Waterville Opera House announces auditions

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Disney’s “Newsies” 1992

The Waterville Opera House (WOH) is announcing the audition dates for its new fall musical – Disney’s Newsies the Musical – the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right! Opening Friday, November 8, this production will run through Sunday, November 17, at the Waterville Opera House, in downtown Waterville. Tickets are available at www.operahouse.org or by calling 207-873-7000.

Auditions will take place on the Opera House Main Stage. Show Dates: November 8, 9, 15, at 7:30 p.m.; November 10, 16, 17 at 2 p.m.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25

1 p.m.: Adults Music Only
2 p.m.: Jack, Katherine, Delancey Brothers, Newsboys Music.
(Dance auditions for all to follow music auditions.)

MONDAY, AUGUST 26

6 p.m.: Jack, Katherine, Delancey Brothers, Newsboys Music.
Dance auditions for all to follow music auditions.
(Adults may sing at 6 p.m., if unable to attend Sunday’s audition.)

Character descriptions and audition materials are available on the Waterville Opera House website at https://www.operahouse.org/auditions. Upon arriving, candidates must fill out an audition form to be turned in to the production team. Candidates may also receive an audition number and be required to have their photo taken upon arrival. Please have your scheduling conflicts available. Candidates should review the audition materials and come prepared to perform as an individual and in group work. Auditions will likely involve singing, book work, and dancing. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Frolic in the Field Aug 10 at Pumpkin Vine Family Farm

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photo credit: Pumpkin Vine Family Farm

Head to Pumpkin Vine Family Farm, in Somerville, on Saturday, August 10, for an unforgettable evening of art and community under the open sky. The hillside fields are beautiful in the golden glow of twilight; filled with the music of Toki Oshima & John Pranio on fiddle and guitar. They are magical. Find a partner, meet your neighbor – soon you’ll be part of a swirling, laughing community in a contra dance guided by Chrissy Fowler, the amazing caller who makes the dances easy and fun, no matter your experience.

Prefer a slower pace? You can browse the craft tents from our amazing local artisans, enjoy a picnic dinner prepared by the talented folks at Washington General, stroll the farm fields, or just sit and watch the setting sun; our lights twinkle on at dusk. Children are welcome to play in the farm fields and explore the barn under parental supervision. Come alone or with friends – you’ll be sure to leave with more than you started!

Parking opens at 5 p.m. in our lower field. Wagon rides up to the farm will run from 5 – 6:15 p.m.; if you arrive after that you can enjoy the five minute walk up the dirt road past our farm fields. Craft & food tents are open from 5 – 8 p.m.; music & dance run from 6-9 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Donations are greatly appreciated, as they go directly to the musicians and caller – you can help support the arts and and ensure that they can keep this annual event open to all! Call Kelly at (207) 549-3096 or email info@pumpkinvinefamilyfarm.com with questions. To learn more about the farm visit www.pumpkinvinefamilyfarm.com. This is a weather dependent event; please check our website or call the morning of the event if it’s looking questionable.

9th annual Battle for Breast Cancer raises $42,000

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Messalonskee field hockey team. Front row, left to right, Riley Waraskevich, Ann Corbett, Journey Charles, Chloe Tilley, Abby Breznyak, Nealey Dillon, Jenna Cassani and Jenna Reardon. Back, Coach McLaughlin, Morgan Wills, Logan Alexander, Sidney Hatch, Alyson Violette, Shea Cassani, Malaika Thurston, Frankie Caccamo, Sarah Hellen and Coach Feldpausch. (photo submitted by Kim Kennedy)

by Mark Huard

The 9th Annual Battle For Breast Cancer took place at Thomas College, in Waterville, on Saturday, July 13, and was a truly great success.

The July 13 benefit tournament featured 11 Central Maine high school field hockey teams: Skowhegan, Messalonskee, Mt. Blue, Lawrence, Dirigo, Dexter, Nokomis, MCI, Winslow, Erskine Academy and Winthrop.

Now in its 9th year, more than $240,000 has been raised since 2011 for the beneficiary, the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center, a program of Franklin Memorial Hospital, in Farmington. Diagnostic breast imaging, biopsies, lab services, surgical consultations, and post-surgical garments are just some of the examples of how the money has been used.”

