Fairfield Police Department holds another successful toy drive

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From left to right, Sgt. Matthew Wilcox, Officer Dakota Willhoite, Sgt. Patrick Mank, Officer Nolan Allen, Officer Jarrett Hill, Officer Shanna Blodgett, Chief Thomas Gould, Ret. Officer William Beaulieu, Officer Timothy MacArthur, Officer Matthew Bard, Officer Casey Dugas and The Grinch. Photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography

13th annual Cops for Kids program delivers toys to children at Christmas

This is the 13th year that the officers of the Fairfield Police Department have put on their Santa hats and gotten into their “sleighs” to spread Christmas cheer to the boys and girls of Fairfield. The officers prepare for this program all year long, making sure they check their lists once, twice and again once more. Pulling into a driveway and seeing the kids in a window with excited faces and huge smiles warms our hearts and reminds us what Christmas is truly all about. They all look forward to this one night, all year long.

JMG’s Giving Tree receives gift

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Dakota Hoffman, left, and Kevin Pelletier with all gifts. (contributed photo)

JMG’s annual Giving Tree at China Schools received a generous gift from the Dunkin’ on Western Ave in Augusta. Kelsey Morin, a China Middle School parent and manager at Dunkin organized the efforts. Kelsey added, “Each year my team and I give up all our tips for a week and ask customers to donate change to help us get Christmas presents for people in need. We set a goal of $600 and came out at $606. All of the money was spent on gifts for China Schools Giving Tree.”

Giving Tree gifts with Kelsey Morin, manager at Dunkin’

Six quick tips from Car Care Council for winter driving

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(NAPSI)—When it comes to winter car care, many motorists tend to think of antifreeze and batteries—but vehicles need extra attention in winter, especially when the temperatures drop.

“Making sure your vehicle is properly prepared for all of winter’s elements will help you avoid the aggravation of an unplanned road emergency,” says Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

The nonprofit Car Care Council offers six quick tips to help your vehicle perform at its best during cold weather months:

  1. Keep the gas tank at least half full; this decreases the chance of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.
  2. Check the tire pressure, including the spare, as tires can lose pressure when temperatures drop. Consider special tires if snow and ice are a problem in your area.
  3. Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.
  4. Allow your car a little more time to warm up when temperatures are below freezing, so that the oil in the engine and transmission circulate and get warm.
  5. Change to low-viscosity oil in winter as it will flow more easily between moving parts when it is cold. Drivers in sub-zero temperatures should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30, as thickened oil can make it hard to start the car.
  6. Consider using cold weather washer fluid and special winter windshield blades if you live in a place with especially harsh winter conditions.

Drivers should also stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, blanket, extra clothes, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication. In addition, the Car Care Council recommends a thorough vehicle inspection by a trusted professional service technician, as winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.

It’s flu season 2019

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by Nancy Bostrom

Flu is now widespread across nearly half the country and officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate there is good chance that flu activity could be at its peak.

While the number one way to protect yourself from catching the bug over the holidays is to get a flu vaccine, local physicians with American Family Care are spreading the word about ways you can avoid flu germs as the virus continues to spread like wildfire.

CONSIDER THIS ….

This time last flu season, only three states reported widespread flu. Today 23 states are reporting widespread flu.

In a recent media report, the National Foundation for Infection Diseases medical director Dr. William Schaffner says a B strain of influenza is dominant and this is “weird.”

Usually, we do not hear about B until the end of flu season, in early spring.

The “B virus” can infect anyone, generally strikes children and young adults more than the elderly.

Harvard University researchers say 20-30 percent of people carrying the flu virus do not have symptoms and they can spread flu germs to others up to six feet away!

It’s never too late to get a flu shot. It will not make you sick, it is a booster that helps your body fight off possible infection. The flu vaccine prevents death.

