Lawrence H.S. graduates presented PAL Football award of excellence

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Jon Roy, left, receives his award from PAL football director John Stewart. (contributed photo)

by Mark Huard

Director of the Fairfield PAL Football Program, John Stewart, has announced the recipients of the Award of Excellence and Scholarship for the 2020 Season to Jon Roy and Dylan Coombs. The coaches association selects two members of the senior class each year to receive this award. The criteria is as follows: dedication, loyalty, character, role models and team above self.

These two young men exhibit all of the above and were unanimous decisions to receive this year’s award. Even though they were not able to take the field this season their contributions to PAL football, Lawrence High School, and the entire community over the years were not forgotten.

Dylan Coombs, left, is presented with the Award of Excellence and Scholarship from PAL football director John Stewart. (contributed photo)

China Four Seasons Club: Non-profit Spotlight

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Four Seasons clubhouse

Their Mission, Their Goals

by Steve Ball

Founded in 1970, the China Four Seasons Club is a growing nonprofit club organized to bring together enthusiasts of outdoor activities of all sorts. The club was organized after a merger between the China Lake Association and the China Regional Snowmobilers organizations. While most of their activities revolve around snowmobiling and ATV riding, the club, in fact, offers more to the community and its families.

In speaking with Tom Rumpf, club president, and Gail Tibbetts, past club president, it is obvious they see the club as a focal point for China and its surrounding towns’ people to get outside and enjoy the local area.

“This is really a four seasons club with events for everyone,” Rumpf said. There’s obviously snowmobiling and ATV riding, but in addition, the club has tried to broaden the offerings of the club. Recently the Four Seasons Club partnered with the China Village Volunteer Fire Department to sponsor and manage the China Lake Annual Ice Fishing Derby.

The club’s work during the year involves managing 34 miles of snowmobile trails and 21 miles of ATV trails in the China Lake region. All of the manpower for trail maintenance, grooming and upkeep is done by volunteers. According to Rumpf, the trails managed by the club are very popular, attracting riders and enthusiasts from throughout the state and New England. It’s busy work of which the club is rightly proud.

It is the work on the trails that keeps the attention of most members. Aside from the cost of building bridges, clearing storm and wind damage, and running the grooming vehicles, Rumpf and his team spend a lot of time talking with landowners to gain approval for trail access. Additionally, Rumpf is in contact with the Maine State Department of Conservation to assure that all the trails are in compliance and ask for guidance on major repair work. “These trails,” Rumpf said, “are more than just for snowmobilers and ATV riders. They get used by horseback riders, bikers, hikers, snowshoers and cross country skiers.”

The club, according to Rumpf, is really there to serve both the membership, numbering approximately 200, and the community. This is seen in the varied activities the club either sponsors or is involved in with other organizations. Over the Christmas holiday season the club donated money for families in need and then sponsored a raffle for four decorated Christmas trees stocked with presents underneath. Rumpf and his team are also partnering to assist with promoting the China School Forest.

The clubhouse is located on seven acres along Lakeview Drive, across from the China Town Office, with a beach and lake access. There’s a kitchen and main hall that serves the social needs of the club and is available to anyone to rent for private functions. The beach is remarkable in its somewhat secluded and protected setting. In the summer, docks are laid out to provide for swimming, fishing and boating, and the area is set-up for picnicking. In fact, according to Gail Tibbetts, the beach is increasingly becoming a prime attraction for families.

It is apparent the club is striving for ways to better serve the community. “I would like to organize a winter carnival around the ice fishing derby, with different activities for children and non-fishermen,” said Rumpf. This might include sledding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

The club would be a remarkable organization just because of its location and available space, but it’s the leaders and membership that are visibly shaping this nonprofit into a valuable community asset. It is apparent the China Lake community would be a much different place if not for the impact of the China Four Seasons Club.

The Town Line will continue with a series of articles on local nonprofit groups and their work in their respective communities. To include your group, contact The Town Line at townline@townline.org.

Jefferson’s Hailey Milliken graduates valedictorian at Maine Connection Academy

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Hailey Milliken

Hailey Milliken, a 12th grader from Jefferson, was Valedictorian for last week’s graduation ceremony for Maine Connections Academy, the state’s online charter school.

