EVENTS: Winslow library hosts summer kick-off event

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Winslow Public Library

The Winslow Public Library will host its first summer reading kick-off party since 2019, as it launches a slew of new engaging programming for children, teens and adults, headed by its new programming staff.

The library kicked off this year’s summer reading program, on June 16. This summer’s theme, Level Up at Your Library, is all about play for both kids and adults – think games, puzzles, mazes, scavenger hunts, and more. On the 16th, patrons can sign up for the reading programs and participate in a variety of games and activities, include pieces from the Children’s Discovery Museum Mobile Museum, and enjoy snacks.

Children’s Area patrons can look forward to steady and regular programming, including a regular weekly Littles Story Time started earlier this month on Wednesdays at 10 am.

For older kids looking for more to do this summer, they’ll have the Big Kids Summer Club, running as a drop-in session on Mondays from 4 – 5:30 p.m., starting June 23 with rotating games and activities.

Kids will learn about the aerodynamics of flight by creating their own paper airplanes and testing their designs on June 25, part of a new STEAM series for school-aged kids, led by one of our amazing volunteers.

The talented Mr. Gene, a retired science teacher and children’s librarian, leads a monthly story time throughout the summer, with engaging hands-on learning about topics like light and color, magnetism and seed germination.

With the hiring of two new staff members, this is the first time the library has had designated staff for all-ages programming.

“The library staff is excited to welcome Catie and Matthew to the library,” Library Director Lisa Auriemma said. “Having staff whose primary focus is programming is important for a small library. Our patrons have already started to see the benefit of our new staff’s creativity and work ethic.”

Adult and Teen Services Coordinator Matthew Gregoire was hired in April. He studied writing, publishing, and history at Saint Joseph’s College and brings experience working as both a freelance writer and a personal care assistant.

“Ever since childhood, I’ve loved exploring stories and the ways they can bring us together and help us to grow. The public library has an essential role in supporting and facilitating this process, and I’m so glad to be a part of it in Winslow,” said Gregoire. “It’s been a joy to meet our patrons, and I’m excited to start hosting programs which give the community a space to gather, share, and learn.”

Children’s Services Coordinator, Catie Joyce-Bulay was hired in May and brings nearly two decades of experience working with children of all ages as a speech therapist. She has also worked for the Children’s Discovery Museum and as a freelance writer.

“Working as Winslow’s children’s librarian feels like a dream job,” said Joyce-Bulay, who moved to the area shortly before the pandemic. “It’s been so wonderful meeting the kids, and I’ve already got a bunch of fun ideas for the fall I can’t wait to share.”

Winslow’s children’s summer reading program works a little differently than most. When children, ages 3-18 come in to sign up, they are given an activity tracker with a list of 15 activities ranging from reading, to crafting, to a family walk. Once they complete it, they can turn it in for their first prize bag. Kids can complete up to four trackers for a total of four prize bags loaded with fun goodies.

Each week during the 10-week program, kids can also pick up a new take-home craft bag and discover a new self-serve activity.

The teen and adult summer reading programs require participants to read 10 books total. Adults must read at least two books from the Maine Humanities Council reading list, all of which can be found at the library.

Prizes were generously donated by 23 area businesses.

The Winslow Public Library is located at 136 Halifax Street. Library summer hours are M-Th, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and, starting in July, also Fridays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. As always, library programs are free. For details, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or sign up on our website for our newsletter.

For more information contact Library Director Lisa Auriemma at 207-872-1978.

Vassalboro Public Library: transition and support

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Vassalboro library

by Elizabeth McMahon – Trustee President
Brian Stanley – Library Director

If you haven’t been in the Vassalboro Public Library in recent years you are in for a pleasant surprise! Long gone are the days of hushed voices, shushing librarians and card catalogs.  There are signs on the doors for library programming sponsored throughout the year, where children and adults gather to be entertained, get information and to socialize.

Upon entering the library, you will find a large, welcoming children’s area with educational toys and books, next to a computer terminal for you to access the library catalog and to access library materials and services throughout the state.  Friendly librarians are here to help you find what you are looking for.  There are tables and chairs all over to set yourself down, and several gathering areas for families and friends.

There are often other families to meet, or you may have the entire library to yourself. There is free library Wi-Fi to connect to, and remote worker rooms in the back of the library for privacy to work and study.  As you browse the shelves, you might want to pick out a DVD to watch at home or find a good book. Yes, we still have books, lots of good books for children through adults!

