Our 75th Anniversary Community Gift Giving Campaign (Year-to-Date)

Gift #1, Sheepscott Community Church

Our “75 for 75” Campaign is officially underway.

Verne Verney, Colby & Gales’ longest tenured staff member (41 years), presents Gift Number 1 of 75 to be distributed this year to Sheepscott Community Church Vice President, Chrissy Wajer. During the course of our year-long “75 for 75” Campaign, all recipients will be selected by individual employees at Colby & Gale. We wish to thank the community that has supported us for the past 75 years by highlighting the nonprofit organizations that work to improve the community and the lives and well-being of our neighbors.

Gift #2, Alna Food Pantry

Jay Verney, Colby & Gales’ second longest-tenured staff member (39 years), selecting & presenting Gift Number 2 of 75, to Melissa Spinney representing the Alna Food Pantry. The Alna Food Pantry, which was started a few years ago by Melissa Spinney and her husband Jeff, with one refrigerator in a closet at the Alna Town office, has grown to support dozens of area families experiencing food insecurity. “The pantry is getting a lot of use, Spinney said. “And finding out there was that much of a need in our town was truly eye-opening.”

For information on how to help support the Alna Food Pantry please call: 207.586.5313

Gift #3, Bristol Fire & Rescue

Our “75 for 75” Community Giving Campaign rolls on in New Harbor with Michael Morrison (L), a Colby & Gale employee for 34 years, selecting & presenting Gift Number 3 of 75, to Bristol Fire & Rescue’s Chief Paul Leeman Jr., a 52-year member of the Department.

Since 1944, the all-volunteer Bristol Fire & Rescue Dept. has provided emergency response services to the citizens of Bristol, the past 11 under the leadership of Chief Leeman. “It’s been a very challenging year and we are currently working hard to get all 32 members of the department vaccinated for COVID-19.” Paul adds, “As we continue provide 24/7 emergency services to everyone in our Bristol community, we also look forward to continuing our fire prevention education in our schools”

Gift #4, Boothbay Harbor Fire Department

Our “75 For 75” Gift Giving Campaign heads down the peninsula to Boothbay Harbor where Colby & Gale’s Troy Sawyer (right), a Colby & Gale employee for more than 33 years, presents his selection, (Gift Number 4 of 75), to Fire Chief Nick Upham of the Boothbay Harbor Fire Department.

For over 80 years the all-volunteer Boothbay Harbor Fire Department has provided provide emergency response services to the residents of Boothbay Harbor and West Boothbay Harbor.

Gift #5, Damariscotta Fire Dept./Massasoit Engine Company

Jamie Genthner (right), a Colby & Gale employee for 32 years and a member of the Damariscotta Fire Dept./Massasoit Engine Company for the past 33 years, presents Fire Chief John Roberts (middle), and Jim Hall of the Damariscotta Fire Dept./Massasoit Engine Company with Gift # 5 of 75 in our year-long Gift Giving Campaign.

Chief Roberts, a member of the Department since 1999 has served as Chief for the past 9 years and Hall, a former Colby & Gale Manager, has been a member of the Department for over 50 years.

“The Department, has been serving the citizens of the Damariscotta area for more than 150 years,” adds Fire Chief Roberts, “The professionally-trained, all volunteer Department proudly serves the residents of the Damariscotta area as well as surrounding towns through mutual aid. All our members take great pride in being a member of the department and devote a great deal of time into training in order to maintain the residents of Damariscotta the highest level of service that they deserve.”

Gift #6, Alna-Anchor Lodge #43

Our 75th Anniversary, Community Gift Giving Campaign continues with former Colby & Gale President and CEO, Robert Clifford (left), presenting his selection, Gift Number 6 of 75, to Alna-Anchor Lodge #43, Master, Jonathan Eaton. Among the many community-based programs Alna-Anchor Lodge #43 sponsors is the Masonic “Bikes for Books” program to encourage students to read. Since its inception, more than 10,000 bikes have been given away by Masons across Maine.

Children are asked to read as many books as they can in a set amount of time. Then they are asked to fill out a entry ticket for every book they read. The tickets are then placed into a drawing with tickets from other children of the same grade. A ticket is then drawn and the winner receives a new bicycle and helmet.

Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity. For three centuries, it has beckoned men of good character to its ranks. It has no regard for differences in race, color, creed, religion or station in life.

Gift #7, Karl’s Kids

Daryl Hodgkins (left), a Colby & Gale employee for 28 years, presents his selection, Gift Number 7 of 75, to Mary Berger and Mike Hall representing Karl’s Kids and the Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary Club.

A program of the Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary Club, Karl’s Kids honors the late Karl Berger by helping “make dreams real” by purchasing sports equipment, safety gear and many other items, or otherwise assisting with expenses that might prevent local youth from getting involved in athletics.

Berger, who passed away in 2007, was a generous community leader and in addition to his own two sons, was a role model for many Lincoln County youngsters. Karl also had a passion for serving his community, having served both as a town selectman in Bremen and as Treasurer of the Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary.

