Vassalboro scouts community service for local church

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Scout Troop #410 and Cub Scout Pack #410 presenting a check to Vassalboro United Methodist Church, on September 22. Scoutmaster Christopher Santiago, left, Nancy Adams and Hellen Paulette, from VUMC and Nate Gray, committee chairman of Cub Scouts #410. Scouts left to right, John Gray, Henry Gray, Hunter Brown, William Vincent, Christopher Santiago and Eli Richardson. Harvey Boatman photo. (Christopher Santiago photo)

by Dale Potter-Clark

A community service by Viking Axolotl Patrol of Scout Troop #410, and the Arrow of Light Cub Scouts #410, culminated on Sunday, September 22, when they gathered at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) and presented $300 to the VUMC finance secretary, Nancy Adams, and treasurer, Hellen Paulette.

The funds were collected through a bottle drive to help towards the installation of an elevator/lift inside the church. According to Scoutmaster Christopher Santiago, the Scouts do bottle drives frequently to help defray costs of charter, annual dues, uniforms, supplies, activities and to do good turns for the community. “We are very fortunate to maintain a partnership with the church who maintains a facility agreement with our units. We are so grateful!” Following the check presentation, Harvey Boatman helped the Scouts ring the 150-year-old church bell in celebration of their efforts. “What fun and a lot louder than you would think,” said Santiago.

Harvey Boatman ringing the church bell with the Boy and Cub Scouts Troop #410, at Vassalboro United Methodist Church, on September 22. (Christopher Santiago photo)

The lift/elevator is part of an upgrade to VUMC, explained Boatman, project coordinator, in order to make the entire building more accessible to our aging population and those with mobility challenges. The installation will make it possible for people to move more easily between the sanctuary and the bathrooms, meeting rooms, and fellowship hall on the lower level which is currently accessible only by a full flight of stairs or from the lower parking lot.

The lift is part of an expanding accessibility project that will also make it possible for VUMC to better reach the people of Vassalboro and surrounding communities in additional, various ways. “We are fundraising for the project through grants, special activities and fund drives, such as this one by the Scouts which we are so appreciative of to say nothing of proud of their efforts in the community!” FMI about the project contact Harvey Boatman at (207) 441-9168 or hcb03@roadrunner.com. Donations can be mailed to Vassalboro Methodist Church, 614 Main Street, Vassalboro 04989.

Following Sunday’s check presentation Scouts embarked on two more community service projects. The Viking Patrol picked up litter along the Lombard Dam Road while the Arrow of Light Den proceeded to the Vassalboro Community School and cleaned up the grounds and trails.

FMI about Scout Troop 410 and Cub Scouts Pack 410 visit their Facebook page or contact Scoutmaster Santiago at (603) 903-9709 or vassalborocubscoutpack410@gmail.com.

Shoreline buffer workshop offers property owners ways to protect China Lake

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Shoreline buffer attendees. (contributed photo)

by Gerry Boyle, CLA Director

More than 30 area residents gathered at China Baptist Church Park* for a Shoreline Buffer Workshop on August 21, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce phosphorus runoff into China Lake.

Example of shoreline buffer plantings.

The hands-on workshop was hosted by the China Lake Association (CLA) and reminded the community of the importance of vegetated shoreline buffers, demonstrated planting methods, and offered free, native plants for local owners to take home to plant on their shorefronts.

“When landowners around the lake collectively do their part to prevent soil erosion and improve their shoreline buffers, it goes a long way toward helping improve China Lake’s water quality,” said Jen Jespersen, ecologist and owner of the environmental consulting and design firm, Ecological Instincts, who helped coordinate the workshop.

After additional presentations from CLA member Elaine Philbrook about LakeSmart and China Region Lakes Alliance Executive Director Jessie Mae MacDougall, about Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), attendees observed YCC employees Nathaniel Levesque, Sam Worthley, and Noah Bechard (who is certified in erosion control practices by the state Department of Environmental Protection) demonstrated buffer-planting techniques along eroded areas of the church park before receiving plants to take home.