“Money raised is used to support those with breast cancer living in Central Maine with health care costs as well as practical resources for patients such as gas cards and help with child care which may impact patient care,” said organizer Paula Doughty. “Last year we started a program with platinum thru bronze sponsorship opportunities for businesses or individuals, which provides sponsors with special recognition in the event’s program and during the opening ceremony.” This sponsorship has helped us tremendously.

“For over 40 years I drove 45 minutes a day to work and 45 minutes back from work,” said organizer Paula Doughty. “During this time I did my best thinking. Over the years I had experienced in my family and other people who had jobs but no insurance or high deductibles suffer. Often they got no care at all or couldn’t follow up with medical recommendations because of their financial situations. The hospitals would hound them for the payments they couldn’t make, and they were denied government help, yet didn’t have the money to pay on their own. Often many just gave up and ultimately died. That’s when I thought it would be great to try to help some of these local people with their needs. I met with some of my Skowhegan Field Hockey Boosters and the Battle for Breast Cancer came about.”

The Lawrence field hockey team. Front row, left to right, Abigail Townsend, Taylor Jordan, Sophia Luckern, Ashtynn Stewart, Taylor Leclerc, Emma Poulin, Alexis Trask, Lexi Gordon, Emily Hersey, Haylei Niles and Holly Bolduc. Back, Coach Shawna Robinson, Abbie Vigue Brooke Butler, Capt. Miranda Lambert, Capt. Lexi Lewis, Victoria Dunphy, Capt. Elsie Suttie, Tori Richards, Cassie Richards and Maddie Niles. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff)

They chose the Martha B. Webber Center because it was local and rural. Often people don’t have the will or the resources to drive to the cities of Maine and they thought it was a good fit. Back in 2011, a total of four teams got together and had the first Battle for Breast Cancer at Colby College which included Skowhegan, Mt. Blue, Winslow and Nokomis. Their goal was to raise $1,000 and they ended up raising $16,655.

Since that time with over 11 teams they have now raised $242,000 dollars which has helped over 550 local people in Central Maine with everything from a gas card to get to treatments to many medical procedures. The entire central Maine field hockey community has stepped up and wanted to participate. Over the last two years they also have been collecting sponsors which has really helped boost the final amounts. The majority of the money is raised by field hockey players raising one dollar at a time with bottle drives, car washes, toll booths, and personal collections.

Next year will be the tenth year and Doughty said we plan on going all out to make it the best ever. “We know after reading and listening to testimonials of patients we help how worthwhile this event is. Hopefully more and more people in the Central Maine Area will donate for our cause,” Doughty concluded.

Litter pick up groups out Friday, August 10 in China

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Members of the Central Church in China participate in the Second Saturdays litter cleanup initiative. (photo by Jeanne Marquis)

Litter-free China!, a group organized by Richard Dillenbeck and the China for a Lifetime Committee, will be out on the roads of China on Saturday, August 10, during morning hours. As you drive these roads, please be careful and courteous to this group of volunteers.

Last call for peaches!

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The last delivery of freshly-picked peaches from northern New Jersey will be on Friday, August 23, at the Palermo Community Center, on Turner Ridge Rd., across from the ball field. The cutoff date for orders will be August 13, at 4 p.m. These sweet, luscious peaches will arrive in 38-pound boxes, but half-boxes are also available. A full box costs $37, and the half box costs $23. These are large, freestone peaches, perfect for canning, freezing, jam, and, of course, fresh eating. They will arrive slightly firm for shipping.

To order, please call Connie at 993-2294, and if you leave a message, please include your phone number! They will call to confirm and to let you know when you can pick up your peaches. They will be available Friday into the evening hours, and all day on Saturday. You may send a check, made out to LCF, to P.O. Box 151, Palermo, ME 04354. Orders of four or more boxes will receive a discounted price, so call up your friends and family to share this fresh fruit feast!

Proceeds from sales benefit the Palermo Community Center’s ongoing operations expenses and programs, including materials for the Food Pantry, building repairs, and community services. Your support is greatly appreciated! All board members and administrators of the Community Center are unpaid volunteers, so your support is important to us.

