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Art at Bartlett 2025 presents . . .HOME: Place – Feeling – Memory

A new art show opens at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, located at 20 Bartlett Drive (just off Talbot Avenue) in Rockland, ME on Thursday, June 5th, from 4-6pm. HOME: Place – Feeling – Memory will present contemporary works by Cynthia Hyde, James Kinnealey, Rob Merrill, Tara Morin, and Kitty Winslow. The opening reception is free to the public; live music by Terry & Eric.

“Art at Bartlett is ready to present our summer show,” confirmed Kelly Osborn, Executive Director. “The title HOME: Place – Feeling – Memory is relevant to us all. The artists in this show investigate their concept of home through very diverse approaches. Our walls, our residents, our wider community will be fortunate to view and reflect upon this inspired collection of contemporary art.”

The five artists in this group show work in oil, watercolor, photography, and mixed media. Viewers should expect a wide range of styles, experiences, materials, and scale by these working Maine artists, all from the Knox County area, bringing an impressive depth of talent and achievement.The exhibition dates are June 5th through September 7th, 2025. Public hours are Monday through Friday, from 8am to 4pm. For further information, visit bartlettwoods.com, or call 207 593 1608.

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Mary Alice Bird, longtime resident of Rockland, ME and current exhibitor in the group show HANDS AT WORK: Fiber Art by the Bartlett Woods Community, is conducting a fundraising effort for Pope Memorial Humane Society.

Called Recovery Hot Pads, Mrs. Bird turned to this weaving option after a major stroke left her somewhat visually impaired. The activity, which she first learned as a girl scout, has been, in her own words,  “. . . a satisfying creative challenge and reminder that dealing with the mistakes and flaws woven into our lives can teach us patience, humility and compassion.” In this spirit, she chose to donate 100% of the sales of the Hot Pads to the Thomaston, ME Pope Memorial Humane Society (https://www.popehumane.org/), in honor of TumTum, the feline family member the Birds adopted not long ago. Mrs. Bird is selling the Hot Pads at two for $15.00, and they can be purchased directly from the artist by visiting the exhibition during regular business hours at Bartlett Woods. Mrs. Bird hopes to give a talk about the process of weaving later in March as part of a program of talks and demonstrations designed to complement the current Art at Bartlett exhibition, HANDS AT WORK, which remains on view until May 5, 2025. Admission is free and accessible during regular business hours, which are 8am to 4pm; please call 207 593-1608 for more information.

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HANDS AT WORK: Fiber Art by the Bartlett Woods Community                                                                                       

The Art at Bartlett exhibition program is pleased to present a free Opening Reception for the exhibition HANDS AT WORK: Fiber Art by the Bartlett Woods Community, on Friday, February 7^th at 2-4PM at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, 20 Bartlett Drive in Rockland. A survey of works in cloth, wool, thread, yarn, and paper will include quilting, weaving, knitting, felting, hooking, needlepoint, quilling, and more created by residents and staff of Bartlett Woods, and family members. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is limited to unmarked spaces, the driveway and along Talbot Avenue.   The public is also invited to visit during regular open hours, Monday to Friday, 8AM to 4PM; the exhibition remains on view through May 5, 2025.

“Handwork and the needle arts have a long tradition in Maine, and remain very much a part of the creative community living and working at Bartlett  Woods,” confirmed Kelly Osborn, Executive Director at Bartlett Woods. “Our Art at Bartlett Program includes and supports the performing and visual arts. Through hosting public events and learning opportunities, we look to encourage the creative spirit within our community and beyond. This particular exhibit is exciting for its breadth and depth of talent and inspiration.”                                                                                                                                                  

Examples of contemporary and vintage fiber art work will include Memory Quilts, paper quilling, original petite point objects, appliqué, rug hooking, wearable art, and traditional Albanian textiles. Multiple generations will be represented by current makers living and working at Bartlett Woods, and their respective family members.

Additionally, artist talks, demonstrations and workshops are planned for the next few months to compliment the exhibition, which remains on view until May 5, 2025. Admission is free and accessible during regular business hours, which are 8am to 4pm; please call 207 593-1608 for more information.

About Bartlett Woods Retirement Community: Founded in 1998, Bartlett Woods Retirement Community is a 501(c)3 55+ apartment facility featuring 58 one and two bedroom apartments with Amenities and Respite rental options. Led by Executive Director Kelly Osborn, and a staff of nearly 40, Bartlett Woods is one of the smallest nonprofit communities in Maine, offering independent living as well as a full spectrum of support services and lifestyle enrichments. Located in Rockland, the art capital of Maine, Bartlett Woods provides convenience, accessibility, stimulation, and advocacy for individuals, couples, and their families. For further information, visit www.bartlettwoods.com or call 207 593 1608.

