Winslow Community Cupboard Food Pantry to benefit from Hannaford Bouquet Promotion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Scouts fill kayak for Feed-A-Neighbor program

From left to right, Arrow of light Lizzy Blais, Arrow of Light Willow Mudie, youngest brother future scout Sullivan Mudie, and cleverly holding the door Bear Cub Scout Scarlett Mudie stand in front of a kayak they filled with contributions from friends and neighbors at the Western Avenue Shaw’s, in Augusta. The photo was taken at the start of the collection effort but the Cubs were able to fill the kayak and also received monetary donations to help those in need. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Scouts from Augusta Cub Scout Pack 603 took part in their annual “Scouting for Food” Drive with a twist. This year they sought to collect enough canned and other non-perishable foods for the Feed-A-Neighbor program. Shaw’s Supermarket, in Augusta, hosted the event on Saturday, October 15, and shoppers were eager to generously help those in need during these difficult times. Scout leader Jeffrey Morton said, “After filling the kayak, it was a pleasure to present the Augusta Food Bank’s Executive Director, Bob Moore, with a check for $155 and the food contributions to continue Augusta’s effort to feed our hungry. In Scouting, we teach each Cub that they have a responsibility to “Help Other People at All Times” and to “Do a Good Turn Daily.” These aren’t just words they recite. It is how they live their lives.”

Whitefield Lions announce poster contest winners (2022)

From left to right, Madyson Glidden, of Whitefield, Avery Childs, of Palermo, Aurora Peabody, of Jefferson Village, Skyler McColet, of Chelsea , and Zoie Elliot, of Windsor. (contributed photo)

For over three decades, Lions clubs around the globe have been sponsoring a very special art contest in schools and youth groups. Creating peace posters gives children everywhere the chance to express their visions of peace and inspire the world through art and creativity. The Whitefield Lions Club has announced this year’s winners of their annual Peace Poster Contest. This year’s theme is “Lead with Compassion”. Area schools who participated were Jefferson, Whitefield, Palermo, Chelsea, and Windsor. Local community members participated in judging these fine works of art. The Whitefield Lions expresses appreciation to all the families and teachers who came to the spaghetti dinner and supported their students in the awards night held on October 27. These winners will go on to the state level competition.

Madison Legion Auxiliary collects school supplies

From left to right, Harriet Bryant, Robin Turek, Amy Washburn, Diane Pinkham, Sherry Medlin, Lisa Nichols, Tammy Giguere, Irma Fluet and Nancy Misiazek. (contributed photo)

Over the years, the Madison American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #39 has supported community programs such as Children and Youth. In recent years the organization has sponsored a school supplies collection box which included backpacks, pens, pencils, markers, notebooks, binders, crayons, colored pencils, water bottles etc. With the generosity of cash donations and school supplies from the community and members, the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #39, Madison, was able to donate over $900 worth of school supplies and backpacks to seven schools in the SAD #59 Madison and RSU#74 Anson area.

American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for over a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, military, and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $2 billion. As part of the world’s largest patriotic service organization, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with Dirigo State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism.

To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org or http://www.mainelegionpost39.org/. Or contact: Robin Turek, President – American Legion Auxiliary Tardiff-Belanger Unit #39, PO Box 325, Madison, ME – robinturek@gmail.com – 696-8289.

(contributed photo)