Waterville Farmers Market open
The Waterville Farmers Market is open at the Head of Falls, off Front St., every Thursday, from 2 – 6 p.m.
EVENTS: Skowhegan class of 1963 to meet
The Skowhegan High School class of 1963 will be gathering for a breakfast buffet on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., at 234 Hilton Hill, MountainsView, Cornville. FMI call 858-0946.
EVENTS: Pond construction and maintenance workshop on June 4
Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District, in partnership with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Somerset County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), is sponsoring a Pond Construction and Maintenance Workshop on Friday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the District office at 893 West Street in Rockport.
Constructed ponds can add value to a property – if properly built and maintained! We will review the basics of designing, planning, constructing and maintaining a private pond as well as information on water testing. Joe Dembeck, wildlife biologist and executive director of Somerset County Soil & Water Conservation District. will focus on pond biology and the wildlife associated with ponds in Maine. He will discuss pond habitat features for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, fish considerations, and nuisance wildlife.
Fee for the workshop is $15 per person ($16 online), which covers the cost of provided materials. For more information or to register, check out our website at https://www.knox-lincoln.org/pond-construction-workshop or call the District office at 596-2040 or email info@knox-lincoln.org. If you already have a pond and would like to stock it with rainbow or brook trout this spring, visit the Trout Stocking Sale page on our website, https://www.knox-lincoln.org/trout-sale.
EVENTS: Summer reading program for children & teens coming from Winslow Public Library
Winslow Public Library
Sign-Up Starts June 14
This summer the Winslow Public Library will again proudly offer the Summer Reading Program for children and teens. The theme this summer is Tails and Tales, which young readers will discover through art, stories, STEM, and imagination-themed activities. Due to the pandemic, most aspects of the program will be offered outdoors with mask requirements and social distance protocols, while other aspects will be offered online
“With this year’s online Summer Reading Program, we hope to inspire continued reading over the summer, along with an ongoing love of learning,” said Kathleen Powers, Youth Services/Technology Librarian. “We do this by offering activities for all ages, along with reading incentives.”
Participants will work towards incentives through a challenge-tracker card that will include reading and activity challenges. In this way, youthful participants will be able to earn fun prizes such as free books and comic books throughout the summer.
Social-distance parts of the Summer Reading Program will include outdoor programs for all ages. To kick off the summer program the library will offer special guest Lucky Platt, an illustrator of Imagine a Wolf, for an art-themed program that focuses on animals, including wolves. This program will be held on the library lawn June 17, at 2:30 p.m., with a rain date of June 24. Art presentation will be limited to ten families so please reserve a slot by calling 872-1978. A pre-recorded tie-in program will also be available virtually.
The library’s weekly story times will be held, at 10 a.m., each Tuesday on the library lawn and each Friday, at 10 a.m., at the playground, on Clinton Ave., in Winslow. This will provide an opportunity for a younger audience to interact with fun stories, songs and create a craft featuring the week’s theme.
Starting June 24 and extending for the following nine weeks, the library also will be offering a weekly outdoor Lego Club and outdoor Art Club. Lego Club will be offered to develop engineering concepts and explore creativity. This will be social distanced with individual brick buckets and individual tables. Art club will feature weekly themed projects or individual art exploration time. Open to youth of all ages. Attendance is limited for both programs so please register. Masks are required for all youth outdoor programs.
Sign-up for Winslow Public Library’s Summer Reading Program starts June 14 in person at the library, through calling (207) 872-1978, or by emailing winslowlibrarycirculation@winslow-me.gov. Trackers will be emailed to participants who sign up online.
All parents and young readers interested in the Summer Reading Program from Winslow Public Library should check the library’s website, Instagram, and Facebook pages for the most up-to-date information on programs and events.
For more information, please contact Kathleen Powers, at Winslow Public Library, 207-872-1978.
