Cpl. Eugene Cole’s wife leads a charge for community

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Some of the hundreds of placards along the motorcade route to Cpl. Eugene Cole’s funeral at the Cross Insurance Center, in Bangor. (Photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff)

by Mark Huard

On April 25, there was literally a shot fired in the heart of Somerset County. Corporal Eugene Cole is a 13-year veteran of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, and on that date his life was viciously taken from him, his family and his “Brothers in Brown.”

This county is used to its share of tragedy, but this hit like none other. Corporal Cole was a real person that epitomized country life and honest living. He was professional and kind to all those he came into contact with.

In many ways, this act took an icon in the county and brought the residents to their proverbial knees. What happened next is a charge, a charge led by those seemingly the most impacted. The wife of Cpl. Cole, and Sheriff Dale Lancaster stood up, and with a battered heart they found the courage to lead a charge. Mrs. Cole picked herself up and she brought a community together by speaking calmly and with the wisdom and benevolence that her husband lived each day of his career.

At this point, something magical began to happen. The people of Somerset County stood up, grabbed a hold of their emotions and followed the lead of Mrs. Cole and Sheriff Lancaster until the capture of the man that took Cpl. Cole from us all occurred. Community members brought food, gifts, supplies and whatever else was needed. The law enforcement officers worked tirelessly and selflessly to continue to protect the community. Law enforcement from all over New England and the state came to assist.

As the capture of the suspect occurred, the community didn’t stop. They began working on the next task at hand, which was to honor Cpl. Eugene Cole. This charge was again led by his wife, who pledged to forever remain his wife and never be called a widow. She showed more courage and grace than imagineable and she rallied her family together. She ensured they held their heads high as the patriarch of the family would have wanted, because after all if you hang your head then you better be praying.

Cpl. Eugene Cole

The day of the funeral was a day of closure for many closest to Cpl. Cole. The streets of the county were lined with officers, firemen, security guards, business owners, students and concerned citizens. A flag hung in the center of town and evoked through this sadness a sense of pride. Pride to be a member of this county, built on hard work and a genuine desire to be better today than yesterday.

So while this was a day of closure for Cpl. Eugene Cole’s family, perhaps it was a day of new beginnings for the community. This county came together in a way that was virtually gone in recent days. It’s apparent that Cpl. Cole’s work was not done, it was just done here on earth. His last call on earth, but certainly not his last call. His family and the close to 4,000 people in attendance at his funeral paid their respects to a law enforcement officer that gave his life to protect others. His family conducted themselves with dignity and respect and again led the charge for the rest of community to follow.

New flag flies over First Baptist Church

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Sam Goddard puts up the new flag. (Contributed photo)

A few months ago, the flag in front of the First Baptist Church, in Waterville, was stolen and the pole damaged. Today, the flag pole has been repaired and a new flag waves. Church moderator Sam Goddard, of China, raises the new flag.

Mid-Maine Tech Center announces top seniors

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From left to right, Nicholas Veilleux, electrical technology, Messalonskee High School; Brandon Davis, criminal justice, Winslow High School; Jacob Deraps, information technology, Winslow; William Bean, construction technology, Messalonskee; Lawrence Lawler, emergency services, Lawrence High School; Gabe Derbyshire, culinary arts, Messalonskee; Kassandra Gregory, medical careers, Winslow; Marissa Carpenter, early childhood education, Winslow; Jacob Kershner, precision machining, Winslow; James Lauzon, mass media communications, Waterville High School. Absent from photo, Jacob Dow, automotive technology, home schooled; Jacob Bickford, collision repair & refinishing, Lawrence. (Contributed photo)

The Mid-Maine Technical Center, in Waterville, recently recognized the outstanding seniors as MMTC students of the year. Representing each program, students of the year demonstrated extraordinary professionalism, skill development, leadership and contributions to the school and their respective communities.

China filmmaker to present documentary on Kosovo with “A Cup of Sugar” at Railroad Square Cinema

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China filmmaker Luke T. Harwath will present a documentary film on Kosovo and its relationship with the state of Iowa. (Contributed photo)

Join this special one-time screening and Q&A with the filmmaker of a documentary that explores the strange relationship between Kosovo and the state of Iowa.

Central Maine Filmmaker, Luke T. Harwath, will be hosting a one-time screening of the documentary “With a Cup of Sugar” at Railroad Square on May 22, at 7:15 p.m.

Having been the frequent battleground for political and cultural unrest, Kosovo has emerged from war to become Europe’s newest country. In a fight for the future, Kosovo must bolster its war-torn image and forge meaningful relationships across the world if it is to survive. One of these relationships is with the U.S. state of Iowa.

View the trailer for the film at the bottom this page, or on Youtube using the link: https://youtu.be/6Qbz_Er3EB8

Q&A with Filmmaker Luke T. Harwath to follow the screening of the film.

Harwath, who lives in Central Maine, was provided unprecedented access in Kosovo and spent years filming the documentary. He says, “Information about Kosovo tends to focus primarily on tear-gas in parliament, rows with Serbia, or a handful of extremists that have since been dealt with. It paints a picture of instability and a country that’s not ready to participate in a dialogue with the rest of the world. That picture is incomplete and leaves out the majority of the story.

