Homecoming in Dover-Foxcroft
Celebrate ‘A Splash of Summer!’ at 2013 D-F Shiretown Homecoming
DOVER-FOXCROFT — On Friday, Aug. 2 and Saturday, Aug. 3 the Dover-Foxcroft Shiretown Homecoming will celebrate “A Splash of Summer!” with two days full of events.
The festivities start on Aug. 2 with the annual Piscataquis Observer and 103.1 FM free hot dog barbecue cookout from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Media Central on East Main Street. The cookout will include a raffle and other giveaways as the newspaper celebrates its 175th year.
Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom
A PERFECT PAIR FROM THE PAST AND FOR THE PRESENT — A parade through Dover-Foxcroft marked the annual Shiretown Homecoming celebration last year with Duane and Mary Mallett serving as parade marshals. The two were Foxcroft Academy’s King and Queen in 1957 and were chosen for the 2012 Homecoming theme of “Perfect Pairs of Past & Present.” The 2013 parade will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, with Tim Merrill serving as parade marshal.
Starting a 5 p.m. Foxcroft Academy will hold a reception for Gene Philpot, followed by a tent party on the school’s east lawn from 7-9 p.m. with the Mallett Brothers Band performing.
“Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.”, directed by Mitchell Chasse and featuring a cast of young performers from Dover-Foxcroft and the surrounding area will be performed at the Center Theatre at 7 p.m., as well as on Aug. 3 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 4 at 2 p.m.
On Aug. 4 the day begins at 7 a.m. as the staging area for the Homecoming parade opens at the fairgrounds on Fairview Avenue. Road closures and detours for the procession will be in place at 9:30 a.m.
The Homecoming street festival starts at 8 a.m. on East Main Street with food vendors and crafters, local business displays, music, crafts, food and more. An information booth will have maps, program booklets and community calendars.
The starting gun for the annual Pony Pride 5K will be fired at 8 a.m. at the Piscataquis Regional YMCA on Park Street. A children’s 1K fun run will begin at 7 a.m., as will registration for the 5K. Also at 8 a.m. will be a community tennis tournament — call Hal at 564-2944 to register.
The Thompson Free Library’s book sale starts and 9 a.m. and runs through noon.
The Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society will hold an open house from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The exhibit at the Observer Building Museum includes displays and information on sports at Foxcroft Academy as well as an art exhibit.
The parade starts at 10 a.m. The procession starts at the fairgrounds on Fairview Avenue and travels to Summer Street and then briefly on North Street before reaching East Main. The parade then goes to Essex Street and back to the fairgrounds.
Foxcroft Academy alumni boys and girls basketball games start at noon at SeDoMoCha Middle School, call 343-1182 for more information.
The Foxcroft Golf Club will host a Homecoming Scramble, at 8 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and for more information call 564-8887.
In the evening the Dover-Foxcroft Kiwanis Club will be selling concessions at the municipal beach on Sebec Lake from 4-10 p.m. Steve Pratt will be providing music.
Foxcroft Academy’s reception and alumni banquet will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Parking is very limited for the fireworks display, and free shuttle bus rides are available to bring spectators down to the lake. The pick-up schedule is 8 and 8:30 p.m. at the Center Theatre and the fairgrounds.
The shuttle bus rides will get spectators down to the water in time for the spectacular fireworks display, presented by Central Maine Pyrotechnics, at 9:15 p.m. over Sebec Lake to conclude the 2013 Shiretown Homecoming.
Foxcroft Academy finishes up its weekend with an alumni breakfast on Sunday morning at 8.
Central Hall open house Aug. 3
DOVER-FOXCROFT — While it may not show on the outside, there has been a lot happening on the inside of Central Hall over the past year and much evolution and development of the vision for the future of The Commons at Central Hall — a proposed senior and multigenerational community center.
While they regret that they cannot host a Homecoming Ball at the renovated event hall this year, the Board of Highlands-The Commons at Central Hall has announced that there will be a limited open house at Central Hall on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. where the public can see some of the construction activity inside, view a slideshow of the process as it unfolded as well as view archived photos of the historic building from the Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society.
Over the last year at Central Hall, removal of asbestos and lead paint has been done, the inside has been stripped down to the beams and frame, a new roof has been put on and the foundation has been repaired under the stage. In the months ahead, there will be construction of a 12-foot addition on the north side running the length of the building to house fire exits, an elevator, two kitchens and toilets to bring the building up to occupancy code. Repairs to the stage and restoring the inside second floor happen next, restoring this beautiful events hall, while the first floor will be transformed into a modern community center for seniors, youth and families.
