KPAC introduces new director

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John Neal

Kennebec Performing Arts Company (KPAC) has announced the start of its 2024-2025 season under its new director. John Neal, of Greene, was selected to lead the wind ensemble and chorus following the retirement of longtime director Charles T. Milazzo. Neal has had a long career in Maine as a music director, pianist, and composer. John Reeves will continue as interim director of the jazz band as the search for a permanent conductor continues.

With over a hundred musicians, Kennebec Performing Arts Company provides one of few opportunities in the central Maine area for amateur and professional musicians and talented high school students to perform with a large group. A nonprofit organization supported in part by a grant from the Onion Foundation, KPAC presents five free performances over the course of its concert season.

Chorus rehearsals will begin on Monday, August 26, and rehearsals for the jazz band and wind ensemble will start on Tuesday, September 3. Throughout the season, the chorus meets at Hope Baptist Church, in Manchester, on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The jazz band and wind ensemble rehearse on Tuesday evenings at Cony High School, in Augusta – jazz band at 5:45 p.m., followed by wind ensemble from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

KPAC welcomes new members. For more information, contact John Neal at 207-946-7789 or email jandrneal@aol.com.

Waterville troop scout earns Eagle rank

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Sarah Harriet Benn, Isaac’s mom, affixes the Eagle Scout medal on her son’s uniform. This medal was first presented to Isaac’s father when he made Eagle in 1987 in Troop #436. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Isaac Benn, of Westbrook, son of Shawn and Sarah Benn, reached the highest peak in Scouting – the Eagle Scout rank – during a Troop #436 court of honor held Sunday, June 2, at the Waterville Lodge #33 A.F. & A.M. The ceremony was led by Colby College Professor Bruce Rueger who was Scoutmaster of the same Troop in 1987 when Isaac’s father received his Eagle Scout award.

“I am super proud of Isaac,” Shawn Benn said after administering the Eagle Scout Charge and watching as his wife pinned Isaac with the same Eagle Scout medal Shawn received in 1987.

Rueger explained that the distance between Waterville and Westbrook was a challenge but much of his time in the troop took place during Covid-19 and the troop held virtual meetings anyway. “During camping trips we would all meet at the place we were going so it all worked out,” he said. Shawn Benn said, “I am so very glad we came back to Troop #436 during Covid so my boys can see what Scouting was like for me.”

According to Rueger, each Eagle Scout must complete a significant project to better their community. “Isaac’s project was the restoration of the Johnson Cemetery on County Road in Westbrook. He led a team that made a new sign, raked and pruned and cleaned up the grounds, and washed headstones so the names of those buried could be more easily read.” His mother, Sarah, pointed out they even found a forgotten child’s headstone under a pile of decaying leaves. This effort has received praise from the Westbrook Historical Society.

Isaac has turned 18 but completed all requirements prior to his 18th birthday. He is registered as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop #436 and will be going into his sophmore year at the University of Southern Maine, in September.

PHOTO: Beautiful flowers, beautiful day

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Lindy Sklover, of Vassalboro, snapped these peonies at Fieldstone Gardens, in Vassalboro.

CORRECTION: In the print edition, this photo was incorrectly credited to Gary Mazoki, of Palermo, in the print edition, instead of Lindy Sklover, of Vassalboro. We apologize for the error.

Madison Auxiliary to tend booth during Madison/Anson Days

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The theme this year is “Flashback to the 70s”.

Collect school supplies for MSAD #59 and RSU #74; to hold fundraising raffle

American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #39, Madison, will have a booth on Saturday, August 24, near the Skowhegan Savings Bank, in Madison, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., during Madison/Anson Days celebration. They will be selling RADA cutlery, American Pride bracelets, collecting school supplies for students in MSAD #59 and RSU #74, handing out information pamphlets regarding the American Legion Auxiliary.

There will also be a raffle. The winner will win the following: a Madison Historical Throw (60” x 50”), black metal Eagle cutout decoration, Americana Quilt (86” x 86”) and a beautiful wreath (red, white and blue). Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Do not need to be present to win. Tickets are available now by contacting an auxiliary member or mail check payable to Madison ALA, earmarked “Raffle” and mail to Madison ALA, P.O. Box 325, Madison, ME 04950.