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 The Art at Bartlett exhibition program is pleased to present a free public Closing Reception, featuring 97-year old resident artist Constance Kiermaier on Friday, January 3^rd, 2025 from 4-6PM at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, 20 Bartlett Drive in Rockland, ME. Her current show, “CONTINUUM: Old and New Works by Constance Kiermaier” will close after the weekend.  The exhibition is one part classic Kiermaier mixed media objects, and one part called The Portrait Project. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is limited to unmarked spaces, the driveway and along Talbot Avenue.

“Constance has been our beloved resident teacher for many years,” confirmed Kelly Osborn, Executive Director at Bartlett Woods. “The arts are important at Bartlett Woods. Celebrating the close of this survey exhibition and learning about her life’s work is a privilege for all of us.  We hope to see many friends and make new ones at our upcoming Artist’s Talk”                                                                                                                                                  

Ms. Kiermaier’s constructions, paintings and prints are personal, mysterious, and timeless. Crafted with great skill, each piece demonstrates a refusal to be limited by material, method, or subject. Additionally, she is showing a new series of pastel portraits of some neighbors at Bartlett Woods, specifically those 95 years of age and older. The artist, herself 97 years old, is included with a self-portrait. “The Portrait Project’ began as a series of self-portraits to be given to each of my children,” confirms Constance. “This effort evolved into capturing the likenesses of some neighbors who are 95 and above, up to 100 years old! I believe it is vital for people our age to be noticed. This is an important issue for me.”

Constance Kiermaier is a graduate of the School of Fine Arts, Yale University. She has shown her work throughout the USA, including: Rhode Island School of Design, Yale University, National Academy of Fine Arts, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, and the Portland Museum. She has received many awards, including a fellowship from the New England Foundation on the Arts/National Endowment for the Arts. She was raised in Virginia, lived in Connecticut, Tenants Harbor, ME, has called Bartlett Woods home since 2016.

About Bartlett Woods Retirement Community: Founded in 1998, Bartlett Woods Retirement Community is a 501(c)3 55+ apartment facility featuring 58 one and two bedroom apartments with Amenities and Respite rental options. Led by Executive Director Kelly Osborn, and a staff of nearly 40, Bartlett Woods is one of the smallest communities in Maine, offering independent living as well as a full spectrum of support services and lifestyle enrichments. Located in Rockland, the art capital of Maine, Bartlett Woods provides convenience, accessibility, stimulation, and advocacy for individuals, couples, and their families. For further information, visit www.bartlettwoods.com or call 207 593 1608.  –end–

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December 12, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Kelly Osborn, Executive Director 207 593 1259, kosborn@bartlettwooods.com    Photos attached, and others available.

26-year old Midcoast Retirement Community Launches

THE GREEN BARTLETT FUND

Efficiency Main Grant to be supplemented by community partners

(Rockland, ME) — Bartlett Woods has been approved for partial funding from Efficiency Maine to install a sophisticated, commercial next-gen heat pump HVAC system throughout the 3-story facility. This system will move Bartlett Woods into the future. Not only will the upgrade reduce costs and be easier on the environment, but it will also solve issues with the current system, which does not provide even heating to the 58 apartments and numerous common spaces within Bartlett Woods, located at 20 Bartlett Drive (off Talbot Avenue) in Rockland, ME. THE GREEN BARTLETT FUND was recently launched to raise support to match the grant funding, and generous donors and sponsors are now actively being sought.

This new system, installed by Efficiency Maine-qualified SolarLogix, LLC of Searsport, ME, will add layers of safety, comfort and affordability for residents. Compared with other heating systems, this sophisticated heat pump HVAC system is less expensive, greener, and provides heating that is more efficient. With the solar system just installed by Sundog Solar, also of Searsport, ME, and paid for by Bartlett Woods, the addition of heat pumps will move Bartlett to green innovation and sustainability. The electricity generated by the new solar panels will power the entire heat pump system. As one of the smallest not-for-profit retirement communities in Maine, Bartlett Woods strives to inspire other community organizations to improve efficiency and lower carbon footprint.

