Dinner and a movie returns to Palermo Community Center

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Palermo Community Center (Photo by Connie Bellet)

Over the last 10 years, the Living Communities Foundation has earnestly striven to bring people together to learn about various aspects of sustainability, food and health, climate change, and empowerment through the documentaries it’s presented at the Palermo Community Center. As a result, the feedback has ranged from: “It’s depressing,” to “We know all that.” Can you imagine how hard it is to find intentionally funny documentaries? Well, we found some.

On Friday, January 25, following the delicious potluck dinner at 6 p.m., the Community Center will show If You’re Not in the Obits EAT BREAKFAST, hosted by Carl Reiner and starring Mel Brooks, Norman Lear, Stan Lee, Jerry Seinfeld, and Betty White. These nonagenarians don’t retire. They inspire! Come and find out what their secret for enjoying every minute of life.

Here’s a “blast from the past” that will have you howling with laughter, horror, and disbelief: The Atomic Cafe is a compendium of re-colored government propaganda clips from the ’50s, when we were all blissfully ignorant and thought “Duck and Cover” would save our lives. Fake news is not a new phenomenon, and it’s a good thing we can look back on it and laugh. This film will be shown on Friday, February 22, following the lovely potluck meal at 6 p.m. at the Palermo Community Center.

The Kids Menu isn’t as funny as the previous two, but it does have a happy ending. Filmmaker Joe Cross, who brought us Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, discovered that childhood obesity is only the symptom of a much larger issue that affects all of us. This film will help you keep your New Year’s Resolutions when we all need a bit of a boost. The Kids Menu will be presented on Friday, March 29, following a healthy and delicious potluck meal at 6 p.m.

All presentations are free and open to the public. Bring a favorite dish to share and join the discussion and laughter. For more info, please call Connie at 993-2294.

Where are they now? Oakland’s Nick Mayo integral part of Eastern Kentucky basketball

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Former Messalonskee High School basketball player Nick Mayo, now playing for Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University men’s basketball has high hopes of making it back to the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament this year, in no small part thanks to the skills of Senior forward Nick Mayo.

Earlier this season Mayo hit a career high of 40 points in a single game, with a game average of just under 17 shots.  He holds the program’s record for career blocks, has already reached No. 2 on the school’s all-time scoring list and is likely to take the top spot within the next few games.

The EKU Colonel’s new coach, A.W. Hamilton, describes him as a “once in a lifetime player” and has said on more than one occasion that he is fully confident we will see NBA beside Nick’s name in the future.

This doesn’t come as a surprise to those of us back in Mayo’s hometown. Mayo, his parents Scott and Jenn, and his sisters Kelsey and Mackenzie called Belgrade home while he was growing up. His parents and younger sister now make their home in Oakland. All three kids attended RSU #18 and played sports in the district.

“Nick was an incredible player to work with,” said MHS basketball coach Pete McLaughlin. “Coming into our program, he was a kind-hearted young freshman (only 6 feet tall at the time) who was eager to get better every day.”

Mayo grew five inches coming into his sophomore high school season, and according to Coach McLaughlin his work ethic grew with his frame. He started having an even bigger impact on the court and during his junior and senior year, college coaches from across the country started to really take notice. Mayo received interest from over 30 Division I and Division II schools, and for good reason, according to McLaughlin.

“In my 16 years of coaching, I have never been around a player that had such great vision on the court,” he said.  “If you are open…Nick is going to find you, and you better be ready to catch because you may not know the ball is coming your way. On the defensive end, Nick has incredible timing and was one of the best rebounders and shot blockers to ever play in Maine.”

Mayo’s awards and stats speak for themselves, but they aren’t all he brings to the court.  McLaughlin describes him as the glue that held the teams together during high school. The now 6-foot 9-inch forward has been named to the All-Ohio Valley Conference first team after each of his first three seasons, regularly breaks school and personal records, and still has a humble attitude. In interviews, Mayo is always quick to point out that he’s not alone on the court and always gives his teammates and coaches credit and praise.