Waterville scouts do clean up work at Fort Knox as a service project
Waterville Boy Scout Troop #436 members, from left to right, Dresden Laqualia, Sam Bernier, Malakhi Kornsey, Josh Knight, Nick Tibbetts (behind), Tobias Crocker and Xander (who was a guest), stand next to the Fort Knox sign at the entrance. (contributed photo)
by Chuck Mahaleris
On April 24, Boy Scout Troop #436, of Waterville, traveled to Fort Knox Historic Site and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory (America’s Original Fort Knox), in Prospect, as part of a service project to ready the park for opening for its season which began on May 1.
Three adults, Bruce Rueger, Jim Kornsey and Dan Bernier, provided support and guidance to the eight youth who took part. The youth were Nick Tibbetts, Tobias Crocker, Malakhi Kornsey, Dresden Laqualia, Sam Bernier, and Josh Knight and a guest.
“Our first assignment was picking up trash in, around and on the fort! The Scouts enjoyed climbing all over the historic fort while doing their good deed. They had fun while lending a hand. That is a win,” said Scouting leader Bruce Rueger. “Our second assignment was going down to the west tower of the Penobscot Narrow Bridge to rake the leaves in the landscaped areas of the parking area near that tower (where the elevator is located).”
Afterwards, the Scouts enjoyed a visit to Camden Hills State Park for a hike. The hike selected was Maiden Cliff. “We did the hike, played on a lot of huge boulders, and found a geocache at the top,” Rueger said. “It was a long day, but a great day for Scouting in Waterville.”
Cleaning up around the fort. (contributed photo)
Eagle Scout rank awarded to Hunter Praul, of China
From left to right, Hunter Praul with his parents Erika and Darryl Praul, of China. (contributed photo)
by Scott Adams
Boy Scout Troop #479, in China, held a small ceremony to honor its newest Eagle Scout, Hunter Praul. The ceremony was held at the China Baptist Church on Sunday, April 18, 2021. Hunter was presented Scouting’s highest honor by his parents Erika and Darryl Praul, of China, and in turn presented them with Eagle Scout Mother and Father Pins.
“Hunter is an amazing young man,” said Troop #479 Scoutmaster Scott Adams. “He never seeks to be in the spotlight but is always the first to try to make easier the lives of others. Hunter’s Eagle Scout project – building a home for a needy man in Costa Rica – was incredible. He raised the money needed here, assembled a team, coordinated efforts both here and in Costa Rica, led and took part in the building of the home and gave someone he barely knew a significant help up.”
Hunter is the 44th Eagle Scout from Troop #479 since Scott Adams became Scoutmaster in 1989. The troop was formed in 1959.
EVENTS: Branch Mills flea market opens May 15
Branch Mills Grange #336. (photo courtesy of the Kennebec Journal)
The flea market at the Branch Mills Grange #336 will be open on Saturday, May 15, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mother’s Day observance in its 113th year
A day honoring mothers began in a small town in West Virginia
by Gary Kennedy
Sunday, May 9, is the day we set aside for the favorite lady in our life, Mother. There isn’t a lot of history regarding Mother’s Day but I will share what I know. Mother’s Day in the U.S.A. is held on the second Sunday in May. Internationally this holiday varies based upon lent and other variables. Mother’s Day recognizes mothers, motherhood and the maternal bond in general.
A lady by the name of Anna Jarvis wanted the world to realize the tremendous contribution that motherhood played in our world. So, on May 10, 1908, proclaimed the first Mother’s Day, at St. Andrews Church, in Grafton, West Virginia. In the U.S.A. we love our holidays. We have a Mother’s Day, a Father’s Day, Siblings Day and Grandparents Day. All are celebrated in a similar manner. It’s a family get-together time with lots of food and festivity. Lawn games are still very popular as is the outside barbeque. There is more food, more calories and the start of another diet. Flowers are appropriate gifts as are other gifts for the lady of the house, the one who gave birth to us. Lots of love and respect is bestowed on the one we call mom or hun.
