Community comes together for Easter egg and paper scavenger hunt in Vassalboro

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Eggs displayed outside St. Bridget’s Communtity Center. (photos courtesy of Victor Esposito)

Victor Esposito, along with a student’s parent, built two-foot tall Easter eggs, and brought them to JMG (Jobs for Maine Graduates) student’s home where they were painted. The eggs were then brought back to Esposito. From there they were distributed throughout Vassalboro. Meanwhile, Donald, Lisa and Jessica Breton organized a paper egg scavenger hunt. There was a good turnout for the event, according to organizers.

Victor Esposito is the JMG Master Specialist at Vassalboro Community School.

Photo courtesy of Victor Esposito

Photo courtesy of Victor Esposito

Photo courtesy of Victor Esposito

Social distancing shouldn’t lead to social isolation

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Courtesy of AARP Maine

Even in the best of times, social isolation is a significant problem. In Maine, 587,300 people over the age of 50 live alone and are at higher risk of social isolation, which is now magnified by the “social distancing” requirements across the country.

That’s worrisome. In fact, the World Health Organization was so concerned that the “social distancing” directive was contributing to isolation that it has modified the wording of its guidance: It now urges people to practice “physical distancing” to prevent the spread of the virus.

Make no mistake: The long-term effects of social isolation are very real. Over a prolonged period, the impact of social isolation is as harmful to an individual as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In fact, isolation is more dangerous to one’s health than obesity, and it’s linked to a greater likelihood of early death, accelerated cognitive decline, poor cardiovascular function, stroke and depression in adults 50 and older.

We may have all scaled back our personal interactions to stay safe, but that doesn’t mean we have to be alone. Today’s technology offers myriad ways to keep in touch with family, friends, neighbors and loved ones.

Here are some steps to stay connected:

  • Measure your risk for isolation – or that of your loved one – at AARP Foundation’s Connect2Affect.org. This platform also provides lists of community assistance programs for medical care, food, and job training.
  • Plug into the growing number of mutual aid groups that organize volunteers to assist older neighbors by, for example, picking up prescriptions or going grocery shopping for them. AARP recently launched the “Community Connections” tool, also in Spanish, to help you find a group in your area. You can also request a “friendly call” from an AARP volunteer through the website or by calling 1-888-281-0145.
  • Go virtual. Many in-person activities are now being offered online. Your local fitness center, for example, might be offering virtual exercise classes. Or perhaps your book club now meets online. AARP’s website offers daily fitness videos, links to movies that stream online, and other ideas to stay active and engaged during this difficult time.
  • Volunteer to provide critical services. It’s a way to assist others while also helping you find purpose and avoid isolation. Mentors and tutors, for example, are always in high demand and both roles can easily be filled remotely. You might also want to volunteer to answer helpline calls related to the pandemic. Visit https://createthegood.aarp.org.
  • Identify vulnerable older adults in your family or neighborhood and make a plan to have someone reach out to them on a regular basis by phone, text, email or virtual chat. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce someone unacquainted with Zoom, Skype or Facetime to this new method of communication.
  • If you are working from home, consider virtual lunches or happy hours. It’s important to take time to catch up with your colleagues on a more informal level. (And you might even glean a few tips on successfully navigating the new world of telework.)
  • Go old school. Reach out to a family member or friend by sending a letter or postcard. Enclose a photo or two in the letter to spark a fond memory.

“Physical distancing, so critical right now, does not have to mean social disconnection. We can maintain and even increase our social connectedness during this difficult time,” says Lisa Marsh Ryerson, President of AARP Foundation, which is exploring creative ways to help older adults connect and stay connected — to each other and to their communities.

If there is one thing that this pandemic has made clear, it’s that personal connections are immensely valuable and sorely missed. Let’s resolve to keep those links strong and vibrant during this crisis, especially for our most vulnerable family, friends and neighbors.

Please visit www.aarp.org/me for information on resources, volunteer opportunities and more. Send an email to me@aarp.org if you have questions, or if there is anything you need.

Mid-Maine Chamber Golf Classic rescheduled to Aug. 18

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photo: Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce

The annual Mid-Maine Chamber Golf Classic tournament, originally scheduled for June 15 at the Waterville Country Club, has been postponed to Tuesday, August 18, for this year, with an 11 a.m., shotgun start.

