Fire Departments Aim to Make Harpswell ‘Heart Safe’

December 26, 2014

When someone is having a heart attack or other serious health problem, every second counts.

Most people know to call 911 for help when someone shows signs of heart or breathing difficulties, but patients have a greater chance of survival if someone can provide assistance before the first responders arrive.

In an effort to help save more lives, Harpswell's three fire and rescue departments are working toward making the town a Maine HeartSafe Community by providing training to as many people as possible and making life-saving equipment available in more public places.

According to the Maine Cardiovascular Health Council, "Early recognition of the signs and symptoms associated with sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke, immediate access to emergency services, and prompt medical treatment are all crucial to prevent future events, save lives and reduce medical costs and disability. Maine HeartSafe Communities designation promotes enhancements to each of these important links and recognizes a community's dedication to improving its 'Chain of Survival' through partnerships with the local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program."

To become a HeartSafe community, the local EMS service must offer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training to local residents, place at least one Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on emergency vehicles and in a public location, dispatch Advanced Life Support to all emergency medical calls and promote the "chain of survival" in the community.

Ed Blain, chief of the Orr's and Bailey Islands fire department, said the town's full-time paramedic service provides advanced life support services, and AED devices are available on most of the town's emergency vehicles. In addition, many of the department's volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians carry AEDs in their personal vehicles so they can provide quick care in their own neighborhoods, if needed.

In addition, volunteers from all three departments recently attended a training on team CPR, which involves high-quality, consistent CPR along with quick access to a defibrillator. Blain said the Portland Fire Department began using the technique a couple of years ago and saw its survival rate for cardiac arrest cases jump from less than 5 percent to more than 20 percent after the first year.

"We are implementing this team approach in the Harpswell departments and will do another training to strengthen our team members," Blain said. "What is equally beneficial is a well-trained community, and we will pursue that as well." 

The next steps, Blain said, are to provide community CPR training, encourage placement of AEDs throughout town and provide AEDs to more of the town's volunteer responders.

Blain said the departments plan to reach out to find suitable locations for public placement of AEDs, simple-to-use devices which can be used by anyone to provide life-saving shocks to people in cardiac arrest. Good locations include public buildings, schools, stores and restaurants. Blain said each AED unit costs about $700 and the departments hope to find people willing to underwrite or sponsor purchases for various locations. Donors will be recognized with a plaque at the location where the unit is installed.

Anyone interested in donating toward that effort can email cpr@obifd.org or call blain at 207-833-5199.

CPR Instructors Janice Adams and Jim Whittaker

Meanwhile, beginning in January, the fire and rescue department will be offering a series of courses to provide various levels of training. The classes, designed and presented through videos from the American Heart Association, along with hands-on practice using mannequins and defibrillators, will range from basic CPR to more advanced life-support techniques.

"I think this is an important step for the community, especially since we're so far from the hospitals," said Jim Whittaker of Orr's Island, an OBIFD firefighter and driver who is helping to coordinate the training programs, along with Janice Adams, a retired nurse practitioner from Orr's Island.

“Everyone should know CPR,” Whittaker said. “It’s too simple not to know.”

The simplest and easiest program, called Family & Friends CPR, is a two-hour class designed to teach basic skills to people of all ages. Training is provided in basic CPR, AED use and choking relief for adults and children, but does not require testing or certification. Organizers hope to offer it to both adults and children, including school and scouting groups. The class will be offered free of charge.

"Anyone who completes it will know what to do if someone is having heart or breathing trouble," Whittaker said.

A second course, called HeartSaver, offers more in-depth training on CPR and AED use for adults as well as full CPR and first aid training to deal with children and infants. The four-hour program, which includes a skills test and leads to a two-year certification, is aimed at parents, grandparents, teachers, nannies, day care workers, babysitters, lifeguards and others who may be around children, although anyone is welcome to attend. A $20 fee will be charged for the class to cover the costs of books and other materials.

The third course, Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers, is aimed at doctors, nurses, EMTs, therapists and health care aides, as well as anyone who wants to learn more advanced life-saving skills, including CPR and rescue breathing. The four-hour program concludes with a written and skills test and provides certification in the techniques. This class also will have a $20 fee to cover costs.

The first program to be offered this year will be the HeartSaver class, which is scheduled for Monday, January 12, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the old Orr's Island Schoolhouse, located next to the Orr's Island fire station on Harpswell Islands Road, Route 24. Registration is required and may be done by sending an email to cpr@obifd.org with contact information. Anyone interested is invited to take the class, although size is limited.

Other classes at the different skill levels will be offered in the coming months. The courses will be advertised in local media and posted on the web at www.obifd.org and www.harpswellfireandrescue.org.

