Madison Legion Auxiliary donates school supplies to seven schools

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The Madison American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #39 supports community programs such as Children and Youth. Each year the members of the Auxiliary donate school backpacks filled with school supplies. This year, because of the unknown at the beginning of the school year, the unit reached out to the community. With the generosity of cash donations and school supplies from auxiliary members and community members, the American Legion Auxiliary of Madison was able to donate over $700 worth of school supplies and backpacks to seven schools in the Madison and Anson area.

American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for over a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, military, and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $2 billion. As part of the world’s largest patriotic service organization, auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALA Girls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org or http://www.mainelegionpost39.org/. Or contact: Robin Turek, President – American Legion Auxiliary Tardiff-Belanger Unit #39, PO Box 325, Madison, ME – robinturek@gmail.com – 696-8289.

VBA sponsors Light Up the Season light contest in Vassalboro

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The Vassalboro Business Association is sponsoring a Light Up The Season in Vassalboro outdoor holiday display contest, for and in Vassalboro.

To enter simply call or text your name and the address of the display site to 631-3303 or email the information to lindatitus@hotmail.com, before December 15. It is free.

Prizes will be awarded in two categories, Best in Town, and Most Creative. The prizes will range from $50 – $150 and the winners will be announced on December 19.

The sites will be judged between December 16 and 18. It is asked to have your lights on from 5:30 – 9 p.m. Only addresses – no names – of the participants will be published online so the community may drive by to appreciate all your hard work.

Maine: the fifth most supportive state for veteran-owned businesses

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by Amanda Postma

Some veterans have a hard time getting into the workforce after having served. That’s why so many of them start their own business.

With more than 2.4 million of all American businesses being veteran-owned, it goes without saying that some states are definitely more supportive than others.

So we looked into it. By finding how many veteran-owned businesses were in each state and how many state-based sales go toward veterans, we were able to determine the states that provide the most support.

Most Supportive States

1. New Hampshire, 2. South Carolina, 3. Mississippi, 4. Alabama, 5. Maine, 6. Tennessee, 7. West Virginia, 8. South Dakota, 9. North Carolina, 10. Virginia.

These states are great places of support for veterans who are looking to start their own company. Make sure you keep reading to find out which states are the least supportive.

How we determined the most supportive states for veteran-owned business:

There are many ways to measure support. Ultimately, we decided to see where veteran-owned businesses are thriving to determine which states are creating an environment where veterans have all the tools they need to succeed.

We looked at two factors to determine the best states for veteran business owners:

  • The percent of all businesses owned by a veteran;
  • The percent of state-based sales that go towards veterans;

Our data came from the US Government’s Small Business Administration, and used the most recent numbers available.

New Hampshire is the most supportive state for veteran-owned businesses. In fact, the state is so supportive that veteran-owned businesses occupy 12 percent of all businesses there. But what may be even more impressive is that 6 percent of state-based sales go toward veterans, which is the highest percentage in the U.S.

Maine found its spot on this list at No. 5. From 4 percent of the state sales supporting veterans to 11 percent of all businesses being veteran-owned, it’s easy to see why.

Lions hold successful food drive

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Pictured, from left, Lions Darla Frost, Teresa Rael and Dan Huard. (contributed photo)

On October 24 the Waterville Lions Club held a drive thru food drive to raise donations for local food pantries. The Club thanks the community for all the support! Food donations dropped off helped the Lions put together 28 boxes/bags of food that were distributed between the Fairfield Inter Faith Food Pantry and The Winslow Community Cupboard. Cash donations received were in the amount of $207 which the Club donated to the George Mitchell School Food Pantry. Thank you to everyone that donated food and/or cash and also to those that honked their horn in support as they drove by. It was a great day to be part of the community.

