Waterville Rotary Club donates money to improve high school challenges

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MSAD #49 (Lawrence) – from left to right, Dan Bowers, Lawrence HS Principal; Patricia Watts, Assistant Superintendent; Jeff Melanson, President, Waterville Rotary Club.

The Waterville Rotary Club recently donated $500 to four local high schools to provide support to youth who are experiencing homelessness or other challenges that impact their learning and/or engagement in school.  Members of the Club’s Community Services Committee delivered checks in person to each of the schools. These donations dovetail with the club’s focus the past two years on providing resources in the community to address food insecurity and/or lack of access to basic necessities, issues which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

MSAD #49, in Fairfield, plans to use the funds specifically for food, clothing, or transportation. They may also use some of the funds to purchase sports equipment or materials for students that do not have means to purchase these items to participate in a sport or other activity.

Winslow High School – from left to right, Roger Krause, Waterville Rotary Club; Ms. Jones (JMG teacher) and some of the JMG students who help organize and stock the Raider Closet.  (JMG = Jobs for Maine’s graduates)

Winslow High School will use the funds to support their Raiders Closet.  Non-perishable food and clothes will be purchased, as needed.  In some cases, food-specific gift cards will be provided to families to purchase perishable items.

Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, has an initiative that provides food for families for the weekend and snacks during the school day.  They actively seek additional funds to provide for necessities that many of us take for granted in our daily lives, such as personal hygiene items, clothing, school supplies and food that can be prepared with minimal resources for those in temporary housing.

Messalonskee High School, from left to right, Keith Morin, Assistant Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer; Katelyn Pushard, Waterville Rotary Club; Carl Gartley, Superintendent.

Waterville High School will use the funds to support their school’s Food Pantry.  They may also use some funds to purchase other necessary items for students, such as seasonal clothing.

All the representatives from the various schools expressed a deep appreciation for this donation and the show of support for their most vulnerable students.  The committee members truly enjoyed the opportunity to visit the schools, meet with staff and students, and hear about the ways that our local schools are looking out for their students.

For more information about the Rotary, visit the website at watervillerotary.com.

Waterville High School, from left to right, Michele Prince, Waterville Rotary Club and the four class presidents,  Kate Rice, freshman, Emily Campbell, senior, Brianna Bates, junior, and Gabby St. Peter, sophomore. (contributed photo)

Knox-Lincoln SWCD to host Maine Audubon

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District is hosting Maine Audubon to present Stream Smart Training – Phase One on Thursday, May 26, at the Camden Opera House and online. The hybrid training will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and includes refreshments and resource materials.

This half-day introductory workshop provides training for professionals to expand the local knowledge base on how to include aquatic organism passage and higher storm volume capacity when designing stream/road crossings.

Applying the Stream Smart principles to road crossings can help connect and maintain fish and wildlife habitat while protecting roads and public safety. Stream Smart crossings can also help towns prepare for the large and frequent storm events that have been washing out roads around the state and the northeast. Participants will learn about learn about: the value of free-flowing streams; the regulations that are applicable when working on road/stream crossings; the principles of building Stream Smart crossings; the costs and benefits of Stream Smart crossings; and where to look for funding.

These workshops are designed for professionals responsible for road-stream crossings, including municipal leaders, managers, and public works employees. They cover road-stream crossing projects from site assessment to permitting and installation, and emphasize maintaining and restoring aquatic habitat and economic values of the stream. Workshop presenters include professionals from state and federal agencies and statewide non-profits, participants can receive recertification credit for Maine DEP’s Voluntary Contractor Certifi­cation Program, and information on potential funding sources.

Pre-registration with payment of $25 (mail-in registration) / $26 (online registration) is required by Friday, May 20. Attendees may register and pay online or download a registration form from the Knox-Lincoln SWCD website at www.knox-lincoln.org/events-workshops/stream-smart or for more information, contact Knox-Lincoln SWCD office at 596-2040, julie@knox-lincoln.org.

Knox-Lincoln SWCD is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

St. Michael student in Augusta uses “Principal for a Day” to help innocent of Ukraine

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St. Michael School Principal Kevin Cullen, standing, with “principal of the day” Natania. (contributed photo)

AUGUSTA, ME — When Natania, a first grader at St. Michael School, in Augusta, was informed she would get to serve as “Principal for a Day” on Tuesday, April 5. Her first thought was to use her newfound “power” to effect positive change.

