China Democratic Committee observes Earth Day Sunday, April 22, 2018

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Earth Day locally? Join the China Democratic Committee on Sunday, April 22, at 1 p.m., in the public parking lot next to the Causeway on the north end of China Lake. Bring work gloves and wear sturdy shoes. They’ll tidy up the shore and boat launch area just in time to greet the beginning of the lake season and commemorate Earth Day 2018.

Earth Day was the brainchild of Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, who felt it was time for a national day of awareness for the importance of environmental protection. The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970. More than 20 Americans took part in the events scheduled from coast-to-coast to demonstrate their support for a healthier, sustainable environment. Earth Day 1970 received rare political collaboration from groups who weren’t always in alignment: Republicans and Democrats, urbanites and farmers, business leaders and labor leaders. At the time, these groups suddenly realized we do share some common values because we share the same planet. Earth Day is now observed in 184 countries by hundreds of millions of people.

KVCAP in need of volunteer drivers

KVCAP provides transportation services to low income, elderly and disadvantaged people throughout Kennebec and Somerset counties. They provide rides to medical services, work programs, programs for people with special needs, children’s services and a variety of other services that provide valuable assistance to people.

While they have a number of buses and vans that help to meet the demand for these services, they also rely heavily on the services of volunteer drivers to provide transportation to people in rural areas and to provide off-hour services such as evenings and weekends. Volunteer drivers provided over 110,000 trips and three million miles of dedicated service to their passengers last year.

The demand for transportation services continues to grow at a steady pace and they are looking for compassionate, civic-minded people to help volunteer to provide transportation to some of our more vulnerable citizens. KVCAP provides training and a mileage reimbursement for volunteer drivers. Volunteers must have a safe, reliable vehicle and pass state background checks to protect their passengers.

If you are interested in learning more about or becoming a KVCAP volunteer driver, please contact Steve at 859-1631 or steves@kvcap.org. KVCAP is dedicated to helping people in need and together we can make a difference!

For more information about the services, please visit www.kvcap.org.

Melanie Clark receives MPA principals award

Melanie Clark

Melanie Clark, daughter of Dale and Julie Clark, of Anson, a senior at Carrabec High School, has been selected to receive the 2018 Principal’s Award, according to Principal Timothy Richards.

According to Richards, Clark has distinguished herself in the classroom, on the court, and as a leader in the school and the community. She has a positive attitude, is hard-working, kind, and humble, all of which will ensure her future success.

Melanie shines strong in sports at Carrabec as she applies that same enthusiasm and passion into basketball and softball, being captain in both. Clark is also a member of the National Honor Society, JMG, member of the Captains Club, a member of the Willpower Weightlifting Team, Youth in Maine Government, was a girls’ state delegate, and was February’s Student of the Month. Melanie also was the fall’s high school basketball coach.

Erskine Academy presents Renaissance awards

Above, Seniors of the trimester were, front row, left to right: Jake Peavey, Luke Hodgkins; back row, Corvus Crump, Gabriella Pizzo, and Noelle Cote. (Contributed photos)

On Friday, March 30th, Erskine Academy students and staff attended a Renaissance Assembly to honor their peers with Renaissance Awards.

Recognition Awards were presented to the following students: Dale Peaslee, Nick Barber, Kassidy Wade, Victoria Chabot, McKayla Doyon, Nolan Cowing, Peilin Yu, Jonathan Martinez, Kristin Ray, Maverick Lowery, and Billy Howell.

Faculty of the trimester were, from left to right, Randy Pottle and Lynn Wood.

In addition to Recognition Awards, Senior of the Trimester Awards were also presented to five members of the senior class: Corvus Crump, son of Debra Crump, of Vassalboro; Noelle Cote, daughter of Tami and John Cote, of China; Luke Hodgkins, son of Lisa and Craig Hodgkins, of Jefferson; Gabriella Pizzo, daughter of Deanne and Greg Pizzo, of China; and Jake Peavey, son of Sheryl Peavey and Matt Emmons, of China. Seniors of the Trimester are recognized as individuals who have gone above and beyond in all aspects of their high school careers.

In appreciation of their dedication and service to Erskine Academy, Faculty of the Trimester awards were also presented to Marilyn Wood, special educator; and Randy Pottle, maintenance.

New England champion recognized

Ryan Fredette, center. With Fredette are State Senator Scott Cyrway, left, and Rep. Catherine Nadeau, of Winslow.  (Contributed photo)

Ryan Fredette, a student at Winslow High School, was recognized before the Maine House of Representatives on March 28 with a legislative sentiment for his achievement of winning the 182-pound division at the New England High School Wrestling Championships.

Americans for America rally set for April 14 in Augusta

Patriotic American citizens will rally on the Capitol on Saturday April 14, at 2 p.m. This is part of a nationwide effort by the NCCPA (National Constitutional Coalition of Patriotic Americans) to peacefully unite supporters of the Constitution and specifically the second amendment. Those attending the event also support a wide range of patriotic American values, some of which include our faith, our president, our law enforcement, our veterans and armed service members, common sense solutions to gun violence and government accountability.

Support of the Constitution and specifically the second amendment are generally a common ideal across these values and it is what has drawn in those indicating they are attending. Speakers will include Mark Holbrook, Mary Mayhew, Sheriff Scott Nichols, State Senator Garrett Murch and State Senator Eric Brakey.

First places on first try

Huard’s Martial Arts student Jackson Jandreau, 5, of Clinton, entered his first martial arts competition on March 24, at Thomas College, in Waterville, and captured first place in forms, fighting and chanbara. (Photo by Mark Huard)

Benton Father/daughter dance

Sisters Aaliyah Crowell, 9, and Alexis Crowell, 6, of Fairfield, with their dad Nick Crowell, at the annual Benton Elementary School father/daughter dance on March 24. This year’s theme was “Hollywood,” and Central Maine Photography captured lots of special memories. Photo by Central Maine Photography staff

Erskine alumni Red Sox trip planned

CHINA – Erskine Academy Alumni has planned a trip to a Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles game on Sunday, May 20, at Fenway Park, Boston. The cost will be $110 and covers the bus and game ticket. Tickets are limited; reserve your tickets now! Coach bus will leave the Erskine Academy parking lot at a.m. For more information and to reserve your tickets, please email Halda hstout@erskine247.com or call the Alumni Office (207) 445-4026.

 

Kennebec Historical Society’s presentation

When it comes to quirky energy, Augusta has it in spades! A capital city with a schizophrenic personality, this little town by the Kennebec River sits in one of the most beautiful valleys in all of Maine. Filled with gossipy neighbors, charming merchants, down and out vagabonds and smartly dressed bureaucrats, there’s no other place in the state that can quite match it.

Michael Hall is the executive director for the Augusta Downtown Alliance, a member of the Main Street Maine program. A native of Florida, Michael moved up to Augusta in the winter of 2016 to realize his goal of working in a historic, urban setting.

The Kennebec Historical Society’s April Presentation is free to the public (donations gladly accepted) and will take place on Wednesday, April 18, at 6:30 p.m., at the Viles Arboretum, located at 153 Hospital Street in Augusta.