People usually have busy schedules over Memorial Day weekend, which is why members of the Brewer Historical Society and its president, Brian Higgins, hope as many of you as possible will include a very special event on your Memorial Day schedule.

Higgins reported that the North to Freedom statue will be dedicated at 2 p.m. Monday, May 27, at Chamberlain Freedom Park on the corner of Main and State streets in Brewer.

Maine Attorney General G. Stephen Rowe is the keynote speaker for the event, which will feature the statue commissioned by the historical society and created by Houlton sculptors Glenn and Diane Hines.

The statue had its unveiling at an event that launched Black History Month in February at Eastern Maine Technical College in Bangor.

Dick Campbell of Orrington, who worked on the project, explained at the time that the statue is to serve as a tribute to those who traveled to freedom on the Underground Railroad; to the abolitionist movement; and to Maine’s role in the Underground Railroad.

The statue depicts a runaway slave, looking back toward the south, and leaning to the north as he hoists himself out of an underground tunnel to freedom.

The statue will be erected over a shaft at the park where the John Holyoke House once stood and which, according to local legend, was one of 130 possible stations of the Underground Railroad.

Higgins said the statue “is a fantastic piece,” and he hopes the event, which will feature state and local dignitaries, will be well-attended.

Higgins quotes Gov. Angus King, who attended the unveiling, as saying, “It’s one of the most stunning sculptures I’ve ever seen in my whole life, anywhere. It’s very powerful. It’s very emotional, and the statue is just breathtaking. It’s a great example of local leadership that will bind us to our past in a way that is very beneficial.”

With Chamberlain Freedom Park located on a busy corner, Higgins reported that local business owners have been “very generous” in allowing visitors to park at their facilities.

“They’ve been very helpful with the parking,” Higgins said of those associated with Whitcomb’s Garage and the Irving station near the park.

“In fact, Irving has been a major donor and supporter of the park,” Higgins added.

One major hurdle to the completion of this project remains, however.

The Brewer Historical Society North to Freedom Statue Project Committee “still needs $5,000 to complete paying for the installation of the statue,” Higgins said, “and any donations are very welcome.”

Donations may be made by sending a check to North to Freedom Statue Fund, 880 N. Main St., Brewer 04412.

More information about this event, or this project, can be obtained by calling Higgins at 478-5021.

As we approach Memorial Day, it is appropriate to congratulate three men who were honored recently as the top volunteers from among 150 individuals recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs during National Volunteer Recognition Week.

Peter Kolman of Augusta received the Silver Bowl Honor Award and Pin for his 10,000 hours of volunteer work with the Library Service at Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center at Togus since January 1986.

Joseph Martin of Limestone, a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Disabled American Veterans, received the Outstanding Merit Award Plaque and Pin. Martin was honored for his 8,750 hours as a driver with the DAV Transportation program at Togus, and for having served as a volunteer at the Caribou vet center since July 1991.

Richard Cusick of Farmingdale, a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, has been a volunteer with the escort department at Togus since March 1983. He received the Dedicated Service Award Plaque and Pin for 7,500 hours of service to veterans.

The public is invited to attend a benefit spaghetti supper from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 24, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 207 York St., Bangor.

The supper will benefit the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Senior Companion Program.

Admission is $3 for seniors age 60 and over, $5 for other adults and $3 for young people age 12 and under.

It would be appreciated if you bought your tickets before the day of the event, and you can do so by calling either 581-3870 or 581-3326.

The Senior Companion program is made up of volunteers, age 60 and older, who offer up to 20 hours of service a week to elderly individuals who need extra assistance in order to be able to live, independently, in their own homes.

Last year, 96 Senior Companions volunteered more than 67,300 hours in 105 Maine communities, traveling more than 268,000 miles in our rural communities to help as many as 500 older adults.

For information about the Senior Companion program, either as one who could benefit from its services or as a volunteer, or to learn more about this and other fund-raisers, call Senior Companion Program Director Jane Harris-Bartley at 581-3326.

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