Volunteers still needed for Festival of Trees

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Additional volunteers are still needed as the Alfond Youth & Community Center presents Family Festival of Trees again this holiday season, continuing a proud tradition begun by the Sukeforth family in 2015.

When you participate in this event, you are creating or continuing a fabulous holiday tradition. At the same time, the money you help raise supports our families in the community experiencing food insecurity through the services of Alfond Youth & Community Center and reinforces workforce development projects in the region.

Who doesn’t love a beautiful holiday tree? Imagine over fifty trees and the beauty and creativity represented. This wonderful family tradition will be held at The Elm, 21 College Ave., Waterville from November 18-20 and November 25-27. Hours on Fridays and Saturdays will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 20 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 27 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drawings for tree winners will begin on Sunday, November 27 at 5 p.m.

A daily 50/50 drawing will be held each day of the event, with the final 50/50 drawing held at 4 p.m. at the close of the event. You do not need to be present to win – winners will be contacted by phone each day.

The Family Festival of Trees will provide a magical experience the whole family can enjoy. Admission for ages 12 and over is just $2 per person, with children under 12 admitted free. Free children’s books will also be distributed, while supplies last. Purchase and drop your individual tree tickets (just .50 each) into the container of your favorite tree and you could go home at the end of the event with a beautifully decorated tree complete with all the gift cards and merchandise displayed. Only cash payments are accepted for the admission, tree tickets and 50/50 entries; however, an ATM is available on site.

Please join in this magical experience. Whether you visit to view the trees on display or are willing to volunteer some time to help staff the event, it will be time well-spent – and you will be helping support your community through your participation.

For more information about the festival, or to volunteer, go online to www.festivaloftreesmaine.com. If you would like to volunteer as a group, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Bonnie McBreairty, bmcbreairty@clubaycc.org.

EVENTS: Tea and Troubadour: A literary tea

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submitted by Lyn Rowden

Recycled Shakespeare Company is beginning their tenth season with their popular Literary Tea on Sunday, December 4, 2022, in the beautiful hall of the South Parish Congrega­tional Church, 9 Church Street, in Augusta.

A splendid tea party beginning at 2 p.m., is the setting for a delightful afternoon of poetry readings highlighted with songs old and new. An occasion to dress up and enjoy Recycled Shakespeare Company and Friends sharing the works of troubadours through the ages, this event makes a beautiful Sunday outing or a special holiday gift to remember.

The $25 per ticket includes tea, tidbits, dessert, favors, and supports RSC in its mission of providing free quality theater to Central Maine and beyond. There will also be an auction of special items to help RSC raise funds to build a much-needed storage unit.

Reservations are required. Seating is limited and sells out so please order tickets as soon as possible by calling Lyn at 314-4730 or Cathe at 612-6688.

China Lake water quality remains consistent

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Photo courtesy of Lakes of Maine

by  Robbie Bickford,
Water Quality Manager, Kennebec Water District

In the winter of 1902-1903, an epidemic of typhoid fever in the Waterville area resulted in an estimated 371 cases of typhoid with 40 deaths. Public health experts of the time determined the cause of the typhoid fever to be the drinking water from the Messalonskee Stream being distributed by the local water company.

Disposal of raw sewerage from Oakland and parts of Waterville was continually contaminating the Messalonskee Stream with human waste. To help protect public health the Kennebec Water District (KWD) was formed in 1899 and took ownership of the local water company’s assets in 1904. Prior to taking ownership of the system assets, KWD Trustees determined that the use of Messalonskee Stream had to end. As noted in the 1906 Annual Report of the Trustees, the Trustees determined “that we ought to take no chances with the sewerage of Oakland.”

After evaluating options, China Lake was determined to be the best source of supply for KWD. A pipeline was constructed, and water began to flow from China Lake to Waterville in May 1905. Sense then KWD has been committed to protecting the water quality of China Lake.

