Inaugural Margaret Peacock Community Hero Award honors Watershed Partners

/0 Comments/in , /by

The 21st annual Lakeside Libations & Celebration fundraiser for the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed (FOCW) on August 22 will honor longtime watershed partners with the inaugural Margaret Peacock Community Hero Award. Margaret, who passed away in 2019, was known for her volunteerism and love for her community. Margaret taught kindergarten in the Gardiner school system for 20 years and opened Cram’s Point Nursery School after her retirement.

She was also a longtime member and president of Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed, volunteered as a PTA officer, Girl Scout leader, Johnson Hall board member and secretary, a founding member and editor of a quarterly newsletter, The Weathervane, and a member of the West Gardiner Garden Club.

The Margaret Peacock Community Hero Award will be presented to Bill Monagle, Wendy Dennis, and (formerly) Ryan Burton, of the Cobbossee Watershed District, for their work of protecting, improving and managing the lakes, ponds and streams of the watershed since 1973. The event will also honor Rob and Nancy Brown of Clark Marine as the Friend’s Business Honorees of the Year for the decades of support they have shown the organization and their many charitable contributions to the community.

This annual fundraiser will be held at the YCamp of Maine in Winthrop on August 22, 2024, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., and will also include lakeside entertainment from the Laura Hudson Project, light fare from the Parsonage House, and cocktails and mocktails. The event raises funds for the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed’s education and conservation work. FOCW’s mission is to protect the 28 lakes, ponds, and streams of the 217-square mile Cobbossee Watershed.

The 2024 Lakeside Libations & Celebration is sponsored by the Peacock Family, Kennebec Savings Bank, Augusta Fuel Company, Charlie’s Chevrolet, Tex Tech, Mendall Financial Group, Central Maine Power, Sprague & Curtis Real Estate, Vallee Harwood & Blouin Real Estate, and the YCamp of Maine. The 2024 Planning Committee includes co-chairmen Kathleen Boggan and Julie Peacock, Paul Buch, Mark & Jen Fleming, Jeff Gleason, Elizabeth Neale Pollack, Paula Nersesian, Corey Smith, Peter Washburn, and Suzanne Young. Ad-Hoc Members include Peter Mendall, Todd Snider, and FOCW staff.

For more information or images, contact: Torie Levesque, Director of Development for the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed, Tel: 207-395-5239; Email: torie@watershedfriends.com.

MERIT: If we build it, will they save?

/0 Comments/in , /by
by André Chassé
Volunteer State President,
AARP Maine

When Maine set out to develop a way to make retirement savings accessible to more workers, it was somewhat of a “field of dreams” moment for all those who had advocated for the Work & Save program including AARP Maine. We knew that access to an employer-based retirement plan would be critical for building financial security. In addition, with roughly 40% of Maine’s private sector employees having no way to save for retirement on the job, we believed a solution was needed to our state’s retirement savings crisis. However, as we entered the final stages of implementation, we found ourselves asking: if we build it, will they save?

The answer is a resounding “yes.” I am delighted to share that more Mainers have started building a secure financial future for themselves by saving for retirement, thanks to the notable success of the Maine Retirement Investment Trust (MERIT). In a landmark achievement, MERIT recently announced that Maine employees have collectively saved an impressive one million dollars for their retirement within just six months of its statewide launch in January of this year. This milestone reflects the commitment and hard work of both the program and the participants as they strive to build a stable financial future for themselves and their families.

MERIT was created in 2021 by the Work and Save Bill, sponsored by Senator Eloise Vitelli, to improve access to retirement savings programs. The public-private retirement savings option was established to provide an efficient and transparent retirement savings option for the over 200,000 workers in Maine who do not have access to a workplace retirement savings plan.

