OBIFD Pays Tribute to its Volunteers

December 1, 2016

A long-time Board of Directors president, a former fire chief, and a veteran auction volunteer were among more than a dozen people honored for their service by the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department.

Michael Helfgott, left, receives his award from
Greg Leonard. OBIFD Photo.

Michael Helfgott, who is stepping down in January after several years as board president, was presented with the Award for Extraordinary Service, the department’s highest honor.

“Thank you for the many years of volunteer service as president of the board of directors for the Orrs and Bailey Islands Fire and Rescue Departments,” reads the plaque presented to Helfgott at the annual OBIFD Recognition Dinner, held November 5 on Orr’s Island.

“You have invested countless hours of dedicated service, thoughtful guidance and tireless leadership to the department,” the award says. “It is because of your efforts our community is safer, stronger and we are better capable of meeting its needs.”

Board Treasurer Greg Leonard, who presented Helfgott with the plaque, praised the Bailey Island resident for helping to steer OBIFD through a variety of challenges, including a shortage of responding volunteers, the resignation of a chief for health reasons, a state audit which turned up labor standards violations, and ongoing efforts by the town which could lead to full-time fire and rescue personnel.

“Thanks for your leadership. We're going to miss you,” Leonard said.

Helfgott, who is leaving the board because of term limits, thanked the OBIFD community for the honor, but said the department’s success is due to the efforts and energy of all of its volunteers, who devote countless hours either as first responders or behind-the-scenes support and organizational staff.

“That's what we all have in common -- we've all chosen to serve our community in any way we can,” Helfgott said.

Walter Johnson, a veteran firefighter who rose through the ranks to become chief in 2015, was also presented with an Award for Extraordinary Service thanking him for more than 20 years of work with the department.

Johnson, of Orr’s Island, who was promoted from Assistant Chief, served less than a year in the top post before stepping down for health reasons. He thanked the board for the honor and said he hopes to return to active service as his health improves.

Cathy Coyne of Bailey Island, a long-time supporting volunteer, also received an Extraordinary Service Award for her years of work at the annual yard sale and auction and other efforts to support both OBIFD and the historic Orr’s Island Schoolhouse, which is managed by the department.

“You are generous, kind and always work graciously to meet the needs of the department, which in turn enhances the well-being of our community,” Coyne’s plaque states.

In addition to those honors, certificates and pins for service time were awarded to a dozen volunteers. Emergency Medical Technician and board member Steve Normand was recognized for five years of service, while one-year honors went to responders Cindy Bessmer, Paul Kittle, Cathy Piffath, Dan Reynolds and Zach Stoler; responder and board member Phil Taylor; and board members Bob Garver, Deane O. Kennedy, Brad McFadden and Mary Morgan.

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.

CPR Class Open to All Harpswell Residents

October 25, 2016

All Harpswell residents are invited to join the efforts of the local volunteer fire and rescue departments in making the town a Maine Heartsafe Community by attending the latest heart safety training November 14 on Orr’s Island.

The video-based, practice-while-you-watch class includes instruction on CPR and the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) as well as relief of choking in adults, children and infants. No prior experience is necessary.

An American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR AED course completion card will be awarded at the end of the program.

Optional contributions of $5 for the completion card and $15 for a textbook, if desired, will be accepted to cover the cost of course materials.

The program will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, October 14, at the old Orr’s Island Schoolhouse, located next to the Orr’s and Bailey Islands fire station at 1600 Harpswell Islands Road, Route 24, on Orr’s Island.

Advance registration is required by emailing register cpr@obifd.org or calling Janice Adams at 207-833-3040.

The class is part of an effort by the town's three volunteer fire and rescue departments to make Harpswell a Maine HeartSafe Community, which includes widespread training in CPR and broad availability of AEDs at public locations throughout the community. The goal is improve the “Chain of Survival” for people suffering from cardiac or breathing problems by providing help before emergency crews can arrive to render assistance. Classes are offered at a variety of skill levels.

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.

OBIFD Open House Draws A Crowd

October 24, 2016

A stream of adults and children turned out to learn more about their local fire and rescue services during an open house at the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department.

Visitors got to meet the fire and rescue volunteers, checked out the trucks and other equipment, got hands-on experience holding a live fire house and learned more about volunteering at the October 12 event, held to promote national Fire Prevention Week and the ongoing efforts by Harpswell’s three fire and rescue departments to recruit more people to help keep the volunteer service alive.