“We as a community are lucky because he models exactly what it means to be a Messalonskee Eagle to all of our youth,” said McLaughlin. “I could not be more proud of him! I cannot wait to see what his future has in store for him!”  The sentiment is echoed by many friends, family, and community members who are staunch followers of Mayo’s career. Two years ago, a bus full of fans from Central Maine sporting “Team Mayo” shirts attended an EKU away game in Manhattan.

The home support isn’t lost on Mayo. He never forgets where he comes from and has claimed it’s a huge source of comfort and strength for him. “My family is awesome…and it’s not just my family, it’s the whole state of Maine,” he said in a recent interview. “I’m really lucky to have the support system that I have back home and I’m thankful for it.”

“We are so proud of all he has accomplished,” said his mother, Jennifer Mayo. “Nick has had a lot of people who have helped him along the way, but when it comes down to it, Nick has been the one who has put in all the work and has taken up the opportunities.  He pushes himself every day and has set high goals. We are excited to see what his future holds.”

FOR YOUR HEALTH – Know The Facts: Five Biggest Myths About Diabetes

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(NAPSI)—For 30 million Americans, diabetes is an everyday reality. Diabetes can affect every decision, including what they eat, wear and do. Yet the 24/7 management of diabetes is often misunderstood, carrying a social burden, as too many Americans wrongfully assume the disease is the result of poor choices.

The American Diabetes Association is setting the record straight. Here’s what’s real and what’s not when it comes to diabetes:

Myth: Being overweight causes diabetes.
Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes but it’s not the only one. Family history, ethnicity and age also play a significant role. In fact, people with type 2 diabetes are often at a normal weight or only moderately overweight.

Myth: Diabetes is caused by eating sugar.
Fact: Type 1 diabetes is a disease, in which the immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells. Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body’s inability to use the insulin it produces and progresses so that less insulin is produced over time. Eating sugar doesn’t cause either type, though a diet high in calories can contribute to weight gain, which increases one’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Myth: Taking insulin means you have failed to manage your diabetes properly.
Fact: Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. Over time, the body gradually produces less and less of its own insulin to keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range, so insulin is needed. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin to survive.

Myth: People with diabetes need to eat special foods and can’t eat sweets.
Fact: A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is generally the same as a healthy eating plan for anyone: low in saturated fat and moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fruit. People with diabetes can eat sweets and desserts. The key to sweets for everyone is small portions.

Myth: Diabetes isn’t that serious.
Fact: Diabetes causes more deaths per year than breast cancer and AIDS combined, and nearly doubles your chance of having a heart attack. The good news is that managing diabetes can reduce your risk of such complications.

For more information, go to www.diabetes.org/everydayreality.

Kennebec Historical Society Holds Annual Victorian Tea

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On Sunday, December 9, the Kennebec Historical Society’s Augusta headquarters was filled with holiday cheer as dozens of people enjoyed tea, baked goods, and live piano music. A dedicated team of volunteers spent hours planning, decorating, and baking for the event, which was open to the public.

St. Michael School students distribute over 200 baskets to community members in need

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Before settling into their seats for a Thanksgiving meal with family and friends, the eighth-grade class at St. Michael School, in Augusta, wanted to ensure that less fortunate people in their community would be able to enjoy the same experience.

On November 19, the eighth graders helped distribute over 200 Thanksgiving baskets, most prepared by the students themselves, to local community members in need. The distribution took place inside the school gymnasium.

Individuals in need of assistance this Thanksgiving were asked to call the Salvation Army to reserve one of the special baskets, each containing all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Parishioners, community members, and the school community had donated boxes and boxes of food in recent weeks.

A blessing for the recipients, but an honor for St. Michael School to bring cheer to many.

“Our students learn the importance of service and caring for our neighbors on a daily basis,” said Denise Levesque, marketing director at St. Michael. “We are proud to make this Thanksgiving special by delivering baskets and smiles to many individuals and families who otherwise might not have the resources to enjoy this holiday.”

