Palermo residents should expect surveys in mail

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The Conservation Committee will soon be mailing out a survey to Palermo residents to gather input on commercial solar arrays and commercial wind farms. Copies of the survey will also be available at the town office, and accessible online via a link on the Town’s website. Please watch for this survey, fill it out and return it so we can know the opinions of Palermo citizens on these issues. For more information, contact Chairman Gordon Hunt at 207-993-2005.

HealthReach announces new board member

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Dr. Paul Forman

Connie Coggins, President & CEO of HealthReach Community Health Centers, announces that Dr. Paul Forman has joined the organization’s Governing Board of Directors.

Dr. Paul Forman, of Albion, is a retired medical clinician. After graduating with his Doctor of Medicine degree and completing his residency as Chief Resident at Central Maine Family Practice Residency (now Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency), Dr. Forman worked as one of the founders and as a staff member of the Lovejoy Health Center.

He continued serving at Lovejoy from its opening in 1978 until 2007.

Additionally, Dr. Forman served as Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine, Chief of Medical Staff, and At-Large Director on the Board of Directors all at the Mid-Maine Medical Center (now MaineGeneral). Cur­rently, he is a member of the MaineGeneral Medical Center Honorary Medical Staff. The HealthReach team is grateful to have Dr. Forman back as a member of the HealthReach Board of Directors, and looks forward to all that we can accomplish with his support.

Dr. Forman will join Board officers: Jim Higgins, Chairman; Jack Ducharme, Vice Chairman; and John Opperman, Secretary & Treasurer; as well as Board members: Jenny Boyden, Paula Callan, Buffy Higgins, Michelle Kelley, Juliana Richard, Susan Tedrick, and Allen Wicken.

HealthReach appreciates the volunteer efforts of its Board members, who contribute to the leadership, direction, and success of the nonprofit. Without them,

HealthReach would not be able to serve the people of rural Maine as effectively as it does with local, high quality, and affordable healthcare.

Local scouts attend international camporee

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Youth from Troop #433, Winslow, Parker Small, Instructor Amber Chesley, Ashish Debas, Russell Lawler, doing the lab rats maze. Below, Fallyn Soucy, of Troop #433, Winslow, and instructor Jeff “Turtle” DeHart, at the tomahawk range. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The date was September 26 when several cars and trucks rolled into Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge, in Baring. The vehicles were filled with 150 youth and leaders of Scouting America ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead in the 63rd annual Moosehorn/Cobscook International Camporee. The theme of the camporee was Zombie Apocalypse.

That evening Scouts from all over Maine set up their campsites and made it home for the night. The following day scouts roamed the refuge field near the YCC building going from station to station completing various skills including first aid, archery, tomahawk throwing, citizenship, and emergency preparedness. The fan favorite for the weekend was the obstacle course where each patrol had to rescue a victim of a zombie attack who was hurt and in a cave. At the starting point, the team would have to carry supplies needed to assemble a makeshift stretcher, through the obstacle course. Once inside the pretend cave, assemble the stretcher at which point they had to carefully place the victim on the stretcher, in this case, the victim being a 2×4 constructed dummy with full articulating limbs and a Styrofoam head with wig for dramatic effect. At this point the team would have to work together to carry the dummy/victim back through the obstacle course to the start point. The youth attending rapidly nicknamed the victim “Franky” for looking like something that might have come out of Frankenstein.

Other stations included “pathogen identification” where youth learned about pathogens that affect wildlife. “Build a bug out bag” which teaches youth how to build an emergency preparedness bag. In the “cross the river station” youth learn how to build a bridge using minimal supplies. “Early warning” was a station where youth used random items commonly found in a campsite to build a makeshift trap style alarm just in case a zombie wanders in their campsite in the middle of the night. “Feed the Zombie” was a station where youth tossed fake brains into a zombie mouth for accuracy and points. “Primitive fire building” taught youth old style flint and steel fire building. “Zombie-a-pult” allowed youth to launch golf balls at empty water bottles. The “zombie blockade” taught youth how to build a makeshift real fence using their lashing skills. “Move the zombie head” was a station where youth had to move a tenpin bowling ball (the zombie head) approximately 20 feet with rope, bungee straps and what they could find in their bug out bag all while not touching the ball. Teamwork rules the day in all of these events.

Park ranger Maurice Mills and the local HAM amateur radio club supplied a station where youth learned Morse code and how to talk on a HAM radio to individuals all around the world.

Every scout and scout unit participated in a service project for the Moosehorn Refuge. This was a maintenance project on the handicap fishing pier, where the scouts scrapped the old paint from the pier and painted it with a new coat of brown paint. The project was completed in good time and helps to preserve the pier for future use. According to the refuge the pier is used quite often.