Junior Firefighter Christian Ayer, right, shows a
young visitor how to use a fire hose during
the OBIFD open house. OBIFD photo.

“We were excited to meet our friends and neighbors who visited and share some of our enthusiasm and commitment toward serving the town,” said Benjamin A. Wallace Jr., chief of both OBIFD and the Cundy’s Harbor Volunteer Fire Department. “We hope we inspired some people to come and join us to help keep the community safe.”

At least one person attending the open house submitted an application to join the department and others expressed possible interest in volunteering.

OBIFD and the town’s other fire and rescue departments are urgently seeking new volunteers to join their aging and dwindling ranks. A variety of roles are available with a wide range of training and time commitments. The opportunities include highly trained interior firefighters and emergency medical technicians, more lightly trained ambulance and fire truck drivers, equipment operators and support personnel, and more casual community event volunteers.

Harpswell is served by three volunteer fire and rescue departments which answer calls within their home districts and work together to fight fires, train and perform other duties. OBIFD serves Orr's, Bailey and part of Great Island south of Stevens Corner Road on Route 24 and east of the Ewing Narrows bridge on Mountain Road. The Cundy's Harbor department covers all of Great Island from the Brunswick line to Stevens Corner Road. Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue serves all areas off of Route 123, including Mountain Road west of the Ewing Narrows bridge.

More information about the three departments, including how to join as a volunteer, is available at www.harpswellfireandrescue.org, or by leaving a message for Wallace at 207-844-8105.

OBIFD Invites Everyone to Open House

September 26, 2016

Want to learn how your local fire and rescue departments keep you and your neighbors safe? Interested in who the dedicated volunteers are and what they do? Thinking of serving your community in a meaningful and important way?

Then stop by the Orr’s Island Fire Station beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12, for an open house to mark the national Fire Prevention Week and the ongoing effort by Harpswell’s three fire and rescue departments to recruit more people to help keep the volunteer service alive.

Hosted by the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department, the open house will feature live demonstrations of firefighting and rescue equipment, an opportunity to meet the firefighters, emergency medical technicians, drivers and other volunteers, and information on how to join them and fill a variety of rewarding roles.

“There is a critical need for more volunteers throughout the town and we hope people will come out and see what we do and how they can help,” said Benjamin Wallace, chief of both OBIFD and the Cundy’s Harbor Volunteer Fire Department.

Harpswell is served by three volunteer fire and rescue departments which answer calls within their home districts and work together to fight fires, train and perform other duties.

OBIFD serves Orr's, Bailey and part of Great Island south of Stevens Corner Road on Route 24 and east of the Ewing Narrows bridge on Mountain Road. The Cundy's Harbor department covers all of Great Island from the Brunswick line to Stevens Corner Road. Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue serves all areas off of Route 123, including Mountain Road west of the Ewing arrows bridge.

All Harpswell residents, regardless of home address, are invited to attend the open house, which will also feature information on home and fire safety and emergency planning in honor of national Fire Prevention Week.

Held annually in the week around the October 9 anniversary of the Chicago Fire of 1871, Fire Prevention Week aims to highlight the dangers of fire and promote ways to keep them from occurring or causing injuries, deaths or property damage.

This year’s theme is “Don’t Wait - Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”

To find out the age and expiration date, just look on the back of any alarm for the date of manufacture. The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date.

Fire officials also recommend testing smoke alarms monthly, and batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.

For more information on smoke alarms and this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.

More information about the three Harpswell departments, including how to join as a volunteer, is available at www.harpswellfireandrescue.org, or by leaving a message for Wallace at 207-844-8105.

Annual OBIFD Auction and Sale is a Real Life-Saving Event

August 15, 2016

The 23^rd annual Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department auction and yard sale turned out to be quite memorable – and not simply because of the generosity and community spirit on display throughout the weekend.

As shoppers were loading their cars and volunteers began cleaning up after the auction on Sunday, August 14, a car pulled into the station to report that a woman was having what appeared to be a heart attack.

Several OBIFD rescue squad members sprang into action and within moments had the woman out of the car, on a stretcher, and into the department’s ambulance. Three Emergency Medical Technicians provided some immediate treatment, which continued with the arrival of the town’s paramedic, who was called to the scene. The woman was then quickly transported to Midcoast Hospital in Brunswick.

