The Skowhegan High School Class of 1963 Tail Gate Gathering is being canceled due to rain on Saturday, August 29. The event will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at noon on Hilton Hill. Bring your lunches, chairs and masks, drinks and chips provided, and a comfort station will be in place. If any questions call Cindy @ 207-858-0946.
Anderson Buck
Anderson Buck, of Pittsfield, passed his review and earned his Second Class Rank with Boy Scout Troop #63, in Newport.
Some of the requirements were two hours community service, being able to start a fire by himself, staying physically fit for 30 days and coming up with a plan to earn money in order to buy something he wanted. In his case it was a metal detector. He did a month of chores and odd jobs to successfully earn the money.
In the First Class Rank he will need to pass the BSA swimming test (100 meters without touching the bottom of a pool/pond), do 4 hours of community service and learn different types of knots and how to use them along with many others things. He would also like to organize a fundraiser for the local food pantry.
Anderson Buck lives in Pittsfield with his mom, Sharon Hood, stepdad, Chad Hood, and stepsister, Jayden.
Scott Adams, left, head of the Bomazeen Old Timers, of China, presenting check to Zachary LeHay, of Troop #401, from Sidney. (contributed photo)
Patch is the design from Dalton Curtis that will be used by the Bomazeen Old Timers to fundraise for their efforts to provide ongoing support for Camp Bomazeen.
Scouts Dalton Curtis, of Skowhegan Troop #485, and Zachary LeHay, of Sidney Troop #401, both received $75 prizes from the Bomazeen Old Timers on August 12 during a special presentation at Camp Bomazeen. The Scouts had drawn the two winning patch designs during the camp’s 75th anniversary season celebration.
Initially, they were to receive $75 camperships to attend Camp Bomazeen but when the camp did not open due to Covid-19, Scott Adams, of China, head of the Bomazeen Old Timers, opted to present both Curtis and LeHay with their prize during the annual Kennebec Valley District Scout Leader Recognition Dinner/ Program Kick-Off.
Curtis had planned to work at Camp Bomazeen’s kitchen this summer and LeHay was planning to attend with his troop. Adams said the patches will be used to help raise money for the Bomazeen Old Timers, which is a group of camp alumni dedicated to help the camp.
Submitted by Chuck Mahaleris
Scott Adams, left, head of the Bomazeen Old Timers, of China, presenting check to Dalton Curtis, of Troop #485, from Skowhegan. (contributed photo)
You don’t have to let COVID-19 hurt your dental health.
(NAPSI)—The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives, including dental appointments and other important medical care.
With dental clinics now open once again for non-emergency procedures—with enhanced screening and safety measures in place based upon expert guidance and research—many dentists are reporting that their patients have been slow to return, and it has them sounding a warning about the importance of preventive care.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made us put many of our routines on pause, but with dental clinics now reopened, visiting your dentist should not be one of them,” said Dr. Kyle Dosch, dental director at Delta Dental of Washington.
The Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) and Delta Dental join dentists in urging people not to further delay preventive dental exams, particularly for children (53% of which already experience tooth decay by the time they reach third grade) and for those who are pregnant or have a medical condition which puts them at higher risk for dental problems.
In addition to routine preventive treatments such as teeth cleanings, careful exams of the teeth, gums and tongue can provide dentists an early look at signs of arthritis, diabetes, diet deficiencies, liver disease and even some auto-immune diseases.
“A look inside a patient’s mouth can provide great insight to what’s happening in other parts of the body. It’s important to place a high priority on oral hygiene routines, including regular visits to the dentist,” said Dr. Dosch. “Your oral health is important to your overall health, and protecting that is our shared top priority.”
The dentists’ warnings come on the heels of a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll in which 52 percent of adults surveyed said they or a family member in their household had skipped or delayed dental or medical care due to COVID-19.
The poll’s findings are consistent with an American Dental Association (ADA) national survey which found patient visits are nearly 60 percent of what they were before the mid-March shutdown of dental clinics for non-emergent care. In Washington state, Delta Dental’s statewide claims data indicates that people are again beginning to prioritize their oral health, with 99 percent of dental offices now open statewide.
In the state’s largest county (King County), the number of people returning to the dentist increased significantly in June. But the numbers aren’t all smiles in many of the state’s rural areas, some of which are down more than 15 percent.