In the evening, all of the participants gathered for a common closing campfire where the youth performed skits, dances, cheers and songs. A few of the performances included “The world’s biggest conga line”, “Augh! Zombies! Skit”, “Jet to holiday skit”, “Zombie invisible bench skit” and “3-legged pig skit” just to name a few. The campfire was closed out with a song from Camporee Campmaster (self-proclaimed “Head Beagle) Chris “Montawagon” Bernier, of Winslow, called Fade Away on his 12- string guitar, a long tradition at this event, and a ceremony of ashes lead by long time staffer Mike “Ranger ML” Locke. “In the Ashes” ceremony a container of campfire ashes are added to the fire. These ashes are from many previous campfires from all over the world as well as several national and international jamborees. Scouts are encouraged to take the ashes the next morning and mix them with ashes of campfires in the future. Thus, carrying the legacy of Scouting through their journey through the program and life.

Scouts from the following units were in attendance: Troop #433, Winslow, Pack #2123, Holden, Troop #2019, Ellsworth, Troop #139, Cherryfield, Troop #72, Old Town, Troop #125, Machias, Troop #102, Bucksport, Troop #482, Pittsfield, Troop #86, Ellsworth, Troop #1, Eddington, Troop #213B, Damariscotta, Troop #41, Hampden and Pack #454, Oakland. Unfortunately, this year no Canadian Scouts were in attendance of the camporee. However, we did have two Canadians in camp during the weekend who helped keep the tradition of the international event.

On Sunday the September 28, there was a closing ceremony and then prizes were handed out for the various competitions over the weekend. Troop #125, Machias, received the Bob McVicor Award for best exemplifying the Scout Oath and Law during the weekend.

The following youth received the Mike Bonvie Honor Scout Awards during the weekend:

Ella Rhyne, of Troop #433, Winslow, accepting this year’s 2025 Mike Bonvie Award. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Jace Patterson, of Troop #76, Ella Rhyne, of Troop #433, Ian Aldrich, of Troop #76, and Anika Varnum, of Troop #2019. This award is given to individual Scouts who most exemplify the Scout oath and Law at the event.

Best overall for competitive events, first place was awarded to Troop #254 and Troop #1, who worked together through the weekend to earn first place. Second place went to Troop #2019, third place went to Troop #125 “Pick up patrol”, and a tie for fourth place went to Troop #76 and Troop #428.

A gateway competition was also held. Troop #433 took first place in the gateway competition with Troop #125 taking second and Troop #86 taking third.

After the closing ceremony and awards, the camporee ended with a statement from Campmaster Chris saying, “Safe journey home to all of you and may the great scoutmaster be with all of you until we meet again” and the attendees replied in kind “Until we meet again”. The crowd slowly made its way back to their vehicles and left the refuge better than they found it, all the while excited to return in a year for the 64th annual Moosehorn/Cobscook International Camporee in 2026.

(photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

EVENTS: Golden Agers plan trip

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The China Area Golden Agers are arranging a trip to the Gardens Aglow on Friday, December 12, 2025. You do not have to be a member of Golden Agers to join on this exciting, colorful experience to a venue right here in the great state of Maine.

The bus will leave China Hannaford at 3 p.m. and arrive at the Gardens at 4:30 p.m. Leaves the Garden at 6:30 p.m. and back at China Hannaford at 8 p.m. with colorful lifetime memories. The cost of the trip is $35 per person with a $19 entrance fee. Make checks payable to town of China. They need to fill the bus! Capacity is 50 to afford this price. A sign up sheet is at the China Town Office, 207-445-2014 ext. 3, and one with Karen Stankis, tour director, and her cell number is 207-592-3095. Other folks to contact are Jo Orlando, sign up coordinator, 207-242-1675 and Sheldon Goodine, Instigator, 207-215-9780.

Sign up with total payment is due by November 27, 2025.

Madison school supplies distributed

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American Legion Auxiliary Unit #39, Madison, members, from left to right, Robin Turek, Val Coulombe and Geraldine Jenks. (contributed photo)

Over the years, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #39, Madison, has supported community programs such as Children and Youth. Over several years, the organization has sponsored a school supplies collection which included backpacks, pens, pencils, markers, notebooks, binders, crayons, colored pencils, and so much more. The generous donations of supplies and money from the local communities and members allowed the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #39, in Madison, to donate over $1,200 worth of school supplies to seven schools in the MSAD #59 (Madison) and RSU #74 (Anson) Districts!!

American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for over a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, military and their families both here and abroad. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www ALAfotveterans.org or http://www.mainelegionpost39.org or contact Robin Turek, President – American Legion Auxiliary Tardiff-Belanger Unit 39 – PO Box 325 – Madison, ME 04950; robinturek@gmail.com; or 696-8289.