“I suggested to all of the students that they make something like this an annual tradition,” said teacher Mary Dionne. “Reaching out and helping others in our community who may not have as much as you will make a lasting impression. As crazy as things get this time of year, acts like this are what they will remember all their lives.”

The entire student body at St. Michael gathered at St. Mary Church on Tuesday, November 20, at 9 a.m., for a special Thanksgiving prayer service which was led by the fourth graders. The students brought non-perishable food items to the service for the local food bank.

Vassalboro, Winslow: Before/After program receives gold recognition

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From left to right, Laurie Lizotte, administrator and Samantha Bernatchez, director of operations, recently were recognized for their outstanding collaboration with the 5210, Let’s Go! Program for Out-of-School Programs. (Contributed photo)

5210 Let’s Go!, introduced in 2012, is committed to promoting policy and environmental changes at child care programs, schools, out-of-school programs, health care practices, and workplaces. The program’s multi-setting approach, daily 5-2-1-0 message (five or more fruits and vegetables, two hours or less of screen time, one hour or more of physical activity and zero sugary drinks) and 10 evidence-based strategies are used to effect change across the state of Maine. Strong leadership from The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center and collaboration across health systems and community health coalitions contribute to the program’s success.

5210 Let’s Go! awards bronze, silver and gold awards to programs who support and collaborate with them around healthy eating and increased physical activity. A Bronze award reflects a site’s implementing the program’s five evidence-based priority strategies. Silver acknowledges a site that has communicated these changes to parents and family members. Gold, the highest level of recognition, is reserved for sites that have written all five priority strategies into policy or have school staff participate on the district’s wellness committee.

Winslow police drive nets food for local school pantries

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The successful food drive

Submitted by Mark Huard

Over the last month and a half, the Winslow Police and Parks & Recreation Department have been collecting food donations for the Winslow School Department’s Food Pantry Program. As we know, there are families that are struggling even in Winslow, and they depend on the school to provide at least one solid, healthy meal a day. However, when school is not open during the weekends or vacations, many students go hungry.

Last year the Winslow Police Department collected gifts for families that were unable to purchase Christmas gifts. This year they elected to help out the entire family but providing needed food that anyone in the household could benefit. The food drive was extremely successful with so many people stopping by to drop off food, toiletries, checks and gift cards. The records room was so stuffed that the records clerk had to suspend moving end of the year records. Having a problem like this is not a real problem, but a wonderful problem to have.

At the end of the food drive, they needed a full-size van and truck to transport all the supplies to the high school. There it will be separated and moved to the other schools. This minor gesture of community service will serve so many in need.

Fight the Freeze campaign to help local children to stay warm

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Donations of new mittens and gloves requested by January 9 by Kennebec Federal Savings

Kennebec Federal Savings’ second annual “Fight the Freeze” campaign is underway. If you would like to help less-fortunate Waterville-area children stay warm this winter, you are encouraged to donate new, children’s-sized gloves or mittens from now until January 9, 2019.

Please drop off your donations at Kennebec Federal Savings branches, located at 70 Main Street, in Waterville, and 11 Washington Street, in Waterville. Items collected will be distributed to children from January 14 through 18, 2019, at the George J. Mitchell and Albert S. Hall schools, each of which has requested 100 pairs of mittens/gloves. Excess donations will be distributed to other Waterville-area children in need. For more information, please call 873-5151.

Submitted by Dave Carew, Freelance Book Editor / Publicist / Copywriter.

Attendance matters at China Middle School

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by Mandi Favreau

Building positive relationships is a key component of the district-wide attempt to improve attendance and address chronic absenteeism. At China Middle School, fostering stronger connections with students and families has been the core component of their strategy.

For obstacles such as illness and injuries, the school nurse contacts families with the goal of keeping communication open and getting students back to school as soon as appropriate. Other attendance obstacles, however, require a more complex solution.

“We have seen a shift in the number of students with anxiety and mental health issues in the past several years,” said Principal Lois Bowden, “which has impacted attendance.”