“She decided to give everyone a dress down day for a donation of $2 or more per person,” said Principal Kevin Cullen. “All of the proceeds would go to the people of Ukraine. Amazing.”

On Tuesday, Natania was welcomed into each classroom with a “Good Morning, Principal Natania” as she made her way around the school collecting donations.

“In total, we raised close to $800 for the people of Ukraine,” said Cullen.

Marianne Pelletier, superintendent of Maine Catholic Schools, even called Natania to thank her for her efforts.

Vassalboro Centenarian

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Lois Bulger, of Vassalboro.

VASSALBORO, ME — Lois Bulger, Vassalboro’s oldest citizen, was feted recently by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, on the occasion of her 100th birthday.

She was born in Oakland on April 24, 1922. She has lived most of her adult life in Vassalboro where she and her husband raised their family, raised horses and later owned and operated a small antique shop.

Vassalboro couple invites furry friends into their home for temporary care

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Drizzle, left, and Fritter, at the Kitten Korner. (photos by Chris Choyce)

by Gillian Lalime

Entering into the apartment of Justin Saragosa and Chris Choyce you’ll most likely hear tiny meows coming from a certain corner.

Justin Saragosa and Chris Choyce

In the summer of 2018 the young couple was facing increasing rent prices in Portland and decided to move up to central Maine, where Justin is from. When the pandemic hit they were temporarily furloughed. This newfound time inspired them to begin something they’d wanted to do: foster animals! The in-law apartment they’d moved to had a little extra space, an empty corner to be specific. The Kitten Korner was born on Easter Sunday 2020, becoming a temporary home to their first foster kittens.

Over the last two years, The Kitten Korner has provided a home for 70 cats and two dogs with support from the Humane Society Waterville Area. Many animal shelters don’t receive funding from their town or state and rely on donations from local folks.

Fostering animals serves an important role in the community. Instead of an animal growing up in a shelter or becoming a neighborhood stray, fostering provides cats and dogs with a warm, nourishing, and loving home. Most of the costs associated with caring for animals are out of pocket, so the couple set up a Facebook page for the small operation. The Kitten Korner posts photos of the cute creatures, shares animal care tips, and promotes shelter events. Additionally, people from the community have connected with The Kitten Korner when encountering stray animals in their neighborhoods and to donate pet food, litter, toys, or make financial contributions.

While always having tiny bundles of fur roaming your home might sound like fun, Justin and Chris say the last two years have had their ups and downs. To anyone interested in fostering, Chris offers a few words of advice: “Compassion fatigue is a real thing – be sure to give yourself a break now and then.”

Once kittens are old enough for adoption, they are returned to the shelter. They have found it difficult to return animals they have nurtured, yet rewarding to watch them grow. It is also a lesson in understanding the importance of spaying or neutering pets and making sure they don’t get lost or wander off.

The Kitten Korner looks forward to a future where they have an entire room devoted to the care of foster animals. Possibly expanding to “pocket pets” like guinea pigs or rabbits, and working with other local shelters.

For more information about the operation please visit: https://www.facebook.com/thekittenkorner/photos/.

 

 

 

Erskine Academy Renaissance awards

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Seniors of the Trimester, from left to right, Aidan Larrabee, Samuel Worthley, Mackenzie Roderick, and Autumn Boody. (contributed photo)

On Friday, April 8, Erskine Academy held a Renaissance assembly to recognize second trimester award recipients.

Recognition Awards were presented to the following students: Parker Studholme, Andrew Shaw, David McCaig, Lauren Tyler, Balquis Hutami, and Damon Wilson.

In addition, four seniors received Senior of the Trimester Awards: Autumn Boody, daughter of Jessica and Lance Boody, of Washington; Samuel Worthley, son of Nancy and Peter Worthley, of Vassalboro; Mackenzie Roderick, daughter of Mike Roderick, of China, and Melissa Vail, of Augusta; and Aidan Larrabee, son of Carrie and Jeremy Larrabee, of China. Seniors of the Trimester are recognized as individuals who have gone above and beyond in all aspects of their high school careers.

In appreciation of their dedication and service to Erskine Academy, Faculty of the Trimester awards were also presented to Colleen Doucette, bus driver, and food service staff; and Marc Cote, guidance counselor.

