PHOTOS: SAD #18 students busy with school projects

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China Primary School: 2024 Maine Stem Film Challenge Winners: Second grader, Syar, from Ms. Kimmie’s class and his brother, Shya, from Mrs. Dunn’s kindergarten class recently participated in the 2024 Maine Stem Film Challenge held by the University of Southern Maine. They submitted a film on the topic of ecology – focusing on amphibians and won first place in the K-3 division!

China Middle School: Gifted and Talented Students Delve into Space Studies: Gifted and Talented students at both China and Messalonskee Middle schools participated in a space mission with the Bangor Challenger Learning Center. Both schools created a live 3D space timeline posted in their buildings. Students then learned how to use Canva to “digitize” their timeline and create a video. Some students used AI tools in and out of Canva to do voice overs. Mrs. Paquette and Ms. Fish teamed up for this technology piece.

Williams Elementary School: Challenger Learning Center of Maine: In an exciting educational initiative, Mrs. Pullen’s and Mr. Polley’s fifth graders teamed up with the Challenger Learning Center of Maine to delve into the mysteries of Mars and its moons. Through interactive simulations and expert guidance, students explored the unique characteristics of Mars’ moons. During their discussions, students connected to the science standard about Earth’s revolution and recognized that there is a critical window of landing opportunities on Mars, which is influenced by its orbit around the Sun.

Messalonskee Middle School: Seventh Grade Social Studies Colonization Simulation: Ms. Michaud’s social studies classes on Team Boothbay have been role playing life in Colonial America. Students have been journaling and acting out as though they are traders, explorers, governors, teachers, healers, blacksmiths, and Native Americans in class to gain first-hand experiences at life in the New World during the 1600-1700s. Students have enjoyed this engaging unit and exceeded expectations in their roles as colony members!

EVENTS: 16 Counties for Courage: Neighbors for Common Ground

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People in Maine’s 16 counties are rallying to find common ground and push back on the actions of the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE, Saturday, March 1, 2:30 – 4 p.m., starting with a march from the Margaret Chase Smith Memorial Bridge, in Skowhegan, and ending at the Miller’s table parking lot.

Come march and gather to hear unifying speakers talk about how proposed laws, like the Save Act, might impact you and your neighbors. They welcome Mainers of all political persuasions to demand that our representatives and government officials restore, checks and balances, the established rule of law, equity for all under the law, and privacy and security of our information.

No child should be priced out of playing sports

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by Hanna Skandera

Participating in youth sports has long been a cornerstone of the American experience — or at least it used to be. Fewer American kids are playing sports, and shifting trends are leaving countless kids on the sidelines.

The importance of reversing this trend cannot be overstated. Youth sports are not just games; they are a critical component of childhood development. Simply put, the well-being of our nation hinges, in part, on our investments in youth sports today.

The cost of participating in sports has become increasingly prohibitive. The rise of digital entertainment has captivated kids’ attention, drawing them away from physical activities. These declining participation rates threaten young Americans’ mental and physical health. Anxiety and depression in kids, which can be alleviated by exercise, are on the rise.

Youth sports are becoming steadily more privatized: Today, “pay-to-play” youth sports is a $30-to $40 billion dollar industry. American families spend an average of almost $900 annually per child to participate in organized sports.

The growing socio-economic gap in sports participation is glaring. Today, while more than two in three kids from wealthier families are playing sports, only about one in three from the poorest families get the same opportunity.

Sports teach teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and resilience – traits that are essential both on and off the field. For many kids from challenging family situations, sports offer a sense of belonging and purpose and put them on the path to a more stable future.

Participation in sports has been linked to better academic performance, higher self-esteem, and a greater likelihood of college attendance. In fact, studies show that 66% of students who earn all A’s play organized sports compared to just 24% of students with mostly D’s and F’s.

Kids who play sports have higher lifetime earnings. They have vastly lower rates of depression, obesity, and other serious health conditions. The benefits are so stark that Americans would be a collective $57 billion richer each year, thanks to reduced healthcare spending and increased productivity, if the youth sports participation rate increased by just about ten percentage points, according to one recent study.

