China residents doing good job with recyclables, reuseables

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COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

by Irene Belanger

Boy things are getting busy: A gentle reminder: We’re all doing spring cleaning and yard cleanup, etc. There are times of day that are especially busy, such as Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Please plan your day so that we don’t get a bottle neck to the hopper. We all have very busy lives and want things done ASAP, but some folks take more time to drop bags in. We will soon have the new Free for Taking building with it’s own parking area for you to go get the “good” stuff and we encourage you to take a look and to take what you want as you drop off your reusables. Also there are boxes near the recycling area (express lane) where you can drop in two or three trash bags and not even need to go to the hopper.

Thank you all for the great work to bring in the recyclables; it saves your tax dollars. Also be generous in bringing reusables for others to use. Please no moldy, dirty clothes. We are hoping for a use for textiles so watch The Town Line for the big announcement.

There is going to be a public tour of China’s Thurston Park on Saturday, June 17, all are welcome. Lots of history from days of yore and good walking trails. We will have maps of the park available. There is still a lot of new work and maintainance ongoing so if anyone has some energy and time to volunteer please call 445-2349 or 445-2014 and leave your name and phone number and the organizer will be intouch. Thank you.

Remember to keep your truck loads of trash from blowing off as you drive from home to the transfer station.There is a state law that says you must have a secure load.

Thank you to Boy Scout Troop #479 for taking care of road side clean up after Earth Days. Please be thinking of volunteering on your road for April 2018.

Kahl of Waterville inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa

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Sydney A. Kahl, of Waterville, was inducted into the St. Lawrence University chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society.

Kahl is a member of the Class of 2018 at St. Lawrence University, in Canton, New York, and is majoring in environmental studies. Kahl attended Plymouth Regional High School.

University of New Hampshire announces local May 2017 graduates

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The following students participated in the University of New Hampshire Commencement Ceremony held Saturday, May 20, in Durham, New Hampshire.

Kelly McCormac, of South China, graduated summa cum laude with a BS degree in social work.

Myrilla Hartkopf, of Albion, graduated with a BS degree in environmental conservation and sustainability.

Kevie Rodrigue, of Augusta, graduated with a BS degree in nutrition and wellness.

Erskine’s Hannah Burns wins national scholarship

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Hannah Burns

Hannah Burns, a senior and member of the National Honor Society (NHS) at Erskine Academy, has been named one of 400 national semifinalists in the National Honor Society Scholar­ship program. Burns was chosen from more than 9,000 applicants and will receive a $2,325 scholarship.

High school seniors who are members in good standing of an active National Honor Society chapter are able to apply for an NHS Scholarship. Finalists are selected on the basis of their leadership skills; participation in service organizations, clubs, and other student groups at school and in the community; and their academic record.

Erskine students presented with scholarships

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Erskine Academy students/scholarship winners, from left to right, Abigail Haskell, Audrey Jordan, Keeley Gomes, Allie Bonsant and Hannah Burns. Contributed photo

On May 25, the Whitefield Lions Club awarded five scholarships to local students.

This year, the Lions are proud to have increased the number of $1000 scholarships from three to five.

All five recipients are Erskine Academy students.

Winners are Abigail Haskell, Audrey Jordan, Keeley Gomes, Allie Bonsant and Hannah Burns.

Their families were in attendance

Earlier in the evening, the newly-formed Leo Club, of Erskine Academy, was awarded a check for $250.

This money, donated by the Whitefield Lions, is to be spent on community service projects For the Leo club to choose and use at their discretion

The Leo Club, was formed this year in conjunction with the Whitefield Lions Club.

Leo clubs provide young people with an opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of their local, national, and international communities.

Submitted by Britt Morris.

Area observances of Memorial Day

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All gave some…some gave all: Flags line all the graves at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta.
Photo by Kevin Giguere, Central Maine

by Central Maine Photography Reporter/Writer Jessica Laliberte

Local service organization leaders pose at the veterans memorial in South China. From left to right, Rick Fischer, Jeff Zimmerman and Neil Farrington.
Contritured photo

A sea of red, white and blue fills the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, as thousands of flags adorn the graves of soldiers buried in the cemetery. This is the 11th year of the event. The ceremony featured music from the Public Safety Pipes and Drum Corp, the singing of the National Anthem, prayer by a local deacon, and brief remarks from Maine Governor Paul LePage.

Hundreds of volunteers including Scouts, veterans, civilians and other civic groups joined forces to place a flag on the grave of every soldier buried in the cemetery, about 15,000 in total, on Saturday, May 27.

As the volunteers dispersed to the graves with flags in hand, the bagpipes playing Amazing Grace echoed in the chilly morning air.

The flags were purchased through donations. According to Donald Simoneau, a past state commander and organizer of the event, about 750 veterans die each year and are buried at the Maine Veterans Cemetery.

If you would like to donate you can make checks payable to the American Legion “Grave Flag Program,” P.O. Box 900, Waterville, ME 04901.

In honor of their service: Derek Fennell, a Marine veteran from China, with his two sons, Kamren and Evan, places flags at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, on May 27.
Photo by Kevin Giguere, Central Maine Photography staff.

Stage Bluebirds

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Stage Presence for Dancers advanced ballet class in a piece entitled “Bluebird,” choreographed by instructor Meghan Loubier.
Photo by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography

Julia Pershken claims women’s rowing postseason honors

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Julia Pershken, of Albion, claimed women’s rowing postseason honors from the NERC or NIRC, at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Hayward inducted into Spanish National Honor Society

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The World Languages and Cultures Department at Eastern Connecticut State University, in Willimantic, Connecticut, recently held its annual induction ceremony for Sigma Delta Pi, the national honor society for Spanish.

Kirstin Hayward, of Augusta, was one of the inductees. Hayward’s major is Continuing Education.

Sigma Delta Pi is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies..

History House Museum expanding volunteer team in Skowhegan

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Submitted by Melvin Burnham

A Volunteer Open House at the Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center, 66 Elm Street, Skowhegan, has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 24, 3 – 4:30 p.m. History House veteran volunteers and folks from the Skowhegan area who would like to learn more about the Volunteer Program are invited to attend.

History House volunteers consistently make a positive impact on the museum and its patrons. They play an active role in preserving and promoting collections dating back through the late 1700s and therefore contribute greatly to our community. Volunteers learn about early Skowhegan and the citizens of the time. They make new friends, utilize existing skills and learn new ones.

Volunteers assist with visitors and tours, design and create displays, assist with clerical work, answer the phone, or conduct research. Others maintain and clean the museum, teach small groups of children about local history and historic preservation and others work directly with artifact preservation and cataloging. Some volunteers like to dedicate their time to working in the Heirloom Gardens, assisting in preparing for major projects or events, or assisting with tasks pertaining to society membership, preparing materials for distribution or mailings, creating presentations, etc.

Museum staff strives to match a volunteer’s skills and interests to meaningful and necessary tasks. We utilize the skills that talented folks bring with them and we offer training to those who wish to learn new skills.

Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to attend the Open House. We welcome volunteers of all ages including high school students who would like to explore museum science or complete community involvement requirements. Come see what we have to offer and share your talents and interests with us. More information pertaining to the program can be found at skowheganhistoryhouse.org or by contacting Kay Marsh, volunteer coordinator, 465-7458, grammy.kay.cee@gmail.com.