Football clinic gets youth outdoors and active

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Here are some of the participants at the Winslow Youth Football clinics held during July.

Director PJ Lessard said, “It was extremely important to give the youth of our communities a safe place to be physically active.”

All photos by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff

Third grader Braiden working on his footwork while running with the football.

Third grader Chase improving his pass rushing moves.

Third grader Cameron perfecting his foot work while running with the football.

Share the Road ride slated

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Photo of Dr. Carol Eckert at the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park. (contributed photo)

The fourth annual Share the Road with Carol memorial bike ride will take place on Sunday, September 13. Share the Road with Carol is an all ages commemorative bike ride planned for Sunday, September 13, 2020, in Windsor and Whitefield. The ride, which has 12-mile and 27-mile options, starts and ends at the Windsor Town Office.

This annual ride honors the memory of Carol Eckert, M.D. Carol was tragically killed as a result of a bike accident that occurred in Windsor on October 10, 2016. Biking was Carol’s passion and all are invited who feel the same to join in remembrance of a life well pedaled and to further the cause of bicycle safety in Maine.

The registration fee has been lowered from $25 to $20 for adults. In addition, any person under 15 years of age can now ride for only $10 when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Register online (https://www.BikeReg.com/share-the-road-with-carol) or at the event from 7:30-8:30 a.m. (pre-registration is encouraged). COVID-19 mitigation measures will be followed; participants are asked to bring and wear face coverings while not riding (masks will be available for those who forget) and follow social distancing protocols.

Northern Light Inland Hospital welcomes Robin Fuller

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Robin Fuller

Robin Fuller joins Northern Light Sleep Diagnostics, in Waterville, located on the Inland campus. She has been a nurse for 12 years and is board-certified as an adult-gerontology primary nurse practitioner. Robin will be available for sleep consultations and sleep hygiene services.

Contact your primary care provider today for a referral to Northern Light Sleep Diagnostics.

Northern Light Sleep Diagnostics, 180 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville, 861-3000, Northernlighthealth.org/Locations/Inland-Hospital/Locations/Sleep-Diagnostics.

Blueberry cobbler fundraiser in Branch Mills

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The Branch Mills Grange, in Palermo, will hold a Drive-up Blueberry Cobbler Fundraiser on Sunday, August 23, between 1 and 3 p.m. Each serving of cobbler is $5, and comes with tickets for three separate raffles: 1) a $25 gift certificate for Pagett Farm Store, 2) a Blueberry Basket, and, 3) a mystery prize. Pre-orders for cobbler can be placed starting Sunday, August 16, through 5 pm on Saturday, August 22, by calling Grange member, Amy at (207)-649-6336. The Grange is located on Branch Mills Rd., at the Palermo/China line. Come satisfy your sweet-tooth, support a worthy organization, and test your luck with the raffles.

The Grange thanks Latham Blueberry Farm, in Searsport, for generously donating the blueberries for the cobbler, and also thanks MAJEK Seafood for graciously contributing to-go containers for its transport.

Kennebec Savings launches Chamber appreciation campaign

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Kennebec Savings Bank has created the KSB Chamber Appreciation Campaign to provide relief funds to each of the local chambers within its service area.

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce was the recipient of a substantial grant as part of this effort.

The bank included an explanation for the establishment of the campaign on social media, “Our local Chambers of Commerce are working harder than ever on behalf of their members, despite facing their own set of challenges in the wake of COVID-19. Despite many obstacles, our local chambers continue to host virtual seminars and networking opportunities, keep us informed of legislative happenings, promote member businesses, and more to support our local economy.” The Facebook post continued, “To show our support for the important work they do, we have created the KSB Chamber Appreciation Campaign to provide relief funds to each of the local chambers within our service area. We encourage our community partners to join with us and support your local chamber. Donations to chambers, whether it is your time or your money, support our business community as a whole. If we all lean in and work together, we’ll get through this!”

Kennebec Savings Bank President and CEO Andrew Silsby said of the awarding of the grant, “We are so appreciative of the local chambers of commerce for the work that they are doing to help our small business community, in their time of greatest need.  Our chambers have pivoted all their traditional activities for businesses; becoming a vital, virtual connector to much-needed resources that businesses need right now.  We think it is especially important to appreciate the local chambers for all that they are contributing, at a time when their own resources are under a great deal of pressure.  I, personally, hope businesses that can will join their chamber, pay their membership early, or just send a donation along as a sign of our collective appreciation for all that they are providing to help our business community.”

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kimberly Lindlof acknowledges that the generous grant was completely unexpected and very much appreciated. She says the funds come at a critical time as the chamber was not eligible for federal or state funds (PPP) to assist with payroll. All staff were retained while working remotely, and upon the return to the office so that business needs could be addressed. While working remotely, the chamber introduced a Takeout Challenge to promote the restaurants offering takeout and curbside deliveries and a Waterville Works downtown promotion to assist businesses impacted by both the pandemic and the ongoing construction. A bingo promotion for June, July and August, supplemented by a July Summer Savings coupon campaign were implemented to build foot traffic and make residents aware that downtown is still “open for business.”

