Public advocate applauds PUC decision to dismiss CMP’s five-year rate proposal

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Heather Sanborn

Maine Public Advocate Heather Sanborn has released the following statement commending the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for dismissing Central Maine Power’s (CMP) proposed five-year rate plan, a filing that would have significantly increased electric distribution costs for Maine households beginning in 2026.

“The Public Utilities Commission made the right call today in dismissing CMP’s five-year rate proposal. At a time when thousands of Maine people are already struggling to afford their electric bills, CMP’s plan simply asked for far too much.

“While this decision prevents a deeply flawed proposal from moving forward right now, we know that CMP will have the opportunity to refile. In the meantime, we look forward to engaging with other stakeholders and the Commission in providing our utilities with guidance about designing a rate plan proposal that keeps affordability and improved performance as the central focus. The Office of the Public Advocate will scrutinize any future proposal to ensure that any increases are reasonable, necessary, and in the best interest of Maine consumers.

“The decision today reflects the fact that Mainers were very engaged and spoke out about the unaffordability of CMP’s proposal.”

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry launches new statewide food access map

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The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) today announced the launch of the Maine Food Access Map, a statewide interactive resource that helps individuals and families locate nearby food pantries, meal sites, school-based programs, WIC clinics, and other free or donation-based food assistance services.

“We know that too many Maine people struggle to find nutritious food, and the new Maine Food Access Map is designed to meet this real and growing need,” said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal. “By consolidating the state’s hunger-relief resources into one intuitive platform, we can help individuals and families connect more quickly.”

The Maine Food Access Map is continually updated in partnership with local programs and community organizations to ensure that it contains accurate and current information. It complements existing statewide directories, such as 211 Maine, by providing a comprehensive, interactive, location-based view of food assistance resources.

DACF encourages organizations that serve the public, municipal offices, libraries, schools, faith-based groups, nonprofits, and healthcare providers to share the map to maximize access for residents.

The Maine Food Access Map can be accessed here.

The Maine Food Access Map was created by the DACF Ending Hunger Corps team. Maine is the first state in the nation to commit by law to ending hunger, supported by a statewide strategic plan. As part of this effort, Ending Hunger Corps strengthens the capacity of organizations working to increase food security across Maine. Ending Hunger Corps members work behind the scenes to help programs serve more people, more effectively. Their work includes building and improving systems that support hunger-relief and financial security efforts, developing data tools and analyses, expanding volunteer programs, providing community education and outreach, and supporting special projects that enhance local food access. Together, their efforts create long-term, sustainable impact for communities across the state.

PHOTO: Community turns out to support China Community Food Pantry

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A big thank you from the China Community Food Pantry to all the people who have donated food or money in the past weeks. Even the young are learning the importance of sharing with others. The Pantry still needs turkeys and the fixings. Pictured, parents and family with the owner of China Dolls Daycare, drop off food. (photo by Ann Austin)

EVENTS: Free SeaStrings Concert: An afternoon of enchanting string music celebrating community and volunteerism

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An afternoon of live music with the SeaStrings, a local group of friends and neighbors from mid-coast Maine, will be performed on Sunday, December 14, at 2 p.m., at the St. Bridget Center in Vassalboro.

The concert is free. For those who haven’t heard them play, the SeaStrings are an ensemble that gathers weekly to share their love of music. Their repertoire is a mix of traditional Celtic, Québecois, Swedish, Irish, and Scottish tunes, with a special focus on lively fiddle music. With their passion for music and their commitment to creating connections, the group has become a staple of the local music scene, bringing joy and inspiration to all who listen.

The SeaStrings’ members are volunteers who play for the sheer joy of making music together. Open to anyone with an interest in making music, the group embodies the power of collaboration, friendship, and community building. Their concerts are a wonderful example of how music can bring people together and support charitable causes.

This concert is being held as a heartfelt gesture of appreciation for the dedicated volunteers of Sew for a Cause, a community-driven group that operates out of the St. Bridget Center. These volunteers generously give their time and talent to create handmade items for those in need, supporting local organizations and spreading comfort throughout the region. The SeaStrings and St. Bridget Center are proud to honor their hard work and celebrate the positive impact they make in our community.

The concert is free, though donations will be gratefully accepted at the door.