Crowds await the start of the yard sale.

OBIFD Rescue Captain Cathy Piffath said hospital officials informed her that the woman, a visitor from southern Maine, may not have survived were it not for the immediate intervention of the EMTs at the fire station. Piffath said the volunteer EMTs were able to perform basic treatment and prepare for more advanced care by the paramedic immediately upon arrival. Their actions proved life-saving.

“It was fortunate we were there and the driver chose to stop for help,” Piffath said. “This incident shows our highly trained rescue volunteers can make a difference when seconds matter. All our training really pays off when someone needs help the most.”

Michael Helfgott, president of the OBIFD Board of Directors, said the rescue incident was the perfect ending to a terrific weekend for the fire department and the community.

“We are very proud of our rescue crew and all of our volunteers, who work very hard year-round to keep the community safe,” Helfgott said. “Our yard sale and auction is held to support their efforts. This incident validates all that work and support. We could literally see how the community’s generous donations translate into saving lives.”

Shoppers and their new-found treasures.

The yard sale and auction, held August 13 and 14, raised more than $41,000 to support the non-profit fire and rescue department. The total was down from last year, which featured a high-priced boat, but reached the amount department officials were hoping to make from the event.

“We once again exceeded our goal and that is thanks to all the buyers and bidders who turn out every year to really give us a show of support,” Helfgott said.

“More than one person commented this year about how this event feels more like a community celebration than a fund-raising sale,” Helfgott said. “That was especially evident at the Sunday auction, where the crowd repeatedly voiced its support for OBIFD and generously bid up items to raise more money for the department.”

Retiree Don Munsey auctions a special pie

As expected, the most spirited bidding was for a stone bench made from a granite block reclaimed from the historic Cribstone Bridge connecting Orr’s and Bailey Islands. The block, installed when the bridge was built in 1927-1928, was removed during reconstruction of the span in 2009-2010. It was donated to OBIFD by the owners of Linkel Construction, Inc., and Cosmic Stone and Garden Supply of Topsham.

With several interested buyers, bidding for the bench was quite competitive, before it ultimately sold for $7,000. The buyer, a Harpswell resident, indicated he plans to install the bench at a business location in Brunswick.

“We were thrilled to be able to offer this significant piece of Harpswell history for sale and are grateful to both the donors and the buyer for their generous contributions,” Helfgott said.

Other items of local interest included a small cardboard sign advertising a former Bailey Island ferry service, which raised $410, and two wooden signs from a closed Orr’s Island motel, which sold for $360 and $225 each.

In addition, an O’Day Widgeon sailboat sold for $775; an ice cream party catered by Gelato Fiasco of Brunswick went for $575; a pair of beautifully upholstered chairs netted $500; an authentic tiger skin rug sold for $330; a motorized lawn cart was $375; and a James Wyeth signed print went for $230.

Several fruit pies, especially baked for the auction as part of a long-standing tradition, also received generous bids, with pies benefitting the fire department selling for $600, $300 and $200, and another benefitting the department scholarship fund raising $600.

A silent auction of gift certificates and services from area businesses raised more than $3,600, with most items selling for more than their stated values.

Hundreds of pieces of furniture, antiques, collectibles, and everyday household items were also sold at either the auction or yard sale, which was held on Saturday and Sunday on the grounds of the Orr’s Island fire station and the adjacent historic Orr’s Island Schoolhouse.

“We had a lot of quality items this year and some lucky people were able to get real bargains both at the yard sale and auction,” said Malcolm McFarland, the lead auctioneer and member of the OBIFD Board of Directors.

The event has grown from a modest fundraising effort 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 islands’ fire and rescue squads.

Volunteers are already working on next year’s auction and sale, which is scheduled for August 12 and 13, 2017, 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.

23rd Annual Auction and Yard Sale Will Offer Lots of Fun and Bargains

August 1, 2016

The biggest and most popular island event of the summer returns on August 13 and 14 when the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department hosts its 23^rd annual fundraising auction and yard sale.

As always, the summer celebration of community spirit will feature a giant yard sale, silent auction, cooked-to-order food and a live auction of antiques, art, collectibles and other items.

