LABOR DAY HISTORY: President Cleveland wanted Labor Day in May, but events forced a change

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by Gary Kennedy

When this holiday was considered, the President of the United States was Grover Cleveland. May was the month of choice. However, President Cleveland wisely shied away from May because of the Haymarket bombing. On May 4, 1886, a bomb went off in Haymarket square, Chicago, Illinois, during a labor rally, killing one policeman and wounding many others.

This event was initiated by Albert Parsons and Samuel Feldman. This was a peaceful four-day event seeking an eight hour work day. Parsons was an American socialist, anarchist newspaper editor, orator and a labor activist. In his teens he served in the Confederate army.

The Socialist Labor Party of America was formed at this time (1877). This utopian concept began with the Shakers of the time. Samuel Feldman was an American Methodist Minister, socialist, anarchist and a labor activist. The next day after the initial explosion the police reacted and killed one and injured several others. An unknown person threw a stick of dynamite at the police which resulted in gunfire. Seven police officers and four civilians were killed in the actions and dozens of others were injured.

Thus, the beginning of the movement was named the Haymarket Massacre Movement. So, as our readers can see, the Labor Day movement didn’t begin in a peaceful protest. History has taught us, for one reason or another, most don’t end well, to this very day.

So, this all began as a state of disorder due to the absence or non-recognition of authority. In retrospect we could say that from the ashes of adversity and dishevel good was acquired. I don’t condone this but I must recognize the ultimate result. I am personally not a proponent of socialism, Marxism, or communism. I am just stating a fact that although some things are born out of non peaceful means; time molds them into good.

In any case, President Cleveland decided because of the negative connotations that the month of May might impart on the Labor Day Movement, it might be wise to choose a different month. He decided that September would be a safer venue for this suggested federal holiday. So, the first Monday in September was chosen to be the date celebrated and honor the American Labor movement. This weekend is referred to as the Labor Day Weekend, because it is a long weekend with Monday as part of. This weekend celebrates the contributions of laborers in the development and achievements, in and for the U.S.A.

This officially became an American holiday on Monday, September 7, 1894. I might add however, the first unofficial Labor Day celebration was held on September 5, 1882, in New York City. The day was commemorated with a picnic, concert and a few speeches. There were 10,000 workers who marched in a parade from City Hall to Union Square. Now we have 50 states and several territories but we carry on the same traditions in most places. Labor Day is a long weekend with the unification of family at its core. The extra day gives us time to travel greater distances and have the involvement of more distant family, friends, and perhaps different venues. Although this Labor Day is wrought with unsolicited hardship (Covid-19) we hope that each and every one of you shares your love of country in a safe, cautious and considerate manner. Follow established rules and have a safe Labor Day Weekend.

To all, have a wonderful weekend and thank you to all that have to work so the rest of us may rest and enjoy family and friends. God be with you, stay safe and God Bless America.

School raises funds to provide financial aid

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St Michael School

An open call for help to parents and families of St. Michael School, in Augusta, produced financial assistance at a difficult time and became the latest proof of how special this school’s community truly is.

“It was early April, and we had heard from families who have students at St. Michael about the economic hardships they were facing,” said Kevin Cullen, principal of St. Michael. “As you might expect, that number increased as the spring and pandemic wore on.”

Per usual, leadership at the school declared helping those in need their new mission.

“We thought that having a one-time donation drive to offer these families help with their tuition payments for April and May,” said Cullen. “At St. Michael, we are all one big family and it’s our duty to take care of each other.”

Through its weekly newsletter, families in more stable situations were asked to consider making a one-time donation to cover costs of parents unable to make their regular payments.

“Before we knew it, we had over $25,000,” said Cullen.

An idea to offer support became a moment of celebration both for the generosity of the people and the community that made it happen.

“It was just a great way to show our love for one another,” said Cullen. “I can’t thank everyone enough for their love and thoughtfulness during this unprecedented time.”

The thoughtfulness didn’t stop there. In mid-June, the parents’ association at the school held its annual auction. Traditionally a catered dinner and live and silent auction, this year, the event was moved online due to the restrictions on large gatherings.

“In a matter of days, the auction raised $10,716,” said Cullen.

“If we are able, we are planning a school-wide, socially-distanced, barbecue fun day at the school this summer or whenever we are able to. There is a lot of the St. Michael family to celebrate.”

A family whose strength and togetherness may well be limitless.

“Every day, even and especially the challenging ones, I am reminded of how blessed I am to be here at St. Michael,” said Cullen.

Local seed swap group forming

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Wealth management is a flourishing service provided by professionals who know the ins and outs of finance and investment. You may have noticed ads in magazines, on the internet, and in newspapers that promote investing in the stock market and other ways of growing your lifetime savings. The biggest wealth managers are called hedge fund managers. When times are good, clients and wealth managers both make lots of money. But ordinary people of modest means can expand their wealth in other ways, in times good and bad. They can grow gardens and save seeds for the following year and share them.

