EVENTS: Photo contest and exhibition planned in Washington

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In celebration of the natural beauty of Washington, the Washington Lakes and Watershed Association (WLWA) is sponsoring its Fourth Annual Photo Contest and Exhibition.
You are invited to explore and submit photos of the  natural aspect of Washington waters or watershed and taken between July 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024. Entry deadline: July 22.
Photos will be on  the exhibition at the Corner Gallery, 302 Liberty Rd,. Washington, August 4 – 9, and at the WLWA Annual Meeting, August 10, Medomak Family Camp.
Awards for winners and second place in each of four divisions plus a People’s Choice Award for the photo with the greatest number of votes.
For full information re the rules, entry forms, and last years entries, go to www.washingtonlakesassociation.org.

AARP Maine seeks Andrus Award nominations

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AARP Maine is seeking nominations for its 2024 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors individuals 50 and over who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of others in their community. The annual award is named after AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, who founded AARP in 1958 at the age of 73.

“AARP Maine is excited to shine a light on Mainers 50+ who are using what they’ve learned to make a difference in the lives of those around them,” says Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director. “AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions AARP volunteers make to their communities and neighbors.”

The screening of nominees will be performed by a panel of AARP staff and volunteers. The panel will review a range of criteria including each nominee’s positive impact on their community and the lives of individuals aged 50 and over.

AARP Andrus Award for Community Service nominees must meet eligibility requirements including:

• Nominees must be 50 or older, but do not need to be an AARP member or a volunteer with AARP;
• The achievements, accomplishments or service on which nominations are based must have been performed on a volunteer basis, without pay;
• The achievements, accomplishments or service on which the nominations are based must reflect AARP’s vision and mission;
• Couples or partners who perform service together are eligible; however, teams are not;
• The recipient must live in the awarding state; and
• This is not a posthumous award.

The AARP Maine Andrus Award for Community Service is an annual awards program developed to honor individuals whose service is a unique and valuable contribution to society. Last year, Falmouth resident Phil Chin was the recipient of the award.

For more information about AARP and our work in Maine, please visit their website at www.aarp.org/me and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @aarpmaine.

EVENTS: China Historical Society going back to school

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Members of the China Historical Society (2023). (photo by Roberta Barnes)

photo source: JMG.org

by Bob Bennett

The China Historical Society will be hosting a remembrance and tour of the 75-year-old China (Middle) School following the annual meeting on Thursday, July 18. It is intended these activities will begin in the gym of the building, on Lakeview Drive, at about 6 p.m. Head Custodian Tim Roddy has offered to be the tour guide and though there is some on-going work, he is confident there will be plenty of access. The memories of the attendees will be voiced in the gym and it is hoped that many students, teachers and other China residents of all ages will be on hand to share their experiences. From previous messages and postings, it appears this event is generating quite a bit of interest and enthusiasm, and the CHS is looking forward to a fun and reflective evening; please put it on your calendar!

PHOTO: July 4 boat parade on Sheepscot Lake attracts over three dozen entries

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(contributed photo)

The Annual July 4th Sheepscot Lake Association boat parade was a great success, with 42 boats and a jet ski participating. The Grand Marshall this year was Eileen Kirby, longtime resident and founding member of the lake association.

Two Vassalboro scouts achieve Eagle status

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Eagle Scouts Nathan Polley and Cole Fortin stand before their friends and family and fellow members of Troop #410 and recite the Scout Oath and the Scout Law at their Eagle Scout Court of Honor held at the St. Bridget Center. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Jennifer Fortin, mother of Eagle Scout Cole Fortin, pins the Eagle Scout medal on his Scout uniform. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

“Only one in four kids in America will become a Scout,” explained former Troop #410 Scoutmaster Kevin Reed. “but it is interesting to know that of the leaders of this nation in business, religion and politics, three out or four were Scouts.” Of those who were Scouts, only one in four on average will challenge themselves enough to earn the Eagle Scout rank. On Sunday, June 2, those averages were changed as two Scouts from Vassalboro. Nathan Benjamin Polley and Cole Gregory Fortin, were presented with the Eagle Scout rank.The two joined Cub Scouts together in first grade and have remained best friends throughout their Scouting experience. It was only fitting that they should be presented the Eagle Scout rank together. In the Fall, Cole will be attending Husson University and Nathan was accepted to the University of Maine’s Environmental Engineering program.

