Training virtual assistants to work from home in Maine

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One-of-a-kind training program piloted by Kennebec Valley Community College

Kennebec Valley Community College has created and launched a one-of-a-kind training program for Virtual Assistants. An up-and-coming profession in the new world of remote work, virtual assistants support businesses and companies in marketing, administrative, and management tasks.

“Our goal is to train 45 virtual assistants here in Maine,” says Joe Musumeci, director of workforce training at Kennebec Valley Community College. “We hope to help fill hiring vacancies that many organizations are feeling, while also giving workers in rural areas a marketable skill and the ability to work remotely successfully.”

The training is part of the Remote Work for ME program through the Maine Community College System, which is also offering other occupational programs in jobs that can be done remotely. In addition to these occupational programs, Deputy Executive Director of Workforce Training and Remote Working Joshua Howe has created self-guided training around topics such as working in a remote environment and leading a team of remote workers.

“It’s anticipated that 30% of positions will continue to be remote even as we return to the office. Programs such as KVCC’s Virtual Assistant program allows Mainers access to good-paying jobs while balancing work and home more efficiently, and Maine employers get access to a much-needed workforce across Maine,” says Howe.

Through the Virtual Assistant Training program, trainees will receive a certificate in either project management or digital marketing. Trainees also gain experience in using a selection of modern web- based tools, communication techniques, and accessing business resources throughout Maine.

Each cohort of trainees is led through the 5-month training program by Monique Bouchard, who meets weekly with the group to provide support and expertise. Bouchard’s experiences as an entrepreneur, business mentor, and marketing communications consultant have given her an insider’s understanding of the skills needed to help support Maine’s business community.

“Programs like this are a triple win — providing opportunities for Mainers to learn and utilize needed, up-to-date skills that can not only support Maine’s startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem, and increase Maine’s overall economic potential,” says Bouchard.

Towards the end of the program, the virtual assistants will be tasked with completing a marketing or management project with a Maine-based business or start-up.

“We have opened an application to connect our virtual assistants to any local businesses with a project they would like completed,” says Musumeci. “We would love to help facilitate these connections and see it as a win-win for both the businesses and for the Mainers diving into work in this new field.”

Businesses and organizations can request help from a virtual assistant in KVCC’s training program at kvcc.me.edu/workforce.

Klondike derby held at Bomazeen

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Troop #485 Scouts Derek Corson and Taylor Hayden, both of Skowhegan, show off the emergency shelter they put up while blindfolded. (photo by Mike Labbe)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Photo by Mike Labbe

The Klondike Derby drew Scouts from surrounding area towns and as far away as Boothbay Harbor and Gorham to the snowy fields and trails of Camp Bomazeen, in Belgrade, on Saturday, January 21. There were more than 100 Scouts and Cubs in attendance.

“I loved seeing all the scouts active and enjoying themselves,” said Klondike Director Julie McKenney, of Belgrade. She and volunteers spent months preparing two separate outdoor programs – one for younger Cub Scouts and one for Scouts in troops. The Klondike Derby is a fun-filled activity patterned after the days of the Yukon Gold Rush. Patrols build sledges like the early prospectors used as they hunted for gold. The members of each patrol serve as a team of huskies to pull their patrol’s sledge around the course.

Each patrol visited a number of stations, each having an Alaskan/Yukon town name. At each town the patrol was confronted with a problem requiring Scout skills to solve. Depending on how well the patrol works out the problem, determine the number of Gold Nuggets they received at that station. The patrol with the most gold nuggets at the end of the day was the winner..” Damariscotta Troop #213’s Bear Patrol won the overall program with Gardiner Troop #672’s Shark Bait patrol coming in second overall and Gorham Troop #73’s Burrito Patrol coming in third.

The sledges carried things needed by the patrol for the program such as cooking equipment, two gallons of water, two tarps, first aid kit, etc. The Scouts competed in activities such as fire starting, blindfolded shelter building, compass work, hatchet throwing, rifle shooting, big foot walking, etc.

“Scouts were given ahead of time a list of the right clothing to wear for the event,” McKenney said. “The goal is to have fun while outdoors. No one has fun if they are not dressed right for snow.”

