Palermo community foundation nets $1,970 at fundraiser barbecue

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Murielle DiBiasi and Ann Sears kick up their heels as Anthony Semenovich plays guitar. (contributed photo)

The August 3 Community Cookout wasn’t just delicious, it was great fun! Anthony Semenovich played his violin and guitar, inspiring some to dance along in the grass, as people finished their desserts and relaxed under the canopies and in the grape arbor. “I saw people scooping up the last crumbs of cornbread from the giant pan,” laughed Phil White Hawk as he helped himself to more pulled pork. Michael O’Brien and his daughter Aubrey delighted the crowd with humorous comments as they drew the raffle prizes that ranged from gift certificates to an Echo trimmer donated by The Home Depot. Many local businesses contributed to the success of the cookout, including Hussey’s General Store, Lakeview Lumber, Bass Pro Shop, and B & B Septic. Ann Sears collected many personal donations of gift cards, handmade items, and tools. There were a couple of anonymous donors as well, whose support is greatly appreciated.

The Living Communities Foundation sponsors the Palermo Community Garden, where the party took place, and next-door neighbor Mark Evasius kindly lent the use of part of his back yard for a parking area. It was a good thing he did, as it filled up quickly. The Community Garden helps to supply the food pantry with freshly-picked, organic produce. The back garden not only features the grape arbor, but also showcases interplanted herbs and vegetables in 15 raised beds. Master Gardener Connie Bellet likes to introduce colorful and unusual plants to expand the Maine diet. The Giant Kossack kohlrabi is a good example of a sweet and versatile vegetable not found in grocery stores. Another example is Mountain Red Orach, a burgundy spinach-like plant that grows to eight feet in height and is rich in anthocyanins. Both of these vegetables are offered at the food pantry, and visitors are welcome to take a tour of the garden. It is best to call Connie at 993-2294 to make sure she is around to give a tasting tour.

The Living Communities Foundation enthusiastically thanks all the volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible. Thanks to the income, the Foundation plans to resume some programs and add others, now that Covid is in the rearview mirror. Suggestions are welcome! Please give Connie a call or email her at pwhitehawk@fairpoint.net.

Guests enjoy barbecue in the Community Garden. (contributed photo)

Albion Eagle Scouts

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From left to right, Matix Ward, Nash Corson and Preston Roy, of Boy Scout Troop #446, in Albion, were each awarded the Eagle Scout rank in a ceremony held on July 5, 2024. (contributed photo)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The town of Albion is celebrating its bicentennial this year with alumni gatherings, a frying pan throwing contest, parade, fun run and plenty of food. Among the festivities and pageantry, residents and guests are learning more about what makes their community special and of her rich history. A special ceremony honoring three young men who made Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting, took place recently at the Albion Middle School to recognize Troop #446 Eagle Scouts Matix Ward, Preston Roy and Nash Corson. All three are Albion residents.

State Representative Scott Cyrway and Albion Selectmen Jason Dow and Michael Gardner praised the accomplishments of the trio. A slide show highlighting their camping and high adventure experiences captured the attention of all attendees. Lorna Ward was the guest piano accompanist. “I was very impressed,” Alissa Roy said. “It was a very nice ceremony.”

Each of the three Eagle hopefuls had to give leadership to a significant project to benefit the community. In March of this year, Nash organized a blood drive for the American Red Cross and coupled it with a food drive to benefit the Albion Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. “I wanted to help save lives by collecting blood,” Nash said. “My goal was to have 22 people come out. On the day of my drive, we had 46 donors come and collected 25 units of blood. We had so many people come to donate we had to schedule them for different blood drives as the Red Cross ran out of space to have them all that day. I extended my project to run throughout the month and …ended up having 15 more who donated on other days….I collected approx 60 items for my home town food pantry.”

In January, Matix led volunteers in building a picnic table and hiking trail for Thurston Park, in China. Preston, who completed his project in 2022, led a team to construct new side stairs for the Albion Public Library and revamped the wheelchair ramp as well.

Nash Corson is the son of Alyssa and Michael Corson, of Albion. Nash is 18 and in September will be going into his senior year at Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and also his last year at Kennebec Valley Community College where he is working towards earning his welding certificate. His mother Alyssa said, “Having watched Nash grow and mature throughout his Scouting career, I can say that Scouting has benefited him immensely and he would not be the driven young man he is without the family and backbone that Scouting has given him.”

Preston, 17, is the son of Alissa and Chuck Roy, of Albion. In 2022, Preston shot a 232-pound, 10-point buck during Youth Deer Hunting Day introducing him to the “Biggest Bucks in Maine Club.” Preston is going into his senior year at Lawrence High School.

