RUM, RIOT AND MURDER

Martin Luther King Day will be a day on, not a day off for Waldo County residents who participate in The Game Loft's annual “Issues on Trial” program. This year's trial will focus on ethnic diversity and discrimination in the 1850's. The trial focuses on fictional rum-seller Patrick Dolan who is accused of murdering Constable Hiram Ruggles after a political rally erupts into a riot in New Salem, Maine. Although the facts of the trial are mythical, the issues of immigration, ethnic tensions, temperance, and politics are important issues in Maine history. More than 40 teen and adult volunteers representing different sectors of the community will participate in bringing history to life. Volunteers are needed to act as jury members or observers and to express their views on non-violence and diversity during a reflection period after the trial. This trial is the culmination of a 30-hour learning enrichment program for high school students run by The Game Loft.

The event will be held from 1-4:30 pm at the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship hall on Miller Street in Belfast. There is no cost and refreshments will be served.

The event is sponsored by The Game Loft, the Maine Commission for Community Service, and the Corporation for National and Community Service, and sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank. For more information please call Patricia Estabrook at 338-3800.

Saturday, October 29th, Game Loft advisory board members Angie and Joe Mitchell were joined by Game Loft member Taran Evans for a display at the first annual Waldo County Community Resources Fair. Organized by Reverend Joel Krueger and Dr. Kate Winters, pastors at First Church in Belfast, the event brought together social service organizations of all types from Waldo County. The Game Loft's table was a hit, and Angie, Joe, and Taran answered many questions about the Game Loft's mission, schedule, and activities. We'll look forward to attending this event next year!

The weekend of July 9 and 10, our annual fund-raising food booth will go up at Arts in the Park, one of Midcoast Maine's most anticipated arts events.  We'll fire up 2 grills and serve lots of good food and drinks from 10 am to 4 pm both days.  This requires a lot of volunteer effort, but many hands make light work.  Nikky has set up 2-hour shifts for adults and youth volunteers.  Please consider signing up for at least one shift.  Help is also needed for set-up and clean-up before and after.  Call Nikky or Donna at 338-6447 if you can give us a hand.  And be sure to come to Heritage Park to see a lot of good art and enjoy a Danger Dog or Belfast Splash from The Game Loft's booth.  Here's a link to the event website: http://artsintheparkbelfast.org/