Monument dedicated for Waterville native, and pro football veteran John Huard

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John Huard, center in floral shirt, was honored at Purnell Wrigley Field with a monument donated by his teammates, pictured with him, of the University of Maine 1965 football team, which competed in the 1965 Tangerine Bowl against East Carolina University. Photo by Tawni Lively/ Central Maine Photography staff

by Mark Huard

On July 28, Maine State Cal Ripken Baseball Commissioner Reggie Hatfield was on hand to announce the selection of Waterville being host of the New England Cal Ripken Baseball Championships. The tournament included all of the New England State winners and took place from July 28 to August 3, at Wrigley Field, in Waterville.

As part of the opening ceremony Waterville native and NFL pro football player John Roland Huard was surprised by his former 1965 University of Maine Tangerine Bowl teammates. They arrived via bus and helped dedicate the John Huard monument at Purnell Wrigley Field. Hundreds of friends and fans showed up for this special surprise.

John, a former Waterville Boys & Girls Club member, played pro football for the Denver Broncos (defensive captain), of the American Football League, and New Orleans Saints, of the National Football League, Montreal Alouettes, and the Toronto Argonauts, of the Canadian Football League. He also coached at the pro and college levels. In 2003 he was inducted into the University of Maine’s “Ring of Honor.” He was elected to College Football Hall of Fame in 2014. His monument will be in-between Coach John Winkin College Baseball Hall of Fame inductee and Clyde Sukeforth, the Maine native baseball scout who signed Jackie Robinson to a professional contract, making him the first African-American to play in baseball’s major leagues.

About the Purnell Wrigley Field Project

Purnell Wrigley Field joins the Harold Alfond® Fenway Park, in Oakland, as the only two licensed replica turfed fields in the country – located right here in Central Maine. CEO, Ken Walsh of the Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA at the Alfond Youth Center said, “These fields give kids the opportunity to feel like real Major League players! The turf not only gives everyone the chance to play but extends the baseball season here in Maine, giving kids more time to develop their skills and learn sportsmanship while playing the game they love. The Purnell Wrigley Field is truly a grass roots community project built on the support of many and varied contributors of monetary and in-kind gifts. It’s a wonderful project honoring the legacy of some terrific ‘home town’ heroes. John Huard is certainly one of our hometown heroes. His strong character, spirit and love of the game started here in Waterville. His legacy will remain strong within our community forever.”

F.M.I. Contact Ken Walsh, CEO Alfond Youth Center 207-649-1824 or kwalsh@alfondyouthcenter.org.

Waterville South End Festival a success

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Sophia Poulin, 2, of Winslow, checks out the firetruck with firefighter Scott Holst during the South End Festival.

by Jackie Dupont, Chairman of South End Neighborhood Association

In 2001 a group of concerned residents and supporters became the group now known as the South End Neighborhood Association (SENA), a group driven to revitalize the neighborhood. Along the way community champions and partners rose up to support the work of SENA, to promote a brighter future and invigorate pride and community spirit through programs, activities, and advocacy. These endeavors would not be possible without investment from neighbors, local businesses, and community groups.

Their contributions to the festival enable SENA to continue making a difference such as:

A bigger and better bike repair and swap where close to 100 children received bikes, learned rider safety, and connected with adults in meaningful ways that foster better self-esteem;

Expanding the readership of the community newsletter, on and offline, through 11 different locations throughout the city and the neighborhood;

Bradley Dickey, 12, of Waterville, enjoying the rock wall climbing at the South End Festival, on August 1. Photos by Mark Huard, owner
of Central Maine Photography

Community events such as WinterFest, Halloween Block Party, South End Officer Meet and Greet, and the Annual Clean Up, engaged residents of all ages inside and outside of the neighborhood.

Crime watch signs were replaced, a walking trail was established on Leeman Island, and playground equipment was improved at Green Street Park.

When we look back on all of our accomplishments we can not help but see the reason why we all love this neighborhood and this city. It’s because we work together to lift each other up. The South End Neighborhood’s family friendly events reached over 600 people this past year and that number continues to grow. The South End Festival is the largest event held in collaboration with KVCAP and the city of Waterville. Close to 500 people attend this festival!