Plantings included sweet fern, yarrow, low bush blueberry, low creeping juniper, black-eyed Susan, bush asters, goat’s beard, and upland ferns. The plants are all preferred for being native or very well suited to the lake environment, as well as being deep-rooted to hold soil in place and prevent erosion, McDougall said. Erosion control mulch – a special mulch made of ground-up woody material and heavy sand – was used. The special mix doesn’t float and wash away, as typical bagged mulch will do in heavy rain.

The workshop was a “two-fold success,” said CLA President Stephen Greene. “The church park site was improved and the community learned how easy-to-install buffers are a line of defense against stormwater runoff and shoreline erosion. Without them, phosphorus runoff would foster algae blooms and deteriorate water quality.”

Additional workshop sponsors included Kennebec Savings Bank, Kennebec Water District, and Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District. Organizers expect the hands-on event to be repeated annually, Greene said.

Landowners within China Lake’s watershed are encouraged to contact CLA’s Watershed Grant Remediation Program via chinalakeassociation.org/grantprogram or leave a voicemail at (207) 200-6640 for additional information on property remediation. Please allow five business days for a response.

* China Baptist Church Park was identified during the 2020 China Lake Watershed Survey as a nonpoint source pollution priority site.

Champion the Cure Challenge raises more than $560K in flagship event

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On August 17, nearly 1,600 community members joined Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center’s annual Champion the Cure Challenge flagship event. The uplifting experience at Lafayette Family Cancer Institute brings patients, family members, survivors, and community members together to walk, cycle, or run. More than $560,000 has been raised so far this year to support patients in treatment and enhance research options at Northern Light Cancer Care.

“It’s so rewarding to see how strongly our community turns out to support those facing cancer and raise funds that extend the care and services we provide right here,” says Ava Collins, MHA, FACHE, interim vice president, Oncology Services, Northern Light Health. “Thank you to everyone who joins us at all our events. You make a difference for our friends and neighbors with a cancer diagnosis.”

This year, funds raised the day of the event directly benefit a patient assistance fund, which helps meet critical needs of patients in treatment for cancer. The Challenge continues with two autumn events, which will also be used to build up the Northern Light Cancer Care patient assistance fund.

Community horse riders can take part in the Trail Ride, on Saturday, October 5, in Corinna. To register or donate, visit ctcchallenge.org.

MMA announces Spirit of America Proclamation to municipal clerks and ballot clerks

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submitted by Rebecca Hapgood
China Town Manager

MAINE MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION SPIRIT OF AMERICA PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Spirit of America Foundation cherishes Municipal Officials’ help with its program and created October as ‘Municipal Officials Appreciation Month’, and in 2024 dedicated it nationally to Municipal Clerks and Ballot Clerks, to express gratitude;

WHEREAS, Municipal Officials make personal sacrifices to serve constituents and deserve more public recognition and respect than they generally receive;

WHEREAS, Municipal Clerks are some of the most dedicated and generous members in our communities, who are almost always involved in a community event or civic organization within a town and most of the time are doing that work on their own personal time;

WHEREAS, Ballot Clerks serve at each polling place throughout Election Day, to ensure the voting process goes smoothly and are vital to democracy;

WHEREAS, the Maine Municipal Association greatly appreciates the services provided by its Municipal Clerks, Ballot Clerks and other Municipal Officials;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the MAINE MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION designates October 2024 as “MAINE MUNICIPAL CLERKS AND BALLOT CLERKS APPRECIATION MONTH” and urges citizens to show gratitude to their Municipal Officials, and especially to Municipal Clerks and Ballot Clerks, for all they do to make our communities better.

Beauty from Ashes: Reflecting on 9/11 at China school

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From left to right, Everett Packard, Eli Goodwin, Patrick Roberts, James Trojecki, Kennebec Sheriff Deputy Stefanizzi, Chris Berto, Nathaniel Monroe, and Leslie Krajewski. (contributed photos)

by Aimee N. Lanteigne

The searing images of September 11, 2001, will not soon be forgotten by anyone who witnessed the sheer terror of that horrible day. But for some, today’s youth, they have no idea, no context, and no emotion connected to that day that forever changed how Americans live. But they need to know. There are a thousand good reasons why teaching history is so important, but in a nutshell, suffice it to say, “A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” (Robert Heinlein)

Wyatt Kibbin and his mom, Allison, of the Maine National Guard. (contributed photos)

This year, China Middle School seventh and eighth graders learned their history…the details of what happened on 9/11, why it happened, the ensuing War on Terror, and the impact those two hours had on countless innocent lives. They discussed ways to prevent and combat hatred and misunderstandings. Perhaps most importantly, they took it upon themselves to give a little something back to those who gave the last full measure of devotion in the line of duty on 9/11.