On Aug. 3, the public will also have an opportunity to see architect’s plans for the building, discuss the vision and future programs with board members and to view the projected timeline and exciting conceptualization of this future multigenerational community center.
There will be brochures, lemonade and an opportunity for people to share their memories of Central Hall either in writing or in an audio tape format. There will also be a chance to contribute to the restoration project by either purchasing a brick from Friends of Central Hall or donating to Highlands Senior Network.
The Friends of Central Hall and the Board of Highlands at Central Hall welcome back all alumni and friends and hope all have a fun-filled homecoming. They look forward to seeing everyone at Central Hall on Saturday, Aug. 3.
Beaulieu, Dr Zilinsky
to be honored at FA Alumni Banquet
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Foxcroft Academy alumni have cast their votes for the Tillson D. Thomas and Dr. Mary Chandler Lowell awards, and plaques are ready to be handed out to this year’s winners at the annual Alumni Banquet on Saturday, Aug. 3. The Foxcroft Academy Board of Trustees has decided to announce the winners in advance this year so that alumni can make plans to attend and congratulate the well-deserving recipients.
Former faculty member and football coach Walter Beaulieu will receive the Tillson D. Thomas Award, which recognizes past faculty and staff members who served the students of Foxcroft Academy with the highest degree of professionalism. The award is named in honor of Tillson Thomas, who served as headmaster at Foxcroft Academy from 1947-1972 and became synonymous with order, rules and professionalism. Beaulieu will be attending the Alumni Banquet with his wife Carolyn and noted that he is “truly honored to be the recipient of this award” and is looking forward to visiting with old friends.
This year’s recipient of the Dr. Mary Chandler-Lowell Award, which is given to an alumnus who has distinguished himself or herself professionally, will be Dr. Joseph Zilinsky, a member of the Foxcroft Academy Class of 1960 and a 1964 graduate of Bowdoin College. Dr. Zilinsky received his Ph.D in 1970 from Indiana University in the field of Microbial Physiology and is a former Biology professor at the University of Wisconsin. The award is named in honor of Dr. Mary Chandler Lowell, who graduated from Foxcroft Academy in 1881 and went on to become one of the first American woman to earn the degrees of Doctor of Medicine, Bachelor of Law, and Doctor of Jurisprudence.
175-HORSE MARCH FOR 175 YEARS
Observer file photo
Foxcroft Veterinary Services is looking to have 175 horses march in this year’s Dover-Foxcroft Shiretown Homecoming Parade, to recognize the 175th anniversary of both Piscataquis County and The Piscataquis Observer. Those taking part are asked to be at the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds on Fairview Avenue at 9 a.m., to be ready to ride by 10 a.m., and RSVPs can be made by calling 564-2144. More information can be found at the Foxcroft Veterinary Services Facebook page.
Pony Pride 5K set for Saturday morning
DOVER-FOXCROFT — The 17th annual Pony Pride Alumni 5K road race will take place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3 in conjunction with Foxcroft Academy’s Alumni Weekend. The course is relatively flat and fast as it travels through downtown Dover-Foxcroft.
Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom
PONY STAMPEDE — Over 80 runners took part in last year’s Pony Pride 5K, as the herd took off from the starting line next to the Piscataquis Regional YMCA on Park Street in Dover-Foxcroft. This year’s Pony Pride, the 17th edition of the 5K which is held as part of Foxcroft Academy’s Alumni Weekend, will start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3.
The first 80 registrants will receive a free race T-shirt. The first male and female competitors will receive either a $50 or $100 savings bonds. Gift certificates will be presented to the winners in the various race categories.
Graham Pearsall,
the 2012 Pony Pride winner and a 2009 FA graduate
The road race is open to all who want to compete. The race individual divisions are based on age and gender. The age divisions are as follows: 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over.
Shawn Keenan,
last year’s
second-place finisher
The registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Piscataquis Regional YMCA located on Park Street. The race begins at 8 a.m. and the Homecoming Celebration parade follows.
Entry forms should be sent to Foxcroft Academy c/o George Rolleston, 975 West Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426.
Meghan Keane,
who was the top women’s runner
one year ago
PRYMCA hosting Pony Trot Kids 1K
DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Piscataquis Regional YMCA is kicking off Homecoming on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 7 a.m. with the annual Pony Trot Kids 1K race. The race, open to all kids 5 and up, is a fun way to get the kids active and introduce them to the fun of running. Medals will be given out to both girls and boys in two age brackets: ages 8 and under and ages 9 and up. Kids can register at the PRYMCA or by calling 564-7111.
