November 08, 2024
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Brewer plans barbecue for displaced millworkers

BREWER – A “no-cost, no-worries” community barbecue on Saturday seeks to accomplish two goals: bring displaced Eastern Fine Paper Co. millworkers together and thank everyone who helped the workers since they lost their jobs in January, said Brewer transitional team members.

Millworkers and helpers can gather for fellowship and a free barbecue between 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday, June 5, at Brewer Auditorium and Doyle Field.

“This is for the displaced workers, their families and those affected by the mill closing,” said team member Jen Brooks, who is also the Penquis Community Action Program economic development division manager. “The barbecue will provide an opportunity for the workers to get together and have a fun day with no worries, and they get to spend it with their former co-workers and their families.”

The transitional team is a partnership of city leaders, business personnel, representatives from local organizations and area lawmakers who formed to help displaced workers find new jobs and get additional training and services after Eastern Fine closed its doors in January.

There will be live music at the barbecue. Z107.3 will broadcast from the site between 1 and 3 p.m. Face painting, clowns and the University of Maine mascot, Bananas the Bear, will attend, along with U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud and representatives from the Brewer Fire Department.

Hannaford Supermarket in Brewer is providing most of the supplies for the barbecue, according to team members.

In the last week, Wal-Mart donated a $25 gift certificate which will be used to purchase hamburger, Manna Inc. verified it would provide hot dogs and some hamburger, and Job Corps agreed to help with the children’s activities and bring desserts provided by their culinary arts program.

“What we found from doing the workshops is that the millworkers missed seeing the workers they saw every day,” Brooks said. “This is a chance to give this to them.”


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