JAY – People are organizing, cooking, donating and volunteering to show a Jay selectman and state representative how much he means to them.
They’re putting on a benefit supper Saturday, Feb. 11, for Ray Pineau, a local and state leader, who had a stroke in August and is making a steady comeback.
Pineau, a selectman since at least 1998, is in his third term as a Democratic legislator who represents constituents in District 87 in the towns of Chesterville, Jay, New Sharon, Starks and Mercer. He has helped many people in his town, district and beyond.
During a selectmen’s meeting this month, Jay Selectman Rick Simoneau launched the idea to help the Vietnam combat veteran and longtime millwright at International Paper in Jay.
In little more than a week, 56 lasagnas had been pledged, as of Friday, along with many desserts, said Jay Environmental Code Enforcement Officer Shiloh Ring on Friday.
“We want to show Ray our support and appreciation for all that he has done for the community and the state,” she said.
They’re expecting 500 or more people between 4 and 7 p.m. that day at the Jay High School cafeteria, Ring said.
They sent out e-mails asking for help, and those e-mails have drawn a lot of response, she added.
Organizers are still seeking volunteers, donations of lasagna and desserts, raffle prizes and raffle ticket sellers.
Among the raffle prizes are a handmade stained glass lantern, tanning packages and gift certificates. Raffle tickets, 50/50 tickets and advance tickets for the meal are available at the Town Office.
Anyone who wants to help can phone the office at 897-6785.
If they have extra food at the end, they plan to sell it to benefit Pineau.
Jay Town Manager Ruth Marden said Friday that she received a call from Pineau earlier in the week.
“I think he sounded so much stronger. He’s been to the Legislature, and he seems to be doing well,” she said.
When she’s needed a selectman’s signature, he’s been obliging, she said.
“I’m glad he’s doing better,” she said.
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