1 16 10 https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/51500/archive/files/08883eac995a55e53b7dfa24099ddc95.jpg?Expires=1779926400&Signature=Srb4MDtNFGHTBVdBCPyuy8yWWae1C3ZjQsMBpMbw4Ep%7EkFf0%7EFsUVRE5iwVBrSex5jz3IcVM-MduaTvl0MLcqDZRT0nxGqE5fBQkVx8dg07ShtNpKhFSw-VKIti6YUQAb5I1WrGGfi4Gnv71wM3P1Eqy0wZwcoaQaha%7E-hNxVl1q5ducYlswJZRvpJ%7EpEpVYUxsKwisfR8v08g8CBvXHRVBwqMTL9s5YK-5BhrIm857xrEhB4%7EK5szUN6LWE9SQXlvC1fWH3SXbI8iTnQVML6et8LREER9K5OGoMdsE5eLyOOIdeJDbsIAxBzUc0o7LxP-oXzeyXcvxZ%7EEFHQqE%7EVg__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM adb1af42e22f55e4416559a25ddccb9e https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/51500/archive/files/a5460748aee938a1716bf2c0d26c153c.jpg?Expires=1779926400&Signature=Ihymo4sFTE1z6mohZAy50hHSzA2Xjhpk%7E7LAwa0TyXMO3OcF9xD-Y2zO95%7E-CV4q-9jZSV6VAEXrbxHpexAhWHEAZqmtn68OANYAptljxX7VrLfl-xuc8nGywGMw7d8YOIqv3sZzxeYDruNDtQYsnjBSkNE6TwZ46nJVg5jIZSwww5%7EL44w8xUVfjnloz%7EpFbmCXcMhpCMAb-1C70y9PZmzIRMMNZ1TxCBUgklt0uOCPlcZ4gxqnohg9YBzKoNXII83mkKvFewBU9iT6PvmiGKFbYfcjJIAwobvhpIuyz5Ep--h3ZJF4tMoucIN3i6saDFNNlaXnQU8SNZrpyQA0GQ__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM bc7051914b630a865f4d6bca936dd640 https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/51500/archive/files/17b5b38ecf6fb5ad1f6b94f997f27a12.jpg?Expires=1779926400&Signature=LK8Lgo9BY5yx4w1SERcvq6NuOAxLEdOfwK%7EXXwdDLFkWhvSh5dp7cOz%7ETfpG54XS1V3MiO9928hiyhXFM6zb2UjMwevu6Lh3Mih%7EKR3a48PVdZ-e06LGDXnSvDCZHxz1f04UxM1IdfoA7AATV0RQzdZe4Rx6z0-UzT-dAjrLSZAZ5d7-TNyVOYeubRw3PfD9gNQZEdtn%7EmMddKmztuB4F6RrtleM%7EHXmfsNF2JMknEXogxY%7E39Qy8qT8OP1A7I7cHNx00h8o8002PhyWM2dZsQkkmEVfBh1N%7EdTY85InoRCzdQBbv6Gh5TdSLJV5gsdSbAMGtiDYpOGAosOLgnePMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM 3b648f5d555ca95ed00dfb7502b34b20 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Emergency Archive Description An account of the resource Writing, images, recordings, and other materials documenting life in Central Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic and other historic events that have impacted our communities. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 2021 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Penobscot County (Me.) Piscataquis County (Me.) Somerset County (Me.) Subject The topic of the resource Communities COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hartland Public Library (Hartland, Me.) Newport Cultural Center (Newport, Me.) Pittsfield Public Library (Pittsfield, Me.) Skowhegan Free Public Library (Skowhegan, Me.) Thompson Free Library (Dover-Foxcroft, Me.) Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Signs Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Don't Give Up, You Are Not Alone, You Matter Description An account of the resource Signs of encouragement on the Guilford Center Road. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020-10-03 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Guilford (Me.) Piscataquis County (Me.) Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource JPG Subject The topic of the resource Signs and signboards Encouragement Language A language of the resource Eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creator retains copyright. Item may be used for noncommercial purposes under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. 2020 Caring Fall Guilford Hope Love Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Emergency Archive Description An account of the resource Writing, images, recordings, and other materials documenting life in Central Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic and other historic events that have impacted our communities. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 2021 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Penobscot County (Me.) Piscataquis County (Me.) Somerset County (Me.) Subject The topic of the resource Communities COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hartland Public Library (Hartland, Me.) Newport Cultural Center (Newport, Me.) Pittsfield Public Library (Pittsfield, Me.) Skowhegan Free Public Library (Skowhegan, Me.) Thompson Free Library (Dover-Foxcroft, Me.) Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Text of your story SANGERVILLE — The tradition of farming and the opportunities of the internet are being celebrated by the farmers of the East Sangerville Grange, as they announce the opening of their online farmers’ market — the Maine Highlands Farmers’ Market. When the COVID-19 pandemic required social distancing and people began to limit their in-person shopping trips, the East Sangerville Grange farmers began to problem-solve solutions to make their locally sourced produce and products available to the public in a safe, efficient manner. Over many weeks, the Grange farmers met regularly on Zoom to discuss the possibilities. It quickly became clear that an internet-based farmers’ market would offer customers the ability to remain safely at home while shopping “at” a variety of farms in an online market. The customers would be able to support local farms, while the farmers would be able to provide much-needed, locally produced items to the public. And thus, with the full support of the East Sangerville Grange members, the online Maine Highlands Farmers’ Market was created. The market had a successful soft opening on the weekend of July 11-12, with the help of their fellow Grange members as their first customers. Now the online market is opening to the general public at <a href="http://mainehighlandsfarmersmarket.com/">mainehighlandsfarmersmarket.com</a>, where customers can explore the offerings of several local farm vendors. Brooke Isham, from Lomah LLC, one of the participating farms said, “Products will range from fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, to meats, honey, cheeses and soaps. Our farmers will update their individual pages on the Market website as products become available.” Isham noted, “Shoppers will be able to add items to their cart from one, two or all the market farms in the same way they would buy items at a traditional farmers’ market, but now they can shop from home.” Customers will be able to browse the various farm pages on the market website during the week. Orders will be allowed from 8 a.m. on Saturday through Sunday at 8 p.m., with payments completed on the website through Paypal. Customers will be able pick up their orders, using their reusable shopping bags, at the American Legion Hall in Dover-Foxcroft on Tuesdays between 4 and 6 p.m. The farmers of old may not have dreamt of something like the online Maine Highlands Farmers’ Market, but they’d certainly appreciate the effort to provide the community a safe, convenient method of buying food and products from a wide range of local farms. Now the local shopper can visit several local farms from across the region within minutes and buy a variety of items from the comfort of the family couch. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Maine Highlands Farmers' Market Press Release Description An account of the resource Press release announcing the opening of the online Maine Highlands Farmers' Market, sponsored by the East Sangerville Grange. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Maine Highlands Farmers' Market East Sangerville Grange Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020-07-11 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Sangerville (Me.) Dover-Foxcroft (Me.) Guilford (Me.) Monson (Me.) Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Subject The topic of the resource Maine Highlands Farmers' Market East Sangerville Grange Farmers' markets Local foods Electronic commerce COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Press releases Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://observer-me.com/">https://observer-me.com/</a> Language A language of the resource English Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright 2020 Business Change Farming Food Grange Summer Teamwork https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/51500/archive/files/88bfb63aa596e0458f237ab9e14948ad.png?Expires=1779926400&Signature=aoWAMwJQGXMGd9kIuYEng7OEZoHI3tJjKf%7EAkWCRkcXYRy1Ayb47OLwvZHRX-2%7E3IBjbaGucNHpJJtr%7E3I4rv75m3DZHABoxOA9ZkU1-mcF5SSfpgpshka8yMcfweoEW5XbbnWtHlzqOlEgM4izmaVqUfCvAY7zLPRde5fI2jp7ex5lnt5UPDq5JHmjUvI6bc5RpNzx1S6yHtdBqgrJ%7E9cVy7GaV8Uifl5vFqkVJLB-kAbcGUWwo51dnweC1c3SYpFageEN4ueiQrZjaj5nEGtiEtrLE8W6L02trOvuHJyptXJbO5LyoVUWG3SvEwfXrMMq8sTo0OsTVWE6N0aRdbg__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM c0f0945afd479ad713aac0f766c4edac Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Emergency Archive Description An account of the resource Writing, images, recordings, and other materials documenting life in Central Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic and other historic events that have impacted our communities. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 2021 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Penobscot County (Me.) Piscataquis County (Me.) Somerset County (Me.) Subject The topic of the resource Communities COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hartland Public Library (Hartland, Me.) Newport Cultural Center (Newport, Me.) Pittsfield Public Library (Pittsfield, Me.) Skowhegan Free Public Library (Skowhegan, Me.) Thompson Free Library (Dover-Foxcroft, Me.) Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Text of your story Annual Guilford Harvest Festival Saturday, September 26, 2020 (rain date October 3, 2020) Kids Area on the Braeburn Lot *Bounce House* *Games* *Popcorn* Live Music at the Red Maple Floyd's Fabulous Hotdogs Available 11 am - 1 pm at the Guilford Historical Museum Lawn Cemetery Tour at 6:30 pm featuring local historian Tom Goulette CrEaTiVe MASK Competition Take a picture of yourself in your creative COVID mask and send it to Janie at jknee@myfairpoint.net before Sept. 24. Photos will be on display at the Festival with voting by attendees of the Festival. Prizes for the Most Original, Funniest and Fanciest will be awarded. The Guilford Historical Society urges you to join us in following the CDC Guidelines. Please wear a mask unless you are eating or drinking, practice social distancing and sanitize your hands frequently. We want everyone to be safe. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Annual Guilford Harvest Festival Flyer Description An account of the resource The GHS Harvest Fair returns! While our lives have changed dramatically during the past six months or so and many folks are still self-quarantining or at least have remained cooped up for far too long, the Guilford Historical Society has planned to hold their annual event to break the monotony! As all activities are to be held out of doors, we feel a safe gathering time can be enjoyed by all. We will have masks and sanitizer available, the servers at the hot dog and popcorn stands will be masked and gloved, and the Bounce House will be continually re-sanitized with limited numbers at one time. Get out of the house and come have some fun!! The Cemetery Tour will be held at the Lawn Section Cemetery on the left side of Route 15 (Elm Street) heading west and will include the mystery of the lost cremains! Thanks to the Red Maple Inn for providing the Bounce House and to the Town of Guilford for providing the masks and sanitizer! Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Guilford Historical Society (Guilford, Me.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020-09-26 Subject The topic of the resource Guilford Historical Society (Guilford, Me.) Harvest festivals COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Piscataquis County (Me.) Guilford (Me.) Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PNG Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Guilford-Historical-Society-416303351839396">https://www.facebook.com/Guilford-Historical-Society-416303351839396</a> Language A language of the resource Eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright 2020 Community Events Fair Fall Guilford Harvest Masks Safety Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Emergency Archive Description An account of the resource Writing, images, recordings, and other materials documenting life in Central Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic and other historic events that have impacted our communities. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 2021 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Penobscot County (Me.) Piscataquis County (Me.) Somerset County (Me.) Subject The topic of the resource Communities COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hartland Public Library (Hartland, Me.) Newport Cultural Center (Newport, Me.) Pittsfield Public Library (Pittsfield, Me.) Skowhegan Free Public Library (Skowhegan, Me.) Thompson Free Library (Dover-Foxcroft, Me.) Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Text of your story While lives have changed dramatically during the past six months or so and many folks are still self-quarantining or at least have remained cooped up for far too long, the Guilford Historical Society has planned to hold its annual Harvest Festival to break the monotony on Saturday, Sept. 26 (rain date is Saturday, Oct. 3). We are having a CrEaTiVe Mask Competition too. Create a mask, take a selfie (or have someone take a picture of you in your new creation) and send it to Janie at jknee@myfairpoint.net by Sept. 24. Include your contact information please as there will be prizes for the most original, the funniest and the prettiest. Photos will be on display at the festival on Saturday, Sept. 26 with attendees judging the masked competitors. Make sure to send your friends and relatives to vote for you. Get out of the house and come have some fun. The kids area at the Braeburn lot includes the bounce house, games and popcorn. “Floyd’s Fabulous Hot Dogs” will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Guilford Historical Society. The cemetery tour with local historian Tom Goulette will be held at the Lawn Cemetery on the left side of Route 15 (Elm Street) heading west at 6:30 pm and will include the mystery of the lost cremains. Thanks to the Red Maple Inn for providing the bounce house and live music and to the town of Guilford for providing the masks and sanitizer. The Guilford Memorial Library will host a book sale on from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Masks will be required and social distancing will be observed. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Press release Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Guilford Harvest Festival Press Release Description An account of the resource While lives have changed dramatically during the past six months or so and many folks are still self-quarantining or at least have remained cooped up for far too long, the Guilford Historical Society will hold its annual Harvest Festival to break the monotony with outdoor activities and safety protocols. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lander, Janie Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020-09-26 Subject The topic of the resource Guilford Historical Society (Guilford, Me.) Harvest festivals COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Press releases Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Piscataquis County (Me.) Guilford (Me.) Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Image Language A language of the resource English Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright 2020 Artwork Fall Families Guilford Harvest Masks Safety https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/51500/archive/files/53c1b09b3d0cabdaef0135ead0ddba93.pdf?Expires=1779926400&Signature=eHCXdnPR-fkWXYKvYwZmrC0sxLjtgnszv%7EoV%7EZctsoTlK-zAYwHlmRr3C8huF3JWYIJZ3lasY3nINcLdKG9joOvTjnXm%7E0gvfLSvLhGccoHe6LtbqssH1hhVq6i4OgT-cLF4XXVA8mYMHYAKmXfGoxLf1EhFVdAXaLo5oFJNIR0H-hjITn8Dbe%7E%7EJMjZN9zqR09MFh4pMEVBpo7QHZfcVSwwOse6HnFN24H-7A7O9tHiiE81NJFjwOv58oQUCULVLtMLfYQ-YxlPqrYvhnOs7616TIBEGnwELbPGVbzEtADPcn1KTtceF5GMeDCS6sFs3ju-CuGpGTLNndywmwv6mQ__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM 49432f1fbcb9eb17e1944dd28e97e945 https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/51500/archive/files/6583c422dad6d8c499567f837839e64d.mp3?Expires=1779926400&Signature=jmm1eGGy-FJZgzN5PoWOAqZ%7Ez7nYQn56QSK7O0mR7zrT4eMVpPXbG6VwBZ4Topzoply1Ko-G18JAfYWuAcJd5rBzZuhJHjC4uZ7segxTej-28%7EmqsEmFE6CZ2lK%7EWTS-KGjEoWOj7jjIfYlVqepd17902SbJuTnr4oSWa31ewISua6kXlJEcBDoVfJGSj446bwQwd2FYxGizkUhje3VWNpl-aTjUUdn7D-N1EEtahv2avlXQwl1fgWdvAZyh-xNLP76cbaEUeXXUCFjLr4Ui9cCnA8PTYaKOSQw0zQseRRkb99nVYngfYu--9ugjswKLuv9AyU8RE5XCsWxca5m4qw__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM e1e33e46ad18a17330b27e12d5447dad Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Emergency Archive Description An account of the resource Writing, images, recordings, and other materials documenting life in Central Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic and other historic events that have impacted our communities. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 2021 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Penobscot County (Me.) Piscataquis County (Me.) Somerset County (Me.) Subject The topic of the resource Communities COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hartland Public Library (Hartland, Me.) Newport Cultural Center (Newport, Me.) Pittsfield Public Library (Pittsfield, Me.) Skowhegan Free Public Library (Skowhegan, Me.) Thompson Free Library (Dover-Foxcroft, Me.) Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewer The person(s) performing the interview Jason Curran Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Ruth Griffith Location The location of the interview Sangerville (Me.) Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound RG: I'm Ruth Griffith. I live in Parkman, Maine, which is one town over from Guilford, and I'm sixteen years old. In the middle of March I was in school, and then they told us that we were going to have a two-week break from school because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I don't think it was called the pandemic at that time, but we took a break from school. They told us that we wouldn't be coming back until the next school year in the fall, but we didn't really know any specifics about what was going to happen in the future. We were just told to stay away from people and wear masks when we were in close contact with anyone. I didn't see my friends, and I haven't seen most of them, for the last six months because it's almost September right now. We've been in contact with different forms of social media, especially Snapchat and FaceTime, so I can still see them, and hear their voice, and everything like that, just not any in-person interaction. It definitely felt--I would say sad, but I also knew that it wouldn't last forever, and that I could still communicate with my friends in many ways. So it wasn't like I was completely socially-isolated. I looked at the maps every day, of where new cases were popping up, and where they were having spikes, and then I just looked at the news every day to see what was going on. Mostly just the news, like with the Apple news app, as well as--my mom's always playing NPR, and whatever I see on TV or in the newspaper. JC: Are topics of the administration, impeachment, are these things that you talk about with your friends? RG: No. No, most of my friends aren't that concerned with any of those things. JC: The instances of Ahmaud Arbery, and then later George Floyd? RG: I think that those two instances definitely sparked a lot of conversation, but my friends and I were definitely on opposing sides. Because I thought that "All Lives Matter" soon as "Black Lives Matter," because white people are not being targeted because of the color of their skin, but people of color are. And my friends did not see it the same way as I did. So a lot of them just said, "White Lives Matter" and "All Lives Matter." They didn't really express more than that. JC: Did you ever take the conversation any further than that? RG: I've tried, but not successfully. I heard that the President was going to come to Guilford, maybe like a week in advance. I saw it first on someone's Snapchat story, and then I Googled it right after that and found out that it was true. At that point he didn't know whether he was going to visit Guilford or Pittsfield, so I knew that he would be coming to our general area. I felt kind of neutral at that point, because I didn't know that there would be any organized event for protesting or anything like that. So I just wanted to see how things developed in the following days. I decided that I wanted to be in Guilford as soon as I knew that there was going to be some sort of organized protest where there would be other people there for the same purpose. And I decided that I wanted to go because I think that it's important to speak up in situations of injustice, and I think that protesting is a very good way to do that. I think what motivated all of this to happen was when George Floyd died, and I think that was one of the major motivations. And then it's just about trying to end systematic injustices, and systematic racism in the United States. JC: Did you have any conversation with your friends about the visit? Did they have opinions about it? RG: Yeah. They were super excited because most of them are very avid Trump supporters. So a lot of them got flags to put on their trucks, and were super enthusiastic. I put it on my Snapchat story, just saying that I would be there, and then I had a few other friends comment to me after that they wanted to be there too. Or if they couldn't be there, they were giving supportive comments about that. I didn't get any negative backlash after that, no. I don't think that it would really change my relationships with other people because we don't talk that much about politics. We leave that separate in our friendships, but it definitely is important to know what other people's opinions of different things are. I definitely read a lot of threats, but I didn't think that any of them were going to be acted upon. I think that it was just people being angry and using social media as a way to express how they felt in a very non-constructive way. I didn't think that there would be any violence happening, because we are such a small area and because I knew that there would be a lot of law enforcement there. But it definitely was a possibility that something could happen. I didn't really plan anything else out until the morning of June fifth. Then I went to the [Unitarian Universalist] Church [of Sangerville and Dover-Foxcroft] and I made a sign. It said "Enough is Enough" on one side, and "Black Lives Matter" on the other side. From there, I went to downtown Guilford and stood with all the other protesters. One of my friends was also there, so I stood next to her. Around ten a.m., maybe eleven. At that point, there was maybe a little cluster of twenty people there with the Black Lives Matter movement, and then a much larger crowd there in support of Donald Trump. Okay, so there were a few helicopters that came in, like a few days before the President showed up, I think. And then that day, more helicopters flew in. Then after that, once the President's helicopter came, they put him in the motorcade, and then they had a big line of various vehicles, of law enforcement and people who were there with various equipment. I think it took like five or six minutes for all the cars to pass down the street, and they were going a very slow parade-like speed. Then the President