One of the first events was started by women’s peace groups; in favor of peace and against war. A common early activity was the meeting of groups of mothers whose sons had fought and died on both sides of the American Civil War
In 1868, four years post civil war, Ann Jarvis; Anna Jarvis’s mother organized a committee to establish a “Mother’s Day International Associate”. In 1912 Anna Jarvis trademarked the phrases “Second Sunday in May” and “Mother’s Day” and created the Mothers’ International Association. Anna specifically noted that “Mother’s” should be a singular possessive, for each family. Mother’s Day is the third largest holiday in the U.S.A. for sending cards; criticized by some as a Hallmark Holiday. Over 50 percent of American households send cards.
In 1908 Anna Jarvis delivered 500 carnations to the first celebration, thus carnation became the flower of choice for the holiday. Anna chose the carnation because it was her mother’s favorite. It became also the lapel ornament of the gentlemen during this event. A pink carnation was of choice if your mother was still living and a white one if she had passed. The church eventually picked this up. Other variations are used these days, including live plants.
The sad ending to this informative piece is, the holiday became so commercialized that Anna Jarvis became an opponent of her own created holiday. She spent all of her inheritance and the remainder of her life fighting what she saw as an abuse of her heart’s creation. She became very obsessed with what she saw. She started a protest in 1948 and was arrested for disturbing the peace. She finally stated she wished she had never started the holiday. She died that year.
Americans spend $2.6 billion on flowers, $1.53 billion on gifts and $68 million on cards. From NASCAR to the Players Golf Championship, mother is on the billboard May/June. The colors pink and white are used at these and the hundreds events like them. Although Anna’s heart was broken much good did come from her love of her mother. It is one of the few holidays that has stood the test of time.
I wish my flower was pink but for many years now it has been white. Thank you Anna, your heart was true and though what you gave and left behind changed for many, there are still many who are grateful for your undying sweet gift. God Bless all our mothers. Enjoy your time together.
Carrabec High School announces top 10 seniors for 2021
Clockwise from top left: Sarah Olson, Mikayla Oliver, Jasmyne Coombs, Andrew Davis, Ethan Johnson, Chantelle LaCroix, Elizabeth Manzer, Autumn Morrill, Courtney Peabody, Anastasia Quimby.
Sarah Olson, Carrabec’s Valedictorian, is a student who is a role model in our school. With a grade point average of 101.18 she has completed four advanced placement classes, seven honors classes and five dual enrollment classes.
Sarah is a student who is quiet and accomplishes a lot behind the scenes. She is hard working and will be successful in any endeavor she chooses to pursue. Sarah will be attending Dartmouth College, in Hanover, New Hampshire. Sarah is the daughter of Kirt and Laurie Olson, of Solon.
Mikayla Oliver, Carrabec’s Salutatorian, is a very bright and successful student. Mikayla has a grade point average of 99.07, completing four advanced placement classes, seven honors classes, as well as, six dual enrollment classes.
Mikayla will be an asset to any organization to which she chooses to become a part. Mikayla will be attending the University of Maine at Farmington, majoring in psychology. Mikayla is the daughter of Lawrence and Renee Oliver, of Embden.
Jasmyne Coombs is the daughter of Aryke Tyrrell, of Solon, and Brian Coombs, of Solon. Jasmyne will be attending the University of Maine at Farmington for their secondary education program.
Andrew Davis is the son of Donna Davis, of New Portland. Andrew will be going into the U.S. Air Force.
Ethan Johnson is the son of Wayne and Kim Johnson, of Solon. Ethan will be continuing in the work force.
Chantelle LaCroix is the daughter of Kevin and Janet LaCroix, of Solon. Chantelle will be attending Husson University, in Bangor, majoring in physical therapy.
Elizabeth Manzer is the daughter of Angela Hawkins, of Anson, and Dean Manzer of Anson. Elizabeth will be attending Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield, for their phlebotomy program.
Autumn Morrill is the daughter of Eric and Amanda Morrill, of Embden. Autumn will be attending the University of Maine at Orono for their animal and veterinary science program.
Courtney Peabody is the daughter of Robert and Carrie Peabody, of Solon. Courtney will be attending Plymouth State University, in Plymouth, New Hampshire, majoring in adventure education.