Faculty of the Trimester, Marc Cote, left, and Colleen Doucette. (contributed photo)

China Primary School’s faculty lounge gets a nice face lift

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Faculty at China Primary School enjoy their redecorated staff room. (photo courtesy of Melissa Robbie)

Submitted by Melissa Robie Calouro
Pre-K teacher at CPS

As most people are already aware, teaching young children is already an exhausting profession – but with quarantines, masking, and social distancing, the last couple of “Covid” years have brought teachers to a new level of exhaustion! Our China Schools Parent Teacher Organi­zation (PTO) noticed this and wanted to show their love and support in a way that would be useful to our staff every day.

They noticed our staff room was dated, plain, and downright gloomy – so a team of parents set out to revitalize our break space – as a surprise! They worked tirelessly gathering donations from area businesses and set to work over Christmas break to transform our break room into a truly magical and relaxing environment. They painted all the walls and cabinetry (including mailboxes!) in coordinating bright aqua and tranquil grays with a splash of sunshine yellow.

The newly-renovated staff room at the China Primary School, through the hard work of the school’s Parent Teacher Organization. (photo courtesy of Melissa Robbie)

They equipped the room with:

  • New coordinating curtains;
  • Two brand-new microwaves;
  • A brand-new Keurig – complete with coffees, teas, hot chocolate, insulated cups/lids, creamer and sugar;
  • A brand-new refrigerator, fully stocked with healthy snacks and lunch options as well as sparkling waters and sodas;
  • A popcorn popper with popcorn kernels, popping oil, and popcorn seasonings;
  • A dining room table with chairs adorned with a fruit bowl and candy dish;
  • Two comfy chairs to sit back in;
  • A side table with a lamp to provide soft lighting;
  • A bar with bar stools to increase capacity and aesthetic;
  • A gorgeous painting of the ocean (painted and donated by a CPS parent);
  • Silverware, kitchen utensils, kitchen towels;
  • Shelving with decorations.

Specific PTO members and their families who dedicated hours into planning and the physical transformation of our staff room:

Megan Randazza, Bobbie and Ben Weymouth, Rebecca & Tim DeWitt, Raigan and Curtis York, and Percy O’Clair.

Community Donors:

Lakeview Lumber – Monetary donation;
Bry-Ann Mattingly – a parent and local artist who painted and donated the gorgeous ocean painting;
Bruce & Kathy Plaisted – bar stools;
Central Church — 2 microwaves and new Keurig coffee maker;
China Schools PTO – money, time, ideas, and effort;
Home Depot – Gift card;
Lowe’s – 5 gallons of paint.

(photo courtesy of Melissa Robbie)

The school staff had many positive feedbacks for the project:

“Every single teacher who walked into that room this morning instantly felt the love! We are so incredibly lucky to have parents and a community like ours who make us feel so appreciated in these crazy times. I’m looking forward to many lunches and laughs with my coworkers in the beautiful space you all created for us!” – Alyssa Bentley, Fourth Grade Teacher, at China Primary School.

“Everyone is so blown away at seeing this wonderful expression of appreciation from our PTO and community! Thank you to all who contributed to this project. We appreciate your generosity, time, and efforts. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!” – Linda Bengtson, administrative assistant at China Primary School.

“This beautiful makeover was just the morale booster we needed. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and creativity that you all put into this project!” – Lori Maxim, fourth grade teacher, at China Primary School.

“What an amazing transformation! Thank you so much for creating such a peaceful, warm, and inviting space for us to enjoy. Every detail was completed with such love!” – Melissa Robie Calouro, pre-K teacher, at China Primary School.

“It was so wonderful to walk into this beautiful surprise! Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible. We are so fortunate to have you.” – Kathy Jacobs, special education teacher, at China Primary School.

“Just incredible! My mouth seriously dropped when I walked in. Such a wonderful present. Thank you all so much for all of your hard work!” – Brittany Dunn, kindergarten teacher, at China Primary School.

“I don’t even have words for it! It felt like a whole different place. I’m still emotional thinking about it. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!” – Jennifer Gledhill, third grade teacher, at China Primary School.

Roderick receives MPA award

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Mackenzie Roderick

CHINA, ME — Mackenzie Roderick, of China, a senior at Erskine Academy, has been selected to receive the 2022 Principal’s Award, Headmaster Michael McQuarrie announced. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principal’s Association, is given to recognize a high school senior’s academic excellence, outstanding school citizenship, and leadership.