Investing in youth sports is a matter of public health — and national pride. The athletes who will represent us in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2034 Salt Lake City Olympics are today’s young hopefuls in recreational leagues and school teams.

Without a robust pipeline of young talent, not only will our health suffer – but our ability to compete at the highest levels will be compromised.

Nonprofit organizations have a unique opportunity to cultivate that pipeline. My organization, the Daniels Fund, recently teamed up with the Aspen Institute to launch the first-ever Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day. With over $3.7 million raised through overwhelming support from philanthropists and community members, this campaign demonstrates the deep belief in the importance of making sports accessible to all children.

As a society, we’ll need to make big investments to ensure that every child has a chance to experience the benefits of sports. By doing so, we will build a healthier, more resilient generation of Americans.

Hanna Skandera is president and CEO of the Daniels Fund (danielsfund.org) and is a former track and field athlete and coach. This piece originally ran in Salon.

Community Volunteers build raised beds for China Community Garden

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Jeff Wood, Nate Dudley, Bill Powell, and Jim Hsiang assemble raised garden beds.

On Saturday, February 8, a group of dedicated volunteers came together to build 36 raised garden beds for the China Community Garden. Hosted at the home of Marie and Tom Michaud, the workday was filled with teamwork and camaraderie as Emme Brown, Nate Dudley, Bill Powell, and Jeff Wood joined James and Jude Hsiang to construct the beds – under the watchful eye of one-year-old Edie Dudley, who provided moral support.

Bill Powell next to a row of completed beds.

By noon, the group had completed the project and celebrated with a well-earned meal, featuring James’ homemade chili, pizzas generously donated by China Lake Provisions, and Marie’s famous brownies.

With the garden beds now ready, reservations for the 2025 growing season are open. Residents can secure a bed at the China Town Office through April 15, 2025. The cost is $25 per bed or $15 for seniors over 60, and custom beds for those with mobility challenges will be built upon request.

The project still welcomes donations of money, materials, and volunteer labor. Those interested in supporting the garden can contact chinaforalifetime@gmail.com. All contributions will be gratefully and publicly acknowledged.

With strong community support, the China Community Garden is growing into a space for connection, sustainability, and fresh local produce.

Town of Fairfield leads climate resiliency informational sessions

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These issues will better prepare residents for future challenges, whether it be flooding, emergency evacuations, or utility outages, making sure residents and businesses have access to every resource available. (contributed photos)

The Town of Fairfield’s Economic and Community Development Committee (FECDC) is partnering with the State of Maine’s Community Resilience Partnership to host a series of four public informational sessions on climate resiliency.

These sessions will focus on resiliency topics and available resources based on outputs and recommendations from the State of Maine’s recently updated Climate Action Plan. The state’s 2024 climate action plan builds upon the 2020 Maine Won’t Wait framework, addressing climate change impacts, strengthening resilience efforts, and ensuring Maine meets its statutory greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.

The first information session scheduled for February 25, was postponed. It has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Fairfield Community Center, 61 Water Street, Fairfield, ME from 6 – 7:30 p.m., at Fairfield Community Center, 61 Water Street, Fairfield.

The first session will provide an overview of Climate Plan updates, presented by Maine Climate Council Coordinator, Amalia Siegel. The session will be recorded.

Contributed photo

“These public sessions represent a culmination of ongoing work at the state and local level here in Fairfield over the last three years” cited Fairfield Town Manager Michelle Flewelling. “Through collaborating with the Community Resilience Partnership, which Fairfield joined in 2022, we are excited to bring our community together to engage with these important issues and better prepare us for future challenges: whether it be flooding, emergency evacuations, or utility outages, we want to make sure our residents and businesses have access to every resource available”

The Maine Won’t Wait Climate Action plan is a culmination of work and feedback from over 200 working group and task force members, more than 1,000 survey responses, seven public meetings with over 350 participants, and targeted outreach by the University of Maine’s Mitchell Center to engage underrepresented communities. These public sessions offer an opportunity for the State of Maine and collaborating municipalities to provide the findings, recommendations, and pass along resources for residents and business owners.

