Urgent funding needed by Winslow Community Cupboard Food Pantry to meet surging demand

/0 Comments/in , /by

photo from: foodpantries.org

The Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry – which now serves more than 220 food-insecure families with an additional 18-20 being added each month – is urgently seeking new one-time and recurring monetary donations to meet surging demand. The food pantry now assists food-insecure children, seniors, and other adults from 24 local towns, including Winslow (35 percent of clientele), Waterville (35 percent of clientele), Fairfield (20 percent of clientele), Clinton, and Benton. Clients over the age of 60 make up 46 percent of its client registrations.

“The dramatic increase in the cost of groceries, rent, gas, utilities, and other items means many of our neighbors—for the first time ever—are dependent on our food pantry,” said Bruce Bottiglierie, Operations Manager at Winslow Community Cupboard. “In August alone, we provided more than 80,000 pounds of food to our neighbors in need—and demand just keeps escalating and escalating.”

Recurring Donations Especially Sought.

Bottiglierie said he was especially hopeful that area businesses and individuals might join in Winslow Community Cupboard’s “Replenish the Cupboard” effort. When they choose to participate, businesses and individuals are asked to pledge $50, $25, or whatever they can afford each month, with donations always being strictly voluntary. Those interested in helping in this way are asked to send an email to WinslowCupboard@ Gmail.com.

Those who wish to make a one-time donation may do so by mailing a check payable to “Winslow Community Cupboard” to: 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 food pantry 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.

EVENTS: Lincoln County Democrats announce return of harvest dinner

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

The Lindseys have imbued the spacious interior of Le Barn with Maine rustic charm while adding contemporary amenities. (contributed photos)

The Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC) is pleased to announce the return of the Harvest Dinner to its annual calendar. The popular event will be hosted Sunday, October 2 from 4 – 6 p.m., at Le Barn, a huge, restored, gambrel-roofed event facility located in the rolling farmland of Jefferson.

“We’re thrilled that Jim and Marie Lindsey have loaned us the use of this remarkable building that they have so lovingly restored,” said Valarie Johnson, organizer of the event. “I’m looking forward to seeing all our friends and neighbors in this new, larger space where we can all spread out a little.”

A simple meal of hearty chowders, soups, and stews that will include vegan options is supplied by LCDC volunteers and accompanied by bread and apple cider. The meal is served by candidates and elected officials, and the event concludes with plenty of desserts – think apple and pumpkin pies. And with a price of $20 per person or $50 to be listed as a host, it’s a bargain!” He urged fellow Democrats to, “Come on out and show your support of your candidates!” in this final fundraising effort for the year.

Le Barn is located at 132 Waldoboro Rd. in Jefferson. The Harvest Dinner is hosted by the LCDC and is open to the public. Details about how to make reservations or be listed as a host can be accessed at https://lincolncountydemocrats.com/harvest. The deadline for reservations is Wednesday, September 28. For more information about this event, please contact Valarie Johnson at 207-549-3358.

Reviving the China Historical Society

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

The interior of the China History Museum.

by Bob Bennett

As we all know, it is inevitable that things change over time. Those of us who recall and cherish the past are the ones who can help restore and keep those memories alive. It is with that purpose that I have composed this short article.

For a number of years, the China Historical Society boasted many active members and leaders. For example, as a lifelong railroad fan, I was amazed by the late Mark Johnson’s contributions, as the head of the society in the late 1990s, to the authors of the six volume history of the Wiscasset Waterville And Farmington “two footer,” Narrow Gauge In The Sheepscot Valley. However, in the last few years, numbers have dwindled and we are now down to just a few interested people. Thus, as a follow-up to the excellent turnout that we had at our China Community Days open house, and to hopefully stir up even more interest in the society, we will be having another “meet and greet” on Saturday, September 10, beginning at 1 p.m. There are several reasons for this meeting.

First, the town’s history and relevant artifacts need to be protected as much as possible and as a retired history teacher, I certainly understand the need for this preservation. Lost history can never be recovered. However, the conditions that exist in the present historical museum are not conducive to quality storage. There is no climate control, save for Mother Nature, and pests and rodents are frequent visitors. Electricity is present but basic at best. While the town does deal with the pests, these issues may become even greater down the road. Possibly, some human visitors might have resources or suggestions that could help alleviate this situation.

In addition, to continue to be a viable entity, The China Historical Society needs people and these folks are welcome from all age groups. Older individuals are often more interested in history and its physical aspects. This is largely because they’ve lived and witnessed more of the past and/or have ties to it. But, to keep that interest alive and growing, we also need to inspire younger humans to get interested and involved in learning about the past and keeping it alive. Thus, I am hoping that our get-together on September 10 will attract China residents, and seasonal visitors, of all ages.