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

Breakfast and lunch will be served both days and there will be live music on Saturday.

The event features items donated by area residents and visitors throughout the year. Many of the most unique and valuable pieces are typically sold at the Sunday 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 on Harpswell Islands Road, Route 24.

Michael Helfgott, president of the OBIFD Board of Directors, said donors have been even more generous than usual this year, with sale items already filling fire department facilities and overflowing to private garage space loaned by volunteers.

“The support for this event and the fire department in general is amazing,” Helfgott said. “We are all so fortunate to live in such a generous and united community.”

One of the most unique and noteworthy donations this year is a piece of granite used in the original construction of the historic Cribstone Bridge connecting Orr’s and Bailey Islands. The stone block, originally installed in 1927-1928, was removed during reconstruction of the bridge in 2009-2010.

Donated to OBIFD by Lance and Donna Linkel, owners of Linkel Construction, Inc., and Cosmic Stone and Garden Supply of Topsham, the block weighs about a ton and is about 5 feet long and 18 inches wide and high. Drill marks are visible from the original splitting at the quarry.

The block is expected to be used as a bench sitting on the ground or potentially on short legs. Linkel Construction will deliver to the stone to the winning bidder and set it in a spot accessible from the road or driveway. More in-depth installation or customization can be negotiated directly with Linkel.

“We are really excited to be able to offer this piece of island history and hope to help it find a new home in the community,” Helfgott said.

Historic local items, including old business signs, pictures and other artifacts, have been sold at the OBIFD auction over the years and have proven to be quite popular with bidders.

This year’s sale with also feature several small boats, including a 12-foot O’Day Widgeon O’Day sailboat; a 10-foot wooden Susan Skiff built at the Apprenticeshop in Rockland; a Grand Mere canoe custom built in Quebec; an aluminum canoe; and other small skiffs.

The auction will also feature a number of fine furniture pieces, including an antique china cabinet; a Smith America pump organ; several antique tables; bureaus; and lots of art, including a poster hand-signed by noted Maine artist Jamie Wyeth.

Other items include desks, bureaus, rocking chairs, dining room sets, lamps, bicycles and more.

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, tools and toys.

The silent auction will feature gift certificates donated by area businesses, offering meals, services, recreation opportunities and 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, soft pretzels, other snacks, beverages and deserts.

For the first time, there will also be live music to entertain shoppers on Saturday. Lively and lovely instrumental music from the English Country Dance repertoire of the 17th and 18th centuries will be performed on flute, fiddle, and mandolins by musicians from the 317 Main Community Music Center of Yarmouth.

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 8, or leave a message at 833-5405 to arrange for another time or schedule a pickup of donations by fire department volunteers.  The fire department asks that items not be left at the station unattended. Potential donors should also visit www.obifd.org for donation guidelines, including a list of items which cannot be accepted.

There is also a need for volunteers to work at the auction and yard sale. Volunteers receive a t-shirt, free food and the appreciation of the community. Please call 207-833-5405 or email auction@obifd.org for information.

For more information about the fire department or volunteering, visit www.obifd.org or call 207-833-5405.

OBIFD Gets Another Trained EMT

July 15, 2016

Sean Hall of Orr's Island recently completed the months-long training program and successfully passed certification examinations to become the newest Emergency Medical Technician for the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department. 

Hall joins several other volunteer EMTs who respond to medical rescue calls along with a paramedic working for the town and other fire and rescue volunteers. 

Hall was congratulated by Cathy Piffath, also of Orr's Island, who became OBIFD Rescue Captain earlier this year. 

OBIFD Rescue Captain Cathy Piffath congratulates new EMT Sean Hall.

Art Auction Raises Funds For Orr’s Island Schoolhouse

July 8, 2015

More than three dozen pieces sold for mostly bargain prices at the fifth annual art sale to raise money for the historic Orr’s Island Schoolhouse.

A large crowd turned out for An Evening of Art held July 2 at the former island school, an historic building now used for a variety of community and private events. 

“We had another great event, with lots of unique and wonderful pieces available,” said Tim McCreight, one of the organizers who also served as the auctioneer. “People got some real bargains this year.”

