Hi everyone,
On Sept. 18, Meadowbrook Equestrian Center was devastated by a fire. Although no humans or horses were harmed, the center's 220-year-old barn was destroyed, leaving eight horses homeless. Barn Manager Patricia Sapp said the center is converting the indoor riding barn into temporary portable stalls while they raise donations to rebuild.
In the wake of the fire, the equestrian center has had an influx of support and donations from the community. Matthew Baillargeon, owner of the farm, told Lakes Region Now that, in the immediate aftermath of the fire, Bedells Electric of Otisfield helped hook up a generator while they were disconnected from Central Maine Power. A Naples grocery store, The Umbrella Factory, provided water to feed the Meadowbrook horses free of charge. Baillargeon also praised Amy Herbert, mother of his assistant, Zachary Herbert, for helping to facilitate Bedells' work.
Over the past few weeks, Meadowbrook has received a surge of private donations, with Baillargeon saying that many people have stopped by the property in person to drop things off. A GoFundMe campaign to help support the equestrian center has raised almost $21,000 out of a goal of $26,000.
"I'm not the kind of person to ask people for help, so it's been really humbling to have everybody help me, and help, you know, my team at the barn," Baillargeon said.
Anyone wishing to donate can click on this link to Meadowbrook's GoFundMe.
In last week's edition, I mentioned that Bridgton's ballot contained several referendum questions and two contested races. That was incorrect. In this year's election, Bridgton will vote on one ballot measure, sewer charges for laundromats.
Also in this week's newsletter: Naples holds second annual Rocktoberfest; Windham School Board candidates make their case to voters; Gray-New Gloucester soccer tournament marks 25th anniversary, and more.
Thanks for reading,
- Rory Sweeting |
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| Matthew Baillargeon and Zachary Herbert performing an equestrian show at Naples Rocktoberfest. (Rory Sweeting/Staff Writer) |
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New Gloucester Fire Department will host an open house on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The open house will be an opportunity for residents to get to know their local firefighters, explore the station and fire trucks, and feast on a delicious chicken barbecue. For more information, call 207-926-4142. |
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| THINGS TO DO |
Loon Echo Land Trust will lead a community walk through Jugtown Forest in Naples on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 10 a.m. The walk will be led by district forester Shane Duigan, and will educate guests about how a working forest is used for both timber and recreation. For more information, email info@lelt.org.
The Casco Community Center will host a scarecrow workshop on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to anyone older than 18. For more information, email blatsey@cascomaine.org. |
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Rory Sweeting is a community news reporter for Windham, Sebago and surrounding areas, and previously reported for the Lakes Region Weekly. Rory holds a bachelor’s degree in professional and creative writing from Goucher College in Maryland. Send feedback and suggestions to Rory. You can support this newsletter by encouraging friends and family to sign up and explore our other newsletters.
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