EVENTS: Rotary District Conference coming to Waterville June 21–23, 2024

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This year Rotary District #7790 will host the three-day district conference in Waterville. The conference will bring many first-time visitors to the city, all to support District Governor Tina Chapman. Waterville supports two Rotary clubs, the Waterville Sunrise Club and the Waterville Noon Club, which is Tina’s home club.

The conference will highlight many of the community projects that local Rotary clubs and Rotary International support while highlighting all Waterville and the surrounding area has to offer. The clubs that are a part of District #7790 range from Augusta to Presque Isle, and even reaches up into Québec. The district is one of the few in the country to be bi-lingual and covers area in more than one country.

Two cultures, two languages, two countries, one Rotary District. Highlights of the conference include interactive activities that highlight our local region, tastings of a few favorite restaurants, and speakers on multiple subjects focusing mostly on mental health. Other activities include a Summer Garden party, at Colby College, a House of Friendship to meet members of other clubs, and a featured film at the Maine Film Center. This year’s theme is Hope in Action.

The keynote speaker is filmmaker and motivational speaker, Kevin Hines. Hines is a bestselling author, global public speaker, and award-winning documentary filmmaker. In the year 2000, Kevin attempted to take his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Many factors contributed to his miraculous survival including a sea lion which kept him afloat until the Coast Guard arrived. Kevin now travels the world sharing his story of hope, healing, and recovery while teaching people of all ages the art of wellness and the ability to survive pain with true resilience.

Kevin’s documentary Suicide: The Ripple Effect will be shown at the Maine Film Center, 93 Main Street, in Waterville, and is open to the public as well as his Keynote Presentation. Tickets for the film and presentation are available now on the district’s website at https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50110/clubdirectory.

For more information on the Waterville Rotary clubs, the conference, or the keynote presentation visit watervillerotary.com.

Law enforcement memorial service held in Augusta

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Salute by Maine State Troopers. (photo by Mark Huard)

by Mark Huard

Maine’s law enforcement members who lost their lives in the line of duty were honored on Tuesday, May 14.

The annual observance at the Maine Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was held in Augusta at the granite memorial near the State Capitol, and dedicated to the fallen officers that were killed in the line of duty.

The memorial has the names of 88 law enforcement officers, some dating back to the 1800s. Officers from across the state, families of the fallen, and other special speakers including Governor Janet Mills.

“We grieve the loss of friends, family, and neighbors taken from us through this violence. May we also pause in solemn gratitude that we need not add another name for this memorial today,” said Mills during her address. “As district attorney, as a private attorney, as your attorney general, and now as your governor, please know that I see the unexpected risks that each of you take when you report to duty every day. I see the sacrifice of your loved ones, waiting to know if you will come home safely. And I see the spirit of our fallen officers embodied in your commitment to serve our community and to keep this state the safest place in the nation to live, work, and raise a family.”

Despite all the differences fallen officers hold in their stories, Mills united them under one principle: “A principle that governed how they upheld the law, a promise to practice integrity, fairness, respect, and compassion in the 1,000 daily acts they performed on behalf of the Maine people. As they patrolled our roads, guarded our cities and towns, our woods, lakes, bays, and skies, always ready for that one urgent call that may mean the difference between life and death.”

Maine State Troopers honor their fallen comrades. (photo by Mark Huard)

Whitefield Lions Club honors six area students (2024)

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The Whitefield Lions Club has recognized six local graduating seniors. These students will receive a $1,000 scholarship towards furthering their education. Each year the Whitefield Lions Club Scholarship Committee chooses among deserving applicants based on hard work, perseverance, leadership, community service and career goals.

This year the club is proud to recognize six outstanding individuals. Caliegh Crocker, of Windsor, attending Husson University Nursing program, Carson Hallowell, of Jefferson, to attend EMCC Plumbing program, Nolan Burgess, of Whitefield, attending UMO for Education, Reese Sullivan, of Windsor, attending Husson University studying forensic science, Tara Hanley, of Vassalboro, attending UMO to become a dietitian, and Abigail Kopp, of Jefferson, attending Endicott College majoring in Exercise Science with the plan of attending graduate school for Physical Therapy.

