Mid-Maine Chamber super raffle to be offered in virtual format

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This extremely popular event is generally held in-person, with over 250 ticket holders vying to win prizes donated by area businesses, increasing in value throughout the event. This year’s Coldwell Banker Plourde Real Estate Super Raffle will be a virtual pre-recorded ticketed event, with some interesting twists. Daily ticket drawings will be posted/streamed at noon each day on Facebook, YouTube, and the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce website—to be watched when convenient. Drawings will begin on September 28 and run through October 2.

While the format will be different—the event will still be fun. Ticket purchasers will all receive a prize, with values of the prizes increasing as the days pass. There is a chance to win major cash prizes of $500, $750, $1,500 or $3,000. Tickets will be priced at $125 – the same as last year. In replacement of a meal, each ticket will include a $25 gift certificate to an area Chamber restaurant, a $5 gift certificate to a member bakery for dessert, and two beverages—a Bigelow beer and a Valley Beverage wine product. Enjoy a nice dinner and drinks after you win your prize(s). Certificates will be distributed with prize(s) won.

For those who enjoy participating, there is still a chance to win the 50/50 drawing. Participants will be able to buy 50/50 chances when getting your ticket. Ticket numbers and names will be recorded at the Chamber office. The winner will be drawn and announced at the close of the prize drawings.

Approximately 40 tickets will be drawn each day, from September 28 through October 1, beginning with the lowest prize values, and continuing through the prizes up to $500 value. Tickets will be drawn by our sponsors. Filming will include the showing of each prize and reading of the winning ticket holder’s name. On Friday, October 2, the last ten ticket holders will be invited to the Mid-Maine Chamber boardroom and filmed live for prizes valued at $500 or more, with the final three competing for three large cash prizes of $750, $1,500, and $3,000.

Throughout the drawings, there will also be Plinko wheel prize drawings filmed at New Dimensions Federal Credit Union, and a second chance $500 cash prize drawing, courtesy of Choice Wealth Advisors.

The format may be virtual—but the fun and cash will be real. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy a great week of entertainment, while helping the Chamber to support our local businesses.

Special thanks go to major sponsor, Coldwell Banker Plourde Real Estate for their continued support —and their special prizes. Don, Irene, and Jamie Plourde and their entire organization are excited to continue with the proud tradition of this Super Raffle event.

Tickets will be on sale through September 22 – be sure to get your ticket today. For more information contact the Mid-Maine Chamber at 873-3315 or email cindy@midmainechamber.com.

Mainers invited to dispose of unusable pesticides

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Free disposal, pre-registration by Oct. 9 required

Thanks to a project sponsored by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s (DACF) Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Mainers can dispose of unusable and unwanted pesticides for free. The Obsolete Pesticides Collection Program has kept more than 109 tons of pesticides out of the waste stream since its start in 1982.

This free annual program is open to homeowners, family-owned farms and greenhouses. Collections will occur at four sites: Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, and Portland. Participants must pre-register by October 9, 2020. Drop-ins are not permitted. Collected pesticides are taken to an out-of-state disposal facility licensed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Information to register and fill out your obsolete pesticide inventory form may be found under “Resources” on the BPC website: www.thinkfirstspraylast.org.

Pesticides accepted include: herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides and similar products used in agricultural production or around the home. Past participants in the program have reported finding obsolete pesticides in barns of family properties, garages of newly purchased homes and other unexpected places. While removal of these pesticides can seem daunting, it is important for the protection of public, wildlife and environmental health, that they are dealt with properly and not thrown in the trash or poured down the drain, where they can contaminate land and water resources.

“The Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program is an excellent opportunity for free disposal of unusable and unwanted pesticides,” said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal. Register in advance, bring your pesticides to one of the designated collection sites, and let the professionals dispose of these materials responsibly and safely.

DEP Acting Commissioner Melanie Loyzim encourages Mainers to take full advantage of this free opportunity. When improperly disposed ofin the trash, poured into the environment, down the drain, or kept in storage for long periods pesticides threaten wildlife and the quality of our drinking water sources, Loyzim said.