“I wanted to create a clearer picture of the nation as it exists today from a number of different perspectives. Kosovo is here to stay. At the same time, it’s important to be honest about the challenges faced today in Kosovo, because there are some heavy obstacles that it faces if it is going to continue its steady work toward a bright future.”

On Kosovo’s relationship with Iowa, Harwath says, “The relationship between Kosovo and the state of Iowa is well recognized in certain circles, but perhaps not to the general public. This relationship demonstrates, for any small nation, the importance of establishing genuine, mutually-beneficial connections in order to ensure stability.”

 

 

Vassalboro Senior Services Fair set for May 23

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source: http://www.vassalboro.net/

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro’s second senior services fair is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, in St. Bridget’s Center, the new community meeting space in the former Catholic church at 864 Main Street in North Vassalboro.

Sponsored by FAVOR (Friends Advocating for Vassalboro’s Older Residents), the fair will take advantage of the larger space – last year it was held in the town office meeting room – to offer something for almost everyone.

Twenty-two organizations are listed alphabetically on the posters advertising the fair, starting with AARP Maine and the Alzheimer’s Association and ending with Waterville Area Habitat for Humanity and 47 Daisies, the educational farm on Webber Pond Road.

Those attending the fair will be able to get information from representatives of those groups and a variety of other educational, medical and social service agencies.

Admission to the fair is free. There will be door prizes, and from 11:30 a.m. on, students in Vassalboro Community School’s JMG (Jobs for Maine Graduates) program will sell hot dogs and other refreshments. More information is available from Debbie Johnston at the Vassalboro town office. According to the 47 Daisies website, the farm is sponsoring a community potluck at the mill in North Vassalboro beginning at 6 p.m., Friday, May 18. Residents are invited to share food, listen to live music and learn about the farm’s mobile food access program.

Students named to Colby-Sawyer College dean’s list for Fall 2017

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Colby-Sawyer College, in New London, New Hampshire, recognized 254 students for outstanding academic achievement during the 2017 fall semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours in graded courses.

Ross Sirois, of Norridgewock, a member of the class of 2018, majoring in biology.

Haley Carver, of Sidney, a member of the class of 2020, majoring in sociology.

Chelsea Perry, of Oakland, a member of the class of 2021, majoring in business administration.

Carrabec High School third quarter honor roll spring 2018

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Grade 12

High honors: Jacob Atwood, Elizabeth Barker, Cyli Bolduc, Kelsey Creamer, Bailey Dunphy, Ariana-Lee Dunton, Emilee Fortier, Michael Hargreaves, Katrina Mason, Sierra Turcotte; Honors:  Kaitlin Dixon, Patrick Dube, Mackenzie Edes, Courtney Fuller, Evan Holzworth, Sage James, Jackson Lawler-Sidell, Samantha LeBeau, Jazmin Luthy, Peter McAnistan, Kiara Pinkham, Hayley Taylor, Dylan Willette.

Grade 11

High honors:  Tristan Bachelder; Honors: Lilyana Aloes, Lillian Johnson, Lauren Rafferty, Sidney Small, Taegan Tatakis, Makayla Vicneire.

Grade 10

High honors:  Annika Carey, Scott Mason, Abby Richardson; Honors: Cassidy Ayotte, Caitlin Crawford, Shay Cyrway, Caroline Decker, Olivia Fortier, Paige Giroux, Madison Jaros, Dylan Leach, Laney Murray, Jasmyne Pray, Cheyenne Sirois.

Grade 9

High honors: Sarah Olson; Honors: Jasmyne Coombs, Sierra Corson, Lilith Frith, Ethan Johnson, Chantelle LaCroix, Adam Lawrence, Mikayla Oliver, Emily Riggs, Dimitri Turcotte.

Vassalboro school recognizes most improved students

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From left to right, front to back, Peter Giampietro, Ryder Neptune-Reny, Braiden Crommett, Zoey DeMerchant, Noah Rau, Lukas Blais, Sovie Rau, Baylee Fuchswanz, Tyler Clark, Mason Lagasse, Andrew Maxwell, Mylee Petela, Tallulah Cloutier, Addyson Burns, Paige Littlefield, Kaiden Morin, Echo Hawk, Kayden Painchaud, Principal Dianna Gram, Tabitha Craig, Lexi Allen, Hunter Brandt, Lara Stinchfield, Nathalia Carrasco, John Nutting and Joshua Bonsant. Absent from photo, Cameron Willett, Emily Paetow, Hailey Fongemie, Kazlynn Davidson and Owen Pooler. (Contributed photo)

Students at Vassalboro Community School were recently recognized as most improved students by the Portland Seadogs baseball team and Next Gen. Students were selected by their teachers.

Caron, Franks on dean’s list at Castleton University spring 2018

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The following students were named to the Castleton University dean’s list for the fall semester of the 2017-18 academic year, in Castleton, Vermont:

Mitchell Caron, of Augusta, and Mary Franks, of Liberty.

Local students named to Clarkson University dean’s list spring 2018

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The following students have been named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Clarkson University, in Potsdam, New York:

Dakota Bragg, of Skowhegan, a sophomore majoring in civil engineering/environmental engineering, and Ben Thibert, of Oakland, a sophomore majoring in aeronautical engineering.