Future sessions, hosted by Fairfield’s Economic and Community Development Committee, will focus on home resiliency best practices, preparedness, education, and training. The next session scheduled for May 20, 2025, will provide residents with an introduction to understanding the Emergency Management System for the town, county, and state. Information and scheduling for future sessions will be posted on the Town of Fairfield website once scheduled and announced at each session. Residents from not only Fairfield, but also the surrounding area are encouraged to attend.

“The Economic and Community Development Committee is deeply committed to incorporating the principles and thoughtfulness of resilience into our planning and programming” commented FECDC Chairman Stephanie Thibodeau. “We invite the community to come together for these information sessions and elevate our residents’ preparedness for the years to come”

The Economic and Community Development Advisory Committee is open to all Fairfield residents, business owners, and educators with an interest in community development. Meetings are held monthly at the Fairfield Community Center and are open to the public. Visit Fairfield’s online calendar of events for meeting schedules.

EVENTS: Lincoln County Democrats to hear labor union experts

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The Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC) hosts two experts on the labor movement at its monthly meeting on Thursday, February 27, at 7 p.m.

The meeting will be in a hybrid format. Participants can join in person at the Newcastle Fire Station, 86 River Road, and can be attended on Zoom as well.

Guest speakers are Giovanna Gray Lockhart, executive director of the Frances Perkins Center (an organization dedicated to workers’ rights advocate Frances Perkins), and Cynthia Phinney, president of the Maine AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations).

Lockhart will present an overview of Frances Perkins (the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet), who was Secretary of Labor for the entire tenure of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidency.

Perkins was the driving force behind the groundbreaking New Deal programs on which Americans still rely—Social Security, unemployment insurance, the 40-hour work week, and the minimum wage. She spent summers throughout her life at her ancestral family homestead in Newcastle, now the nonprofit, nonpartisan Frances Perkins Center.

Lockhart will address Perkins’ historical work and the recent designation of the Center as a National Historic Landmark in December

Phinney will discuss the importance of the AFL-CIO’s policy work to protect workers and maintain the social safety net that Perkins championed.

All Lincoln County Democrats and unenrolled progressives are welcome to attend the meeting. LCDC voting members will automatically receive the Zoom log on information and reminders by email. Those interested in becoming a voting member must be a registered Democrat in Lincoln County and may make their interest known by indicating so at the in-person meeting, on the meeting registration form at lincolncountydemocrats.com/meet, or by emailing info@lincolncountydemocrats.com.

Pre-registration for the meeting is required for non-voting members who want to receive Zoom log on and/or phone-in details. Register before noon the day of the meeting to ensure access. However, LCDC will do its best to accommodate last-minute registrations.

More information about LCDC, its meetings, and other activities can be found at https://lincolncountydemocrats.com. Questions can be emailed to info@lincolncountydemocrats.com.

Local couple celebrates 63rd anniversary at Sweetheart Breakfast

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The Willettes observed their 63rd wedding anniversary at the South China Committee Church’s Sweetheart Breakfast, on February 8. (photo by Jayne Winters)

by Jayne Winters

The South China Community Church (SCCC) held its first Blessed Breakfast in July 2023. Well-known for its turkey pie suppers, the Council decided to try something new because of the rising cost of turkey pies and declining attendance during the cold, dark winter months. What started as a “test run” has become a consistent, well-received fundraiser, and perhaps more importantly, a place for folks to meet with old friends and make new ones, often lingering over a second or third cup of coffee.

Forty-three people attended our “Sweetheart Breakfast” on February 8 and everyone was surprised to learn that one couple, the Willettes, were celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary! Hopefully, the music provided by SCCC’s Mary Matteson, as well as the chocolates and carnations, helped make their anniversary just a little more special.

The Blessed Breakfasts are held the second Saturday of every month from 8 – 10 a.m. The menu includes scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, tater tots, pancakes with local Maine maple syrup, biscuits with sausage gravy, fruit, a variety of homemade pastries, and of course, coffee, tea, orange juice, and hot chocolate. Needless to say, no one ever leaves hungry!

Many thanks to everyone who continue to help make these breakfasts such a success: those who donate and prepare food, set up tables, help in the kitchen, clean up and especially our “regulars” who come faithfully every month. We’re truly blessed to be able to serve such a wonderful community and look forward to having you join us!