Nearly half of the 1,300 Kaiser poll respondents who skipped or postponed their dental visits reported not feeling safe returning to their dental clinics. However, the WSDA notes that dental offices have always been a very safe place to visit—and have put even more Centers for Disease Control/ADA-approved infectious disease measures in place to keep patients protected, including:
• To make sure patients are healthy, dental team members will call patients to ask health-related screening questions before scheduled appointments. A dental team member will take your temperature upon arrival and may repeat health-related screening questions before your appointment.
• Staggered appointments to allow more time to disinfect exam rooms between visits—you may even be asked to wait in your car until the dentist is ready to see you.
• Reconfiguration of dental office waiting rooms (including removal of toys and magazines) and clinic spaces to provide additional physical separation.
• More personal protective equipment worn by staff.
• Face mask requirement for all who enter the dental office.
“It’s important to remember that dentists are health professionals who manage infection and control risk on a daily basis, even in normal times dentists have been required by law to follow very specific safety protocols to prevent the spread of viruses while keeping your safety and protection a top priority,” added Dr. Dosch.
“You can be confident that as you return to the dentist, he or she is getting a lot of guidance along the way and that the dentist offices are safe to visit,” says Dr. Christopher Delecki, vice chair, King County Board of Health and past president, WSDA. “Conversely, neglecting regular dental exams—for yourself and your children—can put your oral and overall health at risk, at a time when staying healthy is more important than ever.”
“For those who are looking to find a dentist—or who have lost their job—there are many resources available to help care for your oral health, regardless of your benefits provider,” said Dr. Delecki.
To locate a dentist near you, visit wsda.org and use the “Find a Dentist” tool. And for those who have recently lost their job, Delta Dental members can visit DeltaDentalWA.com/MySmile for an overview of what is still covered under your plan, or DeltaDentalCoversMe.com to help you find a new individual or family plan that fits your needs and budget. Those who qualify for Apple Health can visit Arcora Foundation’s Dentistlink.org for help in finding a nearby community clinic or dentist.
Fr. André-Joseph LaCasse
Bishop Robert Deeley has announced a new priest assignment for Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville and Winslow.
Effective September 1, 2020, Fr. André-Joseph LaCasse, O.P., has been appointed a parochial vicar at Corpus Christi Parish (Notre Dame Church, Waterville; St. John the Baptist Church, Winslow; St. Helena Church, Belgrade Lakes).
A native of Lewiston, Fr. LaCasse is a member of the Dominican Order, formerly known as the Order of Preachers (O.P.). For over 800 years, the mission of the order has been “to proclaim the Gospel to every corner of the world” so that every soul may come to know and love Jesus Christ.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Maine at Orono. In 1986, he entered the novitiate of the Dominican Province of St. Joseph, attending the Dominican House of Studies and receiving his S.T.B./M.Div. degree in 1992, when he was ordained to the priesthood. Since his ordination, Fr. LaCasse has served as a parochial vicar at St. Dominic Church, in Youngstown, Ohio; pastor of St. Patrick Church, in Columbus, Ohio; and, for the last ten years, pastor of St. Gertrude Church, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Fr. LaCasse also holds a master’s degree in spirituality from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas (Angelicum), in Rome, Italy.
The Vassalboro Public Library, with support from the Maine Humanities Council, is sponsoring a Chalk Fest. Registration is now open at the library, 930 Bog Road, East Vassalboro, to receive a free pack of chalk. Create designs on your own property effective immediately. Surrounding town members are encouraged to register and participate in this event. Social distancing and mask wearing is always encouraged when you are outside creating your art.
Chalk sites will be open September 5 to 13 at various locations around Vassalboro. These include Vassalboro Library, Historical Society, Town Office, Fire Station (Rte. 32), the old Town Office (next to Ferris’s), Maine Savings FCU, and St. Bridget Center. Spaces at these sites are limited so register by visiting the library, calling 923-3233, or email vplibrary@gmail.org. Please send pictures of your designs to our email. We would love to see your work!
On Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Vassalboro Public Library will be hosting a book sale at $2 a bag! Everything must go! A great selection of books for sale: fiction, non-fiction, craft and hobby, children’s books, puzzles and much more! Weather permitting, books will be available for viewing and purchase outdoors. Due to spacing guidelines from the state we will be enforcing spacing restrictions for those who view books inside the library. Be prepared for a wait time if things get busy inside the library because we will take time to sanitize. Remember to social distance. Mask wearing is required.