More information about Maine Board of Pesticides Control can be found at thinkfirstspraylast.org.

Gary Miller retires from presidency of Sheepscot Lake Association

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Current president Slater Cladell , left, recognizing Gary’s service and dedication to protect the health and beauty of the lake he loves. The association is grateful for his commitment and looks forward to his continued support and involvement as a member. (contributed photo)

“We can find meaning and reward by serving some higher purpose than ourselves, a shining purpose, the illumination of a thousand points of light.” ― George H.W. Bush

This quote by our 41st president recognizes the need for individuals to share their time and energies with worthy causes. Gary Miller recognized a need nine years ago when he joined and helped found the newly-formed Sheepscot Lake Association (SLA), in Palermo. As a founding member he helped form the mission of the association to: “…work with property owners, local and state officials to preserve, enhance, and protect the beauty and quality of Sheepscot Lake and its adjacent areas.”

Soon after Gary Miller was elected president of the SLA and served for eight years. Under his leadership the membership grew and the programs expanded to include water quality inspections, courtesy boat inspections, annual loon count and participation in the Lake Smart program.

For more information about the Sheepscot Lake Association or to become a member please email sheepscotlakeassoc@gmail.com.

Submitted by Pam McKenny and Carolyn Viens.

New roof at Palermo Community Center

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Tim Fletcher working on the roof of the Palermo Community Center. (contributed photo)

Finally, after years of saving and fund-raising, the Palermo Community Center, on Turner Ridge Road, is getting a new roof! Now the Palermo Food Pantry will have a comfortable, dry place to provide nourishing food to area residents, and the Living Communities Foundation, which owns the building, will be able to carry on with its community programs, as soon as the COVID crisis allows.

“We are so grateful to our volunteers, donors, and supporters, who put in a lot of time, effort, and their own resources to help make this happen,” said Connie Bellet, president of the foundation. “Pauline York’s daughter, Diana Murphy, also recently donated a refrigerator-freezer as the growing food pantry needed the space. It’s been a productive month so far!”

The foundation is still looking for a donated chest freezer no more than eight feet in length. To donate a working freezer, please contact Bellet at 993-2294. The LCF is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, so donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.

Changing of the guard at Albert Church Brown Memorial Library

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Carla Gade and Miranda Perkins, the new librarians at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, in China Village. (photo by Jeanne Marquis)

by Jeanne Marquis
On Tuesday, September 8, the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, 37 Main Street, reopened after closing as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The opening will be an important step of returning back to familiarity, yet with some new changes: two new librarians, additional hours and procedures to keep the community safe.

China’s library follows the safety protocols as advised by CDC, American Library Association, and Maine State Library. The protocols are similar to what the public is already accustomed to at other public facilities. In addition to wearing a mask and practicing social distancing, visitors are requested to use hand sanitizer upon entering and limit their handling materials. There will be a limit of three patrons or a family of up to six for a 30-minute period. To help facilitate access, China’s library has added two hours on Saturdays.The new hours are Tuesday and Thursday 1 – 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

After selecting their books, visitors will experience a safe check-out procedure. Curbside pick up will continue for those who prefer to utilize that service. Books can be ordered for pickup on the Maine State Library website https://www.maine.gov/msl/ or by simply sending an email to Albert Church Brown Memorial Library at chinalibraryacb@gmail.com. Returned books will be quarantined following the Maine State Library guidelines before they are returned to the shelved. These protocols are designed to maintain a safe environment so the community can continue to enjoy the library despite the pandemic.

The library itself hasn’t physically changed except for the installation of a black top circular drive out front. Inside, visitors will find the same inviting warm atmosphere of a vintage home in which each room offers a different genre of reading material. Visitors will be assisted by two new staff, Librarian Carla Gade and Assistant Librarian Miranda Perkins.

