SNHU announces summer ‘22 president’s list

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Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), in Manchester, New Hampshire, congratulates the following students on being named to the Summer 2022 President’s List. The summer terms run from May to August.

Kate Murphy and Justin Drescher, both of Augusta, Matthew Bandyk, of Jefferson, Merval Porter, of Palermo, Lisa Johnson, of South China, Lacey York, of China, Lilly Reardon, of Benton, Jeffery Wheeler and Brendon Peace, both of Waterville, Talon Mosher, of Winslow, Jacob Colson, of Albion, Carrie Stackpole, of Clinton, Stormy Wentworth, of Fairfield, Glenn Rich and Mariah Rich, both of Madison, and Kassandra Grant, of Vassalboro.

Local Town Meetings Schedule for 2023

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Town meetings 2023

ALBION

Municipal Election
Friday, March 17, 2 p.m.
Besse Building
Town meeting
Sat., March 18, 10 a.m.
Albion Elementary School

CHINA

Town meeting (election format)
Tues., June 13
Use Alder Park entrance

FAIRFIELD

Mon., May 8
Fairfield Community Center

PALERMO

Town meeting Fri., March 11, 9:00 a.m.
Palermo Consolidated School

VASSALBORO

Town meeting
Mon., June 5, 6:30 p.m.
Elections
Tues., June 13
Vassalboro Community School

WINDSOR

Municipal Election
Tues., June 13, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Town meeting
Wed., June 14, 6:30 p.m.
Windsor School gym

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To be included in this list, visit our Contact Us page or send an email to The Town Line at townline@townline.org.

ALBION/PALERMO: HealthReach welcomes Melanie Morin

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Melanie Morin

This March, staff at Lovejoy Health Center and Sheepscot Valley Health Center will be welcoming Melanie Morin, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, to the team.

Melanie earned her master’s degree in psychiatric nursing from Husson University, of Bangor. Previously, she earned her Bach­elor’s de­gree in Nursing from the University of Maine at Fort Kent, and her Associate’s degree in Nursing from Kennebec Valley Community College. Melanie brings a wealth of experience in whole-person (holistic) patient care, and specifically in evidence-based treatments for mental illness.

Melanie shares, “My philosophy of care is to treat patients with respect and dignity – providing care for patients in the same way as I would want to be treated if I was in a similar situation. It is my belief that this way of caring for patients creates an environment of attention that is more conducive to healing. Focusing on the whole person means caring for their physical wellbeing as well as considering their emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Each of these aspects is integral to the whole person.” Melanie joins physicians Dean Chamberlain, Ann Schwink and Kathryn Wistar; physician assistants Nichole Johnston, Anna Simmler, Craig Urwin, and Zachary Wissman; nurse practitioner Keiko Kurita; licensed clinical social worker Deborah Daigle; and licensed clinical professional counselor Ashley Rancourt. Our clinicians offer medical and behavioral health services for patients of all ages.

EVENTS: Community Blue Christmas ceremony shines a light on winter solstice

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by Monica Charette

The ShineOnCass Foundation will host its Second Annual Blue Christmas Ceremony for grieving families and friends, and those who support them, Wednesday, December 21, at 6 p.m., on the Winter Solstice – the longest and darkest night of the year. Light the Night will feature music, speakers, along with a reading of submitted names of loved ones’ lost and the lighting of memorial blue candles.

Blue Christmas ceremonies are held around the world in acknowledgement that the holiday season can be difficult for many who are grieving.

“This time of year can be so challenging when celebrations of peace and joy contrast sharply with the sadness and loneliness that come with loss,” said Monica Charette, founder and executive director of the ShineOnCass Foundation. “Our hope is to bring people together, both those who are grieving, and people who support them, to offer a comforting space where everyone feels less alone.”

In addition to the blue light ceremony, the evening will also feature music by local musician Will Pherson and the return of award-winning country recording artist Joan Kennedy, who will perform “Candle in the Window.”