“Flu is a very contagious illness that we all should take very seriously this time of year,” says Dr. Benjamin Barlow, chief medical officer of American Family Care, the nation’s leading healthcare network with a local clinic. “The holiday season is a hot time for flu season because people are spending more time indoors together whether it be at a social gathering or because it is just too cold to go outside. Getting the flu shot and following a few habits to avoid flu germs can keep you healthy throughout the peak of the season.”

Nancy Bostrom is affliliated with the American Family Care group.

Hallees celebrate 50th wedding anniversary

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Roland and Joan Hallee

Roland and Joan Hallee, of Waterville, were feted on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary at a celebration held at You Know Whose Pub, in Waterville, on November 22, 2019, with 60 family and friends in attendance. The occasion was planned by their children and grandchildren.

Roland Hallee and the former Joan Dechaine were married on November 29, 1969, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, in Waterville, with the Rev. Raymond Picard officiating.

The Hallees have two children, Angela Hallee, of Waterville, and Ryan Hallee and his wife Rachel, of Rome.

They have five grandchildren, Kassandra Bisson and husband Blake, of Belgrade, Travis Brunette, of Pittsfield, Hallee Brunette, of Waterville, Hunter Hallee and Megan Hallee, both of Rome.

Mr. Hallee is currently the managing editor of The Town Line newspaper, in South China, a position he has held since 2005, after also being editor of the Valley Times, in Pittsfield, and the Somerset Gazette, in Skowhegan. He also worked for 19 years with the Waterville Morning Sentinel.

Mrs. Hallee is currently the receptionist at Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville, after retiring from a 39-year career as an inside salesperson with the Waterville Morning Sentinel.

Roland is the son of the late Conrad and Ida May (Labbe) Hallee, and Joan is the daughter of the late Raymond and Lois (Beaulieu) Dechaine, and niece to the late Adrien and Simone Paradis.

Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund receives grant

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The Augusta Nature Education Center was recently awarded a $3,000 grant from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund. This enabled the Nature Center to enhance visitorsʼ experience by replacing boardwalks, installing new signage, and improving and updating the trail map.

The Center is managed and co-owned by the Augusta Nature Club, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Nature Center is comprised of 179 acres of quiet woods, beautiful fields of wildflowers, ponds, granite quarries (which supplied the stones for the downtown Federal Building), a brook, and five miles of trails. Access is free and open to the public during daylight hours 365 days a year for non-motorized activities such as walking, jogging, biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, photography, birding and nature watching.

Because of its unique location, within a mile of Augusta and adjacent to Cony High School and residential areas, it is used by local schools as part of their Physical Education and Science studies. The two mile running track is used by cross country teams for their meets and is available to all.

Operating since the 1960s, the Nature Center is a true gem and is often referred to as Augustaʼs “diamond in the rough.”

For more information, or to download a trail map, please visit the website at augustanaturecenter.org or find them on Facebook at Augusta Nature Education Center.

Kennebec Historical Society to hear from Jeffrey Ryan on the hermit Jim Whyte

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When Jim Whyte settled outside the slate mining town of Monson, Maine, in 1895, people hardly knew what to make of him. And almost 130 years later, we still don’t. A world traveler that spoke six languages fluently, Whyte came to town with sacks full of money and a fierce desire to keep to himself. It was clear that Whyte was hiding from something – enough to make even the FBI to eventually come looking. But even the Feds couldn’t imagine how Whyte, who lost every penny he had when World War I broke out, amassed another fortune before he died. Based on the true story, Hermit follows one man’s quest to discover all he can about Whyte’s secret life before it’s too late.

Jeffrey Ryan

KHS speaker, Maine based author, and photographer Jeffrey Ryan has a contagious passion for exploring the outdoors, particularly on foot. Jeff has hiked thousands of miles including his first “trip of a lifetime,” a 6-1/2-month hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. In 1985, Jeff began “section hiking” the Appalachian Trail with a childhood friend, a journey that would take 28 years to complete and culminated in his first book, Appalachian Odyssey: A 28-year hike on America’s trail. Intrigued by the question of how the legendary trail came into being, he researched and wrote his second book, Blazing Ahead: Benton MacKaye, Myron Avery and the Rivalry that Built the Appalachian Trail. His latest book, a historical novel entitled, Hermit: The Mysterious Life of Jim Whyte, is centered in Monson, Maine, on the Appalachian Trail. When he is not researching and writing, Ryan explores the backroads of the USA and Canada in his vintage 1985 VW camper.