The in-person ceremony took place on June 3, at Thompson’s Point, in Portland. Milliken will be attending Boston University in the fall, majoring in media science in the College of Communication. Originally from Maine, Milliken lived in many places and attended many schools before joining Maine Connections Academy in 2020.

In her speech to her fellow classmates, Milliken said “Just a few months ago, the idea of speaking in front of a crowd, live, like this, seemed impossible. But here we are. The opportunities and flexibility offered here, at a true online school, have allowed me to thrive. What we are seeing all around is that the current educational system is in desperate need of a renovation. And MCA is one step ahead. And being one step ahead takes you to great places, so: stay one step ahead!”

Milliken took AP courses in literature, calculus and microeconomics—in her own words, “I’m a big reader, I do a lot of writing as well, and I’m really into journalism.” In her opinion, “Online school is the future of education. We were all thrown into it because of COVID but now we see that it can work. More and more students are learning at their own pace, and it’s perfect for diverse learners. Maine Connections Academy really knows how to do it.”

Now in its seventh year, Maine Connections Academy is Maine’s first statewide, tuition-free, online public school for students in grades 7-12.

Northern Light Inland Hospital announces finance leadership changes

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Chris Frauenhofer, left, Randy Clark, right.

Randy Clark, of Vassalboro, vice president of finance and operations, expands duties to two hospitals and care facility

Northern Light Inland Hospital, in Waterville, has announced several finance leadership changes.

Chris Frauenhofer, vice president of Finance of Northern Light Inland Hospital and interim administrator of Northern Light Continuing Care, Lakewood, in Waterville, has been named as the new vice president of finance for Northern Light Health’s system Medical Group.

Frauenhofer joined Northern Light Health in 2013, starting at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital before moving to Inland Hospital in 2017. Before joining Northern Light Health, he served in senior finance roles for more than 20 years at hospitals in New York, including Alice Hyde Medical Center and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

Frauenhofer received a Master of Business Administration from Niagara University (New York) and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Registered Accounting Program from State University of New York at Buffalo.

Frauenhofer lives in Mariaville. He will remain in the interim role at Lakewood until a new administrator is recruited.

Randy Clark, vice president of Finance and Operations at Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital, in Pittsfield, will expand his duties to include Inland Hospital and Lakewood, becoming vice president of finance for both hospitals and the continuing care facility.

A resident of Vassalboro, Clark just celebrated 25 years with Northern Light Health. He started as a controller at Sebasticook Valley Hospital, in Pittsfield, in 1996 and became vice president of finance in 2005. In 2016, operations was added to his leadership role. For a few years, he oversaw finance as vice president for both CA Dean Hospital, in Greenville, and Sebasticook Valley Hospital.

Clark earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Maine (Orono) and his Master of Business Administration from Thomas College, in Waterville.

“Chris and Randy have been vital to our local leadership teams, and integral to system finance work. We know they will continue to help our system and member organizations succeed in their new and expanded roles – not only when it comes to finance, but with all aspects of our mission to improve the health of the people and communities we serve. Both Chris and Randy have a passion for excellent service and finding new ways to deliver on our brand promise.” says Terri Vieira, president of Inland Hospital, Continuing Care, Lakewood, and Sebasticook Valley Hospital.

Submitted by Kathy Jason, Lead Communication Specialist, Marketing and Communications for Northern Light Inland Hospital.

Diocese of Portland makes major updates to pandemic protocols

/0 Comments/in , /by

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waterville (photo: Google streetview)

The Diocese of Portland has announced major updates to the pandemic protocols currently in place at all 141 Catholic churches in Maine.

The following actions took effect on Monday, May 24:

• Masks are no longer required for any person at any time, inside or outside the churches.
• Capacity limits, advance registration, and the gathering of contact tracing information for those attending Masses are eliminated.
• Pew seating arrangements to establish six or more feet of distance between each person/family are eliminated. Those attending Masses are welcome to sit where they are comfortable. All pews will be available for seating.
• The distribution of Holy Communion to the homebound is restored.
• Indoor choir practices can be held without distancing.

For those not yet comfortable with a return to Mass, many churches will provide spaces in other areas, like parish halls, for additional, spread out seating during Masses. The extensive livestreaming schedule at Maine parishes will also remain in place. Moving forward, adjustments to the schedule will be made in the “Parishes and Mass Times” section of www.portlanddiocese.org. The obligation to attend Mass will continue to be dispensed for the foreseeable future.

