SOLON & BEYOND: 4-H’ers have been busy this summer

by Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

The Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club has been very busy this summer. They met on July 13, 14, and 15, for a meeting and fun weekend at the Evergreen Campground, in Solon.

The members worked on projects, record sheets and educational exhibit for Skowhegan State Fair. Bike riding, playing games, swimming, and plenty of food was enjoyed by all. Some time in the future Kate Stevens is planning to take the club rafting from Solon to the boat landing in North Anson.

On Saturday, July 21, the club catered the luncheon for the annual Solon High School Alumni.

On Tuesday, July 24, the members will be bringing in their exhibits for the Bangor Fair.

The next meeting will be on Monday. August 20. At the meeting they will be tagging their exhibits for the fair in Dover Foxcroft.

The following is from the Somerset Woods Trustees: On June 11 the voters of the town of Madison authorized the selectmen and the Madison Library Board of Directors to convey this 41-acre parcel in East Madison, known as Jacob’s Pines, to SWT. Conserving this parcel is an important step towards protecting the watershed of Wesserunsett Lake. They expect to open a trail on the land once suitable access for the public is arranged.

Received the following e-mail from Angela Stockwell at the Margaret Chase Smith Library: Dear Readers; Summer is fast passing but we’re busy, as indicated by this latest newsletter. Fake news proved to be a provocative topic for the Maine Town Meeting. Leadership Excellence Awards were presented to Naval and Military Academy recipients. The essay contest winner was presented her $1,000 first place prize. Received an e-mail from Rebecca Philpot, executive director of the New Hope Shelter, in Solon. I don’t have room for all of it, but will print the update on the shelter.

“We have been so blessed over the past 8-1/2 years that the shelter has been open. We have gone from an emergency shelter to more of a program-based shelter over the years. After the first year we formed a board of directors. We went from an all-volunteer staff to one with four part-time employees and myself in addition to a few other women who regularly give of their time to keep things operational. They are a phenomenal group of women! The group of women and their children living here care so much for one another. Most of them have a great desire to see life changes for their future through the changing power of Christ. The groups offered here at the shelter in addition to the morning devotions and afternoon Bible studies have been instrumental in helping give our women the tools needed to move forward and develop healthier relationships, good boundaries, ongoing sobriety, parenting skills and more!

“You have all had a part in the ongoing ministry of the shelter. So many of you pray for us regularly. Many churches and individuals financially give monthly. Many others regularly donate paper goods, food, and household supplies. Every one of you has had a huge part in the ministry! Thank you! Your prayers and giving have made the difference in 411 women and 102 children! This is an amazing ministry the Lord has placed here in tiny Solon, Maine.”

For more information about the above you can contact them (newhopeshelter@ymail.com) or newhopefreechurch@tds.net.

Now for Percy’s memoir. It is one that he used back in 2006, entitled “The Gift of Hope:” Hope is a beautiful answer to many difficult questions. Hope only asks that you believe. Hope only wants you to receive. Hope is “hanging in there” until help arrives. Whenever a day doesn’t go as planned, hope is there as a comforting guide to help you understand. Hope is a quiet, personal place where you can always take shelter. Hope is the warm and welcomed knowledge that beautiful possibilities exist. Hope is all these special things, and —in simply knowing this— When it seems like hope is all you’ve got…you still have got a lot. (words by Douglas Pagels.)