Amy Paradysz

Scarborough

Freelance Writer and Editor at Freelance

Freelance writer, editor, and photographer

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Articles

EqualityMaine’s 40th anniversary gala was a rainbow of emotions

3 weeks ago | pressherald.com | Amy Paradysz

EqualityMaine, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a fair and just society for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Mainers, celebrated its 40th anniversary April 26 at Brick South on Thompson’s Point. Picking a high point of the four-hour gala isn’t easy because there were many.
Opera Maine goes dark in anticipation of ‘Sweeney Todd’

1 month ago | pressherald.com | Amy Paradysz

Opera Maine, the state’s only professional opera company producing fully staged and orchestrated works, launched its 30th anniversary season May 1 with a wickedly witty gala inspired by its upcoming mainstage production, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” Every detail of the Ocean Gateway event was delightfully dark, from the blood red swirls in the signature cocktail The Close Shave, to the deadly looking floral arrangements and the tiny fondant hatchets resting on red velvet...
Society Notebook: Make It Happen hits its sweet spot with storytelling social

1 month ago | pressherald.com | Amy Paradysz

The latest fundraiser for Make It Happen, Portland Public Schools’ college readiness program for multilingual students, was perfectly aligned with the way the program celebrates diversity while promoting English literacy. More than two dozen students spoke from their hearts at “Sips, Sweets, and Stories” April 16 at Ocean Gateway. “Make It Happen gives me and others a space to share our cultures and learn about other people’s cultures,” said Gelson Manzambi-Kanga, a student at King Middle School.
Society Notebook: After 38 years, Spurwink gives its Humanitarian Awards a final sendoff

1 month ago | pressherald.com | Amy Paradysz

When Spurwink Services began hosting an annual Humanitarian Awards event to honor community leaders who make Maine a healthier place to live and work, Ronald Reagan was president, “The Simpsons” were the newest thing on television, and Gun N’ Roses was about to release a debut album. A lot has changed since 1987, when Spurwink provided residential and day treatment services for about 125 clients, mostly in Cumberland County.
Society Notebook: Teens to Trails boogies with bow ties and Bean boots

1 month ago | pressherald.com | Amy Paradysz

Nonprofit Teens to Trails’ 10th Bow Ties and Bean Boots fundraiser April 3 at L.L.Bean headquarters in Freeport will be remembered as the one with the line dancing: the “Bean” Boot Scootin’ Boogie accompanied by cover band Lily in the Weeds. The 220 guests also enjoyed charcuterie and oysters, local beverages, boot decorating, a gear raffle and an outdoorsy-themed auction.
Mechanics’ Hall delights with a sold-out ‘Evening of Wonder’

1 month ago | pressherald.com | Amy Paradysz

When three years ago Mechanics’ Hall hit upon a unique format for an annual fundraiser — an “Evening of Wonder” with a variety of unexpected experiences — they set themselves up for the challenge of continuing to surprise their supporters year after year. I couldn’t imagine how last year’s highly interactive “Cabinet of Wonder” could be topped. But then, I totally didn’t expect to see the long-dead architects of Mechanics’ Hall — Thomas J.
Society Notebook: In Her Presence marks a decade of empowering newcomers for success

2 months ago | pressherald.com | Amy Paradysz

Nonprofit In Her Presence celebrated its 10th anniversary with a 420-person gala March 13 at Westin Portland Harborview that raised over $131,000 to continue lifting up immigrant women through education. “What a wonderful turnout tonight,” said Anne Hallward, a practicing psychiatrist in Portland.
Society Notebook: Furniture Friends’ Slumber Party fundraises to provide basics

2 months ago | pressherald.com | Amy Paradysz

From left, Seth, Conrad, Rowan and Mallery Marstaller of Durham. Photo by Amy Paradysz Furniture Friends’ annual challenge is set up like one of those 5Ks in which people gather pledges and raise money for a cause. The difference that, rather than running, participants sleep on the floor for one night.
Society Notebook: Women United Around the World gala for Maine Stitching Academy

2 months ago | pressherald.com | Amy Paradysz

Forty models and dancers representing 30 countries from around the world celebrated the vibrant ethnic and cultural diversity of Maine women March 8 at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland. The 200-person gala, organized by local nonprofit Women United Around the World, raised $25,000 for Maine Stitching Academy’s nine-month tuition-free professional sewing program for immigrant women.
Society Notebook: Jewish and Irish heritage organizations co-host a kosher corned beef dinner

2 months ago | pressherald.com | Amy Paradysz

Two Portland cultural institutions — the Maine Jewish Museum and Maine Irish Heritage Center — celebrated their shared immigrant roots Sunday with a sold-out Shalom & Shamrocks kosher corned beef dinner and Jewish deli buffet. “Our mission is to foster appreciation and understanding of people of all backgrounds, and that is exactly what we’re doing tonight,” said Dawn LaRochelle, executive director of Maine Jewish Museum.