“The strict adherence to state and diocesan guidelines has led to the successful operation of our churches since last June. I am so grateful for the many staff, volunteers, and parishioners who sacrificed and followed the protocols to ensure that Maine Catholics were able to participate in Mass and receive the Eucharist over the last year,” said Bishop Robert Deeley. “The Catholic Church always works to guide those it encounters to live in harmony and peace. ”

We hope that by continuing to offer a variety of ways to participate in Mass and through updating these protocols, all will feel welcomed to grow in their faith together in Christ.”

ShineOnCass event includes education and PJ party with baby animals

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Mac Vandeventer gets to know the goats. (photo courtesy of Monica Charette)

by Monica Charette

Claire Slevinsky pets a two-week-old baby lamb and learns how to card sheep wool at Hart-to-Hart Farm in Albion. (photo courtesy
of Monica Charette)

It was a pajama party like no other at Hart-to-Hart Farm & Education Center in Albion on May 16, when 100 children, dressed in their pajamas, welcomed baby lambs, goats, calves, and other newborn animals – also wearing pajamas – as part of the annual ShineOnCass Animal Baby Shower.

This year’s event featured hands-on educational sessions, including teaching kids how to milk a cow, fetch eggs from a real chicken coop, spin lamb’s wool, and stretch out at goat yoga! Children were able to hold the newborn babies, learn about caring for them, and experience a working, organic farm.

Linda Hartkopf, owner of Hart-to-Hart Farm, with her husband, Doug, said she enjoys the opportunity to share her love for animals with the community.

“Many of the children who came have never been on a working farm,” said Hartkopf. “We take great pride in educating them about caring for animals, and sharing our love and pride in raising them. There’s nothing like introducing a child to a newborn animal.”

Paige Smith comes out to volunteer in honor and in memory of her former soccer teammate and friend, Cassidy Charette, at the annual ShineOnCass Animal Baby Shower & PJ Party at Hart-to-Hart Farm in Albion. (photo courtesy
of Monica Charette)

Hart-to-Hart Farm is a family-owned and operated organic dairy farm that offers a variety of summer educational programs for children, adults and families. The event is held each year in memory of Cassidy Charette, an Oakland teen who died in a hayride accident in 2014. Cassidy, known for her kindness as an active community volunteer, was also passionate about caring for animals as a long-time summer camper at Hart-to-Hart Farm.

“Every year we get further away from losing Cass, holds a special place for us all,” said Cassidy’s friend Shawna Lachance, who now serves on the foundation’s board of directors. “We knowing we are continuing the work she would have lived her life doing.”

Families attending the event made monetary gifts and donated a truckload of food and pet items, which was donated to Humane Society Waterville Area in honor and memory of Cassidy, who was also a shelter volunteer.

For information about Hart-to-Hart Farm & Education Center, visit hart2hartfarm.org. For more event images, visit the ShineOnCass Facebook page. To learn more about the ShineOnCass Foundation, please visit shineoncass.org.

 

 

 

Free ME from Lung Cancer breathes life into community

/0 Comments/in , , /by
by Carla Gade

When was the last time you took a good deep breath? During the past year I think we all have learned to not take our health and breathing for granted. Yet, this is a goal that the Free ME from Lung Cancer foundation continually works toward. Since 2013, the health and welfare of lung cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and preventative measures has been the primary goal of the Maine non-profit based in Augusta. In fact, Free ME from Lung Cancer’s CEO, Debra Violette, a lung cancer survivor herself, steadfastly serves the organization, breathing life to reinvigorate its active mission, pandemic or not.

During the past year, Deb, was able to get FMFLC accredited by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. She also testified before the Health and Human Services Committee in support of LD 819 which is “An act to reduce lung cancer rates in Maine by requiring testing for and mitigation of radon in residential buildings by landlords.” Deb asked Senator Joe Baldacci to sponsor the bill and Representatives O’Connell, Roeder, and Stover are co-sponsors.

Early last year, the FMFLC board decided that funding raised would stay here in Maine. Support was provided to area hospital by providing funding to help with their COVED-19 relief funds. Five hundred care bags for lung cancer patients were issued, they helped a single Mom get a radon air system installed and provided a grant to help high risk uninsured and underinsured patients get access to an early lung cancer screening. With funds in 2019 Free ME from Lung Cancer partnered with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute’s lung cancer research program. The two-year research grant program is currently recruiting for its next grantee.