Auctioneer Tim McCreight seeks bids 

The highest-priced item was "Sunny Days" an acrylic painting by local artist Robert Gibson, which sold for $500. "Quiet Cove," a pastel by Richard Herdegan, sold for $200, while "Whale," a painting by Doug Bane of Orr's Island, sold for $190. Other works included an antique brass Coptic cross, which raised $150, and a carving of a pileated woodpecker by Timothy Carberry, which sold for $120.

In addition to the works donated by area artists and collectors, the event also featured a series of wooden trays which were distributed to artists to decorate in any way they chose. In past years, the special event included lobster buoys, lunch boxes and bird houses, which were transformed in a variety of ways and proved quite popular with bidders.

As in past years, the highest price for a custom piece was paid for a work by Brad McFadden of Orr's Island, whose painted tray with an aerial view of Long Cove raised $260. Other popular trays included one decorated with brass and glass by McCreight, a painted TV dinner on a tray by Lisa Burke, painted crashing waves by Bane and others made by Margaret Leonard, Robert Gibson and Patricia Fuchs.

Other artists represented at the sale included Rachel Baillargeon, George "Bear" Blake, Cheryl Blaydon, Michelle Clark, Catherine Gibson, Michele Graybeal, Jan Heath, Deb Hides, Serguei Oussik, Laurie Proctor, Jan Robertson, Cathy Sinowitz, Nancy Thorburn, Glenn Vose, Dorothy Wentworth, Dennis Wilkins, Ben Williamson and Christine York.

Painted trays and a carved woodpecker for sale 

“Once again, the area’s wonderful artists and art lovers came together for a nice evening and helped contribute to the upkeep of this important building,” said Mary Morgan, who chairs the committee which runs the schoolhouse, owned and managed by the adjacent Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department.

“We are very grateful for the generous support everyone in the community shows to the schoolhouse each and every year,” Morgan said.

After accounting for commissions paid to some of the artists and other expenses, the auction raised about $3,500, a little less than last year.

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 visit orrsislandschoolhouse.com.

Three Harpswell Volunteers Graduate From Firefighter School

June 17, 2016

Public safety in Harpswell has improved with the addition of three new fully-trained firefighters.

Meriel Longley of Cundy's Harbor, Dan Reynolds of Great Island and Phil Taylor of Bailey Island have successfully passed the Pro Board Certified Firefighter I & II program, taught by Tri-County Fire Attack School, qualifying them to enter burning buildings to fight fires and perform other dangerous public safety duties.

"I'm excited to announce the graduation of Harpswell's three newest firefighters," said Benjamin A. Wallace Jr., chief of the Cundy's Harbor and Orr's and Bailey Islands fire departments.

Meriel Longley, Dan Reynolds and Phil Taylor  

"In addition to the training required of all our first responders, Dan, Meriel and Phil have completed an intensive six-month training program designed to teach them the skills needed to safely operate at fires and to identify hazardous materials incidents, culminating in national certification as Firefighter I & II," Wallace said. "All three are capable, bright folks who have shown a selfless commitment to public safety and serving their neighbors."

Wallace said there has been a critical shortage of such qualified structural firefighters in recent years and the addition of the three new members significantly improves fire protection in town.

"Our volunteer fire companies live and breathe through our community-minded firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, and other volunteers. These three have met the call," he said.

Longley, 32, joined the Cundy's Harbor department six years ago. A life-long Cundy's Harbor resident, she is also a trained paramedic who works in Freeport in addition to volunteering locally.

"This is a way to give back to the community," she said.

Reynolds, 26, of Great Island, joined the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department last year. A Freeport native who currently works for Bath Iron Works, he had some prior firefighting training while serving aboard research ships and decided to volunteer shortly after moving to town.

"I have had a variety of family members involved with volunteer fire and EMS, and I had some previous responder training from my work in the marine industry and through a Mass Casualty Incident response team I was on in college," Reynolds said. "It's something I've thought about on and off over time, but never quite gotten around to doing, so when I saw signs up around town, it seemed like something I could do to get a bit more involved in the community as a new arrival."

Taylor, 63, also joined OBIFD a year ago. A former military and civilian pilot, who primarily flew helicopters, Taylor has lived part time on Bailey Island since 1997 and moved to town permanently after retiring a couple of years ago. He and his wife, Liz, are the parents of two adult sons, Alex and Eric.

"Finding that the need for volunteers was most crucial in the fire department, I joined because I saw it as an opportunity to give back and serve the community," said Taylor, who is also a member of the OBIFD Board of Directors.