Students at Winslow inspired to start first unified cheerleading team

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Addie Blackstone, center, along with fellow Winslow Varsity Cheerleaders mentor special needs students to bring Unified Cheer to their school’s sports program. Front row, from left, Addie Blackstone and Maya Veilleux. Second row, Paige Owen and Henry Olson. Visible in back row, Kennedy Dumond, Brooklynn Michaud, Addie Benavente, and Kylie Barron.

Text and photos
by Monica Charette

When a group of special needs students at Winslow High School expressed interest in being cheerleaders, senior Adeline “Addie” Blackstone decided to make it happen. With full backing by school administration, a commitment by 13 of her fellow Winslow varsity cheerleaders to be mentors, and financial support from the ShineOnCass Foundation, Coach Addie is now leading the school’s first Winslow Unified Cheer Team.

“I have such compassion for the students in the Unified community who don’t get the same opportunities that I do,” Blackstone said, sharing that she did some research, wrote a proposal, and presented her idea to start a unified cheer team to school.

Winslow High School Unified cheerleaders at practice after the school started its first unified cheer team. Spotting (left on the floor) Addie Benavente, Maya Veilleux, Jocelyn Lizzotte, Kylie McCafferty (top of formation), Nydia Alverado (faculty coach), Kennedy Dumond, spotter (right on the floor) Hayden Breton, with Coach Addie Blackstone (right front) cheering them on.

Unified sports combine students with and without intellectual disabilities to play on the same team to promote inclusion and acceptance. Multiple area high schools, as well as the Alfond Youth Community Center, have unified basketball teams that compete against each other. Thanks to Blackstone and the varsity cheerleaders, Winslow now has its first unified cheer team.

Blackstone received her school’s ShineOnCass Junior Service Award last year, along with a $100 gift by the Foundation to pay it forward. Blackstone said the honor inspired her to “go further” to spread kindness.

ShineOnCass Junior Service Awards are presented annually to service-focused students at Messalonskee, Waterville, Lawrence, and Winslow high schools in memory of Cassidy Charette. Charette, a Messalonskee junior who died in a hayride accident in 2014, was a longtime community volunteer and youth mentor.

“When I won the ShineOnCass Junior Service Award, I knew that this was exactly how I wanted to pay it forward – to honor Cassidy, and spread her light,” Blackstone said.

But there were a few things needed to get started, like uniforms for the 19 cheerleaders. Inspired by Addie’s volunteer work, the ShineOnCass Foundation provided additional funding so the team would have matching T-shirts to wear at all games.

Monica Charette, Cassidy’s mother and executive director for ShineOnCass, said Blackstone’s enthusiasm and spirit to give back to her school community inspired the Foundation to provide additional funding to start the program this year.

“I am so thankful for the support of my community and from ShineOnCass for helping me make this happen,” Blackstone said. “It’s gone far beyond what my dreams could ever have imagined. Getting to see how much the students love cheering and how much joy it’s spreading throughout the community is incredible to watch.”

Winslow students, as well as parents and other community members, are filling the bleachers at home games in support of both unified basketball players and the sport’s new cheerleaders.

Kelly Daignault, unified science teacher and the cheer team’s student advisor, notes the positive effect from partnerships between students and peer mentors.

“We are so fortunate to have caring students at Winslow High who want what is best for their peers,” Daignault said. “As a Unified Champion high school, our teachers work together to bring the philosophy of inclusion into the classroom and do whatever we can to support them.”

Debbie Michaud, whose daughter Brooklyn is a special needs student on the cheer team, says Brooklyn is most excited when she is cheering on her peers.

“Allowing Brooklyn to have the opportunity to cheer makes my heart so happy,” Michaud said. “Brooklyn has such joy, and this experience allows her to share that joy with everyone around her. When she is on the sideline cheering, she is a student like everyone else.”

For Brooklyn, it is just pure happiness being part of a team. “I love my cheer friends! And I get to wear a bow!”

A fundraising event for Winslow Unified Sports “Dine to Donate” will be held February 24 and 25 at Opa, on Main St., in Waterville, where 10 percent of all food sales will be donated to Winslow’s Unified basketball and cheer programs. Upcoming games are being held on February 13, at 3:30 p.m., at Winslow High School.