Submitted by Michelle Shores

Revere Bell to ring for veterans, ring for peace

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The Paul Revere bell from the belfry of the Benton Falls Congregational Church has been silent this past year. It sits on the ground beside the church awaiting repair of the belfry timbers to support its 798-pound weight. (contributed photo)

by Marion Foster

The Paul Revere bell from the belfry of the Benton Falls Congregational Church has been silent this past year. It sits on the ground beside the church awaiting repair of the belfry timbers to support its 798-pound weight. The cradle in which it swings is now intact. While work and fundraising continues so the bell can resume its proper place in the church belfry, its service to the community continues:

On Veterans Day, November 11, at 11 a.m., the bell will ring eleven times.

The bell will be one of many in churches, towns, cities, and even individuals who join Veterans for Peace in the ringing of bells; as they have done for the last 25 years in remembrance of all those killed in warfare. In 1918 bells rang out joyously throughout the world to celebrate the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. Armistice Day is now known as Veterans Day to honor all those who have fought in all wars. World War I was considered to be so horrendous that people prayed and promised that it must never happen again. Yet wars continue and peace remains fragile and elusive in the world we live in.

The following remembrance from Veterans for Peace is meant to be shared down through the ages:

“The Armistice of 1918 ended the terrible slaughter of World War I. The U.S. alone had experienced the death of over 116,000 soldiers, plus many more who were physically and mentally disabled. For one moment, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the world agreed World War I must be considered the “The war to end all wars.” There was exuberant joy everywhere, and many churches rang their bells, some 11 times at 11 a.m., November 11, when the Armistice was signed. For many years this practice endured, and then slowly, it faded away. Now we do it again.

“We ring the bells 11 times, with a moment of silence, to remember the many soldiers and civilians killed and injured by warfare, and to make our own commitment to work for peace, in our family, our church, our community, our nation, and our world.”

Remember, the Paul Revere Bell that rings forth on November 11, 2020, was cast in 1828. It has seen war and famine, plagues and epidemics. It has been pulled from the bottom of the Sebasticook River and rung from the tower of the Benton Falls Church.

It is quieter now, as are we, while a viral pandemic assaults our community, our nation and our world. As an enduring symbol, with caution and care, it will once again rise to the tower and ring forth joyously! As will we.

Food pantry seeks “Replenish the Cupboard” supporters to meet huge demand

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Due to extremely heavy demand for its food pantry services, Winslow Community Cupboard is seeking local individuals and organizations to help “Replenish the Cupboard” by offering a monthly donation of $20 for each of the next six months. Every penny donated will go directly to help food-insecure children, seniors, and other adults in Winslow, Waterville, Clinton, and Benton—more than 140 families in all, with that total steadily rising.

Winslow Community Cupboard is a ministry of Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow, which has served the local community since 1828.

If you or your organization might be able to contribute $20 per month for each of the next six months to help “Replenish the Cupboard,” please send a quick, easy email expressing your interest to Dave Carew, Volunteer Communications Director, Winslow Community Cupboard, at DaveCarew1964@AOL.com.

Sheepscot Lake Association completes another year

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by Slater Claudel
President, Sheepscot Lake Association

I hope this finds you and your family safe and well! 2020 has already proven to be a year like no other. By the time you receive this, it would be great if we were on a path to something more normal! The COVID-19 outbreak and related social distancing orders have caused many unexpected changes for us all, however, the Sheepscot Lake Association was still very active.

Although we were unable to have our annual meeting in person we were able to connect with one another by letter, emails, Facebook, and the ever so popular Zoom program that allowed us to have interactive meetings in a virtual setting. We had several people interested in serving on the board of directors for the SLA and were able to hold our elections thanks to your responses over social media and mail. We were also able to continue with our courtesy boat inspection team at the boat landing, and had an amazing boat parade on the Sheepscot over the 4th of July. There were also many great days to enjoy some fishing, swimming, campfires and breathtaking sunsets.

Our Loon Count program, headed up by Joe Burke, was a huge success this year as well. It started out as a heavy fog that morning but the persistence of the team of volunteers paid off as they identified a number of loons on the pond.