We continue to work with the Waterville Police Department and the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program and dozens of community partners to provide this event each year, free of charge so that all of our neighbors and their children can participate. Over 70 percent of the families and elderly residents in the South End live at or below the poverty line. Business contributions help to ensure that everyone can enjoy the event, including games, activities, and BBQ, sponsored by our local police and fire departments and health and civic groups.

Mark Serbent inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

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Mark Serbent, of Waterville, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Serbent was initiated at United States Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Maryland.

WATERVILLE: High Hopes, police play whiffle ball

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On July 28, members of the Waterville Police Department, family members, Chief Joe Massey, Deputy Chief William Bonney, and members of the High Hopes Clubhouse got together for a whiffle ball game. They even received a celebrity visit from Waterville City Manager Mike Roy. High Hopes Clubhouse exists to improve the quality of life for those adults who experience mental illness by providing social, educational and employment opportunities. Contributed photo

Skowhegan Woman’s Club celebrates 136 years

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The Skowhegan Woman’s Club (GFWC ME) is celebrating its 136th anniversary. One of the main functions of the club is volunteering in community and lending a hand. Recently members of the GFWC, Skowhegan Woman’s Club, Debra Burnham, left, Skowhegan Woman’s Club treasurer, and Joyce Noonan, right, Skowhegan Woman’s Club fundraising chairman, hand a $500 check to Dale Jandreau, center, Skowhegan Free Public Library director.  Contributed photo

Waterville family gives city child a breath of fresh air

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Waterville resident, Weldon Black, has opened his heart and home to Alvin, age 13, of Brooklyn, New York, through The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program since 2016. Weldon first learned about The Fund when a local volunteer leader, Lynne Dailey, came to speak in his town. Weldon has been hosting for seven years and is looking forward to spending his second summer with Alvin later this month.

The brightest parts of Weldon’s summers are when his Fresh Air son comes to visit. During last summer’s visit, Alvin joined Weldon in mini golfing, building campfires, and kayaking on Lake Androscoggin. “I hope I’ve been able to show him everything that Maine has to offer,” Weldon said. “It’s a different way of life here.” Weldon loves being able to rediscover his home state by showing Alvin all the fun to be had outdoors.

Weldon says that being a host parent has taught him a lot. “I’ve learned to be more open and accepting of other people’s experiences and ways of life,” Weldon explained. His time with The Fresh Air Fund has been “fulfilling and fun,” and he hopes that Alvin has learned as much as he has from the experience.

Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free, enriching summer experiences and academic programs for more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income neighborhoods. Each summer, thousands of Fresh Air children visit suburban, rural, and small town communities across the East Coast and Southern Canada through The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program.

To learn more about how to become a host family in North Central Maine, please call Susan Brooks at 207-453-2762 or visit www.freshair.org.

CHINA NEWS: Erskine announces schedules, bus routes for Fall 2017

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Fall 2017

Erskine Academy schedules and bus routes:

FRESHMEN ORIENTATION will be held on August 28, at 6:30 p.m., in the Erskine Academy gymnasium. Parents and freshmen students are encouraged to attend.

Freshmen parents are reminded that the school does require a current freshmen entrance physical prior to the first day of school. Any questions please call the school nurse at 445-2962.

Tuesday, August 29, – First day of school – Freshmen only;
Wednesday, August 30, – all students will attend;
Friday, September 1, – Erskine will not hold classes;
Monday, September 4, – Labor Day Holiday – no classes;
Thursday, September 14, – school picture day.

NEW STAFF MEMBERS: Megan Childs – Family & Consumer Economics teacher; Katherine Newcombe – English teacher & Ed Tech III; Rebecca Sellers – art teacher.

BUS ROUTES:

Students should be at their pick-up points 5 – 10 minutes before the stated pick-up times for the first few days of school. Bus fare is $10 per week. Parents of freshmen are advised to check the bus schedule at New Student Orientation.