So, what are you going to do to keep yourself and those you love refreshed during these continuing challenging times? How about a weekend on the coast? Getting a new gas grill for your small gatherings? Planning a bear hunt for the fall or a Caribbean vacation now that things are beginning to open up. Visiting a local eatery to support local businesses is great and obtaining money saving gift certificates on quality products and services is always a win. Let FMFLC help.

Free ME from Lung Cancer’s online auction gives you a chance to bid on these and many great items thanks to generous donors and sponsors. Enjoy bidding on many great items while contributing to fundraising efforts. Giving to non-profits, including FMFLC, has been significantly down during the Coronavirus pandemic. Your participation will help save lives. The auction is scheduled for will take place from June 11 through 20, 2021. To participate, please register at http://airauctioneer.com/fmflc-2021.

The auction is one of the foundation’s two annual fundraisers. The Save Your Breath 5K Run, Walk, Walk-Run will take place on November 6, 2021 at the Kennebec Valley YMCA. A virtual 5-K is also available. Cash prizes and an award ceremony will follow immediately after at the Bateau Brewery. To register for this event, please visit http://freemefromlungcancer.org.

To learn more about Free ME from Lung Cancer please visit our website (above) and sign up for our newsletter. You can connect on social media @freemefromlungcancer. The opportunity to volunteer as a Board member or assistant is always open and a vital way to serve. To Life!

Carla Gade serves as the Social Media Director for Free Me from Lung Cancer as well as librarian, in China Village.

Vassalboro neighborhood yard sale June 4 – 6, 2021

/0 Comments/in , , /by
by Jeanne Marquis

Click for full size list of locations.

Three years ago, Samantha Lessard and others organized The Mill Market, a weekly Craft & Vendor Fair, with the philosophy that when you help out community members the entire community benefits. It’s a full circle relationship.

On June 4, 5 and 6, this community spirit will be extended with the addition of an expansive network of neighbor yard sales throughout Vassalboro. Participation has become so popular that it will help to have a map to take full advantage of the offerings available at each address. The items that are not sold during the yard sale will be donated to The Mill for their used items area.

The used clothing and household items from The Mill have helped out Vassalboro residents over the last few years who have had fires, been displaced from their homes or have found themselves otherwise in need of clothing. These types of special requests for used items are filled by appointments only.

The Craft & Vendor Fair at The Mill is every Sunday through the summer, with an extra Saturday on June 5. Crafters and Vendors will be inside The Mill and outside on the green under tents. Handcrafted items include spices, jewelry, baked goods, plants, vegetables, gnomes, tie dye items, jams, glass crafts, macrame, candles, woodworking, knitted items, build a bear, sewed items, magnets, essential oils, Vendors include Tupperware, Scentsy, ColorStreet, Avon, 31, Tastefully Simple, Epicure, Paparazzi.

The proceeds from The Mill Market and yard sales, besides benefitting area crafters and local families who participate, will go to the ongoing restoration of The Mill – a gathering place for the community. That’s what Samantha means by full circle.

Scout honors deceased veterans with project over several seasons

/0 Comments/in , /by

Eagle Scout Gary Lawyerson congratulates his grandson Eagle Scout Gabriel Lawyerson after pinning the Eagle Scout medal he received in 1964. (contributed photo)

Receives Eagle Scout rank on Memorial Day weekend

by Chuck Mahaleris

Jefferson Troop #216 Scoutmaster Valerie Drever presents a special hand-made plaque to Gabe. (contributed photo)

Gabriel Daniel Lawyerson, of Troop #216, received his Eagle Scout rank during an outdoor ceremony at Damariscotta Lake State Park, in Jefferson. His grandfather, Gary Lawyerson, earned Scouting’s highest rank in 1964 and proudly pinned his medal on his grandson. Gabe is going to Fort Sill Oklahoma July 7, 2021 for his basic training in the U.S. Army.