Roderick is a consistent high-honors student in a highly competitive academic program that includes all classes taken at the honors or accelerated level and numerous Advanced Placement and Concurrent Enrollment courses with nearby colleges. She has received recognition and accolades from within and outside of the school for her standout accomplishments in the classroom, athletics, and voluntary community service. Roderick has been awarded for outstanding achievement in calculus and statistics, excellence in Spanish, top performance in student council, and she is the Valedictorian for Erskine Academy’s class of 2022.

“Mackenzie is universally respected and esteemed by the school community. She is an exemplary student, school and community citizen, and a fine representative of Erskine Academy and young people. Mackenzie personifies the school’s core values of scholarship, leadership, stewardship, and relationships,” noted Headmaster McQuarrie when making the award.

Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital partners with Healthy Living for ME

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Healthy Living for ME welcomes Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital as a community provider in the statewide network.

As a community healthcare provider, Sebasticook Valley Hospital, in Pittsfield, will be offering workshops in the area of chronic disease self-management education and caregiver support. These evidence-based workshops are free to participants and designed to help them learn and build the skills they need to manage a number of chronic/ongoing health conditions and/or their unique caregiver situation. The workshops may be offered in-person, virtually, or by telephone.

In advance of the workshops’ launch through Sebasticook Valley Hospital, staff from the hospital are participating in leader trainings through Healthy Living for ME this spring.

“Joining the Healthy Living for ME network will help us bring more resources to our community that support Maine caregivers and help Mainers manage chronic conditions and improve their overall health and wellness. As a healthcare provider in the community, we are committed to helping build a healthier future for Maine,” said Sherry Tardy, Director of Community Health for the Pittsfield hospital. “We look forward to launching these workshops soon!”

“We’re glad to have Sebasticook Valley Hospital join us as a partner. This partnership will help to expand access to our workshops in the Sebasticook Valley region of central Maine, giving more Mainers the tools they need to manage their own ongoing health issues or to get the support and skills to help them as caregivers,” said Jen Paquet, Training Manager of Healthy Living for ME.

Healthy Living for ME supports Sebasticook Valley Hospital and other community providers through shared funding streams, including grants through the Administration for Community Living. The funding supports leader trainings, materials for programs, and overall coordination for the effective delivery of workshops in the community.

To learn more about Healthy Living for ME and our resources and programs, visit www.healthylivingforme.org, call 1-800-620-6036, or email info@healthylivingforme.org.

If your organization is interested in collaborating with Healthy Living for ME, or if you are an individual interested in volunteering with Healthy Living for ME, we invite you to contact info@healthylivingforme.org.

Be wary of text scams from your “boss”

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image: AARP

You may be used to getting text messages and emails from your boss, which is why a recent texting scam is so effective. Scammers find out where you work and pose as the CEO or other executive. Be on guard and don’t share money or information – be it your own or your company’s.

How the scam works

You receive a text from a number you don’t recognize, claiming to be from your boss. The sender knows your name, where you work, and your boss’s name. It seems so real! The text message might read something like this: “Hi Chris, I’m tied up in a conference call right now but let me know if you get this text. Thanks [your boss’ name].”

If you reply that you received the text, you’ll be asked to do a quick task. This could be purchasing gift cards for a client or wiring funds to another business. In some cases, the scammer may ask you to send personal information to someone, often giving you a plausible reason to carry out the request.

No matter how believable the reason sounds, always double check before taking any action. Once you send the money, gift cards, or information, it will be in the hands of a con artist.

How to protect yourself from impostor scams

Don’t trust unsolicited messages from unfamiliar numbers. If your boss regularly communicates with you via text message, save their number in your contact list. Don’t respond to potential impersonators reaching out from a different number.

Be wary of unusual requests. If your boss has never asked you to buy gift cards, even if the request comes from a number you’ve saved, think twice. Scammers can potentially clone phone numbers and might have hijacked your boss’ number to target employees.

Double check with your boss personally. If a request comes from a strange number or just doesn’t sound right, call or email your boss first, using their real contact information, rather than replying to the message. It’s better to double check than to rush into a scam. Plus, your boss will want to know if they are being impersonated, so they can warn their other employees.

If you suspect a scam, don’t reply. If you’re fairly certain you’ve been contacted by a scammer, don’t reply to the text message. Replying lets scammers know they have an active phone number and could leave you vulnerable to future attacks. Instead, block the number and delete the message.