Charette said the idea to host a community Blue Christmas Ceremony came from a gathering organized by her friends after the passing of her 17-year-old daughter Cassidy Charette, eight years ago. Cass, for whom the ShineOnCass Foundation was created to honor, was a Messalonskee High School student and longtime community volunteer, who died in a tragic hayride accident on October 11, 2014.

“It was comforting when people came together to support our family, acknowledge our grief, and stand beside us during a very dark and lonely time,” Charette said. “We want to continue to share that experience with others in our community.”

Anyone in the community can participate by sharing their loved ones’ names being remembered, and receiving a blue candle to light at the ceremony. People are also welcome to attend in silent remembrance and offer support to others. To complete the online form, visit Light the Night: Blue Christmas on the Foundation’s website www.shineoncass.org. Deadline to submit is Monday, December 19. In case of inclement weather, Blue Christmas will be held one day later, on December 22. For more information, email shineoncass@gmail.com or call 207-314-6996.

14-year-old Albion girl achieves hunting grand slam

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At the age of 8, Emily Peirce, of Albion, took an interest in hunting. Since then, she has harvested six deer prior to this year. She has applied for a moose permit in years passed and was lucky enough to be drawn this year. Since being drawn for her moose permit Emily decided to try for the hunting Grand Slam.

To start the season, Emily shot her bear in Upper Enchanted Township on September 16, weighing 87 pounds. September 21 she harvested two turkeys on family land in Albion. On October 15, the last day of her permit, she was able to shoot her moose in Zone 4 weighing 769 pounds with a 50 ¼-inch spread. With determination and support, she shot a 4-point buck weighing 156 pounds on November 10, to complete her Grand Slam and her personal goal for the 2022 season.

Her friends and family are incredibly proud, and Emily is overjoyed with her success.

Happy birthday to a dear friend

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Rena Harding, center

Rena Harding, of Albion, spent her 100th birthday on October 29, 2022, at home with family and friends.

Rena is the daughter of the late Lesley and Gertrude Bailey, of Palermo. Rena’s last sister, Natalie Coro, of Waterville, attended her party.

She has four children, Eugene, Athene, Sheldon and Neil as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Karen Noyes Moody made a beautiful birthday cake.

I have spent many good times at Rena’s home and I was treated so nicely; she calls me her “little girl”. She worked very hard through the years and I am so happy that she had a nice birthday. She deserves it.

I love you and wish you more birthdays.

Ruth Fuller
China Village

HealthReach welcomes Nancy Johnson

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Nancy Johnson

This September, staff at HealthReach Community Health Centers welcomed Nancy Johnson, Connector. The two practices Nancy joins include Belgrade Regional Health Center, and Lovejoy Health Center, in Albion. Nancy looks forward to helping patients access important services, such as affordable healthcare, health insurance, and other social and support services.

Nancy obtained her bachelor’s degree in secondary education, language arts from the University of Maine at Farmington. She also has a master’s degree in literacy education from the University of Maine at Orono. In 2021, Nancy served as a Patient Services Representative for MaineGeneral Medical Center, where she provided excellent customer service to patients and determined urgency levels for medical referrals. Nancy previously worked as a certified title I literacy teacher for the Augusta school department for over a decade. She also has experience in helping people with Medicare Part D matters.

Nancy joins HealthReach’s dedicated Connector Team – Tina DeRaps, LSW; Chenoa Jackson, LSW; and Courtney Koczera. Connectors provide free and valuable services to help with the high cost of healthcare. Connectors are here to help patients navigate a variety of resources, including MaineCare (Medicaid), Hospital Free Care, Supplemental Nutritional Aid Program (SNAP, or “food stamps”), reduced-cost prescription medications through the Patient Assistance Program, and our HealthReach Affordable Care Program (“Sliding Fee”). HealthReach Connectors can also connect you to other helpful resources in your local community.

Lovejoy Health Center welcomes Ashley Rancourt

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Ashley Rancourt

This October, staff at Lovejoy Health Center, in Albion, are pleased to welcome Ashley Rancourt, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Ashley has experience in both inpatient and outpatient counseling environments.