“Mary Grow, who has been our librarian for over 30 years, has just retired. She has been a wealth of knowledge for our community for all of these years. Her knowledge of the local history is astounding and she has written a number of local historical documents that will remain in our library indefinitely.”
– Tom Parent, China Library Association president

The community may know our new librarian by the books she writes under the name Carla Olson Gade. In total, she has 11 books in print. She writes inspirational romance stories, which she describes as “adventures of the heart with historical roots.” A native New Englander, many of her novels are set regionally. Carla is also a webmaster, blogger and genealogy instructor.

New Library Assistant Miranda has been a library volunteer for many years at the Albion Public Library. She is involved in her community and possesses exceptional organizational library skills. Both librarians have been busy preparing the library for the new safety protocols and learning the systems with Mary Grow. Carla and Miranda discovered their talents compliment one another and the division of responsibilities fell naturally under their preferences, but they know they have a big role to fill. Mary Grow has taken the reopening of the library as her opportunity to transition to retirement after decades of dedicated service.

Carla Gade said, “The library has Mary’s unique imprint on it. We hope to honor her legacy through thoughtful management of the library’s collections and by continuing to connect to the community in meaningful ways. I admire her greatly.”

One of the unique offerings of the library under Mary Grow that will be continued are the community events. The two librarians realize they will need to be creative to bring events to the community during Covid, but they are up to the challenge. On Sunday, September 20, the library will host Maine Memories, an afternoon of reminiscing — featuring stories from our patrons. In October, they are considering an Antiques Appraisal Fair. Information about events will appear on the library’s website at chinalibrary.org and on the Friends of China Facebook page.

A note from Tom Parent, China Library Association President:

Mary Grow, who has been our librarian for over 30 years, has just retired. She has been a wealth of knowledge for our community for all of these years. Her knowledge of the local history is astounding and she has written a number of local historical documents that will remain in our library indefinitely. Patrons to the library often asked her if they had read specific books. Mary seemed to remember what everyone had read and possibly when. Mary has been helping us make a significant transition in how we provide library services. That initiative will continue with our two new staff, Carla Gade and Miranda Perkins. Our library board of trustees and our local community will miss having Mary function as our librarian, but we’re going to select her to be on our board of trustees, so she won’t be far!

Free webinars on invasive forest pests

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Clockwise, from top left, Asian Longhorned Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer, and Browntail moth caterpillar.

by Hildy Ellis

Maine Association of Conservation Districts is offering free regional webinars to highlight how to protect Maine forests from Invasive Forest Pests. Webinars will be presented by local Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) staff and will focus on statewide and regional pest problems. Maine Forest Service staff will be on hand with information on current local forest pest management issues. Presentations are scheduled for Wed, September 23 from 3-4 pm (Knox-Lincoln SWCD); Thu, October 1 from 4-5 pm (Cumberland SWCD); Wed, October 7 from 3-4 pm (Penobscot SWCD); and Tue, Oct 13 from 9-10 am (Central Aroostook SWCD).

Maine already has several Invasive Forest Pests targeting our trees and spreading throughout the state including emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid, browntail moth and winter moth.

There are additional Invasive Forest Pests in neighboring states that we don’t want moving to Maine, such as Asian longhorned beetle, spotted lanternfly and oak wilt, all of which have the potential to have devastating effects on our forest, landscape and agricultural tree species. Join us to learn how to identify and report sightings of these potential threats – and how to keep them out of Maine.

Webinars are free and sponsored by a grant from USDA-APHIS. Participants may attend any webinar that is in their region or at the most convenient date and time. Pre-registration is required at www.cumberlandswcd.org/conservation-shop/have-you-seen-me-invasive-forest-pest-webinar. Participants will receive information on how to join the webinar after they register. For questions or more information, please contact Hildy at Knox-Lincoln SWCD at 596-2040 or hildy@knox-lincoln.org

Volunteers sought for watershed survey

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photo by Eric Austin

A watershed is the area of land that drains to a water body. The China Lake Watershed covers approximately 26 square miles of land in China, Vassalboro, and Albion. Changes to the land in a watershed can affect the water quality of the lake.