Are you looking for a book we don’t own?  No, problem! We’re part of a statewide group of libraries who share their collections via interlibrary loan. No matter what informational resource you are looking for, we can locate it and get it for you free of charge.  Do you like online books and or audiobooks? There is a link to the Cloud Library on the Vassalboro Library webpage that will give you access to hundreds of audiobooks that you can download to your device and listen to at your leisure. Do you or your child enjoy comics and manga?

Check out Comics Plus on the website.  There is also the Digital Maine Library that provides access to thousands of newspapers, magazines, reference books, professional journals and so much more.  If you are interested in genealogy the library has free access to Ancestory.com when you visit.  All of these resources are available through support of the Maine State Library, which makes these online services available through state and federal funding.

As you may know, a recent threat of cuts to the Institute for Museum and Library Science (IMLS) has put the Maine State Library, and access for public libraries to many of these state and online services, in jeopardy. The status of these funds is still uncertain and there has been an outcry in support of libraries nationwide.  The Maine State Library was forced to temporarily close and lay-off 13 staff members instead of curtailing services and increasing rates to state libraries. Some funding has been restored, at least for this year, and a few of these staff members have been called back to work. Yet, what we have come to rely on is still in jeopardy in the near future.  Continual cuts to IMLS, attacks on public libraries nationwide, and abrupt staffing changes at the Library of Congress will have broad implications for Maine libraries, especially rural libraries, in the coming years.  The cost of our services will rise, including access to many of our currently free or subsidized services.

There will be fewer grants to libraries including those awarded by the Maine State Library for services such as those for remote work stations, upgrades to technology, and joining the MILS consortium.  Without those grants many of these services would have been outside your local library’s normal monetary means. This will mean fundraisers, donations, and local municipal support will be increasingly important to provide enough staff and resources to maintain programs and core services that have become a regular part of the library.

I promise you, as library board president, that the director, staff, and trustees are committed to provide high quality services and resources to the community even when faced with an uncertain future.  Now, even more, we need your continued support. Our library was founded in 1911 by community members to provide a free, public library with support of the town. For well over 100 years, it has remained a nonprofit, governed by community members and library trustees.  We receive generous financial support from the Town of Vassalboro for providing an essential community service.

Although we receive town financial support, we are independent and own and maintain our building, property and manage all core services.  The town’s contribution is enough to cover staff salaries. We must raise additional funds to manage and maintain our building, utilities, book orders, program expenses, insurances, equipment costs and upgrades.  The list goes on. We are grateful for current town and community support, and for the services we are able to provide through our library.  Last year 2,474 children and adults attended programs the library sponsored, 14,448 total books circulated, and 9,668 people visited the library (more than the population of Vassalboro!).  The library staff helps people every year with employment searches, computer access, tech assistance, and research.  We support homeschoolers and partner with the local community school and community partners.

We are proud of our accomplishments, but they come at a cost. The library director and staff take care of a lot of the day to day work. The director and trustees guide and govern long term library interests, and are accountable for all financial management and resources of the library. Our all volunteer board of trustees is active with fundraising, planning, and supporting library staff throughout each year. We are looking for new, active members and ideas to help us with projects and fundraisers we sponsor on behalf of the library.  If you would like to learn more about becoming a trustee, please contact us at the library.  Meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m., (time can be adjusted to accommodate members’ schedules). Minutes of what we are working on and discussing each month are posted on our website.

Several of the current trustees have been active for many years, and would be happy to welcome new members’ ideas to help us reach our goals.

Libraries are being tested nationwide.  Is it because a good library is democratic, serves its entire community, and is essential to an informed populace?  Is it because libraries are tied into today’s atmosphere of competing and conflicting information?  We believe it is a solace to know that accurate up-to-date information from trusted, respected sources continues to exist.  That information can still largely be found in books and your local library is a source to the infinite scope of that information.  A good library will greet any patron, young or old, and provide them with the right resource, the one they are looking for, whether it is a book, a newspaper or magazine article or a website without regard to background, politics, or opinions.  That resource is an anchor, a door, and a light to help us as people navigate the world and introduce us to each other.  This service cannot be understated – it is truly essential.