Ashley earned her master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from the University of Southern Maine. Previously, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maine at Farmington. Ashley comes from years of experience providing treatment to adolescent patients through her work in local schools. Ashley brings background in both one-on-one and group therapy treatments. Ashley will be a great addition for the Albion area and surrounding communities.

Ashley joins physician Dean Chamberlain; physician assistant Nikki Kimborowicz; family nurse practitioner Keiko Kurita; and licensed clinical social worker Deb Daigle. Our clinicians offer medical and behavioral health services for patients of all ages. Residents of Albion and nearby towns have enjoyed quality care at Lovejoy Health Center since its founding in 1978.

Albion’s Lovejoy Health Center welcomes two new staff members

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This September, staff at Lovejoy Health Center welcome two new members: Nancy Johnson, Connector; and Hattie Blye, Care Manager.

Nancy obtained her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, Language Arts from the University of Maine at Farmington. She also has a master’s degree in Literacy Education from the University of Maine at Orono. She worked as a Certified Title I Literacy Teacher for the Augusta School Department for over a decade. Nancy also has experience in helping people with Medicare Part D. Nancy looks forward to providing free services to help patients navigate a variety of resources, including MaineCare (Medicaid), Hospital Free Care, the Supplemental Nutritional Aid Program (SNAP, or “food stamps”), reduced-cost prescription medications through the Patient Assistance Program, and our very own HealthReach Affordable Care program (“Sliding Fee”).

Hattie obtained her associate’s degree in Applied Medical Science, Medical Assistant from Central Maine Community College. Hattie brings a decade of experience as a medical assistant into the role of Care Manager. She looks forward to assisting patients with both the management of chronic illness and the pursuit of better health.

Nancy and Hattie join physician Dean Chamberlain; physician assistant Nikki Kimborowicz; family nurse practitioner Keiko Kurita; and licensed clinical social worker Deb Daigle. Clinicians offer medical and behavioral health services for patients of all ages.

Residents of Albion and nearby towns have enjoyed quality care at the Center since its founding in 1978.

Lovejoy Health Center is a part of HealthReach Community Health Centers, a group of twelve Federally Qualified Health Centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality medical and behavioral healthcare to citizens from 9 of Maine’s 16 counties. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers. In addition, an Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured residents. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with the cost of your healthcare and medications, including Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.

Girls from 10 different schools attend Shine-On Saturday

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Messalonskee Lady Eagle Emma Parsons poses for a photo with her cousin, Josie Burden, who traveled from Orrington for the 7th annual ShineOn Saturday on Sept. 24 in Oakland. The event links members of the Messalonskee High School girls soccer team with young girls for a day of learning soccer skills, playing field games, and honoring former soccer player and youth mentor, Cassidy Charette. (photo by Monica Charette)

by Monica Charette

(photo by Monica Charette)

GETTING THEIR SHINE ON: Messalonskee High School girls soccer welcomed a record 46 girls, pre-kindergarten to grade five, to the 7th annual “ShineOn Saturday” held September 24 this year at Messalonskee Middle School.

Girls came from 10 different local elementary schools to be mentored by the Lady Eagles, playing fun field games, learning new skills, and receiving autographed posters from the players. ShineOn Saturday was created seven years ago to honor former Messalonskee student Cassidy Charette. Charette was a leading Eagle mid-fielder and a youth mentor before she was killed in a hayride accident on October 11, 2014. Players also received a Cassidy bracelet, to receive a special snack, and recognition, at the team’s home games this season. ShineOn Saturday is sponsored by the Messalonskee girls soccer teams and the ShineOnCass Foundation.

The ShineOnCass Foundation was created to educate, inspire and empower youth to shine their own light through acts of kindness and volunteer charitable activities. For more information about the Foundation and upcoming ShineOnCass initiatives, visit shineoncass.org or email shineoncass@gmail.com.

Kennebec Montessori kindergartners Emery Pell, front, and her twin sister Shea, learn new soccer skills under the guidance of their mentor Brooke Landry, left, at ShineOn Saturday. Landry, now a freshman on the Messalonskee girls soccer team, was a former youth participant at ShineOn Saturday. (photo by Monica Charette)