So what’s the connection between the stock market and seed saving? Historians and scientists have discovered that agriculture, especially grain production, promoted spikes in human development. Reliable sources of food from agriculture enabled families to grow. As populations grew, cities emerged, and trade developed – within and between cities. Wealth of farmers grew as their granaries swelled with extra grain to trade; entrepreneurs flourished, with their drive and imaginations, to allow them to get richer. Accumulations of assets of land for farmers, and money for businesses are similar. On a smaller scale, the same urge to expand infects gardeners; however, the urge is not to accumulate wealth but to follow their curiosities. These curiosities answer some timeless questions like: how will the new squash variety taste; how will they store and keep? Will the new dahlias grow well in my soil? What do I do with giant 14” radishes (daikon)? Where do I get vegetable seeds that I cannot afford?

Groucho Marx made a weekly offering in the 1950s: “Say the magic word and you get a hundred dollars”. Today’s magic word is VARIETY. One of the big advantages of seed saving and seed sharing is that you can save seeds from plants that you really like and share them with others. On the receiving end, the other advantage is that you can try new things without breaking the bank. Of course, if you are new to all of this, simply save seeds that you might enjoy sharing with others from this year’s crop and then join the China Area Seed Swappers.

This announcement of the formation of the China Area Seed Swappers is to help gardeners pursue your curiosities and save some money, too. The timing is perfect. It is now the harvest season. Veteran gardeners save some of their crops that make seed for the following years’ plantings. If you don’t know how to prepare your own seeds, simply search the internet. Jim Hsiang and Marie Michaud announce the formation of the China Area Seed Swappers, an informal group statement of purpose is: To build community network of gardners who enjoy sharing seeds and recipes, saving money, trying new varieties of flowers and vegetables.

If you are interested in joining the group please contact Jim Hsiang at tojameshsiang@gmail.com.

After signing up, you will receive monthly updates on what’s happening.

PHOTO: Taking the hand off

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Isaac Chase, 6, takes a hand off from coach Matt Perry during the recent Waterville Youth Football clinic. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)

Northern Light Women’s Health welcomes Dr. Doucette

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Stephanye Doucette

Northern Light Women’s Health welcomes Stephanye Doucette, DO. Dr. Doucette joins their practice located at 180 Kennedy Memorial Drive, in Waterville.

She is a Lewiston native and earned her medical degree from the University of New England of Osteopathic Medicine, in Biddeford. She completed her residency in OB/GYN at St. Luke’s University Health Network, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

“It’s exciting for me to be back home in Maine and become part of the wonderful OB/GYN team at Inland. I look forward to helping women achieve their best health,” said Dr. Doucette.

Dr. Doucette offers the following services: OB/GYN care for women of all ages, contraception and family planning, and Laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery. Call to make an appointment today at 872-5529.

Local restaurant provides support for law enforcement

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Photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography

by Mark Huard

Multiple law enforcement agencies and emergency personal were on scene on Tuesday, August 25, in Waterville, after a shots fired incident was reported around 4:15 p.m

Several roads were closed as special tactics teams and negotiators tried to reach and make an arrest on an unidentified person whom police say was discharging a weapon.

Jay Coelho and Desiree Sirois, owners of GRUB, in Waterville, kept the business open until 4 a.m. to help provide law enforcement and first responders with coffee, water, food and restrooms during the emergency.

Waterville Police Chief Joe Massey said, “Grub staying open and feeding first responders was a very nice gesture which allowed us to focus on the task at hand while staying fed and hydrated. ”

Lt. Dave Tripp (Special Services Commander at Maine State Police) sent a card to Grubs saying, “Your support to our teams during the incident is greatly appreciated.”

Grub is a considered a small business in Waterville Maine, and their acts of kindness are big and noteworthy. They have often been known for their down to earth atmosphere, attempting to be creative to meet the needs of their consumers. It’s acts like these that separate them from the pack.

Local scouts rally in attempt to save Camp Bomazeen

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(left to right) Dalton Curtis, Zachary LeHay and Connor Keimel

Submitted by Chuck Mahalaris

Scouts from across the area are busy working on a new and difficult project. If they are successful, there is no merit badge for them to receive but something even better. They hope to save their beloved Scout Camp – Camp Bomazeen.

Dalton Curtis, of Skowhegan, Dawson White, of Sidney, and Zachary LeHay, of Oakland, are some of the Scouts who have begun circulating a petition to save Camp Bomazeen. The Scouts visited leaders during the recent Kennebec Valley District Scouter Recognition Dinner/ Program Kick Off at Camp Bomazeen. They asked them to sign the petition that night and to ask if any Scouts in their Pack and Troop want to help collect more signatures in their area. The petitions will be presented to the Pine Tree Council Executive Board at an upcoming meeting. In July, the council executive board voted to sell the camp this year – its 75th anniversary since opening.