LAKESMART: Jeanne Marquis and dad, Carl J. Stenholm

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Jeanne Marquis

Jeanne Marquis and her 94-year-old father, Carl John Stenholm, were recipients of the LakeSmart Award for their lake property on Fire Road 1, on China Lake. Marquis says their Maine property has been in their family since the late 1800s when her great-grandfather, John Benson Doe, returned from sheep ranching out west to purchase their red brick home on the Neck Road. China Lake continued to call this family back home for three generations just as it did for John Doe, even if it was just for the summers. Two years ago, Marquis and her father made a permanent move to their China Lake home as their year-round residence.

Marquis told us, “I am very grateful for the work the LakeSmart Program and the China Lake Association does to improve the quality of the lake and monitor the loon population. It’s encouraging to see the loons and the eagles return to this area for the generations ahead of us to enjoy.”

If you would like to schedule a LakeSmart visit please contact Marie Michaud at 207-242-0240 or by email at ChinaLakeSmart@gmail.com. The visit only takes around an hour. We will share lake friendly ideas for your property. We can offer Youth Conservation assistance to get any suggested lake-friendly ideas completed, too. Together we can help protect China lake for now and for the future.

See also:

LAKESMART: Geoff and Patricia Hargadon

China Town Office to have new hours beginning in the fall

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Dennis Heath, China town manager, has announced that following approval by the board of selectmen, the China Town Office will have new hours beginning November 1, 2019.

The office will be open Monday, from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Tues., 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and the office will be closed Saturday and Sunday.

Alex Stewart builds shelter at Lincoln School in Augusta

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Alex Stewart, center, with his scout troop.

by Ron Emery, committee member

On Saturday, April 6, Troop #479 honored an Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor held at the China Baptist Church for Augusta resident Alex Stewart. Family, friends and Scouts attended the ceremony marking the advancement of this young man to the highest rank in Boy Scouts.

Alex Stewart

Alex joins a group of 40 Eagle Scouts from Troop #479 who have completed community service projects with the help of fellow Scouts and other volunteers throughout Kennebec Valley.  Each Eagle candidate must plan and supervise an Eagle service project to demonstrate his capacity and willingness to exert his leadership ability in activities that are constructive and worthwhile in his community.

Alex used his Eagle Project to give something back to his elementary school, Lincoln School. He collaborated with Jonathan Stonier, director of buildings and grounds for the Augusta School Department, to build a covered outdoor area in an underutilized space near the school. He received assistance from adult leaders and older Scouts as well as Custodian Brian Bolstridge the first two days of construction. He also received help from the younger Scouts on the third day to spruce up the grounds around the project with mulch, landscape rocks and several flower beds. He hopes the teachers and students will be able to use the structure as an outdoor learning station.

Also in attendance were Scoutmaster Scott Adams, to present the Eagle Scout Awards. Sean Stewart (Alex’ brother) gave the Eagle Scout Challenge and also asked Alex and other Eagle Scouts to reaffirm the Scout Oath.

Alex is a graduate of Cony High School, in Augusta, and lives with his parents, Greg and Kristina Stewart, in Augusta. He was on the Cony golf team. This summer he is working at Shaw’s, in Augusta, and will be pursuing a degree in engineering at the University of Maine in the fall.

Rémy Pettengill’s project benefits homeless veterans living at VA

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Cabin in the Woods photo of those who helped Rémy Pettengill with his project. Front, left to right, Aiden Pettengill, Bryson Pettengill, Danielle Pettengill, Rémy Pettengill, Kevin (homeless vet) and Don Hill. Back, Michael Boostedt, Kevin Boostedt, Darren Corson, Cole Corson, Lee Pettengill and Ron Emery. (contributed photo)

Rémy Pettengill’s Eagle Service Project was to make 50 Hygiene Care Packages for distribution to the Togus veterans. These Care Packages consisted of a handmade zippered bag filled with items donated or purchased such as toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, denture adhesive, shampoo and conditioner, soap, razors, shaving cream, mouthwash, and nail clippers. Each bag was labeled for a man or woman and the items were listed on a tag attached to each bag to help with the packaging and distribution.

During the project, one evening was set aside for older scouts and leaders to cut out the material using a pattern for the hygiene bags. Another evening was for sorting out the donated toiletry supplies and filling the hygiene care packages. Rémy provided the leadership and instructions.