To facilitate future programs, the department is also looking for more people to help teach the courses, which requires training offered at Midcoast Hospital in Brunswick. Anyone interested can contact Whittaker at cpr@obifd.org for more information.

Harpswell's three fire and rescue departments include Cundy's Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, which serves all of Great Island from the Brunswick line to Stevens Corner Road on Route 24; Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue, which serves all areas off of Route 123, including Mountain Road west of the Ewing Narrows bridge; and the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department, which serves Orr's, Bailey and part of Great Island south of Stevens Corner road and east of the Ewing Narrows bridge.

More information about the three departments, including how to join as a volunteer, is available at www.harpswellfireandrescue.org.

Sisters Named Rescue Captains for Harpswell Islands Fire Departments

October 15, 2014

The Cundy's Harbor and Orr's and Bailey Islands emergency medical squads each have a new captain -- and they should have little difficulty maintaining the close ties and cooperation between the two departments.

After all, they are sisters and members of a family with a long and deep history of service to the fire and rescue departments.

Sheila Lucas has been named Rescue Captain of the Cundy's Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, while Cindy Watson is the new Rescue Captain of the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department.

Rescue Captains Cindy Watson, left, and Sheila
Lucas, center, along with their  Harpswell Neck
counterpart,  Gail Hart. OBIFD photo.

The two departments, which are closely integrated and often assist each other, provide fire rescue service to all of the eastern side of Harpswell, including Great, Orr's, Bailey and numerous offshore Islands.

Lucas, 58, has been an emergency medical technician with the Cundy's Harbor department for 20 years. A house painter with two grown children and grandchildren, Lucas first joined the department after seeing the rescue squad in action close-up.

"My children are the reason I got involved with the fire department," she said. "In the early 90s, on Thanksgiving Day, they were involved in a serious car accident. I watched the personnel from CHFD and OBI work on my kids. They didn't hesitate to take time from their families to treat mine. I figured the best way I could say 'thank you' was to pay it forward."

Soon after, a neighbor knocked on her door, asked if she would be interested in joining the department and taking an EMT training course being held on Orr's Island.

"I signed up, took the class and have not ever regretted it," Lucas said. "It is very rewarding to be able to help our neighbors in need."

Watson, 43, has been a firefighter since 1997 and became an EMT with OBIFD in 2008, when she moved back to the islands after spending time in Vermont working as a sheriff's department dispatcher. A Bailey Island resident who recently married, Watson has a daughter, two step-daughters, two sons-in-law and two granddaughters.

An active volunteer who responds to many rescue calls, Watson said she enjoys helping people and "seeing the appreciation on the faces of the ones you helped and those closest to them."

"When people are experiencing times of trial, they want someone on their side," Watson said. "They want someone there to tell them that they are not alone in this world and that there are people out there who care and will help them to the best of their ability."

OBIFD Chief Ed Blain said that approach is a key reason why he named Watson to the position.

"What strikes me most about her is her genuine compassion for patients," Blain said. "She strives to provide quality care. Her easy-going style and calming affect with patients makes her a great EMT." 

Blain said she also has shown the skills necessary to be a great leader for the rescue squad, which is actively recruiting and training a new generation of volunteer EMTs.

"She possesses a strong commitment to improve her skills with continuing education. This makes her a very competent provider who also likes to help her fellow EMTs improve their skills by sharing her knowledge," Blain said. "I have been impressed with her ideas to improve the team approach for EMS and fire and the manner she has reached out to support our new EMTs."

Cundy's Harbor Chief Benjamin Wallace Jr. had similar praise for Lucas.

"She has tremendous amount of experience and talent. She's hardworking and dedicated," Wallace said. "In addition she's really been there for me in the past year and has been an integral part of our department for years, and continues to be the most active member of the roster."

"Without her and the many other folks that keep us in a constant state of readiness, and respond to our community's call each day, our volunteer system can't work," he said.

In addition to their new leadership roles, Lucas and Watson are following a long family tradition of volunteer fire and rescue service.

"Our family 's involvement goes back to my grandfather and maybe even beyond that," Watson said.

Their mother, Ruth Perry, has been involved with OBIFD for decades, serving in the former auxiliary and still volunteering at department events, including the popular annual auction and yard sale. Their brother, Bob Perry, has been an OBIFD volunteer for more than 40 years, serving as a firefighter, captain and assistant chief. His son, Dan Perry, is now a captain in the department, and Lucas' daughter-in-law, Carrie, recently joined CHVFD as a new EMT.

Both sisters said they were especially inspired by the commitment of their brother.

"I always envied the passion he had for the department. I now know what that passion is like," Lucas said. 