Hamel presented with teacher of the year award

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Marissa Hamel

On Wed­nesday, October 15, Kennebec Valley Federal Credit Union, proudly presented the first 2025 Dis­tinguished Teacher of the Year Awards.

The award was presented to Marissa Hamel, fifth grade teacher at China Middle School, for her outstanding kindness, dedication, and excellence in teaching.

As part of this honor, Marissa received $1,000 to support classroom supplies and essentials, helping her continue to make a difference in the lives of her students.

The community is asked to join in congratulating Marissa and thanking her for the incredible impact she has on her students and the community.

Community Cookout gathers folks for fun and food

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The Taiko Drum Group that performed at the Palermo Community Cookout. (photo by Shalimar Chasse)

by Connie Bellet

A perfect mid-October afternoon in and around the grape arbor brought neighbors and friends together to enjoy plentiful food, laughter, and entertainment. Three pitmasters kept the steam tables full of freshly grilled chicken, pork steaks, brats, burgers, and hot dogs. Neighbors and volunteers brought their specialty dishes, and a Japanese Taiko Drum group performed with choreographed skill.

The barbecue was a fundraiser for the Palermo Community Center to celebrate and thank their volunteers, who dedicated many hours of service to the Palermo Food Pantry and the Community Center. The barbecue raised over $680.

(photo by Shalimar Chasse)

Leaving behind a legacy of KIND: the back story

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Remy Pettingill

Rémy Joel Pettengill is the amazing soul behind the saying, Leaving Behind a Legacy of KIND. On December 30, 2022, the day after Rémy’s 17th birthday, his family was forever changed. Tragically, the vehicle he was a passenger in, was hit from behind at highway speed. While his three friends were released from the hospital, Rémy remained in the neuro-ICU. On January 7, 2023, he left this world a hero, with his family by his side, by saving the lives of four people via organ donation – a choice he had made when he earned his driver’s license.

At a very young age, Rémy showed his heart of gold. He was always looking out for fellow students and even wrote a letter to Santa asking for warm blankets and camping stoves for the unhoused. He also had a keen sense of when a person needed a little extra. Rémy shared his kindness in a variety of ways and within a variety of settings. Rémy was active in the local scout group, Troop #479, in China. He became an Eagle Scout at 13 years old after completing a service project to benefit the local veterans. Rémy was passionate about helping others.

Rémy was a natural born leader. He completed National Youth Leadership Training and became a member of Order of the Arrow – Madockawanda Lodge (scouting’s honor society). He became the troop’s senior patrol. leader and mentored younger scouts, always looking out fot those who needed a little more. He worked at Camp Bomazeen and volunteered with the Bomazeen Old Timers to help run summer camp for Cub Scouts and Scouts. Rémy’s compassion for others and the desire “to make a difference” (his words) led him. to Pine Tree Camp, in Rome. He was an overnight counselor, lifeguard, and adaptive archery instructor. Rémy thrived there, becoming even more of a leader, developing a greater sense of self and ways to celebrate those who had varying abilities.

The scouting Eagle Scout Mentor pin is given by a scout at their Eagle ceremony to a person that has had a significant impact on helping them achieve this honorable rank. In the over 15 years the family has been involved in scouting (all three of the sons are Eagle Scouts), the family has only seen two of these pins presented to another active Scout. Generally they are given to an adult who has provided guidance along the way. Rémy was the scout who received both of these. An official Boy Scouts of America uniform patch was even created in his memory.

Rémy was a student at Erskine Academy, in South China,class of 2024. He was a member of the track team and was inducted into the National Honor Society at Erskine Academy. He also attended the Capital Area Technical Center’s law enforcement program. In addition, he helped coach his younger brother’s middle school track team. A community initiated scholarship was established in 2023 to honor Rémy. This scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating Erskine Academy senior pursuing high er education at a two or four-year degree program, trade school or apprenticeship. The award is not based on academics or financial need but rather is awarded to a good all-around person who exemplifies Rémy’s qualities of kindness, friendship and helpfulness to others.

Along with his giving spirit, Rémy was a typical child and young man. He loved to joke, laugh, create joy around him – even with some mischief thrown in. He loved music, reading, Legos, and spending time with friends. School was often a social event for Rémy. He was always up for an adventure and fun time which often took precedence over chores or homework. There were many late nights spent ensuring Rémy had completed his school assignments.

Those who knew him will remember his abundance for fun and “crazy” socks. He wore them to school, during track meets, and in the community. In keeping with Rémy’s giving spirit, the family decided to collect some “crazy socks” at this celebration of life thinking they would collect a hundred or so pairs that they would. then donate. Hundreds of people arrive, most wearing crazy socks, and over 7,500 pairs of socks were collected. These socks were donated to various organizations (including community food pantries, community outreach programs, school/community college student clothing pantries, veterans’ organizations, homeless/emergency shelters, etc.) in his memory so he can continue to do what he has always done since he was a very young child – care for and help those in need.

