Historic New England to Celebrate Sarah Orne Jewett’s Birthday

SOUTH BERWICK—
The annual celebration of Maine author Sarah Orne Jewett’s birthday will take place on Sunday, Sept. 12, from 4-6 p.m. at Historic New England’s Sarah Orne Jewett House. Besides selected readings from the author’s work and the ever popular parsnip cake, the event will feature the unveiling of multiple pieces of Jewett family furniture installed in the museum just in time for the birthday celebration.
“This year there is extra to celebrate – the permanent return to the house of Jewett’s writing desk and a number of other important pieces of furniture that were removed some decades ago,” said site manager Peggy Wishart. “We’re thrilled to have these pieces back and to be able to make adjustments to the furniture plans in several rooms to mirror the look of the house as documented in 1931 photographs.”
Historic New England conservator Michaela Neiro will give a brief illustrated talk about the furniture and the restoration work undertaken to make the pieces museum ready. Neiro will remain on hand to chat with visitors as they tour the house.
“The readings are the heart of this event,” said Wishart. “Jewett’s masterful use of dialect, playful sense of humor, and keen ability to capture the everyday of late nineteenth century life never fails to delight listeners.”
Refreshments will include a parsnip cake, a purported favorite of the author.
The Sarah Orne Jewett Celebration will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on the grounds of the Sarah Orne Jewett House, at the intersection of Routes 4 and 236 in South Berwick. Admission for the event is $5 for Historic New England members and residents of the Berwicks, $10 for non-members/non-residents. Children under 12 are free. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the Jewett House at 207-384-2454.
Photo caption: Sarah Orne Jewett at her writing desk - the same desk recently returned to the home and now on view. (Photo from Historic New England with permission of Harvard University Library)

Quimby Family Foundation Makes $40,000 Grant to OMAA

OGUNQUIT—
The Ogunquit Museum of American Art has received a $40,000 grant from the Quimby Family Foundation of Portland, Maine.
In applying for grant funding, Museum Director Ron Crusan noted that the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, with its location between greater Boston and Portland, is the only art museum that serves the population from northern Massachusetts through southern New Hampshire and southern Maine. The application further detailed efforts the Museum has made in achieving the goals of its Board’s 2008 strategic plan. These include efforts to increase the number of members, corporate partners and visitors, to raise awareness of the museum in the community and surrounding region and to enhance the visitors’ experience and programs.
The Quimby Family Foundation has agreed to fund the Museum’s efforts to improve the visitor experience, beginning with the development of a master plan for the OMAA building, grounds and parking. Funds may also be used for implementing that plan, particularly in the area of outdoor parking, lighting and signage and interior guest amenities including the replacement of the front desk and gallery benches.
In making the announcement, Hannah Quimby, member of the Board of the Quimby Family Foundation said, “Our board members have spent the last few months reviewing applications and making some very difficult decisions. Each year the grant cycle becomes more challenging as the amount of proposals increase and the economic climate remains challenging. The Ogunquit Museum of Art was selected to receive funding because your goals and mission most closely align with our foundation’s funding goals. We are truly inspired by the work that you have been doing in the state of Maine.”
Director Ron Crusan said, “We want to thank the Quimby Family Foundation for their foresight in helping the Ogunquit Museum of American Art achieve its goals. Broadening support through increased grant funding is essential for the future of the Museum, as is the actual planning for the future. This award helps the Board and the Museum do both.”

Lyons Named to MCHE Board

WELLS—
Dr. Charles Lyons, President of York County Community College, was recently appointed to the Maine Compact for Higher Education (MCHE) Board of Directors. The Maine Compact for Higher Education is a joint effort of the Maine Development Foundation and the Maine Community Foundation committed to raising educational attainment in Maine. Lyons was recently appointed to the New England College Council Board, also. (Courtesy photo)

