New Dimensions FCU awards two area high school students with scholarships

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Sage Clukey left, accepted her scholarship certificate on Wednesday, April 27. Thomas Dean received his scholarship certificate at the Skowhegan location on April 25. (contributed photo)

New Dimensions FCU has announced that Sage Clukey, from Winslow High School, and Thomas Dean, from Skowhegan Area High School, have been selected as New Dimensions FCU’s 2022 Scholarship Program winners who have earned $2,500 each for their first year in college.

New Dimensions FCU awards scholarships to deserving high school seniors that demonstrate strong character, community involvement, and academic success. This year we found two exceptional candidates who went above and beyond in their academics and community. They both came highly recommended by school officials, and their essays showed that their character and assessment of financial literacy aligned with our mission and values.

Sage Clukey plans on studying to be a nurse at Franklin Pierce University, while Thomas Dean will study finance at the University of Maine at Orono. The staff and directors of NDFCU wish them both the best of luck in all their educational endeavors.

Ryan Poulin, Chief Executive Officer, states, “Our scholarship program is just one of the many ways we support our community. We hear many times from students that financial education is an underdeveloped skill they feel they’d like to hone, so we try to give them the tools and resources at the local level by adding financial fitness into their curriculum as well as offering our Scholarship Program to show the importance of financial success.”

For more information, contact NDFCU at (800) 326-6190 or visit www.newdimensionsfcu.com.

What to know about mold and mildew

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For your family’s health and your home’s structural integrity, don’t let mold grow.

(NAPSI) — If you’re like a lot of homeowners, your domicile is in danger from an insidious, invisible growth—mold—and you don’t even know it. That’s because for many people, mold conjures up images of smelly, green and black growth that can cause serious respiratory issues. It is often found in a home after an intrusive water event, such as a flood or a severe rainstorm. The reality is, just about every home has mold, though it only becomes a concern when there are moist building materials and you begin to notice visible mold growth and can smell it.

Why To Fight Mold

Mold and water damage can have a negative effect on your and your family’s health, as well as on the safety and structure of your home. People with allergies to mold may experience sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, rash and upper respiratory problems.

Homes in areas where there’s a potential for flooding, tornadoes, or hurricanes are especially at risk. Mold typically grows in damp places such as basements and crawlspaces. Apart from floods, the four major causes of mold and water damage in residences are: leaks in the building envelope (that is, around window frames, roof); unattended plumbing leaks; high humidity levels (particularly from unvented or improperly vented indoor moisture sources, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and clothes dryers); and condensation on cool surfaces (on kitchen and bathroom surfaces, on window frames, in basements).

How To Fight Mold

The good news is there are steps you can take to identify and remove mold, and prevent its re-occurrence by keeping the water out of the house. AIHA (formerly American Industrial Hygiene Association), the organization for scientists and professionals committed to preserving and ensuring occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) in the workplace and community, created free resources for consumers including: “Facts About Mold: A Consumer Focus,” a downloadable guide to the problems of mold growth and what you can do to prevent it; and a brief video, “What is mold? Who’s affected?”—a quick guide to the dangers of mold in your home.

Who Can Fight Mold

If mold damage is severe, it may be time to seek the help of an OEHS professional or Certified Industrial Hygienist with extensive mold investigation and remediation experience. You can find a list of OEHS experts at www.aiha.org/public-resources/consultants-listing.

What’s your backyard personality?

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(NAPSI) — Backyarding, the trend to move many indoor activities outdoors, is now a permanent way of life. During the pandemic, learning to work, entertain, vacation, work out and more right in one’s own backyard, became a necessity—and people are learning it’s often a better way to live.

According to the TurfMutt Foundation, identifying your backyarding personality type is an important first step in creating a backyard that supports your family’s needs and desires.

“The work you put into your yard now will reap benefits all year long. Remember: Work your landscape and your landscape will work for you.”

Two backyarding personality types in particular—the Expert Landscaper and the Work from Home Pro—can really shine this fall. Here’s why:

Expert Landscaper

This personality type knows that yard work done in the fall provides a double benefit because what you do in autumn to maintain your yard sets the stage for its health and vibrancy come spring. Fall yard chores—removing leaves, pruning trees and cleaning out flower beds and garden plots—are a usual activity for you.

Work From Home Pro

As a work from home professional, you have been living for fall when the temperatures are perfect for taking your office outside. All you need is a strong Wi-Fi connection, your nicest leisure wear and a jacket for chilly morning meetings and you’re ready for work in your backyard. Nature is your video call backdrop and you have set up your outdoor office for success by using shrubs and patio planters to distinguish your outdoor office space from other backyard activity zones.