Life Scout Connor Keimel, of Troop #401, Sidney, is one of the Scouts taking part in the petition drive and said, “Bomazeen has been a camp that I have gone to for so many years. I have made so many memories here. It would be such a shame if other Scouts coming forward didn’t have the opportunity to go there.” Eagle Scout Dalton Curtis, of Troop #485, in Skowhegan, said he learned to swim at Bomazeen and he loves all of the aquatics activities. Zachary LeHay, a Second Class Scout, from Oakland, said that he enjoys the camp in all the seasons. He has taken part in winter camping trips there and week-long summer camp experiences. Star Scout Dawson White, of Troop #401, in Sidney, loves the shooting sports program at Camp Bomazeen. “I have never been to another Scout camp. I just love it and would hate to lose it.”

Dalton’s mother, Tammy James, said that he has been working hard on collecting signatures but it has been hard with Covid-19. “Some people aren’t really happy about us going to their doors even with masks on,” she said. “But he is continuing to work on his sheet and will be bringing it to the troop leaders’ meeting. He really has gotten so much from his time at Camp Bomazeen. He would live there if he could.”

Former Camp Bomazeen Director Bruce Rueger, of Waterville, praised the Scouts for their effort. “I was heartened to see the Scouts doing this,” Rueger said. “They clearly have formed a strong bond with the camp. I think that is what happens. You spend so much of your time camping at Bomazeen, taking part in camporees there, working on merit badges there, learning about nature, exploring the world around you and discovering things about yourself as you do – it becomes a part of who you are and you want to preserve it for others. Camp Bomazeen has given to them and generations that have come before them and now they want to give back when Bomazeen needs their help the most. Bomazeen has made a remarkable difference in so many people’s lives since it was given to Scouting by Dr. Averill in 1944. Some of our Scouts went on to serve in the military, help the needy and run large corporations. Peter Vigue, CEO of Cianbro, in Pittsfield, was a Bomazeen Scout in 1959 as was his son and grandson as well. ”

Chris Bernier, of Winslow, runs the Bushcraft Program at Bomazeen which is a living history program designed to teach Scouts skills such as Native lore, blacksmithing, outdoor cooking, muzzle-loading, basket-making, metal working, woodworking, candle making, to hide tanning. The program transports Scouts from today back to the pioneer days of the 1840s. Before joining the staff, Bernier was a Scout at Camp Bomazeen. “I think that the Scouts wish to do this it is a great way for them to practice citizenship,” Bernier said. “They see something wrong and they are peacefully trying to make it better. They wish to see an active change and to do so in this manner is practicing what they learned in their citizenship badges. In this case Citizenship in the Community – the community of Scouting for them and future Scouts.”

Scouts from several communities including Jackman, Skowhegan, Sidney, Oakland, and Augusta are working the petitions that they began circulating on August 12. They hope to convince the Scouting Executive Board to reconsider their vote to sell the camp and, if not, that they hope to convince whatever entity buys the property to allow the Scouts to continue to use it as they have for the past 75 years.

For those who would like to lend their name to the petition but would not like a Scout to visit due to Covid-19 concerns, email FriendsofBomazeen@gmail.com or send a message to the Facebook page Friends of Bomazeen. Be sure to include your name, town and what Bomazeen means to you.

Golf Fore Kids Sake set for Belgrade Lakes and Rockport

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Photo courtesy of BBBSMM

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBSMM) invites local businesses, organizations and individuals to sign up to Golf Fore Kids’ Sake at two of Maine’s top golf courses, located in Belgrade Lakes and in Rockport, to support local youth mentoring. Teams are comprised of four golfers and registration includes course challenges and lunch. Funds raised will go directly toward BBBSMM community and school-based mentoring programs throughout eastern, central and coastal Maine.

BBBSMM Executive Director Gwendolyn Hudson said Golf Fore Kids’ Sake is among the agency’s largest fundraisers and is critical this year to help offset a substantial financial shortfall due to cancelled fundraising events affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“We are expecting a loss of $150,000 in funding this year due to rescheduled and canceled events. Funding is especially critical at this time to continue to support our most vulnerable children, our Littles, when they need their mentors the most,” Hudson said. “Whether you golf, sponsor, donate or volunteer, participating in Golf Fore Kids’ Sake this year will help keep kids connected.”