"He has been my idol all through my life," Watson said. "There isn't anything I can't do, because I know he can do it too and I can learn from him."

Watson also said she has been inspired by her older sister as well.

"I don't think she knows this, but she was my inspiration when I was taking my EMT course. I knew that if I had any questions or needed help with anything, I would be able to call on her and get the assistance I needed in order to make me a better EMT," Watson said.

"Sheila is a wonderful EMT, a treasured sister and an even better person. I have very proud of her, and I am proud to call her my sister."

Lucas has similar praise for her younger sister.

"I am very proud of Cindy. I look forward to working with her," she said.

The sisters said their training and professional cooperation is more important to their jobs than being sisters, but the close relationship can help.

"I don't think it will make a difference on a professional level. Our members have worked together before to coordinate trainings, etc., and it wasn't family members doing it then," Watson said. "On a personal note, it makes it easier to contact the other department officials with questions, ideas or what-have-you. There's no need to exchange phone numbers."

Both also said their top goals in their new positions are to maintain high standards of service and continue to attract new members to keep the volunteer service viable in town.

"If you're thinking about volunteering but aren't sure you will make a difference, or think you don't have time, think again," Watson said. "Everything you do, no matter how minor it might seem to you, makes a huge difference to someone else."

Lucas had a similar message.

"I wish more people had the opportunity to do this," she said. "I understand the difficulty of joining when families have small children.  Who are they supposed to leave their children with at a moment's notice when the pager goes off? Being willing to watch your neighbor's children so they can respond would be a great way to volunteer and support the departments."

Harpswell's three fire and rescue departments include CHVFD, which serves all of Great Island from the Brunswick line to Stevens Corner Road on Route 24; Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue, which serves all areas off of Route 123, including Mountain Road west of the Ewing Narrows bridge; and OBIFD, which serves Orr's, Bailey and part of Great Island south of Stevens Corner road and east of the Ewing Narrows bridge.

More information on joining any of the three departments and the various roles available can be found at their joint recruitment web site at  www.harpswellfireandrescue.org.

OBIFD Personnel Appear in TV News Report

October 6, 2014

Members of the Orrs and Bailey Islands Fire Department recently appeared on television as part of a news segment on driver training and volunteer recruitment for Harpswell's fire and rescue crews.

Chief Ed Blain is interviewed by Jared Pelletier

Fire Chief Ed Blain and two new trainees were interviewed by a reporter from WGME, Channel 13, of Portland, who attended the townwide driver training session on Saturday, Oct. 4.

The second portion of a two-part training program, the session involved hands-on lessons in driving the ambulances, fire engines, tanker trucks and other vehicles used by the Harpswell fire departments. New and veteran members of all three departments attended the training.

The interviews were conducted at the Orr's Island fire station by WGME reporter Jared Pelletier.

The interviews were shown as part of a report which aired on the WGME evening news and again during the 11 p.m. news on October 4.

Blain discussed the training program and ongoing efforts to recruit more volunteers for the three departments. Also interviewed were new recruit Katie Hennessey, a prospective firefighter and emergency medical technician, and Ed Levine, an OBIFD board member and volunteer driver.

"It was a great opportunity to show how we keep up on our training as well as get the message out that we need more volunteers to continue to provide high quality fire and rescue service in town," Blain said.

Harpswell's three fire and rescue departments include Cundy's Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, which serves all of Great Island from the Brunswick line to Stevens Corner Road on Route 24; Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue, which serves all areas off of Route 123, including Mountain Road west of the Ewing Narrows bridge; and the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department, which serves Orr's, Bailey and part of Great Island south of Stevens Corner road and east of the Ewing Narrows bridge.

In addition to drivers, the departments are looking for volunteers to fill other high- and low-skill roles, such as emergency medical technicians, firefighters and fire support personnel. Volunteers are also sought to serve on the departments' independent board of directors and help out at community events, such as open houses and fundraisers.

More information is available online at www.harpswellfireandrescue.org or by calling Blain at 833-5199.

Harpswell Fire and Rescue Departments Offer Driver Training

September 15, 2014

Harpswell's three fire and rescue departments are inviting residents to attend upcoming training sessions to prepare to fill much-needed roles as volunteer emergency drivers.

The two-part program, scheduled for the last week of September, will train volunteers to drive an ambulance, paramedic car and other vehicles used in emergency response by the Cundy's Harbor, Harpswell Neck and Orr's and Bailey Islands fire departments.

The drivers are a key component to the town's fire and rescue services. When a medical rescue call comes in, a volunteer ambulance crew is dispatched from one of the three departments, along with a paid paramedic who services the entire town. On each call, volunteers are needed to operate both the ambulance and the paramedic's sports utility vehicle, which must follow the ambulance while the paramedic accompanies the patient to the hospital.

