On Oct. 23, Broad Bay Congregational United Church of Christ in Waldoboro hosted a concert titled, Fierce and Fragile Women: Songs of Many Heroines as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month to benefit New Hope for Women, the domestic violence, dating violence and stalking resource center serving Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties.

Held at Broad Bay Church, the concert featured soprano Karen Lilli Pax and pianist Mark Howard. The full house at the church enjoyed an hour of powerful songs, including opera arias, jazz and spirituals. Karen divided the concert into four parts, highlighting strength or fragility. Each part ended with a piano solo by Mark that enhanced Karen's preceding choices. The audience retreated to the Fellowship Hall after the concert to enjoy food, drink, conversation and an opportunity to meet the artists.

The benefit concert was organized by the Rev. Nancy Duncan and many volunteers from Broad Bay Church, including Ted Smith, Karen George, Julie Rand and Marilyn Andrews. Many thanks to the major sponsors, including Laura Cabot Catering, Jonathan and Evelyn Clowes, Rachel Taylor, Karen and Bob George, Hall Funeral & Cremation Services, Diane Green Hebert, Carole Brand, Edes Powell Gilbert, Doris Smart, Whitefield Lions Club, Carroll and Ted Smith, Viking Lumber, Supplies Unlimited, the Andersons, Ron and Suzanne Phillips, Betsy Wooster and Dow Furniture.

The $4,219.47 raised from the concert was donated directly to NHFW, where it will be used to help fund educational programs and direct services for those impacted by domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

Kathleen Morgan is executive director of New Hope for Women