s Show.

There is no recession apparent in the boat business – not with the reception and long looks accorded some 50 craft berthed at the Bangor Auditorium. The big building, transformed into a massive indoor-outdoor stage, was bright and trim for the first-nighters.

This spring assembly of men, women and young fry came early and from afar to this 20th consecutive production.

They saw some fancy shooting, log rolling, canoe tilting, singing, dancing and a delightful one-hour stage and tank-side performance.

The Rev. E. Charles Dartnell, quick with a song and a quip, kept the entertainment moving, and Mr. Music, Norm Lambert, filled the pine-scented air with his ever-enjoyable talents.

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BANGOR – Today, Burdell’s will open two new departments at its store at 91 Main St. One will cater to misses and junior half sizes, and the other to sub-teens – brand new departments for the sophisticated high and junior high girl who is extremely fashion conscious.

Attractive clothes need to be tried on in an attractive setting to achieve the full effect, and in both departments this has been achieved. A new type of incandescent and fluorescent light has been installed in the dress salons which show the true colors of the clothes. The walls are a soft candlelight pink with accents of turquoise and gray.

Tables have white mosaic tops and modernist white chairs further carry out the decor. Here, one may sit and ponder the proper selections for her wardrobe while sales girls bring forth various high-style items.

100 years ago – March 20, 1908

BANGOR – A meeting of the new Sewing Circle with No Surrender Lodge 330, Good Templars, was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Spencer, 96 Market St.

Although the day was stormy, 17 were present at the meeting. Among the number was Mrs. Mary S. Titcomb, who was 88 years old last November. Mrs. Titcomb is the mother of Mrs. Spencer, the hostess.

It was voted to name the group the Purity Circle of the I.O.G.T.

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BANGOR – “Will they never stop coming?” asked a man Thursday afternoon as he stood in the lobby of The Nickel. It was storming heavily, yet a constant stream of patrons passed before the ticket window. They are not likely to stop while patrons are assured of solid comfort, sanitary excellence and 40 minutes of the brightest entertainment – all for the price of a car fare or a cigar.

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WEST WINTERPORT – The sheet and pillowcase ball enjoyed a good attendance. Excellent music was furnished by Cobb’s orchestra and a merry time was the natural result.

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CASTINE – The Ladies’ Alliance of the Unitarian church held their meeting at the home of Mrs. William Witherle. Several papers were prepared and read: Miss Mary Bills on the poet Lowell, Mrs. F.E. Lewis on Unitarian women, Carrie Perkins on Agassiz, Mrs. E.H. Carpenter on Hawthorne and Mrs. Will Hook on Channing.

Compiled by Ardeana Hamlin