Given the current orders relating to COVID-19, the determination was made that it is too early to say when courses and other operations will be allowed to open, so an alternate date was chosen for August.

Team registrations are currently being accepted for this prize-laden tournament, with a chance to win $1,000,000. The entrance fee for Chamber members is $125 per team member, or $150 for non-chamber team members.

This year’s Chamber Golf Classic is sponsored by Central Maine Power and Maine State Credit Union.

For questions, please contact Cindy Stevens at (207) 649-5225, or email cindy@midmainechamber.com.

Waterville farmers market to reopen April 30

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The Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market will re-open at the Head of Falls on Thursday, April 30, at 2 p.m. ,and remain open until 6 p.m. each Thursday as a food distribution location.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the market is encouraging pre-orders from the local farmers. There will be an updated list of vendors posted on the Facebook page listing those attending the opening so they may be contacted directly.

A recent Facebook post outlined some specific cautions and operational rules which will be in place for the market:

Residents are reminded to follow safety rules when visiting the market.

Visitors to the market are asked to keep a distance of six feet from each other and to allow the vendors as much space as possible during transactions. The first half hour of the market will be reserved for senior citizens along with “high risk” customers. Everyone is asked to refrain from socializing, eating, or lingering in the market or vicinity.

It will be helpful to the vendors to bring an assortment of smaller bills if paying with cash, or providing a pen if paying with a check.

For more information: www.Watervillefarmersmarket.org or visit Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market on Facebook.

Great birthday!

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Lydia White, 7 of Benton. (photo by Tawni Lively)

First responders from Fairfield, Benton, Clinton and Winslow helped make Lydias birthday special. Photo by Tawni Lively

When you are daddy’s little girl, as Lydia White, 7 of Benton is, daddys know no limits to making things special. Lydia’s dad, Ken White, of Benton, needed to find a way to make his little girls “quarantine birthday” special. So he called on the local superheroes from Fairfield, Benton, Clinton and Winslow, to help him accomplish his goal. They did not disappoint. Each town sent at least two trucks to parade by little Lydia’s home. They blared sirens and lit up their lights as they convoyed past. Thank you to all of you superheroes out there, making things special, and keeping us safe.

 

 

 

 

JMG gives $300,000 to students for groceries

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As families continue to struggle with the economic impact of COVID-19, Jobs for Maine Graduates is partnering with its school partners to distribute $100 Hannaford Supermarkets gift cards to 3,000 students and their families throughout the state, according to a news release from the organization.

While Maine’s K-12 public schools continue to provide free bagged breakfasts and lunches to students by scheduling pick up times, and school bus deliveries, food insecurity continues to rise.

“The need is so great right now, and it just keeps increasing. JMG has taken the lead in this effort, and is putting resources directly into the hands of our students and families at a time when they need it the most,” said Eric Haley, superintendent of Waterville Public Schools, according to the release. “This is an example of student-centered, results-driven partnership at its best.”

JMG programs are hosted within Maine’s public schools and higher education systems. Program specialists deliver a competency-based model, providing instruction for essential life and career skills, through personalized learning strategies. The program has named its relationship-based approach a “continuum of support”. It is the only nonprofit in Maine serving students from middle school through high school graduation, and into post-secondary education and careers, according to the release.

There are 143 JMG programs in Maine, in all 16 counties.

“Students in all of the communities we serve have been telling their JMG specialists they are struggling with getting enough food and other critical household items,” said Craig Larrabee, JMG’s President and CEO, according to the release. “JMG serves as a bridge between public education and private business. I reached out to the private sector because I knew its leaders would want to do something to support Maine students. Unum was the first to say yes, and others quickly joined forces.”

“Unum has learned from past investments that JMG specialists have a deep understanding of their students. JMG’s relationship-based network is one of the fastest ways Unum can get relief to our neighbors in need,” said Cary Olson Cartwright, Unum’s assistant vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Bill Williamson, Maine President for Bank of America, said the request from JMG met important standards, “We look for organizations that are really going to have an impact and make a difference, and that is why we contribute to JMG. It has the leadership, the scope of services, and scale needed. JMG is unique because it offers a full spectrum of support, and students know JMG is there for them.”

Eve Pelletier is a student enrolled in JMG’s College Success program at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. Formerly in foster care, Pelletier credits her JMG Specialist Susan Dubay with helping her with everything from applying for a tuition waiver to making sure she had her own laptop when Maine’s university system had to close its campuses and move to a distance learning platform.