Matix is 19 and the son of Elizabeth and Matthew Ward, of Albion. He is going to be a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire where he is majoring in mechanical engineering. He is a graduate of Lawrence High School.

“Matix gained leadership skills, a love for nature, lifelong friends, and a commitment to his community through Scouting,” Elizabeth Ward said. “Through volunteer work, Matix has shown a strong commitment to serving his hometown.”

The ceremony was held on July 5, 2024. While 2024 marks the two hundredth anniversary of Albion, these three Eagles have helped shape her next two centuries.

EVENTS: Erskine Academy to host new student orientation

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All incoming freshmen or new students and their parents are invited to attend the Erskine Academy New Student Orientation, on Tuesday, August 27, at 6:30 p.m., in the gym. The administration strongly encourages all incoming students to attend this event as it is an opportunity to become further acquainted with the faculty, facilities, and programs at Erskine. The first day of school for freshmen only will be Wednesday, August 28.

Please contact the school at 445-2962 with any questions.

Cassidy’s birthday book drive to support Local Little Libraries

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Peyton Belyeu checks out the books in the ShineOnCass Lending Library, where free books are available to kids attending summer and after-school care programs at Alfond Youth and Community Center, in Waterville. Photo in background is Cassidy Charette. (photo courtesy of Monica Charette)

by Monica Charette

ShineOnCass Foundation invites the community to join “Cassidy’s Birthday Book Drive” to help shine a light on childhood literacy and inspire reading. The ShineOnCass Foundation, named and created in memory of Cassidy Charette, will collect children’s books during the month of August to help fill the shelves of local Little Free Libraries. Volunteers will deliver donated books on what would be Cassidy’s 27 birthday on August 31.

A registered Little Free Library, located at 93 Water Street, in Waterville, is among more than a dozen “take a book, share a book” free libraries located throughout central Maine. ShineOnCass Foundation is collecting books for Little Free Libraries during the month of August and will distribute donations on Cassidy Charette’s birthday, August 31. For a list of local Little Free Libraries, visit shineoncass.org. (photo courtesy of Monica Charette)

A Little Free Library is a “take a book, share a book” free book exchange in communities nationally and internationally. Thousands of Little Free Libraries, owned and supported by volunteer stewards, are located in communities in over 120 countries. More than a dozen Little Free Libraries are located in central Maine, including a ShineOnCass Lending Library for children at the Alfond Youth and Community Center in Waterville. A list of local Little Free Library locations can be found on the ShineOnCass website, shineoncass.org.

“Our mission is to make books accessible for kids, expand their knowledge, and inspire future readers,” says Monica Charette, Cassidy’s mother and executive director of the ShineOnCass Foundation. Cassidy, a 17-year-old Oakland resident who died in a hayride accident in 2014, was an avid reader, youth mentor, and a lifelong community volunteer.

“We believe expanding literacy access to local families is a meaningful way to celebrate the day Cassidy was born, by giving back and sharing her love for reading with kids.”

New and gently used books for children and young adults can be donated all month at Camden National Bank, at 51 Main Street, in Oakland, or at 258 Kennedy Memorial Drive, in Waterville. Books will be distributed to Little Free Libraries on Cassidy’s birthday on August 31.

For more information about Cassidy’s Birthday Book Drive or the ShineOnCass Foundation, visit shineoncass.org.

AYCC holds first summer camp games

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The Inaugural Summer Camp Olympics 2024 event held , Friday, July 26, was fantastic, according to Ken Walsh, chief executive officer, at the Alfond Youth and Community Center, in Waterville. Ken brought this idea to staff in the early summer planning stages after participating in a similar event nearly 30 years ago.

Camp staff took the idea and ran with it (some literally ran a relay around the track). But they did a wonderful job planning an entire day of games and activities for over 300 campers on the Colby College campus. The kitchen staff provided campers with snacks and lunch, while counselors dragged water coolers across the campus to keep everyone hydrated.

This thrilling event between Camp Tracy (CT) and Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) campers showcased awesome talents and sportsmanship. Participants competed in several sports including kickball, track events, swimming, basketball, and other field games. All the games were intense and exciting.

It was an exciting day of fun events and those who chose not to participate found other activities like making bracelets or doing cartwheels, playing pass, event spectating, cheering, and more!

Campers were so proud of their respective camps and had so much fun. There were smiles on so many faces and campers were sure to fall asleep early that night. Once everyone recovers, staff will begin planning for the second annual event.

While the overall event was not about winners and losers, there were some CT & SEP chants all day long and the eventual winners were campers from SEP. With a final score of 24-29, SEP prevailed, and took home the trophy. Congratulations to all the campers, athletes, counselors, CITs, and directors for a truly great event.

