Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – A measure that City Council passed unanimously during a recent meeting, designed to help citizens in need of fuel assistance due to rising costs but who do not qualify for programs currently available, is getting a little assistance of its own, thanks to a local playwright and the Belfast Maskers.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
COUNCILOR CALVIN Hall holds up the first dollar raised for the HEAT (Home Energy Assistance Trust) program, along with an example of the barrels being sold to raise funds for those in need of fuel assistance who don’t qualify for other programs.
LaNiece Winslow, personnel director for the city of Presque Isle, presented the idea to councilors whereby individuals could contribute to a fund that would be used to assist citizens with fuel bills who would otherwise not qualify for help from programs currently in place.
“This is a program to help those who may not qualify for fuel assistance programs. This is a little barrel that can be purchased for $1, with money going to discretionary funds to be used toward fuel,” said Winslow, holding up a sheet of paper with an oil barrel printed on it.
Similar to other programs that allow donors to purchase a slip of paper and the option to include their name – a shamrock for muscular dystrophy, a sneaker for the March of Dimes and so forth – the city’s barrels were created in such a fashion.
Winslow noted that many families don’t qualify for general assistance or low-income heating assistance but due to rising fuel costs are unable to keep up with monthly expenses. The barrel program is designed to help families struggling to make ends meet.
“They may not qualify for general assistance. People in need own homes, they’re out working but just can’t qualify for assistance. We recognize there is a general need and will use the federal poverty guidelines to determine who qualifies for funds for 100 gallons to get them by,” said Winslow.
The program will be getting a big boost on May 16 when the Belfast Maskers present a benefit performance of John Cariani’s romantic comedy, “Almost Maine.” Cariani, a native of Presque Isle, now resides in New York City and is best known for his Tony-nominated performance in “Fiddler on the Roof.”
“After reading of the extreme difficulties our neighbors to the north were experiencing and the denial of emergency funding by the federal government, the Maskers’ Board decided it was only right to lend a helping hand to our friends in Aroostook county. Presque Isle City Manager Tom Stevens pointed out heating assistance was the most needed of all services,” said Annye Ames, spokesperson for the Belfast Maskers.
Ames said all of the proceeds from the May 16 performance will benefit Presque Isle’s fuel relief fund.
“The Maskers felt that this small token of our respect for their hardships might give them a leg up and encourage donations by other groups,” added Ames.
“Presque Isle City Council Chair Walt Elish and playwright John Cariani have expressed their gratitude for the thoughtfulness of this gesture by the Belfast Maskers and are excited to be attending this benefit performance,” Ames continued.
Following the 8 p.m. production, Director Wendy Schweikert will lead a question-and-answer session with the Presque Isle representatives, the cast and crew, and officials from the Maskers and the Belfast City Council, said Ames, noting the audience is encouraged to join in the discussion and ask questions.
Stevens expressed gratitude, on behalf of the Star City and its residents, for such a warm gesture.
“This shows the thoughtfulness from one Maine community to another in the state, joined by a common link of one person’s success in theater and acting,” said Stevens. “Walt will be in the area on the date of the play and has agreed to attend it representing the city and the Council.”
Stevens said the newly-adopted $1 donation discretionary fuel program is now named HEAT for Home Energy Assistance Trust.
Ames said the play will have performances on several dates, with the fund-raiser the night of May 16.
“The entire production will run for eight performances with the preview on Thursday, May 15, at 8 p.m.; the benefit on Friday, May 16, at 8 p.m.; a Saturday, May 17, production at 8 p.m.; and a Sunday, May 18, matinee at 2 p.m. The following weekend will have the same times, closing with the Sunday 2 p.m. matinee on May 25,” said Ames.
Tickets are available for all performances by calling 338-9668, on site at Fertile Mind Bookshop (Upper Main St., Belfast) or at the venue box office one hour prior to the performance (if still available) at 32 Front St. in Belfast. Seating is limited so prompt contact is encouraged.
For more information on Heat, contact Winslow at 764-2522.