VETERANS CORNER: Excellent news in regards to several Veterans VA cases

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Veterans Administration facility at Togus. (Internet photo)

by Gary Kennedy

Well, for all of you who follow Julie and me, we have returned home safe and sound. I noticed the past issue of the The Town Line, my old friend Peter Garrett was honored with a nature trail being memorialized in his name. He has always been a true nature lover and great Rotarian. He certainly deserves to be recognized for his love of Maine in all aspects. I was very pleased to see the article and seeing my friend looking so well. The Town Line always tends to showcase the best of us. Perhaps someday even me.

Julie and I had a very successful journey to S.E. Asia. Until the very end, the temperature remained comfortable. We came home this month and the temperature had a bad streak of 103°-106°F. I can’t tolerate those temperatures. I was anxious to leave and come home. We always leave wishing we could have done more but our means are limited. Julie and I were honored with plaques and certificates as well as simple “thank you very much”, what more do you need?

Always during this time I start dreaming of lobster, scallops and clams. There is nothing in the South Pacific that can compare to Maine seafood. It was in my dreams every night before we left. What made it worse was I have some veteran friends/clients who are fishermen that know how much I love that stuff. So, they send me tease messages making me aware they have these things fresh and saved for Julie and I. These are the incentives we need to pay attention to our itineraries and not miss the plane. We have a freezer full of these tasty treats now. Also, to make things worse, Hannaford has just put lobster on sale for $7.99 a pound. That is cheaper than steak, who can resist? Not me, that’s for sure.

I also had some excellent news in regards to several Veterans VA cases that I wrote just before I left. (100 percent) unfortunately I had some that didn’t turn out as well but that can be expected. We’ll jump right on those and try to make them right. If you happen to be one who had a V.S.O. submit a case for you and it didn’t turn out well, don’t be discouraged. It’s just the beginning of several steps. More fail the first time than don’t. It’s imperative that you follow up with your Primary Care Provider (PCP).

Much of the time if you are just beginning you probably haven’t built up much of a history. Your PCP must know your in-service record. This is very important in “case creation”. Your in-service medical records are very important as well. These not only give your medical situations but aid your PCP in your treatment plan, which is most important to your future health. It also gives the doctor a benchmark in which to build your pathway to service connection as well as the benchmarks for future treatment.

When you have medical issues the connection can be related to your military issues and thus connection for compensation as well. Just remember your defense is your service connection. If you have it you will not fail. If it is not readily visible you must pursue it in different ways. Witnesses to in-service events are acceptable and even those who knew you, prior military, can be very helpful to help show that your medical problems most likely were the result of your military service. Leave no stone unturned. All information from different sources can be of value. Your Veteran Service Officer (V.S.O.) can guide you on this path.

We often send for veteran’s medical records and either receive no reply or someone will tell us they may have burned in a records fire. I have been doing these cases for 47 years and find this to be only possibly true. I have had many veterans, who never received their records upon our request, however, when we filed, VA was able to pull them up and make a decision. That on its face is wrong but it does happen. Just stick with your V.S.O. and keep your case going. Positive results can occur. If you just drop it and walk away, you lose. You need to be persistent and speak again with your V.S.O.

He/she will lead you down the correct path. Eventually you should succeed with your claim. When you know you’re right, don’t back down. You have too much at stake. Just continue to keep doctor’s appointments and follow the instructions of your V.S.O. Eventually you will be successful.

Next week we’ll begin answering your questions and helping you with the development of your case forward. You served your country, now it’s time for your country to serve you. Stay strong and push forward. God bless you and thank you for your service.

Oakland Memorial Day parade and ceremony go on despite rain (2024)

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The weather did not hamper crowd enthusiasm. (photo by Wally McKenney)

by Mark Huard

For the past three years since the pandemic, the Oakland American Legion Post #51 has directed the Annual Memorial Day parade which is one of the largest in Central Maine. Veterans lined the front of the parade to local school bands, classic cars, military vehicles, Police and Fire departments, Shriners and among many others. Each year they are looking for more to participate. Any groups are encouraged to contact the post for next year’s attendance.