Palermo community foundation nets $1,970 at fundraiser barbecue

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Murielle DiBiasi and Ann Sears kick up their heels as Anthony Semenovich plays guitar. (contributed photo)

The August 3 Community Cookout wasn’t just delicious, it was great fun! Anthony Semenovich played his violin and guitar, inspiring some to dance along in the grass, as people finished their desserts and relaxed under the canopies and in the grape arbor. “I saw people scooping up the last crumbs of cornbread from the giant pan,” laughed Phil White Hawk as he helped himself to more pulled pork. Michael O’Brien and his daughter Aubrey delighted the crowd with humorous comments as they drew the raffle prizes that ranged from gift certificates to an Echo trimmer donated by The Home Depot. Many local businesses contributed to the success of the cookout, including Hussey’s General Store, Lakeview Lumber, Bass Pro Shop, and B & B Septic. Ann Sears collected many personal donations of gift cards, handmade items, and tools. There were a couple of anonymous donors as well, whose support is greatly appreciated.

The Living Communities Foundation sponsors the Palermo Community Garden, where the party took place, and next-door neighbor Mark Evasius kindly lent the use of part of his back yard for a parking area. It was a good thing he did, as it filled up quickly. The Community Garden helps to supply the food pantry with freshly-picked, organic produce. The back garden not only features the grape arbor, but also showcases interplanted herbs and vegetables in 15 raised beds. Master Gardener Connie Bellet likes to introduce colorful and unusual plants to expand the Maine diet. The Giant Kossack kohlrabi is a good example of a sweet and versatile vegetable not found in grocery stores. Another example is Mountain Red Orach, a burgundy spinach-like plant that grows to eight feet in height and is rich in anthocyanins. Both of these vegetables are offered at the food pantry, and visitors are welcome to take a tour of the garden. It is best to call Connie at 993-2294 to make sure she is around to give a tasting tour.

The Living Communities Foundation enthusiastically thanks all the volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible. Thanks to the income, the Foundation plans to resume some programs and add others, now that Covid is in the rearview mirror. Suggestions are welcome! Please give Connie a call or email her at pwhitehawk@fairpoint.net.

Guests enjoy barbecue in the Community Garden. (contributed photo)

Albion Eagle Scouts

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From left to right, Matix Ward, Nash Corson and Preston Roy, of Boy Scout Troop #446, in Albion, were each awarded the Eagle Scout rank in a ceremony held on July 5, 2024. (contributed photo)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The town of Albion is celebrating its bicentennial this year with alumni gatherings, a frying pan throwing contest, parade, fun run and plenty of food. Among the festivities and pageantry, residents and guests are learning more about what makes their community special and of her rich history. A special ceremony honoring three young men who made Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting, took place recently at the Albion Middle School to recognize Troop #446 Eagle Scouts Matix Ward, Preston Roy and Nash Corson. All three are Albion residents.

State Representative Scott Cyrway and Albion Selectmen Jason Dow and Michael Gardner praised the accomplishments of the trio. A slide show highlighting their camping and high adventure experiences captured the attention of all attendees. Lorna Ward was the guest piano accompanist. “I was very impressed,” Alissa Roy said. “It was a very nice ceremony.”

Each of the three Eagle hopefuls had to give leadership to a significant project to benefit the community. In March of this year, Nash organized a blood drive for the American Red Cross and coupled it with a food drive to benefit the Albion Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. “I wanted to help save lives by collecting blood,” Nash said. “My goal was to have 22 people come out. On the day of my drive, we had 46 donors come and collected 25 units of blood. We had so many people come to donate we had to schedule them for different blood drives as the Red Cross ran out of space to have them all that day. I extended my project to run throughout the month and …ended up having 15 more who donated on other days….I collected approx 60 items for my home town food pantry.”