Volunteers can also be trained to drive tanker trucks, which shuttle water to fight fires, and other trucks, including fire engines and utility vehicles.

Trained volunteers are issued pagers to alert them to calls and hand-held radios to indicate their response and other communications. The drivers, when available, report to their local fire and rescue station and ride in the ambulance along with volunteer emergency medical technicians. After the hospital run, the drivers return to the station in the ambulance.

In addition to those duties, drivers can also assist the EMTs and paramedics with other tasks, including helping to lift and carry patients or retrieve items from the ambulance or paramedic car, especially in remote locations, such as the many trails and beaches along the town's coastline.

"Typically when we respond to a call on a trail, we have a patient who is badly injured and can't walk out. Carrying someone out on a long board is big team effort.  A twisted knee, loss of consciousness, bad cut, bleeding, dislocated shoulder or hip and broken bones are all typical things we have encountered on such calls," said Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Chief Ed Blain.

"Being available to drive or help carry someone out of a spot like that is exactly the kind of low training skill set that can allow a lot of people a volunteer role that can really make a difference," Blain said.

Blain, who coordinates recruitment for the three departments, said the training includes a classroom session featuring videos and discussion regarding safe driving practices with an emergency vehicle. The classroom session alone will qualify a volunteer to drive the paramedic car on rescue calls. A separate hands-on training session will qualify drivers to operate the ambulance and other apparatus in emergency situations.

The two-hour classroom training will be offered twice: at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, at the Orr's Island Fire Station, 1600 Harpswell Islands Road, Route 24, on Orr's Island; or at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Harpswell Neck fire station, 1430 Harpswell Neck Road, Route 123.

The hands-on driving course will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Mitchell Field on Route 123 in Harpswell Neck. Ambulance training will begin as early as 8 a.m. Tanker training will be held following the ambulance sessions. Training on other vehicles may be held later for each department, as needed.

Attendance at a classroom session is required to take the road class.

Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid Maine drivers license not under suspension. Trainees should bring their license to the sessions.

The training is open to both current volunteers and interested newcomers. Trainees who are not current members can register by submitting an online application at www.harpswellfireandrescue.org.

Blain said the training program will allow volunteers to help serve their community in a meaningful way while learning skills they can use in their everyday lives.

"The information is pertinent to daily driving and is something most people will find interesting and informative," Blain said. "This training develops skills that will make people better drivers in their personal vehicles."

In addition to drivers, the departments are looking for volunteers to fill other high- and low-skill roles, such as emergency medical technicians, firefighters and fire support personnel. Volunteers are also sought to serve on the departments' independent board of directors and help out at community events, such as open houses and fundraisers.

More information is available online at www.harpswellfireandrescue.org or by calling Blain at 833-5199.

The three fire and rescue departments include Cundy's Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, which serves all of Great Island from the Brunswick line to Stevens Corner Road on Route 24; Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue, which serves all areas off of Route 123, including Mountain Road west of the Ewing Narrows bridge; and the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department, which serves Orr's, Bailey and part of Great Island south of Stevens Corner road and east of the Ewing Narrows bridge.

OBIFD Hosts Another Successful Auction and Sale

August 20, 2014

Perfect weather, lots of bargains, generosity and community spirit all came together to make for another great weekend at the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department annual auction and yard sale.

Hundreds of people attended the two-day event, which features a community yard sale and silent auction on both days and a live auction of mostly donated treasures on Sunday, August 9.

More than $45,000 was raised at the 21^st annual event to support the non-profit fire and rescue department. It was the second-highest amount ever raised at the auction and sale, trailing only last year, when two valuable boats and a motorhome bolstered the total to record levels.

Buyers look for bargains at the yard sale.

“We were so pleased not just because we were successful in reaching our financial goals for the weekend, but that we hosted one more event that brings the folks from all over Harpswell together for a great time,” said Mike Helfgott, president of the OBIFD Board of Directors.

Over the years, the event has grown from a modest fundraising idea which raised about $350 in 1993 to a highly anticipated community event which has provided thousands of dollars to help equip and train members of the all-volunteer fire and rescue squads.

Crowds line up early for the Saturday yard sale.

“It was great fun watching people leave our yard with armloads of items, some of which they really needed, others that they merely wanted, and some that they had no need for at all,” Helfgott said. “Perhaps they'll bring some of them back next year to pass on to other neighbors.”

Among the items generating the most attention this year were a teak dining room set, which sold for $1,000; a large set of wicker outdoor furniture for $1,025; a life-sized carved wooden dolphin for $675; a concrete gargoyle for $550; a power boat for $775; and another small boat and trailer for $450.

