Historical Museum
Support
Gardening & Agriculture
Arts
Civil & Social
Historic Preservation
Nature & Environment
Sports
Veterans
Youth
Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
Bucksport Area Hospitality Society: provides helpful information on the community, its services, and businesses to new residents through welcome bags. Group meets as needed. Contact Sue Ruel, Bucksport Area Chamber of Commerce to receive a welcome bag or to help.
Widowed Persons Groups: part of a national organization, offers assistance to widowed persons. trained facilitators assist the newly bereaved, support groups meet in Brewer. A Bucksport group meets monthly. Luncheons, etc. posted in newsletter.
Next Step Domestic Violence Support Groups focus on recognizing abuse, the right to make healthy choices, and emotional support for female victims. A support group for children 6-11 is available, and free childcare for younger children. Groups meet in Ellsworth.
Hospice of Hancock County enables patients to die with dignity in a setting of their choice; assists families before and after an illness; providing training, volunteer support activities, and grief support groups. Contact: Barbara Cark, Clinical Coordinator.
Mainely Families Parent Support Group for parents of adolescents meets at Bucksport High School Library.
ADD/ADHD Parent Support Group for families of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder meets at Miles Land School Library.
GEAR Support Group for parents of children with emotional and behavioral problems meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6pm. Contact: (207) 469-7488.
Down East AIDS Network 667-3506.
Alcoholics Anonymous: meets Saturday, 8:00 p.m., Franklin Street United Methodist Church. Contact (207) 469-2722.
T.O.P.S. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a nonprofit, nationwide group dedicated to mutual support and inspiration for those losing weight. Meets Mondays 5:30-7:30 pm. Bucksport Chamber of Commerce (207) 469-2960.
Bucksport Area MS Support Group, of the Maine Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, provides mutual support to "seasoned veterans" of MS, and the newly diagnosed. The group meets at Debbi Sheehan's home in E. Orland 3rd Tuesdays. Call (207) 469-7914.
Bucksport Community Concerns operates an emergency food pantry, Talk N' Soup used clothing store, provides multiple social services and referrals for neighbors in need from a wide area surrounding Bucksport. Also supervised Senior Companions and Meals on Wheels. Co-Presidents Jean Grindle, Betty Billings, (207) 469-2706, 3432.
Washington-Hancock Community Agency's mission is to mobilize federal, state, county, community support for local services and resources which help people in need. W-HCA provides for and advocates services to help people attain skills, knowledge, motivations, and opportunities to be self-sufficient. P.O. Box 280 Main & Maple Sts. Milbridge ME 04658 (207) 546-7544, FAX (207) 546- 3216. Call 1-800-828-7544, 9-11 am for fuel and rental assistance; 1-800-223-3632, 730-4 for childcare services.
H.O.M.E. Inc.- Homeworkers Organized for More Employment- on Rte. 1 Orland, is dedicated to helping people held themselves. H.O.M.E. offers free healthcare, affordable care repair, a food bank/soup kitchen, recovery barn and thrift store. The Learning Center offers daycare, craft training, literacy and GED tutoring, high school and college level programs and ITV. H.O.M.E. also operates five homeless shelters, including Ellsworth's Emmaus Center, and has constructed more than 20 low-income homes through the Covenant Community Land Trust. H.O.M.E. employed more than 50 people last year. H.O.M.E's small community also includes a craft store, wood-working shop, weaving, leather and pottery studios, museum, chapel, greenhouse and market stand, sawmill, shingle and mill flea market. For more information call 469-7961 or write: H.O.M.E. Inc. P.O. Box 10, Orland, ME. 04472.
GARDENING AND AGRICULTURE
Bucksport Garden Club of the National Federation of Garden Clubs meets April-September in members' homes. Guest speakers. The Club plants and maintains town window boxes, and Buck Memorial Library garden. They also sponsor various community and youth programs. Contact information: Polly Bayer-Lally (207) 469-7826; Cindy Johnson (207) 469-3288.
Granges
Floral Grange #158 Rte. 15 N. Bucksport meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Contact: Ruth Clements (207) 326-8820.
Verona Grange #206 Main St. Bucksport meets 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Contat: Ruth Clements (207) 326-8820.
Victory Grange #538 Bald Mountain, Rte. 46, N. Orland meets 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Castine Grange #250, Rte. 166A, has one of the largest memberships in Maine. The Grange will have it's 50th Summer Fair in 1998, and a Christmas fair. It meets every Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Potluck supper, 3rd Saturday of each month until July. Master Betty Chatfield, 326-8479 or Geneva Webster 326-4702. For more information on Granges call Ruth Clement, 326-8820.