Taylor said the six months of training, which included both classroom and hands-on instruction, was mentally and physically challenging, but ultimately a rewarding experience.

"The training I received at the Tri-County Fire Academy in Topsham was superb," he said. "The best part was being exposed to what I now categorize as the science of modern firefighting. The lectures and practical training prepared me to be competent and confident in my abilities to participate at a fire scene or other emergency that I may confront with my fellow department members.

"I found that there were many parallels between my experience as a corporate pilot and the elements of maintenance, training, and task standardization," Taylor said. "The training that I was exposed to allowed me to learn the most about firefighting in the shortest period of time so that I could quickly become of use in a time of need."

Reynolds also said he found the training challenging and demanding, especially the time commitment. But he urged others in the community who may be thinking of volunteering not to be put off by that requirement.

"Not everyone who volunteers has to attend firefighting training," Reynolds said. "There are many opportunities to participate at whatever level or experience that you can bring to the table. Everyone is appreciated for whatever time and effort that they can contribute."

Wallace, the long-time Cundy's Harbor chief who took on the same role at OBIFD this year, said staffing at those two departments and Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue remains critically low and new volunteers are still urgently needed.

Volunteers can serve in a variety of capacities. The biggest commitment and most extensive training is needed to become a trained Emergency Medical Technician or a structural firefighter. But there are many less-demanding roles which no not require as much training, such as exterior firefighters, ambulance and fire truck drivers, pump operators and ground support personnel, in addition to people to help keep the trucks and other equipment operational, clean the stations, stock supplies, keep up with paper work and volunteer for a variety of public events.

"I think it’s important for people to understand that there's a lot more to being an emergency responder than being an EMT or structural fire fighter," added Reynolds. "There are so many tasks that need to be accomplished for any kind of an incident, and I really think there’s a task for everyone. The time commitment is completely what you make it out to be, but everyone is helpful, so I'd encourage everyone and anyone to come how they might be able to get involved."

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

More information about the three departments, including how to join as a volunteer, is available at www.harpswellfireandrescue.org, or by leaving a message for Wallace at 207-844-8105.

Decorated Trays Highlight Art Auction to Benefit Orr’s Island Schoolhouse

May 20, 2016

A variety of wooden serving trays custom decorated by area artists will be among many unique items up for bid July 2 at the sixth annual An Evening of Art auction to benefit the historic Orr’s Island Schoolhouse.

In past years, the event featured lunchboxes, lobster buoys and birdhouses, which were turned into a variety of unique, artistic treasures and helped raise money to maintain and improve the historic building.

“This year we are eager to see how the artists will embellish a wooden serving tray,” said Tim McCreight, a local artist and one of the volunteer organizers of the event.

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 Saturday, July 2, 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.

Artwork on sale will include many original pieces, as well as other items donated from private collections .

“This event has established itself as a great way to meet up with friends, share a beverage and celebrate the creativity of our area, all while supporting a valuable town landmark,” McCreight said.

He said organizers are still looking for donations of artwork to sell at the auction. Artists who work in any type of medium – including paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, jewelry, woodwork, textiles, ceramics, furniture, ironwork, glass and more – are invited to contribute their original creations. Local art collectors are asked to consider donating items from their collections to benefit the schoolhouse. Artists participating in the auction can set a minimum bid for their work and opt to keep a portion of the selling price.

An important part of Harpswell history, the old schoolhouse was originally a two-room school for island children. Located next to the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department main station, the renovated building 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 and updating the aging structure.

For more information, please contact Tim McCreight at 761-8217 or email artauction@orrsislandschoolhouse.com.

Donations Sought for Annual Auction and Yard Sale

May 20, 2016

The Orr's & Bailey Islands Fire Department is looking for donations for its annual auction and yard sale to be held August 13 and 14 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 during June and July. Donors can also call 833-5405 to arrange for free pickup of larger pieces or multiple items.

The fire department asks that no donations be left unattended at the station under any circumstances.

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, golf clubs, couches or other stuffed furniture, mattresses and box springs, exercise equipment, aquariums, building materials, used bath fixtures, appliances, lighting fixtures, metal bed frames, baby equipment, particleboard furniture, and plastic storage containers and cups.