The initiative has proven to be a critical step toward promoting responsibility and long-term planning for Maine workers. By providing a streamlined enrollment process, MERIT enables employers to offer a valuable tool that significantly enhances employee satisfaction and financial security. MERIT allows workers to set their own contribution percentage. There is no cost or match requirement for employers. Funds are invested in a Roth IRA that employees can take with them from job to job. Through the MERIT portal at meritsaves.com, employees can change their contribution percentage, view and change investment options and identify their beneficiaries.

MERIT addresses a vital need for Maine residents who face uncertainty about their retirement savings. Retirement savings options that help workers become savers are needed now more than ever. According to an AARP survey conducted earlier this year, one in five Americans 50-plus have no retirement savings, and over half worry that their savings won’t last in retirement.

Until now, too many workers in Maine have not had access to a retirement savings account at work, leaving them unprepared for the future. But with the recently met MERIT savings benchmark, we have a million reasons to believe that together, we can bridge this gap and ensure a more secure future for Maine’s workers.

Anson Scout achieves Eagle rank

/0 Comments/in , /by

Elizabeth Daisey pins the Eagle Scout medal on her son’s uniform. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Nick Gower, of Anson, received the Eagle Scout rank, the highest award in Scouting, during a ceremony held on July 13 at the Garret Schenck School. His Eagle Scout project was a benefit to the American Legion. The Tardiff-Belanger American Legion Post in Madison has a new, custom-made fire pit for the proper retirement of United States flags that have become faded, ripped or worn. “I am so proud of Nick,” said Troop #481 Scoutmaster Darlene Taylor, of Starks.

Nick Gower’s Eagle Scout project. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

“Every challenge that has come your way, you have conquered. Your project has been used to honor our nation’s flag. What a worthy project.”

“America has many good things to give you and your children after you; but these good things depend for the most part on the quality of its citizens,” said fellow Troop #481 Eagle Scout Devyn DeLeonardis who received his Eagle medal last December. “Our country has a great past. You can help make sure it has an even greater future. I charge you to undertake your citizenship with solemn dedication. Be a leader, but lead only towards the best. Lift every task you do and every office you hold to the highest levels of service to God and your fellow man.”

Speaking about Nick, Skip Pond, who served as Master of Ceremonies, said, “I have shown the whole world that Scouting is in my heart. I have mastered the knowledge of subjects that will benefit my country and my fellow man.”

Nick received congratulatory letters from local and national political officials and also from leaders of veterans organizations such as the Marine Corps League and the American Legion. Patricia “Tricia” Thurston, Commander of the Department of Maine American Legion, attended and presented Nick with a replica Eagle feather and a certificate from the organization.

Nick’s mother, Elizabeth Daisey, pinned the Eagle medal on her son’s uniform and he in turn presented her with roses and the Mother’s Pin for her support of his Scouting efforts. Nick also presented his father, Dustin Gower, with an Eagle Scout Father’s Pin.

Scoutmaster Taylor added, “Nicholas, I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished in Boy Scouts. It was a wonderful experience climbing this mountain with you. Now spread your wings and fly!”

Rotary Club of Waterville installs new officers

/0 Comments/in , /by

Lindsey Cameron, of Waterville, was installed as president of the Rotary Club of Waterville during the club’s meeting on July 15, 2024, at Best Western Plus, in Waterville. Also installed were President-elect Michele Prince, Sarah Wadick, Treasurer, and Secretary Buffy Higgins.

In addition, the following members will serve on the club’s board of directors:

Doug Carnrick, Sergeant-at-arms, John Dalton, Community Service Chairman, Tom Shupe, Foundation Committee Chairman, Jordyn Woodard, Public Relations Committee Chairman, Jim Chapman, Ways & Means Committee Chairman, Jennifer Casey, Membership Committee Chairman, Roger Crouse and Hannah Bard, Administrative Committee Co-Chairmen, Karen Normandin, Vocational Services Chairman, and Ken Vlodek, International Service Chairman.

The immediate past president is Dan Eccher. He will continue to serve on the club board for the next year.