Reed continued, “Just consider a few of those who’ve achieved Scouting’s highest rank over the years. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and James Lovell; President Gerald Ford; New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Aviator Steve Fossett, CIA Director Robert Gates, Hotel magnate J.W. Marriott, Film director Stephen Spielberg, and Walmart founder Sam Walton. We know what these men accomplished after becoming Eagle Scouts. Today we honor Nathan and Cole, two Scouts in a hundred. We know the things they have done in the past, imagine what they will do in the future.”

Eagle Scout Nathan Polley hugs his mother Hillary Polley after presenting her with the Eagle Scout Mother’s Pin. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Nathan is the son of Stephen and Hillary Polley, of Vassalboro. Cole is the son of Gregory and Jennifer Fortin. For his Eagle Scout project, Nathan put up story book signs at the Vassalboro Community School trails and Cole led the construction of a new sign at Eagle Park.

“Becoming an Eagle Scout is a great accomplishment; being an Eagle Scout is a great responsibility. As an Eagle, the Scout Oath and Scout Law should take on new meaning for you; the motto and slogan take on new urgency,” said Greg Fortin who is also an Eagle Scout. He administered the Eagle Charge to his son and Nathan: “As an Eagle, your first obligation is to live with honor. You are a marked man, a leader; for good or ill, people will follow the example you set. Give up anything before you give up your reputation and good name. As Shakespeare said, “Mine honour is my life; both grow in one. Take honour from me, and my life is done.”” He added, “Let the practice of the daily good turn lead to a lifetime of service, for only in giving of yourself do you give anything of value.”

During the ceremony, Cole said, “I am prepared to lead others, to accomplish set tasks, to the best of my ability.” And Nathan said, “I am prepared to stand for the virtues of freedom, strength and pride.”

Scout Oath. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

TNT Competitive Edge dance team is heading to national competition

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Hailey Benson age 13; Amelia Benson age 9; Annabelle Tasker age 10; Kirstin Clawson age 10; Sophia Santiago age 13; Jaylenn Cugno age 18; Stella Patterson age 13 and Jayla Jandreau age 13.

by Mark Huard

Competitive Edge Dance Team is a group of young dancers based out of TNT Dance Studio, on the Center Road, in Fairfield. The Studio began as Terri’s School of Dance and was founded by Theresa “Terri” Glidden 50 years ago. It is now owned and operated by Terri’s daughter, Tiffany Glidden, and Jesse Klein. They started competitive dancing 30 years ago when Tiffany was a young child and they have continued to build a strong team of competitive dancers ever since. This year is not any different, as they are setting out to take the stage at Dance Ovations Nationals, on Cape Cod, for the week of June 26 – 30. The team has traveled all over New England this year and qualified for this national competition by competing in the regional event in Stratham, New Hampshire, in early May. They have worked all year and engaged in multiple fundraising events to be able to compete at this level.

Currently eight members strong, the team is comprised of athletes from the age of to 10 to 18. Dance Competitions are broken up by age, skill level and genre. They can compete in solo divisions, small group, large group and duo/trios. The main choreographers for TNT’s Competitive Edge team are Tiffany Glidden, Kali Vashon, and Terri Glidden. The team meets at least weekly as a team to practice their routines, listen to critiques from previous competitions and attempt to perfect technique and gain stamina. To compete on a national stage requires a commitment to excellence, discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance by the coaches and their athletes. Based on the results of the Dance Ovations Regional event, the following dances qualified for a special “Dance On” competition during Nationals, due to their high scoring placements:

Mechanical Dolls (a ballet routine choreographed by Tiffany Glidden for Annabelle Tasker age 10 and Kirstin Clawson age 10); Stepsisters Lament (a musical theater routine choreographed by Kali Vashon for Jayla Jandreau, Hailey Benson, and Stella Patterson, all 13 years old); All Aboard (choreographed by Terri Glidden for Sophia Santiago, Jayla Jandreau, Hailey Benson and Stella Patterson, all age 13) and finally The Letter (choreographed by Kali Vashon for Jaylenn Cugno, age 18, Sophia Santiago, Jayla Jandreau, Hailey Benson, and Stella Patterson, all age 13).

