Elmira College recognizes annual Key Award recipients

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Elmira College, in Elmira, New York, recently announced this year’s recipients of its annual Key Award. This year’s award was given to 807 students in 18 states as well as Canada. The Key Award is presented to outstanding students in their junior year of high school or preparatory school. They include:

Peyton Antone, of Augusta; Elliotte Podey, of China; and Rylee McKay, of Oakland.

“This award is given to students with the potential to excel academically, serve as leaders, and go on to enjoy success in life,” said Charles Lindsay, president of Elmira College. “We hope they will choose to make Elmira College their place.”

Fall foliage report: All zones very low

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FALL SCENE: Susan Thiem, of Texas, a summer resident of China, captured this fall foliage scene.

Foliage season enthusiasts can visit the state’s official foliage website where weekly reports are available online and by email. Capture and share fall adventures by tagging photos with #MaineFoliage on social media. Stay inspired through the Maine Fall Foliage Facebook and Instagram accounts featuring fresh images and seasonal activities from across the state. For even more fall trip ideas and travel planning resources, visit www.visitmaine.com.

Visit MaineFoliage.com. Color change and leaf drop in all seven zones, are very low.

Foliage Zones

Zone 1: Mid-Coast and South Coastal Maine, including Camden, Portland, Kennebunkport, and Kittery;
Zone 2: Downeast Maine, including Machias, Bar Harbor, and Penobscot Bay;
Zone 3: Central and Southwestern Maine, including Bangor, Augusta, and Fryeburg;
Zone 4: Eastern Mid-Maine, including Houlton, Millinocket, and Calais;
Zone 5: Western Mid-Maine, including Greenville, Rangeley, Bethel;
Zone 6: Northwestern Maine;
Zone 7: Northeastern Maine, including Fort Kent, Caribou, and Presque Isle;

China Middle School students hold 9/11 car wash

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by Aimée Lanteigne
China Middle School, 7/8 Social Studies Teacher

The weather this year on September 11 was picture perfect, a beautiful late summer day just like the one 24 years ago when one of our nation’s greatest tragedies unfolded before our eyes. The seventh and eighth graders at China Middle School weren’t even alive in 2001, and many of their parents were in school themselves on that fateful day. To help them better understand how our nation was forever changed that day, the students participated in a two-week unit about 9/11 in the classroom. And to pay their respects, show their gratitude, and give honor to all the first responders, police officers, firefighters, and veterans who sacrificed so much for us, not just on 9/11, but everyday, the students hosted a free car wash last Thursday at school.

The turnout was incredible…49 vehicles, including big red fire trucks, police cruisers, ambulances, and dozens of personal cars belonging to veterans of all generations. Our school parents were tremendous in providing goodies and drinks for our distinguished guests; coffee, soda, water, and every imaginable baked good adorned our refreshment table. Each student made a handmade card, some of them personalized for family members.

Along with a free car wash, free treats, and a handmade card, each first responder or veteran received a hearty “thank you for your service!” shout out from the students. True Country 93.5 FM called in to check on the progress of the car wash in the afternoon. Their gracious announcement on the radio about our event helped bring in even more vehicles. The China community has some amazing young people, and we are proud to be able to give back to those who serve and protect us every single day.

What better way to remember the men and women who lost their lives while trying to rescue others on 9/11 than to give back to their brothers and sisters in service all over the country like in small towns like ours. Way to go China Clippers!