Gift #8, Lincoln County Dental

Daryl Fraser (left), a Colby & Gale employee for 25 years presents his selection, Gift Number 8 of 75, to Holly Stover and Dr. Jim Olsen of Lincoln County Dental.

Lincoln County Dental Inc. (LCD) is a nonprofit established in 2011 by a group of volunteer dental professionals, healthcare providers and members of the community. The group convened to address the need of high-quality dental services for low income residents in the Lincoln County community. Lincoln County Dental’s mission is to support the health of the people in our entire community by providing access to high quality, compassionate, comprehensive oral health care through the use of an income-based sliding fee scale and participation with MaineCare. LCD offers a wide range of pediatric and adult dental services helping to improve the health and well-being of adults and children throughout Lincoln County.

Gift #9, American Legion Post #42

Our Community Gift Giving Campaign is with John Murphy (right), a Colby & Gale employee for 21 years, as he presents his selection, Gift Number 9 of 75, to Commander Bruce Poland (left) of American Legion Post 42 in Damariscotta and Al McKay, Americanism officer for the American Legion Department of Maine.

Chartered by Congress in 1919, the American Legion is a patriotic veterans organization focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities.

The Legion has evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. Over the years, the Legion has influenced considerable social change in America, won hundreds of benefits for veterans, both male and female, and produced many important programs for children and youth.

Later this spring, American Legion Post #42 will also be purchasing more than 85 American flags which will be displayed throughout the summer months along Main Street from the Newcastle town line to Route 1.

American Legion Posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines.

Gift #10, American Legion Post #42, Auxiliary

Our Community Gift-Giving Campaign is with Rhonda Mott (right), a Colby & Gale employee for 20 years, as she presents her selection, Gift Number 10 of 75, to American Legion Post #42 Auxiliary President, Bonnie Poland, at the Legion Hall in Damariscotta.

For more than a century the American Legion Auxiliary has answered the call of “Service Not Self.” The ALA (American Legion Auxiliary) is made up of male and female spouses, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion. Some being veterans themselves.

Among their many sponsorships, the ALA #42 supports the Dirigo Girls’ State Delegation. “Dirigo Girls’ State” is a non-partisan opportunity for young women to learn about responsible citizenship in a democratic society. The Girls’ State program is a government simulation in which delegates role-play campaigns and elections for local, county and state government.

The American Legion Post #42 Auxiliary also supports, the Barbara Bush Foundation, Special Olympics, Lincoln County food pantries, Breast Cancer awareness and research, and provides scholarship opportunities to local high school students pursuing higher education.

Gift #11, Jefferson Area Food Pantry

Our Community Gift-Giving Campaign heads to the Town of Jefferson where Gary Higgins (right), a Colby & Gale employee for 20 years, presents his selection, Gift Number 11 of 75, to Jefferson Area Community Food Pantry Chairperson, Allison Brooks at St. Giles’ Episcopal Church. St. Giles’ serves as the fiscal sponsor and food distribution site for the JAC Food Pantry.

Started in 2015, the JAC Food Pantry provides food assistance in the area with the help of parishioners from St. Giles’ and neighboring parishes, Jefferson and Somerville town residents, local Masonic organizations, the Whitefield Lion’s Club and community members.

Since 2015 the JAC Food Pantry has more than tripled the number of families it serves – and over the past year – has stepped up its response to increased food insecurity created by the COVID 19 pandemic. The JACFP is open twice a month, on the second and fourth Weds. from 4:00-5:30 pm.

For volunteer information please contact Allison Brooks, Chairperson, at 315.1134; To make a contribution, please make your check payable to St. Giles’, and note on the memo line, JACFP.

Gift #12, New Hope for Women

Our 75th Anniversary Community Gift-Giving Campaign is with Tim Pratt (right), a Colby & Gale employee for 17 years, as he presents his selection, Gift Number 12 of 75, to New Hope for Women, Executive Director, Rebekah Paredes at their new location on Belvedere Road in Damariscotta.

New Hope for Women offers support to people in Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Knox, and Waldo counties affected by domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, and provides educational resources to assist our communities in creating a safer and healthier future.

Incorporated in 1981, New Hope for Women has grown to offers many services and educational aids to the community including; 24-Hour Domestic Abuse Hotline, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, Support Groups, Legal Information/Court Advocacy, School-based Prevention & Intervention and Community Training Programs.

Gift #13, Sheepscott Community Church

Our 75th Anniversary, Community Gift Giving Campaign meanders through the rolling hills of Sheepscott to find Deric Verney, a Colby & Gale employee for 19 years, presenting his selection, Gift Number 13 of 75, to Sheepscott Community Church Vice President, Chrissy Wajer.

First organized in 1797, the SCC continues to bring community members and visitors together by hosting regularly scheduled services, dinners, traditional bean suppers and other community-based events. The Sheepscott Community Church is a church that welcomes all. Its purpose is to provide for the spiritual and moral growth of its members and guests. To whoever will come, the church opens its doors and offers all a free place to worship.