Bartlett Woods’ Executive Director, Kelly Osborn, explains: “As one of very few retirement communities in Rockland and surrounding towns for the past 26 years, Bartlett Woods is looking to the future, with a goal of ensuring sustainability for many years to come. Bartlett Woods is dedicated to providing affordable housing options for seniors in the Mid Coast area of Maine. As the cost of living continues to rise, Bartlett Woods recently invested over $400,000 in the installation of rooftop solar panels. These panels will lower carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and potentially increase property value while ensuring affordable housing for seniors. Bartlett Woods is committed to the people and the community of Rockland and the surrounding area. As the cost of living for older adults continues to rise, it is imperative that Bartlett Woods take the necessary steps to reduce the cost of providing housing. It is estimated that the green project, including both the solar panels and the heat pump installation, will reduce the cost of heating and cooling by more than 50% each year. The solar panels are expected to generate enough energy to cover the entire cost of operating the heat pumps. This reduction in energy cost will reduce the percentage of rental increases that Bartlett Woods would need to enact to cover the rising costs of living.

“U.S. News profiled 112 Assisted Living communities near Maine. Assisted living facilities, also called residential care or personal care communities, are for older adults who need help with daily activities such as medication management, personal hygiene and dressing. The median cost of assisted living in the Maine area is $8,712 a month, according to Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Study. This is $3,362 a month higher than the national monthly median of $5,350.”

More about Bartlett Woods and THE GREEN BARTLETT FUND:  Bartlett Woods is one of the most affordable Assisted Living/retirement communities in Maine. The monthly cost ranges from $4,159 to $6,755. The average cost to live at Bartlett Woods is well below $8,712 per month. Investment in clean, green energy is a huge step to ensure that elderly individuals in the community continue to have access to affordable living that meets their needs and provides a safe, comfortable home. The heat pump project will cost approximately $1 million; however, Bartlett Woods has been approved for $673,932 in funding from Efficiency Maine. Bartlett Woods will need to match the award with $315,968.

Bartlett Woods is currently looking for business sponsors and individual supporters to consider contributing to The Green Bartlett Fund. Sponsorship opportunities are described in full on the organizations’ website, or by calling 207-593-1259. Bartlett Woods would appreciate any level of support to improve the facilities, the lives of residents, and access to affordable living. Checks in any amount may be payable to Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, or visit the website to securely make a donation online through PayPal.

For further information, visit bartlettwoods.com, or call 207 593 1608.

About Bartlett Woods: Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, founded in 1998, is a 501(c)3 non-profit, age 55+ apartment house featuring 58 one- or two-bedroom apartments, with customizable rental options. Led by Executive Director Kelly Osborn and a staff of 40, Bartlett Woods is one of the smallest communities in Maine yet offers many personalized healthcare support services and lifestyle enrichments that continue to set a new standard in active adult living. In 2023, Bartlett Woods celebrated 25 years of service to the Midcoast community. Located in Rockland, ME, visit www.bartlettwoods.com or call 207-593-1419.

–end–

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Our resident artist and art teacher Constance Kiermairer gave a lively and informative talk about her current exhibition, CONTINUUM: Old and New Works by Constance Kiermaier, on Friday afternoon, November 8, 2024. Her show remains on view in our first floor Parlor, Lobby and Dining Room through January 3, 2025. An Artist’s Closing Reception will be held Friday, January 3rd from 4-6pm. Please join us!

As you can see from the images, many attended and were captivated by Constance’s recollections of a very artful life well lived. Guests were treated to refreshments created by our house cook Klara from recipes in our 25th Anniversary Cook Book, including Sarah’s Lemon Square’s, Joyce’s Coffeecake, and Marian’s Crazy Cake (copies of which are still available, just ask us!).

We look forward to enjoying Constance’s show for the rest of year, and the closing party in early January. This is an exceptional art show not to be missed. Hope to see you here soon . . .

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                           Multimedia Midcoast Artist Featured at 11/8/2024 Public Event at Bartlett Woods

The Art at Bartlett exhibition program is pleased to present a free public Artist’s Talk, featuring 97-year old resident artist Constance Kiermaier on Friday, November 8^th at 2PM at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, 20 Bartlett Drive in Rockland. The artist and teacher will discuss her current show, “CONTINUUM: Old and New Works by Constance Kiermaier.”  The exhibition is one part classic Kiermaier mixed media objects, and one part called  The Portrait Project. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is limited to unmarked spaces, the driveway and along Talbot Avenue.   The public is also invited to visit during regular open hours, Monday to Sunday, 8AM to 4PM; the exhibition remains on view through January 3, 2025.

