Hundreds of new pieces of original artwork by the late Father Paul Plante now available

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Fr. Plante’s most famous work focuses on the eyes of songbirds.

Last week, hundreds of never before available pieces of artwork by the late Fr. Paul Plante have been posted for sale on a tribute website that serves as both a canvas of his immense talent and a tribute to his indelible legacy.

The work of Fr. Plante, who died in June 2016, has been featured in art galleries around the country. His most famous work focuses on the eyes of songbirds, hawks, ducks, and other birds in 4 ½” x 4 ½” oil pastel paintings. The paintings reflect his fascination with birds, their spirit and their furtive nature. His portfolio also includes fish, plums, apples, and more. The work is searchable by collection and category on the website which can be found at www.paulplante.com.

Visitors to the site will also have the chance to explore a few of the many other contributions Fr. Plante made during his life. One section features his homilies, while another is dedicated to his professional experiences and even includes the words of the artist himself.

“I look at my artwork with the same awe that makes me wonder who I am as a person,” reads part of Fr. Plante’s writings. “In many ways, I’m discovering myself in my art. I also sometimes feel as though the depths of my being are exposed through my art. When the result in another person is joy or awe and wonder, it makes it all worthwhile.”

A Sanford native, Fr. Plante attended St. Ignatius Elementary and Junior High School taught by the Ursuline Nuns and the Brothers of Christian Instruction. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 8, 1971, by Archbishop Peter L. Gerety at St. Ignatius Church, in Sanford. After his ordination, he served as chaplain of the Portland hospitals (1971); parochial vicar at St. Louis Church, in Auburn (1971-1975), St. Joseph Church, in Biddeford (1975-1976), and Holy Cross Church, in Lewiston (1976-1985); parochial vicar as well as rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in Portland (1985-1993); and pastor of St. John Church, in Winslow (1993-2004) and Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, in Oquossoc (2004-2016). In 2009, he was assigned as Vicar for Priests while remaining pastor of Our Lady of the Lakes.

At the request of Fr. Plante, all proceeds from the website will be given to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland to be used for diocesan needs.

American Legion collecting school supplies

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American Legion Auxiliary Unit #39, Madison is once again collecting school supplies for children in our local schools (Madison MSAD #59 and Carrabec RSU #74). With all the uncertainties ahead this year, the need is even greater. Here is a list of the items needed: rulers, erasers, pencils, colored pencils, ink pens (blue, black & red), crayons, glue sticks, backpacks, pouches for binders, 1″ binders, 1 subject notebooks and college ruled filler paper.

Items can be dropped off in the collection box at the Madison American Legion Hall, 20 South Maple Street, on Wednesdays and Fridays, after 3 p.m., and on Sundays noon to 4 p.m. If you would like to send a monetary donation, make checks payable to Madison ALA, PO Box 325, Madison, ME 04950 with School Supplies in the Memo.

Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) helps to advance the mission of The American Legion. With more than 600,000 members, the ALA is one of the nation’s most prominent supporters of veterans, military, and their families. ALA members volunteer millions of hours annually, with a value averaging $1.1 billion each year. From helping to draft the GI Bill in 1944 to advocating for veterans on Capitol Hill. The American Legion Family has been instrumental in advancing legislation that improves the quality of life for our nation’s veterans. If you would like to become a member contact Robin Turek, president, at 696-8289.

A quiet summer afternoon at an outdoor concert

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Enjoying a warm, sunny August afternoon, about 30 people attended a concert at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, in China Village, on August 16. (photo by Carla Gade)

by Mary Grow

A concert presented by Bill Berlinghoff at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, in China Village, on August 16. (photo by Carla Gade)

Over two dozen area residents listened appreciatively to folksinger Bill Berlinghoff as the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, in China Village, held its first public event since March.

Berlinghoff sang and played guitar and banjo on the library’s south lawn. His repertoire includes songs composed and/or made famous by such Maine people as Jud Strunk, Dave Mallett (Mallett’s The Garden Song, also known as Inch by Inch, had audience members singing along) and Gordon Bok, as well as several songs by Berlinghoff.

Berlinghoff’s songs are listed on his website, www.billberlinghoff.com, for people who would like to hear some of them and read the lyrics.

Another well-received number was Jan Harmon’s The Lobster License Plate Song,”composed in 1988 to recognize Maine’s addition of a red lobster to its license plates. The song is copyrighted, so it can’t be reproduced here; again, interested readers can find it on the web by looking up the title.

Carla Gade and Miranda Perkins, the new librarians at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, are planning other public events this fall as long as the weather allows continued outdoor gatherings. Watch for notices on the library’s signboard, in this newspaper and elsewhere.

 

 

 

Palermo Community Library celebrates phase 2 of reopening with purchase of park pass

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(Photo courtesy of Palermo Community Library)

The Palermo Community Library began Phase 2 of re-opening during the Covid-19 pandemic by opening to the public while continuing Curbside Pickup. The Board of Trustees worked hard behind the scenes to make the library as safe as possible by installing Plexiglas hygiene barriers, providing a deep thorough cleaning of the library’s interior, and creating policies following the guidelines of the Maine State Library and Maine CDC that will protect the health of our staff and patrons.

The library has purchased a Maine State Park Pass to ensure all of our community members have access to the great outdoors during this pandemic. The park pass may be borrowed by library patrons, age 18 and over, to visit state parks. It admits occupants of up to a 17-passenger vehicle to day-use facilities of select Maine State Parks and Historic Sites. The Park Pass may be borrowed for a 3-day checkout limit; it cannot be renewed nor reserved. For more information: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/park_passes_fees_rules/park_day_use_fees.shtml

Library hours are Monday 10 a.m. – noon Thursday 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – noon.

The library is located at 2789 Route 3. For more information call 993-6088 or email palermo@palermo.lib.me.us or visit www.palermo.lib.me.us.

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.