In January, Matix led volunteers in building a picnic table and hiking trail for Thurston Park, in China. Preston, who completed his project in 2022, led a team to construct new side stairs for the Albion Public Library and revamped the wheelchair ramp as well.

Nash Corson is the son of Alyssa and Michael Corson, of Albion. Nash is 18 and in September will be going into his senior year at Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and also his last year at Kennebec Valley Community College where he is working towards earning his welding certificate. His mother Alyssa said, “Having watched Nash grow and mature throughout his Scouting career, I can say that Scouting has benefited him immensely and he would not be the driven young man he is without the family and backbone that Scouting has given him.”

Preston, 17, is the son of Alissa and Chuck Roy, of Albion. In 2022, Preston shot a 232-pound, 10-point buck during Youth Deer Hunting Day introducing him to the “Biggest Bucks in Maine Club.” Preston is going into his senior year at Lawrence High School.

Matix is 19 and the son of Elizabeth and Matthew Ward, of Albion. He is going to be a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire where he is majoring in mechanical engineering. He is a graduate of Lawrence High School.

“Matix gained leadership skills, a love for nature, lifelong friends, and a commitment to his community through Scouting,” Elizabeth Ward said. “Through volunteer work, Matix has shown a strong commitment to serving his hometown.”

The ceremony was held on July 5, 2024. While 2024 marks the two hundredth anniversary of Albion, these three Eagles have helped shape her next two centuries.

EVENTS: Erskine Academy to host new student orientation

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All incoming freshmen or new students and their parents are invited to attend the Erskine Academy New Student Orientation, on Tuesday, August 27, at 6:30 p.m., in the gym. The administration strongly encourages all incoming students to attend this event as it is an opportunity to become further acquainted with the faculty, facilities, and programs at Erskine. The first day of school for freshmen only will be Wednesday, August 28.

Please contact the school at 445-2962 with any questions.

Cassidy’s birthday book drive to support Local Little Libraries

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Peyton Belyeu checks out the books in the ShineOnCass Lending Library, where free books are available to kids attending summer and after-school care programs at Alfond Youth and Community Center, in Waterville. Photo in background is Cassidy Charette. (photo courtesy of Monica Charette)

by Monica Charette

ShineOnCass Foundation invites the community to join “Cassidy’s Birthday Book Drive” to help shine a light on childhood literacy and inspire reading. The ShineOnCass Foundation, named and created in memory of Cassidy Charette, will collect children’s books during the month of August to help fill the shelves of local Little Free Libraries. Volunteers will deliver donated books on what would be Cassidy’s 27 birthday on August 31.

A registered Little Free Library, located at 93 Water Street, in Waterville, is among more than a dozen “take a book, share a book” free libraries located throughout central Maine. ShineOnCass Foundation is collecting books for Little Free Libraries during the month of August and will distribute donations on Cassidy Charette’s birthday, August 31. For a list of local Little Free Libraries, visit shineoncass.org. (photo courtesy of Monica Charette)

A Little Free Library is a “take a book, share a book” free book exchange in communities nationally and internationally. Thousands of Little Free Libraries, owned and supported by volunteer stewards, are located in communities in over 120 countries. More than a dozen Little Free Libraries are located in central Maine, including a ShineOnCass Lending Library for children at the Alfond Youth and Community Center in Waterville. A list of local Little Free Library locations can be found on the ShineOnCass website, shineoncass.org.

“Our mission is to make books accessible for kids, expand their knowledge, and inspire future readers,” says Monica Charette, Cassidy’s mother and executive director of the ShineOnCass Foundation. Cassidy, a 17-year-old Oakland resident who died in a hayride accident in 2014, was an avid reader, youth mentor, and a lifelong community volunteer.

“We believe expanding literacy access to local families is a meaningful way to celebrate the day Cassidy was born, by giving back and sharing her love for reading with kids.”

New and gently used books for children and young adults can be donated all month at Camden National Bank, at 51 Main Street, in Oakland, or at 258 Kennedy Memorial Drive, in Waterville. Books will be distributed to Little Free Libraries on Cassidy’s birthday on August 31.

For more information about Cassidy’s Birthday Book Drive or the ShineOnCass Foundation, visit shineoncass.org.