Pat Vigue – Bus 13 (Palermo Area)

6:25 – Palermo School
6:30 – Turner Ridge Road
6:35 – Banton Road
6:40 – Level Hill Road
6:45 – North Palermo Road
7:00 – Weston Ridge
7:15 – Tobey’s
7:20 – Frontier Village
7:25 – Leave Frontier Village
7:30 – Arrive at Erskine Academy

Sheila Wescott – Bus 11 (Chelsea/Windsor Area)

6:12 – Leave Erskine to Tyler Road
6:17 – Weeks Mills Road
6:20 – Legion Park Road/

Lamson Road (turn-a-round)

6:23 – Barton Road
6:25 – 105 to Spring Road
6:50 – Chelsea School
6:53 – Wellman Road
6:55 – Route 17 to Windsor
7:00 – Hunts Meadow Road
7:10 – Route 126
7:15 – Vigue Road
7:20 – Route 17 to Route 32 Windsor
7:25 – Route 32 (Rideout’s Store)
7:35 – Arrive at Erskine Academy

Wayne Lacey – Bus 1 (Whitefield-Jefferson Area)

6:25 – Leave Country Corners Store
6:30 – Travel down Route 215
6:35 – Route 126 to Jefferson
6:40 – Jefferson Post Office
7:00 – Intersection of Route 32 & 17
7:10 – Intersection of Route 17 & 206
7:20 – Intersection of Route 105 & 32
7:23 – Choate Road
7:25 – Windsor Neck Road/South Road
7:30 – Kidder Road
7:30 – Arrive at Erskine Academy

Janice Cook – Bus 16 (Windsor/Whitefield/Coopers Mills Area)

6:18 – Leave Erskine- Rte 32 South
6:26 – Maxcy’s Mills Rd
6:28 – Griffin Road
6:33 – Vigue Road
6:37 – Townhouse Road
6:44 – 218N/194N
6:46 – Heath Road
6:50 – Hilton Road
6:52 – 218N //Mills Road
6:59 – Coopers Mills Main Street
7:00 – Windsor Road/Coopers Mills
7:02 – Erskine Road
7:04 – Wingood Road
7:08 – Erskine Road
7:09 – Windsor Road/Coopers Mills
7:15 – Route 105 to Rte 32
7:18 – Route 32 to Erskine Academy
7:30 – Arrive at Erskine Academy

Routes, drivers and bus numbers subject to change

VASSALBORO: Planners approve three applications

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Planning Board members spent two hours Aug. 1 approving three applications that were on their agenda and one that wasn’t.

Richard Behr’s application to amend the plan of a subdivision off Riverside Drive has been on previous agendas, when Behr did not have a complete plan. It was not on the Aug. 1 agenda because, Codes Officer Richard Dolby said, he did not know Behr was ready.

Behr still needs to fill out an application and provide a final plan, but the plan he presented was enough for board members to approve the change. Behr is dividing one lot in the subdivision into two to provide access to his property outside the subdivision. Part of the former lot five will be offered for sale, he said; the rest will give him a driveway.

Two North Vassalboro projects were also approved, and one on Dunham Road. All were in shoreland areas, requiring board members and Dolby to make sure no construction would be within 100 feet of the high water line.

Peter J. Reny has approval to remove an old mobile home on a Main Street lot and replace it with a larger one. Reny explained that if the Vassalboro Sanitary District sewer line is extended to pass his property, as planned, he intends to replace the newer mobile home with a house. Since Vassalboro Planning Board permits have a one-year life, board members declined to expand the permit to include a hypothetical house several years in the future.

Raymond Breton’s application to tear down an old house on Willow Street and build a pole barn for horses and buy or build two microhouses (which he defined as 600 square feet) was approved, but not to his satisfaction. Board members agreed that each microhouse is a dwelling unit, no matter its size, and a dwelling unit in the shoreland zone requires a 40,000 square foot lot.