Scott St. Amand, of Gardiner, ran the program for the Cub Scouts. “It’s awesome to see families coming out during a time of year when it’s easy to want to stay in, meet new people and make new friendships,” St. Amand said. “For the Cub Scouts, the s’mores making station was universally their favorite.”

Allison Dorr, a member of Winslow Troop #433G, demonstrates how to start a fire on snow in the woods. (photo by Mike Labbe)

Samuel Boynton earns Eagle Scout status

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Sam Boynton, left, smiles as his mother, Jennifer Boynton, pins the Eagle Scout medal on his chest. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Samuel K. Boynton, a senior at Erskine Academy, in South China, was presented with the highest award in Scouting during a ceremony Sunday, February 5 at the China Baptist Church with family, friends and fellow Troop #479 Scouts on hand for the presentation.

Troop #479 Scoutmaster Christian Hunter said during the ceremony, “The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then, the mountain climbing begins. The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. The first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and, finally, Eagle Scout.” Sam’s climb to Eagle began when he joined Cub Scouting in 2011. By September of 2016, he had joined Scout Troop #479. He completed all requirements for Eagle Scout rank on September 19, 2022, when he passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review – exactly six years after earning his Scout rank.

Hunter, who is an Eagle Scout himself, said, “The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. To an Eagle Scout, honor is the foundation of all character.” Later he added, “Eagle Scout is not a patch, an award or certificate to hang on the wall. It is a way to live your life.” Samuel Boynton pledged to, “always obey the Scout law and help other people.” He promised those in attendance that he would work to “make my country and my community a better place.”

Boynton’s Eagle Scout project saw improvements to the Monument Trail, at Thurston Park. Sean’s parents were participants in the ceremony. Jennifer Boynton, Sam’s mom, pinned the Eagle Scout medal on her son’s uniform and Sean Boynton, Sam’s dad, replaced his troop neckerchief with one only worn by Eagle Scouts. Sam also received a Bronze Eagle Palm for earning five merit badges beyond the 21 required for Eagle Scout. Sam then presented his parents with Eagle Scout pins in recognition of the assistance and guidance they had given him through his Scouting career.

Samuel Boynton received a Legislative Sentiment from State Representative Katrin Smith, of Palermo, who attended the ceremony. He also received praise from members of the Congressional Delegation. U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree wrote in her congratulatory note, “Your hard work truly exemplifies the Eagle Scout spirit.” U.S. Senator Angus King stated in his letter, “You have set an excellent example for the members of Troop #479, and I hope your fellow Scouts will follow in your footsteps.”

PHOTO: Windsor Fair president receives award

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Tom, left, is pictured with his wife Karen. Contributed photo

Windsor Fair shares that their esteemed president, Tom Foster, has been presented the Catherine L. Damren Distinguished Service Award by the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs this past weekend at their annual conference. It means so much to see this award go to someone so deserving. Tom, a farmer himself, has been an asset to the agricultural and fair communities of Maine most of his adult life.

Sarah Sachs named president of KFS Mortgage Company LLC

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Sarah Sachs

KFS Mortgage Company LLC, the Waterville-based lending corporation that is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kennebec Savings Bank, has named Sarah Sachs as its new president. Ms. Sachs brings extensive experience in residential mortgage, retail banking and small business lending to her new role.

Prior to joining KFS Mortgage Company LLC, Ms. Sachs served in key roles at other banks as a vice president and mortgage lending manager. Under her leadership, her teams have won local and national awards in residential lending and retail banking.

“I’m very excited to take on this new role,” Ms. Sachs said. “My mission is to expand our product offerings here at KFS Mortgage Company, hire mortgage officers, and open additional mortgage offices in other parts of the state.”

She noted that KFS Mortgage Company LLC offers government mortgage products through Freddie Mac, Maine Housing, Rural Development, and the VA that will enhance what Kennebec Savings Bank already offers.

An active member of the Central Maine community, Ms. Sachs currently serves as commissioner and treasurer of the Augusta Housing Authority; a member of the Board of Directors of the Augusta Teen Center, and president of the Board of Directors of Howell House. She is a member of the Maine Association of Mortgage Professionals and an affiliate member of the Kennebec Valley Board of Realtors and Greater Portland Board of Realtors. Ms. Sachs lives in Augusta with her husband, Alden. They have two grown children.