As I stated earlier, we’ll shoot for a start time of 1 p.m., in the afternoon. Hopefully, that will allow folks to take care of their weekend chores. I would suggest thinking about bringing folding or lawn-type chairs since in-building seating is not very available or comfortable; the town will likely provide some as well. Several of we members will be there and the OPEN flag will be flying in the newly-installed holder on the ramp railing. I look forward to seeing you!

China schools benefit from local boy scouts

/0 Comments/in , /by

Bryson giving the safety inspection and assigning tasks to the scouts, left to right, Scouts Isaac Audette, Brady Newell, Sam Boynton, Bryson Pettengill, Nathan Choate and Assistant Scoutmaster Aiden Pettengill. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Bryson Pettengill’s Eagle Project was to create Zen Spaces at both the China’s Primary and Middle schools. He wanted to give back to the school and after discussions with his parents it was clear that children with special needs or social anxiety needed a safe environment. He realized the schools didn’t have one on the playgrounds. In researching online, he made the spaces as natural as he could because things found in nature provide calming stimuli.

Scouts Sam Boynton, left, and Remy Pettengill were assigned to put the picnic table together for the Middle school location. (photo courtesy
of Chuck Mahaleris)

The purpose of an Eagle project, which is a capstone assignment at the end of the Boy Scout advancement ladder, is to demonstrate leadership. There is no quantity of hours required for an Eagle project. The Scout need only demonstrate leadership in the task; therefore, it must be complicated enough to require the assistance of other Scouts.

A good Eagle project is one that gives the Scout an opportunity to organize his fellow Scouts into action. Most Scouts find this to be a challenging task, as it is unlike anything they have ever done in Scouting – and for many, unlike anything they’ve done outside of scouting as well.

These spaces would include “Buddy Stumps”, a Zen sand garden, picnic tables, calming plants, checker/Tic-Tac-Toe boards and building blocks/logs made with natural elements. Studies show that nature benefits children’s mental health because it is a natural calming stimulus. Spaces were built at both schools.

Bryson had to work with the principals from both schools to obtain approval for the project and for the location for Zen spaces at each school. He then had to get the approval for this project from the Troop #479 committee by scheduling a time to present his project. He had to schedule a meeting with the project coach for Kennebec Valley District of Pine Tree Council for the final approval before he could start the project.

He asked for help from his fellow Scouts in Troop #479 and other volunteers and scheduled a work date of July 9, 2022.

Bryson is the son of Lee and Danielle Pettengill, of South China and will be entering the eighth grade this year.

Scout Bryson Pettengill with the completed Zen space at the Middle School. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

PHOTOS: Winslow state title winners

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Winslow 9-10 year-old boys captured the state championship in the 4×100 relay at the USATF State Track Meet, held on Saturday, August 13, at Cony High School, in Augusta. From left to right is Dominic Akoa, Trafton Nadeau, Cooper Grant, and Zachary Katz. (Central Maine Photography Photo)

Winslow 11-12 Boys won the state championship in the 4×100 relay at the USATF State Track Meet, held on Saturday, August 13, at Cony High School, in Augusta. This was the second year in a row that Winslow won the age group relay at the state meet. Nixon and Kaiser were on last year’s relay as well. They were seeded at a 1:01.44 going into this meet and ended up with their best time of 59.86. From left to right, Larsen Ronco, Kaiser Stewart, Coach Kenneth Nadeau, Weston Pappas, and Nixon Souviney. (Central Maine Photography photo)

2022 Vassalboro school supplies drive successful

/0 Comments/in , , /by

The 4th annual Vassalboro Community School supplies drive, held on August 27, at the North Vassalboro Fire Station, was another success this year. (photo courtesy of Don Breton)

(photo courtesy of Don Breton)

(photo courtesy of Don Breton)

EVENTS: Share the Road with Carol

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Dr. Carol Eckert, shown here at Androscoggin Riverlands State Park, in Turner, was tragically killed in a bicycling accident in Windsor last October. (contributed photo)

The sixth annual Share the Road with Carol memorial bike ride will take place on Sunday, September 18. Share the Road with Carol is an all ages commemorative bike ride in Windsor and Whitefield. The ride, which has 12-mile and 27-mile options, starts and ends at the Windsor Town Office.

This annual ride honors the memory of Carol Eckert, M.D. Carol was tragically killed as a result of a bike accident that occurred in Windsor on October 10, 2016. Biking was Carol’s passion and we invite everyone who feels the same to join us in remembrance of a life well pedaled and to further the cause of bicycle safety in Maine.

The registration fee is $20 for adults, and $10 for any person under 15 years of age accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register online (https://www.BikeReg.com/share-the-road-with-carol) or at the event from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. (pre-registration is encouraged). Then current CDC guidelines relative to COVID-19 will be followed and participants are asked to wear face coverings inside the Windsor Town Office.

There will be one rest stop on the 27-mile ride. Please join us after the ride at the Windsor Town Hall for fellowship, remembrances and light snacks.

Whether you knew Carol or not, this ride is a wonderful opportunity to explore the lovely rolling hills along the border of the Kennebec and Lincoln counties.

Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarolsRide.

2022 Vassalboro Days schedule of events – Friday, September 9 & Saturday, September 10

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Vassalboro Days 2022

Friday September 9 & Saturday September 10

Friday, Sept 9, 7-10 PM

Concert by the Root Notes at the Mill in the North! BYO chairs!

Saturday, Sept. 10

FREE BUS RIDES to and from the Mill, the Town Office, United Methodist Church, the Historical Society, with turn around at the LIBRARY from 10-3.
Simply wait at one of the stops, wait may be up to 15 minutes and wave the driver down!

United Methodist Church Breakfast and Silent Auction 8-10 at the church.

United Methodist Church remote Car Event from 11-1 at the church.

Ducky Derby tickets available 10-1:00 at the VBA Booth or from Ray Breton, before that day 877-2005!

Freddie’s Cruise-In at the Town Office from 9-2 for the Vassalboro Scholarship Fund!
Rain date Sunday!

Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Fried Chicken & Fries by the Masonic Lodge 10-3 (Bernie 314-3076 to order)

Many Vendors and Crafters Saturday & Sunday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the lawn and inside the Mill. (Samantha 314-4940)

Flea Market from 9-3 in die parking lot, across street from Maine Savings FCU (416-4346)

Maine Bike Coalition Rodeo 10-12 (kids bikes available, adults BYO) at Rec Fields (This event has been cancelled.)

Face Painting 11:30-1:30 at the Mill.

Giant Bubbles, Sensory Pools for Little People, and various duck fun from 10-3 at die Mill.

Vassalboro Library will have a book sale and food sale at the Library at 930 Bog Road on September 9 from 11-6 and Saturday from 10-4. The library will also have a table in the North on Saturday during Vassalboro Days. Books arc by donation and you may also buy baked goods made with love by patrons.

Vassalboro Historical Society 9-3 at the Blacksmith Shop, the Harness Shop, and the Musewn. 327 & 360 Main St both Sat. and Sunday.

Maine Apple Days Sat. and Sunday at Lemieux’s Orchard 8-6 daily.

Vassalboro Recreation Department will have a table at die Mill so that you can meet director Karen Hatch

Vassalboro Ministry Association will have a table as well for the fuel fund!

DOUBLE DAM DUCKY DERBY AT 1:30.

DUCK DUMP ATTHE DAM NEAR THE SWIMMING HOLE. THE END OF THE RACE AT THE MILL-STREAM SIDE!

ALL ARE “WELCOME TO HELP RETRIEVE DUCKS, CHILDREN WILL REQUIRE YOUR SUPERVISION! A quick training will occur at 1:15 at the VBA Tent!

Color Me Too Fun run has been cancelled. Sorry!

Vassalboro Public Library summer reading program a huge success

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Throughout the summer 67 students, all members of the Vassalboro library, participated in the Summer Reading Program “Bikes for Books,” sponsored by Vassalboro Masonic Lodge #54. Mid-June the children signed up for the program and received a welcome packet which included a free book, start-up prizes and reading logs. They also received one raffle ticket for signing up which went into the bike raffle. For every two hours read after signup, and recorded in reading logs, students received another ticket to add to the raffle. There were 12 bikes total to win – all sponsored by the Vassalboro Masonic Lodge- sized 16″, 20″ 24″ and 28″, to accommodate the different ages of the participants.

The incentive for students was immediately apparent to library staff. Many of the participating children were eager to win a bike. About 15 students were reading 15-40 hours a week, and up to 40 came often to the library to turn in reading logs for more raffle tickets. By August 28, once the final tally came in, the 67 participating students had read a total of 1,622 hours!

On August 28 the library director, Brian Stanley, assistant librarian, and two trustees gathered with members of the Masonic lodge to raffle off the bikes. Participating families were welcome to get free ice cream, to have their faces painted by a pro – Face paint Amy – and to get a free library T-shirt. Many of the winning students were present to receive the bikes and others were called who were not present. All in all 12 eager and happy students received bikes and the 1,622 hours read became a great incentive for the Library and Masonic Lodge to hold similar events in the coming years.

During the summer the Vassalboro Library also sponsored many programs for the area youth including Northern Stars Planetarium, Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers, Chewonki – Tidepools and Fins and Flippers – the LC Bates Museum and weekly storytimes. Check the library’s website and Facebook for future events.

PHOTO: Fort Halifax DAR winners

/0 Comments/in , /by

Front, from left to right, Elizabeth Longfellow, fifth grade American History winner, Carrina Chen, Jennie Paine Howard winner, Megan Heusers, Good Citizen winner, and Dominique Giroux-Pare’ eighth grade American History winner. Back, Patricia Poulin-Gorman, chairman of the Good Citizens Committee, and Sandra Swallow, Regent of the DAR Fort Halifax Chapter. Missing from the photo is Swayer Inman and Kloe McEachirn. (contributed photo)