Breton did not want to devote 80,000 square feet to the two small houses, because, he said, he might want to redivide the land in the future for other projects. The board unanimously approved the pole barn and two houses provided that each house had at least 40,000 square feet of land and provided that all construction was more than 100 feet from Outlet Stream.

The Dunham Road application was from Barbara Pierce, represented by Whitefield contractor Rusty Peters, to add three bedrooms to the existing parsonage on the property.

Small streams crossing the property mean this project, too, is in the shoreland. Peters said the addition would come close to the 100-foot line. Dolby said he and Peters would measure distances and site the addition legally.

The addition will provide three more bedrooms, Peters said. The septic system is sized to accommodate the adjacent church, so it is more than adequate for the addition.

The next Vassalboro Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, Sept. 5.

Kostrons receive LakeSmart recognition

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Ron and Sandra Kostron, of China, are awarded the LakeSmart Award for their undeveloped lot on China Lake. They have owned the property for 18 years and have kept it completely natural. The shoreline is composed of rocks along with vegetation covering the entire length of the shore. There are five layers of buffer on the property including duff (leaves and pine needles left on the ground), ground cover, shrubs, understory (young trees) and canopy (mature trees). All the plants are native. Native plants have a better chance to survive especially during times of extreme weather. For more information about the LakeSmart Program go to the China Lake Association website or contact chinalakesmart@gmail.com.

Historic presence of alewives in China Lake’s Outlet Stream reconfirmed

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Original letters written by Stacy Blish and others, of Vassalborough, in 1799, submitted to the Massachusetts legislature. The decision of the governing body sealed the fate of the stream for more than 200 years, as numerous mills and factories were located along the banks of Mile Stream and little attention paid to its ecological health or fisheries. Photo of the letters from the State Archives, in Boston.

Submitted by Landis Hudson, executive director Maine Rivers.
Documents recently found in Massachusetts Archives have shed light on the early history of China Lake’s Outlet Stream, reconfirming the historic presence of native alewives. Petitions and letters, signed and dated from 1798 and 1799, state that alewives were known to make their way up the stream to China Lake, but the presence of sawmills and grist mills prevented the migratory fish from completing their journey to spawning areas. The letters and petitions were written requesting that the Outlet Stream be exempted from fish passage laws to allow water-powered industries to flourish.

As was typical for the colonial period, smaller waterways like Outlet Stream were harnessed for power first because their flows were easier to control. Later, as the technology advanced, dams were built on larger rivers, like the former Edwards Dam on the Kennebec River, first built in 1837.

Letters and petitions from residents along the Outlet Stream were submitted in response to fish passage laws enacted in Massachusetts requiring dam owners to provide fish passage, due to local concerns about the declining populations of migratory fish, notably salmon, shad and alewives. In 1797, just one year before the residents along Outlet Stream sent in their letters and petitions, a law was passed requiring fish passage in Cumberland and Lincoln Counties. Maine was then a part of Massachusetts; records from this period can be found in Massachusetts State Archives, in Boston.

One letter written by Stacy Blish in January 1799 states:

“Stacy Blish, of Vassalborough, in the County of Lincoln, of lawfull age testify and say that I have lived near a Stream called Mile brook which empties itself into Sebasticook river for eighteen years last past that before any mills were built on said Stream Alewives used to pass up said Stream into a pond out of which it flows but no Salmon or Shad ever frequented it and for fifteen years last past since mills have been erected on it no alewives have been known to pass up into the pond.”

Another petition signed by 40 individuals noted, “the carrying on and Improvements of those Mills Are the principle if not the only means upon which a large number of respectable and industrious citizens depend on for acquiring property… That formerly the fish called Alewives (only) used to pass up said stream but for more than ten years None have been seen to pass up said stream…”

The letters and petitions were successful and resulted in the passage of a law titled, “An Act Exempting Mile Stream in the Towns of Vassalborough, Winslow and Harlem from the Operations of All Laws Regulating the Salmon Shad and Alewife Fisheries in Said Towns.” This act sealed the fate of the stream for more than 200 years, as numerous mills and factories were located along its banks and little attention paid to its ecological health or fisheries.