Our students hosted a free car wash for First Responders and Veterans in honor of the 23rd anniversary of this tragedy. The support they received was overwhelming. Donations of soap, buckets, sponges, baked goods, and refreshments for our guests came pouring in. Every student made a personalized handmade card thanking them for their service be it in the fire department, the police department, or the military.

They made posters advertising the car wash and happily stood out in the school driveway waving and smiling and cheering any time a car or cruiser would pull into the school yard. They joyfully scurried like busy little bees to escort our guests to the food table, made sure they got a card and a treat, and then commenced spraying and soaping up the cars…perhaps the most fun of all. And before each officer or veteran left, the kids seemed to all shout in unison, “Thank you for your service!” Some of our students even went out of their way to shake hands with our guests and thank them personally.

The appreciation and smiles on their faces as they drove away was all these kids needed to know they had made a difference. It wasn’t a clean car, a cup of coffee, and a cupcake that made the difference. It was the kids’ smiles, their laughter, their joy, their pride in helping, and the simple fact that they had remembered…they had not forgotten. They may not have been alive when the Towers fell, when the planes and all souls aboard vaporized into thin air, or when the fear and darkness that overwhelmed us all that evening began to creep into our hearts. But they remembered. They took time to acknowledge the sacrifice of their brothers and sisters in service for what they lost that terrible day and in the years to follow.

That is how they made a difference.

That is how we keep history alive.

And that is how we can make beauty from ashes.

From left, Colton Oxley, Ellie Soule, and Layla Gunnison wash China Village firetruck. (contributed photos)

Conservation district seeks nominations for board of supervisors

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District has one opening on its five-member Board of Supervisors. The volunteer board, which is responsible for guiding the District’s business affairs and operations in it’s mission to provide assistance to the community in conservation of land and water resources, is comprised of three elected and two appointed supervisors, who each serve overlapping three-year terms. This year we are seeking nominations for one elected position.

Anyone interested in 1) running for the office of supervisor, or 2) voting in the election must be a registered voter within the boundaries of the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD). Candidates need have only an interest in conservation and a willingness, at a minimum, to participate in a monthly board meeting at the District office or online. To run for an elected position, a candidate must submit a nomination paper signed by 25 Knox or Lincoln county residents.

In addition, the SWCD Board welcomes Associate Supervisors, non-voting members appointed by the board, who may have an interest in the general activities of the district or a specific area of interest or expertise to share.

Nomination forms may be obtained by contacting the District office. The completed election document must be received at the District office by 2:30 pm on September 20, after which candidates will be posted on our website, https://www.knox-lincoln.org/board-of-supervisors. Ballots must be received at the District office no later than 8:30 am on November 20, 2024 and will be counted at our Board meeting tentatively scheduled for November 20, 2024, at 9 a.m.; public are welcome to attend.

To receive nomination papers or a ballot, or for more information, contact Election Superintendent at 893 West Street (Route 90) in Rockport, 596-2040 or julie@knox-lincoln.org.

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

New survey shows Maine residents, regardless of age, don’t see aging as a personal barrier

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AARP research examines how aging is viewed in the state of Maine

Despite believing older adults are devalued in society, Maine adults of all ages don’t see aging as a barrier, according to new AARP research examining how aging is viewed in the state.

Engagement seems to factor into the optimism. When asked about their views on aging, half of respondents among all three age groups – 18 to 54, 55 to 65, and 65-plus – said as they age, they are becoming more involved in helping others and find that their life offers more possibilities. Mainers generally subscribe to the adage, “With age comes wisdom.” Nearly nine in ten Mainers believe wisdom does indeed come with age, and an overwhelming majority see value in passing it on, with 93 percent placing importance on sharing one’s unique experiences with younger people.