With Fall now quickly settling in over the lake, we see many are preparing for the change of the seasons. Docks are being pulled out and boats put away for the winter but if you are like me… I just had to keep my boat in a little longer to enjoy the water and take in all the beautiful colors of the trees around the lakes and on the distant hills. Just can’t get enough of what our lake offers us and yes, I, too, will be looking forward to old man winter and the fun of ice fishing, snowshoeing, skating, and the many fires we will cozy up to and keep warm.

The annual dues from our membership help to fund the critical programs summarized above. We also rely on and appreciate the contribution from the town of Palermo each year supported by the taxpayers of Palermo. If you would like to become a member of the Sheepscot Lake Association, or to renew your membership this year, you can send a check payable to Sheepscot Lake Association to:

Sheepscot Lake Association
P.O. Box 300
Palermo, ME 04354

or via PayPal at our website: https://sheepscotlakeassociation.webs.com. The dues are $20/person, $30/household, or $50/patron. Please share this email with any neighbors or friends who would like to join and support the lake. We need to grow our membership! You can also follow us on Facebook.

Thank you everyone for your continued support and if I do not see you on the lake this winter, I look forward to seeing you upon your return to Sheepscot.

Free Thanksgiving dinners offered

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The Alfond Youth and Community Center, North St., Waterville, will host a Drive Thru Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday, November 21, from 1 – 3 p.m. in the AYCC parking lot.

The dinner is open to everyone in the community. Simply drive up and tell one of the happy volunteers how many meals you want – then enjoy!

There will be 800 individually-packaged meals handed out.

Feast Fixings to Go will be held on Thursday and Friday, November 19-20. These will be available at the Alfond Youth and Community Center’s after school program youth in Waterville, at the Fairfield Community Center and RSU #18 Williams and Atkins.

Thanks to the generous support of Central Maine Motors, youth will be taking home the ingredients for their respective families to cook a full Thanksgiving dinner, including the frozen turkey!

Local scout leaders complete course

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Kennebec Valley Scouting District Training Chair Joe Poulin of Oakland announced that several volunteer Scouting leaders in our area had successfully completed the Youth Protection Training during two recent training sessions. “True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting,” Poulin said. “Nationally, Scouting requires that all those involved in our programs take Youth Protection Training every other year. Here in Pine Tree Council, it is an annual requirement.”

The training includes a review of Scouting’s barriers to abuse, what to do if you witness abuse, how to respond if you suspect abuse, reporting requirements, and how to educate Scouting parents and youth members about child safety. “Every Scout also takes the Cyber-Chip Training to help Scouts be safe while online. They earn the patch for completing that program.”

The following volunteer leaders completed the Youth Protection Training at a Covid-19-compliant in-person event hosted by Augusta Cub Scout Pack 603 at the end of September: Jeffrey Mortron of Augusta, Angeline and Zachary Truman of Farmingdale, Cynthia Davis of Oakland, Luanne Chelsey of Vassalboro and Douglas S Mason Sr of Augusta. These leaders completed the training at a similar in-person training hosted by China Troop 479 in October: Kern Kelley of China, Christian Hunter of Unituy, Timothy D Dow Sr of Albion, Stephanie Choate of Winslow, Ronald A Emery of China, Scott and Priscilla Adams of China, Brian Wedge of China and Bert Audette of China.

Along with inperson courses, the Youth Protection Training is available online at: https://my.scouting.org/.

Bottle drive to benefit food pantries

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Through October, recyclable bottles are being collected to benefit the Palermo, Liberty, and Montville Food pantries. Bottles may be dropped off at the porch of the Palermo Community Center anytime, or at Nancy Bartlett’s home, at 801 Acadia, across from the 10-4 Diner. Bartlett’s hours are Tuesday from 9 a.m. – noon, Friday from 9 a.m. – noon, and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Her home is gray-brown with pink trim.

Your recyclable bottles can help feed neighbors in need. Proceeds from the bottle drive will be divided equally among the three local food pantries.

For more information, please contact Connie at 993-2294.