His grandfather served in the Marine Corps for 27 years and three years in the Army. Linda, his grandmother, was in the Marines 7-1/2 months (then daughter Amy came along). There are others who served in Gabe’s family. Gary, Gabe’s father, served in the Army four years, Gabe’s other grandfather Leo Peters served in Paratroopers Army 101st Airborne during the Korean War, among many others, of course. His respect and appreciation for those who served in the military runs deep.

The Eagle Scout ceremony was held Friday evening of Memorial Day weekend which is appropriate as Gabe’s Eagle Scout Service Project consisted of taking photographs of 1,200 veteran grave stones at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta, on Civic Center Drive. The photos were given to the Bureau of Maine Veteran Services which plans to provide a website family and friends can visit loved ones virtually when they can’t visit in person. His Scoutmaster, Valerie Drever, said, “Congratulations Gabe, you have worked very hard to achieve this honor. Baden Powell would have been proud!”

Gabe’s grandmother Linda Lawyerson assisted him with his project and spoke during the ceremony. “The project was a long process spent over several seasons. I watched him persevere during winter months and overcome all obstacles. I saw him go from being a young man into an adult.”

Gabriel Daniel Lawyerson, of Troop #216. (contributed photo)

Dirigo Lodge delivers food to area food pantries

/0 Comments/in , /by

Members of Dirigo Lodge #104, from left to right, Lenny Goodine, present Lodge master, Jason DeMerchant, lodge member, Sheldon Goodine, past Lodge master and lodge member, Don Pratt, trustee of the Maine Mason Charitable Foundation and lodge member. (photo by Ron Maxwell)

by Ron Maxwell

Caring for your neighbor is a tradition that is alive and well here in central Maine. I was fortunate enough to see our local Masons in action this week at the Dirigo Lodge #104. Lodge #104 was founded in 1860 and its first lodge master was James Parnell Jones. This lodge has continued since, and celebrated its 160th anniversary last year. I spent some time talking with the men behind the scenes and here’s the story.

Member Sheldon Goodine (and a former lodge master) says he asked about doing something for the needs in our area at a recent lodge meeting. The group discussed and adjourned, but the seeds were planted.

Jason DeMerchant (their newest member, and grandson of Sheldon Goodine) went to work the next day at a distribution center and started the ball rolling by asking his superiors if they wanted to take part. Their work is to supply local shops (think Hannaford and the like) with the product they put on their shelves. When the supplies come to the distribution center they are in a large quantity which is broken up and then sent in smaller amounts to the local shops. The excess is good product which sometimes does not get to the shelves of any shop, and it was a pallet of this excess that was donated to the Masons’ efforts.

The Masons have a charitable foundation, the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation, which works to maximize the efficiency of donations. The Chairman of Disbursement and lodge member Don Pratt, joined the process by coordinating with food banks in Windsor, Palermo and China to distribute this donation to as many in need as possible.

Fast forward to the day of handing over the donations to the local food banks!

Food items collected by Dirigo Lodge #104, prior to their distribution to China, Windsor and Palermo food pantries. (photo by Ron Maxwell)

I arrived early to speak with the lodge members before the food bank representatives arrived. In addition to Sheldon Goodine and Jason DeMerchant, who were present to help load the food bank vans, were the current Lodge Master, Lenny Goodine (son of Sheldon, and uncle of Jason) and Don Pratt. I chatted with all four members about the day and the process that made it possible and got a tour of the lodge. All four made quick work of the mountains of donations in an assembly line process that streamed loads out of the lodge and into the waiting van of the volunteer from China. There were protein bars and breakfast cereal, toiletries and bandages, taco sauce and barbecue sauce, ready to heat meals and side dishes, organic candy and fruit snack. (If you read that last sentence out loud you can get a feel of what it was like to watch the four men bring load after load out of the lodge!) In no time, the donations were whisked off to the respective food banks. I left after the China load, and as I swung out of the parking lot, the four members were hard at work filling the truck for Windsor. From idea to source, coordination to distribution, the well-tended machine ran, powered by the dedication of lodge members. What was a question became a well-timed donation from members of a community to the community at large.

This process is not unique to the Masons – I have also seen it in our schools and our places of worship as members turn out to assist the community that surrounds them. This is the spirit that inspired me to settle here many years ago. When you have a cynical moment or a discouraging day, think about these efforts and try getting involved with one of the causes that give back. Taking your mind off yourself and thinking/doing for others is the backbone of our community. We should all spend some time caring for our neighbors.