was one of the last cars, and as soon as he got close people were screaming, and they were very excited. Most of the Black Lives Matter protesters got down on one knee and were holding their signs there, as to be respectful but make sure that it was known that they were not in support of him. I thought that it was really cool. The helicopters were definitely fun to watch. I think that everybody agreed, no matter what side they were on, that was a very interesting part of the day. A lot of people were very excited that they had that going on the day that they graduated at Guilford High School [Piscataquis Community High School]. Yeah, so the graduation happened later that night--I think at like seven p.m. or something like that. But definitely a lot of the things in the town closed down for the day. A lot of businesses closed down. I think the mill itself wasn't operating for a while, while he visited. A lot of people had concerns about traffic and getting through, so they cancelled different things. A lot of the kids thought that having the President at their school, or having snipers on the roof of their school, was super-exciting to happen on their graduation day. It doesn't happen a lot. JC: Did you see the President? RG: I did. So I saw him twice. Once when he drove by, going to Hardwood Products, and once when he drove away back to his helicopter. Both times he was just waving at everybody and looking at us. I don't think that he really acknowledged that we weren't in support of him, because the large majority of people were all decked out in their Trump apparel, and their MAGA [Make America Great Again] hats, and everything like that. Throughout the day there was a lot of commotion between Black Lives Matter protesters and Trump supporters. There were law enforcement everywhere, so nothing got violent at all. It was just verbal communication. JC: What kind of commotion in particular? RG: So a lot of people were very negative about wearing masks, which almost all of the Black Lives Matter protesters had on and very few of the Trump supporters had on. So there was a lot of controversy about that. Later throughout the day, Black Lives Matter people started chanting things like "Black Lives Matter" and “No Justice, No Peace," things like that. And then that was met with a lot of comments that didn't really make sense. Like we got a lot of "Get off of welfare" and "Get a job" comments. We got a few "I'd grab you by the pussy" comments, which were definitely not appreciated. And then a few people just saying "All Lives Matter” and expressing their opinion about that. A lot of people were saying that masks aren't necessary; we shouldn't be wearing them; it's not really a big deal; that COVID-19 is no worse than the common flu, or that the entire thing is just a hoax. Most of the time we didn't respond to those comments, or we just said, "Thank you for your opinion; we're going to wear our masks," because we didn't want to start any fight. So there wasn't that big of a crowd that there was an issue for space. The only physical contact that I had were a few people with Trump flags that tried to wave them in our faces as we were walking down the street with our signs. There were a handful of people who brought their guns to downtown Guilford that day, and I know that they were in communication with all of the law enforcement there to make sure that they didn't have them loaded or anything like that. I didn't feel unsafe in any way because of that, but I definitely think that it wasn't a necessary thing to have there, to show their right of open carry. I think that it was a little bit uncomfortable for many people, especially because of the large presence of law enforcement there anyway. To have citizens with their guns out was a little bit uneasy, but it didn't really bother me that much. I wish that it was more centralized, or that the protests all happened in Guilford, because I think that is where most of the news coverage was. The whole idea of protesting is to get your opinion heard, and you need media sources to do that. But I think that that just happened because of all the threats that people were giving to people who did attempt to organize these events. But I decided to go to Guilford instead of going to Dover or Bangor because that's where the President was going, and I think it would be more impactful to be where he was. A lot of people on the opposing side came up to me and asked me about the masks, and I kind of just dismissed that in a very--as respectful way as I could. And then there were a lot of other comments talking about religion and why we think that “Black Lives Matter” instead of “All Lives Matter.” And then quite a few people walked over to where I was standing and asked about completely unrealted issues, like health care and abortion. Which, I just said, “Have a nice day," and didn't engage. There was a little bit of them trying to understand the conversation, but most people were very set in what they already believed in, and they were just arguing for whatever they believed prior to coming. For people that I was protesting with, we were all fairly like-minded people. We disagreed on a few little things. I met one girl who was from Rhode Island and she drove up here after she got her COVID test to protest. She had a lot of insight, definitely, about what she had seen throughout the country protesting, which was really cool to hear. They experienced a lot more violence where she was. And then I talked to a lot of other locals who were there, and a lot of them had similar feelings to me, just that they wanted to voice their opinions about the Black Lives Matter movement and do it in a way that would get their voices heard. Yeah, so it definitely made me very mad when people said comments that were just ignorant or not at all related to why we were there. There were a few people who had good conversations that I think are great to have, but there were a lot of people who were there just to start controversy and to make people angry. Like I said before: "Get off of welfare," and "Get a real job," things about healthcare and abortion, people saything they would want to grab me by the pussy. So I didn't respond to anyone who made those sort of comments, because I think that the majority of people that were there as Trump supporters would just say comments like "Trump 2020" or "All Lives Matter' or "White Lives Matter," which I disagree with, but I think that it's them just stating what they believe in politically, which is exactly what I was doing just for a different side. But it made me mad when people said things that were not at all related, or were definitely not respectful. There were a lot of local police officers, as well as a lot of people from the border control. I think that they were very respectful to everyone there. None of them obviously chose a side of where they would stand, they were just in like their uniforms. When the President drove by, they were a little bit more focused on keeping the Black Lives Matter protesters away from the street, but I think that's somewhat reasonable. Overall the presence of all law enforcement was very respectful and they treated everyone equally. I think that our area is definitely mostly very, very conservative. And I think that throughout the entire country, everything's very polarized of either your left or your right. So having a more liberal opinion in this area is often frowned upon, or people don't talk about it a lot, because it's not the majority of people's opinions. The friend I was with had graduated. I think she's twenty years old, so she's a little bit older than I am. But there were quite a few high schoolers from [the] Dexter and Dover high school(s) [Dexter Regional High School and Foxcroft Academy], which are the two surrounding area schools. But I believe that I was the only current student of Guilford High School who was there. There were quite a few people, though, who were in their early twenties who had graduated from high school at Guilford who were there as Black Lives Matter protesters. And then there was an abundance of people who were there who were my age or younger who were there as Trump supporters with their parents. During the day that I was there protesting, a lot of people from the community would give us thumbs up or peace signs in support of us and what we were doing, and then very positive comments like “You go guys," or "I love what you're doing," "I love your sign," anything like that. After the fact, a lot of my friends were saying how proud they were that we were doing something. Before they were like "Stay safe," "I might go," "I don't know yet, I haven't made up my mind," stuff like that. But in general, I didn't receive any overly-negative feedback from my peers. It definitely made me feel like more of the minority because I know a lot of people who wanted to go who are my age, but were just fearful of being different, I think, so they didn't go. But I definitely lost a lot of respect for some people I knew who made comments that were not respectful whatsoever to other people. Yeah, just people who I knew from the community. I think that the election right now could go either way, being that Trump could win or that Biden could win. I think that we won't really have a good idea until the day it happens, unless any major events change the political climate. I think that most people are very set on who they want to vote for because of how polarized politics are in America right now. So I think that won't really change anything. JC: How do you think things will change? RG: I think any major events that happen will change things, as well as--most people, I think, who are younger tend to lean a little bit more to the left than people who are older, just in general, and people in urban areas definitely tend to be a lot more democratic as well. So I think that a lot more people will start leaning that way, and that there will be less controversy between which side. But I think that it will never really change. For as long as we have a two-party system in America, there's always going to be one side and another side, and it's not really going to change. I think that for our elections, if we didn't want as much political polarization, we would definitely need time for people to adjust to everything, as well as just more parties, or just abolishment of all political parties. Because right now you either align yourself with one or the other, so it's very easy to pick a side and become very--I don't know what the word would be, but become very supportive of just that side. Yeah, I think that running on what people want to do once they are in an office, and what they as a person believe in, is definitely a lot better than what party they're behind. Especially people who vote on certain key topics. It would lead to a lot, I think, better representation. I don't think that I will go into politics in the future, no [laughs]. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource A President Visits Guilford, Maine: Ruth Griffith Interview Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Griffith, Ruth Curran, Jason Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020-08-30 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Guilford (Me.) Sangerville (Me.) Piscataquis County (Me.) Type The nature or genre of the resource Oral History Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource MP3 Language A language of the resource English Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creator retains copyright. Item may be used for noncommercial purposes under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. Subject The topic of the resource Black lives matter movement COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Democracy High school students Protest movements Social justice Trump, Donald, 1946- Description An account of the resource Ruth Griffith speaks with Jason Curran about President Trump's visit to Guilford on June 5, 2020. 