Honor guard welcomes home a number of World War II veterans

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Mount Merici Academy Honor Guard, from left to right, Evan Vigue, Miranda Troy, Sarah Hellen, Owen Harris, Emma Lavenson, Olivia Saucier, Naomi McGadney, Alayna Morneault and Ethan Hobart. U.S. Army veteran Joel Lavenson guided the students. Photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography

by Mark Huard
Central Maine Photography

On April 2, the Mount Merici Academy honor guard took another trip to the Portland Jetport to welcome home a number of World War II veterans as they returned from their Honor Flight to Washington, DC, where they viewed the national memorial to their indescribable courage in World War II, a time in their lives when they were barely older than Mount Merici’s eighth graders.

With respect and immense gratitude, the Mount Merici Academy Honor Guard, led by United States Army veteran Joel Lavenson, (a Mount Merici parent), welcomed each veteran home with a salute, and then carried their flags proudly in a “welcome home” parade, escorting them past a throng of respectful citizens representing a grateful nation.

World War II veterans were so impressed with Mount Merici’s Honor Guard, that two of them requested to join their formation, an immensely significant honor for these Mount Merici junior high school students.

All Mount Merici Academy students from Pre-K (age 4-5) through eighth grade made thank you cards for all of the veterans, which they received during an in-flight mail call, reminiscent of the mail calls they experienced more than 70 years ago. It is reported that there was not a dry eye on that flight as the veterans embraced the gratitude of the grateful young students.

Patriots linebacker greets local fans

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Fin Minkel, 8, of Oakland, left, and Sean Achorn, 8, of Oakland, had the opportunity to meet with New England Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich on April 12

by Mark Huard

Hammond Lumber Company hosted an Employee and Contractor Appreciation event on April 12, featuring Rob Ninkovich, linebacker for the New England Patriots and two-time Super Bowl champion. Close to 3,000 Patriots’ fans waited patiently to have their picture taken with Rob and shake his hand. Some even had the privilege of trying on his Super Bowl championship ring. The event was a perfect opportunity for Maine fans to celebrate the Patriots’ LI Super Bowl victory and commemorate Ninkovich’s first trip to Maine.

Ninkovich with Hammond Lumber Co. founder Skip Hammond.

It was an especially memorable event for all the children in attendance. Their pride and excitement was apparent as they got to meet the 6-foot 2-inch linebacker in person. Ninkovich’s obliging personality and easy manner certainly made it a dream come true for many. Mark Huard from Central Maine Photography was on hand to capture each special moment.

Travis Brunette, right, 18, of Pittsfield, compares his 2016 Class D state championship ring, which he earned as a member of the Maine Central Institute Huskies football team, of Pittsfield, last fall, with Ninkovich’s Super Bowl ring.

“Rob Ninkovich is a true gentleman and exemplifies the high standard for excellence put forth by the Patriots’ organization. He was as kind and gracious to the last person in line as he was to the first fan who made it to the stage six hours later,” Mike Hammond, President of Hammond Lumber Company, shared. “The entire day exceeded my expectations and I was gratified to see the positive impact it had on our employees, contractors, vendors, neighbors, and friends,” he added.

All photos by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography

Violette earns academic merit scholarship to Delaware Valley U.

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Delaware Valley University, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, congratulates the recipients of the University’s top three merit-based Admission scholarships.

Nathan Violette, of Oakland, has been selected for an academic merit scholarship to Delaware Valley University.

DelVal awards admission merit scholarships to high-achieving high school students based on GPA and test scores.

Carrabec honor roll

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GRADE 12

High honors: Ian Baker, Avianna Boucher, Evan Gorr, McKayla Gray, Paul Kaplan, Bobbie Peacock, Royce Pena’, Samantha Taylor, Sara Taylor and Sophia Tsimekles. Honors:  Jacob Bauter, Whitney Coro, Dustin Crawford, Taylor Cyrway, Jade Fortin, Allyn Foss, Mariah Langton, Eric Libby, Abigail Longley, Brooklynn Moore, Elizabeth Rafferty and Sydney Trudeau.

GRADE 11

High honors:  Rhiannon Ambrose, Kaitlin Dixon, Bailey Dunphy, Michael Hargreaves, Samantha LeBeau and Katrina Mason. Honors: Jacob Atwood, Mackenzie Baker, Emily Buzzell, Melanie Clark, Kelsey Creamer, Patrick Dube, Ariana-Lee Dunton, Mackenzie Edes, Courtney Fuller, Jackson Lawler-Sidell, Brooklyn Miller and Sierra Turcotte.

GRADE 10

High honors:  Tristan Bachelder and Lauren Rafferty. Honors: Lilyana Aloes, Lauren Chestnut, Lillian Johnson, Lindsay Lesperance, Brody Miller, Liam Serafino, Sidney Small and Makayla Vicneire.

GRADE 9

High honors:  Annika Carey. Honors:  Cassidy Ayotte, Ashley Cates, Skyler Chipman, Caitlin Crawford, Shay Cyrway, Caroline Decker, Skylar Karr, Dylan Leach, Scott Mason, Laney Murray, Abby Richardson, Dalton Way and Skye Welch.

Honoring those who served in WWI

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Submitted by Melvin Burnham,
Director Skowhegan History House

In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the United States involvement in World War I, Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center will host a presentation entitled, Honoring Those Who Served in WWI, on Tuesday, May 9, 7 p.m., at the Margaret Chase Smith Library, 56 Norridgewock Avenue, Skowhegan.