What is a Watershed Survey?

A watershed survey helps identify and prioritize current sources of soil erosion and stormwater runoff on developed land in the watershed. This includes shoreline properties, state, local and private roads, stream crossings, agriculture and forestry, and commercial properties. The last watershed survey for China Lake was conducted as part of the previous 2008 watershed-based plan. Current information is needed to develop long-term planning strategies that will improve the water quality in China Lake, which is currently listed as an “impaired lake” in Maine and has had annual algal blooms since 1983.

Watershed Survey Benefits:

• Raises public awareness about the need to protect China Lake from stormwater runoff and soil erosion.
• Documents current problems that affect water quality.
• Provides landowners with information about how to reduce or eliminate soil erosion and polluted runoff from their property.
• Provides the means by which to acquire state and federal grants to fund future projects that will improve water quality. Volunteers are needed for this monumental event!

For more information or to register:

Call the China Lake Association at (207) 968-1037, or call Dale at Kennebec County SWCD at 621-9000. For more information: www.ChinaLakeAssociation.org

A watershed survey for China Lake will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2020.

Become a Survey Volunteer!

Attend a free two-hour training presentation to learn about watersheds, how to identify erosion and other sources of polluted runoff, and ways to help improve the water quality in China Lake. Then, join us on Saturday October 3rd to walk the watershed and document erosion.

The China Lake Watershed Survey is a community effort to improve the water quality in China Lake now and for future generations.

Project partners include: China Lake Association, China Region Lakes Alliance, Kennebec SWCD, Maine DEP & Ecological Instincts. This project is funded in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under Section 604(b) of the Clean Water Act.

Popular Winslow Gospel Reflection Group returns September 14

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The St. Joseph Center Gospel Reflection Group will resume on Monday, September 14, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Eight people will participate from the center, located on Garland Road, in Winslow, while all other participants will connect via Zoom.

The reflection group is open to all. Organizers can provide one-on-one technical assistance to help you set up. To obtain the link to the group or request assistance, email CSJsofLyon.Maine@gmail.com or call (207) 873-4512.

The meetings are hosted by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon, in Winslow, who desire to reflect a “profound love of God and neighbor without distinction.”

In addition to the reflection group, the St. Joseph Center is also offering two other group meetings via Zoom.

“Becoming a Welcoming Community,” which explores how we can better follow the U.S. Bishops’ call for parishes to reach out in love and service to LGBT persons and their loved ones, is held on the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m.

“Rose’s Room,” offering support for the family and friends of incarcerated loved ones, is held on the third Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. People of all faiths or no declared faith are welcome.

For more information or to participate in either group, call (207) 873-4512 or email CSJsofLyon.Maine@gmail.com.

Lions Club launches community enhancement project

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photo: Waterville Lions Rock Facebook page

The Waterville Lions Club launched a community enhancement project in September with the goal of lifting spirits and inspiring others during this difficult time.

Called “Waterville Lions Rock,” club members gathered together and painted rocks with inspirational messages or smile inducing artwork. A message was written on the back of each rock, “Post a pic and rehide #watervillelionsrock”. Club members then placed the rocks throughout the community on nature trails, near public buildings and in other locations where the general public were sure to see them.

A Facebook page and Instagram account were created for Waterville Lions Rock where everyone can follow the adventures of each rock as they are found and rehidden. “We really wanted to do something for the community that stayed within the current guidelines and yet still helped people,” said Club President Jill Huard. “We hope these little rocks will provide inspiration to people as well as something fun for individuals and families.”

Currently there are nine rocks placed in the Waterville/Winslow/Fairfield area. The club intends to paint and place more rocks in the coming weeks.

Where will you find a Watervillle Lions Rock?

China School’s Forest gets ready for students

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China school teachers get the China School’s Forest ready for students. (photo by Anita Smith)

Six animal cutouts stolen from the grounds

by Eric W. Austin
A few weeks ago, a heinous act was committed in the China School’s Forest. Someone snuck into the outdoor learning center and stole six of the animal cutouts that were set up along the trails to teach children about wildlife in the Maine woods.