What do these personality types know to do this fall? No matter your backyarding personality type, you can have a fabulous family yard this fall and beyond with these simple steps:

Remove leaves. Mulching leaves rather than raking and bagging them is good for your lawn and the environment. As shredded leaves decompose they feed your lawn, naturally.

Mow at the right height. Cut grass until the first hard frost. Find the just-right length for your lawn’s species (typically between 2-3 inches) to keep your grass healthy when it turns cold. Overseed grass and don’t forget to aerate the lawn in fall to prevent soil from becoming compacted and covered with thatch—a thick layer of roots, stems and debris that blocks water, oxygen and nutrients from reaching the soil.

Water wisely. If you’re not getting at least an inch of water each week, keep watering throughout the fall. Install watering solutions, such as smart controllers on irrigation systems, to conserve water.

Plant bulbs and flowering shrubs that will give blooms in spring and summer to feed pollinators, such as birds, bees and butterflies, as well as provide beauty for those natural, video conference backdrops.

Plant a tree for shade or cover. It may take a few years to grow to shade-producing height, but it’s an investment in your outdoor space.

Identify the ideal time to prune specific tree and shrub species and do so accordingly. Depending on what is in your yard, fall may be the perfect time.

Consider putting in decking or a hardscape to create an area to set up a desk or table. Make sure adequate electricity is available to power those laptops and other devices.

Sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with backyarding tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation, at TurfMutt.com.

Be cool and save money

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A few simple steps can help you and your family be more comfortable at home for less money.

(NAPSI) — Many Americans may be surprised to learn that almost half their utility bill goes toward heating and cooling their home. Fortunately, the U.S. EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program offers resources to help you beat the heat—all while saving a, saving money and protecting the climate. Here’s how:

Maintain or Upgrade Your HVAC System

Check your system’s air filters. A dirty air filter will make the system work harder to keep you cool, wasting energy. Filters should be inspected once a month during heavy use.

If your heating and cooling equipment is more than 10 years old or it needs frequent repairs, it may be time to consider a replacement. The ENERGY STAR Heating and Cooling Guide helps you navigate an HVAC equipment upgrade that will keep you comfortable and help you save money, year round. Visit www.energystar.gov/HVACguide.

Get a Smart Thermostat

A WiFi-enabled smart thermostat automatically adjusts your home’s temperature settings for optimal performance. ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats are independently certified, based on actual field data, to deliver energy savings.

Need a New Room AC?

On average, ENERGY STAR certified room air conditioners use 10 percent less energy and cost less than $70 per year to run.

Learn More

You can find other savings tips at www.energystar.gov/cooling.

What to ask when hiring a contractor

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Asking the right questions of potential contractors can help you feel sure they’ll do the job right.

(NAPSI)—With record-high real estate prices, a growing number of homeowners are remodeling or renovating their existing homes rather than buying new. Increased demand and continued supply chain issues, however, have led to delays in getting quotes, uncertainties in the availability of materials, rising costs and an increase in homeowner frustration.

Whether you’re looking at a new roof or siding, adding a deck, upgrading windows or insulation, you want to find a contractor who gets it right on the first try (and can meet today’s fast-turn demand).

What To Ask

To help, here are three important questions to ask potential contractors so you can find the right resource in a challenging environment:

1. “Do I need to meet with you in person to get a quote?”

Contractors have followed the same manual transaction processes for decades. But home visits with pad-and-paper estimating is outdated, especially with digital-savvy homeowners.

Today, roofing, fencing and even siding companies can provide a preliminary quote without sending representatives to your house. Satellite measurements and a quick phone call are all you need to understand basic pricing and inventory availability for shingles, siding or lumber. Digital sales platforms help homeowners quickly compare contractors and reduce the time to get multiple estimates.

2. “How soon can you start?”

How quickly a contractor can begin depends on pricing and availability of labor and materials. Be wary of contractors who offer services for unbelievably low prices—it’s safer to pay more for a premium, professional job than take a gamble on a risky contractor.

Top contractors will prepare a digital estimate, taking current pricing into account. Using dynamic tools, your contractor should be able to make real-time changes to estimates and contracts to show how the materials selected will influence the schedule and cost. Similarly, such contractors will have access to real-time inventory via a mobile device so you can choose products, such as shingles, that are actually available, reducing delays.

3.“How do you handle changes?”

This is another area where a contractor using a digital sales platform can add value. By plugging in different options, your contractor should be able to tell you exactly how changes will affect cost and timing. No need to wait days for a return phone call—using digital documents means a revised quote and contract can be sent quickly, helping to keep projects moving.

Learn More

For further facts about digital tools to look for in a contractor, visit www.leaptodigital.com.

Pointers on purchasing a zero-turn mower

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A few simple steps to find the right mower for you.