Some 70 percent agree the likelihood of older adults wanting to learn new things increases with age. Cultivating social connections and personal friendships continues with advancing age. The 65-plus age group was most likely to agree that friends are becoming a bigger part of their lives as they grow older.

Beyond the positive feedback, most Mainers think older adults become less visible (64 percent) and are treated with less respect (54 percent). Mainers aged 55-plus believe younger people have more advantages in society, 70 percent note we live in a youth-oriented society and 69 percent say employers prefer younger workers over older workers.

Another 57 percent agree older workers are excluded from employment or promotion opportunities. Sixty-six percent believe age discrimination exists in the workplace, and most point out age bias begins in your 50s and 60s.

Further, Mainers believe the fear of getting old is very real for Americans. Of those surveyed, 75 percent agree Americans are afraid of getting old and 72 percent believe advertising and media negatively impact how Americans view aging. Ninety-one percent think older adults are more likely to become targets of fraud or scams and 72 percent agree older adults have trouble keeping up with technology. In terms of the financial implications of growing old, 57 percent believe older adults rely on Social Security and Medicare to cover their needs and 49 percent agree older adults have difficulty living in their own home.

While half of those surveyed were optimistic about aging, there also exists a real fear in growing old. Education is needed to dispel the myths about aging, as well as to put an end to workforce age bias and stereotyping. Although we may live in a youth-oriented society, steps need to be taken to increase the value placed on older adults.

“AARP Maine is dedicated to improving the lives of Mainers aged 50 and older, as well as their families,” said Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director. “Through state-specific surveys such as this, we gain valuable insights into the needs and desires of older adults in Maine. Our research bolsters our efforts to advocate for fair utility rates, fight elder fraud, seek support for Maine’s 166,000 family caregivers and provide resources on health and retirement security.” AARP Maine also offers a variety of wellness classes, social programs, educational opportunities, and initiatives to advance age-friendly community enhancements.

The online and phone survey of Maine residents age 18 and older was conducted from October 3 to November 2, 2023. Data were weighted by age, gender, and education to reflect Maine’s 18 and older population.

To learn more about AARP and its work in Maine, visit www.aarp.org/me and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram @aarpmaine.

EVENTS: Apple desserts and ham public supper in Vassalboro

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Apple pies and other apple desserts will be on the menu at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church public supper on September 21. Linda Millay, left, and Eileen Ronco are helping plan the event. (contributed photo)

Baked ham and apple desserts of all kinds will be served in addition to the traditional baked beans, casseroles, salads and breads on Saturday, September 21, at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC).

“People come from miles around to our suppers,” said church lay leader, Eileen Ronco. “We serve the traditional foods they enjoy at every supper in addition to something new or different in hopes to attract new folks.”

Supper will be served from 4:30 – 6 p.m., unless food runs out before, for a $10 suggested donation per person.

VUMC public suppers take place April – October in the church fellowship hall, at 614 Main Stree/Rte. 32, every third Saturday, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Senior public luncheons for 50+ year oilds are held in collaboration with the Vassalboro Recreation Department every second Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For more information visit Vassalboro United Methodist Church on Facebook, phone Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 873-5564 or email info.cumc@gmail.com.

Vassalboro community programs reach all ages

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Karen Hatch, Vassalboro Community Program Director preparing some “soup to go” at a luncheon for older adults at the Vassalboro Methodist Church. That is one of many activities she helps to plan and oversee throughout the year. (Contributed photo)

by Dale Potter-Clark

Karen Hatch had a busy summer and this fall is shaping up to be the same way. The 70-year-old, from China, is the Vassalboro Community Program Director, and as such she plans, coordinates and oversees activities for all ages, including youth sports. This winter it will be basketball and then baseball and softball come spring,” Hatch explained. “All of that is made possible by the volunteer youth athletic commissioners. They support and work with me to set-up the sports programs and they run smoothly because of them – for that matter it would be near impossible for one person to manage everything. I am always seeking volunteers – the overall program thrives with them.”