Photo courtesy of PRYMCA
YOUNG RUNNERS — Kids get ready to race in the 2012 Pony Trot 1K Kids Fun Run. This year’s race starts at 7 a.m. on Aug. 3 at the PRYMCA on Park Street in Dover-Foxcroft.
The Piscataquis Regional YMCA is a cause-driven organization that is committed to the community and dedicated to promoting healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, through programs and services grounded in Christian heritage and the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Foxcroft Golf Club to hold Homecoming scramble
DOVER-FOXCROFT — On Saturday, Aug. 3, the Foxcroft Golf Club will again host the nine-hole Foxcroft Homecoming Golf Scramble, an event open to the general public. The cost to participate includes a chance to win a number of prizes. A hole-in-one on hole No. 6 wins a car or truck valued at $25,000, sponsored by Rowell’s Garage of Dover-Foxcroft. Other hole-in-one prizes include a set of Cleveland irons and a $500 VISA gift card.
This year new prizes of closest to the pin, longest drive and most accurate drive will pay off to the top male and female of all three rounds at $50 each. The top team of all three rounds will receive $400 in pro shop credit, second place will receive $200, and third place $100.
Shotgun starting times will be at 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m. Contact the Foxcroft Golf Club at 564-8887 to enter your team and pick a starting time. If you are unable to play but would like to help sponsor the event, contact Cathy Hall in the Foxcroft Academy Alumni Office at 564-6542.
Thanks to the hard work of the Homecoming Golf Scramble Committee, last year’s tournament raised more than $6,000 in support of Foxcroft Academy’s Horizon Scholarship program. The Horizon Scholarships were established to help expand academic opportunities and enhance the personal and academic growth of FA students entering grades 10, 11 and 12. The program impacts all students by raising awareness of the many academic opportunities that exist beyond the walls of Foxcroft Academy.
This year more than $6,950 was awarded to students, enabling them to take part in programs located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to the coast of California. Horizon recipients are attending music camps, a two-week Spanish abroad program in Costa Rica and the California Nanosystems Institute Nanoscience Lab, just to name a few. This year’s recipients are thrilled with the opportunities that lie ahead of them and are grateful for the chance to extend their learning.
Foxcroft Academy graciously thanks all the members of the Homecoming Golf Committee for their dedication to the success of this year’s event: Lindy Warren ’76, Joanne Sincyr ’69, Danny White ’03, Ethan Annis ’03 and Cory Campbell ’75.
ON THE SAME WAVELENGTH
Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom
Age 14-18 Miss Shiretown Maddy Knapp gets some pointers from Swish on how to interact with the crowd during the 2012 Shiretown Homecoming parad. The age group winners in the previous evening’s pageant were able to ride in convertibles, and all of the other contestants had the option to be on a parade float.
BOOK SALE
DOVER-FOXCROFT — A book sale on Saturday, Aug. 3 will coincide with the annual Dover-Foxcroft Shiretown Homecoming parade. This 10-cent sale runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., enter through the front doors of the Thompson Free Public Library at 186 East Main Street. Included are donated and library-weeded paperbacks, children’s books, videos and DVDs. Proceeds from the sale will go to support the town library destroyed in the Lac-Megantic fire. For more information, call 564-3350.
SATURDAY EVENING WILL BE A BLAST
Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom
The spectactular fireworks will conclude this year’s “A Splash of Summer!” Dover-Foxcroft Shiretown Homecoming. The display will run from 9:15-10:15 p.m. over Sebec Lake, with shuttles transporting spectators to and from the water.
GLAD TO BE IN “ALADDIN JR.”
Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom
In-between three performances at the Center Theatre, the cast of Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.” took the time to ride in the 2012 Shiretown Homecoming parade. The performances were presented by Mitchell Chasse Productions, and Chasse (who is about to start his sophomore year at Foxcroft Academy) is pictured on the right holding an “Aladdin Jr.” sign. Chasse and his company will be presenting “Disney’s the Little Mermaid Jr.” during this year’s Homecoming weekend.
REMEMBERING THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DAYS
Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom
The Foxcroft Academy Class of 1972 was one of several reunion class floats to take part in last year’s parade.
HERE COMES THE GOVERNOR
Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom
Maine Gov. Paul LePage marches in last year’s Dover-Foxcroft Shiretown Homecoming parade, just beyond the intersection of East Main and North streets, accompanied by former State Sen. Doug Smith. The procession travels in a loop from the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds and back, with thousands watching along the route.
CRUISE THROUGH THE DOWNTOWN
Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom
A line of classic cars makes up a portion of a previous Homecoming parade.
FIRE APPARATUS OF THE PAST
Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom
Antique fire trucks are driven down Summer Street along the parade route.