Unique Hawai’ian public supper at Vassalboro Methodist Church

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From left to right, Simone Antworth, Nancy Adams and Pastor Karen Merrill, from the Vassalboro United Methodist Church, are preparing for a Hawai’ian luau at the public supper slated for Saturday, August 17. (contributed photo)

The Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) monthly public supper is taking a twist on Saturday, August 17, from their traditional menu. One of the organizers, Simone Antworth said, “We had been thinking for some time about offering pulled pork as an alternative and when we realized that Hawai’i is celebrating 65 years of statehood in August we decided to honor Hawai’i by offering some of their traditional foods this time.” We will be serving our usual baked beans in addition to some made like they do in Hawaii as well as pulled pork, shrimp dishes, breads, salads and desserts all cooked with a tropical flair. “The Hawai’ians love Spam so we might sneak in a dish using that – and there will be pineapple dishes, of course! There will be surprises too,” said Antworth with a smile. “Guests will have to find out about those when they get there.” The supper will take place 4:30 – 6, unless food runs out before, for a $10 suggested donation per person. So join VUMC on August 17 for a great meal, and a fun-filled Hawai’ian luau celebration.

Public suppers are held at VUMC every third Saturday, May through October. Proceeds support the operating costs of the church and bolster member’s current efforts towards broadening accessibility to online and on-site services and programs.

Harvey Boatman, accessibility project coordinator said, “Our fundraising goal to improve accessibility is $80,000 which will make it possible for us to install safety and accessibility features inside the church. In addition to individual donations and proceeds from fundraising events we have raised $57,500 in grants from the Sukeforth Foundation, the United Meth­odist New En­gland Con­ference, the Maine Com­mu­nity Foundation, the United Meth­odist Foundation of New England, Joni & Friends Christian Fund for the Disabled and an anonymous $10,000 matching grant. We are encouraged and feel grateful for such generous support. Recently though, we discovered a problem that necessitates an additional $43,000 for repairs to the roof and steeple. Raising the funds necessary for that on top of what we are already doing adds an increased level of strain on our congregation. We need support from the community.”

VUMC was built in 1988 and serves as a community center for people of Vassalboro and surrounding towns who come to attend Sunday services, special programs, concerts, public suppers and more. VUMC members provide outreach through participation in the local fuel fund, food pantry, senior programs, Scouting, kids’ scholarships to Camp Mechuwana and by delivering welcome baskets to new residents. VUMC also organizes and publishes a community calendar each year, and delivers them door to door throughout town.

FMI visit Vassalboro United Methodist Church on Facebook, phone Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 873-5564 or email karenmerrill62@gmail.com.

Cruisin’ for a Cure car show raises over $21,000 for Maine Children’s Cancer program

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On July 18, a gathering was held for a special photo opportunity with Grace Jandro and Molly Herman, from the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, to present them with a check for $21,221.49 raised. Alongside them, New Dimensions’ Cruisin’ For A Cure Car Show chairmen can be seen in the check presentation, from left to right, Dani Farmer, Angela Hallee, David Alberico, Ryan Poulin, Sharon Storti, Grace Jandro, Molly Herman, and Tammy Poissonnier. (photo courtesy of New Dimensions Federal Credit Union)

The 10th Annual Cruisin’ for A Cure Car Show, hosted by New Dimensions Federal Credit Union, on June 1, 2024, was a huge success! Held at the Robert LaFleur Airport, the event saw 168 car owners and enthusiasts as well as hundreds of spectators come together for a day filled with classic cars and community spirit, all in support of a great cause.

With the sun shining brightly, the car show featured a dazzling array of vehicles, from timeless classics to the latest models. The highlight of the day was the remarkable total of $21,221.49 raised for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP), located in Scarborough, a division of the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. This generous donation will provide essential support and funding for children fighting cancer.

The event’s excitement peaked with the presentation of awards, including the People’s Choice Award to David Weeks for his beautiful 1951 Convertible Mercury and the Best of Show Award to Mike Reynolds for his striking 1969 Chevy Camaro RS.

“We’re thrilled with the success of this year’s event and deeply grateful for the support from our community, sponsors, and volunteers,” said Ryan Poulin, CEO of New Dimensions Federal Credit Union. “It’s amazing to see how our collective efforts make a real impact in the fight against childhood cancer in Maine.”

Some of the 168 cars on hand for the Cruisin’ for A Cure car show, held at Waterville’s Robert LeFleur Airport, on June 1, sponsored by New Dimensions Federal Credit Union. (photo by Roland D. Hallee)

Inaugural Margaret Peacock Community Hero Award honors Watershed Partners

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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?

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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

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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!”