Run for the Fallen: Honoring Maine’s Deceased War Heroes and their Families

By Scott Andrews
and Larry Favinger

Staff Columnists
CAPE ELIZABETH—
Former President George W. Bush joined several hundred who gathered Sunday for a lobster bake at Fort Williams Park, the culmination of the third annual Run For The Fallen, a yearly event that commemorates the 65 Maine soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan and honors their families.
The 65-kilometer run began early Sunday morning in Ogunquit and wrapped up by mid-afternoon at Monument Square in Portland. Each kilometer of the route was dedicated to one of the fallen: 64 men and one woman who died in the military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2001. A souvenir program book, titled “Maine’s Fallen Heroes,” provided photos and written vignettes of the 65 soldiers.
Nearly 300 family members and loved ones participated in Sunday’s gathering. They were joined by several hundred friends, well-wishers and sympathetic Mainers.
The principal organizers of the Run For The Fallen hail from Ogunquit. “The purpose of this event is to honor the fallen heroes of Maine and to honor their families,” said chief organizer John Mixon.
Gordon Lewis, a volunteer from Ogunquit, pointed out that because of Maine’s large geographic spread, some family members of the 65 soldiers find it difficult to share their grief with others in the same situation. Each year the Run For The Fallen helps family make connections with others to bridge that emotional gap.
Some drove from Aroostook County and other distant cities and town. “By bringing these families together we are able to show our support and give honor to their fallen loved ones,” said Lewis.
Earlier Sunday morning Veterans Park in Ogunquit was covered with memorials to the 64 men and one woman with Maine connections that have given their lives in the battle against terrorism. There were approximately 200 runners who left Ogunquit shortly after 8 a.m., including Steven DeSalvo of Ogunquit, an Army veteran of Desert Storm.
He said he was taking part to “pay respect” to those who have been killed and to further “show respect for their families.”
Due to the length of the run, the group of runners was escorted by two trolleys in which participants could hitch a ride until ready to run again. The escort also included an ambulance and police cruisers in front and back.
“This is not a race,” the runners were told prior to the start of the run. “The whole point is to stay fresh” and “stay together” for the trek up Route 1 to Portland.
DeSalvo said he felt the run was an “awesome” idea and he was “going to try to make it the whole way” if at all possible.
The short opening ceremonies included the reading of the names of each of the fallen, followed by the single ring of a bell. There was also a 21-gun salute and the singing of the national anthem.
Bush, who ordered the American military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, was an unannounced guest at the Cape Elizabeth event. He and wife Laura arrived shortly after the lobster bake began and were warmly welcomed by all. The Bushes greeted and hugged hundreds of grieving family members plus many U.S. military veterans.
“I don’t miss the presidency,” Bush remarked. “But I do miss being commander-in-chief of these great troops.”
Photo caption: In Ogunquit’s Veterans Park, memorials to each of Maine’s fallen soldiers were placed for the opening ceremony. (Larry Favinger photo)

York Hospital’s “Family” Donation More Than Matches $1 Million Gift

YORK—
With 100% participation from the Board of Trustees and Hospital Leadership, as well as significant contributions from the medical staff, employees and volunteers, Jud Knox, President, announced that the York Hospital “family” has donated just over $1.2 million to the Hospital’s For Every Patient Campaign to raise $7 million for various hospital projects and services.
Mr. Knox commended “the Hospital family’s enormous generosity.” He added, “This is a testament to how caring the folks are at York Hospital. They are dedicated to taking care of our patients and our patients’ families and they understand how vital this campaign is to York Hospital and the community.”
In fact, the York Hospital’s “family” donation was inspired by a generous $1 million gift made by the Peterson Family of York Harbor. “We are thrilled that our family gift has helped motivate others to also give to this important campaign,” said Carolyn Peterson, ambassador of the “For Every Patient” campaign.
Additional donations, including a $250,000 grant from the Baldwin Foundation and a $100,000 grant from Kennebunk Savings Bank, along with gifts from many individuals and area businesses, have brought the campaign total to $4 million raised thus far.
“To date, donations have helped immensely,” said Lorraine Boston, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “The hospital has been able to convert many of the patient rooms on the Strater Wing from semi-private to private rooms, has completed a new, dedicated helipad for emergent transport needs, and has opened Phase I of the Surgery Center Expansion, but there is more to do.”
Fundraising will continue as the capital project moves forward to Phase II: which includes the opening of two new Operating Room Suites and the completion of the Surgery Center Addition; the addition of Breast MRI services to the diagnostic capabilities available in York Hospital’s Breast Care Center, and the renovation of the Hospital’s Biewend Wing to convert inpatient semi-private rooms to private rooms.
Dr. Thomas Albright, chairman of the medical staff campaign, said, “The generous donations of the medical staff validates the importance of providing patients and the community with modern, private hospital rooms and up-to-date surgical care facilities.” He added, “These improvements will position the Hospital well to respond to the changes that are coming in the delivery of medical care.”
Crystal Butler, chairman of the employee campaign, said she has been impressed by the across-the-board support from housekeepers to nurses to the administrative staff. “It’s not even about the amount; it’s about working as a family. People just feel like they’ve been touched by the Hospital in some way and this is a way to give back,” she said. Many donations also have been made in memory of others. For instance, more than $15,000 has been donated in memory of long-time Hospital employee Bob Masi, who died of cancer in 2004. Those who donate will be honored on a donor wall or with a naming opportunity.
Roberta Sullivan, chair of the volunteer campaign, also commended those who not only volunteer their time but have made contributions to the campaign, noting, “Our volunteers are wonderful people. We are so fortunate to have them at York Hospital because they truly make a difference.”
To learn more about how you can make a difference by supporting the For Every Patient Campaign, contact Susan McDonough, Lead of Development, at 207-351-3522 or at smcdonough@yorkhospital.com.

