The Pendexters lost their business in a May 29 fire.
By Gail Geraghty
Staff Writer

NORWAY – Members of the Second Congregational Church are gearing up for a big turnout for their benefit baked bean supper Friday for the Pendexter family

The Pendexters lost their 250 Main St. business in The Norway Color Center fire May 29.

“It’s going to be a tremendous loss to the community if they can’t rebuild,” said the church’s minister, Elaine Tobak.

Tobak said the family, who are members of the church, has been “very generous” over the years, donating paint and materials. And she’s sure the church isn’t the only organization that has benefited from their generous nature.

Much of the rubble from the fire had to be trucked to the hazardous waste facility in Norridgewock, because it contained paints, solvents and other chemicals.

The cleanup, which ended this week with the reopening of Greenleaf Avenue, was much higher than the family had anticipated through their insurance coverage.

Tobak called Arnie Pendexter, his ex-wife Verna Pendexter, and sons Chad and Ross “honest, hard-working conscientious and caring members of the Norway community.” She said they have given much in time, labor and materials to many people and organizations in the Norway area for more than 30 years.

The supper, set for 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the church on the corner of Main and Paris streets, consists of baked beans, hot dogs, casseroles, salads, rolls, cole slaw, brown bread, homemade pies, coffee and juice. Cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children under 12.

Tobak said the Pendexters have kept their business going “because they’ve worked so hard,” and “now it is time for us to be there for them.”

For further information, or to contribute to the cause, call the church office at 743-2290.

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