Winter greetings from SymmeTree Arborist

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Gosh it feels nice to have a protective and insulative layer of snow on the ground. We hope you have been staying safe and warm during these winter months.

This time of year, cozied up by our woodstoves or taking long walks through the woods, we begin to remember the cold season of trees and the transformations they, too, experience. Soon the Maples will run their sap. It’s this coming time of winter: cold nights and warming days, we’ll begin to prune our orchard trees. It’s nice to have some sun and warmth for this annual task, which takes place before winter ceases.

If you have any fruit trees that need tending, Galen & Ashton will begin serving our Central Maine community starting at the end of this month (February) – early April.

Please reach out to schedule a free estimate, or be in touch if Galen has pruned your trees before and they are in need of another haircut this winter. We’ll put you on the schedule!

Benefits of Fruit Tree Pruning According to FEDCO:

If you have any fruit trees that need tending, Galen & Ashton will begin serving the Central Maine community starting at the end of this month (February) – early April.

Once your fruit tree begins to bear you will want to prune annually.

Most pruning should be done in late winter or early spring.

Good pruning brings sunlight to all parts of your tree. Maximum sunlight encourages more and higher-quality fruit. Sunlight also encourages fruit buds to form for next year’s crop.

A well-pruned tree will produce larger fruit and will tend toward more annual bearing.

Good pruning discourages fungal diseases and promotes greater spray penetration.

There’s an old saying that a bird should be able to fly through your fruit tree.

You can call or text us at: 207-458-7283 or respond to this email: office@symmetreearborists.me.

Area scouts earn merit badges at badge college

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Ryan Poulin, President of New Dimensions Federal Credit Union, instructs Scouts including Elizabeth Blais, of Windsor, shown here on Personal Fitness Merit Badge. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, turned 115 years old on February 8. Scouts from central, western and southern Maine celebrated by doing something Scouts have done since the program began. – they earned merit badges.

The Kennebec Valley District hosted its annual Merit Badge College at Augusta’s First Church of the Nazarene and welcomed Scouts from nearby such as Augusta, Winthrop, Chelsea and Windsor to as far away as Gorham, Falmouth, Wilton, and Pittsfield.

“I am very impressed by our Scouts,” said Program Chairman Julie McKenney. “While other kids are sitting at home playing video games, these Scouts are learning about Graphic Arts, Architecture, and Digital Technology. The Merit Badge College could not happen without the volunteer Scouting leaders who are giving up three Saturdays to develop tomorrow’s leaders.”

McKenney, of Belgrade, stressed that these instructors are experts in the fields they are teaching. Such as Ryan Poulin, of Sidney, who taught Personal Management Merit Badge and is also the President of New Dimensions Credit Union. “Americans do not always make good financial decisions,” Poulin said. “Personal Fitness Merit Badge helps give the Scouts the tools they need to help them make good decisions down the road so they know how to avoid pitfalls and how to deal with them if they should happen.” One of the youth in his class was Augusta Troop #603 Star Scout Elizabeth Blais, of Windsor. “Merit Badges teach you important skills you can use throughout your life,” Blais said. She hopes to be an Eagle Scout one day.

Chris Clark, of Damariscotta, is a Tenderfoot Scout in Troop #213 draws in Scouts from all over Lincoln County. “I like learning things in Scouting,” Clark said during Coin Collecting Merit Badge class. “It’s fun.”

Theresea Poirier, of Augusta, one of the organizers of the event, said that over the course of three Saturdays nearly fifty Scouts will earn a total of 84 merit badges. “We began organizing this event back in November. It takes a lot of time and dedication from our volunteers to put it all together,” Poirier said. The most popular badge Scouts signed up to take was Family Life which is required for Eagle.

Kennebec Valley District Commissioner Christopher Santiago of Vassalboro was impressed with the results. “This is fantastic,” he said. “Merit Badges can introduce youth to a career interest or a hobby that will stay with them for life. There are 139 Merit Badges available ranging from Emergency Preparedness and First Aid to Environmental Science and Nature to Reading and Sustainability. I would love to see every Scout try to earn them all.”