09/09/2026
This is the press release that went to newspaper across Maine at midnight last night. I'm posting for you in case you miss it in your local paper.
PLEASE SHARE Thanks in advance for your support..Larry Bisbee
WESTERN MAINE AUTHOR SUPPORTS LOCAL YOUTH MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
PRESS RELEASE
Countryfolk Museum NEWS
September 8, 2026
(for immediate release)contact:
Larry Bisbee 207-595-3115
email: [email protected]
Web: Countryfolk Museum
Web: www.larrybisbee.com
The Countryfolk Museum in the East Dixfield section of Wilton has announced its Youth Music Scholarship Fundraiser for 2026-27.
Maine author Larry Bisbee today officially released his debut novel, Romance with no Regrets, with donations for the book supporting music scholarships for youth musicians in western Maine. He has written a seven book series to support the scholarship project.
Bisbee, a veteran of the US Air Force and originally from South Paris, Maine, was a former radio broadcaster, locally known as "SugarBear", at WKTJ in Farmington. He was also for many years the director of the West Central District YMCA serving Franklin County and Livermore Falls, and he operated the Countryfolk Music Theatre for twenty years in the East Dixfield section of Wilton.
Supporting youth has always been on his mind. He said the scholarships have over the years been well supported. Donations have already begun to come in from word of mouth over the past two months. The current goal is to raise $1000,00.
Bisbee said, "Over the past 20 years more than $5000.00 has been raised from donations by the Countryfolk Music Theatre and Museum and has awarded 47 youths with music scholarships, loaned instruments or music camp. We hope to continue this effort with great reading and thankful giving to a good cause, our Maine youth."
He went on to say, "Please help us raise funds for these youth music scholarships by making a donation. You will receive a copy of the recently published novel, Romance with no Regrets, an adventure-based romance of a traveling, western Maine man, while knowing you are supporting a deserving, local youth musician here in Maine. It's also a great gift for yourself, family, or friends during the upcoming holidays."
This was a recent testimonial about the novel by a local supporter of the arts in Jay, Maine.
" a modern and delightful story of romance and intrigue with unforgettable characters who provide an exciting blend of adventure and humanity"....... G. Alan Hutchinson. Artist/illustrator"
Others had this to say,
"It's a great book. I can't wait for the next book in the series".....Ruth Dunham, West Paris.
Karen Murphy of Norway, following her donation to the scholarship fundraiser, said, "I want a copy of every book in the series. This is wonderful."
A Bethel resident, Stephen Seames, recently made a donation for two books, one for the Bryant Pond Library and the Bethel Library.
He said, "This is great and I am enjoying the novel. Larry, when I finish reading my copy I would like to write a review of your work."
This website www.larrybisbee.com is where you can view other books in the seven novel series, and there are many scholarship award photos on the not-for-profit Countryfolk Museum page at www.facebook.com/countryfolkmuseum youth music scholarship donation of $14.95 (plus $5.00 shipping) is suggested, though donations, large or small, will be accepted.
To make your donation to order your copy simply mail your check payable to: Larry Bisbee,19 Greenleaf Ave #10, Norway, Maine 04268.
Additional information: (about the author and book)
A western Maine native, Larry Bisbee, author and operator of the Countryfolk Museum in the East Dixfield section of Wilton, Maine recently announced the release of his first novel, “Romance with no Regrets.”
Ten years in the making, this book reflects upon the adventures of his fictional characters, Billy Burrows and Anna Rodriguez Williams, in a story inspired by true events in the life of the author. The novel is one in the seven book series which follows the pair through romantic moments and life-threatening adventures. All profits from donations will support the continuation of youth writing and music scholarships by the Countryfolk Museum located on route 2 in Wilton..
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After an explosion and ultimate closing of the papermill where he worked in Jay, Maine, the young man from Maine traveled west to find work in the harvesting of produce.
Following a winter job in Arizona, Billy Burrows, before returning to his cabin in Maine, is hoping for “good times” during his train vacation to the Crescent City of New Orleans. But, there may be more dangerous elements to his visit than alligators in Cajun swamps. The involvement of a woman on the train, exhibiting the brightest red lips he has ever seen, and a beautiful railroad detective playing hard to get, may be more than Billy can handle. That could all change when he meets a mysterious lady from Spain who entertains him, that is, until her fiancé shows up on the steps of her hotel.
About the same time, Billy’s former love, a trainer of Andalusian horses at her ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico arrives for a French Quarter music holiday with a notion to rekindle their romance.
Sparks may ignite, not from fireworks, but rather from a woman scorned.
Laissez Les Bons Temps, Rouler (let the good times roll)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The author weaves a tale of fact and fiction, known to border on today’s reality. He also has six other books currently being processed in the series, The Adventures of Billy Burrows. The storylines are all Maine based with subtle references to well-known localities from Oxford County to the Allagash Northern Woods. All the books are part of the Countryfolk youth music scholarship fundraiser.
Bisbee was raised in the village of South Paris in the foothills of gem-rich western Maine. Much of his lifetime has been spent working in radio broadcasting, with stints in theatre, film, songwriting, and prospecting. The US Air Force veteran graduated from broadcasting school in Boston and is a retired Maine YMCA director.
His early writing influence dates back to Bread Loaf, the writing school of Middlebury College in Vermont.
Theatrical background includes minor roles in Stargate, (the movie) with Kurt Russell, Billy, The Early Years, (a biopic of the early life of Billy Graham) with Armie Hammer, business manager of the Maine State Touring Theatre Foundation, involvement in the European Theatre Conference and New England community theatre.
He has performed stage roles in “Mr. Roberts” and “Our Town” in Toul Rosieres, France.
He has been the owner-operator of the Countryfolk Music Theatre & Museum in Maine for more than 25 years. He was also one of the founders of the Sandy River Players in Farmington, Maine. He has successfully operated the Maine Countryfolk Music Theatre & Museum since 1999. Several of his songs have been recorded by award-winning Maine musicians.
Attached photos
Larry Bisbee, author
Romance with no Regrets, book cover See less