For all of you who have seen the good work at the library, attended a program, or received the right reading material over the years, please consider joining us and asking how you can help.  If you live outside of Vassalboro consider joining your community library.  I am sure they, too, could use your support.  If you are not ready to volunteer as a trustee please consider showing your support by donating, and continuing to visit the library and use its services.  Go to the town office and speak with the town manager or attend a select board meeting.  Tell them why you appreciate the library.  Without your continued support, none of this would be possible and we thank you all.  I encourage you to visit the Vassalboro library website to see what is in store for you: https://vassalboro.lib.me.us

On behalf of the Vassalboro Library we thank you for supporting us and ask that you continue to support us into the future.

Vassalboro Community Calendar contest underway (2025)

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This 2025 Community Calendar photo was taken at the East Vassalboro boat landing on China Lake by Methodist Pastor Karen Merrill during the 2024 Easter Sunday sunrise service. Photo entries are requested for consideration for the 2026 calendar. (contributed photo)

Each year a photo is featured on the Vassalboro Community Calendar – examples of past years are the Community School, the town office, Veterans Park; the Historical Society or pretty scenes from around town.

Photographers can be from anywhere but photos must have been taken after July 1, 2024, within the town of Vassalboro and depict a special place, activity or scene in town. Include the photographer’s full name, age, and the date when and location where the photo was taken. If people in the photo are recognizable, include their written permission with submissions as well. All ages are encouraged to participate!

Send high-resolution (300-600 dpi) JPEG or .jpg by noon on Sunday, July 6, to crossings4u@gmail.com. Entries will be reviewed and the winning one chosen by a group of six impartial Vassalboro residents and the winner will be notified by email. Their photo will be featured, with due photographic credit, on the 2026 Vassalboro Community Calendar.

Those who wish to have free listings of birthdays, anniversaries or memorials added to the 2026 calendar; or to inquire if space is still available for business ads, contact Cindy Shorey at (207) 873-5544 or info.vumc@gmail.com by July 10. The 2026 Vassalboro Community Calendars will be distributed by members and friends of the Vassalboro United Methodist Church throughout town this October-November. Follow this photo contest and future special events and public meals on the Vassalboro United Methodist Church Facebook page.

Renaissance awards at Erskine Academy (2025)

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June Seniors of the Trimester recipients, from left to right, Andra Cowing, Carlee Sanborn, Chase Larrabee, and David Thompson III. (contributed photo)

On Friday, June 6, Erskine Academy, in South China, students and staff attended a Renaissance Assembly to honor their peers with Renaissance Awards.

Renaissance Recognition Awards were presented to the following students: Stella Martinelli, Sabrina Studholme, MacKenzie Chase, Shannon McDonough, Brandon Hanscom, Jordyn Smith, Kaden Crawford, Victoria Rancourt, Lillian Crommett, Kaiden Kronillis, Josiah Fitzgerald, and Eleanor Maranda.

In addition to Recognition Awards, Senior of the Trimester Awards were also presented to four members of the senior class: Carlee Sanborn, daughter of Jennifer and Robert Sanborn, of China; Andra Cowing, daughter of Kirsten and Anthony Cowing, of Palermo; Chase Larrabee, son of Carrie and Jeremy Larrabee, of China; and David Thompson III, son of Laura Thompson, of Jefferson. 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 presented to Celina Page, Foreign Language Instructor; and Ryan Nored, English Instructor.

Congratulations to all award recipients!

June Faculty of the Trimester recipients Ryan Nored, left, and Celina Page. (contributed photo)

Whitefield Lions support local youth

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Contributed photo

One of the many missions of the Whitefield Lions Club is to support local youth. Each year the Whitefield Lions Club Scholarship Committee chooses among deserving applicants based on academic performance, perseverance, leadership, community service and career goals. The Whitefield Lions recognizes six graduating seniors. These students will receive a $1,000 scholarship towards furthering their education after their completion of their first semester.

This year the club is proud to recognize LilliAnn Brooks, of Lincoln Academy, who will receive the Lion Ronald Kenoyer Scholarship and will be attending Central Maine Community College, and Husson University, in Bangor, to become a Certified Public Accountant, Joslyn Sandoval, of Erskine Academy, in South China, who will receive the Legacy Award and will be attending Aveda Institute of Cosmetology, Loralie Grady, of Cony high School, in Augusta, who will receive a scholarship and attend University of Maine Farmington for Psychology-Social Work, Carter Rau, of Erskine Academy, in South China, who will receive a scholarship and attend Southern Maine Community College, and study Communications and New Media with a Videography focus, Ashley Kalloch, of Hall-Dale High School, she will be attending Kennebec Valley Community College and Study Business Administration, and Emmet Appel, of Erskine Academy, in South China, who will be attending Princeton University and study mechanical engineering and public policy.