Gift #14, Nobleboro Historical Society

Our 75th Anniversary Community Gift-Giving Campaign is with Leigh Benner (right), a Colby & Gale employee for 16 years, as she presents her selection, Gift Number 14 of 75, to Nobleboro Historical Society President, Mary K. Sheldon,Ph.D., outside the Nobleboro Historical Society Center. Located at the front of the Nobleboro Central School, the Society’s Center it is one of Nobleboro’s 12 original, one-room schoolhouses.
Chartered in 1978, the Nobleboro Historical Society has a membership of about 200 people. Programs of special interest are presented during the year and in June school children also come to the Historical Center to view the exhibits and learn about the history of Nobleboro. The Society features a fine collection of memorabilia and maintains records related to the Town of Nobleboro and its people. These are preserved at the Historical Center.
Each spring, the Nobleboro Historical Society selects awardees for their Society scholarships. Each scholarship is for $1,000. Eligible high school and post-secondary students are those who will attend an accredited undergraduate post-secondary school or college in the 2020-2021 academic year and who reside in the Town of Nobleboro. Also, students who are members or children of members of the Society are eligible.

Gift #15, Cove’s Edge Activity Fund

Our 75th Anniversary Community Gift-Giving Campaign is with Neil Genther, a Colby & Gale employee for 16 years, as he presents his “75 for 75” Gift selection for the Cove’s Edge Activity Fund, to LincolnHealth President Cindy Wade.

Located next to Chase Point Assisted Living on the LincolnHealth Miles Campus, Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta provides award-winning skilled nursing rehabilitation and long-term care services to seniors.

Gift #16, Bristol Veterans Memorial Fund

Our 75th Anniversary Community Gift-Giving Campaign is with Bill Bryant, a Colby & Gale employee for 15 years, as he presents his “75 for 75” Gift selection for the Bristol Veterans Memorial Fund, to committee members (clockwise from upper left); Andrea Perley, Janet Montuori, Bill Bryant, Sandra Lane with “Oakie” and Frank Montouri.

Situated in Bristol’s Ellingwood Park, the planned Veterans Memorial River Walk will feature a 500-foot pathway that will meander along the river from the parking area to an outlet near Benner Road. The goal is that over time and through community involvement the river walk will evolve to include memorial benches and tree plantings, and a garden for residents and visitors to enjoy while serving as a living memorial to all veterans past and present

Gift #17, ElderCare Network of Lincoln County

Our 75th Anniversary Community Gift-Giving Campaign is with Ralph Eugley, a Colby & Gale employee for 15 years, as he presents his “75 for 75” Gift selection to ElderCare Network of Lincoln County’s Director of Operations & Advancement Kathe Cheska (left) and resident Lila Blechman outside their Hodgdon Green assisted living home in Damariscotta. Lila, a longtime resident of Damariscotta, was quick to mention that she was, “twenty-five years-old when Colby & Gale opened its doors for business in 1946.”

Established in 1996, ElderCare Network is dedicated to meeting the needs of residents who require assistance with activities of daily living but do not need the skilled services of medically focused facilities. ElderCare Network is committed to village settings in towns where residents have lived and worked and where they are close to friends and relatives. Participating in community activities is an important part of the activity programs at all five of their Lincoln County homes.

Gift #18, Whitefield Library Association

Our 75th Anniversary Community Gift-Giving Campaign is in the Town of Whitefield for the presentation of Gift Number 18 of 75 to Whitefield Library Association Board President Sue McKeen (left), and Vice President Cheryle Joslyn.

Organized in 2017, the Whitefield Library Association raised the funds and purchased the historic Arlington Hall on Feb. 19, 2019 with the intention of restoring it to a fully functioning community library and gathering space. Through the efforts of over 100 community volunteers and nearing completion, the new library will offer services such as book lending, periodical subscriptions for on-site reference, reading focused events such as storytelling for little ones, and free wireless internet with seating areas for library members. The new library, which is housed on the first floor of the building, will also include a kitchen and restrooms.

When additional funds are raised future plan include restoring the top floor of the building, which features a performance stage and arched ceiling, to a community center space for theater and events.

Gift #19, First Baptist Church of Nobleboro

Our 75th Anniversary Community Gift-Giving Campaign is with Kristin Dighton (right), a Colby & Gale employee for 13 years, as she presents her “75 for 75” Gift selection to Pastor Stan LeQuire and Treasurer Carolyn Baltes of the First Baptist Church of Nobleboro. Started in 1793 by a small group of only thirteen, the First Baptist Church of Nobleboro is one of the oldest Baptist churches in Maine. In addition to regularly scheduled services, the First Baptist Church hosts public suppers and numerous community-based events including a benefit golf tournament and a “yard & plant sale” scheduled this year for July.

INFORMATION & PARTICIPATION INQUIRIES

Giving back is a key component of our company’s culture. It’s something we’ve valued since day one, and it’s evident in the non-profits we’ve partnered with as we’ve grown.
If you have questions about our 75th Anniversary, “75 for 75” Community Giving Campaign or would like additional information please contact us.
Call, 207.563.3414 or email, info@colbyandgale.com

Serving this Community Since 1946