Prior to this appointment Lindsey Cameron served as Interim Membership Chairman. She has actively participated in the club’s annual Radio Auction decorating committee chairman, helping organize and execute the Spring Auction and Social, as well as attended PETS and was on the Committee for District Governor (2023-2024) Tina Chapman’s District 7790 Conference this past June.

For the 2024/2025-year Rotary’s theme is “The Magic of Rotary” which is a call for Rotary to create hope in the world by working for peace and mental wellbeing.

The Rotary Club of Waterville supports community projects such as support of local food pantries, college scholarships, Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, Rhoda Reads Early Literacy Program, and trail maintenance of local hiking trails. The club raises money for projects by the two annual auctions, one online in the Fall with radio promotion and the other in the Spring with a Live and Silent Auction.

“People in our local communities and around the world need help overcoming problems and challenges,” said Lindsey. “Our club passionately engages in service above self by leveraging member talents and club resources to help people and communities thrive, prosper and grow”.

The Rotary Club of Waterville, on Facebook at Waterville Rotary Club and Instagram at @waterville_rotary, welcomes new members who, as people of action, seek to volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs. Information about becoming a member is available at watervillerotary.com/ or by attending the weekly meeting at noon on Mondays, at the Best Western Plus Hotel, in Downtown Waterville, 375 Main Street, Waterville, ME 04901.

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce golf tournament fundraiser great success

/0 Comments/in , /by

First Place Gross Team Score, Mid-Maine Marine, from left to right, Rob Moody, Garret Prelgovisk, Scott McManaman, Drew Glasheen. (contributed photo)

Central Maine’s most prize-laden golf tournament fundraiser was held on Monday, June 17, at Waterville Country Club. Thirty-six teams took part in the shotgun start scramble.

Nearly 50 businesses provided sponsorships or in-kind donations for the tournament.

“We were thrilled with the participation in this year’s event once again,” said Kim Lindlof, president & CEO of Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce. “We were also happy that the weather cooperated, with a beautiful Chamber of Commerce day of nice breezes and an enjoyable day of golf for all involved.”

Prize winners were as follows:

50/50 Winner: Cameron Gartley and Martha Wentworth – Central Maine Power Co. Allen Insurance & Financial.
First Place Gross Team Score: Mid-Maine Marine – Rob Moody, Garret Prelgovisk, Scott McManaman, Drew Glasheen.
Second Place Gross Team Score: Milestone Funeral Partners – TJ Smart, Matt Parent, Bob Allen, Mark Parent.
Third Place Gross Team Score: Valley Beverage – Mike Crowell, Mark Bradford, Jake Gerow, Ken Stinchfield.
First Place Net Team Score: New York Life Insurance – Alan Cobb, Joe Gilliland, Cliff Hannon, Gary Levesque.
Second Place Net Team Score: Allen Insurance & Financial – Mike Rankin, James Sanborn, Cameron Gartley, Dave Sanborn.
Third Place Net Team Score: Coldwell Banker Plourde Real Estate – Mark Ford, Ted Helberg, Don Plourde, Jamie Plourde.
Longest Drive: Scott McManaman – Mid-Maine Marine.
Straightest Drive: John O’Neil – Bar Harbor Bank & Trust.
Closest to the Pin: Hole #2: Chris Dow – Dow’s Quick Stop.
Closest to the Pin: Hole #6: Male: Gary Levesque – New York Life Insurance; Female: Deb Whalen – Nicholson, Michaud & Company.
Closest to the Pin – Hole #13: Male: Cliff Hannon – New York Life Insurance; Female: Jennifer Seekins – Bar Harbor Bank & Trust.
Closest to the Pin — Hole #16: Lewis McEacharn – Paul White Company.
Highest Team Score: Boulet Group

  Chairman of the Chamber Golf Classic Committee, Gary Levesque added, “We would like to thank the staff at Waterville Country Club, and all the area businesses for their participation whether with posting a team, providing volunteers or in-kind donations, or being a sponsor. Your support makes this a successful fundraiser.”