The Kora Drifters are a parade unit of the Kora Shrine, in Lewiston. The Drifters were started by Bernie Fortin, of Vassalboro, in 2018, and have since expanded to 14 members. They raise funds for the Shriners hospitals, in Massachusetts, and all money raised goes to those charities. Any other expenses they pay out-of-pocket. They are known for their distinctive bright green colors and love to entertain. The Shriners are currently scheduled to parade in 27 different events this year, to include Maine’s largest festivals such as the Clam Festival, the Moxie Festival, and the Lobster Festival. Really what you have is 14 guys dedicated to supporting child patients at the hospitals. With the added bonus of making people happy at the same time. On Memorial Day they participated in parades in Oakland, Skowhegan, and Old Orchard Beach.

Tracey Frost riding in the Memorial Day Parade. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

KWD lake levels info now online

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The China Lake Association has posted about monitoring China Lake levels, with historical levels, on Facebook: Kennebec Water District (KWD) recently added a China Lake water level information page to their website. You will find the current level of the lake, along with the most recent Department of Environmental Protection lake level directives.

The link is: https://kennebecwater.org/water-quality/lake-level-info/.

Skowhegan volunteer receives Commitment to Excellence pin from Girl Scouts of Maine

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Victoria Noyes

Victoria Noyes, a dedicated volunteer from Skowhegan for the Girl Scouts of Maine (GSME) within the Somerset Service Unit, recently received the Commitment to Excellence Pin for her above-and-beyond service and support of the organization this year. The Commit­ment to Excellence Pin is awarded to a volunteer who has received a board-level award and continues to serve above and beyond expectation at that scope of service.

As a recipient of the Appreciation Pin during 2023, Noyes continues to serve Maine Girl Scouts by providing above-and-beyond support to members of more than one troop. For the past several years, she has taken on the role of Somerset Service Unit Manager.
Noyes’ sense of volunteerism for Girl Scouts is echoed through vast outstanding achievements. In addition to her service unit position, Noyes has also been an active leader for several troops to help them get started or fill in as a co-pilot.

Noyes lives by the Girl Scout Promise and Law, always leading by example and digging in to take on new responsibilities when necessary.

“There are no people more generous with their time, talent, and investment in growth than Girl Scout adults who go just that bit further, share just that bit more, to make the world a better place,” says GSME Director of Adult Learning, Dawn Walker-Elders.

Noyes’ Commitment to Excellence Award was honored alongside other adult recognitions at this year’s annual celebration held on May 11, in Fairfield.

China Baptist Church gets new sunburst pediments

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Dwayne Bickford displaying his handy work. (photo courtesy of Linda Morrell)

submitted by Linda Morrell

Several years ago the Trustees at China Baptist became aware that the smaller sunburst pediments above the front windows and the larger one above the door were in need of repair or replacement. Dwayne Bickford volunteered to take one of the smaller ones down and make a new one. I don’t think he realized the amount of work he was volunteering for, but he got it done. Then last fall he undertook removing and replicating the larger one above the door.

The old, sunburst pediment that needed to be replaced. (photo courtesy of Linda Morrell)

It surely was a labor of love!

We are so blessed to have craftsman like Dwayne Bickford in our church and community. This is what Dwayne said about the project.

The work in progress. (photo courtesy of Linda Morrell)

“I can finally share my latest project. I am in awe of how the craftsman of probably 200 years ago designed and constructed the decorative sunburst pediments at China Baptist Church (and the one over the entrance of the China Village Library). The upper one on the front of the church had reached its end of life and was taken down last summer so I could use the pieces for a template. It no doubt had been refurbished at some point in the past as evidenced by the plywood backing. The green paint behind the plywood shows the plywood was added some time later. The replacement was made just like the original from Maine cedar. I used modern tools, however. I sure can’t wait to meet the original craftsman some day.”

A plaque was placed behind the pediment for future generation it reads, “made in Belgrade Maine by Dwayne Bickford. This Sunburst pediment was remade for China Baptist Church. May 2024.”