Following several postponements, a business breakfast series event “Back to Business: A Roadmap for Attracting and Retaining Employees” was held on June 11, at Waterville Country Club. Following CDC guidelines, this successful breakfast attracted nearly 40 local businesspeople.

Currently, the chamber staff is busy assisting with exchanges of Joseph Fireside Steakhouse gift cards for chamber gift certificates good at member restaurants. Owners Kevin Joseph and EJ Fabian requested the chamber’s help to assure the funds stayed in the area. To date, nearly $12,000 in gift certificates have been issued. Additionally, sales of regular chamber gift certificates have topped $90,000 since January 2020.

The chamber continues to move forward with other events, including another breakfast in July regarding topics in employment law, with Erik Peters – and the popular Chamber Golf Classic, rescheduled to August 18 at the Waterville Country Club. Additional sponsors are still needed for this event, given the delay due to the pandemic. Contact cindy@midmainechamber.com if you would like to participate.

Lindlof added, “During my 26 years of involvement with the Mid-Maine Chamber I have never seen this impressive level of cohesion within the community. The chamber team continues to pull together to offer support to our members. We are heartened and encouraged by the response from the business and nonprofit community, and by this show of appreciation from Kennebec Savings Bank for the work we do every day.”

AARP Maine to mobilize older voter campaign

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Recently, AARP Maine launched “Protect Voters 50+,” a comprehensive voter engagement campaign to support and protect Mainers age 50 and older as they vote in the November election. The campaign, part of AARP’s nationwide voter engagement efforts, will provide information on where candidates stand on issues that matter to Mainers 50-plus and help them cast their votes safely from home or in person.

A centerpiece of the campaign will focus on providing information about voting options in Maine this fall at www.aarp.org/mainevotes, and through the AARP Bulletin, direct mail, digital communications and paid media.

“AARP is demanding action to make sure that Americans 50-plus – whether they are working parents, family caregivers, or seniors in nursing homes – can vote safely and make their voices heard,” said Lori Parham, AARP Maine State Director. “Politicians need to protect the health and financial security of voters 50+, especially during this pandemic.”
The “Protect Voters 50+” campaign will provide Mainers with the information they need about this year’s elections, including:

  • Information on how to vote absentee;
  • Questions to ask your municipal clerk to ensure you can vote safely in person;
  • Video voters’ guides;
  • Polling;
  • Issue briefings;
  • Direct mail, text messaging, social media and paid media.

“Now, more than ever, Mainers want to hear how the candidates will address key issues like protecting Social Security, bringing down health care costs, and strengthening the economy in this uncertain time,” said Parham. AARP Maine will track key races, sponsor debates, and host tele-townhall events. Election information will be provided through a full-scale digital effort, including, the aarp.org/election2020 hub, AARP Now app, social media, and news alerts.

In addition, AARP is working again with TurboVote this election; a joint effort by America’s biggest brands and organizations coming together in a nonpartisan, long-term commitment to increase voter participation. With the launch of Protect Voters 50-plus, AARP’s TurboVote tool is now live at votingtool.aarp.org, where voters can sign up to receive election reminders, updates on voting procedures and more.

AARP has a proud 34-year history of non-partisan voter engagement and does not endorse or oppose candidates, nor does AARP make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.

We encourage all Mainers to ask their municipal clerk about voting absentee, or should they choose to vote in person, how they can do so safely. In addition, AARP Maine encourages voters to ask questions of the candidates so they know where they stand on important issues, and can make informed decisions on Election Day.

School year 2020: Difficult choices for parents

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by Jeanne Marquis

This month, parents are making a difficult decision: how to educate their children in the era of Covid-19. Do they opt to send their kids to public schools? If so, do they choose in-person or remote learning, or possibly a hybrid of the two? Do they choose a smaller private school if they have funds. Or, do they homeschool their children themselves, choosing from a variety of online programs available? The answers are personal and the reasons why the families select which method of education they choose is as varied as each individual family.

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) published a Framework for Returning to Classroom Instruction which includes the six requirements for protecting health and safety:

  1. Daily symptom self-check for students and staff before coming to school.
  2. Physical distancing.
  3. Masks.
  4. Proper hand hygiene.
  5. Personal protective equipment.
  6. An isolation plan if staff or student becomes ill.

Public schools in the area have been planning since July to follow the guidelines and have surveyed area families on their intentions and preferences between in-person or remote learning. Every step of the day has to be thought through carefully by the administrators and staff to keep in compliance with the DOE framework.

The buses, according to the RSU #18 website, will have assigned seating, fewer passengers and frequent cleanings. Parents will be asked to drive students if possible to free up the bus seats for social distancing.