The Mid-Maine Chamber Golf Classic is made possible by major sponsors Central Maine Power and Maine State Credit Union and multiple additional sponsors.

First Place Net Team Score, New York Life Insurance, from left to right, Alan Cobb, Joe Gilliland, Cliff Hannon, Gary Levesque. (contributed photo)

Drew Ketterer presented with Lifetime Achievement award by Maine Bar Assn.

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Drew Ketterer

At the annual summer meeting of the Maine State Bar Association, held in Bar Harbor, Attorney Drew Ketterer was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award.

Drew Ketterer was orphaned at the age of 13 and forced to live on $90 a month of social security survivor benefits. He did manage to complete high school and played football for Fairfield University. In 1971 he became the first male graduate of Connecticut College for Women, in New London Connecticut, now known as Connecticut College. He graduated sixth out of a class of 316 with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude. Earning a scholarship through college and law school, he graduated from Boston’s Northeastern University School of Law, 50 years ago in 1974.

His first employment as a lawyer was with the Roxbury Defenders Committee, defending indigent felony cases by day and serving as a faculty member at Suffolk University School of Law, teaching criminal trial practice.

After five years of practicing law in Boston he returned to Maine to open a general practice law firm in Norridgewock, Somerset County. To this day he has remained in Norridgewock as a trial lawyer.

He was appointed by two Maine Governors to chair the state ethics commission, charged with enforcing the state election laws.

He has served in all three branches of Maine government. He first was in the judicial branch as a Complaint Justice, authorized to issue search and arrest warrants. He later served two terms in the House of Representatives, assigned to the Judiciary Committee. Finally, he served in the third branch of government as a three-term elected attorney general, of the State of Maine.

While serving as Maine’s AG he successfully completed five Boston Marathons and successfully sued the tobacco industry in the case Maine v. Philip Morris. He received what is believed to be the largest civil judgment in the history of the state of Maine, with a judgment in the amount of $1.4 billion. He represented Maine in the United States Supreme Court case of Alden v. Maine.

After serving as Maine’s Attorney General, he returned to the law firm he founded in 1979, in Norridgewock, and developed an attorney general practice. In July 2014 his son Andrew became a partner in the law firm, now known as Ketterer & Ketterer, with offices in Maine and Florida.

His service to the legal profession, included serving as the president of the Somerset County Bar Association as well as being elected to the Maine Bar Association Board of Governors for three terms. He was also elected to serve as president for the New England Bar Association.

Celebrating 75 Years: China Historical Society annual meeting and China Elementary School Anniversary

/0 Comments/in , , /by

A large crowd gathered at the China Middle School for a nostalgic journey by the China Historical Society (photo by Eric Austin)

by Eric W. Austin

The annual meeting of the China Historical Society, held on Thursday, July 18, was a delightful blend of business and nostalgia. This year, the meeting doubled as a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the China Elementary School, a cornerstone of our community since 1949. The event, hosted in the gymnasium of what is now the China Middle School, saw about three dozen attendees come together to reminisce and reflect.

Founded in 1974, the China Historical Society has been dedicated to preserving the rich history of our town. The society is always looking for new members, with annual dues set at a modest $10 to support the cause. Prospective members can sign up at the town office. The society is also working on launching a website and a Facebook page to keep everyone updated on upcoming events.

This event was video recorded and will eventually be made available to the public, likely on the (soon to be set up) YouTube channel for CHS.

Scott McCormac

The annual meeting kicked off with the usual business, including the approval of last year’s minutes and the election of new officers, with Robin Adams Sabattus stepping in as the newest board member. Scott McCormac, current President of the Historical Society, underscored the importance of their mission, and highlighted the challenges of consolidating historical information in one place.

