Durham woman recognized by American Cancer Society

Leigh-Anne Fulda of Durham was among six Maine residents from around the state who were recognized by the American Cancer Society with a Sandra C. Labaree Volunteer Values Award for their incredible selflessness by helping those battling cancer. The New England Board of Directors selected the volunteers based on how well they exemplify the qualities of the award’s namesake.

Fulda was surprised with the award presentation in June while attending a meeting in New Jersey for her workplace, TD Bank. Fulda is passionate, inspiring and dynamic. In the past year alone she has helped lead an effort in Maine to raise tens of thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer efforts. She has served as an internal champion in the West Falmouth TD Bank office and helped to recruit additional employees to serve in leadership positions.They have been remarkable spokespeople for events and the mission.

In nominating the honorees, Society manager Dawn Emery said, “Their volunteer work and dedication has afforded us unparalleled opportunities to honor and support cancer patients and their families. Their spirit of generosity and positivity has had a greater impact than can be measured or detailed. We are incredibly blessed to work with these amazing women, who themselves have battled and won their fight against cancer. They truly serve as an inspiration to us in our daily work to save more lives from cancer.”

The awards are also imbued with special meaning because they are named in honor of the late Sandra C. Labaree, a long-time American Cancer Society volunteer from Maine, who was a founding member of the New England Division Board. Despite her death from breast cancer in 2000, Labaree’s spirit and values live on through the award. In each of the New England Division’s states and Areas, up to five Values Awards may be presented each year to American Cancer Society volunteers who have demonstrated excellence in behavior that best exemplifies mission, stewardship, diversity, data-driven and respect.

Durham historic commission resurrected

The Durham Historic District Commission has become active again. The Commission has reorganized, revising ordinances and by-laws, updating website information and welcoming new members. The Commission is doing a photographic survey of the oldest buildings in town after being trained by Chris Closs from Maine Preservation. Members include Candy DeCsipkes, Paula Erdman-Purdy, Mary Fallon, Dick Hodges, Anita Sellars and Chelsea Wallace. Several volunteers have also helped Commission members with the effort, including Lucille Hunt, Mary French, Linda Litchfield, Lou McDonald, Donna Ricker, Donna Spaulding, David Stewart and Tia Howe Wilson.

Keep an eye out for an event in the new year to celebrate Durham’s history. The group needs one more member– interested? Contact the Town Office at 353-2561.

Tri-Town Penguins Snowmobile Club

The next meeting of the The Tri-Town Penguins Snowmobile Club, with members from Durham, Freeport and Pownal, will be Tuesday, Dec. 27. Bring a pot luck dish to share and be ready to tell tales of snowmobiling adventures. New members are always welcome. The club meets at 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month from September to April at the Durham Fire Station at 615 Hallowell Road. For more, contact Duncan Daly at 865-6188, or Mike Yates at 233-6952.

Residents invited to make memoirs from memories

Denis Ledoux, founder of The Memoir Network and author of “Turning Memories into Memoirs: A Handbook for Writing Lifestories,” will present a free workshop at Freeport Community Library on Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m. The event will provide a wealth of basic information on memoir writing for beginners as well as more advanced writers who want to write their own life stories – a very meaningful experience and gift to future generations of family.

Based upon the author’s Memoir Network workshops, in which thousands have learned to write personal and family stories since 1988, “Turning Memories Into Memoirs,” reflects the author’s extensive memoir-writing experience. New features in the revised edition include how to establish and maintain a writing life, how to craft a collection from individual stories, how to explore self-publishing options, how to use archetypes to build characters, and how to research via the internet to build historical context.

Ledoux’s book will be available for purchase at the workshop. For more, see www.memoirnetwork.com. 

Flavors of Freeport tickets on sale

Tickets are now available for the 10th annual Flavors of Freeport Signature Events. Plan to experience Flavors of Freeport for an authentic local culinary adventure. Throughout the weekend, a variety of food events will be found, including tours of a chocolate factory, a lobster brunch, and free tastings and demonstrations all over town. Restaurants will offer tasting menus – get a group of friends together for a fun, yummy evening. Join visitors at the Hilton Garden Inn Freeport Downtown for the Chef’s Signature Series and Ice Bar on Feb. 17, when chefs and food producers in the greater Freeport area will be showcased. Enjoy delicious samples from some of Maine’s best chefs, sample local brews and beverages, and learn about what’s new in Freeport’s culinary world. Best of all, the great variety will leave you delighted and coming back to Freeport for more. The Flavors Ice Bar features frosty beverages, beautiful ice sculptures, fun photo ops, snow machines, roaring fires and a DJ to get you moving.

Put on your dancing shoes for the Motor Booty Affair Concert and Ice Bar on Feb. 18. The Flavors of Freeport Ice Bar will open at 5 p.m. with frosty beverages and more. At 6 p.m. the adjacent ballroom opens to present the funkalicious sounds of Motor Booty Affair. Maine’s ultimate disco party band will have you shakin’ your groove thang in no time. Funky costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded for the best.

These events sell out every year; advance purchase is advised at FreeportUSA.com. Follow the Flavors of Freeport facebook page for updates.

Freeport Maine Street brightened for the holidays

In partnership with the Freeport Chamber of Commerce and Freeport Community Improvement Association, Kelly Edwards of FreeportUSA organized a fundraising effort to install new holiday lights in Freeport this year. The snowflakes are cheery and bright – a reflection of Main Street’s energy. Businesses throughout town contributed to the effort.

Send Freeport, Pownal and Durham community notes to Kathleen Meade at tritownotes@gmail.com.

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