Books are also not accepted, but 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 14.

The yard sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, 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 and fun 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, please visit www.obifd.org or call 833-5405.

OBIFD Names New Chief

April 18, 2016

Cundy's Harbor Fire and Rescue Chief Benjamin A. Wallace Jr. has also been named chief of the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department.

Chief Benjamin A. Wallace Jr. 

The OBIFD Board of Directors appointed Wallace to fill the position which had been vacant for several months since Chief WalterJohnson stepped down for health reasons.

Board President Michael Helfgott said former longtime Chief William Beazley filled the role on a temporary basis, but could not continue long term. With no qualified OBIFD personnel able to take on the job permanently, Wallace emerged as a natural choice.

"OBI and Cundy's Harbor have developed a particularly close working relationship in recent years," Helfgott said. "The people of Harpswell have been well served as each of its departments have adopted strategies to become more interoperable. We have begun to standardize our equipment, supplies and procedures. Ben has been a leader in this effort since it began.

"Ben is the consummate professional firefighter," Helfgott said. "And as the chair of the town's Fire and Rescue Committee, he is leading the discussion of how the three departments can continue their movement to increasingly work well together and determine the future of fire and rescue service in Harpswell."

Wallace, 41, has worked in the fire service for most of his life, joining the Cundy's Harbor department as a junior firefighter at age 16. He rose to the rank of assistant chief, then became chief about a decade ago when he was appointed before even agreeing to take the job.

A fourth generation Cundy's Harbor native from a long line of fishermen, Wallace instead chose firefighting as a career, joining the Portland Fire Department in 1997. He is now a Fire Lieutenant assigned to Peaks Island. He earlier spent seven years in Fire Prevention, reviewing building permits and inspecting buildings, and has worked on engine and ladder companies and is qualified as fireboat pilot and engineer.

He and his wife, Francine, have been married for 20 years and are the parents of an adopted son, Luke, who turns 11 in June.

Wallace said he is confident that sharing a chief will prove to be a benefit for both departments.

"The Cundy's Harbor and Orr's and Bailey Island fire and rescue companies live and succeed together," he said. "The time is right for closer cooperation than ever before, and one step in that direction is the appointment of one chief."

Wallace said Orr's and Bailey Islands has a small group of dedicated volunteers who work well together and provide quality emergency services. In addition to Wallace, OBIFD officers include new Assistant Chief Jim Whittaker, Rescue Captain Cathy Piffath, and Captain and Compliance Officer Steve Minkowsky.

Despite the addition of some new recruits, Wallace said staffing remains critically low and his priorities include recruitment of new volunteers and increased training for both new personnel and the next generation of department leaders.

Cundy's Harbor has a larger and more experienced staff of first responders, including a full slate of officers, yet both departments, along with the Harpswell Neck department, are in need for new recruits to help keep volunteer fire and rescue services viable in the community. The departments provide a variety of volunteer opportunities, ranging from full firefighters and emergency medical technicians to less intensive roles as drivers or support staff.

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

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

New CPR Classes Planned for April and May

April 1, 2016

All Harpswell residents are invited to join the efforts of the local volunteer fire and rescue departments in making the town a Maine Heartsafe Community by attending the latest heart safety training April 12 on Orr’s Island.

The video-based, practice-while-you-watch class includes instruction on CPR and the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) as well as relief of choking in adults, children and infants. No prior experience is necessary.

An American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR AED course completion card will be awarded at the end of the program.

Optional contributions of $5 for the completion card and $15 for a textbook, if desired, will be accepted to cover the cost of course materials.

The program will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12, at the old Orr’s Island Schoolhouse, located next to the Orr’s and Bailey Islands fire station at 1600 Harpswell Islands Road, Route 24, on Orr’s Island.

For those unable to make the April class, a separate session is planned for Thursday, May 12, at the same time and location.

Advance registration is required by emailing register cpr@obifd.org or calling Janice Adams at 207-833-3040.

The class is part of an effort by the town's three volunteer fire and rescue departments to make Harpswell a Maine HeartSafe Community, which includes widespread training in CPR and broad availability of AEDs at public locations throughout the community. The goal is improve the “Chain of Survival” for people suffering from cardiac or breathing problems by providing help before emergency crews can arrive to render assistance. Classes are offered at a variety of skill levels

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.