The family decided to carry on the tradition in Rémy’s honor each October and in 2023 joined energies with JMG locally for “Socktober”. Rémy’ had experienced JMG firsthand at China Middle School. Recognizing that socks are a necessary item that is not often donated, Socktober is a community outreach and awareness project filled with compassion that collects new pairs of socks tobe donated to local and statewide organizations. JMG students are learning about community engagement, outreach, advertising, organizational skills, and most of all, the importance of supporting one’s community.

Each day Rémy walked this Earth, he greeted friends and strangers with a smile. He was a voice for those who could not find their own, he protected the weak, he championed the underdog, and he helped those in need. Leaving Behind a Legacy of KIND is more than a slogan or a title. It represented a life lost too soon, a soul who cares deeply about others, and a youngman who gave with all his heart. The hands in the logo were actually made from a picture of Rémy. In his short 17 years of life, he encouraged others, made others feel values, lived life to its fullest, and ensured everyone he met had a least one friend. He was a beacon of kindness and a selfless giver.

The family hopes you can assist in collecting socks for those who need them this October or assist by sharing his initiative. Socktober is a meaningful way to pass Rémy’s torch forward and strengthen Maine communities. Every pair of socks donated or every smile shared is a step towards making a positive impact impact on the world around us – each step starts with us. Please help to continue Rémy’s legacy of kindness. Share a smile with those you know and those you don’t, hold the door open for. someone, lend a helping hand, look out for those who don’t have the courage to stand tall and give to those in need. Live life to its fullest, love with all your heat, and wear crazy socks.

Presented by Danielle Pettengill, (Aiden, Rémy and Bryson’s mom).

Bishop Ruggieri celebrates Mass with St. Michael School

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On Wednesday, October 8, Bishop James Ruggieri, of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, visited St. Michael School, in Augusta. He celebrated Mass with the school community at St. Mary’s Church, then spent time visiting classrooms and speaking with students and teachers. Pictured are students and teachers lining up to receive Holy Communion or a blessing from Fr. Nathan March, pastor of St. Michael Parish left, and Bishop Ruggieri. (photo courtesy of St. Michael School)

Rotary members in Waterville are marking progress toward a polio-free world

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Left to right, Rotary members Suzanne Uhl-Melanson, Lindsey Cameron, Tom Shupe. (contributed photo)

Rotary members in Waterville are marking progress toward a polio-free world while helping to end the paralyzing disease.

The Purple Pinkie Project is among many events to be held by Rotary clubs around the world in honor of World Polio Day, October 24.

One Day. One Focus: Ending Polio. Rotary members in Waterville are taking action in honor of World Polio Day to raise awareness, funds, and support to end polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today.

On October 23 and 24, the Rotary Club of Waterville will be hosting the “Purple Pinkie Polio Project”. This project aims to inform the local community of the effects of polio and help raise funds for End Polio Now. The club will have tables set up at Kennebec Valley Community College, Thomas College, Alfond Youth and Community Center, and Colby College. Kennebec Valley Community College will host its event on Thursday, October 23 from 2 -4 p.m., Thomas College on Friday, October 24 at 2 – 4p.m., Alfond Youth and Community Center, 4 – 6 p.m., and Colby College 11a.m. – 1p.m.

This event aims to educate the public about Polio and raise funds for the ongoing efforts to eradicate the disease. Stop by to learn about these efforts and paint your pinky nail purple with a donation in support! The purple pinky is symbolic of those who receive the vaccine getting their pinky dipped in purple ink. If you are unable to attend the event but want to contribute donations, please visit the club’s website at www.watervillerotary.com.

Polio anywhere is a threat everywhere, and Rotary members from Waterville have long worked to end the paralyzing virus, which will be only the second human disease ever eradicated. The club will also be taking donations. Club President Michele Prince states, “So far in 2025 there have been 29 cases of polio reported in Pakistan. We urge community members to learn more about what we all can do to help wipe out this disease once and for all!”

The club regularly makes donations towards End Polio Now as part of their Service Above Self mission. The Waterville Rotary Club is also involved in several other local community projects throughout the year.

Rotary International has contributed more than $2.1 billion to fight polio and countless volunteer hours since launching its PolioPlus program in 1985. In 1988, Rotary joined in partnership with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to form the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, later joined. When the initiative launched, there were 350,000 cases of polio every year. Today, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent.

To sustain this progress and continue to reach every child with the polio vaccine, Rotary International has committed to raising $50 million each year to support global polio eradication efforts. The Gates Foundation has pledged to match that 2-to-1 for a total yearly contribution of $150 million.