The Kennebec Historical Society January Presentation is co-sponsored by the Maine State Library and is free to the public (donations gladly accepted). The presentation will be followed by some light refreshments and take place on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at 6:30 p.m., at the Maine State Library, located at 230 State Street, in Augusta.

Rémy Pettengill earns Eagle Scout rank with Troop #479

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Front row, from left to right, Cub Scout Bryson Pettengill, Scouts Cole Henderson, Kameron Rossignol, Tad Dow, Nathan Choate, Dylin Breton, Caleb Knock, and Cub Scout Isaac Audette. Second row, Leader Sean Boynton, Scouts Ayden Newell, Michael Boostedt, Eagle Scout Rémy Pettengill, Nevek Boostedt (Allowat), Scout Ben Lagasse, Sam Boynton, Nick Shelton, and Hunter Praul. Back row, Leader Lee Pettengill, Christian Hunter, Scout Cole Corson, Leader Ron Emery, Derek Rossignol, Scout Aiden Pettengill (Kichinet), Nick Choate, Leader Matt Bodine, Priscilla Adams, and Scoutmaster Scott Adams. (photo by Ronald Emery)

Friends, family members, elected officials and other scouts gathered together to honor Rémy Pettengill for earning his wings – the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. The Eagle is the highest rank that Scouting bestows in the advancement program. Eagle Scout Rémy Pettengill, his family, his Scout leaders, and other members of the community were recognized in this special presentation. The celebration of this event was held November 10, 2019, at the China Masonic Hall, for Eagle Scout Rémy Pettengill of Troop #479.

Assistant Scoutmaster Matt Bodine was asked to serve as moderator, and opened the ceremony welcoming all to Rémy’s Court of Honor.

The call to order to open the Eagle Court of Honor was by Chuck Mahaleris, Kennebec District Chairman.

Rémy and his family chose the Order of Arrow and invited other members of Troop #479 to take part in this celebration. Nivek Boostedt as Allowat and Aiden Pettengill as Kichkinet both arrived in Order of Arrow regalia. Kichinet gave credits to experts and leaders along the trail while Allowat received assurance that Rémy has been faithful in serving his troop and has met the qualifications by asking the Scoutmaster. Scoutmaster Scott Adams replies “Yes, he has.”

Allowat asked the new Eagle Scout to renew the Scout Oath. Kichkinet asked Rémy to pin a miniature Eagle’s mother pin on his mother, to present a Eagle father’s pin on his father. He also asked Rémy’s father to remove and replace the Troop 479 neckerchief with the Eagle Neckerchief. Rémy gave a mentor pin to his father for help on his Eagle project and to Nivek Boostedt for his guidance.

Allowat now called on the Scoutmaster, Scott Adams to give the Eagle charge to Rémy. Scott also presented him with Bronze Eagle palms and the Gold Eagle palms for 10 additional merit badges.

Ron Emery was asked to come forward to introduce distinguished guests. First Chuck Mahaleris, Kennebec Valley District Chairperson of the Eagle Board came forward for a special presentation from the Eagle Board. Brother Mark Rustin, Most Worshipful Grand Master of Mason in Maine offered his congratulations and presented Rémy with a new medallion designed especially for all Eagle Scouts in Maine. Senator Matthew Pouliot was pleased to come and present sentiments from the House and Senate. China Town Manager also presented a letter from the town for his efforts to earn the Eagle rank.