Buyers found many bargains in the numerous pieces of vintage wooden furniture, including $310 for a 19^th-century recliner, $250 for an old bureau from a former Orr’s Island hotel, $175 for an oak table, $125 for a grandfather clock, $90 for a drop-leaf cherry table, and $250 for a set of 1950s kitchen chairs and table. Numerous other pieces of furniture and antiques sold for less than $100.

Prospective bidders preview auction items.

The auction included several special items sold to fund specific purposes. A hand-made local quilt, originally raffled several years ago to raise money for the department’s scholarship fund, was donated back and auctioned off for $550, again to benefit the scholarship. A blueberry pie, baked fresh especially for the auction, was sold for $1,000, continuing a tradition of four-figure bids for the first pie to benefit the scholarship fund each year. Two other pies sold for $200 and $110, and a bidder paid $200 for a pair of old roller skates which are signed by the winner each year and then returned for “sale” the next year.

Meanwhile, the two-day yard sale on the fire station grounds and in the adjacent old Orr’s Island Schoolhouse featured a wide variety of household items, sporting goods, rugs, furniture and more, with costs ranging from a few cents to a few dollars. Many terrific bargains were had because the large number of quality items at the auction meant more things were sold at the yard sale for less.

Auctioneer Malcolm McFarland gets bids.

Fire Chief Ed Blain, who served as an auctioneer, attributed much of the success to the generosity of donors who provided a wide array of quality items for sale and then opened their wallets to buy other treasures donated by their neighbors.

“I was very pleased with the record turnout and record-breaking numbers,” Blain said.  “Saturday's yard sale nearly doubled our numbers in past years and was indicative of the high quality and exceptional deals that were available.”

Blain said he heard from so many people that the yard sale and auction has become the top social event and one of the highlights of the year in the islands community.  Many people told of planning their visits so they would be sure to be in town for the event.

Buyers check out bargains at the Orr's Island Schoolhouse.

As the auction and sale has grown, it has involved more and more volunteers, who work year-round to make it a success.

“I want to thank our community volunteers who tirelessly helped to set up and run the event through the weekend,” Blain said. “They too often fade into the background of the event and don't get nearly the recognition they deserve. The department could not possibly do this without the help of all the volunteers.”

Those volunteers have already begun working on next year’s auction and sale, which is scheduled for August 8 and 9, 2015, including collecting donations, which are accepted year-round.

All money raised helps fund the operation of the all-volunteer department, which provides fire and rescue services for Orr's and Bailey Islands and portions of Great Island east of the Mountain Road bridge and south of Stevens Corner Road on Route 24.

Chief Ed Blain shows off the new patient monitor.

At the start of the auction, Blain provided a tangible example of where the money raised at the event goes and how it benefits the community.

Blain held up a new patient cardiac monitor recently purchased with $ 30,700 raised from donations, including last year’s auction. The advanced monitor, which will improve patient care by emergency medical technicians, gives OBIFD the same key piece equipment used by the town’s other rescue squads and paramedic service.

For more information about OBIFD or volunteering, visit the department's web site at www.obifd.org.

OBIFD Annual Auction and Yard Sale Set For August 9 & 10

July 16, 2014

The 21st annual Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department auction and yard sale will be held on August 9 and 10 on Orr's Island.

The weekend will feature a giant yard sale, silent auction and food on Saturday and Sunday and a live auction of antiques, art, collectibles and other items on Sunday. It will be held at the Orr’s Island Fire Station, 1600 Harpswell Islands Road, Route 24.

The auction and sale has become a treasured community event, typically attracting large crowds, and is considered one of the highlights of the summer on the islands.

“This has become an island institution,” said OBIFD Fire Chief Ed Blain, one of the auction organizers. “We look forward to seeing familiar faces who have supported us for the past two decades as well as people coming for the first time.“

The yard sale will run from 8 a.m. to at least 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The live auction will begin  Sunday at 10 a.m., with preview and registration beginning at 9 a.m. A silent auction of donated goods and services will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday. 

Items sold at the event are donated by area residents throughout the year. The most unique and valuable pieces are typically sold at the auction, though many surprises and treasures can be found in the yard sale, which is held on the grounds around the fire station and inside the adjacent historic Orr's Island Schoolhouse. 

“There is truly something to be found for everyone, if not just seeing the delight on the faces of winning bidders or discoveries in the yard sale or among the schoolhouse collectibles,” Blain said.

Among the items expected to be up for sale this year are a large, carved wooden dolphin which dates back to the 1920s and has been displayed in both Maine and Florida. It was donated to the auction by a Cundy's Harbor resident.

Blain said other items include a number of high-end antique pieces, including lamps, desks, bureaus and dining room furniture, along with other unique collectibles. 