(NAPSI)—More time spent at home is prompting homeowners across America to improve their property’s curb appeal. With an increased focus on their yards, many individuals are looking to upgrade their old lawn mowers to something newer and equipped with more features. Zero-turn mowers, for example, are designed to ensure a picture-perfect cut with every mow. But with various options to choose from, the process can sometimes feel overwhelming. When researching which zero-turn mower is right for your property, consider the following:

Where will you purchase your mower? A good starting point is a local outdoor power equipment dealer. Dealers are experts in their field, can provide thorough answers to your questions and service your mower when the time comes. In addition, they’ll be able to help guide you towards the right mower by asking pertinent questions such as, how big is the lawn you’re mowing? How often do you mow your lawn? This will help the dealer narrow down which units will best meet your needs.

The primary operator should be comfortable with the mower, understand how to operate it and take it for a test drive to get a feel for how it operates. For example, the zero-turn mowers from Hustler Turf, a leading brand of outdoor power equipment and originator of the twin-lever zero-turn mower, function the same as pushing a shopping cart.

Next, think about storage. Like most pieces of machinery, mowers last longer when properly stored in a shed or large garage that will protect against weather, rust and other damage. Once you decide on your zero-turn, ensure it will fit into your shed. Deck sizes vary, so there’s a chance the unit might be too wide to fit.

Finally, consider your lawn’s conditions. Does it tend to be damp? Uneven? Covered in obstacles, like trees and bushes? The right mower will meet your lawn’s needs. For example, Hustler Turf’s recently modified Raptor family of residential mowers come standard with BigBite tires, which handle better than regular tires in any type of turf conditions. Re-engineered from the ground up, the Raptor series packs more performance, reliability and features to deliver a fluid mowing experience.

Bumpy or uneven lawns might require a unit with a more comfortable seat and better suspension to ensure a smoother ride. Each Hustler Raptor model now has a tougher, wider one-piece tubular frame with stylish bolstered seats, standard arm rests and rubberized floor mats for more user comfort.

These considerations will make the purchase process easier on you in the long run. Your local dealer will also help you along this process from start to finish and make sure you go home with the zero-turn that is best for you.

Learn More

For more information on zero-turn mowers and where to find a nearby dealer, visit www.hustlerturf.com.

Chamber names customer service specialist

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Katelyn Hood

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce located in Waterville, Maine, welcomes Katelyn Hood as its new customer service specialist. Katelyn has been named to the position, replacing Patricia Michaud, who retired following nearly eight years with the Chamber.

Hood had served in various accounting, payroll, banking, and human resources positions in the area. Her most recent position was payroll administrator for Klein­schmidt Associates, Inc., where she was responsible for payroll functions and tax reporting.

A graduate of Nokomis Regional High School, in Newport, Katelyn graduated from Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield, with an associate degree in business administration, with a concentration in accounting.

Included in her new duties as customer service specialist will be oversight of new member orientation and new member acquisition, website maintenance, member invoicing and customer service assistance. She will also participate in many of the Chamber’s signature events.

Mid-Maine Chamber President and CEO Kimberly Lindlof said of Hood: “I look forward to having Katelyn on our team. She has a wealth of experience that will prove beneficial in this role. Her understanding of financial programs and reporting, as well as her positive attitude will be welcomed by our board and committee members, as well as our membership in general. The Chamber is also hoping to capitalize on Katelyn’s knowledge of the area. Our team is pleased to welcome her aboard.”

Hood resides in Pittsfield with her son, Finn.

WATERVILLE: New president named at Inland Hospital

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Tricia Mercer

Northern Light Health has announced that Tricia Mercer will become the next president of Northern Light Inland Hospital and Northern Light Continuing Care, Lakewood. In this role, Mercer will also serve as a Northern Light senior vice president. She will succeed Terri Vieira, who retired earlier this month.

Tim Dentry, Northern Light Health’s president and CEO said, “Tricia has excellent healthcare experience and we’re excited that she is already part of the Northern Light team, having served as associate vice president of our Medical Group Operations since 2019. She has had great success with improving access to care, enhancing provider engagement, and she is a proud Mainer who is dedicated to community involvement.”

Dentry continued, “Tricia’s background shows her core commitment to helping people. Previously, she was executive director of the Medical Group at Saratoga Hospital, in New York, and division administrator at UPMC-Magee Women’s Hospital, in Pittsburgh. She was an adjunct professor of healthcare management, a president and CEO of a medical billing company, and is a proud Navy veteran.”

Mercer shared, “I look forward to joining the Inland/Lakewood family and continuing to help Northern Light meet its mission to improve the health of the people and communities we serve. I recognize and value the caring culture we have, and I’m proud of how staff go above and beyond to make healthcare work for our patients and residents every day. I can’t wait to be part of Inland and Lakewood’s bright future and help contribute to the vitality of the greater Waterville area.”