AYCC holds first summer camp games

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The Inaugural Summer Camp Olympics 2024 event held , Friday, July 26, was fantastic, according to Ken Walsh, chief executive officer, at the Alfond Youth and Community Center, in Waterville. Ken brought this idea to staff in the early summer planning stages after participating in a similar event nearly 30 years ago.

Camp staff took the idea and ran with it (some literally ran a relay around the track). But they did a wonderful job planning an entire day of games and activities for over 300 campers on the Colby College campus. The kitchen staff provided campers with snacks and lunch, while counselors dragged water coolers across the campus to keep everyone hydrated.

This thrilling event between Camp Tracy (CT) and Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) campers showcased awesome talents and sportsmanship. Participants competed in several sports including kickball, track events, swimming, basketball, and other field games. All the games were intense and exciting.

It was an exciting day of fun events and those who chose not to participate found other activities like making bracelets or doing cartwheels, playing pass, event spectating, cheering, and more!

Campers were so proud of their respective camps and had so much fun. There were smiles on so many faces and campers were sure to fall asleep early that night. Once everyone recovers, staff will begin planning for the second annual event.

While the overall event was not about winners and losers, there were some CT & SEP chants all day long and the eventual winners were campers from SEP. With a final score of 24-29, SEP prevailed, and took home the trophy. Congratulations to all the campers, athletes, counselors, CITs, and directors for a truly great event.

Unique Hawai’ian public supper at Vassalboro Methodist Church

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From left to right, Simone Antworth, Nancy Adams and Pastor Karen Merrill, from the Vassalboro United Methodist Church, are preparing for a Hawai’ian luau at the public supper slated for Saturday, August 17. (contributed photo)

The Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) monthly public supper is taking a twist on Saturday, August 17, from their traditional menu. One of the organizers, Simone Antworth said, “We had been thinking for some time about offering pulled pork as an alternative and when we realized that Hawai’i is celebrating 65 years of statehood in August we decided to honor Hawai’i by offering some of their traditional foods this time.” We will be serving our usual baked beans in addition to some made like they do in Hawaii as well as pulled pork, shrimp dishes, breads, salads and desserts all cooked with a tropical flair. “The Hawai’ians love Spam so we might sneak in a dish using that – and there will be pineapple dishes, of course! There will be surprises too,” said Antworth with a smile. “Guests will have to find out about those when they get there.” The supper will take place 4:30 – 6, unless food runs out before, for a $10 suggested donation per person. So join VUMC on August 17 for a great meal, and a fun-filled Hawai’ian luau celebration.

Public suppers are held at VUMC every third Saturday, May through October. Proceeds support the operating costs of the church and bolster member’s current efforts towards broadening accessibility to online and on-site services and programs.

Harvey Boatman, accessibility project coordinator said, “Our fundraising goal to improve accessibility is $80,000 which will make it possible for us to install safety and accessibility features inside the church. In addition to individual donations and proceeds from fundraising events we have raised $57,500 in grants from the Sukeforth Foundation, the United Meth­odist New En­gland Con­ference, the Maine Com­mu­nity Foundation, the United Meth­odist Foundation of New England, Joni & Friends Christian Fund for the Disabled and an anonymous $10,000 matching grant. We are encouraged and feel grateful for such generous support. Recently though, we discovered a problem that necessitates an additional $43,000 for repairs to the roof and steeple. Raising the funds necessary for that on top of what we are already doing adds an increased level of strain on our congregation. We need support from the community.”

VUMC was built in 1988 and serves as a community center for people of Vassalboro and surrounding towns who come to attend Sunday services, special programs, concerts, public suppers and more. VUMC members provide outreach through participation in the local fuel fund, food pantry, senior programs, Scouting, kids’ scholarships to Camp Mechuwana and by delivering welcome baskets to new residents. VUMC also organizes and publishes a community calendar each year, and delivers them door to door throughout town.

FMI visit Vassalboro United Methodist Church on Facebook, phone Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 873-5564 or email karenmerrill62@gmail.com.