In addition to the qualifying routines, TNT has two dancers that qualified to compete in the Titleist Competition. These dancers – Sophia Santiago, age 13, and Jaylenn Cugno, age 18 – qualified by scoring in the top three of their respective solo divisions. Sophia is a seventh grader at Lawrence Jr. High School, in Fairfield, and is performing an acro/lyrical routine called Butterfly Fly Away that is choreographed by Kali Vashon. Jaylenn is a senior at Skowhegan Area High School, and is performing a contemporary routine called I am What I am, that is choreographed by Terri Glidden. Both dancers will engage in different events throughout the week such as interviews and opening number rehearsals with a large group of top soloists from all over the country.

In addition to an incredible amount of hard work, these dancers can attend these events due to their generous sponsors including: National Level Sponsor: Heavy Machines LLC; Competition Level Sponsors: S&K Heating, RDA Automotive and Zimba Corp; Convention Level Sponsors: Sackett & Brake Survey, Inc., Cappzas Pizza and Mattingly Products Co; Donors: Stan’s Fries, Key Appliance, Freihoffers, Cervesas, Pour House Pub, The Apple Farm, Harvest Moon Deli, Computer Improvements, Rebecca Cayford, ESQ, Rita’s Pizza, Johnny’s Seeds, Emery’s Meats, China Way, Pizza Hut, Autozone, Tin Knocker Signworks, and The Magic of Conjuring Carroll.

Former China Dine-ah to become daycare

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China Dine-ah on Lakeview Drive in China.

by Mary Grow

The former China Dine-ah, on Lakeview Drive (Route 202), which was closed by the pandemic in the spring of 2020, is moving toward becoming a daycare called Grace’s Busy Bees, directed by Grace McIntyre.

McIntyre, building owner Norman Elvin and architect David Landmann described plans to the China Planning Board at its June 25 meeting and received prompt and unanimous approval.

Board members considered the minimal external changes, the lack of impacts on neighbors and the local publicity the change has received and decided no public hearing was needed. They found the plan meets all ordinance requirements.

Board chairman Toni Wall issued the usual reminder that the decision is subject to appeal within 30 days.

The daycare will add a playground behind the building, away from Route 202. Elvin intends to build a six-foot cedar fence between the playground and the neighboring house.

Another change he plans is clearing brush along the road to improve visibility from the driveway.

Landmann said the fire alarm system has been upgraded and additional exits provided. He pointed out that state requirements the building met for a restaurant – like the septic system, which Elvin said had been thoroughly checked recently – were even more strict than requirements for a daycare.

The commercial kitchen in the building will be removed as part of a comprehensive interior renovation. Elvin said before the China Dine-ah opened, the building had been gutted, removing anything that might contain asbestos or lead.

The business needs approval from the state Department of Human Services and the state Fire Marshal. Landmann said both applications are pending.

McIntyre hopes to open Grace’s Busy Bees when school starts in the fall. She has applied for a maximum of 65 children to start, tentatively planning for up to 100 children in the future. Hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The June 25 planning board agenda included review of two existing ordinances and proposals for three new ones. Board members postponed continued discussion of China’s Land Use Ordinance and an update of the town’s marijuana ordinance.

Also scheduled for future discussion, as Wall and others collect more information and samples from other Maine towns, are:

— A Condemning Places ordinance that would allow town officials to determine a building unfit for human habitation;
— A Mass Gathering ordinance to define and regulate temporary events that draw large crowds; and
— On town attorney Amanda Meader’s recommendation, a Site Plan Review ordinance.

The next China Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, July 9.

KICK FOR CASS (2024): Annual 11-Hour continuous soccer game planned for July 13

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Cassidy Charette, right, with then-teammate Katie Mercier. (contributed photo)

Over 500 players, including 17 high school soccer teams from around the state, will join the 11-hour, continuous soccer game “Kick For Cass” on Saturday, July 13, at Thomas College, in Waterville. The annual event is held in memory of Cassidy Charette, former midfielder for Messalonskee High School Girls Soccer who wore the #11 jersey before her passing in a tragic hayride accident on October 11, 2014.

Cassidy Charette

Kick For Cass will welcome back high school soccer teams, playing from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., in a round-robin play day. From 3 to 7 p.m., community teams of club soccer, adult leagues, local organizations, Cassidy’s friends and neighbors, and her former soccer teammates will round out the final hours.