VBA ice fishing derby on tap

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Vassalboro Business Association will be holding its Ice Fishing Derby & Raffle on Sunday, February 12, 2023, at the Olde Mill, at 934 Main St., Vassalboro. Fish may be entered from all legal Maine waters.

Weigh In will be from 1 – 5 p.m. Tickets for fishing entries must be purchased before 1 p.m., on February 12. $1 per ticket or 6 for $5. One fish entry per ticket.

First Prize $40; second prize $20; third prize $10 for each category. Largest fish prize $125 & trophy! (Except Pike)

Categories:

Salmon, Togue, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, White Perch, Pickerel, Pike, Large Mouth Bass, Black Crappie, Small Mouth Bass, Yellow Perch, & fish caught by children 12 and under. There are hundreds of dollars in raffle prizes. You do not have to be present to win the raffle, which will be drawn at 5 p.m. Tickets may be purchased from 201 Tire & Battery; Ray Breton (207-877-2005); Samantha Lessard at the Olde Mill (207-314-4940); The Vassalboro Town Office, Maine Savings FCU, and the Library.

2023 Vassalboro Ice Fishing Derby Prizes

Raffle tickets to be drawn at 5 PM, after the fishing derby, at the Mill at 934 Main St. in North Vassalboro. They be purchased from Ray Breton (877-2005)

*$300 North Country Rivers (800-348-8871) White Water Rafting trip for2
*$260 Natanis Golf Course (622-3561)Tomahawk Course & Cart (for 4)
*$220 Natanis Golf Course (622-3561) Arrow Course & Cart (for 4)
*$150 donated by Reliance Equipment (626-0075)
*$100 donated by Future Forests (873-1292)
*Two $50 prizes donated by Maine Savings Federal Credit Union(800-348-8871)
*Miracle II Product ($38) from Sandy’s Magic Scissors (873-2469)
*$50 from Maine Adirondack Chairs (620-2592)
*$30 from Curly’s Carpentry (649-6849)
*$50 from Pleau’s Market (873-4612)
*2 – $25 cards from Hussey’s General Store (207-445-2511)
*2 – $50 cards from Central Maine Motors

Derby sponsors:

201 Tire, Battery & Service (623-2400); AMP Electrical LLC (441-3530); Antique Classics & Fords (314-8087); Attention to Detail (649-3626); Curly’s Carpentry (649-6849); Dead Wood Designs (877-2005); Freddie’s Service Center (923-9419); Fieldstone Gardens (923-3836); The Foster Agency (622-4646) Lemieux’s Orchards (873-4354); Maine Savings Federal Credit Union (800-348-8871); Vassalboro Car Care (623-0800); & Yankee Pack Rats (416-4346)

$125 biggest Fish sponsor – Vassalboro Recreation (592-3095)

*Chidren’s hat prizes donated by Maine Savings Federal Credit Union

*Tickets costs offset by donations from Hemphill’s Horses, Feed & Saddlery (872-7964); Freddie’s Service Center; Lemieux’s Orchard; Natanis Golf Course; Peter Bragdon; 201 Tire Battery & Service; & Maine Adirondack Chairs.

4th annual China Lake Ice Fishing Derby to be held on Maine’s free fishing weekend

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Families were scattered about China Lake last year during the Four Seasons Club fishing derby. (photo by Cindy Senbell)

by Sandra Isaac

The China Four Seasons Club and the China Village Fire Department are co-hosting the 4th Annual China Lake Ice Fishing Derby to be held on Sunday, February 19, during Maine’s Free Fishing Weekend.

Similar to last year, there will be town-wide “China Ice Days” activities starting on Friday night with a dinner at the China Mason’s Lodge and a guided snowmobile run directly after. More events including sledding, ice skating and a Cornhole tournament will be occurring throughout the day on Saturday. Sunday is still dedicated to the ice fishing derby with fishing limited to China Lake. The ice fishing derby will finish with a fireworks display after the derby’s award ceremony. All the weekend’s activities will be open to the public.

Two hardy young anglers show off their haul during the weigh-in at last year’s event. (photo by Cindy Senbell)

“We were a little nervous about the lack of ice early in the season, but Mother Nature seems to be doing her part and we fully expect there to be a good, solid layer of ice for fishing,” said China Four Seasons Club President Tom Rumpf. “We still need to keep our fingers crossed for snow and more ice. The lack of snow, for example, caused The China Lake Camp & Conference Center to cancel sledding last year. We encourage people to check out our website and look at the Ice Derby’s Facebook page for updates.”