Facilities at the schools will be adapted to help students and staff practice illness prevention. Drinking fountains will be replaced at some schools with bottle refill stations and students will be allowed to bring individual water bottles. Where possible, waste baskets will be replaced with touchless versions to keep clean hands sanitary after washing.

Even lunch time at school will be adapted by the nutrition workers adding appropriate protocol. Additional time will be allowed for hand washing prior to meals. Single-serve packets will be provided instead of sharing condiments. More room will be added for seating and serving lines will be socially distanced.

For specific changes at your students’ schools, check the school websites frequently:

https://www.msad49.org/
Albion, Benton, Fairfield, Clinton Lawrence High School and Junior High.

https://rsu18.org/
Atwood Primary, China Primary and Middle Schools, Belgrade Central, James H. Bean Messalonskee Middle and High School, Williams Elementary.

https://www.svrsu.org/o/whes
Chelsea Elementary,Sheepscot Valley, Palermo Consolidated School, Somerville Elementary, Whitefield Elementary, Windsor Elementary.

https://www.vcsvikings.org/
Vassalboro Community School.

For those families who have chosen to homeschool, Homeschoolers of Maine at homeschoolersofmaine.org is an excellent resource to get you started. According to their website, a letter of your intention to homeschool is due to your superintendent of schools by September 1, 2020. This organization provides information on record keeping and assessment of your students progress.

Windsor resident publishes debut novel

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Michael R. Goodwin

Author Michael R. Goodwin is excited to announce his debut fiction novel, The Liberty Key.

The story is set in fictional Hamilton, Maine, and focuses on Spencer, who buys a house to fulfill a promise to his deceased wife and child, who he lost tragically years prior. Shortly after moving in he learns that his house has the ability to heal and restore itself. When he finds a skeleton key that has powers of its own, he uncovers dark secrets about the house’s past and is taken on a journey that forces him to confront the darkness within himself.

The Liberty Key is a genre-defying novel that is captivating and fast-paced. It aims to satisfy all readers, but especially those who enjoy books by Dan Simmons, Peter Straub, and Stephen King.

Michael grew up in Auburn, and moved to Windsor in 2019 when he married his wife Jessica. Jessica comes from a large family with longtime roots in the Windsor community.

As a writer, Michael’s career started in 2008 when he began writing an online blog under a pseudonym. He wrote there for several years, its rising popularity leading him to publish articles on such sites as GoodMenProject.com and TheFatherLife.com. These articles gained enough interest on their own to land an interview with the Chicago Tribune. He published a collection of short stories in 2011, and released his first novel, The Liberty Key, earlier this year.

For more information about the author, or to purchase a copy of his book, please visit his website: www.michaelrgoodwin.com.

Winslow football gets youth outside and active

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Participants in the Winslow Youth Football clinics included, left, third grader Landon catching a pass, and fourth grader Jacoby, right, running the ball downfield. (photos by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff)

Winslow Youth Football has been running special clinics for youngsters of all ages during the month of July. It was nice to see the young football players back on the field after being away from their friends during the pandemic.

Winslow Youth Football Director said, “We as an organization felt it was extremely important to give the youth of our communities a safe place to be physically active with their friends and classmates. The best part is all the kids leave tired and with a smile on their faces.”

The dedication of the volunteer coaches to be out there sweating instead of being with their families is humbling, he continued. “Our organization is what it is because of them.”

(All photos by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff)

Braiden

Cameron

Chase

Blueberry festival set for Aug. 15

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One of Maine’s all-time most beloved, popular, and downright yummy summer events—Winslow’s annual Blueberry Festival—is coming this year on Saturday, August 15, from 8 a.m. to noon, at Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow. This year’s festival will be presented as a drive-through, take-out, “Blueberry Fest To-Go” event, with social-distancing protocols observed. Drive-through admission to the festival is FREE.

Over 700 mouth-watering blueberry pies and “all things blueberry” baked goods will be available through convenient drive-through/take-out/to-go service. Blueberry pies may be picked up at the church anytime from 3 to 6 p.m. the previous night (Friday, August 14) or the day of the festival (Saturday the 15th) from 8 a.m. to noon. Attendees may also participate in a 4-Lobster Shore Dinner Raffle in the drive-through, and an auction to be held on the church’s WinslowUCC.org website with a planned start date of Saturday, August 8.

A beloved community favorite since 1972, the Blueberry Festival raises funds to empower the local humanitarian/Christian-service work of Winslow Congregational Church. Celebrating its 192nd birthday this year, the historic church is housed in a building dating from 1796, which has been home to a worshiping congregation since 1828.

Everyone seeking a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beloved Blueberry Festival in a unique “Blueberry Fest To-Go” way this year is cordially invited to attend. Mark your calendar now!

For more information about the Blueberry Festival, please visit www.WinslowUCC.org.