Rémy’s Eagle project resulted from volunteering with Central Lodge #45, China’s Masonic Lodge, to push disabled veterans down to their Sunday Mass at the Togus VA. While there, he found out that some veterans are not provided with basic hygiene necessities. As a result, Rémy made 54 hygiene care packages for the veterans at the Togus VA. These packages all consisted of a handmade zippered bag. He solicited donations of a variety of items for the bags such as toothbrushes, toothpastes, eyeglass microfiber cloths, tissues, combs, nail clippers, and electric shavers. Rémy and his volunteers went around to the Cabin in the Woods housing development at Togus handing out the packages to the veterans and their families who live there. The group also attended and took part in the Sunday Services at Togus, and wheeled down some of the wheelchair-bound veterans to the service. The group visited with the veterans and thanked them for their service. All of the extra bags and hygiene products were donated to the Togus VA Volunteer Services to disperse as needed.

Rémy is the son of Lee and Danielle Pettengill, of South China, and is an eighth grader at China Middle School.

Scouts’ Camp Bomazeen celebrates 75 years

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Scout Camp Bomazeen staff in 1945. (contributed photo)

In 2020, Camp Bomazeen, the Scout camp on Great Pond, in Belgrade, will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary. In 1945, Camp Bomazeen opened to provide an adventure for Maine Scouts in an idyllic setting. Over the course of the past 75 years, thousands of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorers and Venturers have camped amongst the pines, learned new skills, made lifelong friendships, and challenged themselves.

As the Kennebec Valley District, Bomazeen Old Timers and Pine Tree Council prepare for the diamond anniversary, they are asking the public’s help in collecting photos, articles, letters, memorabilia, etc. “We want to tell the story of Bomazeen,” said Camp Historian Chuck Mahaleris of Augusta. “We want to boldly prepare for the next 75 years by first recognizing the efforts of those who came before us and laid the foundations for the camp we love.

Visionaries like Dr Frederick W. Johnson, of Colby College, Dr George Averill, of Waterville, William Hinman, of Skowhegan, J.R. Cianchette and William Springler, of Pittsfield, Henry Hall, of Madison, and Lewis J Rosenthal, of Waterville. Those were the Scouters who were part of the selection committee that founded Bomazeen in 1945.

The camp was named by 14-year old Waterville Scout Richard Chamberlain. Last summer, both boys and girls shot arrows at the Bomazeen archery range, made baskets at Bushcraft, learned to swim at the waterfront, and some even learned how to weld. I hope those great pioneers would be proud that the camp they started is still serving youth today.”

Those who have items to submit can contact Chuck at cmahaleris@gmail.com or by calling him at 400-9850. All items submitted will be scanned and returned. Donations also accepted for display during the anniversary season.

Sidney sisters build shelters for Benton dogs

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Sierra, left, and Macie begin assembling their project. (Contributed photo)

by Eric Westbye

As the Christmas season approaches, two local teenage sisters from Sidney are giving back to the community in a big way. Sierra Gagnon, 17, and her sister, Macie, 15, have grown up in a family that stresses giving and putting others first. This is evidenced by what they did recently for some dogs at a local shelter.

The entire Gagnon family, mother Tricia, left, and dad Jason, back, help Macie and Sierra in their project. (Contributed photo)

Last month, Sierra and Macie volunteered at Charley’s Strays, a dog shelter in Benton. They spent several hours walking dogs on a cold November Saturday and while they were there they noticed that some of the outdoor dog houses could use a makeover. They decided to take matters into their own hands and build some new homes for the dogs.

With a little help from their dad, Jason, and some donated material from Hammond Lumber, they were able to build three new, insulated, heavy duty dog houses. Three weeks ago they proudly brought the houses to the shelter.

They built each house in three parts, and along with their dad and mom, Jason and Tricia Gagnon, they assembled them on site. They designed the houses with three specific dogs in mind: two are huskies that enjoy being outside almost all winter, but will enjoy the winter even more now that they have insulated homes!

Far too often teenagers these days are labeled as self-absorbed and lazy. Not enough attention is given to the kids that do the right thing every day. These two girls are an example for us all that change starts with the person in the mirror and everyone can do something to make the world a better place.

Macie, left, and Sierra Gagnon with the completed dog houses. (Contributed photo)