Kick for Cass is presented by Golden Pond Wealth Management, Central Maine Motors Auto Group, Kennebec Savings Bank, Hammond Lumber, Surette Real Estate, Central Maine United Soccer, and host, Thomas College. The event is also supported by Field Sponsors Camden National Bank and Darci and Dana Michaud. Proceeds from the event will support the CMU ShineOnCass Soccer Scholarship.

The final hour of Kick for Cass will have a walk-out ceremony and a friendly competition between Cassidy’s former soccer teammates from Messalonskee High School vs. her Central Maine United Premiere Soccer team, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Spectators are welcome all day. Hero’s On Wheels Food Truck will sell food from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Messalonskee Robotics Club will provide concessions throughout the event. Inclement weather date is Sunday, July 14. For more information visit shineoncass.org, or email shineoncass@gmail.com.

China Lake alewife restoration initiative receives international award

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From left to right, Landis Hudson, Nate Gray, and Matt Streeter display the award presented to the China Lake Alewife Restoration Initiative. (contributed photo)

Submitted by Landis Hudson

The China Lake Alewife Restoration Initiative, a complex, ambitious and highly collaborative project, has shown remarkable success since its completion. The effort has now received international recognition and was awarded the 2024 “Distinguished Project Award” at the recent 15th International Symposium on Ecohydraulics and Fish Passage held in Quebec City, Canada. Dating back to 2011, the annual Fish Passage Conference has brought together experts, managers, stakeholders and companies from around the world with concurrent sessions in engineering, biology, and management and social issues. One goal of the Distinguisted Projects Award is to inspire greater application of fish passage restoration, there was no cash awarded.

The goal of all China Lake Alewife Restoration Initiative was to restore fish passage to China Lake for alewives, a native migratory species. Over seven years, three dams were removed and three technical fishways were installed along the China Lake Outlet Stream. Known as the “fish that feed all” alewives are a keystone species, critical in freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, valuable throughout the land and waters of the Gulf of Maine. Alewives and blueback herring are collectively known as river herring. They feed many species of birds, including eagles and osprey, numerous other fish species, bear, raccoons, foxes, whales, haddock and cod. When the run is fully approved as being sustainable, a harvest can take place to benefit the Town.

In 2022, for the first time since the colonial era, native migratory alewives were able to make their way freely from the ocean to China Lake to spawn and they did so in large numbers—837,964 adults were counted as they entered the lake. Their offspring, young alewives, then made their way safely downstream and out to the ocean where they will live for four years before returning to freshwater to spawn. The results were remarkable in 2023 when a total of 1,943,733 adult alewives were counted entering the lake, even more remarkable in 2024 when 3,282,720 fish we tallied coming into the lake. In a letter confirming the size of the 2023 run, Nate Gray, key project partner and scientist with the Maine Department of Marine Resources, noted:

“The re-establishment of a river herring run of this magnitude is a rare bird after a 239-year absence. A hearty congratulations is in order for Maine Rivers and all the partners involved in this ambitious project!”

Landis Hudson, Maine Rivers Executive Director, and Matt Streeter, Alewife Restoration Initiative Project Manager. were in Quebec City to accept the award on behalf of the many partners who came together over the course of the undertaking. Partners and project supporters included: Natural Resource Conservation Service, Town of Vassalboro, Town of China, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Maine Natural Resources Conservation Program, Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, Kennebec Savings Bank, Maine Department of Marine Resources, Sebasticook Regional Land Trust, China Region Lakes Alliance, China Lake Association and its members, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maine Community Foundation, The Nature Conservancy in Maine, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, an Anonymous Foundation, and many generous individuals.

PHOTOS: Dirigo Lodge #104 gives away Bikes for Books

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Members of Dirigo Lodge #104, from left to right, Tom Squires, Sheldon Goodine, Len Goodine, Jason DeMerchant and Michael Falla. (photo courtesy of Sheldon Goodine)

Dirigo Lodge #104, of Weeks Mills, recently presented 20 bicycles to students at the Windsor Elementary School in their sponsored Bikes for Books program. Every student is awarded a ticket for each book they read to be entered into a drawing for the bicycle give-away. This marked the 12th year the Dirigo Lodge sponsored the program.

(photo courtesy of Sheldon Goodine)