Vassalboro Library now hosts an ongoing year round book sale during the library’s regular operating hours: Monday and Friday noon – 6 p.m., and Wednesday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fr. Plante’s most famous work focuses on the eyes of songbirds.
Last week, hundreds of never before available pieces of artwork by the late Fr. Paul Plante have been posted for sale on a tribute website that serves as both a canvas of his immense talent and a tribute to his indelible legacy.
The work of Fr. Plante, who died in June 2016, has been featured in art galleries around the country. His most famous work focuses on the eyes of songbirds, hawks, ducks, and other birds in 4 ½” x 4 ½” oil pastel paintings. The paintings reflect his fascination with birds, their spirit and their furtive nature. His portfolio also includes fish, plums, apples, and more. The work is searchable by collection and category on the website which can be found at www.paulplante.com.
Visitors to the site will also have the chance to explore a few of the many other contributions Fr. Plante made during his life. One section features his homilies, while another is dedicated to his professional experiences and even includes the words of the artist himself.
“I look at my artwork with the same awe that makes me wonder who I am as a person,” reads part of Fr. Plante’s writings. “In many ways, I’m discovering myself in my art. I also sometimes feel as though the depths of my being are exposed through my art. When the result in another person is joy or awe and wonder, it makes it all worthwhile.”
A Sanford native, Fr. Plante attended St. Ignatius Elementary and Junior High School taught by the Ursuline Nuns and the Brothers of Christian Instruction. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 8, 1971, by Archbishop Peter L. Gerety at St. Ignatius Church, in Sanford. After his ordination, he served as chaplain of the Portland hospitals (1971); parochial vicar at St. Louis Church, in Auburn (1971-1975), St. Joseph Church, in Biddeford (1975-1976), and Holy Cross Church, in Lewiston (1976-1985); parochial vicar as well as rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in Portland (1985-1993); and pastor of St. John Church, in Winslow (1993-2004) and Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, in Oquossoc (2004-2016). In 2009, he was assigned as Vicar for Priests while remaining pastor of Our Lady of the Lakes.
At the request of Fr. Plante, all proceeds from the website will be given to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland to be used for diocesan needs.
The University of Maine at Farmington announced its dean’s list for the fall 2019 semester.
Augusta: Allee Cloutier, Suzanna Dibden, Sydney Goodridge, Josh Hoffman, Alison Laplante, Lexi Lettre, Michael Levesque, Alexis Libby, Catie Meehan, Justin Rodrigue.
Belgrade: Alannah Hartford, Garrett Main, Seth Main, Andrew Poulliot, Montana Towers, Makayla Wilson, Gabby Wood-McGuckin.
Benton: Jillian Thompson.
Clinton: Suther Bickford, Alyssa Higbie, Simoane Lowell, McKenna Rogers.
Cornville: Jotham Miller.
Embden: Kelsey Creamer.
Fairfield: Tabby Bickford, Sawyer Deroche, Megan Dickinson, Calista Hodges, Elianna Maniatakos.
Jefferson: Jaynee Goddard, Nathan McIvor.
Madison: Mariah Langton, Chase Malloy.
Norridgewock: Mikayla Chase, Ashley Hemphill, Ben Lyman, Hudson Sirois.
Oakland: McKenna Brodeur, Fern Calkins, Paige Lilly, Sarah Ventimiglia, Nathan Violette.
Rome: Julia Dudley, Becca Long.
Sidney: Garrett Fisher, Maggie Pomerleau, Brian Tibbetts.
Skowhegan: Mariah Bonneau, Mackenzie Clement, Robbie Knowles, Aspen Leblanc, Brianna Meng, Bailey Weston.
Solon: Rachel Layman.
South China: Noelle Cote, Liz Nadeau.
Unity: Etienne Desrosiers, Madison Vigeant.
Vassalboro: Morgan Wellman.
Waterville: Gareth Belton, Joshua Carey, Ana Drew, Amber Labbe, Jamie Maroon, Becky Paradis, Shirlynn Sears, Morgann Tortorella, Aurora Turmelle.
Whitefield: Jordan Bailey.
Windsor: Mandy LaRose.
Winslow: Broghan Gagnon, Kyle Gurney, Zack Laflamme, Cassie McCaslin, Kamryn Michaud.
by Debbie WalkerI read an amazing theory on Facebook: a computer social program. I have no idea who is the author, but I am impressed with the words of wisdom. If you already saw this, I hope you will enjoy the premise of the theory again.
