Contributed photo
Whitefield Lions Joe and Carolyn Greenwood, of Windsor, celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary on December 14, 2017. The Greenwoods have been active members in the club for 12 years since moving to Maine from Amesbury, Massachusetts.
The University of Maine at Augusta College of Arts and Sciences and the University of Maine at Augusta Senior College has announced the next Forum on the Future entitled News, Real or Fake? The program will be at Jewett Hall on the university campus on Sunday, January 28, from 2 – 4 p.m. A snow date is scheduled for February 4. There will be a panel presentation with a refreshment break, followed by a question and answer period. Forums are the presentation of the variety of ideas on a subject, and are not intended for debate.
Jessica Lowell
The January forum will be introduced and moderated by Marilyn Canavan, of Waterville, a former state legislator and a retired Director of the State Ethics Committee.
Today, we are hearing repeated accusations of news items being real or fake, and many are confused about how these terms are used and when they are accurate.
Mal Leary
Also participating will be Mal Leary, political correspondent for Maine Public, Bill Nemitz, columnist for Maine Today, and Jessica Lowell, journalist with the Kennebec Journal.
Leary is the winner of many awards, he reports regularly on state government and politics. He is a native Mainer, and lifelong journalist.
Bill Nemitz
Nemitz is an experienced wartime correspondent, having followed our troops three times to Iraq, and twice to Afghanistan. In fact, in 2004, he was cited a Maine Journalist of the Year by the Maine Press Association.
Lowell has won awards for investigatory and explanatory journalism.
November 2: 2 – 5 p.m., checking camp roads and side roads on the east side of China Lake.
November 4: 9:30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m., checking camp roads and side roads on the west side of China Lake.
November 5: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., checking the remainder of roads in town
November 9:
6 p.m., traffic stop Lakeview Drive, warning issued for speed.
6:35 p.m., traffic stop Lakeview Dr., warning issued for speed.
7 p.m., business check.
7:20 p.m., assist Kennebec Sheriff’s Office with a business alarm on Jones Road.
7:30 p.m., business check.
7:50 p.m., car – deer accident on Waterville Road.
8:15 p.m., car – deer accident on Waterville Road.
8:30 p.m., transport home driver whose car was damaged.
8:55 p.m., assist motorist on Rte. 3
November 10:
10:55 a.m., assist motorist on Neck Rd.
11:19 a.m., property check at Thurston Park.
11:35 a.m., debris in roadway on Parmenter Hill Road.
11:49 a.m., assist China Fire Dept.
12:15 p.m., assist other agency on Rte. 3.
November 18:
1:23 p.m., traffic stop on Windsor Road. Summons for no insurance.
1:50 p.m., business check.
2:15 p.m., business check.
2:30 p.m., business check.
2:45 p.m., business check.
3 p.m., radar detail on Rte. 3.
3:30 p.m., residence check.
November 25:
11:10 .m., debris in roadway on Lakeview Dr.
11:30 a.m., debris in roadway on Lakeview Drive.
12:10 p.m., assist motorist on Vassalboro Road.
12:27 p.m., traffic stop on Windsor Road, warnning for speed.
12:42 p.m., traffic stop on Windsor Road, warning for speed.
12:51 p.m., traffic stop at Hannaford parking lot, summons for no insurance, warning for inspection.
1:15 p.m., property check at South China boat landing.
1:40 p.m., business check on Lakeview Drive.
2:02 p.m., traffic stop on Waterville Road, warning for inspection sticker.
December 1:
11:15 a.m., traffic stop on Windsor Road, warning for speed.
11:25 a.m., assist other agency on traffic stop on Windsor Road.
12:05 p.m., traffic stop onLakeview Dr., warning for speed.
12:23 p.m., business alarm, Causeway Drive building checked.
12:46 p.m., traffic stop on Rte. 3, summons for no insurance.
1:15 p.m., traffic stop PVRR, warning for no inspection, summons for no license.
1:20 p.m., intoxicated subject at Circle K, transported to Winslow.
1:35 p.m., property check on Causeway Drive.
1:55 p.m., business check on Vassalboro Dr.
December 9:
5 p.m., business check on Rte. 3.
5:17 p.m., business check on Rte. 3.
5:55 p.m., residence check on Village Road.
6:35 p.m., assist motorist on Vassalboro Road.
7:10 p.m., traffic stop, ATV on snowmobile trail, referred to game wardens.
7:30 p.m., property check at South China boat landing.
December 12:
1 a.m., report of criminal mischief on Neck Road, investigated.
10:30 a.m., report of trespass by motor vehicle on Neck Road, investigated.
December 16: funeral detail.
December 22:
6:37, traffic stop on Rte. 3, inspection violation, warning issued.
6:55 a.m., traffic stop on Rte. 3, inspection violation, warning issued.
7:10 a.m., radar detail at Erskine Academy school zone.
10 a.m., delivered holiday assistance package on Hanson Road.
10:20 a.m., delivered holiday assistance package on 50 Fire Road.
10:40 a.m., delivered holiday assistance package on Deer Hill Road.