Vassalboro UMC used as New England model

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Rev. Dr. David Abbott and Tim Kinney from the United Methodist Foundation of New England presented a $5,000 grant to VUMC on September 7. Pictured, from left to right, Simone Antworth, David Abbott, Harvey Boatman, Tom Kinney, Estelle Ford, Nancy Adams, Eileen Ronco, Layla Murgo, Hellen Paulette, Cindy Shorey and Pastor Karen Merrill. (contributed photo)

by Dale Potter-Clark

One Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) member described the last 18 months at her church as a blur that has brought many things into focus. What started as a vision to improve accessibility from the sanctuary to the fellowship hall and bathrooms in the basement, evolved into more than one major project that has so far required $125,000 in fundraising! During her sermon on September 7, Pastor Karen Merrill referred to it all as a domino effect. She attributed their success to members of the congregation who steadfastly took on leadership roles and contributed through hard work and their God given talents. She noted those ranged from cooking, serving and washing dishes at public meals; making repairs and overseeing building and grounds maintenance; teaching Sunday school, writing grant proposals and so much more. Reaching their fund­raising goal was also made possible through generous contributions from the greater community, grant awards and gift-in-kind business donations. The names of all the donors are now displayed on an honors plaque in the fellowship hall, which was unveiled on September 7 by the project coordinator, Harvey Boatman.

Some of those donors attended the September 7 celebration, including Rev. Dr. David Abbot and Tom Kinney from the United Methodist Foundation of New England (UMFNE). At that time they presented a second $5,000 annual grant to VUMC. The 2024-25 grant was to help increase accessibility within the church building, explained Boatman. The new one will be used to help expand accessibility out into the community to people who are unable to come to VUMC. This will be accomplished through various programs, services and collaborations. Kinney related that he talks about VUMC as an example of success as he works with other United Methodist churches throughout the New England Conference. There are so many churches that are struggling to survive and reach out to UMFNE for advice, a loan or a need. Kinney explained it is his joy to encourage them by telling them about VUMC’s efforts to survive and thrive.

“Are we done yet? Not by a long shot!” Boatman explained at the dedication ceremony. “We are just beginning to develop outreach outside our walls and into the community.” VUMC will continue to work on their building as well. The next big project will be to restore the stained glass windows that were made for the North Vassalboro Methodist Episcopal Church in 1906 and moved to the new VUMC in 1988. “We are carrying on as good stewards of the building we were given charge over by those who came before us, as we will do for the next generations.”

Vassalboro United Methodist Church holds services at 10 a.m. every Sunday, at 614 Main Street, and by Facebook Live and special posts. FMI contact Pastor Karen at (207) 873-5564 or info.vumc@gmail.com. Follow them on Facebook for updates on special services, programs and events.

Harvey Boatman, right, at the VUMC lift/elevator dedication standing beside his daughter, Kate Coffin. Next is his granddaughter, Miah Coffin and his life partner, Dale Potter-Clark. The honors plaque that displays all the lift’s donors is behind them. (contributed photo)

PHOTO: And the winners are…

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Horses Ruby and Buck, owned by Steve Haskell, of Palermo, placed first at the 2025 Horse Pulling Sweepstakes at the Windsor Fair. (photo by Gary Mazoki)

Hometown Hero recognized at Vassalboro Days

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Robert Locklin in Vietnam

On Saturday, Sept. 6, Vassalboro resident and Vietnam Veteran Robert Locklin was honored posthumously as Vassalboro’s first Hometown Hero. He passed away on Sept. 3, 2025. The Town of Vassalboro is proud to recognize current and former residents of Vassalboro who have served or are currently serving our country in a branch of the military with their Hometown Hero Banner Program. This program places banners on power poles through Vassalboro and will be typically displayed from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

This marks the first season for these banners. Mr. Locklin received medals including the Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Presidential Unit citation, Silver Star, three Purple Hearts and two Combat Air Assault medals.

His Hometown Hero banner was presented to Mr. Locklin last week before his passing by friend and fellow Army veteran Randall Liberty, who currently serves as Commissioner at the state’s Department of Corrections. Mr. Locklin’s banner was unveiled at 8 a.m., during the Vassalboro Days celebration at the Vassalboro Fire Department, on Main Street. Town Manager Aaron Miller presented a narrative of Mr. Locklin’s military service and was joined by Mr. Locklin’s family and friends.