“Constance has been our beloved resident teacher for many years,” confirmed Kelly Osborn, Executive Director at Bartlett Woods. “The arts are important at Bartlett Woods. Listening to Constance discuss her life’s work is a privilege for all of us.  We hope to see many friends and make new ones at our upcoming Artist’s Talk”                                                                                                                                                  

Ms. Kiermaier’s constructions, paintings and prints are personal, mysterious, and timeless. Crafted with great skill, each piece demonstrates a refusal to be limited by material, method, or subject.

Additionally, she will show a new series of pastel portraits of some neighbors at Bartlett Woods, specifically those 95 years of age and older. The artist, herself 97 years old, will be included with a self-portrait. “ ‘The Portrait Project’ began as a series of self-portraits to be given to each of my children,” confirms Constance. “This effort evolved into capturing the likenesses of some neighbors who are 95 and above, up to 100 years old! I believe it is vital for people our age to be noticed. This is an important issue for me.” 

Constance Kiermaier is a graduate of the School of Fine Arts, Yale University. She has shown her work throughout the USA, including: Rhode Island School of Design, Yale University, National Academy of Fine Arts, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, and the Portland Museum. She has received many awards, including a fellowship from the New England Foundation on the Arts/National Endowment for the Arts. She was raised in Virginia, lived in Connecticut, Tenants Harbor, ME, has called Bartlett Woods home since 2016.

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Bartlett Woods, Inc. recently completed installation of approximately 350 solar panels on its roof in an effort to minimize impact on climate change.  The panels will meet approximately 50% of the nonprofit’s electrical requirements by maximizing the number of panels that could fit on the roof. A Ribbon Cutting celebration will be held on Wednesday, October 16th at 2pm with key participants and community guests.

”The panels will reduce Bartlett’s electric bill by about $30,000 annually,” confirmed J. Michael Lane, President, Board of Directors at Bartlett Woods.  ”The federal government will reimburse us for 30% of the cost due to recent changes made by the Inflation Reduction Act.  Overall, the project will offer a return on investment of over 10%.  The panels are expected to last at least 25 years.”

The panels will eliminate the generation of 230,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.  This will be the equivalent of planting 1,700 trees each year.

”Installation was done by Sundog Solar of Searsport, ME,” Lane further commented.  ”Their proposal was chosen as having the most favorable financial impact of three proposals submitted.” 

Statement from Sundog Solar Owner Danny Piper: “Working with Bartlett Woods on this project has been a rewarding experience for our team, and we are proud to have played an integral part in helping this community take a significant step toward sustainability.”  

More info about the project:

There are actually (2) independent systems located at Bartlett Woods. Together the systems will average 153,329 kWh/year:

– South System details…

– 84.24kW DC & 57kW AC

– comprised of (208) 405W panels & (5) 11.4 kW single phase inverters

– North System details…

– 56.7kW DC / 45.6 kW AC

– comprised of (140) 405W panels & (4) 11.4 kW single phase inverters

-Combined System details…

– 141.08kW DC / 102.6kW AC

– comprised of (348) 405W panels & (9) 11.4kW single phase inverters

Both systems are equipped with module-level monitoring, allowing for precise, real-time tracking of energy production and savings. This transparency ensures that the community can optimize its energy use and see the direct impact of reducing both energy costs and its carbon footprint.

More great green news . . .

”Work will begin this fall on converting our heating system from a fuel oil and propane heating system to one using heat pumps, saving even more energy,” announced Executive Director Kelly Osborn. “Once the system is completed, Bartlett Woods will be able to heat and cool our 58-unit apartment building by using only solar energy on an annual basis. This tremendous shift in our sustainability goals is something both residents and staff can be very proud of.”

For further information about Bartlett Woods, visit Bartlettwoods.com or call 207-593-1608. About Sundog Solar visit www.sundog.solar or call 207-548-1100.

 About Bartlett Woods: Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, founded in 1998, is a 501(c)3 non-profit, age 55+ apartment house featuring 58 one- or two-bedroom apartments, with customizable rental options. Led by Executive Director Kelly Osborn and a staff of 40, Bartlett Woods is one of the smallest communities in Maine yet offers many personalized healthcare support services and lifestyle enrichments that continue to set a new standard in active adult living. In 2023, Bartlett Woods celebrated 25 years of service to the Midcoast community. Located in Rockland, ME, visit www.bartlettwoods.com or call 207-593-1419.

–end–

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