Staff Writer
A dedication ceremony for a unique sculpture, crafted by sculptor Jac Ouellette, formerly of Caribou and a member of the Caribou High School Class of 1979, will take place Saturday, July 11 in front of the Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center, beginning at 11 a.m.
Contributed photo Students in the Loring Job Corps cement masons program stand behind base units they recently constructed at the Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center. The base units will hold a sculpture to be donated in July by some of the members of the Caribou High School Class of 1979, celebrating their community. From left are: David Tardie, LJC instructor, David Merritt, Hollis Dryer, Jon Santos, Dan Saucier, Nathan Reeves, Chris Tripoli and Mo Kromah. The students spent three days framing, pouring, screening and stamping the concrete. The LJC cement masons program participants have completed a number of projects within Caribou and surrounding communities.
With their 30th class reunion approaching, several CHS Class of 1979 members, living in the greater Portland area, discussed creating something to present to the community as a thank-you for providing a strong foundation for them early in life and also for providing them with the assets needed to shape their lives and their futures.
The sculpture, entitled, “Celebration of Life,” is being dedicated to the entire Caribou community and to the spirit of those who have not had a chance to “Celebrate Life,” and have served as an inspiration to classmates.
Superintendent of Caribou Parks and Recreation Kathy Mazzuchelli stated that back in August of 2008, a small group of members of the Class of 1979 met with the Parks and Recreation Commission to discuss the possibility of donating a professionally created sculpture to the Wellness Center grounds, as a thank-you to the community from the class members.
Recreation commissioners took the request under advisement and agreed the portfolio presented by the group was indeed very professional and the sculpture would be a wonderful amenity for the Caribou Wellness and Recreation grounds.
Several classmates of Jac Ouellette, began the design process, working throughout the winter and spring months to help create the unique steel structure.
Mazzuchelli indicated that the sculpture in both looks and theme emulate both the vision and the mission of the Caribou Parks and Recreation Commission in encouraging healthy lifestyles and truly celebrating life to its fullest.
Students from the Loring Job Corps masonry class, under the direction of Dave Tardie have recently completed the construction of the base sections which the sculpture will grace.
The public is welcome to attend the dedication ceremony at 11 a.m. July 11, at the Wellness and Recreation Center on Bennett Drive in Caribou.