Redington-Fairview General Hospital named a 2025 Best Place to Work in Maine

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The Maine State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, Best Companies Group, and BridgeTower Media have named Redington-Fairview General Hospital (RFGH) as one of the 2025 Best Places to Work in Maine in the large employer category.

Best Places to Work in Maine identifies, recognizes, and honors the best places of employment in Maine. To be considered, companies must have at least 15 full-time or part-time employees working in Maine; be a for-profit or not-for-profit business or government entity; be a publicly or privately held business; have a facility in the state of Maine; and be in business for a minimum of one year.

“Redington-Fairview General Hospital is honored to once again be recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Maine for 2025,” said Rachel Grant, Human Resources Director. “We extend our gratitude to every member of our team whose dedication and commitment make RFGH not only a successful hospital, but also a truly great place to work. We are fortunate to have such an exceptional staff.”

There were two parts used to determine the rankings. The first, worth approximately 25 percent of the total evaluation, consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. The second part, worth 75 percent of the total, consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final rankings.

“The 2025 Best Places to Work in Maine know that the people in their organizations are the key to their success. These businesses realize what it takes to create an environment that results in teamwork and excellence,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media for the East Division. “BridgeTower Media is pleased to join the Maine State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management and the Best Companies Group in honoring these outstanding Maine businesses.”

RFGH will join other winners at a Rock N Roll-themed celebration at the Augusta Civic Center on October 7, where final rankings will be announced. The Best Places to Work in Maine Endorsement Sponsor is Maine HR Convention. For an updated listing of sponsors and more information about the event, visit bestcompaniesgroup.com/best-places-to-work-in-maine/.

UPDATE: Cyanobacteria identified in Webber Pond

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Cyanobacteria toxins at levels harmful to adults, children and pets were identified, on September 2, in water samples taken on the south shore of Webber Pond. These are the first persistent scums that have been reported this year.

If you see scums, please keep people and pets out of the water, particularly if there are brown lines in the scums. If anyone gets in the water, please have them shower ASAP and rinse off any pets that get in the water, since they may lick toxins off their hair.

Please let us know about any scums you see by a post to the WPA Facebook page, a private message, or an email, so that we can take a water sample and test for toxins. Let us know the location/address of the scums. If they are by your property, please give us permission to access the water from your dock or land to take a water sample.

Submitted by Susan Traylor, chairman of the water quality committee for the Webber Pond Association.

EVENTS: Concert benefits Mills Foundation

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Gary Sinise

On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Gary Sinise and his Lt Dan Band landed at Bowl In The Pines, part of the Snow Pond Center for the Arts. Their mission, rock out and raise money for the Travis Mills Foundation.

The evening started with U.S. Army SSG (Ret.) Travis Mills himself, helping to pump up the crowd. He was on stage to help auction off a commemorative Travis Mills Foundation license plate that had been assigned to a Maine State Trooper’s patrol car. When the bidding was done, $3,000 was raised for the Travis Mills foundation.

Next, Stolen Silver took the stage. Two men make lots of music with a guitar, fiddle, mandolin and harmonica. Their performance set the stage for the main event. Once again Travis Mills took the stage to introduce Gary Sinise and the Lt Dan Band. Earlier in the afternoon during an interview with Travis and Gary, Travis credited Sinise with the idea and motivation to start his own foundation to help what he terms, “Post 9/11 recalibrated veterans” such as himself learn to adapt and overcome the injuries that they sustained during their military service. Mills went on to say that their friendship started shortly after he was injured by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. Travis went on to say that the Gary Sinise Foundation gifted him an adaptive home specifically built to accommodate him being able to live as normally as possible. During the interview, both men downplayed their contributions to the military, veterans and first responders. Sinise, a long-time actor and musician started his Lt Dan Band in 2003, playing USO shows around the world for the military. Often seen at hospitals meeting with injured military members, he saw it as a way to give back to our troops and bring a small part of home to them.