Local youth groups participate in Veterans Day parade (2025)

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All the local youth groups that participated in the Veterans Day Parade, in Waterville. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

“It is so important for the community to honor, pay respect, and show gratitude to all veterans but especially for those in our community and in some cases our own family who have shown the courage to serve our country with the ultimate belief that service above all else is what they are committed to,” said Christopher Santiago, Kennebec Valley District Commissioner of Pine Tree Council, Scouting America. “Scouting has had a long relationship with the military and veterans. Our Scout Oath reads directly to do our Duty to God and Duty to Our Country. With that being said, honoring our country and those who protect it is a very real opportunity to teach young people about citizenship and the responsibility we have to our country and community. Not everyone will serve in the military, but individuals serve as police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, and so many other professions for the purpose of serving others. Participating in the Veterans Day Parade allows us the opportunity to make these lessons real and encourage our youth to think about the positive impact they can have in the lives of others.”

Vassalboro Troop #410, march down Main St., in Waterville. Other groups participating included Vassalboro Cub Scout Pack #410, Winslow Cub Scout Pack #445, Winslow Troop #433, Oakland Cub Scout Pack #454, Augusta Troop #603, and Girl Scouts Arnold Trail Service Unit Troop #1521. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

EVENTS: Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra concert is November 23

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Daniel Keller, who is co-conductor of the Mid-Maine Youth Orchestra and on staff at the Southern Maine String Camp conducts the orchestra rehearsal. (photo courtesy of Stephanie Taylor)

The Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony Orchestras (KVYSO) Fall 2025 concert will take place at the South Parish Congregational Church, 9 Church St., in Augusta on Sunday, November 23, at 4 p.m. Admission by good-will donation at the door.

If you have not yet experienced the hidden gem that is this group of young musicians, you will be amazed at their sound and tremendous talent!

Based in the Augusta area, the group consists of two ensembles, the Kennebec Valley Youth Orchestra for intermediate students, and the Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony for advanced students. Established in 2018 as a nonprofit 501c3, KVYSO brings together middle- and high-school string, wind, brass, and percussion players for a full orchestral experience based in classical repertoire.

The preparatory ensemble, Kennebec Valley Youth Orchestra, which is conducted by Dan Keller, will open the concert with several pieces, including a favorite, Trepak from Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker. Keller is a nationally award-winning music educator who has worked with the Bangor Symphony Youth Orchestra and Portland and is currently co-conductor of the Mid Maine Youth Orchestra.

String, wind, and percussion players in the full orchestra, Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony, hone their sound and perfect their technique through weekly multi-hour rehearsals. Led by Maestro Michael Lund Ziegler, these teen musicians will bring youthful excitement and lively spirit to their performance of Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony and Sibelius’s Karelia Overture and Suite. Lund Ziegler is currently Executive Director of the Portland Conservatory of Music as well as an active conductor and classical saxophonist.

Come and be inspired by the enchanting music and the incredible talent of Central Maine’s young musicians! Admission to this special event is by free-will donation of any size, with all proceeds used to defray concert expenses and support the Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony Orchestras. Want to donate in advance of the concert? Please visit www.kvyso.org/home/support-kvyso.

Do you know a young musician who would like to get involved? Auditions will soon be open for the Spring 2026 concert, and rolling auditions are available throughout the year. To learn more, please visit www.kvyso.org/ or contact Lori Scheck, Orchestra Manager, at info@kvyso.org.

Many thanks to all who participated in keyboard dedication at SCCC

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Many thanks to everyone who helped make the Keyboard Dedication Service at South China Community Church (SCCC) on Friday, October 3 such a success – from those who provided the beautiful music to Pastor Paul to Susie Harwath (owner of “Susie’s Bakery”) and all who attended.

Following Words of Welcome, Opening Prayer and Scripture Reading by Pastor Paul, the audience enjoyed a relaxing hour of music. A variety of hymns and secular pieces were performed by Music Director Mary Matteson, Lynne Burney and Richard Preston (piano); Phil Amidon (violin) accompanied by wife Mary on piano; Diane Rawson (guitar); Dave Matteson (drums, congas); and Tanner Matteson (congas). Choir members included David and Richard Preston, Russell Poulin, Diane Rawson, Jenny Clair and Julie Gilbert; solo performances were given by Russell and Diane.

After the Dedication and Benediction were given by Pastor Paul, Chris Field closed the service with the Aaronic Blessing: “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:23-27)

Catering by Susie’s Bakery was literally, the frosting on the cake! Guests were treated to delicious sandwiches, salads, fruits, sweets, and cider. We greatly appreciated her cooking for our event in lieu of her weekly presence at the United Farmers Market in Belfast. SCCC is blessed in so many ways!

