NORRIDGEWOCK — A spaghetti supper scheduled for Saturday afternoon at the Lebanon Masonic Lodge in Norridgewock will be raising money for the family of Cpl. Eugene Cole, but organizers hope it also will provide a chance for the community to heal and celebrate the life of the fallen officer.
Robert Smith, of Oakland, the senior warden at the lodge and the head of the group’s community service arm, is spearheading the event at the 251 Mercer Road lodge along with other members. Smith said he did not know Cole personally but said he “understands he was a great individual that made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Cole was shot fatally while on duty for the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office in Norridgewock during the early hours of April 25.
At the dinner, spaghetti, garlic bread, baked beans, hot dogs, coleslaw, beverages and desserts will be served. Guests will have the option of gluten-free spaghetti and their choice of a meat sauce or a vegetarian option.
Community members and businesses have donated some of the food that will be served Saturday, Smith said.
More than 800 people have responded to the event posting on Facebook, Smith said, but he wasn’t sure what to expect Saturday.
“We’re just thinking it will be a big crowd.”
The dinner is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., but Smith said that time frame isn’t set in stone.
“If people are still around at 8 (p.m.), we’ll serve them,” he said. “We’ll end when we run out of people or we run out of food.”
The dinner costs $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 6 to 12. Children under the age of 6 eat free. The proceeds will go to the Cole family.
As a way to say “thank you” for their work during the search for Cole’s suspected killer, Smith said, law enforcement officers and first responders also will be able to eat free.
If community members are interested in lending a hand, Smith said that volunteers for setup, cooking, serving and cleaning from 10 a.m. until the dinner is over still are needed. Those interested can contact Smith at 692-3337.
“We would just like to have people there to support the community and Cpl. Cole’s family,” he said.
Additionally, a visitation is planned for 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Skowhegan Armory, 11 North School St., Skowhegan, and a celebration of life will be held at noon Monday at the Cross Insurance Center, 515 Main St., Bangor, with Chaplain Kevin Brooks officiating.
Emily Higginbotham — 861-9239
ehigginbotham@centralmaine.com
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