A man was giving his daughter the gift of an old “seen better days” car. His instruction was for her to take it to a car dealer to see what they would offer to purchase the car. She came back and told her dad they offered $1,000.
Next, he told her to take it to a pawn shop to see what their offer is. Well, that price was only $100.
Lastly, he told her to take the car to a car club meeting to see if there was any interest. Some people in the club offered $100,000 for it since it was an iconic car and sought after by many.
I am quoting the story now: “The father said to his daughter, ‘The right place values you the right way. If you are not valued, do not be angry, it means you are in the wrong place. Those who know your value are those who appreciate you. Never stay in a place where no one sees your value.’”
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we were all raised to be aware of our personal value? Are you aware of your value in your daily life? Do you know your value to your childhood family, friends, and teachers? Do you know your value to the family you are raising? Do your spouse and family know their value to you?
I’ll bet you never thought much about it even after reading the story but take a few minutes to think about this, what would your value be? What value do you give others?
None of this has anything to do with dollars and cents. Since I am retired the career/job doesn’t fit my life’s value. I am looking back at my employment years and I believe I placed too much value in that part of my life. It had a great deal to do with what I saw as my value of myself.
Raising my daughter, I am not sure either of us truly understood “value”. I think she looked at me as “something to survive”. We argued quite a bit. I think we both looked at each other more with the word “tolerance”!
Unfortunately, in my married life my husband suffered from depression most all his life. I doubt either of us valued the other. After too many years I did realize I was in the wrong place.
These days I am very aware of my wonderful friendships and family and how much we value each other. If you doubt your value, are there grandkids around? The first time this little chubby toddler came running towards me with arms flying wildly hollering “Nana” hug! Value, oh yeah!
I’m just curious if any of this has you changing your perception of value. It did me.
Contact me with any comments or questions at DebbieWalker@townline.org.
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week!
Shirley Hazzard
by Peter CatesI just began reading a 1980 novel, The Transit of Venus, by the Australian-born Shirley Hazzard (1931-2016) and was struck by the descriptive power of one paragraph evoking the atmosphere of the quiet South England countryside just before a violent lightning storm erupts; anyone like myself with finely tuned nerves to these mid-summer meteorological disturbances might appreciate her way with words here:
“That noon a man was walking slowly into a landscape under a branch of lightning. A frame of almost human expectancy defined this scene, which he entered from the left-hand corner. Every nerve – for even barns and wheelbarrows and things without tissue developed nerve in those moments – waited, fatalistic. Only he, kinetic, advanced against circumstances to a single destination.”
For what it’s worth, I got over my 20 years of fear of thunderstorms when I moved to Houston for 16 years.
MCA2-4074, 2 LPs, 1975 reissue comprised of early 1930s and 1950s Decca recordings.
Tommy Dorsey
The very brilliant arranger, bandleader and trombonist Tommy Dorsey (1905-1956) led one of the most successful orchestras during the Big Band Era from the early ‘30s to circa 1946, when he had to let his players go because of dwindling engagements. However, around 1947, an RCA Victor 78 set of his records scored on the Billboard top ten, where he had already charted 286 times during the previous decade and provided enough money for him to start another band.
The above set covers his years of recording for Decca before he moved to RCA Victor in 1935 and after he returned in 1950, and contains 20 sides, including the well-known Lullaby of Broadway, Ain’t She Sweet, Cheek to Cheek, I’m Gettin’ Sentimental Over You, the classical favorite Ritual Fire Dance from Manuel De Falla’s Love the Magician and the spiritual Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen.
The band’s most famous singers and instrumentalists – Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford, Connie Haines, Buddy Rich, Bunny Berrigan, Glenn Miller – before 1937, older brother Jimmy Dorsey the clarinettist before their rift in 1934 and after their 1947 reconciliation, Gene Krupa, Nelson Riddle, Doc Severinsen etc.
For me, the centerpiece was Tommy’s trombone playing which, for phrasing and breathing, was admired and followed by Sinatra in how to sing beautifully.
Dorsey had a notorious temper and alienated many.
He gave Glenn Miller a very generous cash loan to start his own band in 1937, considering the loan an investment. When Miller’s band achieved success, Miller resisted sharing any profits with Dorsey.
During the mid-’30s, Tommy Dorsey built his own state of the art record playing system for home listening.
In 1956, the Dorsey Brothers hosted Elvis Presley on their TV show.