EVENTS: Making music during the month of December

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by Mary Matteson

Do you like to sing? Especially the memorable and special songs of the holidays? South China Community Church invites you to join them during the month of December! They’re providing several opportunities for singing and enjoying carols and music selections of the upcoming holiday season. You don’t have to be a church member or attendee – we just want to share the special music of Christmas with the community.

The first Sunday in Advent is November 30. We have an Advent Choir this year and would love to add your voice to our chorus if you enjoy singing carols. Rehearsals will be held on Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the church sanctuary, on December 4, 11 and 18. The Advent Choir will sing during 10 a.m. Sunday Services on December 7, 14 and 21, as well as at the Christmas Eve Service (see below). Copies of all music will be provided for you, along with recordings of the selections they’ll will be singing. Please call Mary Matteson at (207) 215-6931 for further information.

On Tuesday, December 9, we will host our annual Sing-a-Long at 1:30 p.m., in Memorial Hall. This fun activity is a chance to gather informally and sing all types of holiday music together. They will provide music song sheets and “bell necklaces” to add to the merry making. All ages are welcome; light refreshments will be available. In case of snow, they will gather on Wednesday, December 10 (please call Debbie Stowe at (207) 462-2175 or Mary Matteson at (207) 215-6931 in case of weather concerns on Tuesday, December 9.)

On Saturday, December 13, please join them for their monthly Blessed Breakfast from 8 to 10:00 a.m. Breakfast includes eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, biscuits with sausage gravy, pastries, fruit and a variety of beverages. In addition, Santa Claus will be in attendance and holiday music will be provided.

The Christmas Eve Service will take place at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, December 24. This special service is a wonderful time to celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus with family and friends as they worship and sing together.

Music during the month of December is a joyous time at the South China Community Church. Please come join them!

EVENTS: Annual cookie walk, craft sale and food drive in Vassalboro

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Simone Antworth coordinates the annual Cookie Walk with a crafts sale at Vassalboro Methodist Church. A food drive to benefit programs at the Vassalboro Food Pantry, and information about other local missions will also be available at the event on November 15. (contributed photo)

by Dale Potter-Clark

Vassalboro Methodist Church (VUMC), at 614 Main Street, is holding its annual Cookie Walk on Saturday, November 15, 0 a.m.-2 p.m. This is an exciting time for all ages when for $5 folks can take home as many cookies as can be fit inside the container provided. There will be more than two dozen varieties of homemade cookies to choose from. VUMC will have crafts for sale in addition to those delicious cookies and their famous beans and biscuits “To Go” for supper after a day of shopping!!

There will also be a food drive during those hours when people can bring donations of food for the Vassalboro Food Pantry Station (VFPS) Thanksgiving basket and Backpack programs. The latter provides food to students from Vassalboro Community School, when school is not in session. A list of foods needed is available for viewing on the VUMC and VFPS Facebook pages. VFPS volunteers will also be there selling crafts to help financially support the mission. “The generosity from the community is very much appreciated and goes a long way to support our neighbors during these tumultuous times of uncertainty,” said Cindy Ferland, VFSP director.

Other missions present at the event will include “Sew for a Cause” from St. Bridget’s Center, to share information about their mission, which benefits a variety of causes from newborns to nursing home residents and veterans at Togus. Also, there will be information about the Vassalboro Ministry Association Fuel Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides Vassalboro families who are in need of fuel assistance.

FMI about this event and other VUMC programs and services visit the VUMC Facebook page or contact vumc.info@ gmail.com or (207) 873-5564 or pick up a copy of the Nov.-Dec. VUMC newsletter at the Vassalboro Library, Town Office or Historical Society.

Festival of Wreaths to benefit Winslow Community Cupboard Food Pantry

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Photo courtesy of Beth Warren

The Festival of Wreaths – a raffle-benefit for Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry – will be held on Saturday, November 22, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Centerpoint Church, 155 West River Road, in Waterville. Admission to the event is a donation of any amount; raffle tickets will be 50 cents each. Food and beverages will be available for sale, and there will be a very special appearance by Santa Claus!

Featuring dozens of wonderful Christmas and holiday wreaths, the raffle-benefit will seek to raise urgently-needed funds for the food pantry, which serves food-insecure children, seniors, and other adults in Winslow, Waterville, and more than 20 surrounding towns. The Festival of Wreaths is sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank.

For more information, please contact Winslow Community Cupboard, at 207-616-0076 or WinslowCupboard@Gmail.com.