In January of 2022, we began to think about this looming milestone for Bartlett Woods and all who Believe in Bartlett. Many conversations later, the staff and a dedicated group of volunteers – aka The 25th  Committee – envisioned a special campaign to say “thank you” to all of you who have inspired us to be the right place because we do the right thing. Especially during these last few years, our community has worked so hard in partnership with us to understand the Covid19 challenges, adapt and educate ourselves, and thankfully succeed in keeping our house as safe as possible for all.

We are immensely grateful.

Let the celebrations begin! In February 2023, our yearlong festivity commenced with a fresh new Art at Bartlett exhibition, curated by Midcoast Maine painter and curator Pam Cabañas. This special group show featured Maine-made works, including painting, photography, and drawing. Gorgeous images of how we live our lives here in our beloved state were on view during regular hours in our Parlor, Entrance, and Dining Room. Participating artists were Lyn Asselta, Chris Augusta, Krisanne Baker, Phoebe Bly, Diane Dahlke, Pam Cabanas, Dan Corey, Jane Herbert, Maxwell Nolin, Linda Mahoney, Marnie Sinclair, Peter Walls, and Graham Walton.

“Pass the Plate”- the Bartlett Woods 25th  Anniversary Cookbook, is a 100-recipe project we created and released late in 2022. Residents and families, staff and friends contributed beloved recipes, some with anecdotal stories about their history. The forty-some authors were celebrated at a Book Party on March 20th . For the party refreshments, Chef Aaron selected hors d’oeuvres and sweets from the collection, and his kitchen team then prepared a feast for the eyes and the palate. Volunteer photographer Ken Waltz documented the afternoon event, and the authors spoke about their recipe and its significance.

The Bartlett Crafters, a group of resident needle workers who meet every Wednesday at 2pm in our Library, donated time, talent and creativity to the 25th Anniversary Quilt Project. The project was a fundraising initiative in support of the 25th Anniversary of Bartlett Woods Retirement Community. The ambitious Crafters ultimately created THREE projects to contribute to the fundraising effort. The three handmade textiles in the raffle were:

• A – Cream Cabled Afghan knitted by Glenna Hescock , 57″ long x 45″ wide.
• B – Teal Squares Afghan knitted and assembled by The Bartlett Crafters, 73″ long x 57” wide.
• C – The Maine Quilt, created by The Bartlett Crafters. Color fabrics sourced at Clementine in Rockland. Photo of finished quilt courtesy of Alan LaVallee. 49” long x 49” wide.
  
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

One winner was selected from the raffle tickets sold. At The 25th Party, the winners were revealed. The biggest surprise of all was that the 25th Quilt winner donated the project back to Bartlett Woods, and it now hangs, framed beautifully by Maine State Prison Showroom woodworkers, in our Parlor for all to enjoy.

Additionally, Bartlett Crafters member Marian White, donated time, talent and creativity to the 25th Anniversary celebration. Her counted cross-stitch bookmark project was a fundraising initiative she proposed. Soon after launching the project, her daughter Sarah Waltz decided to join her in the endeavor. Each book mark had an botanical theme, such as Poppy, Jacob’s Ladder, Sunflower, and others. The colorful motif was done in extremely fine counted cross-stitch, expertly executed by Marian White, and daughter Sarah. The delightful creations sold for $10.00 each, and went like hotcakes!

In June, Bartlett hosted the monthly PenBay Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours. It was a great opportunity to express appreciation for our business neighbors, many of whom have been essential to our 25 years of success. Earlier that year, the Chamber recognized Bartlett Woods’ milestone anniversary.

In July, Bartlett hosted The 25th Summer Party, when we toasted our staff, residents, families, neighbors and friends, with special acknowledgement of our local generous sponsors. Saturday, July 15th we presented a daytime catered event under a big tent in our main parking lot.

Along with seed funds allocated by our volunteer Board of Directors, we raised over $30,000 toward our 25th Anniversary budget goal. We are immensely grateful to our generous sponsors, who are identified on the special recognition chart below. Please join us in saying “thank you” to our wider community, while we all look forward to the next 25 years.

The 25^th Committee Members

• Nancy Greenier
• Jane Pierce
• Marian White
• Sarah Waltz
• J. Michael Lane
• Marion Grant
• Mary Eads
• Aaron Prescott
• Amy Sabins
• Sharon Gleason
• Patricia LaVallee
• Hannah Maness
• Lori Schafer