To this day, China Lake continues to be KWD’s sole source of supply providing drinking water for over 22,000 people in five communities. KWD has worked diligently throughout the years to protect and improve the water quality in China Lake by supporting and implementing many different initiatives. The two main areas of focus on over the past year have been (1) land management of the approximately 344 acres owned by KWD surrounding the West Basin and (2) increasing the already extensive water quality sampling KWD regularly conducts.

To help ensure land owned by KWD is managed to promote the highest possible water quality, KWD contracted with Comprehensive Land Technologies, Inc. (CLT) in 2019 to develop a Forest Management Plan that assessed the overall health of the forest and provided forest management recommendations. As part of this management plan, a harvesting plan for the South Peninsula was developed in 2021 focusing on improving overall forest health by promoting an uneven-aged, mixed species forest. Due to some unexpected delays and an early Spring, the selective harvest of the South Peninsula was postponed until Winter 2022-2023. Another recommendation completed in 2022 from the forest management plan was the planting of over 6,000 seedlings within six acres of fields owned by KWD. These fields were located directly adjacent to China Lake on the North Peninsula and once established, this expanded forested buffer will help limit erosion and trap nutrients and contaminants in runoff before they reach the water.

Throughout the summers of 2021 and 2022, KWD sampled three locations (one in each Basin) every two weeks for many water quality parameters such as transparency, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, phosphorus, and algae within the water column. The results from this testing, compared to the past 10 years, indicate the water quality in China Lake remains consistent. While the data illustrates that water quality is not declining, it is also not improving appreciably. Therefore, there is a need for continued collaborative work by the users of this important resource.

KWD’s staff and Trustees remain committed to preserving and enhancing the water quality of China Lake. KWD’s work over the past year is vital to this ongoing effort. More information about KWD and its commitment to China Lake can be found at www.KennebecWater.org. Specific questions can be emailed to Robbie Bickford, KWD’s Water Quality Manager at RBickford@kennebecwater.org.

Winslow Community Cupboard Food Pantry to benefit from Hannaford Bouquet Promotion

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photo from: foodpantries.org

Looking for an easy, effective way to support a local food pantry during these challenging economic times? For the month of November, Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry will receive a $1 donation from each “Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquet” (marked by a red circle sticker) sold at the Hannaford supermarket located at 190 Kennedy Memorial Drive, JFK Plaza, in Waterville.

Every dollar donated to the food pantry will go directly to assist food-insecure children, seniors, and other adults in Winslow, Waterville, and surrounding towns—now more than 200 families in all, with demand steadily rising.

Those unable to purchase the Hannaford “Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquet,” or who wish to make a direct donation, may do so by mailing a check payable to Winslow Community Cupboard: Winslow Community Cupboard, 12 Lithgow St., Winslow, ME 04901. Credit card or PayPal donations are also greatly appreciated at this link: https://winslowucc.org/winslow-community-cupboard/

Winslow Community Cupboard is a ministry of Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow, which has served the local community since 1828.

For more information, please contact Winslow Community Cupboard at WinslowCupboard@Gmail.com.

Spectrum Generations and Northern Light Health to offer flu vaccinations and COVID-19 boosters in Central Maine

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For your health’s sake, give vaccination a shot.

Spectrum Generations, in partnership with Northern Light Health, will offer two flu shot and vaccination clinics, at the Muskie Community Center, 38 Gold Street, Waterville, on Thursday, November 17, from 1 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at the Cohen Community Center, 22 Town Farm Road, Hallowell, on Thursday, December 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To receive the flu vaccine, please bring your insurance card. Private pay cost for the flu vaccine is $50 if under 65 years of age and $85 for those aged 65 and older. No person will be turned away for inability to pay.

To receive the COVID-19 Booster, recipients must have completed a primary series of COVID-19 immunizations (two Pfizer or two Moderna, or one Johnson & Johnson). Or those having had the primary series and one or more booster(s) are also eligible. Recipients must be at least two months out from having received their last COVID-19 vaccine (primary or booster). The Bivalent booster protects against the original virus that causes COVID-19, Delta variants and Omicron variants.

