AUGUSTA — A relief fund has been set up to help a family rebuild a Togus Pond home destroyed by fire earlier this month.

Rick Lachance, president of the Maine Education Credit Union, said the fund was established for those who wish to help Alison Ames and Rob Deschamps rebuild their home on Coon Island.

The May 4 fire destroyed the home, which the couple had owned since 1986. The couple rents an efficiency unit in Augusta, but they spent most of all four seasons at the Coon Island home.

A 15-year-old boy was been charged with setting the fire that destroyed the home.

Those who wish to make a donation may send a check payable to “Alison Ames Fire Relief Fund” at Maine Education Credit Union, P.O. Box 1096, Augusta, ME 04332-1096.

Donations also will be accepted at the credit union’s three Augusta locations: 15 University Drive, 60 South Chestnut St. and the Capital Area Technical Center school branch.

Program highlights Hallowell architecture

HALLOWELL — The city’s architectural heritage will be explored during a program Wednesday at Hall-Dale Elementary School.

The presentation, which begins at 6:30 p.m., is organized by the Kennebec Historical Society and will be led by Matt Corbett and Scott Hanson of Sutherland Conservation & Consulting.

It aims to detail examples of residential, institutional, and commercial architecture from numerous periods and styles in the Hallowell Historic District. Using historic images and current photos, the presentation will look at the important geological and historical forces that shaped the development of Hallowell and the buildings that resulted.

Sutherland Conservation & Consulting was founded by Amy Cole Ives and Jon Ives in Hallowell in 2009 and is on historic Water Street in Augusta. The firm specializes in architectural historians and preservation consultants.

The presentation comes as residents and city officials already are celebrating Hallowell’s 250th anniversary with programs and other events.

‘Ride into summer’ will be May 25

GARDINER — A third annual summer kickoff event will be held May 25 throughout the city’s downtown and at Waterfront Park.

The event, “Ride into Summer,” is organized by Gardiner Main Street and Pyro City. Formerly called Hawgs, Pies, and Fireworks, the event includes a motorcycle and bicycle parade, a people’s choice pizza contest of local traditional and nontraditional pizzas, live music, and a big fireworks display.

It begins with a bicycle parade through downtown Gardiner, followed by a motorcycle parade from Mike’s Water Street Grill to Waterfront Park, which is reserved for motorcycle and bicycle parking.

New this year, The Nikki Hunt Band will play at 6:30 p.m. as crowds await the fireworks display.

For more information, visit www.gardinermainstreet.org or call 582-3100.

From local reports