Instead of sending them home if an issue arises, CMS staff has used weekly team meetings and 504 meetings to develop individualized plans for absent students. For example, one student who suffered from anxiety was provided access to a preferred staff member that they could check in with if they were feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

Perhaps the largest obstacle to attendance is misconceptions about the value of attendance. CMS is addressing that with a multi-pronged approach. JMG continues to be a resource to provide support for students who may be chronically absent. In addition, CMS has further developed their advisory program to focus on team building activities, guided lessons and academic support. Advisors have also been working to strengthen connections with the families of their advisees to keep everyone on the same page.

The school also has a new position that has been hugely instrumental in increasing attendance.  The Student Support Specialist, Doreen Armour, tracks attendance, calls families when students become chronically absent, and most importantly, builds relationships with students who might otherwise not be getting social and academic support. She also helps build reentry plans for students who have been chronically absent to help them return to school.

The initiative has already been a success in terms of reinforcing connections with students and their families, according to Principal Lois Bowden. “It has opened the lines of communication between school and home,” she said. “We are able to make a plan and work together to help support the child, which has resulted in positive outcomes.

Unity College professor earns Fulbright Scholarship for brown bear research in Slovenia

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Dr. Jack Hopkins to look into conflict behavior in bears

Dr. Jack Hopkins

Bears and humans aren’t known for always seeing eye to eye. Sure, the two species can have positive encounters, such as bear sightings at a safe distance in the northern Maine woods. Human-bear interactions, however, can turn nasty very quickly, ranging from the more benign end of the spectrum where bears commandeer human food, agricultural crops, or livestock, to more harmful incidents where people get hurt.

It’s these interactions that are the focus of Unity College Assistant Professor of Wildlife Biology, Dr. Jack Hopkins’ latest research project titled Development of a Multi-method Approach to Study Wildlife Behavior: Investigating Human-Bear Conflicts in the Contrasting Landscapes of Europe. For Dr. Hopkins’ Fulbright Scholarship, he and researchers from the University of Ljubljana will use a large collection of tissues (muscle, liver, hair, and teeth) sampled from roughly 800 bears in Slovenia and Scandinavia over the course of roughly 25 years to investigate human-bear conflict.

“It’s a really great opportunity to work with my partners,” said Dr. Hopkins, noting that Fulbright Scholarships offer only about 20 percent of applicants the chance to either teach, conduct research, or do a combination of both. For the spring semester, Dr. Hopkins earned an award to focus strictly on research, leaving Maine for Slovenia at the end of December with his wife and four children.

“I’m also really excited about the opportunity for my kids,” he said. “Having the chance to live and go to school in Europe has the potential to really change their lives. It’ll be a great family adventure.”

Slovenia has one of the highest-density bear populations in the world, which is in part due to the country’s interest in harvesting them twice a year, using supplemental corn feed to maintain their thriving population. Dr. Hopkins will work with genetic and isotopic data from bear tissues to investigate their reliance on corn, how their diets affect their reproductive success and survival, and how conflict behavior develops in the first place.

“I want to congratulate Dr. Hopkins on this incredible honor, and I can’t wait to see the results and conclusions that his research produces,” said Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. “Here at Unity College, we emphasize experiential education for our students, but it’s important to also encourage our faculty to pursue opportunities like this. In turn, they will pass down those experiences and inspire our students in the classroom and in the field.”

Although the research project focuses on Slovenia’s brown bear population, Dr. Hopkins believes the issues, in many ways, are similar here in Maine.

“Brown bears feed on corn in Slovenia like black bears feed on doughnuts and other bait in the fall in Maine,” Hopkins said. “In both places, baits are used to help control population numbers and meet the needs of hunters. Although baiting is controversial in Maine, it is the most successful method used to harvest bears. The concern is that if these artificial food sources are removed from the landscape, harvest numbers will decrease, and human-bear conflict will increase with bear density, which obviously has huge management implications in both Maine and Slovenia.”

For more on Dr. Hopkins’ research, visit jackhopkinswildlife.com.