Palermo community foundation nets $1,970 at fundraiser barbecue

Murielle DiBiasi and Ann Sears kick up their heels as Anthony Semenovich plays guitar. (contributed photo)

The August 3 Community Cookout wasn’t just delicious, it was great fun! Anthony Semenovich played his violin and guitar, inspiring some to dance along in the grass, as people finished their desserts and relaxed under the canopies and in the grape arbor. “I saw people scooping up the last crumbs of cornbread from the giant pan,” laughed Phil White Hawk as he helped himself to more pulled pork. Michael O’Brien and his daughter Aubrey delighted the crowd with humorous comments as they drew the raffle prizes that ranged from gift certificates to an Echo trimmer donated by The Home Depot. Many local businesses contributed to the success of the cookout, including Hussey’s General Store, Lakeview Lumber, Bass Pro Shop, and B & B Septic. Ann Sears collected many personal donations of gift cards, handmade items, and tools. There were a couple of anonymous donors as well, whose support is greatly appreciated.

The Living Communities Foundation sponsors the Palermo Community Garden, where the party took place, and next-door neighbor Mark Evasius kindly lent the use of part of his back yard for a parking area. It was a good thing he did, as it filled up quickly. The Community Garden helps to supply the food pantry with freshly-picked, organic produce. The back garden not only features the grape arbor, but also showcases interplanted herbs and vegetables in 15 raised beds. Master Gardener Connie Bellet likes to introduce colorful and unusual plants to expand the Maine diet. The Giant Kossack kohlrabi is a good example of a sweet and versatile vegetable not found in grocery stores. Another example is Mountain Red Orach, a burgundy spinach-like plant that grows to eight feet in height and is rich in anthocyanins. Both of these vegetables are offered at the food pantry, and visitors are welcome to take a tour of the garden. It is best to call Connie at 993-2294 to make sure she is around to give a tasting tour.

The Living Communities Foundation enthusiastically thanks all the volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible. Thanks to the income, the Foundation plans to resume some programs and add others, now that Covid is in the rearview mirror. Suggestions are welcome! Please give Connie a call or email her at pwhitehawk@fairpoint.net.

Guests enjoy barbecue in the Community Garden. (contributed photo)