The event then shifted gears to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the China Elementary School. Built in 1949, the school replaced numerous small “one-room” schoolhouses scattered across town. These smaller schools were essential before the days of a bus system, ensuring that every child had a school within walking distance. When the new elementary school opened, all the small schools closed simultaneously, leading to initial overcrowding in the new building.

Historical tidbits from the original dedication bulletin reveal that the town appropriated $10,000 for the new school’s construction over three years, with master builder Louis Z. Masse overseeing the project. Letha Wilson served as the first principal, and G. Wayland Jones was the Master of Ceremonies at the dedication.

The highlight of the celebration was hearing from former students like Richard Dillenbeck and Shirley Fitzgerald, members of the first eighth-grade class to graduate from the new school in 1949. Dillenbeck shared a humorous memory about the excitement of having running water and indoor bathrooms, recalling the uncomfortable “three-hole” outhouses they used before. Fitzgerald reminisced about playing games like hopscotch and tag during recess and noted that only four of the original 23 classmates are still alive today.

Richard Dillenbeck, left, and Shirley Fitzgerald reminisce about their days at China Elementary School. (photo by Eric Austin)

Former teacher Wayne Bengtson, who taught at the school from 1968 to 2008, also shared some of his memories. He recalled the influx of students in the 1980s after China students scored well on the first Maine State Educa­tional Assessment standardized tests.

After the reminiscences, long-time custodian Tim Roddy led a tour of the school, including a visit to the basement, which once served as the school cafeteria during its early days. The tour was a hit, offering a trip down memory lane for many attendees.

The China Historical Society continues to engage the community with projects like an upcoming display at the Albert Church Brown Memorial (China Village) Library about the narrow-gauge railroad. Bob Bennett is also working on organizing a tour of the railroad for later in the summer, promising more opportunities for residents to connect with their local history.

The anniversary celebration was a heartwarming reminder of the strong community bonds that exist in the town of China, Maine. The Historical Society’s efforts to preserve and share local history ensure that future generations will also know the stories that shaped their town. Residents are encouraged to join the society and participate in future events, contributing to the rich tapestry of China’s history.

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce announces Joseph B. Ezhaya scholarship award winner

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Olivia Varney

Olivia Varney, of Pittsfield, was selected as the scholarship recipient from a field of applicants.

Varney graduated this spring from the Maine Central Institute High School, in Pittsfield, class of 2024.

Varney was inducted into the National Honor Society and Honor Society for Visual & Performing Arts, as being involved with the student council and Key Club. Outside of her school activities, she has devoted time to a variety of service organizations, including the Paul E. Bertrand Community Pool house revitalization project, Coats Disease, Husky Throw Down, and the Town of Pittsfield Recreation Department.

Varney plans to continue her post-secondary education at Husson University, in Bangor, pursuing a degree in nursing.

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce’s Ezhaya Memorial Scholarship Committee convenes annually to award the prize to a local graduating senior with an exemplary record of citizenship and community service. Applicants are required to submit an essay on their community involvement, and finalists are interviewed by the Ezhaya Memorial Scholarship Committee.

“We are very pleased to award the 16th annual Ezhaya Scholarship to Olivia Varney,” said Kimberly Lindlof, president and CEO of Mid-Maine Chamber and coordinator of the scholarship. “The committee chose Olivia from an impressive group of accomplished applicants, because her dedication to service and leadership truly reflect Joe Ezhaya’s spirit and generosity.”

The scholarship is awarded by Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce in memory of Joseph Ezhaya, a dedicated community volunteer, and successful candidates share his interest in citizenship and involvement. Recipients must be graduating from a high school in mid-Maine and attending post-secondary school in New England. Awardees receive a $750 scholarship after successfully completing one semester with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher. This amount will be awarded for up to four years, for a total of $3,000.