“Not only did you steal them, you stole the hard work of middle school children and volunteers who made the project happen,” admonished a post added to the China School’s Forest Facebook page on July 22, shortly after the incident. “You stole the grant money that was used to make them. You stole the enjoyment and learning opportunity from hundreds of children and visitors to the school forest. You stole the desire to continue to do projects like this that our whole community can enjoy. You stole the pride our community feels with the entire school forest project.”

Danica Ferris, left, and Anita Smith putting up a crow cutout. (photo by Katie Reed)

The China School’s Forest, founded in 1995, is located behind the China Primary school and is designed to serve as an “outdoor classroom with trails and learning stations to teach children about the Maine forest in a real-life, hands-on setting.” The trails are also open to the general public.

In the current age of COVID-19, the China School’s Forest has become an important place for local teachers to hold classes in a safer, outdoor setting, and the Forest has been scrambling to get ready for the upcoming school year.

Thankfully, since the incident, community volunteers have rallied to help with the work.

“There has been a huge outpouring of volunteerism in the forest this summer,” says Anita Smith, administrator for the China School’s Forest.

Of the six animal cutouts stolen, three have been returned, says Smith. Additional cutouts have also recently been supplied by local residents Jim Burke and Katie Reed.

Katie Reed says she reached out to Joshua Newhall, of Madison, owner of Gridiron Woodworks, to make them. “Scrolling through Facebook, I came across a post from China Forest…[and] my daughter asked me if we could help replace them,” Reed explains. Her daughter, Danica Ferris, is a sixth grade student at China Middle School. “We did this because my daughter loves spotting the cutouts on the trail. You can see anything from a cat, skunk, bears and more,” she says. “[We’re] hoping the community gets to enjoy them for years to come.”

Lydia, left, and Luke Naegely test out the stump stools at the Geology outdoor classroom. (photo by Anita Smith)

That’s just the tip of the iceberg though, in terms of the work community members have accomplished in the last few months. Volunteers have been mowing and weed-whacking. Extra seating has been added to the Geology Station, and outdoor-themed art has been stenciled on the walls of the wooden classroom structures to remind children to practice social distancing.

In addition, Anita Smith says, “Nine new interpretive signs, manufactured by Leighton Signworks, in Oakland, have been installed to explain features from last winter’s harvest and thinning, and a few additional points of interest on the trails.”

The wood from last year’s harvesting is also being cut up and will be donated to local families. “At the end of July, we had a large crew of volunteers from Central Church,” says Smith. “They helped cut up trees that will be used for firewood for those in need this winter. They also stained picnic tables, water-sealed several structures, raked trails, trimmed brush, replaced the roof on the CPS entrance kiosk and donated two new tables to the outdoor classroom spaces.”

Danica Ferris, adding a hare and bunny. (photo by Katie Reed)

A “Firewood for Friends” event held last Saturday drew an additional eight volunteers who cut wood into workable sizes and stacked it for drying. “We got 1.5 cord cut today,” says Smith. “The wood will be distributed through the China for a Lifetime Committee or the town office as needed.”

Smith says another event will be held on Saturday, September 12, from 9 a.m. – noon. “People with chainsaws are needed as well as others to lug and stack the wood,” she notes.

Steve Childs, of SD Childs & Sons Excavation, in Palermo, has also donated gravel, which volunteers used to smooth and cover muddy areas of the trails.

It’s looking like, with the generous help from many volunteers in the community, the China School’s Forest is going to be ready to serve its purpose as an outdoor learning center when China schools open this month.

“I am so proud of our little town and grateful to those who have helped to make the Forest a place that everyone can enjoy and our students can use this fall,” says Smith. “The teachers and I are so appreciative of the help!”

For more information about the China School’s Forest or to find out how you can help, contact Anita Smith by email at chinaschoolsforest@gmail.com.

Contact the author at ericwaustin@gmail.com.