This presentation will recognize and honor some of those who served in World War I from the local area, and examine what the Great War looked like to those who kept the home fires burning in Skowhegan. Participants will first be encouraged to relate their experiences of attending movies in early Skowhegan which will be followed with the viewing of a portion of the silent film, 1925 box office hit, The Big Parade. Director Melvin Burnham will utilize a sampling of propaganda posters, music, images, and highlight several biographical sketches of area men and women who served in the war effort. The audience will be encouraged to join in the discussion, hopefully the first of many through the season.

This program is free, open to the public, and refreshments will be offered.

Legion Auxiliary supports local youth

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Pictured, front row, from left to right Maxine Dube, Merrilyn Vieira, Betty Dow and Kathy Cousineau. Back, Pat Santoni, Marie Wing, Lauraine Mercier, Harriet Bryant and Robin Turek, with her service dog, Colonel. Contributed photo

The American Legion Auxiliary supports community programs such as children and youth. Each year they fill backpacks for children entering the DHHS system. Most of these children enter with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. They like to provide them with the backpacks filled with items they can call their own in hopes that it makes the transition a little easier for them. This year was no different as they donated 25 backpacks for this program.

American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for nearly a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, military and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $2 billion. As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALA Girls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org or http://www.mainelegionpost39.org/. Or contact: Robin Turek, President – American Legion Auxiliary Tardiff-Belanger Unit #39, PO Box 325, Madison, ME – robinturek@gmail.com – 696-8289.

Ice Out on China Lake

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“A trip around China Lake Sunday evening, April 16, indicated large areas of floating ice in the middle and north end of the lake on the China side and in the Vassalboro basin.

Monday morning, with the lake flat calm, the sun was reflecting from the open water, a very pretty sight.

There was some ice in the coves in the Vassalboro basin and a little ice south of the narrows on the China side, but the lake was virtually clear of ice at that time.

It is the decision of the judge that ice out for 2017 occurred on China Lake on Monday, April 17.”

The judge’s decision is final.

For his accurate guess of April 17, Jason Fleming, of China, is this year’s winner of The Town Line’s ice out contest.

Easter egg hunt held by Winslow Baptist Church

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Zane Buker is searching for Easter eggs during the Eggstravagant Egg Hunt on April 15.
Photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff

The Winslow Baptist Church was the site of an Easter egg hunt for hundreds of children and their families during the Eggstravagant Egg Hunt on April 15. The annual tradition is held at the park and playground on Halifax and Dallaire streets, in Winslow. According to pastor Larry Lakey, “We really love this community and are happy to serve kids and their families in such a fun way!”

Temple Academy student recognized at State House

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State Senator Scott Cyrway, left, presented Kiara Carr, of Fairfield, with a Legislative Sentiment for her accomplishment of scoring 1,433 points during her basketball career at Temple Academy, in Waterville.
Contributed photo

On April 6, Senator Scott Cyrway (R-Kennebec) welcomed Kiara Carr, of Fairfield, and her family to the State House. During her visit, Kiara was presented with a Legislative Sentiment recognizing her achievement of scoring 1,433 points as a member of Temple Academy’s girls basketball team.

“During her junior year, Kiara joined an elite group of Maine student-athletes who have reached 1,000 cumulative points in their high school career,” said Sen. Cyrway. “Kiara was not done there. By the end of this past season, Kiara had reached 1,433 points! This is incredible.

“There is no doubt that Kiara is an extremely talented athlete. The amount of time and dedication that it would take one to reach such an accomplishment must be very great. And Kiara was able to reach this achievement, all while balancing the demands of her school work and other extra-curricular activities.

“I’m so proud to have such a talented student-athlete in my district. Congratulations to Kiara and best wishes as she makes her future plans!”

Local scout troop conducts food drive

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Local Scout Troop 479 collected over $480 in canned and dry food, and over $450 in cash donations over the Friday and Saturday before Easter.

 

Madison Bodine, right, reconnected with his former kindergarten teacher Ann Austin, during the food drive he helped spearhead for the China Food Pantry.

Boy Scout Troop #479, of China, did some good this past Good Friday and collected food and donations to support the local China Food Pantry.

Led by Scoutmaster Scott Adams, with committee member Priscilla Adams, Assistant Scoutmasters Matt and Madison Bodine, and scouts Nick Shelton, Tucker Leonard and Misha Littlefield, the team prepared ahead of time by creating a fundraising flyer and posting a notice for volunteers on the troop’s Facebook page. Then early Friday morning the good Samaritans set out on their mission of Easter love.

They worked tirelessly all day Friday and most of Saturday, collecting over $580 in food and $451 in cash donations!

“It was very rewarding to support the China community in this way,” said Madison Bodine, “and it was nice to reconnect with Mrs. Austin, my former kindergarten teacher.”

Ann Austin, who has run the food pantry for more than 25 years with her late husband, Lee, was blown away by the generosity.

“Such a pleasant surprise!” she said. “There’s a lot of need this time of year for something most of us take for granted. Madison and his scout troop have changed a lot of lives this Easter season!”

The China Community Food Pantry is located at 1320 Lakeview Drive in China Village, and is open Friday and Saturday, noon – 1 p.m. For more information, or to donate, please call 968-2421, or email Ann Austin at lee.ljaustin@gmail.com.