2020 Black Lives Matter Friendship Guilford High School Justice Masks Politics Protest Students Trump https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/51500/archive/files/fe0600ca75a9d200d155298859f9fd6d.pdf?Expires=1779926400&Signature=eQMDHNJpTTVPCO06F0lPxsJzgjK6fyzP8U4SsrwiCNw0geXkacg67CZV1RCIyVyyJtBoA1NaZWa5YZ2GaXFaRH9Ia-XjUxl8e6opI0arBdmWIBVGyrXnDeA-nMar400-XN9B4bGlBXIah%7EFl%7EV1cHGkri-YwNf9fwrZqT3EoFYbxJj6l7cTl0WTc%7E-HFGVZ5QpkaWOA2I-3jJKe4t0Sa8I6L8HydjXaFJ%7ED6k09HKC53SIeHA3dneMIUqtT-mU89bcbngYBGN1HChuEUJwTadb7PeKfME7obaKsWrXGUfceHqjwzQr9y96rO%7EtaTktKX8sjYQdGjsjNYju%7EY7tuq-g__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM fd0fd31f8bd917935f23c11ea4dbd1a7 https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/51500/archive/files/09debaab9ec6ee42a523090e91eac641.mp3?Expires=1779926400&Signature=ktAB5rJxsKxm-qd29K5IK3KKOEvtkZRlnd3j8StKzCNfARNfdAwIAwtPMZzPV1iJJS1y8BIyG%7E07epCiKDLDZUoEG2z-zCrQ9Bljl%7EIniIie%7EOt2Rg0l7Gr9rpb4yi5asMdN6Bo9J8d6hU694koiR0P6YXSq1d5zq9kyZXJ0cuj1jwGutWfJhhBjfBMOLf%7Eh%7Empxs563G2pbk3mKRJf1B3tuN4NzZXoU1Q51t5mBbT1efCE4M%7E7RylYxDccxpASkFbpIUgM3-JTD5fQRgXQ1W8JqD4FjIeD1GNX5DjPxxZvoWqQ-hehR2W3otufsygSrCysVB1pFITG4pvcOOUiRSg__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM 517bd5bb1b626f3008e8df969dcd40df Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Emergency Archive Description An account of the resource Writing, images, recordings, and other materials documenting life in Central Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic and other historic events that have impacted our communities. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 2021 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Penobscot County (Me.) Piscataquis County (Me.) Somerset County (Me.) Subject The topic of the resource Communities COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hartland Public Library (Hartland, Me.) Newport Cultural Center (Newport, Me.) Pittsfield Public Library (Pittsfield, Me.) Skowhegan Free Public Library (Skowhegan, Me.) Thompson Free Library (Dover-Foxcroft, Me.) Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewer The person(s) performing the interview Jason Curran Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Sue Griffith Location The location of the interview Sangerville (Me.) Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound My name is Sue Griffith and I live in Parkman, Maine. We had word that the President would be coming to Maine, and I remember hearing that on the news and absolutely never considering it would be Guilford, Maine or the toothpick mill [Hardwood Products Company] that he would come to. But sure enough, I started to get some messages on my phone. “Can you believe this? Can you believe this?” Governor Janet Mills here in the state urged that during a pandemic, during this time of protest, maybe it wasn't the best time to plan a trip like that, and it made the President push a little harder. He absolutely insisted that he would come on a certain date. It didn't matter that it was graduation night at the local high school, where they are trying to hold a graduation outdoors anyway due to the pandemic. He was going to come. And the Secret Service showed up in town. The helicopters showed up in town. I became involved because the local Unitarian Universalist Church [of Sangerville and Dover-Foxcroft], my church, had a Facebook page where we started to get some inquiries about, “Would the church be open? Would the church be a presence counterprotesting?” What should have been a visit from the President to thank the workers at the mill became a defacto Trump rally. And he had chosen a very red part of the state, a very Republican part of the state, to come and visit. The background of this toothpick mill--by making medical supplies, it turns out they were the only domestic manufacturer of the swabs that could test for COVID-19. The medical side of the mill, it's a sister company to the toothpick mill, it's called Puritan [Medical Products]. They were working nonstop. They were working steady shifts. They worked, you know, twenty, thirty, forty days in a row without a day off. I have worked at the toothpick mill. I have worked both making the popsicle sticks and tongue depressors, in what's called the "old side" of the mill, and also in the newer, medical side of the mill. So, I could definitely understand the feeling in town of the mill finally getting its due, and that the President was coming to town to thank the folks at the mill. That did feel good to a lot of people. My experience during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic--as the pandemic did reach the United States, I was pretty naive to the fact that what was now a concern in Italy would shut down our schools. But that's what I experienced on March thirteenth. A teacher workshop day was rescheduled. We were kept in our own buildings instead of going to a neighboring high school, and our students never came back for the rest of the year. Not only was there a pandemic going on, but Ahmaud Arbery had been murdered already in Georgia, and there was video of this murder. And his murderers--even though they were on video tape and police had that in their evidence chain--they were allowed to walk free, claiming that they were standing their ground. Claiming that he had broken into a house. And none of that really holds up. In May, George Floyd's death was also videotaped. And that just seemed to be one step too far. That the whole country reacted to how the police officer watched the camera, and just absolutely felt there would be no repercussions with his actions. Because of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, and then the Black Lives Matter movement responding to that, President Trump couldn't travel anywhere in the country. The protests were overwhelming. They became international. Unfortunately some violence happened, and is still happening. Because of the scandals--all the turnover in the Trump administration has been unbelievable. People that he appointed and called "the best of the best"--he's had them removed or fired. We have had several secretaries of defence and secretaries of state and national security advisors. To me, I feel like we're really in a vulnerable spot. We pulled out of the Paris Accord, we pulled out of the TPP [Trans-Pacific Partnership]. We've insulted NATO. Nancy Pelosi really said it right when she said, "President Trump, with you all roads lead to Russia." The corruption wasn't stopped by the impeachment, but all of that--I just absolutely knew that I would be out there alone if I had to be. There were lots of threats on social media. Threats as to, if Black Lives Matter shows up here, this is what's going to happen. So, the threats were geared towards rioters and looters, which is what people were seeing on television. The threats took on that racial tone as soon as Black Lives Matter came up. And the gun culture here in rural Maine is such that you knew the threats weren't empty threats. But what I was seeing on our Facebook page were requests from churchgoers who wanted to protest the President's visit. And they wondered: Would there be a cooling station? Would there be water available? Was there a map available of the area? How far a walk would it be? Where could we park? I did my best to answer some of those questions, and to find more information. But placing phone calls to the town office and to the local sheriff's department, I did not get responses. Calling a second time, I did get to speak to people. And they were intrigued by this, and they certainly didn't want elderly people walking into town being overcome by the heat. But when I was promised that somebody would call me back, of course there was no call back. And by that time it was Thursday, June fourth. The president was coming the next day. Protesters were told to go protest in Dover, the next-door town, or to protest in Bangor when the President's plane landed. But for a lot of folks, they knew that they were being kept out of the way. They were being sent elsewhere. I was hopeful that this could be a moment for our church to be there for folks who weren't as enthusiastic about the President's visit. Personally, a lot of us wanted some kind of response like a candlelight vigil. But during a pandemic, in a UU church that is mostly senior citizens, we could not come together and really discuss or plan. A few folks were able to gather at the church and make signs together. We made some of the signs thanking the "Swab Squad," the folks at the mill who were making the swabs. That was the whole reason for the President's trip. The next day, about half a dozen folks gathered at the church for a short, mile-and-a-half walk to where the presidential motorcade would leave the local high school, travel to the mill, and then back again. The high school soccer field became the chosen, preferred landing spot. From there to the toothpick mill is probably about a mile's drive. We knew to expect them about three o'clock in the afternoon. For the protesters, we all took a knee when we heard the choppers, when the motorcade went by. But we felt solidarity together for the counter protesters, and the Trumpers were definitely loving the noise and the show of force. The state troopers were giving an escort, so sixty troopers on motorcycles were escorting the President's motorcade. They got a huge reaction from the crowd as they kind of strutted their stuff. And it was the same for the choppers. But the people who were there, where I was protesting. We were a few of us, a half dozen of us from a local Unitarian Universalist church, but we were surrounded by folks who had traveled from Southern Maine mostly. Veterans for Peace. There were educators. A school principal complimented my daughter and my friend who stood there all day in that heat, wearing masks, holding up signs that said "Enough is Enough." Those girls, when they were encountered by Trumpers, they were told to get a job. They were told to get off welfare. And these are girls who are at the top of their class, who have held jobs for years even though they are just teenagers. But the assumptions that were made were disappointing. As I walked along what locally we call the Braeburn Corner, I was so relieved. I had not planned to meet anybody until eleven o'clock. But people had been there since seven a.m., nine a.m. People had traveled from local towns like Brownville and Willimantic. They came with “Black Lives Matter” signs, they came with signs about truth, they came with signs about all the scandals in the administration. And despite the heat, they held onto that corner. They were the presence that he would see--in a packed half-mile of Trump supporters and Trump merchandise, this one corner was held visibly. As his motorcade went by, law enforcement did their best to step in front of the protesters and block that view. So Trump saw very little of the counter protesters. We were definitely outnumbered. Probably ten to one. But we were visible. As much as the Trumpers wanted to support their president, and support the work of the mill, I think the rest of us were there to make sure that our hometown didn't go down in history as supporting the racist legacy that this administration is going to have. There definitely was some tension. For most of the day, people were very polite. Our signs did not say "Black Lives Matter" specifically, and I think some people didn't know what our signs meant. But we had signs that said, “Truth Matters,” and the Trumpers seemed to like that. When they saw the “Truth Matters” signs, they agreed with us, which