First chairs in memory of Wirta

By Karen Donato
Staff Writer
    Lewis Wirta was a gentle man, who made many friends during his short time of 53 years here on earth. He was a gifted musician and shared his talent throughout his lifetime.
Contributed photo
WIRTA REMEMBERED — Through the efforts of students involved in the Carleton Project, and various individuals from the Houlton Higher Education Center, the first three chairs for the Houlton Community Arts Center have been purchased in memory of Lewis Wirta. Pictured from left are Joe Fagnant, Houlton High School band director, students, Marianne Roby, Michael Cullins, Micah Ryan, Mike Bendlin,  Jennifer Jeffery, Michael Clark, a representative of the Community Arts Center and seated, student, Ashley Eastham.
    Wirta was born in San Fransisco, and lived in several states before moving to Houlton in 1988. For the last five years he had been employed as a maintenance and groundskeeper for the University of Maine at Presque Isle Outreach Center here in town. During that time he came in contact with many students and faculty members of the center, including The Carleton Project, the Adult Education Center, and Northern Maine Technical College.
    “At Christmas, Wirta would join others to provide holiday music at the center,” said Alan Morris, president of the Carleton Project, an alternative program for high school students. “He either played the guitar, mandolin, violin or piano. He always made the connection to the students,” added Morris.
     The students and faculty members from Houlton’s Higher Education Center wanted to honor Wirta. They organized a bake sale, a yard sale, sponsored a pumpkin carving contest and collected private donations. With the proceeds they found the perfect way to memorialize him. They bought the first three auditorium chairs designated for the new Performing Arts Center at Houlton High School in his memory.