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By TRINA JOHNSON - GREENVILLE - The Depot, as most locals call it, is a classic old building built by Arthur Crafts almost 100 years ago. It sits on the corner of Pritham Avenue and Depot Street in Moosehead Junction Township. The Depot was bought by the late Dale Vincent in 1982 for his wife, Barbara Vincent. Vincent's 20-year dream that the building would become a place where art and cultural life could expand in the community has taken the next step. In April of this year the Depot Street Development (DSD), received its non-profit status and will be used as a community center for the arts. "This center for the arts is a place for theatre and dance - a place where youths and adults can enhance self-expression and where creativity has seen much celebration," said Vincent. The Depot has been a home for Vincent and over the years has been used as a restaurant, movie theater, school of dance, a dance hall, place for weddings, funerals and pottery classes. It is the home of Northern Lights Theater Company and the Greenville home of Buie School of Music. "It has always been a community building." said Vincent. The DSD is a lively collaboration serving to enhance the quality of life for youths and adults in the Moosehead area. It is a service organization dedicated to providing instruction and learning in and though the arts for all students. The mission of the DSD is to build systematic, sustainable and excellent arts programming for grades kindergarten through 12 in and out of school. The DSD has a 10-member board of directors: President Barbara Vincent, Vice-president and Secretary Kent McKusick, Treasurer Susan Crippen and members Denise Yeamans-Sauren, Barbara Richardson, Polly Stafford, Erik Sherman, John Peppin, Cindy Hansom and John Willard. The Board members are enthusiastic about the future of the Depot. "I think it is a wonderful thing. Any organization that can benefit the community is a good idea. They have met my needs as a daycare provider in giving the children activities to do," said Stafford. Funding for the DSD is provided by grants, donations, fund-raising, program and event fees. This summer the DSD will offer weekly classes in African drumming, theater, pottery, sculpting, painting and drawing, outdoor skills, culinary arts, gymnastics and dance through the Depot Camp. The Depot Camp starts June 24 and runs to mid-August and there are openings for Depot Camp in gymnastics/dance and cheering/dance as well. Iinterested persons can sign up at the Depot during the week of June 24 at 12:30 p.m. Claudine Dallam, former owner and chef of the Blue Moose Café, will offer adult cooking classes at the Depot. Buie School of Music offers voice lessons, lessons in piano, guitar, trumpet and drums as well as primary steps for youths age 2 to 7. McKusick, vice president of the DSD, lives and works in Bangor and has been a theater partner with Vincent for 20 years. "Barbara has a strong vision for bringing arts into the community, especially for the youngsters." said McKusick. McKusick was active in theater as a resident of Greenville from 1976 to 1986, and has a masters degree in theater from the University of Maine. He is the founding artistic director of Northern Lights Theater Company and will bring two plays to Greenville this summer. The first dinner theater, catered by Claudine Dallam will be held on July 20 and 21 with a performance of Love Letters by A.R. Gurney. The full stage play, Max and Maxie by James McClure will come in August. McKusick's role at the DSD is twofold. "I am bringing professional theater back to Greenville as well as training adults to teach theater to the kids." said McKusick. The Depot will offer an after school mentoring program for School to Work opportunities. Secondary school students will train students in a chosen discipline such as pottery, culinary arts, boat building and performance. The Depot is available for rent for special occasions, business meetings, award ceremonies, classes, benefit suppers and other functions. Dallam will cater the functions that require use of the kitchen. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and other youth orientated groups will also have access to the building for meetings and ceremonies. For information on programs offered at the DSD, to rent the building or to sign up for classes contact Barbara Vincent at 695-3278 or Georgine Butman at 695-2806. |