Mercer is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and earned an MBA in Healthcare Management. She is a graduate of Foxcroft Academy, in Dover-Foxcroft, where she grew up and her parents still live today. She and her fiancé have five children.

Mercer begins her new role on May 9.

China’s Spirit of America awards presented at select board meeting

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Clockwise from top left: Ronald Emery, Sandra Isaac, James Lane, Elaine Philbrick, Anita Smith, Scott Pierz. (photos courtesy of Becky Hapgood)

by Mary Grow

The three China Select Board members present at the April 25 meeting unanimously approved new transfer station hours. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood hopes to implement the change by the middle of May, when summer people begin arriving.

The new hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The transfer station will be closed Sundays and Mondays, as it has been for years, and will also be closed Thursdays.

Total open hours will be 38 over the four days. Hapgood said attendants will have a 40-hour work week, as they come early to get ready to open and stay after closing to finish the day’s work.

Ronald Breton

In another major piece of business April 25, select board Chairman Ronald Breton presented Spirit of America awards for volunteer service to six China residents:

  • Scott Pierz, for helping protect China Lake’s water quality as town codes officer and later head of the China Lake Association and the China Region Lakes Alliance;
  • Ronald Emery, for many years of work with Boy Scout Troop 479;
  • James Lane, for 30-plus years of service in many positions, including as town constable (“I can’t say no,” Lane responded);
  • Sandra Isaac for her work with the China for a Lifetime Committee and the China Village volunteer fire department; and
  • Elaine Philbrook and Anita Smith (who was unable to attend the meeting) for their oversight of the Community Forest at China Schools.

Breton thanked all the recipients for the time and effort they donated to the community.

He also commended Hapgood for earning her certifications as treasurer and tax collector from the Maine Municipal Tax Collectors and Treasurers Association.

Much of the rest of the meeting was spent on preparations for the June 14 annual town business meeting. Select board members certified the wording of the solar moratorium ordinance voters will be asked to approve. Hapgood asked them to review a mailing she intends to send out explaining the June 14 ballot.

Board members will hold a public hearing on the June 14 warrant articles at 6 p.m. Monday, May 9, in the town office meeting room, before their regular meeting that night.

Hapgood listed other important dates leading up the town business meeting:

  • Absentee ballots will be available from the town office beginning Monday, May 16.
  • Public hearings on the Kennebec County budget, of which China pays a share, will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, in the Chace Community Forum at the Bill & Joan Alfond Main Street Commons, 150 Main Street,
  • Waterville; and at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, in the first-floor conference room at Hill House, 125 State Street, Augusta.
  • The district budget meeting on the 2022-23 Regional School Unit (RSU) 18 budget, of which China pays a share, will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at Messalonskee High School Performing Arts Center in Oakland. This is the meeting at which voters from the five RSU 18 towns (Belgrade, China, Oakland, Rome and Sidney) approve the budget.
  • RSU absentee ballots will be available Friday, May 20.

On June 14, China voters will vote by written ballot on a 38-article municipal warrant; the RSU budget referendum approving or rejecting the May 19 budget; and state primary election candidates. Local elections for members of China boards are held in November.

Polls will be open June 14 in the former portable classroom behind the town office from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Documents for the meeting, including details about the proposed budget, the solar moratorium ordinance (Art. 37) and the revised comprehensive plan (Art. 38), are on the town website, china.govoffice.com, under the Elections tab.

China For A Lifetime Volunteer Program cleans up after a storm

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Scott Haines, foreground, and Bob Lesperance, from All Around Home Maintenance, volunteered for China For A Lifetime. (contributed photo)

by Jeanne Marquis

The volunteer program of the China For A Lifetime (CFAL) committee helps local elderly and people with physical challenges who may not be able to otherwise afford certain seasonal help. During last week’s storm, an enormous pine tree fell across the driveway of an older couple on Pleasant View Ridge. Luckily their neighbors Matt and Laura were able to clear enough to enable the couple’s van in the garage and the wheelchair up the ramp. The following Saturday, CFAL assembled a crew to chainsaw through the rest of the tree and stack wood to be removed at a later date. Scott Haines and Bob Lesperance skillfully handled their chainsaws on a tree with a diameter far wider than their blades. Scott and Bob are in the process of starting their own business, All Around Property Maintenance. Wood stackers included Nick Marquis, Megan Marquis and Jeanne Marquis.

As the need for serving elders increases in China, CFAL is seeking volunteers in all areas: light yard work, minor home repair, grocery shopping assistance and drivers to medical appointments. To volunteer, contact us on ChinaForaLifetime@gmail.com. The first week of May, we will need volunteers to help clean up gardens and take yard waste to the transfer station. We will schedule the yard clean up sessions around the volunteers’ availability.