Anastasia Quimby is the daughter of Stacey Brown and Terry True, of Wellington. Anastasia will be attending Husson University, in Bangor.
Vassalboro holds 250th anniversary commemoration and Civil War monument re-dedication
Featured speakers, from left, Selectboard chairman John Melrose, local historian Lauchlin Titus, and Vassalboro Historical Society President Janice Clowes. (photos by Eric W. Austin)
by Eric W. Austin
On a blustery Monday morning, April 26, around 50 people gathered in Vassalboro’s Monument Park to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the town’s founding and rededication of its Civil War memorial.
The event was organized and emceed by John Melrose, chairman of the Vassalboro selectboard.
“On behalf of the Vassalboro selectboard,” Melrose said to open the ceremony, “I join you today in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our town, as we also recognize three years of work at Monument Park to celebrate this event.”
There have been numerous improvements made to the park over the past several years, including a clean-up along the shoreline, installation of paving stones surrounding the Civil War memorial, the planting of trees, decorative bushes and other landscaping improvements, and a newly-installed granite plaque dedicating the park for the town’s 250th anniversary.
Vassalboro Boy Scout Troop #410 led the gathering by presenting the colors and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. (photo by Eric W. Austin)
Vassalboro Boy Scout troop #410 then performed a presentation of the flags and led the gathered group in a recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
After a prayer and invocation from American Legion chaplain Pearley Lachance, the first presentation of the morning was given by Patsy Crockett, president of the Kennebec Historical Society and member of the Kennebec County Commissioners. She stated, in part, “April 26, 1771 is the date that the Massachusetts’ colonial government incorporated four area communities as municipalities: the city of Hallowell, the towns of Vassalboro, Winslow and Winthrop. They remained part of Massachusetts until Maine achieved statehood in 1820.”
Crockett continued: “Beyond sharing the same date of incorporation, the four communities have at least one other thing in common: they all originally covered a larger territory than they do today. In fact, combined, they occupied nearly half of what is now Kennebec County.”
Vassalboro was named after the Vassal family, she said, and was originally spelled “Vassalborough,” although the shorter version of the name became standard by 1818.
In 1845, the town voted to prevent the “immoral and unlicensed” sale of liquor. By 1860, the town had a population of 3,180 and in 1893 there were recorded 21 births, 32 deaths and 22 marriages.
At the end of her speech, Patsy Crockett presented the town’s selectboard with a resolution from the Kennebec County Commissioners in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the town of Vassalboro.
The next presenter was Janice Clowes, president of the Vassalboro Historical Society, who spoke about the history of the site. In part, she said, “Today we stand in Monument Park, a focal point for our community. For hundreds of years, this site and its immediate surroundings was a meeting place for those who inhabited what became Vassalboro. From our exhibits at the Vassalboro Historical Society you can come to realize how important this land at the outlet of China Lake was to the Native Americans. Later, with colonization, we know of the importance of the alewife runs at this location and downstream and how the stream powered our development in commercial enterprises.”
Lauchlin Titus, a local historian who has also served on Vassalboro’s school board, budget committee and on the selectboard, was the last presenter of the morning. He spoke about the history of the names that are listed on the Civil War memorial. Much of his talk was included in a front page article he authored that was published in The Town Line issue for April 22, 2021.
Repairs are also planned for the Civil War statue. “It was commissioned in 1905 and dedicated in 1907,” Janice Clowes explained. “[Based on] design number 407, ‘Parade Rest,’ [it] was carved by William Tregembo, of Hallowell, for the sum of $1,275, with $300 as a deposit and the remainder when the monument was completed. The base of the monument is made from Hallowell granite, while the soldier is made of Westerly granite from Rhode Island. As you may know, plans are underway to have the nose and two places on the cape repaired. The additional repair to the rifle is estimated to be more than $20,000, therefore only the other repairs will be completed.”
A video stream of the event, uploaded by David Trask, is available on Youtube at the following link: https://youtu.be/7MpFPMCFcBg.