11:30 a.m., delivered holiday assistance package on Demerchant Road.
12:30 p.m., delivered holiday assistance package on Tobey Drive.
12:45 p.m., delivered holiday assistance package on Parmenter Hill Road.
1:10 p.m., delivered holiday assistance package on Shuman Road.
2:15 p.m., delivered holiday assistance package on Albion Road.
December 26:
9:15 a.m., traffic stop on Alder Park Road, warning for speed.
11:20 a.m., business check on Lakeview Drive.
11:55 a.m., business check on Windsor Road.
12:20 p.m., business check on Windsor Road.
1 p.m., radar detail on Rte. 3.
1:45 p.m., business check on Vassalboro Road.
2 p.m., assist motorist out of gas on Lakeview Drive.
December 30:
11:10 a.m., traffic stop on Lakeview Drive, warning for speed.
11:38 a.m., business check on Lakeview Drive.
1210 p.m., business check on Windsor Road.
12:30 p.m., business check on Vassalboro Road.
1:40 p.m., business check on Vassalboro Road.
2:20 p.m., residence check on Neck Road.
3 p.m., residence check on Old Waterville Road.
Eagle Scout Tucker Leonard stands with the completed project behind the Palermo Grammar School.
Photo courtesy of Ron Emery
On October 8, 2017, Tucker Leonard completed his Eagle Project at the Palermo Grammar School. As a member of China Boy Scout Troop #479, Tucker’s project was to select a space on the trails in back of the school to clear an area for an outdoor class. He selected the area after meeting a teacher from the school, marked the trees to cut. Trees were cut and the firewood was carried out to donate while the brush was dragged into the woods. The location of the tables were selected and raked. The many pieces of the tables were carried into the selected locations across the rough trail. The five tables were then built and placed on pads. Thanks to all the Scouts, leaders and parents that came early in the morning to work in a light rain under his leadership. The school, students, town residents and parents should be very pleased with the results, according to Ron Emery, advancement chairman for Troop #479.
An unidentified boy receives Christmas gifts from Fairfield Police Department patrolman Blake Wilder.
Photos by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff
The Cops Care for Kids program was initially started and funded by Kingston Paul, who was the former Detective Captain at the Fairfield Police Department. The program started with an idea that the police wanted to build a great relationship with our community and the children of our community. They started out by delivering just one stuffed animal to approximately 50 children with a tag attached with all the officer’s names on them. Many years later, the program has grown to delivering three small gifts and a stuffed animal to over 200 children of the Fairfield Community. The officers and other employees of the Fairfield Police Department now donate a portion of their checks every week towards the Cops Care for Kids program to ensure that Kingston’s idea and dream continued on.
Fairfield police officers play Santa for local kids.
And even though we lost Kingston last year, his memory and spirit still lives on with the program. To ensure the program continues for many, many years, Kingston left the program financially sound, so we could continue the tradition, because we truly care about the children of our community.
“As Chief, I was very humbled when I was informed about this program when I first started,” said Fairfield Police Chief Tom Gould. “I feel honored to work with employees who care so greatly for the youth in our community.”
Officer Shanna Blodgett added, “The officers of the Fairfield Police Department are very proud of this program and what it has grown to be. We look forward to our ‘wrapping’ party each year and to be able to see the joy and excitement on the boys’ and girls’ faces when we arrive to deliver. They simply light up.”
From left to right, retired Maine State Trooper Mark Nickerson, Sen. Paul Davis, Maine State Trooper Seth Allen, Maine State Trooper Tyler Harrington, Maine State Police Lt. Jackie Theriault and Sen. Scott Cyrway. Contributed photo
On Monday, December 11, Senator Paul Davis (R-Piscataquis) and Senator Scott Cyrway (R-Somerset), joined retired Trooper Mark Nickerson, Trooper Seth Allen, Trooper Tyler Harrington and Lieutenant Jackie Theriault at Brown Cemetery in Benton to visit the grave of Trooper Thomas J. Merry, a hero who died in the line of duty in July of 1980, in Palmyra.
Trooper Thomas J. Merry
Senators Davis and Cyrway, both now retired, were law enforcement officers at the time. Senator Cyrway was a classmate of Trooper Merry’s and Senator Davis was one of the first responders on the evening of the incident.
In visiting Merry, both are reminded that, even in a safe place like Maine, law enforcement can be a dangerous line of work, and that officers put their lives on the line every day to protect us, anyways.
Trooper Merry was killed on July 12, 1980, in Palmyra, when struck by a car involved in a high speed chase. Merry had parked his cruiser as part of a roadblock and was attempting to seek safe cover when struck by the fleeing car. He joined the state police in 1977.
Brooklyn, 14, second from left, and Nolan, 12, with dad Brian, right, all of Winslow, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Kringleville during the Christmas season. Photos by Central Maine Photography staff
Another magical season at Kringleville in the friendly city of Waterville has come to an end. The visitors seemed to be full of visions of Legos and hatchimals dancing in children’s heads, rather than sugar plums of old. The elves were certainly hard at work in the North Pole making toys for all the good little boys and girls. Elves, Cinnamon and Cinnamon Stick were busy at Kringleville in the cabin taking photos of folks who stopped to tell Santa what their Christmas wishes were. Though toys were quite popular, many children and adults visited to ask Santa for gifts for the less fortunate and for loved ones to be healthy. Many only asked that Santa would help make sure that their family had a good Christmas. The spirit of Christmas is truly alive in the hearts of many in the city of Waterville.