As usual, there will be several boats for sale, including multiple skiffs, a 14-foot boat with a motor and trailer, canoes, kayaks, and at least one paddle board. More boats are also expected to come in before the auction.

“Another flotilla looks to be available for sure,” Blain said.

Anyone looking for a new bicycle will also find many choices this year.

“We have more bikes than ever, including some high-end reproductions, street bikes, off-road bikes and bikes sized for every member of the family,” Blain said. 

The auction will also feature many surprise and unique items, including locally baked pies which are typically sold for hundreds of dollars to support the fire department scholarship fund and other needs.

Concrete gargoyle up for auction.

Blain will once again serve as chief auctioneer, assisted this year by OBIFD board member Malcolm McFarland, an experienced antiques dealer.

The yard sale held in the adjacent schoolhouse, on the lawn and in two big tents out back will offer a wide range of household goods, bric-a-brac, holiday decorations, small antiques and toys. 

The silent auction will feature gift certificates donated by area businesses, including restaurants, motels,  local fishermen and shops, offering meals, automotive and marine supplies and services, jewelry, art and clothing, home and garden supplies and services, personal care and health supplies and services, recreation opportunities and many more.

Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be offered for sale on both days. The breakfast menu includes made-to-order sandwiches and bakery items, while lunch features grilled hot and sweet sausages, hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, nachos with cheese, soft pretzels, other snacks, beverages and deserts.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Orr's & Bailey Islands Fire Department, which provides fire and rescue services on Orr's and Bailey Islands and portions of Great Island east of the Mountain Road bridge and south of Stevens Corner Road on Route 24. All money raised goes to support the fire and rescue operations and for training to better serve the community.

Donations are still needed for the auction and yard sale.  Items may be dropped off at the Orr's Island fire station from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays through August 2, or call Blain at 833-5199 to arrange for another time or schedule a pickup of donations by fire department volunteers

For more information about the fire department or volunteering, visit www.obifd.org 

Art Auction Raises Funds for Orr's Island Schoolhouse

July 15, 2014

A lot of community spirit and thousands of dollars were raised at this year’s annual art auction to benefit the historic Orr’s Island Schoolhouse.

Dozens of works of art, ranging from paintings and photographs to carvings and jewelry, were sold at the annual event. About 75 people attended and provided spirited bidding on items donated by local artists for the fund-raiser, held July 5 at the schoolhouse on Harpswell Islands Road, Route 24

Bidders check out the artwork prior to the auction.

The artwork included a series of old-style wooden lobster buoys which were distributed by auction organizers to area artists, who transformed them into unique pieces of art.

“The creativity shown by our local artists with the buoys was amazing,” said Venise Minkowsky, who organized the auction. “We are very fortunate to have so many talented people in our community who are willing to donate their time and abilities to help us preserve such an important part of our local history.”

A buoy carved by Brad McFadden of Orr’s Island proved to be the most valuable item sold at the auction. The buoy, transformed into a realistic-looking lobster, sold for $1,000 following some enthusiastic bidding. It was the second year in a row a work by McFadden generated the most money at the event.

Other top bids included $525 for “Seal,” an oil painting by Doug Bane; $300 for “Puffin Watch,” a silkscreen by T. Tryson; $280 for a carved Sanderling bird by McFadden; $200 for “Fog Lifting, Newfoundland,” a watercolor by Margaret Leonard; $130 for “Purple Buoys,” a watercolor by Jan Roberson; and $120 for “Girl with Goldfish Balloon,” a digital print by Jeff McCreight.

Top sellers among the lobster buoys included $280 for “Lobster with Own Butter” by Tom Brudzinski; $210 for “Lobster Roll” by Maureen Anthoine-Orlandini; $205 for “Pineapple” by Jeff McCreight; and $200 for “Painting of Lowell Cove” by Patricia Fuchs.

Brad McFadden's lobster buoy.

All winning bids totaled nearly $7,000, which yielded more than $5,500 for the schoolhouse after expenses and commissions paid to some of the artists. The money is used for maintenance and improvements to the building, such as new air conditioning which kept everyone cool and comfortable for the auction on a warm summer evening.

Participating artists in this year’s event included Margaret Leonard, Kimball Page, Jan Roberson, Sharon Bond, KDB, Doug Bane, Jeff McCreight, Tim McCreight, Barbara Wiltshire, Patricia Fuchs, Bill Tomsa, Scott Minkowsky and Tom Brudzinski.

The lobster buoys were provided by Doug Bane, Steve Black, Tom Brudzinski, Patricia Fuchs, Emily Leonard Trenholm, Brad McFadden, Maureen Anthoine-Orlandini, Jeff McCreight, Tim McCreight, and Patrick Regan.