EVENTS: “No Spring Chickens” & prizes at Democratic lobster bake

/0 Comments/in , , /by

New Harbor watercolorist Peggy Farrell’s Chickadee in Bean Boots will be one of many raffle prizes at the annual LCDC Family Fun Day Lobster Bake. (contributed photo)

“No Spring Chickens” – Two chicks with guitars, dynamic vocals, and lush harmonies” – will provide music during the Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC) Family Fun Day Lobster Bake on Sunday, Aug. 4, in Waldoboro.

Linda (Blaze) Picceri and Michelle Tanguay, of Waldoboro, make up No Spring Chickens. From heartfelt originals to high energy covers, these two have entertained throughout New England for longer than they care to remember. Recently relocated to midcoast Maine, they are looking forward to connecting with new audiences.

The event will also feature three separate raffle opportunities through which guests can support LCDC.

Raffle tickets to win a “Treat for Two” dinner at the historic Turner Barn, on North Haven Island, will be available. The winning ticket will provide a pair of lucky guests with a boat ride to and from the island, complimentary cocktails, and a five-course, locavore family-style meal. Past winners have raved about every aspect of the evening.

Tricky Tray Raffle opportunities will also be available with prizes as varied as an original watercolor by New Harbor artist Peggy Farrell, a gift box of honey products from Barter’s Island Bees, French wines sourced by Walpole’s Chemins des Vins, a signed copy of Heather Cox Richardson’s Democracy Awakening, and other prize opportunities.

Mike Pander will be roving the site selling 50/50 tickets, always a favorite.

The Family Fun Day Lobster Bake is open to the public. The afternoon begins with a social hour followed by dinner at 1 p.m. Short speeches by candidates, representatives in government and special guests follow.

Online reservations can be made at https://lincolncountydemocrats.com/lobster by Wednesday, July 31. For those who would like to provide additional support for the event, host committee sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, contact Bates at 207-644-8776.

The LCDC uses the money it raises through this and other fundraising initiatives to support its local efforts in Lincoln County.

Scholarships available for young musicians

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

The Kennebec Performing Arts Company encourages the participation of young musicians in its groups. Student members entering grades 9-12 are eligible to apply for the $500 scholarship for tuition to a summer camp or music program of their choice.

Victoria Hahn is the daughter of Ken and Kamala Hahn, of Fairfield. She has just completed her freshman year at the Ecology Learning Center, in Unity. Victoria began playing violin at age four, continuing for nine years. Two years ago, she began playing French horn, which is now her exclusive focus. She studies under Brittany Genness and has participated in various ensembles, including Mid-Maine Youth Orchestra, KPAC, Kennebec Valley Music Educators Association Honors Band, and Maine All-State Band. Victoria has attended the summer Bay Chamber Envision Program, and Maine Summer Youth Music Camp at the University of Southern Maine, where she will return this summer using her KPAC scholarship.

Victoria is a member of the KPAC Wind Ensemble, joining two years ago to have the opportunity to play challenging music.

“I really enjoy the community because everyone is extremely friendly and supportive of me as a musician. People often talk about how difficult the French horn is, but honestly, that is one of the reasons I like it. It is challenging and annoyingly finicky.”

Isla Granholm is the daughter of Sven and Elise Granholm, of Topsham. A home-schooled student, Isla will be starting her senior year this fall. She has been singing all her life and became a member of the KPAC chorus in September 2023. She credits directors Chuck Milazzo and Jason Giacomazzo, accompanist Christina Misner Rao, and the alto section for their guidance and encouragement.

“The chance to sing together with people who have the same deep love and passion for music is such a wonderful thing, and some of the best moments of my life have been when we finally get the harmony right and our voices just soar together.”

Since 2020, Isla has studied piano under Linda Craig, performing her first recital in April 2024 at an advanced level. She will use the KPAC scholarship to attend the Csehy Summer School of Music, in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, for two weeks this summer, where she will major in piano and participate in chamber choir and handbell ensembles.