we found a little confusing. We also carried "Grab ‘Em by the Ballot." We were making light of Trump's own quote that came out before the 2016 election, when he used an expletive, "grab 'em by the--" But Trumpers seemed to like that too. “Grab ‘Em by the Ballot.” They thought that was supporting Trump. I guess they didn't recognize the reference. But our signs that did get recognized: “Ahmaud Arbery,” “George Floyd,” and “I Can't Breathe.” Those signs drew a different reaction. Some people just grew silent and walked away. Some folks called us the enemy. Some folks told us, "Keep your masks on; you're ugly." "Keep your masks on; you got bad breath." Probably the worst: When the motorcade had gone through to the mill, a lot of Trumpers started to leave town. And one woman saw our sign "I Can't Breathe," and she took her entire--to move just fifteen feet past us took quite a while. And she took that as a chance to yell all kinds of insults and challenges to that position. Mostly, aborted fetuses, she argued, could not breathe as well. Here in Piscataquis County people feared that it would become violent. The local credit union didn't open that day. A lot of people felt like it wasn't safe to be in town that day. I felt like, you've got to be realistic about this. It could become violent. My teenage daughter said she wanted to be there, which surprised me, but I absolutely did not want to discourage her from being there. I really felt it was that important to stand up to what this administration had been doing, and to take a stand for the truth. My teenage daughter was told that she would have to stay with her mother for the day, which is not something she's been told for a long time. I put together some first aid supplies. Her father has a building in town, his shop is where he works most days. That was the go-to plan, if things got out of hand she knew where she was supposed to be. And she was to be with me most of the day. We also had some vehicles not too far away, a short walk. We would be able to get into a vehicle and hopefully get out of harm's way. So I felt like there were enough options to get out of harm's way that we could be there to express ourselves. The biggest concern I had, there were a lot of folks who were armed. Trump supporters gave way to two different sections of what I'll call Black Lives Matter/counter-Trump supporters. I was pretty psyched to be in a spot that was in a lot of shade. And with my teenage daughter with me, I felt like we were in a pretty safe spot. Some bikers pulled onto the grass next to us and they were all armed. Just--they had pistols, wearing holster open-carry style. Very clear about the fact that they had their weapons. And then there were some folks with Trump flags and American flags with AR-15s, just kind of walking back and forth. Making sure--there was a little bit of challenge to space there at the side of the road. The flag pretty much hit us every time they walked by. The law enforcement was local sheriffs and state troopers, a lot of visiting sheriffs from surrounding counties, and a lot of border control. When counter protesters were challenged for being on the sidewalk and asked to move back, and then Trumpers were allowed to remain on the sidewalk in front of them, that was the only kind of negotiation I saw. With patience and persistence the Trumpers drifted off and the counter protesters reclaimed that curbside. But I was a little disappointed to see that law enforcement, pretty much elbow-to-elbow, stood in the street and blocked the view of a lot of the counter protesters as the motorcade went by. But that's their job. That's the security they had to provide. And if it helped keep things calm, I guess I'm glad for it. Maine is a constitutional carry state. It was legal to have those weapons on display and openly carried. But guess I don't think that's what the Second Amendment means. To me, the words "well regulated" are right in the Second Amendment. "In order to maintain a well-regulated militia, the right to bear arms shall not be infringed." So I was not comfortable with that display of force. None of the counter protesters felt a need to carry a weapon openly. On June fifth, in Guilford, Maine, the counter protesters were predominantly wearing masks and social distancing as much as they could. And the folks who were there to support the President in his visit were not. Luckily the President's visit did not lead to an increase in the virus. Unfortunately, his next big rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, did. And one supporter, Herman Cain, even attended that Oklahoma rally and now has passed away from the virus. So that connection did happen elsewhere, but so far in Maine we have been lucky in the summer of 2020 to keep the numbers low. The feedback has been, I think, quiet from the folks who are Trump supporters. Which there is still--in this part of the state of Maine--there is still a lot of support for him. I guess the New England sensibility of "we'll agree to disagree" is in full play right now. But at our church I think there was a lot of coming together. People who were older and not up for that crowd--or not going to put themselves in that crowd during a pandemic--I think there was a lot of appreciation that somebody was there. The folks who worked at the mill went through so much security and so much overtime to accommodate that visit, that I think they took it a little more personally if they found out somebody was protesting. But I was usually able to find a way to say, you know,"Boy, the President should have been here just to thank you, but I think he was here to have a rally because he couldn't have his rallies anywhere else.” I think that was also understood. A lot of folks left town as soon as the motorcade had gone to the mill, and it was a lighter crowd that remained as the motorcade returned to the helicopters and as the helicopters left. But that was about the time that a lot of more counter protesters were able to show up from Bangor or Dover and there was a huge feeling of solidarity and relief. I wish personally that we could have opened up our church for a candlelight vigil afterwards. I think there would have been a lot of people to share the emotion of that week. But of course, the pandemic prevented that. I was very proud of the folks who were able to get out there that day and make sure that we could thank the folks at the mill, but we weren't going to give our town to that president. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource A President Visits Guilford, Maine: Sue Griffith Interview Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Griffith, Sue Curran, Jason Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020-08-06 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Guilford (Me.) Sangerville (Me.) Piscataquis County (Me.) Type The nature or genre of the resource Oral History Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource MP3 Language A language of the resource English Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creator retains copyright. Item may be used for noncommercial purposes under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. Subject The topic of the resource Black lives matter movement COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Democracy First Universalist Church of Sangerville & Dover-Foxcroft Protest movements Social justice Trump, Donald, 1946- Description An account of the resource Sue Griffith speaks with Jason Curran about President Trump's visit to Guilford on June 5, 2020. 2020 Black Lives Matter Church Justice Masks Protest Solidarity Trump https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/51500/archive/files/0e582e0ac0ab4609e476988d312b91ed.PNG?Expires=1779926400&Signature=CBBqW9WMZPEQo1LyZyofmalfsGOKQSBvgYeYo%7E1GY8DUdTNF4MHjE37HFaGdIxW8maSVRVM9ehZb5%7Eeq%7EWwFZvzyX-yJ5nK-7bOU17jb7ERTxBhCSVvbl3Y-bS8B2SoCO%7EgwaTxLxy8ir4VVUXsQV8wjJQPNAmpzEdRE9XfMM0fAVwnW5uV5Cs-8LKDFl7Ikp1BKFa-uui5EnHumqbQU-MMhf2S6V%7EuZguofMkEmfouDwauXKQVrp7twwot5hU3Xx8rvWe42zJACClpZs42HVB2syACHpvDe6rUQ56QlSR7PYeFvpsouRg0Kgkq4xKhoG--J4SEDyApYDmtNlnxBjw__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM f33c07b15d497802edd1905838567c65 https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/51500/archive/files/79eb4fda46ccb75aa6dd188eb517694b.PNG?Expires=1779926400&Signature=k2XAjUG%7EV1UCO7x5FZIBZEhvGOGFiRzrV5RuDF3wwFvTVSrDYwtOZLwV0hosz1n%7EUZ%7EFkLLbyiX2PCLt-X2M-lQYxZm9rwME0HggbRhpURB5yya4CzzhX2g0sBGyun8tNFWDCZe0YJpV57pBWIyvQkxZAhTaWbF9RJUfKlXLyB4zk0LfZhRq6DpTtccYvdi3hWBOfQf7eyw3NJwJPC4RDFl0o7TuUwb84Q67LBvO-epQITn0oEAn8lEsL9DauV1EuD8WOM84Y4dOhw%7EZz9s5SVT%7Eyka6A8uglhyRYuQQXeodC1lTJxc2PHtt43gd%7EU%7EF1b0ArK2GxzG-edy1EpD2CA__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM 74ee9cf0f85ddf41f835384c9658b643 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Emergency Archive Description An account of the resource Writing, images, recordings, and other materials documenting life in Central Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic and other historic events that have impacted our communities. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 2021 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Penobscot County (Me.) Piscataquis County (Me.) Somerset County (Me.) Subject The topic of the resource Communities COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hartland Public Library (Hartland, Me.) Newport Cultural Center (Newport, Me.) Pittsfield Public Library (Pittsfield, Me.) Skowhegan Free Public Library (Skowhegan, Me.) Thompson Free Library (Dover-Foxcroft, Me.) Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Text of your story This year’s high school seniors missed out on their last spring sports season, their prom, precious time with friends, and much more. Educators and loved ones everywhere are stepping up to make sure that these young people, who finished their high school studies under extraordinary circumstances, don’t miss out on graduation celebrations – even if those celebrations look different than in years past. Central High School, in Corinth, is holding a drive-through graduation at 2 p.m. on June 13. “We’ve put a lot of thought into this and tried to develop a plan that would, one, try to restore as much of the tradition of graduation as we could, and two, provide a memorable experience for the kids,” said Principal Brett Hoogterp. “We have 50 graduates. Each is allotted two cars to go through. When they come to the school we will place them in alphabetical order.” The parking lot will be chalked off for social distancing. Cars will approach the stage in twos. The graduate will leave the vehicle, and Hoogterp will read out scholarships and accolades. Then the graduate will cross the stage, pick up their diploma and pause for livestreaming and a professional photograph before getting back into their vehicle and heading to the back of the line. That will be followed by a procession from the high school down to the elementary school. Those unable to attend graduation should check <a href="https://rsu64schools.org/">https://rsu64schools.org/</a> for details about the livestream. “We’re very proud of our seniors,” Hoogterp said. “It’s unfortunate they had to go through this particular scenario, but they now have a story that they can tell for the rest of their lives!” Dexter Regional High School Principal Stephen Bell told parents in a letter on May 18 that, “A school shutdown and transition to online/remote learning is an unprecedented event. While some decisions have come easily, one of the most challenging things we are facing is the planning of a graduation event for the Class of 2020 that is within all the current guidelines and restrictions. We have two goals in mind. The first is to provide a meaningful and memorable graduation