Auctioneer Ed Blain, left, and Tim McCreight drum up bids.

In addition, local lobstermen Dave Johnson, Al Johnson, and Bob Wilson provided buoys painted with their own colors, which sold for more than $100 each.

Ed Blain, chief of the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department, once again served as auctioneer at the event.An important part of Harpswell history, the building was originally a two-room school for island children. Now used for a variety of community, public and private events, the schoolhouse is self-supporting, depending on income from event rentals, fund raisers and donations to maintain the building and grounds. It is managed by the adjacent Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department.

For more information about the schoolhouse, or to inquire about rentals, please contact Venise Minkowsky at 833-7386 or visit orrsislandschoolhouse.com.

OBIFD Seeks Donations for Annual Auction and Yard Sale

June 17, 2014

The Orr's & Bailey Islands Fire Department is looking for donations for its annual auction and yard sale to be held August 9 and 10 at the fire station on Orr's Island.

Items may be dropped off at the fire station at 1600 Harpswell Islands Road, Route 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays leading up to the big weekend. Donors can also call 833-5199 to arrange for free pickup of larger pieces or multiple items. The fire department asks that no donations be left unattended at the station.

Over the years, the department has found that many items are difficult to sell or even give away and asks people not to donate microwave ovens, vacuums, dehumidifiers, electric stovetops, computer equipment, ski gear, couches or other stuffed furniture, mattresses and box springs, exercise equipment, aquariums, building materials, bath fixtures, appliances, lighting fixtures, metal bed frames, baby equipment, particleboard furniture, plastic storage containers and cups. Books can be donated to the Orr's Island Library for its August sale.

Items accepted for donation will be up for sale at either the yard sale held throughout the weekend or at the live auction on Sunday, August 10.

The yard sale will be held from 8 a.m. to at least 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, and again Sunday morning on the grounds of the fire station and inside the adjacent old Orr's Island Schoolhouse on Harpswell Islands Road, Route 24.

The live auction of some of the finer items will begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday, with preview starting at 9 a.m. A wide variety of antique and fine furniture, historical artifacts, artwork and many other items will be up for bid as usual, with lots of interesting surprises along the way.

A silent auction of a variety of goods, services and experiences donated by area businesses will be open on both days. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be offered for sale.

All proceeds from the event help fund the nonprofit volunteer department, which provides fire and rescue services for Orr's and Bailey Islands and portions of Great Island east of the Mountain Road bridge and south of Stevens Corner Road on Route 24. 

For more information, visit www.obifd.org or call fire Chief Ed Blain at 833-5199.

Artists Prepare Lobster Buoys for 'An Evening of Art'

June 16, 2014

These four lobster buoys specially decorated by local artists will be among a series up for sale at thefourth annual An Evening of Art on Saturday, July 5, at the historic Orr’s Island Schoolhouse on Route 24.

The iconic buoys were distributed to area artists to transform into unique pieces to be sold at the benefit for the old schoolhouse building. Dozens of other items, including paintings, prints, photographs, jewelry and more will also be auctioned off at the event, to be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on July 5 at the schoolhouse, located at 1594 Harpswell Island Road, Route 24, Orr’s Island. Preview will begin at 6 p.m. Light hors d'oeuvres, desserts, soda and wine will be served.

The former two-room schoolhouse, now managed by the adjacent Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department, is used for a variety of community, public and private events. The schoolhouse is self-supporting, depending on income from event rentals, fundraisers and donations to maintain the building and grounds.

For more information, please contact Venise Minkowsky at 833-7386 or Tim McCreight at 761-8217, visit orrsislandschoolhouse.com or email artauction@orrsislandschoolhouse.com.

Fun Time Had by All at OBIFD Open House

June 10, 2014

Hands-on fun was the order of the day at this year’s annual open house at the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department.

Visitors got a chance to operate and feel the power of a live fire hose, check out rescue tools as they tore into a wrecked car and climb aboard fire trucks and other emergency vehicles at the open house, held on June 7 at the Orr’s Island fire station.

“This annual event gives us a chance to show the community what we do and how we do it, and expose people to the benefits of helping their neighbors by volunteering for a variety of roles in the fire and rescue department,” said OBIFD Chief Ed Blain.

“It was a fun time for us and our visitors.”

Many of the department’s volunteers were on hand to demonstrate the use of fire hoses, rescue tools and fire extinguishers. Firefighters showed off the rescue tools by tearing apart a junked car as they would in an actual rescue, removing the doors and then cutting off the roof to reach occupants inside.

Children and adults got a chance to see the tools up close and even feel the power of the cutting jaws.