“My JMG specialist is basically my go-to person for everything. I just started my first semester at UMFK this January, but my specialist started reaching out to me last August because she knew I was interested in going. She worked with me for months to make sure I was ready and to help me create my financial plan,” said Pelletier. “The coronavirus was a complete surprise, and it was shocking to have to leave campus. Now my JMG specialist is my life-line while I am trying to figure out how to finish classes online.”

“We have physical distance, but our connections to students have never been stronger,” said Susan Dubay, the JMG college success specialist at UMFK. “All of my colleagues, all JMG specialists, are proactively reaching out to our students, providing consistency and comfort, asking students what they need most amid all the disruptions to their lives.”

According to the release, JMG secured private donations from Maine employers; and, the Harold Alfond Foundation agreed to provide matching funds ─ bringing total contributions to $300,000 to help JMG students overcome food insecurity. Corporate donors includes Unum, Bank of America, Hannaford Supermarkets, Procter & Gamble, Bangor Savings Bank, AT&T, Skowhegan Savings Bank, IDEXX, Machias Savings Bank, BerryDunn, E.J.Prescott, Pratt & Whitney, Kennebec Savings Bank, Hospitality Maine, Pike Industries and the Retail Association of Maine.

“We consider JMG to be one of Maine’s anchor organizations making important contributions to the state and economy,” said Greg Powell, chairman of the Alfond foundation. “JMG’s rapid response is helping to meet the needs of students during these challenging times, while also ensuring these funds go directly back into local stores to contribute to Maine’s economy. We are pleased to make this worthy investment.”

All of JMG’s school-based partners will receive a minimum of 20 gift cards for $100 to local Hannaford Supermarkets and/or its affiliate stores. JMG specialists will collaborate with school administrators to distribute the gift cards to 3,000 students and their families this week.

The statewide, private nonprofit partners with public schools and private businesses to offer results-driven solutions to ensure all Maine students graduate, attain post-secondary credentials and pursue meaningful careers. JMG provides more than 11,000 students a year with the skills and experience they will need to reach their potential. JMG graduates become engaged members of their communities, productive adults in the workforce, and contributors to Maine’s economy.

Local restaurateur helps community during crisis

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Rita’s Catering staff ready to help feed community. From left to right, Shara Nabarowsky, Joshua Long, Carolyn Elkins, Areti (Rita) Lacroix-Menoudarakos and Zaharias Menoudarakos. (photo by Tawni Lively of Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

It was once said that “you don’t know what you are made of until you are broken.” When you are faced with trying times that take away your ability to live life as you have, what do you do? Well, the Kennebec community certainly knows what Areti “Rita” Lacroix-Menoudarakos, of Rita’s Catering, does in tough times…. she cooks! During this time of crisis when Covid-19 hit, she had a catering event that canceled after all the food had already been ordered. Cathy Bond, from the Winslow Credit Union, knows that Rita takes every opportunity to help the frontline staff at local police and fire stations. So when the event canceled, Cathy gave Rita the green light to do what she does, and help others in time of need. Rita and her staff started off on a smaller scale and made batches of food for the different departments to pick up.

As the State of Emergency continued, Rita adapted and thought of a way to help the broader community on a larger scale. Rita knows that this community has many people that depend on restaurants and takeout services to feed them on a daily basis. Many people do not cook and are now forced into isolation without supplies or knowledge of cooking or baking. This inspired Rita to develop a plan to create low cost meals for the community members during this time of need.

She used her gift of cooking to help others in their time of need.

This plan was extremely well received by so many. In fact, Rita went through all of the food that she had and then had to order two more times after that in order to continue helping the community she loves so much. The meals are being used for multiple different purposes from fueling our first responders to ensuring that our vulnerable elderly population is well fed. There are many seniors that pride themselves on being independent and these meals have helped them stay safe and nourished in this difficult time.

There are some wonderful federally-funded programs out there, but not everyone qualifies for those programs. Rita’s mission was to prevent people from falling through the cracks. She did not want the elderly to have to go out to the stores or go without food. The low cost has allowed others to purchase the meals for others as well, and enable more to continue giving and taking care of each other. Easter was difficult for many being away from family; however, Rita and her team worked hard to give affordable options for people to have a nice dinner over the holiday.

