WWC to celebrate 30 years of service

    In celebration of 30 years of helping women improve their economic lives by assisting them in building a career, starting a business, managing their money, or becoming leaders in their community, Women, Work & Community is hosting an anniversary celebration in combination with a fund-raising event.      On Sunday, Oct. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m., WWC will hold a fashion show at the Shrine Club building in Presque Isle. Models for the fashion show include: Tyler Pyburn and Shawn Cunningham from WAGM TV; President Don Zillman from UMPI; Rod Thompson from NMDC; Penny McHatten from Mojo; Sharon Campbell from Sen. Olympia Snowe’s office; and Erin Buck, the current Aroostook Idol, who will also perform a few song selections. 
     Suzanne Senechal-Jandreau, regional manager for WWC, said, “We held a fashion show fund-raiser three years ago and the response from the community was wonderful. Not only were we able to honor several women who have completed training through our program, but we enjoyed fashions from local retailers, had great refreshments and enjoyed local talent. We thought it only made sense to offer a similar fall event, and combine it with a celebration of our organization’s 30th anniversary.”
    In addition to a fashion show, light refreshments and entertainment, WWC will be recognizing four Community Champions: Peter Caron, adult education director from Fort Kent; Judy Paradis, former state legislator; Mary MacBride, former state legislator; and Mary Nevin, local business owner. All of these “champions” have been instrumental in partnering with WWC and helping to move their mission forward. Three program graduates that will be included in a statewide publication, “Creating the Future: 30 Stories from The Maine Economy,” will be honored. These honorees are: Robin Jenkins, owner of Robin’s Chocolate Sauce; Gail Thibault, student at NMCC; and Judy Bossie, owner of A Moment in Time: Photography by Judy. 
    Tickets for the event are $7 each and can be purchased in advance by contacting WWC at 764-0050, or at the door, as available, on Oct. 26. Major sponsors for the event are Katahdin Trust, Northern Maine Development Commission and Northern Maine Community College.