ceremony, while the second goal is to keep everyone safe.” Graduation will be a drive-in event held on the DRHS football field at 1 p.m. on June 7 (rain dates are June 13 or 14). The stage will be set up in the end zone by the scoreboard, Bell said. Students will gather in two socially distanced meetings in the school gymnasium on June 4 to receive Grad Bags including their cap and gown, medical records, Senior Assembly awards, a face mask in school colors to wear to graduation, ceremony programs and other event details. Students receive two car passes. The field pass is for the car containing the graduate – families are encouraged to decorate this vehicle. A second pass allows additional guests to park on the track around the football snack shack. Seniors are also getting graduate lawn signs that will be used during the ceremony and can then be displayed at home. Graduation will include the traditional speaking parts, as well as a trip to the stage for each graduate to receive their diploma and other awards, including scholarships and items normally handed out during senior assembly. There will be a senior slide show on two large screens at either side of the stage. Following graduation, there will be a Class of 2020 Graduation Parade through town led by local fire and law enforcement vehicles. And the Class of 2020 is invited to attend the 2021 Prom next spring, since their own had to be cancelled. “Someone once said ‘Plan for tomorrow, but enjoy today, the here and now.’The class of 2020 is living that reality,” Bell said. “Their senior year was cruising along at a normal pace when out of nowhere a pandemic hits and leads to a complete shutdown of normal schooling. No prom, no spring sports, no spring concerts, no musical, etcetera. Teaching and learning has continued, but only in a remote or online experience. There is a historical significance to what is taking place and the Class of 2020 is part of that story. “The good news is that this shutdown has not stopped the planning for tomorrow,” he continued. “All of the graduates in the Class of 2020 have a post-secondary plan and have a future beyond the hallways of Dexter Regional High School (college, military or work). As for the here and now, on June 7th at 1 p.m. on the DRHS football field, we will collectively stop and celebrate with friends and family as the Class of 2020 graduates in a first-ever Drive In Graduation Event, followed by a Graduate Parade. “Congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2020,” Bell concluded. “Look for the positives that have taken place over the last few months. History always judges favorably on generations that persevere. Something tells me that we will be talking about the year and the Class of 2020 for a long time.” Foxcroft Academy, in Dover-Foxcroft, “is trying to have a regular graduation, and I think in these current times, that’s special,” said Head of School, Arnold Shorey. The date has been pushed back to June 27. “We hope the rules will allow an outdoor graduation. If not, we will have a drive-up graduation in the Piscataquis County Ice Arena parking lot.” Either way, graduation will feature all the usual speakers and graduates will pick up diplomas from a table on the stage. Graduates get a gift each year – this year seniors will receive masks with the FA Pony mascot on them. “We will have protocols that will be in place,” said Shorey. These include graduates and family members remaining in vehicles for much of the time (if a drive-thru graduation is required), masks worn any time someone is outside, and maintaining six feet of physical distance. “If we do a drive-up graduation, there will be a parade through town with graduates and their families lined up in alphabetical order. I know a lot of people are empathetic with what the seniors have gone through and would love to show their appreciation and support.” FA will coordinate with local law enforcement as to how the parade can be safely conducted, he said. The Class of 2020 has “shown amazing resiliency through this and all of the life changes,” said Shorey. “They have adapted quite well to the remote learning and I haven’t heard complaints. I’ve just observed them to quickly adapt and still being very productive. It makes me have hope for the future, that we have future leaders who are able to do this.” Greenville High School traditionally has some of the smallest graduating classes in the region, and thus some of the most personalized graduation ceremonies. “The Greenville High School Class of 2020 has 24 seniors scheduled to graduate on the campus grounds on the original date, Sunday, June 7, at 1 p.m.,” said 2020 Class Advisor, Melanie Breton. “This will be the first ceremony of its kind at GHS! Baccalaureate services will be held the Sunday prior, May 31, in the Holy Family Catholic Church parking lot. Due to the regulations concerning group events, both ceremonies are by invitation only, and using modified drive-up models.” Graduation will be broadcast on WZLO 103.1 for those unable to attend in person. Additionally, every day since May 1, the Greenville Sports Boosters and Greenville Consolidated School have been honoring one senior per day on their Facebook pages. “The spotlight includes photos and acknowledges academic, athletic and community achievements, as well as future endeavors,” said Breton. “Administration, staff, parents and school groups have other surprises planned through graduation and into the summer when the students can get together as a class at least one more time.” A summer prom/dance and barbeque are being discussed, she said. “The Class of 2020 is truly a special class - full of high achievers, leaders, and community minded individuals,” said Lee Pearsall, principal of Greenville Consolidated School. “There is a positive synergy within this class - they seem to bring out the best in each other - in the classroom, on athletic fields and courts, and in the hallways and lunchroom. In addition to academics and athletics, this class is highly involved in volunteer efforts that have impacted our local community, as well as the world. Through Key Club, they have helped to provide holiday meals and gifts for our locals and fully funded two wells for Eswatini, formerly Swaziland. Compared to other schools, the Class of 2020 may be small in number; however, they have made a huge impact on our school, local community, and the world. We wish them all the best as they navigate their way through life.” Nokomis Regional High, in Newport, plans to hold both Class Night and graduation on their original dates, June 11 and 12. “Yes, this year’s ceremonies will look a bit different but it will still be as special as ever and certainly one of a kind,” Principal Mary Nadeau told graduates and their families in a letter issued on May 13. The principal said she had spent recent weeks conferring with other school’s administrators, as well as Nokomis class advisers, class officers and the superintendent, to gather ideas. “While a drive-in type ceremony would allow for a larger group in cars, it would mean people sitting in their cars for several hours with a limited view,” Nadeau wrote. Instead, Nokomis will use a walkthrough format with students being allowed four family members to accompany them into the school to receive their diploma and to pose for a professional photograph. Nokomis Broadcasting will livestream the event for others to watch at home, or a later recorded version. “In addition to this diploma presentation ceremony, Class Night will be replicated virtually with all of the typical awards and scholarships announced,” wrote Nadeau. “The other normal components of our graduation ceremony will be pre-recorded and aired immediately after the presentation of diplomas. The entire package of ceremonies for graduation week will be edited and shared online for any and all to view.” Nadeau said that graduation is her favorite day of the year, even this year. “What I would say about this group of seniors is that they’ve been amazing and have down great leadership. We needed them to step up when we made our move into the new building and they did! Since we’ve moved to remote learning, they have continued to show their perseverance and resilience by engaging with their teachers and completing their graduation requirements. The past few months have been challenging but you couldn’t ask for a better group of students to battle through this time with…true Warriors!” Penquis Valley High School, in Milo, plans a “two-phase” graduation this year. Graduation is scheduled for Saturday, June 13 (rain date June 14). One week prior to that, phase one rolls out with Graduation in a Box. PVHS Principal Mike Rollins plans to deliver festively giftwrapped boxes containing “all things graduation” to each senior. Boxes will contain things such as caps and gowns, honor cards, NHS sashes that students may keep, yearbooks, senior “to-do” activities, ceremony instructions, a diploma prop, commencement programs, social distancing reminder, copies of commencement speeches, “fake” boutonnieres, a graduation vehicle admission ticket, and more. Seniors will also find letters from staff, college swag, a list of scholarship recipients, any awards earned, and gift items in boxes. Phase two will be a Graduation Drive-Thru. Each senior and family members will have a “ticket” for one car to be entered into the ceremony. Seniors will drive through “Senior Lane,” stopping at various stations along the way, including a Selfie Station, Grab Bag Station, Sidewalk Signing Station, Diploma Presentation Station, Family Picture Station, Green Screen Photo Station and a Food Station. “During this time, we are working on potentially having an FM transmitter playing pre-recorded speeches, music, etcetera,” said Rollins. While all the cars are lined up, the class president will get out of the car and direct all seniors to do the same (at a safe distance), and then direct them in turning of their tassels. The ceremony will conclude with a parade, complete with police and fire department vehicles, through town to JSI, then turning around and making one “final loop” around the PVHS driveway. “Our Class of 2020 may be small in number, but large in character,” Rollins said. “I, and Penquis Valley, are so proud of all the accomplishments earned and diligence by these seniors throughout their school careers. These students deserve the very best and we are going to work hard to give them just that in these difficult times. Congratulations, Class of 2020! Penquis loves you!” Piscataquis Community High School, in Guilford, will be hosting a two-night graduation program on June 4 and 5 from 7 to 9 p.m., a plan formulated with student input, according to PCHS Principal John Keane. “What they wanted most of all was to be together,” he said. “They wanted one night to be celebration and one to be more formal, and third, they wanted it some place in this district. With all that in mind, we designed a drive-in experience for both nights.” The first night will feature a Pirate Flotilla and other celebratory components. The Flotilla envisions students’ cars as pirate ships, with each family safely aboard their own vessel. Students and immediate family will park at PCHS to view a show projected onto an outdoor screen that will include best wishes from the president of the junior class, a series of teacher tributes, a showing of the senior class gifts, reading of the class will, a senior slide show and “a couple more things,” Keane said. “We know that half their senior year was robbed away from them. We are trying to find other ways to make that Flotilla night special for the kids. We are trying to do the best we can to make it memorable.” On Friday night, student vehicles will again park at the school. A flatbed stage will be the site of commencement presentations by the class valedictorian, salutatorian and one student-at-large guest speaker, as well as presentation of diplomas and scholarships. Students also got to vote for one adult who had made a difference in their lives to be honored, “and they unanimously chose Mrs. Wilson,” Keane said. Graduation will be projected onto a screen to ensure that everyone in the parked cars can see, and it will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. To view, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MSAD4/">https://www.facebook.com/MSAD4/</a>. “Our senior class has shown amazing resiliency throughout their time at PCHS,” Keane said. “It does not surprise me that they have met this pandemic head on and made the best of it. While I am sad that the end of their senior year was much less than what they hoped for, they all worked hard with remote learning and many of them found full-time jobs during the school closure. I have no doubt that the PCHS Class of 2020 will always find the silver linings.” Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper article Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource COVID Strong: Celebrating the Class of 2020 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grant, Sheila D. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020-06-12 Subject The topic of the resource High school graduates Central High School Dexter Regional High School Foxcroft Academy Greenville High School Nokomis Regional High School Penquis Valley High School Piscataquis Community High School Class of 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Newspapers Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Penobscot County (Me.) Piscataquis County (Me.) Corinth (Me.) Dexter (Me.) Dover-Foxroft (Me.) Greenville (Me.) Newport (Me.) Milo (Me.) Guilford (Me.) Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creator retains copyright. Item may be used for noncommercial purposes under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available The Gazette Inc. (Dexter, Me.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Eastern Gazette, Vol. 168, No. 24 Language A language of the resource English Description An account of the resource This year’s high school seniors missed out on their last spring sports season, their prom, precious time with friends, and much more. Educators and loved ones everywhere are stepping up to make sure that these young people, who finished their high school studies under extraordinary circumstances, don’t miss out on graduation celebrations – even if those celebrations look different than in years past. 2020 Class of 2020 Graduation High School https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/51500/archive/files/032052e4e60cc6bc09763932a9d8a0dd.PNG?Expires=1779926400&Signature=UNinxtgQngtT1faKqDBDhaRh-VaBtGf1s92R3rsl5KB5wCEat-j2JEw%7EwszaChOWV-dQmYejf9frWK-GjAuYrUUXdxzH-JtW92zxpPqLnUAR%7Ex7AYcRUexA8bz7Oj64Y6ZwazemmQtXDZmPURVXLN0nCnd%7E75-wLKIYXQM%7E8cDoUvnmlIBJ4aaSpoPaU87Y3-4eg1zt94R2Bs3%7EQlixZ9DvUJDVCor1KQLOl1jQiE8XYJ675PUotqD7jUNJyRtxXnintD9%7EE-p6hDX9uO47Bw29ihFlEWt3ioghrhpebp3FILd8QilZUbLlPLSPSsi-V51HuH-8czDfRILjThWj7Tg__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM 513f6626ee5443a769db30dbdc115353 https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/51500/archive/files/bf58753650001e37489fedf62969bcbb.PNG?Expires=1779926400&Signature=A%7Ey9FImS2MyvCoDqa4LxR%7EQH0mQ0FP8RRerIznLfxWhcT92DNZsLEQ0zuyYq1GdqkMffkr2qxsriLK3JMlp7EqxT564Evly3-ygZ3yNsV%7Erv02fh0GW4o5b51SB7SRWgOwtuzAxcJgW3UIRVdHz9J6kUPX1JmY5Z7XFtrgpKMJ16H4oToIGZad2XWKVIs4nDHLmE1mFglOdsqHU7P6sU-gyQ7R3rRSVRf8aljcPkDy3MbUGUwhR9dA32h2U5nlX1h5VNFFBlHlIRWbTn6RXQBQnLF2lMdFTP3WW-0Z38o9RavpbmmyzJg0EcAFxGi6H2VgmWv%7EiLqgqnlXk%7E8VeupQ__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM 8fcf3bb46ccef38698d5ee034e384613 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Emergency Archive Description An account of the resource Writing, images, recordings, and other materials documenting life in Central Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic and other historic events that have impacted our communities. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 2021 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Penobscot County (Me.) Piscataquis County (Me.) Somerset County (Me.) Subject The topic of the resource Communities COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hartland Public Library (Hartland, Me.) Newport Cultural Center (Newport, Me.) Pittsfield Public Library (Pittsfield, Me.) Skowhegan Free Public Library (Skowhegan, Me.) Thompson Free Library (Dover-Foxcroft, Me.) Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Text of your story GUILFORD – Not much happens in a small, rural Maine town that makes the history books. That changed on June 5, when United States President Donald J. Trump came to town to thank Hardwood Products/Puritan Medical Products employees who have been working 10 hour days, seven days a week to provide the nation with COVID-19 testing swabs. “The employees and the company were honored to have the president come and recognize the work our people have been doing,” said CFO Scott Wellman. “Everyone has been working extremely hard and taking on extra projects to help the country, and to have the president thank them for the work they’re doing was an amazing experience.” Wellman also set the record straight Monday morning regarding rumors of wasted swabs. “This was essentially a day off for our employees. Those people came in because they wanted to be part of the demonstration on the floor,” he said. “It was planned. We knew we were not going to keep the items that were there, but it wasn’t because the president was not wearing a mask. There were a huge number of people in the room – mostly media – who did not have on hair nets, booties and smocks, because of the time requirements. That’s why we needed to dispose of a very small amount of product. We knew the tour was going to be 15 minutes; you’re not making a lot in 15 minutes. “We wanted our employees to be able to experience this, the time with the president talking with them,” Wellman continued. “It was a great moment that’s never going to get reported and will never get seen that really meant a lot to the employees in the room.” About 2,000 Trump supporters poured into Guilford on Friday morning, and about 80 protesters, according to Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office estimates. Many Piscataquis residents were surprised and more than a little thrilled when the presidential motorcade rolled through the region around noon on their way to the staging area at the Piscataquis Community High School. President Trump arrived at BIA aboard Air Force One around 1:55 p.m., pausing for a round table discussion with representatives from Maine’s seafood industry, and signing a proclamation reopening the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument to commercial fishing. He then boarded Marine One for his flight to the PCHS athletic fields, accompanied by three Osprey helicopters. The president traveled by motorcade from PCHS, waving and giving a thumbs up to people lining the streets. After the 15-minute production tour at Hardwood, President Trump was escorted to the warehouse, which had been staged as an impromptu event venue with space for about 150 employees, chosen by lottery. “I want to be the first person to thank every one of you, and also all of our employees that couldn’t be here in this room with us today, for the hard work that you guys have been doing during this emergency,” said Wellman, before introducing President Trump. “We’re on the front lines, fighting COVID-19 and you guys are working extra hours and putting in amazing effort and you’re certainly making a huge difference for the United States. Every one of you has made sacrifices to make sure that we’re producing the high-quality products the country needs so desperately. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for everything that you’ve been doing.” The company, already a leader in producing highly sensitive DNA swabs in a clean environment, quickly switched gears in March at the request of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. Puritan employees have produced 20 million COVID-19 swabs per month -- but more are needed. In April, President Trump used the Defense Production Act to provide $75.5 million to Puritan, allowing the company to hire more workers, and build a second plant in Pittsfield. About 200 new employees have already been hired; another 150 are anticipated at the Pittsfield location. “The administration has been supporting us and our company and all of you as the people in ways we never could have imagined before,” Wellman said. “It has been an amazing partnership. They’ve made it possible for us to quickly build a new factory. By July 1 we’ll have it open. They’re allowing us to build it in that timeframe with custom equipment in it and have it ready so we can make more swabs that are needed. We really want to also thank the administration for what they’ve done for us, for our great company here in Guilford, Maine.” President Trump took the stage to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” and the cheers of attendees. “I just want to thank you all,” said the president. “You’re very special people and this is a great plant and it’s doing a phenomenal job. Thank you very much.” The president said he came to Maine to “say hello to the hard working men and women of Puritan Medical Products. Great company. The incredible workers of this company have carried on the noble tradition of American manufacturing excellence for more than 100 years. Now our nation has turned to you as we massively increase our unrivaled testing capacity.” He thanked the company and its employees on behalf of the nation. “Thanks to the testing capacity that you’re making possible, our country is reopening and our economy is recovering like nobody would have thought possible,” said President Trump. “Earlier today it was announced that the U.S. economy added 2.5 million jobs in May. It was supposed to lose nine million, you know, during this period of transition. I call it transition to greatness, but it’s coming a little earlier than I thought, and that’s okay.” President Trump said that, “every person here today is playing a vital role in the greatest national, industrial mobilization since WWII. We’ve marshalled the full power of the U.S. government and U.S. industry to defeat the invisible enemy.” He said that ultimately, Puritan will be able to produce 60 million swabs per month. “To accomplish this tremendous increase, you partnered with another legendary Maine institution -- you’ve never heard of this, I’m sure – Bath Iron Works -- builder of some of the most powerful war ships in the United States Navy for over 135 years. They do a great job. Under the Defense Production Act, Bath Iron Works is now producing the complex machinery you need to manufacture tens of millions more swabs.” President Trump also said he wanted to, “take a moment just to recognize a few of the hardworking patriots – and that’s what they are – of Maine, who were instrumental in this colossal effort that you’ve done at Puritan.” Angelita Buschur, an operator in Puritan’s laboratory kit manufacturing area, was invited to the podium, where she said that “since the coronavirus hit, we have spent every day making millions of swabs that help save lives, and help people save the world. I am so grateful to this company and for the chance to serve our country, that the best way we can pay back is to work harder.” Buschur also thanked President Trump for his leadership. Next up was Tracy Porter, lead tipping and packaging technician, who said “More often than not when we see news about a crisis in the world, we lament that