In-home vaccination options are also available for individuals that are homebound. To schedule a home visit please call 1-800-639-1553.

For more information, visit https://www.spectrumgenerations.org.

Three brothers complete Eagle Scout hat trick

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The Pettengill family, from left to right, Lee, Aiden, Bryson, Rémy, and Danielle Pettengill. All three of Lee and Danielle’s sons attained the rank of Eagle Scout. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

CHINA, ME — Bryson Lee Pettengill, of Troop #479, received his Eagle Scout rank during a ceremony held on October 30, at the China Masonic Lodge. He isn’t the first in his family, however, to attain the rank of Eagle. Both of his brothers have also earned scouting’s highest honor. Aiden earned his Eagle on October 25, 2017, and Rémy, who is currently serving as Senior Patrol leader for Troop #479, earned his Eagle on August 28, 2019. Since the inception of the Eagle Scout award in 1912, 2.01 percent of eligible scouts have earned scouting’s highest honor but the Pettengill family has seen 100 percent of their children earn the award.

Danielle Pettengill pins the Eagle Scout medal on the uniform of her son Bryson. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Lee Pettengill, their father, praised scouting: “It means a safe place for boys to turn into young men. A place of friendship and tolerance. A place that teaches it’s OK to stumble and educates how to get back up gracefully and move forward with dignity. I don’t know about other troops but ours is an extended family of people going out of their way to help others both in the troop and the community.” Lee is an assistant scoutmaster with the troop and his wife Danielle is the troop advancement chairman.

More than 50 people attended Bryson’s ceremony including State Senator Matt Pouliot and State Representative Tim Theriault, who presented the 13-year-old China Middle School student with a Legislative Sentiment acknowledging his accomplishment, and a United States flag that flew over the State capitol building. “This is a tremendous accomplishment,” Pouliot said, admitting that he never got beyond Cub Scouts but appreciated the leadership development and service scouting provides. “It is a great program for our young people and it is a great benefit to our communities.”

Not only did Bryson receive his Eagle, but he also earned a Bronze Palm for his Eagle Scout ribbon in recognition of his having earned nine badges above those required for Eagle. As he is only 13, he could earn many more palms before he turns 18.

PHOTO: Thomas College sports center named for Sukeforths

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From left to right, Bob Marin, Brad Marin w/son Clark Marin, Caroline Marin w/daughter Lydia Marin, Annette Sukeforth Marin w/granddaughter Amelia Marin, Donna Sukeforth, Lainey Thorne, Jessica Marin Giandrea, Rita Sukeforth w/great-granddaughter Caidyn Thorne, Thomas College President Laurie Lachance, Doug Sukeforth, Kevin Thorne, Heather MacKenzie Thorne, Nick Thorne w/son Brayden Thorne, Amanda Thorne, and Patrick Thorne. Absent from photo: Yvonne Sukeforth Palmer, Don Palmer, Dylan Palmer, Kyle Palmer, Pamela Sukeforth, and Herb Giandrea. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)

Recently, Thomas College dedicated its new sports center to the Sukeforth family.

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.

Lauren Emery joins Madison Area Health Center

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Lauren Emery

This October, staff at Madison Area Health Center are pleased to welcome Lauren Emery, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Lauren has experience in both inpatient and outpatient counseling.

Lauren earned her master’s degree in General Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. Previously, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Mental Health And Human Services from the University of Maine at Augusta. She has also achieved her Mental Health Rehabilitations Treatment certificaton, and holds certification with the National Board of Certified Counselors. Lauren has experience providing treatment to patients of all ages who are working through issues such as anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, and more. Lauren is a great addition for the Madison area and surrounding communities.

Lauren joins physician Diane Zavotsky; nurse practitioners JoHanna Davis and Jeanne Stokes; physician assistant Marie Mason; psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Kelly Bell Bragg; and licensed clinical social worker Danna Lee. Our clinicians offer healthcare services to patients of all ages. Chenoa Jackson, licensed social worker, serves as our Connector and can assist you in accessing affordable healthcare options and other services.

 

 

 

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.