Psychosocial Support Services at the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care

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A key improvement of the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care expansion is having the space for a true one-stop-shop for psychosocial support, with staff now co-located, offering a full range of support to patients and families. The cancer center offers a variety of programs to enhance the quality of life for patients and family members while they navigate the complexities of cancer diagnosis, treatment and life after treatment. The team consists of licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), financial counselors and dietitians, as well as an oncology care manager and community resource navigator. These compassionate professionals are available at any point in your journey. To learn more about these services, visit www.mainegeneral.org/cancer-support or call (207) 621-6123.

Local students named to University of Rhode Island dean’s list

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KINGSTON, RI (06/05/2025)– The University of Rhode Island, in Kingston, Rhode Island, announces that several area students have been named to its Spring 2025 dean’s list. Among them are:
Gavin Murphy, of Winslow, Tucker Pieh, of Rome, Danica Serdjenian, and Maddie Yakimchick, both of Waterville.

Gregory Bard earns high rank of Eagle Scout

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Gregory Bard’s mother, Mary, pins the Eagle Scout medal on his uniform. (contributed photo)

by Dan Allarie

Fewer than one of every youth who dons a Scout uniform will attain the Eagle Scout rank. Gregory Bard, of Troop# 401, in Sidney, managed to soar to that height and a ceremony was held in his honor at the former St John Catholic School, in Winslow, where he was presented this significant recognition.

Family and friends and fellow Scouts gathered on June 7 to celebrate all Greg had achieved in Scouting. After reviewing his accomplishments and highlighting some of his experiences, Troop #401 Scoutmaster spoke directly to Greg and with great solemnity said, “Be a leader but lead only toward the best. Lift every task you do and every office you hold to the high level of service to God and to your fellow man. So, live and serve, that those who know you will be inspired to finer living. We have too many who use their strength and their brains to exploit others and to gain selfish ends.”

Gregory’s mother Mary pinned the Eagle Scout medal onto his uniform and in turn he presented parent pins to his mother and his father Ryan.

Local leaders, such as Tom Purtell, of the Marine Corps League, and State Representative Alicia Collin,s of Sidney, presented Greg with testimonials and certificates. National leaders also added their praise of his accomplishments.

“The Eagle Scout award represents a great deal of hard work and dedication on your part. The improvements you made at the Sidney Athletic Association will be used and enjoyed for many years. You should be justly proud,” noted U.S. Senator Susan Collins. Greg’s Eagle Scout project saw him lead in the extension of the association’s storage shed and construct a new roof. The shed was not sufficient for all of the maintenance tools and grounds equipment. More than 100 hours of service was given to make this project happen and all of it was under the direction of Greg Bard.

“It is clear that you have developed a natural and effective leadership style- one built on leading by example, following direction when needed, and guiding others towards a shared goal,” Congressman Jared Golden wrote in his congratulatory letter. “That’s a rare combination, and one that will serve you well throughout life.”

Scoutmaster Handley gave one last piece of advice: “As an Eagle Scout, you become a guide to other Scouts of lower rank. You become an example in your community. Remember that your actions are now a little more conspicuous and people will expect more of you.”

Vassalboro Selectboard to appoint board/committee members July 17

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Vassalboro Town OfficeThe Town of Vassalboro has various committees, boards and commissions that work diligently and generously and give their time and talents to promote the future of the Town.

Are you interested in becoming more involved? The Town is seeking volunteers with unique problem-solving abilities, experiences and ideas to collaborate and make a difference in our community. Each committee is unique in its purpose and provides services, advice, or recommendations on a variety of issues including recreation, conservation and budget to name a few.

The selectboard will make appointments to the following boards and committees at their regularly scheduled meeting on July 17:

Planning Board – five members.
Board of Appeals – three members.
Recreation Committee – eight members.
Conservation Commission – two members.
Cemetery Committee – four to six members.
Trails Committee – 10 members.
Transfer Station Taskforce – six members.

If you are interested in joining a committee, please fill out a Committee Application Form and send a copy to the Town Manager. Application forms are located on the town’s website. You can submit a copy by dropping mailing, dropping off at the Town Office, or email amiller@vassalboro.net.

Internship or exploitation? Attorney warns young of summer red flags

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As thousands of students and recent grads across Maine take on summer internships, nationally recognized attorney Brian Chase of Bisnar Chase is sounding the alarm: some internships aren’t stepping stones – they’re legal minefields in disguise.

“Interns are often told to be grateful for the experience,” says Chase, “but too often, they’re delivering real value to a company and getting nothing in return – not even proper training. That’s not an internship. That’s exploitation.”

Internships have long been considered a rite of passage for young professionals, especially in competitive industries. But the rise of unpaid or vaguely defined roles has raised concerns – not just among career advisors, but legal experts too.

“In the eyes of the law, there’s a difference between shadowing a team and becoming a free extension of it,” Chase explains. “If you’re generating content, managing client accounts, or working unsupervised on high-stakes tasks, you’re not interning – you’re working.”

5 Red Flags That Could Signal a Problem

To help Maine students avoid legal and ethical pitfalls, Brian Chase is highlighting five key red flags to watch for before accepting – or continuing – a summer internship:

1. No clear job description

A legitimate internship should have a defined learning plan. If you’re told to “wear many hats” or “figure it out as you go,” beware.

2. Unpaid with no structured learning

Labor laws allow unpaid internships only under specific conditions, including that the experience benefits the intern more than the employer. If you’re doing repetitive, menial work or lack mentorship, that balance is likely off.

3. You’re doing the job of a regular employee

Interns can support teams, not replace them. If you’re writing proposals, handling customers, or being left in charge, it’s not legal unless you’re paid.

4. Lack of mentorship or real guidance

If no one’s checking in on your progress or offering feedback, that’s a problem. Interns should have someone to turn to, ask questions, and learn from. Being left to “figure it out” might sound empowering, but in reality, it usually means the company isn’t invested in your development.

5. Unreasonable time demands or vague promises

Being asked to stay late, work weekends, or put in extra hours to “prove yourself” can be a sign that the role is more about filling gaps than supporting your growth. If you’re working like a full-time employee without the pay – or a clear path to something more – it’s worth reconsidering the arrangement.

Chase emphasizes that not all internships are bad – many offer critical experience, connections, and mentorship. “We don’t want to scare students away from internships altogether,” he says. “But we do want to empower them to ask the right questions and recognize when something feels off.”

What to Do if You Think You’re Being Exploited:

If you’re in an internship that seems questionable, Chase recommends documenting everything: dates, tasks, communications, and expectations. “Interns often feel powerless, but they do have rights – especially if the company is benefiting significantly from their work.”

He also suggests bringing concerns to a school advisor or career services office if the internship was arranged through an academic program. “Some schools have policies that forbid students from participating in internships that don’t meet minimum educational or legal standards,” Chase adds.

At the end of the day, Chase says the goal is to shift the narrative around internships – from vague, unpaid rites of passage to structured, mutually beneficial experiences.

“Interns deserve clarity, respect, and an actual learning opportunity,” he says. “If a company isn’t offering that, then it’s not just unethical – it may be unlawful.”

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.