Tri County Beekeepers Association is a chapter of Maine State Beekeepers Association, is a non-profit organization serving beekeepers in Hancock, Waldo & Knox counties. TCBA meets 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Prospect Community Center. June, July & August meetings, picnic lunch, hive inspections, Bee School. Membership $6. Contact: Jim Wait (207) 469-3289.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is a product of University of Maine, U.S. Department of Agriculture and local governments cooperating. Contact the Hancock County Office at RFD #5 Box 508A, Boggy Brook Rd. Ellsworth, ME 04605. Contact: (207) 667-2003 or Toll Free 1-800-287-8957, fax (207) 667-2003, TDD 1-800-287-8957. E-mail: ceshnk@umext.maine.edu
ARTS
Bucksport Artists Association organized in 1995 for the purpose of gathering area artists together. Yearly art shows are planned, and ongoing shows at the Chamber of Commerce. Mentor Donna E. Wolf, Wolfberry Cottage, RFD 1 Box 386, River Rd. Bucksport, ME. 04416, (207) 469-2141.
Bucksport Town Band meets and performs June to August. Contact Mark Neslusan (207) 469-3632
CIVIC & SOCIAL
Bucksport Senior Citizens Center Broadway Ext. is open Mon-Fri for all seniors in Bucksport, Orland, Verona and Prospect. Dinner is served Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon for those age 60+ (unless disabled or with a spouse age 60). Activity area open to those age 55+. Seniors enjoy games, music, crafts, bus trips, mystery rides, lunch, shopping and special programs. Call 469-3632 for a dinner reservation by 9 am.
Duck Cover Community Club of Bucksport works for the upkeep of 100 year-old Little Yellow Schoolhouse- the only one left in Bucksport still in original condition. They meet 3rd Thursdays (except July, Aug. and Sept.) 5pm with a potluck supper at the Schoolhouse, Rte. 46 Duck Cove. Member raise money each May with a yard & bake sale to benefit Bucksport Community Concerns, SADD Fort Knox and others. Phyllis Wardwell, Sec., (207) 469-2805.
Duck Cove Group of MEHC (ME Extension Homemakers Council) meets for educational programs and projects to benefit members, families and community, on 3rd Tuesdays (except July & Aug) 10 am, Duck Cover Community Bldg. A potluck supper is served at noon. The group contributes to BCC, Hancock City. A baby shower is held each April with proceeds to BCC. Visitors welcome. Phyllis Wardwell, Sec., (207) 469-2805.
Masonic Lodges exist as a "benevolent brotherhood to serve their fellow man." The Masons are major contributors to charity. Locally, Masons support scholarships, DARE, and scouting. Meetings are not public; contact any Mason to join.
Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal organization to men and women. One must have a Masonic relative to belong. OES holds fundraisers for charity and enjoys social activities. Meets first Tuesday September to June. Contact: Barbara Smith (207) 469-2537. Felicity Chapter #195 Bucksport meets at the Masonic Hall, Bucksport first Monday September to June. Contact Ted Russell.
International Order of Rainbow for Girls teaches girls ages 11-21 leadership skills, poise, patriotism and service. Bucksport Assembly #5 meets at the Masonic Hall, Bucksport. Call 469-2537 or write P.O. Box 551, Bucksport.
The October Club celebrated 100 years of community service and education in 1994. The club has benefited 100 different charities over the years. Club meets regularly with guest speakers. Contact: Winnie Wasson (207) 469-2544.
Verona Women's Club: raises money for scholarships for three Verona students yearly, as well as giving fruit baskets to sick and shut-ins, and Thanksgiving baskets to Verona Island's needy. VWC also does catering; Town Meeting supper last Saturday in March; Hunters Breakfast Nov. 8, 1997; and a Craft Fair Nov. 15, 1997. Meetings are 1rst & 3rd Thursdays Sept-June 7 pm at Verona Town Hall. All residents welcome. Contact: Marlene Smith (207) 469-7992.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Bucksport Historical Society maintains a museum in the old railroad station, Main St. Bucksport open July & Aug. Business meetings are first Mondays, May-Oct. 1:30 pm. Contact: Fran Bemks (207) 469-2464.
Orland Historical Society's collection resides in the historical museum, Rte. 175 in Orland Village. OHS meets 4th Thursdays, April-Sept. at 7:30pm Hours for the museum are 2-4 pm Wed. and Sat. during July, Aug, and Sept. or by appointment. For information or appointment 469-2476 or 469-2819.
Friends of Fort Knox was organized to save Fort Knox and enhance its usefulness as an educational tool and an economic asset. A support base of 2,000 people live from Belfast to Bangor. FOFK meets 3rd Thursdays at their office on Main St. FOFK sponsors Civil War encampment and other activities at the Fort. Call Office Manager Chris Cassidy (207) 469-6553 or write P.O. box 456, Bucksport, ME 04416. e-mail: ChrisFFK@aol.com
NATURE & ENVIRONMENT
Coalition for Sensible Energy is a statewide organization that advocates for and promotes the most sustainable energy production and use. Energy issues focused on include industry, utility, residential, transportation, nuclear, etc. board members represent CSE on state task force, state and regional coalitions, and commissions and before the Public Utility Commission. CSE holds public meetings 6-8 times per year in the Bucksport area, with experts speaking on various topics. Quarterly newsletter. Pam Person (207) 469-6770, P.O. Box 366, Bucksport ME 04416.