On Sunday, July 21, the Scouts and leaders were invited to assist the wheelchair veterans in getting to the church service. After the service, Togus invited the group to have lunch prior to delivering the hygiene bags to each veteran residing in the Cabins in the Woods. Rémy distributed the bags to the Scouts for delivery with help from Dan Hill, the Ma­sonic Service Asso­cia­tion Rep­resen­tative for Togus.

Rémy first got involved with the veterans by way of the Masons. He went to Togus with the Masons to push the wheelchair-bound veterans down to their church service. While talking to Hill he learned that some of the veterans were not provided with the basic necessities to keep them healthy. Rémy thought he could help provide the toiletries for the brave men and women who served our country. With this in mind, he started planning his Eagle Service Project.

Rémy, 13, is the son of Lee and Danielle Pettengill, of South China, and will be entering the eighth grade at China Middle School this fall.

Sheepscot Lake Association holds 2019 annual meeting

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Board member Joe Burke, standing, addresses the Sebasticook Lake Association members at their annual meeting. (contributed photo)

On Wednesday, July 24, the Sheepscot Lake Association (SLA) held its annual meeting at the Fish and Game Club on the lake. The meeting was preceded by a potluck supper and a great meal was enjoyed. During the meeting, the following topics were discussed:

  • Courtesy boat inspection: Again this year, SLA has hired two boat inspectors to work on Saturdays and Sundays throughout July and August. These inspectors check all boats at the launch to protect the lake against milfoil and other invasive plants. However, it is incumbent on all boat owners to check their boats prior to every launch and pull, especially if they have been boating in other lakes. Invasive plants can cause serious damage to the ecosystem of the lake if not found and removed. Remedial action can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to attempt control of the infestation.
  • Water quality: The SLA board continues to test the water quality of the lake on a regular basis using a Secchi Disk and scope. Sheepscot Lake consistently yields a transparency of 16.1 feet which is outstanding. In addition to testing with the Secchi Disk, surface grabs are done three to four times a year to measure the total phosphorus which averages seven ppb, another great reading. Dissolved oxygen meter readings have also remained in the target area. Fortunately, there also has never been any algal blooms in the lake!
  • Loon Count: Each year they participate in conjunction with the Maine Audubon Society in an organized loon count. This year the count of loons was six, including one chick. As always, lake users are urged to exercise caution when they see loons on the lake, and never approach a nesting loon. They are the treasures of the lake and of Maine’s while serving us as an early warning of lake quality problems.
  • LakeSmart: SLA continues to participate with the Maine State Department of Environmental Protection Agency to implement the Lakesmart program. Created in 2003 to minimize human impact on lake quality, the LakeSmart team will inspect lakefront properties at no cost to the homeowner to evaluate your property’s impact on lake health and provide recommendations on steps you can take to ensure your home is Lake smart! If you are interested in participating in an evaluation please contact Maria O’Rourke, SLA board member at Sheepscotlakeassoc@gmail.com .
  • Status of legislative activity: As you know, LD922, the legislation aimed at reintroducing alewives and sea lamprey to Sheepscot Lake fortunately was pulled in 2018. There is no further legislation at this time. Should there be any future efforts to do so, at the expense of the health of our lake and existing fish population, SLA as well as our supportive town members will continue to fight any efforts and keep you informed.
  • Palermo Days: SLA will be attending the Palermo Days parade as well as displaying a gorgeous basket of Maine treats for raffle on August 10. Please stop by to say hi and buy a raffle ticket if you’re there!

Contributed photo

Finally, following the annual meeting, the board met to elect officers for the next year. Gary Miller, founding member of the Sheepscot Lake Association, who has served as president for the last eight years, and will remain on the board for one remaining year. The members thank Gary for his amazing efforts as president and all the hard work he has done over many years. Transitioning to president is Slater Claudel. In total, there are nine active members on the board, serving in various roles to keep all the programs active and healthy. They are currently search for a secretary for the association. This does not require being a member of the board. If you are interested, please contact Carolyn Viens at Sheepscotlakeassoc@gmail.com

If you have not yet joined the Sheepscot Lake Association and are interested, or if you have not yet paid your 2019-2020 dues, they would love to hear from you! By Mail: Sheepscot Lake Association, PO Box 300, Palermo, Maine 04354. By email: Sheepscotlakeassoc@gmail.com.