Apple crisps (photos by Tawni Lively)

Tracy O’Clair, of Waterville, says, “As a community we are blessed to have people like Rita.” I think many agree with these sentiments.

Meals ready for pick up at Rita’s Catering, on Bay Street, in Winslow. (photos by Tawni Lively)

During the time of crisis, Rita didn’t break but rather rose to the occasion. She used her gift of cooking to help others in their time of need. She didn’t think of herself, but thought only of how to help others. This pandemic will certainly go down in history, but for our community so will Rita and her generous acts of kindness.”

Meal pick up is at Rita’s House of Pizza, 51 Bay Street, in Winslow. She has also created a Facebook group called Rita’s covid-19 family meal.

If anyone is in need of help at this difficult time, please feel free to contact Rita at the Winslow House of Pizza at 872-0773.

 

 

Sheridan Corp. announces three promotions

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photo: Sheridan Construction

Sheridan Construction is pleased to announce three promotions of key personnel at Sheridan Construction’s corporate office located in Fairfield.

Scott Nielsen, is promoted to Vice President of Finance & Administration.

Scott has been a vital part of the corporate structure and will be celebrating his 35 years of service with Sheridan Construction this October. Scott oversees all accounting, administrative and financial systems for the company and will continue to provide the critical information Sheridan needs to effectively and efficiently utilize its management systems.

Gilbert Thibeau, is promoted to Vice President of Construction.

In his expanded role, Gil will assume the many and varied responsibilities required to oversee the multiple and complex construction projects Sheridan undertakes every year. Gil’s credentials in engineering, LEED and state of art Project Management systems have and will continue to contribute to Sheridan’s growth and capabilities as one of Maine’s leading commercial and industrial contractors.

Wilbur Ferland, is promoted to Vice President of Sales and Estimating.

Wil’s consistent and capable 27 years of service with Sheridan have brought Sheridan’s abilities to bring construction solutions for its clients to the very high levels needed in today’s technical and exacting world of construction. Wil’s solid estimating skills, product knowledge and construction management experience will be utilized to increase the already substantial depth of Sheridan’s capabilities to provide the services today’s sophisticated construction buyer expects.

Alfond Youth and Community Center to provide weekend meals

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Alfond Youth and Community Center staff gathered ingredients to provide meals to many at-risk children in the Waterville area. (photo courtesy of Mark Huard)

The Alfond Youth and Community Center, in Waterville, is still serving free meals and snacks at six locations throughout the community every Monday through Friday, with weekend backpacks available every Thursday and Friday at the AYCC location.

Now, thanks to the generosity of Colby College and the hard work of their amazing kitchen crew, meals will be handed out on Saturdays and Sundays, too.

The meals will be distributed on Saturday and Sunday, from 1 – 2 p.m., at the Alfond Youth and Community Center parking lot, on North St., in Waterville.

Inland Hospital workers receive surprise welcome

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First responders, police and firefighters greeted the workers at Inland Hospital and Lakewood with a surprise welcome as they arrived at work recently. (photos courtesy of Kathy Jason, Northern Light Health lead communication specialist)

by Kathy Jason
Lead Communication Specialist, Northern Light Health

It was an amazing ride into work for all of us at Inland and Lakewood today – what a heartwarming gesture!

Thank you to Waterville’s police, fire and rescue departments, and the many other departments from around the region who lined our campus to honor healthcare workers as we drove in and out of work this morning.

“It was an emotional and humbling experience, to be thanked by our community partners who we consider heroes – who keep people safe and save lives,” said Terri Vieira, Inland/Lakewood president.

Waterville police chief, Joe Massey explained, “We wanted to show our support for Inland and Lakewood healthcare workers. We are all fighting COVID-19 together and we are grateful for everything Inland and Lakewood staff members are doing. This effort shows our solidarity and how much healthcare staff mean to us and our community.”

Thanks again to all who attended to show their support: Fire/EMS from Albion, Belgrade, China, Clinton, Fairfield, Oakland, Rome, Sidney, Waterville, and Winslow; Waterville and Winslow police departments and Kennebec County Sheriff’s Department; and Delta Ambulance.

Inland and Lakewood staff are deeply touched by your kindness and we thank you for all you do to serve our community. Together, we will get through this!