Vassalboro Days was a busy weekend for Hatch who arrived at the recreation field in East Vassalboro, at 7:30 a.m., to meet with folks who were inflating a bounce house. Nearby, she checked in with volunteer soccer commissioner, Jordan Cayoutte, who was preparing for soccer games. Hatch had already shopped for and stocked food in the snack shack so she moved on to see how volunteer Jared Clark was doing at the Historical Society where he was setting up for corn-hole. Then she scooted across town where she had arranged for a cribbage tournament at the St. Bridget Center. “I put in over 50 hours that week but that was exceptional. My position is funded for 30 hours a week but that week it was just not enough.”

Hatch worked for 27 years for the city of Augusta, first as the assistant recreation director and then as the city Child Care Director, so she was well prepared when she came into this position three years ago. The energetic septuagenarian explained that she is committed to organizing recreational and social activities for all ages. One could easily recognize the boundless range of activities within that age span but Hatch presents with the enthusiasm and know-how to make a big impact. “When I started in this position the first thing I did was to determine what was already going on in town so not to duplicate,” she said. “Then I began to reach out to various organizations to develop collaborations.”

Another activity initiated by Hatch is a potluck dessert and “Friday Night Fun Night”, the first Friday of each month, 6 – 8 p.m., at the Vassalboro Grange Hall. She also organizes friendly cribbage games on Wednesday afternoons and chair yoga classes led by volunteer Vickie Limberger on Monday mornings. Both are held at the Vassalboro Town Office (VTO). Currently she and the volunteer basketball commissioner, Kevin Phanor, are planning to meet with the Vassalboro Community School administrators to discuss when an open gym for adults can begin there as well as logistics for the youth basketball program.

At the time of this interview, Hatch was found bustling about at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) where she collaborates with members of the VUMC to plan, prepare and serve older adults a soup and salad luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., the second Wednesday of every month. On this day three tables were laden with four different kinds of homemade soups, a variety of salads, breads and scrumptious looking desserts. Hatch was one of the several cooks there and she had also secured much of the food through contributions. “There’s no charge for the meal but donations are welcome,” she explained. The church receives part of them to help cover heat, maintenance and electricity costs.

Much of what Hatch is able to offer for seniors is funded by grants for which she wrote the proposals. One was a $2,875 AARP Community Challenge Grant with which a community garden was planted on VTO grounds. A $3,029 Hannaford Chef Grant for older adults with food insecurity makes possible the storage and preparation of the luncheons at VUMC. She is in hopes of also starting cooking classes in the near future.

According to Aaron Miller, Vassalboro Town Manager since 2023, Hatch is responsible for effectively developing recreation, cultural, social and leisure opportunities for town residents and supervising a large number of seasonal volunteers. She is also responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, advertising, controlling, staffing and evaluating all activities of the department. He further explained that before Hatch came aboard the community relied completely on recreation committee volunteers to run the snack shack, baseball, softball and soccer programs. “I value Karen’s background and I’m excited to work alongside her for the town of Vassalboro. It is my opinion that recreational opportunities strengthen the fabric of communities and I expect to offer as much support as possible as we move forward,” said Miller.

The next special event Hatch has arranged will take place on October 1, when a Concord Coach will drive 55 adults of any age to the Fryeburg Fair. The first pick-up will be 7:15 a.m., at the Vassalboro Town Office, and then on to the Hannaford, in South China, for the second pick-up. Time spent at the fair will be 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and ETA back in Vassalboro is 6:30 p.m. Upon registration a $50 transportation fee is required; the deadline for registration is 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, September 26, at the Vassalboro Town Office, 682 Main Street – first come first served. Admission into the Fryeburg Fair is free for anyone over 65 years on that day, but the admission fee at the gate is $15 for those under 65 years. FMI email Karen Hatch at khatch@vassalboro.net or call (207) 592-3095.

TEAM PHOTO: Waterville football 5th and 6th grade team

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Front row, from left to right, Jaxon Troxell, Phoenix McLoy, Peyton Ross, Judah Young, Tristan Ware, Cole Bean, Carson Pinkham and Zekhi Alvarez. Middle row, Benjamin Veilleux, Jase Spaulding, Dylan Devlin, Evan Karter, Malakhi Klaiber, Isaac Chase, and Brody Ware. Back row, Gage Eldredge, Donovan Reynolds, Ender Coleman, Alexander Sheehan, Jayce Damron, and Connor Jones. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)