Reservations are requested for the lasagna dinner at the Mason’s Lodge, as well as for the Cornhole tournament. Both activities have fees involved. Sledding and the cardboard sled race at the China Lake Camp & Conference Center and the ice skating at the town rink are free and open to all.

Rumpf continued, “The China Ice Days and the Annual Fishing Derby are a great way for individuals and families to come out and enjoy the outdoors and be part of a China area tradition. Last year was amazing and so much fun! This is also Maine’s free fishing weekend which is a nice bonus. We will be following all State of Maine ice fishing laws and rules.”

Fishing derby weigh-in time will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday and all entries must be in line at the Fire Station Building [on Causeway Road] by 4 p.m. to qualify for a prize. Prizes will be awarded in the following fish categories: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown trout, brook trout, and pickerel. The children’s category will be perch and kids will be awarded prizes for the top five winners with the most perch caught. The lunker of the day – the largest fish overall – will be the derby’s top prize.

The first 100 kids to stop in at the China Village Fire station will receive special takeaway ice fishing bait buckets filled with some great items courtesy of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Jack Traps of Maine, and The Maine Audubon Society. The buckets will be available starting at 5 a.m. on the day of the derby. In addition, Central Church will be set up on the ice across from the fire station on Causeway Road to work with kids who are new to fishing and Traps for Kids of Maine will be set up next to them, giving away free traps to kids who need them, while supplies last.

A young angler tries to pull up her catch during last year’s derby. (photo by Cindy Senbell)

“We will also be giving away over 30 door prizes including an StrikeMaster Electric Ice Auger courtesy of Jack Traps of Maine and Brookfield Renewable Energy, 100 gallons of heating fuel from Augusta Fuel Company, Pumping Services from B&B Septic, a kayak from Hannaford Supermarket, tons of amazing items from our friends at Whitt’s Garment Works, plus many more prizes and gift certificates, all from great local businesses,” said Rumpf.

Tickets for the derby are available for $5 a piece or 3 for $10 at many local stores including China Variety & Redemption, Greg’s Restaurant, Harvest Time Bait, Lakeview Lumber, Maritime Farms and Tobey’s. You can also purchase tickets from members of the China Four Seasons Club and the China Village Fire Department.

The China Four Seasons Club maintains a dedicated Facebook page and a website to share information on door prizes, sponsors, and ticket information. Please visit https://www.facebook.com/China-Lake-Ice-Fishing-Derby or www.chinalakeicefishingderby.com.

Cub scouts complete building projects

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Marci and Joshua Gilpin, of Skowhegan, work on the bird house. Joshua is in the second year of the Webelo program. (photo by Yvonne Brown)

Cub Scouts, in Skowhegan Pack #485, recently built birdhouses during their meeting which gives Cubs and parents a chance to work together on a project while teaching the Cub Scout about safe use of woodworking tools and the importance of being kind to animals. “It was a lot of fun,” said Cub Master Shanna Brown. The projects were built on January 15 at the Centenary United Methodist Church, in Skowhegan. Scouts in first grade completed requirement five of the My Tiger Jungle Adventure. Youth in the third grade completed requirement three in the Baloo the Builder Adventure and youth in fourth and fifth grades completed the second requirement of the Build It elective.

Kurtis Brown, of Norridgewock, is a Wolf Cub Scout. His family cut out all the bird house kits for the Scouts to build. (photo by Yvonne Brown)

Philo and his dad Zack work on a bird house together. Philo recently joined Pack #485. (photo by Yvonne Brown)

Logan Corson, of Madison, is in the Webelo program. (photo by Ashley Corson)

Emma Elwell enrolls at York College of Pennsylvania

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Nearly 750 first-year and transfer students arrived at York College of Pennsylvania, in York, Pennsylvania, for the opening of the Fall 2022 semester.

Among them is Emma Elwell, of Whitefield, who plans to study nursing.

Local students on Springfield College dean’s list

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William Banks, of Jefferson, and Kyle Ingraham, of Unity, were named to the dean’s list at Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts, for academic excellence for the 2022 fall semester. Banks has a primary major of physical education, and Ingraham in sport management.