Many people also got the opportunity to operate a powerful fire hose hooked up to one of the department’s engines which blasted water as it would while fighting an actual fire.

The open house also included a visit from the Brunswick Fire Department fire safety trailer, in which visitors got to experience what it would be like in a smoke-filled home and how to get out safely, and a presentation by Chief Blain on safety tips when filling up at a gas station. There were also gifts for children and free refreshments for everyone.

“We enjoy putting on this event every year and appreciate the support we receive,” said Mike Helfgott, president of the OBIFD Board of Directors. “Our volunteers are proud of what they do for the community and love to show off their skills to our neighbors and friends.”

OBIFD is an all-volunteer department which provides fire and medical rescue services for Orr's and Bailey Islands and portions of Great Island south of Stevens Corner Road on Route 24, including Long Point, and Mountain Road east of the Ewing Narrows bridge.

For more information on OBIFD or joining the volunteer crew, visit www.obifd.org  or the town-wide recruitment and information site at www.harpswellfireandrescue.org.

Harpswell Fire Departments Seek Volunteers for Many Roles

May 21, 2014

Harpswell's three fire and rescue departments are making a new plea for residents to take on a variety of roles to help keep the long tradition of volunteer emergency response alive in town.

The three departments have always relied on volunteers to provide both medical rescue and firefighting services, but a declining number of responders has put that system in jeopardy. Last year, the town began providing full-time paramedic service but still relies on volunteer responders to drive ambulances, transport patients and perform other emergency and support duties.

“We desperately need volunteers to help broaden our response capabilities,” said Ed Blain, chief of the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department. 

In the past, recruitment of volunteers focused on higher-skilled roles such as firefighters and emergency medical technicians, which require specialized ongoing training and more demanding time commitments.

In an effort to reach out to more people, the departments are now broadening that appeal to include volunteers to take on supporting roles, many of which require little training and less time, yet still perform vital functions.

Blain cited emergency medical response as one area with several volunteer opportunities at various skill levels.

“Every EMS call requires two drivers to respond with an EMT -- one to drive the ambulance and one for the paramedic response vehicle,” Blain said.  “The paramedic vehicle is a Chevy Tahoe that pretty much anybody can drive with some instruction on operating the lights and siren.”

Volunteers can also help support the fire service.

“Support staff working in roles like traffic control or moving supplies allow more highly trained volunteers to utilize their skills as interior firefighters,” Blain said.

In addition to less training – which is provided for free -- the departments also offer volunteers the flexibility to help out when their own schedules allow.

“Volunteers can be assigned a schedule or simply sign on to a call when they are available,” Blain said.

Other roles require no emergency response at all, but can provide important help, such as Community Event Volunteers, who assist the departments with special events, such as open houses or fundraisers.

The volunteers are needed for all three of the town departments -- Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue, Cundy's Harbor Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue, and the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department, which serves Orr's, Bailey and part of Great Island south of the Nazarene Church on Route 24.

The three departments will soon mail a flyer to local addresses advertising the need for volunteers and highlighting the many options available. 

Some of the roles outlined in the flyer include:

• Support staff members to provide emergency and non-emergency duties, such as traffic control, managing refreshments at fires and helping to get equipment ready for service after a call.
  
• Driver/Operators specially trained and certified to operate emergency vehicles, including the ambulances, fire engines, water tankers, squad trucks and smaller utility vehicles.
  
• Auxiliary Firefighters trained to suppress fires that do not require the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) but can include operating fire department vehicles and specialty tools such as the “Jaws of Life”.
  
• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) work closely with the town’s paramedic to provide emergency treatment and patient transportation.
  
• Firefighters qualified to wear SCBA to work in burning buildings suppressing fire and saving occupants, in addition to responding to other emergencies, including vehicle crashes and environmental hazards.
  
• Junior Firefighters younger than 18 years of age who can assist on calls that don’t place them in immediate harm’s way.

In addition to the mailing, the three departments are also developing a web site, www.harpswellfireandrescue.org, to list all of the opportunities, training and event schedules and other information for prospective volunteers.

Anyone interested in more information is asked to contact Blain, who is handling inquiries on behalf of all the departments. He can be reached at 833-5199 or ed.blain@obifd.org via email.

Information will also be available at the OBIFD annual open house, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, at the Orr’s Island fire station on Route 24. The event will include demonstrations of various firefighting and rescue techniques and the opportunity to meet other responding volunteers and get information on the various roles available.

Blain urged Harpswell residents with any interest in the fire or rescue service to consider volunteering.

“Volunteering with the EMS and fire departments is a great way of helping your neighbors and serving the community,” he said. “You get to meet the wonderful folks living in town and offer a helping hand.”