“Santa thanks the Children’s Discovery Museum for organizing the event this year, and to all of the volunteers, the elves, and Kringleville neighbors who made this season special.”
The polar bear, the gingerbread house and the train were a big hit. Santa also thanks the local businesses that sponsored Kringleville and who offered hot chocolate and warm mittens to those waiting in line. Your support made a tremendous difference to many. Santa appreciates Mrs. Claus traveling back and forth between the North Pole and Kringleville, so that she could be in Waterville every Sunday to talk with each person waiting to see Santa. While at the North Pole, Mrs. Claus has much cookie making to do for Santa and she oversees the toy making while Santa is at Kringleville. The deer also receive special attention from Mrs. Claus when Santa’s away.
Santa enjoyed spending time with all who visited him at Kringleville this season. Santa loves to share the stories of your visits with Mrs. Claus, and she enjoys sharing with Santa what you tell her while you wait to see him. Santa wants to share with you all, Santa had 1,150 good girls and boys visit him along with family and Kringleville raised $400 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Santa’s very own hand-painted ornaments will be on the Kringelville tree again next year to donate money to children who are not feeling well.
Santa wants everyone to keep in mind that Christmas isn’t something you should celebrate once a year. The spirit of Christmas should live in our hearts year round. So, take Santa’s advice and be good to your brothers and sisters, your friends and neighbors, and all whom you are with until Santa sees you again…That means mom and dad too! Remember, he knows if you’ve been bad or good, which makes a difference for his naughty or nice list. Santa and Mrs. Claus look forward to seeing you all next season when they arrive for the 2018 Parade of Lights. Keep Christmas in your heart!
The Assumption College Office of Student Activities, in Worcester, Massachusetts, has announced that Shalahn Staten, of Clinton, has been elected, and is currently serving, as president of ALANA Network for the 2017-18 academic year.
ALANA Network is one of nearly 60 clubs and organizations available to students allowing them the opportunity to network with professionals; take on leadership roles; and use classroom knowledge in the community. The student-run clubs appeal to a variety of interests and include offerings such as academic clubs (French, Italian, Pre-law, etc.); media (College television station, literary magazine and student newspaper, Le Provocateur); honor societies and many more.
“Student involvement is a cornerstone of an Assumption education,” said Kaitlin Bevins, director of student activities and leadership development at Assumption. “The College offers a wide array of clubs and organizations-cultural, athletic, and academic, among others. Engagement in student groups help students find their niche and utilize their talents, while building confidence, friendships and leadership skills.”
ALANA (African, Latino/Hispanic, Asian and Native American) Network is a student-run group that meets weekly during the academic year in order to plan and promote student and community activities.
Care & Comfort, a leading provider of Home Health and Behavioral Healthcare, was recently recognized as one of Maine’s best employers for workers over the age of 50 for 2017 by the Maine State Workforce Investment Board’s Older Workers Committee.
The Silver Collar Employers Award honors Maine employers whose policies and practices match the needs of mature employees, valuing their skills and experience, strong work ethic, flexibility, and enthusiasm.
The agency which is locally owned and operated was founded in 1991 and employees over 400 people – a significant percentage of whom are over 50. Services for individuals and families are provided in 13 counties thus providing employment opportunities close to home for most workers.
“Care & Comfort is pleased to have employees spanning several generations choosing to work with us, and we are truly honored to be recognized for our commitment to employing those over 50,” said Mike Stair, COO. “Age is never a factor from the time we begin our hiring process, but experience, confidence, vitality, and reliability are.”
According to the Maine Department of Labor, Maine is the oldest state in the nation, with a median age of 44.5 years. “Nearly one-quarter of the state’s labor force is age 55 and over,” remarked Susan D. Giguere C & C’s CEO, and Founder. “As one of those, I know first-hand that most of us enjoy working and we are good at what we do!”
Come for a ride through 150 years of history in Waldo County. Chartered in 1867, the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad has survived two world wars, the construction of highways, the collapse of the poultry industry in Waldo County and survives today as a tourist railroad and historic relic of days gone by. This presentation by author and railroad historian Joey Kelley outlines the history of this unique railroad and gives you a summary of his book on the subject – the very first book ever written on the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad.
Joey Kelley
The speaker, Joseph T. “Joey” Kelley, is a railroad historian, photographer and volunteer with the Brooks Preservation Society. He has been involved with the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad on and off since 2004 and was once a paid employee of the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad Preservation Society. His other passions include photography, motorcycles and restoring antique equipment.
The Kennebec Historical Society January Presentation is co-sponsored by the Maine State Library and free to the public (donations gladly accepted) and will take place on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. at the Maine State Library, located at 230 State Street, in Augusta.