few of us have any chance of changing the outcome. Today, we find ourselves blessed with this opportunity to make a difference.” Porter said that even prior to the pandemic he and his coworkers were wishing for more machines to fill orders faster and keep customer costs down. “Well, it looks like we’re going to have enough equipment now,” he said. “We look forward to working with two great Maine companies like Cianbro Construction and Bath Iron Works and I want to thank you, Mr. President, for making it all come together.” And finally, President Trump introduced Derek McKenney, the senior manufacturing engineer at Puritan, and a project manager for the new manufacturing plant. When McKenney said his mother had been with the company for 35 years, President Trump motioned for “Mom” Wendy McKenney to join her son on the stage. The younger McKenney said, “I’ve been presented with many amazing opportunities to make a difference in the world with Puritan’s critical products. But nothing compared to that day on March 12 when we got the call from the White House Task Force. From that day forward, I’ve been part of a team who’ve chosen to rise up and serve their country and the American people.” McKenney said that the new plant in Pittsfield would normally have taken 18 months to build, rather than the eight weeks made possible through the support of the federal government, “and the dedication of the phenomenal workforce here in the great state of Maine. This company, and all these people, are what make the United States of America the greatest country in the world. God bless you all!” In conclusion, President Trump again thanked the company and the employees. “You and your families are making momentous contributions to the vitality of our country, helping us reopen, rebuild, and most importantly, saving lives. We will vanquish the virus, we will get our nation back to work, and we shall build our glorious future with American hands, American grit, and American pride.” Keeping the discourse civil A presidential visit in the midst of a pandemic and nationwide civil rights protest is not without controversy. While most in the region were excited about President Donald J. Trump’s visit to Guilford, and even those who were lukewarm about the current president acknowledged that a presidential visit is a huge honor and exciting thing for this area, there were some concerned about the spread of the coronavirus, the number of people being drawn into the region, and potential clashes between Trump supporters and protesters. “In ordinary times, a presidential visit to Guilford, Maine would be a great thing, regardless of who the president is,” said Piscataquis County Sheriff Robert Young in a statement issued on Facebook earlier in the week. “Sadly, at this time, our nation is so full of strife and rancor, that the good nature of his coming is overshadowed by the politics of our time. It would be good if folks let the employees of Hardwood Products / Puritan Medical Products have their moment of recognition, as the president, on behalf of the nation, expresses our collective thanks. They have, after all, stepped up in a huge way to provide much needed testing supplies to help battle the pandemic.” And after the event, Young took to Facebook again to thank everyone for what turned out to be a relatively peaceful and positive day. “The president’s visit has come and gone. It was a good day for Guilford and one surely to be long remembered,” Young wrote. “While crowd size is difficult to measure, we’re estimating at least 2000 people lined the main drag. It was a good day for the president’s supporters and protestors. While loud at times as they cheered and jeered back and forth, they allowed each other space and things were peaceful. No arrests, no damage, only minor issues. Wish the rest of the country could catch this same spirit. Disagree passionately while allowing others the space to think differently.” Young said later that there were an estimated 80 protesters present, as well. The sheriff said he was grateful for the “tremendous and capable assistance we received from other law enforcement agencies: sixty sheriffs and deputies from around the state; an equal number of Maine state troopers; a strong contingent of US Border Patrol officers; Maine game wardens; the FBI; and the very impressive Secret Service. Like a well-crafted puzzle, law enforcement worked in unity and accord. When the president comes to town, there is no stone left unturned and no detail left to chance. My thanks to the many officers who spent a hot day under a burning sun to make this a day of celebration for the folks of Puritan Medical/Hardwood Products.” Young said he is proud to be the sheriff in a county where people cheer as a cruiser rolls down the street, where people shake hands with officers and thank them for their service. “I know life is different in rural settings,” he said. “Issues change and while people are people, there’s a different way of looking at life. Rural life doesn’t work for everyone. For those who’ve come to appreciate the slower pace, the meaning of ‘neighbor’ and the simpler things, it works. It was a good day for Guilford and for Piscataquis County. The president came to town. Yahoo!” Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper article Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Big Day for Guilford, and Puritan Medical Products Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grant, Sheila D. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020-06-12 Subject The topic of the resource Trump, Donald, 1946- Presidents Puritan Medical Products (Guilford, Me.) Medical supplies industry COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Newspapers Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Guilford (Me.) Piscataquis County (Me.) Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creator retains copyright. Item may be used for noncommercial purposes under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available The Gazette Inc. (Dexter, Me.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Eastern Gazette, Vol. 168, No. 24 Language A language of the resource Eng Description An account of the resource Not much happens in a small, rural Maine town that makes the history books. That changed on June 5, when United States President Donald J. Trump came to town to thank Hardwood Products/Puritan Medical Products employees who have been working 10 hour days, seven days a week to provide the nation with COVID-19 testing swabs. 2020 Business Guilford Puritan Testing Trump Work https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/51500/archive/files/29a5457152b5873630556367645a78c7.mp3?Expires=1779926400&Signature=D0XKTwdWEnjwZlIAZT4MoMAweBegVUaivsyl-%7Eoy3LrUICG86sbqpL1OOH2u%7E4GBY8Mo2YlDnd78lM51fQOm8QrJbOYYJAYbHcRsNxA1czfv1pLnYNm8VkrXuKnnyuTaXuQtlBCEnodPJJdEDhp8-uPlCzEkK8KjuXkwUk1l5%7E4iC2wsHSnWw%7EbTsrwCJs2GX4qks1NvcSDsaY8iroW9BvcjEuYtZRS5aW7qpLKcaiNVoLvOmeuAibWiKBoTyQt1uIPr6tWSJdFe2aDK24Uzdiid5TJV7H1JnkGuSxwApzKKr1phxIj8phJIZ-hKlbpDDmZkY1Paq4gkqf8Qu5c9%7EQ__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM 02978ccf4f4256f31d37af168ca997a7 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Emergency Archive Description An account of the resource Writing, images, recordings, and other materials documenting life in Central Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic and other historic events that have impacted our communities. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 2021 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Penobscot County (Me.) Piscataquis County (Me.) Somerset County (Me.) Subject The topic of the resource Communities COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hartland Public Library (Hartland, Me.) Newport Cultural Center (Newport, Me.) Pittsfield Public Library (Pittsfield, Me.) Skowhegan Free Public Library (Skowhegan, Me.) Thompson Free Library (Dover-Foxcroft, Me.) Sound A resource primarily intended to be heard. Examples include a music playback file format, an audio compact disc, and recorded speech or sounds. Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 8 minutes Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Community/County Crises Subject The topic of the resource Piscataquis River (Me.) Floods Communities Storytelling COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Description An account of the resource Photographer Roger Merchant shares an overview of the Flood of 1987 in Piscataquis County and reflects on our new community crisis, COVID-19. From the Voices from HOME Emergency! Virtual Story Slam, recorded live on Zoom. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merchant, Roger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020-04-17 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource MP3 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Piscataquis County (Me.) Dover-Foxcroft (Me.) Guilford (Me.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creator retains copyright. Item may be used for noncommercial purposes under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Recording Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Voices from HOME Emergency! Virtual Story Slam Language A language of the resource English 2020 Connection Dover-Foxcroft Flood of 1987 Guilford Memory Spring Storytelling Zoom https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/51500/archive/files/f66d9c0a908bdba1e5747881281e20b7.pdf?Expires=1779926400&Signature=UdEWAiOC58KDoRtPWA%7E4son9b3dE3neAK96rDrmFVArndK%7EfTPLZXCyKEpUTeTNizlRrnhbQGHrpBcTUVNDRwzOO9v-tjR-xHCdTblnu9hxnY5hRxaNXE2BXzGCUk%7Etm4tEr1nTVqyPoJbdMmPS%7EE66JLB-26CjRH8PIXkJPC58Vu%7EvRdcUGU9sLIbJAzEeqSP1ArZ-KQh1IZ3UeEO4hd%7EOzzQ%7EY-FxOOTHf90RdE2A5J1j3CFe3g45e72ClMYmNT4fslmHE3yzGL--gsorfacnnpkZrQc4cXKpdEW9f7bz02d22DKdgAcRzDslC6D%7ESm3558qxbwtcjYLLcSQLpCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM 110f76f2e65454760d2dae9f031e15a5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Emergency Archive Description An account of the resource Writing, images, recordings, and other materials documenting life in Central Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic and other historic events that have impacted our communities. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 2021 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Penobscot County (Me.) Piscataquis County (Me.) Somerset County (Me.) Subject The topic of the resource Communities COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hartland Public Library (Hartland, Me.) Newport Cultural Center (Newport, Me.) Pittsfield Public Library (Pittsfield, Me.) Skowhegan Free Public Library (Skowhegan, Me.) Thompson Free Library (Dover-Foxcroft, Me.) Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Photographs and text Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Flood of 1987 Subject The topic of the resource Communities Floods Piscataquis River (Me.) COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Photographs Description An account of the resource Photographs by Roger Merchant documenting the Flood of 1987 in Piscataquis County, including descriptions of the event and reflections on its community impact compared to the "current Flood of C19." Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merchant, Roger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020-04-22 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Piscataquis County (Me.) Brownville (Me.) Dover-Foxcroft (Me.) Guilford (Me.) Milo (Me.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creator retains copyright. Item may be used for noncommercial purposes under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Text 2020 Abbot Brownville Dover-Foxcroft Flood of 1987 Guilford Memory Milo Photos Spring Storytelling