The project is complete and was installed last Saturday. Thank you Dwayne and the crew who helped put it back in place. Nelson Farris, Carl McKeil and Brad Bickford. It looks beautiful!

The finished product: The new sunburst pediment in place. (photo courtesy of Linda Morrell)

Manchester kindergartners tour China’s transfer station/recycling

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Photo by Roberta Barnes

by Roberta Barnes

Today’s children are our future, and the future of our planet. What helps today’s children to form our future is learning through experience. To help students learn the importance of recycling Ms. Gross and Mrs. Wood, Manchester kindergarten teachers, arranged for the kindergartners to have a guided tour through the China transfer station’s recycling program.

By 9 a.m., Thursday morning, May 16, Tom, and Cheyenne, two of the staff at the China transfer station, had everything ready for the children to enjoy an interactive tour of all the areas in the transfer station.

Photo by Roberta Barnes

The moment the children stepped off the school bus they were smiling and ready to see that not everything we throw away belongs in the trash can. They gathered in front of the table that Tom and Cheyenne had set up by the area of electronics ranging from laptops, televisions, monitors, and more waiting to be recycled.

The principal Abbie Hartford, Ms. Gross, Mrs. Wood, nine parent chaperones, and the bus driver joined in behind the children.

Tom placed a large garbage bag filled with different waste items on the table. He took one of the items out and held it up while asking the children if it could be recycled or not. After the children had answered, he explained a little about the recycling of that item. Taking out a different item from the bag, he again asked if it could be recycled. This continued with the children anxiously responding until the bag was totally empty.

Rather than this being a verbal test, the children’s giggles and body language said it was a fun learning experience. The children’s answers also proved that along with computers being a part of today’s daily life, so is recycling.

The next stop on the tour was outside the recycling building that has separate bins for things such as clean glass, plastic, tin and aluminum, mixed papers, cardboard, and newspaper. Here the children were introduced to a hands-on activity. Not far from where the children stood were plastic crates filled with assorted items for them to put in the correct bin. The children hurried over to crates, each picked up one item, and then carefully checked the signs on the bins before putting in the item. One little girl stopped by the two bins for glass and Tom explained to her, and another child who stopped to listen, what diverse types of glass should go in each bin.

It did not take long for the crates to be emptied so they could move on. However, before moving on to other recycling areas, several children stopped to check out the transfer station’s mascot. Oscar the Grouch sitting in a metal trash shows that while recycling is important for all of our health, it can also bring smiles.

The tour then passed by areas of clothing and a truck trailer where tires were stacked for recycling, before stopping at the composting section. There the children saw that besides the large pile of compost, there were other sections of compost. Just as some foods we eat can hurt our dogs, it is best to separate things when composting. It was explained that composting foods, wood, manure, leaves, and other things not only help improve the soil by returning nutrients and carbon to it but cut down on the amount of trash in a landfill.

By the time everyone arrived at the hopper where waste that cannot be recycled is dumped, there were only a few things left in the buckets children had been carrying. A piece of carboard and a piece of metal were not put in the hopper because they could be recycled, the bins for those had just been missed.

After all that, there were still two other recycling areas. The first is where used plastic toys in excellent condition are free to take. The second is a grassy area with signs saying “no mow”. Mixed into the grass are dandelions, which as Tom explained are an important food sources for wildlife. The bright yellow blooms are perfect for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, plus the flowers and leaves are nutritious. Rabbits, deer, groundhogs, squirrels, and others animal enjoy the nutritious tasty leaves.

Tom answered the children’s remaining questions and then pointed to the scales used to weigh trucks.

Before getting onto the bus the children happily gathered together on the transfer station’s scale. Together with all their smiles they weighed over 1,450 lbs., combined.

Stolen Angel

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Nivette Jackaway’s stolen angel. (contributed photo)

Nivette Jackaway, from Winslow, had her angel stolen from McClintock Cemetery, in Winslow.

Nivette said, “Sad that my Angel was stolen from the McClintock Cemetery in Winslow. It’s been there for about 10 years. It’s an old cemetery and not many people go there so I’m shocked that it was stolen.”

Anyone with information about the stolen angel, please contact The Town Line at townline@townline.org.