Friends of Craig Brook formed in 1995 to support the mission of Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery in protecting Atlantic salmon and their habitat. The Friends meet 2nd Thursdays at the Fish Hatchery at 3:30 pm and sponsor events through the year including an Open House, and the Penobscot River Festival. For more information, contact Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery, E. Orland, ME 04431 (207) 469-2803. http://northeast.fws.gov/me/cbnfhafc.htm
Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust seeks to conserve forests, wetlands and lakeshores in Orland and surrounding communities for wildlife habitat and recreational use, and provide for environmental education in the community. Monthly activities include hikes, slide/lecture programs, x-c skiing, etc. Annual meeting in July. Regular meetings 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m. Memberships start at $10, includes newsletter. Contacts: Colin Baker (207) 326-8472 or Tom Taylor-Lash (207) 469-3003.
Maine Audubon Society's Penobscot Valley Chapter holds meetings and field rips to educate people about the natural world. Meetings are held 1st Fridays Oct.-May, 7:30 pm at First Congregational Church in Brewer. Field trips are weekly April-Oct. and monthly Nov.-March. Many field trips are held at Maine Audubon Society's nature sanctuary at Field's Pond, Field's Pond Rd. at the Holden Orrington town line. Contact: (207) 989-2591.
Maine Audubon Society's Downeast Chapter meets 3rd Thursdays, Ellsworth or Mt. Desert Island. Deborah Hawkes 288-5746 or Jonathan Gormley 288-5377 or write P.O. Box 5267, Ellsworth 04605-5267.
Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine (SWOAM) is a non-profit organization helping woodland owners manage timber to conserve and enhance the beauty of the forest and its ecology. SWOAM offers education and information through meetings, classes and newsletters, advocacy and outreach; and a land trust program to protect productive forest land. Down East Representative James Wait, (207) 469-3289.
SPORTS
Penobscot Bay Rod & Gun Club West Side Dr. Verona, seeks to promote safe hunting. The club meets 1st Tuesdays and sponsors a members-only rifle range, Rifle Shot, sighting-In Day in Oct., and Verona Field Day. Dues $10.00 yearly, $50 entry fee. Oscar Bridges (207) 469-2261
Bucks Mills Rod & Gun Club seeks to preserve the sportsman & woman's way of life for the youth of tomorrow. The Club sponsors yearly Hunter Safety courses, including one for women only; hunters' breakfasts, Silver Lake Ice-Fishing Derby, and Wardens' Night. The Club also sponsors children to attend Boys' and Girls' State , contributes scholarship to students in a conservation-oriented field of study, and carries the charter for Bucksport's Cub Scouts. The Club meets 3rd Thursdays at the Clubhouse on Bucks Mills Rd., Bucksport. George Feeley (207) 469-7405. To rent the Clubhouse call 469-7021.
Bucksport Family Snowmobile Club educates people on and promotes safe, ethical and environmentally sound snowmobiling and trail establishment in the Bucksport area. The Club offers Family Fun Day in Feb., weekly trips and cookouts Jan.-March and a monthly potluck supper meeting Nov.-Apr. Bucks Mills Rod & Gun Club 6:30 p.m. Contact Andy Osborne (207) 469-6401.
VETERANS
American Legion assists and aids American veterans, and supports community projects and holiday celebrations. Bucksport's Post 93 sponsors Dirigo Boys and Girls State, Memorial Day parades, flag dedications and disposal, funeral services and food baskets for local veterans, and decorating veterans' graves. The Post meets 3rd Mondays 7:30 pm at the Legion Hall elm St., Bucksport, Adjutant Richard A. Bowden 469-3295, Commander Ronald Cox 469-0984.
YOUTH
4-H offers "learning by doing" programs for boys and girls ages 5-19, through Hancock county Cooperative Extension. Four clubs operate in the area; Millvale Helping Hands, leaders Methel & Wayne Rowell; Pine Cone Riders, leaders Becky & Norwood Ames; Lively Lambs, leader Cindy Carter; Busy Bees, leader Carolyn Gross. Call 4-H Educator Marjorie Hundhammer, 1-800-287-1479.
Boy Scouts have troops and packs in Bucksport, Orland and Penobscot. Scouts operate Camp Roosevelt in Eddington. For information on joining a local Boy Scout troops, contact your local school, call the Katahdin Area Council at 1-800-353-5888, or write P.O. Box 1869, Bangor, ME. 04402-1869.
Fire Explorer Post 500 sponsored by Orland Volunteer Fire Dept. is open to boys and girls ages 14-21 and is a division of Boy Scouts of America. Meetings are at Orland Fire Station. Firefighter training and certification is offered, and Explorers help at fire scenes. The Post sponsors a Halloween haunted house. Call Chris Farley, 469-6785.
Girl Scouts operate 12 troops in Bucksport and Orland. For information on joining Bucksport or Orland troops, call Karen Knox, Abnaki Girl Scout Council (207) 989-7474.
Updates from the Enterprise Source Book 1999-2000, produced by the Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Revised: Cassandra Caton 7/2000