Both Golf Fore Kids’ Sake tournaments will feature pre-scheduled tee-times and lunch on the course to allow social distancing. The first tournament, Kennebec Valley Golf Fore Kids’ Sake, presented by Kennebec Savings Bank, will be held Friday, Sept. 4 at Belgrade Lakes Golf Club in Belgrade Lakes, Maine. Teams are accepted first-come, first-served. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To register or sponsor, contact Mae at 207.592.4616 or email mae@bbbsmidmaine.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine’s Midcoast 2020 Golf Fore Kids’ Sake tournament, presented by Machias Savings Bank, will be held Friday, Sept. 25, at Samoset Resort Golf Club in Rockport, Maine. This is also a pre-registered tee-time event. Sponsorships are available. To register or sponsor the Samoset event, contact Sophie at 207.236.2227 ext. 102 or email sophie@bbbsmidmaine.org.

Businesses can support Golf Fore Kids’ Sake by becoming sponsors, donating prizes, registering teams to participate or by donating auction items. Event volunteers are also welcome.  For more information, visit bbbsmidmaine.org or call 207.236.2227. END

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth in Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Somerset, and Waldo Counties. By partnering with parents, volunteers and organizations, children in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs have higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, avoid risky behaviors and achieve educational success. To enroll a child, become a Big, donate, or learn more about volunteering, call 207.236.BBBS (2227).

Northern Light named to best maternity care list

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photo: Newsweek: www.newsweek.com/best-maternity-care-hospitals-2020

Northern Light Inland Hospital has been named to Newsweek’s 2020 list of Best Maternity Care Hospitals. The distinction recognizes facilities that have excelled in providing care to mothers, newborns and their families, as verified by the 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Survey. Best Maternity Care Hospitals is part of Newsweek’s Best Health Care series, powered by data from The Leapfrog Group. Inland Hospital is one of only five in Maine and fewer than 250 hospitals nationwide to receive the prestigious accolade

“We are very proud to be named to such an impressive list,” said Terri Vieira, president of Inland Hospital. “Inland’s Birthing Center is known for its excellent, safe care and for its skilled and caring providers and staff. We are a healthcare family that loves to take care of other families.”

Hospitals named as a Best Maternity Care Hospital have fully met The Leapfrog Group’s standards for maternity care on evidence-based, nationally standardized metrics. This includes lower rates of early elective delivery, primary C-section rates, and episiotomy, as well as compliance with process measures including newborn bilirubin screening prior to discharge and blood clot prevention techniques for mothers delivering via C-section.

“We take the safety of our moms and babies very seriously,” noted William Bradfield, MD, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Inland Hospital. “We are very excited about this award because it recognizes that safety is our top priority. We hope it gives expecting families confidence in us to see that we are doing everything possible to keep them safe and healthy.”

Courtney Cook, RN, birthing director explains that, “We also provide valuable services to make sure moms and babies are healthy beyond the birth experience, such as our In Touch program that connects moms to a nurse 24/7 so they can ask questions or raise concerns after they get home. In addition, our lactation program, breastfeeding support group, and our postpartum support group (called Tree of Hope) all help keep moms healthy and empowered as their bodies change after their labor of love.”

“Best Maternity Care Hospitals showcases an elite group of hospitals from across the country,” said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief of Newsweek. “These facilities stand out for the care they provide to women and families, and for giving babies a strong start to life. Particularly in these uncertain times, we are honored to share this list of top-ranked facilities with Newsweek’s readership.”

The full list of recipients is available at newsweek.com/best-maternity-care-hospitals-2020.

For more information about the Birthing Center at Inland Hospital, please call 861-3100 or visit northernlighthealth.org/Inland-Hospital.

Volunteers needed to help set up outdoor classrooms in the China Schools Forest

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photo: China School’s Forest Facebook

Anita Smith, Director of the China Schools Forest, has been preparing the grounds for outdoor learning experiences in time for the beginning to the 2020-21 to year. The China School Forest provides ample space for students to socially distance in a calm, safe atmosphere, while learning. Volunteers have been essential. They have cleared brush, raked gravel on trails, stained picnic tables and water sealed a bridge over a pond. As school is about to begin, we need volunteers to give it one last push to prepare for the kids’ arrival.

Volunteers will be need on Friday, August 28, from 5 – 7 p.m., and Saturday, August 29, from 9 – 11 a.m. Four or five strong people with ladders to tie tarps up in the trees will be needed. The tarps will help protect kids from sun or unexpected sprinkles.

Contact Anita Smith at 207-445-3056 to volunteer. For more information about the China Schools Forest, visit chinaschoolsforest.wixsite.com.

Future needs for volunteers:

Saturdays, September 5 and 12 at 9 a.m., to cut and load firewood to store for neighbors in need. Bring chainsaws, work gloves, and goggles. If you own a pick-up truck, please bring it.

China For A Lifetime also needs more volunteers. We help with projects such as the China Schools Forests and with individuals who may need a helping hand or two. We run errands, rake leaves, shovel snow, basic home repair, minor chores and welcome neighbors. Contact them at 207-200-3704 or at chinaforalifetime@gmail.com.