Run for the Fallen Set for Sunday in Ogunquit

OGUNQUIT—
On Sunday Aug. 22nd, the 3rd annual “Run for the Fallen Maine” will take place. The starting ceremony will be at Veterans Park in Ogunquit Center at 7:45 a.m. The Ceremony will consist of a reading of the names of all 65 men and women that have lost their lives in this country’s war on terror since 9-11-2001. The ceremony will also have a reading of a poem written by one of the family members, the singing of our National Anthem, the 125th Marine Corps Honor Guard and other fitting tributes to our Fallen Heroes. All 65 were either born and brought up in our State or had strong family ties to our State. The run will start at 8 a.m. The run consists of a 65 km run along a route predominantly on Route 1 from Ogunquit Center to Monument Square in Portland. Each kilometer will be marked with a picture and a short bio of each of our Fallen Heroes. We expect to arrive in Monument Square with all the runners at about 2:30 p.m. Runners only run as many miles as they want to. We have 2 trolleys from Ogunquit Trolley Co. that travel with us and act as a moving locker room/aid stations. All 65 kilometers (aprox. 40 miles) will be covered by the runners. Some have registered to run all 65 km’s and some as few as the single 1 for their fallen hero. We are still working on a squadron of F-15 jets to perform a flyover at some point during the event.
This event is non-political and non-commercial. This is an all volunteer event with all funding and contributions coming from within our Maine Community by both businesses and individuals. Our goal is to raise awareness and help our neighbors remember the sacrifices of these brave individuals and their families. We recognize that these families are still suffering and want to show them that we as their Maine community care deeply about their sacrifices and honor the memories of our Fallen Heroes. We have created a personalized book, to be handed out, with photos and memories submitted by family members to help us all know them better as sons, daughters, fathers, brothers and friends and not just soldiers
The event will culminate with a celebration of the lives of these 64 men and 1 woman at a Lobster Bake at Ft. Williams. Over 250 family and friends of our heroes are registered to participate. We believe that this is one of the only events left in the country that honors our Fallen heroes of the war on terrorism both individually and collectively. All are invited to participate in some way, run, volunteer, stand at the markers as we run by or simply come to Monument Square for the finish. For more information about registration and logistics please visit www.runforthefallenmaine.org.
Photo caption: The 3rd Annual Run for the Fallen Maine is Sunday, Aug. 22, beginning in Ogunquit (Runforthefallen.org image)

High Waters

By Chip Schrader
Book Review Editor

Many people might assume the book “Role Models” would be film maker John Waters’ attempt to enter high culture. But, those who are familiar with Waters’ celluloid schlock and guffaw antics know better. Ironically, Waters’ trademark cinema of “bad taste” has been elevated to high culture in many circles.
Waters begins his iconography with meeting the inimitable Johnny Mathis. There are many parallels that Waters draws between himself and Mathis, and many stark differences. While Mathis is only rumored to be a homosexual, Waters has been out for decades. They seem to have an appreciation for art, music, and literature. However, Waters admits he’d be embarrassed to have Mathis look at the books on his bookshelf, or the subject matter of the paintings and photographs he hangs on his walls, and feels his liking of Provincetown might be seen as distasteful to the more discrete Mathis, but then again, maybe not. The contrasts of these two men bring a sense of irony to their meeting for this book.
Tennessee Williams is another off-center icon that Waters has followed. In contrast to Mathis, Waters knows that Williams would be more at home with his sensibilities for the profane and the obscure, but perhaps Waters’ most shocking connection is with former Manson family member Leslie Van Houten.
Waters once had a morbid fanfare for the court trials of the Manson family, and had attended some of the trials. He eventually wrote a letter to Van Houten, and as time came along they became friends. Waters’ moves into the murky territories of innocence and guilt, childhood naiveté and morality with criminal justice. Neither Waters, nor the latter day Van Houten are forgiving or condoning of the murders, nor is there much slack given for her participation. But, Waters pointedly mentions Nazi war criminals had served less time than she, and the brainwashing and fearful environment didn’t seem too different from the Manson commune. To say the least he gets readers thinking in directions we are reluctant to go.
This book seems to have all of the ingredients that Waters tends to combine. Stereotypical people who beautifully fit their stereotypes, filth, wealth, poverty, and people who break every stereotype for their demographic. An example of an anti-stereotype, Waters tells the story of a lesbian burlesque dancer who collected welfare, used drugs and was a registered Republican. Waters loves contradiction just as much as he does simplicity, and it all fits together so well in his work.
As we learn the origin of his pencil mustache, his ill-fitted clothing, his LSD consumption, and his love of oddities and campy kitsch, Baltimore and Hollywood are both three ring circuses and John Waters is the ringmaster, and makes no apologies. As far as his movies go, “Pink Flamingos” is only suitable for the most daring movie goers with its many perverse juxtapositions of humanity while “Serial Mom,” “Hairspray,” “Cecil B. Demented,” and “Pecker” are gems that any filmgoer with an eye for the offbeat would happily devour.
With “Role Models,” John Waters acts as equal parts sociologist, tabloid writer, and peeping Tom without a strain or awkward leap. Like his many films, “Role Models” is a guilty pleasure worthy of a million cringes. Highly Recommended!
Photo caption: The cover of John Waters’ “Role Models” (Amazon.com image)