These students and their parents/grandparents were honored at the Lions Club dinner on May 22, 2025.

Bill Bonney presented with Paul Harris Fellowship Award

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Waterville Police Chief William Bonney

The Waterville Rotary Noon club has named Bill Bonney, Waterville Police Chief, as the 2024-2025 Rotary year Paul Harris Fellow Award recipient.

Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary in 1905 after persuading several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. In 1957, Rotary International established recognition for Rotarians who contributed to their clubs in substantial service and financial support. Rotary clubs may award a fellowship to an individual who meets the high professional and personal standards exemplified by Paul Harris, without the honored individual having made any monetary contribution. A Paul Harris Fellowship is an accolade that a Rotary Club can vote to present to a worthy individual in the community who may not be a part of the Rotary organization.

Waterville Police Chief Bill Bonney has served in many positions while on the police force. During his time as a patrol officer, he would often visit the South End Teen Center after it was opened by KVCAP. He spent time building relationships with the teens and would often participate in the activities with the youth members. He also spent time in the KVCAP Head Start program, reading to the young children.

When asked about Chief Bonney, Andrea Pasco, KVCAP’s Development Director, states “One of Bill’s defining features throughout his career with the Waterville PD is his ongoing commitment to the community…”

Bonney became police chief in June 2023, after serving over 25 years with the Waterville Police Department and receiving several promotions throughout the years. To the Waterville Rotary Noon Club Bonney exemplifies the characteristics of a Paul Harris Fellow by his “exceptional service” and demonstrates Rotary’s values in his efforts to make Waterville a safer and healthier community for all, building goodwill among all groups while doing his best to remain fair to all involved.

(contributed photo)

PHOTOS: Flag retirement in Palermo

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Post Adjutant Duane Alexander placing the first flag in the fire. (contributed photo)

American Legion Post #163, in Palermo, held a flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day, June 14.

Post #163 worked in collaboration with the Palermo Fire Department, Cub Scout Pack #609, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of the American Legion. (contributed photo)

Cub Scout Pack #609, led by pack leader Shawn McFarland, assisted in folding the flags in preparation for the ceremony the week before. (contributed photo)

EVENTS: Summer blood and platelet donations vital to avoid blood supply impact

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Receive $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, also entered to win $7K gift card for blood donation in June

Disasters like hurricanes and severe summer weather can disrupt blood drives for several days and impact the momentum of a growing blood supply. Help the American Red Cross plan for the unexpected by making an appointment to give blood or platelets.

Even when hospitals are fully stocked with blood products, sudden events can cause a rapid drop in the availability of lifesaving transfusions. The Red Cross asks people to continue making and keeping donation appointments a part of their June plans.

Blood has a shelf life of 42 days, which means ongoing donations are key to ensure medical needs are met. Type O blood donors and those giving platelets are especially needed as the summer season continues.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities will take place in Waterville on Friday, June 20, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., at O’Brien’s Event Center, 375 Main St., and in Augusta, on Monday, June 23, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Augusta Elks, 397 Civic Center Drive, P.O. Box 2206.

PHOTO: Third degree brown belts

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Six students from Huard’s Martial Arts Dojo, in Winslow, recently earned Third Degree Brown Belt rank levels, on Saturday May 31. Left to right, Lane Irish, Aiden Robichaud, Jude Randazza, Kayla Joseph, Elsei Dumont and Addilyne Gallagher. (photo courtesy of Mark Huard)

TEAM PHOTO: Belgrade Majors Softball Team

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Front row, from left to right, Bella Allarie, Jaidyn Gardner, Piper Levenseller, Aubrey Woodman, Emery Voll, and Brooke Kidd. Back, Ann Bedard, Izzy Hockmeyer, Izzy Castner, Eleanor Paige, Hadleigh LaChance, and Blakely Shore. Coaches, Stephanie Koetzle, Meagan Woodman, and Kayla Levenseller (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)