PALERMO: Community Garden gives back

/0 Comments/in , /by

Group seeks donations for seed money

by Connie Bellet

Although 350 pounds of vegetables may not sound like a lot, the fact that most of these freshly-picked, organic veggies are greens that do not weigh a lot translates into loads of nutrition for people in our communities. Every growing season, the volunteers at the Palermo Community Garden carefully tend 30 raised beds, weeding, washing, and sorting the radishes, kales, tomatoes, lettuces, peas, summer squash, beans, herbs, and many more varieties that are donated to the Palermo Food Pantry. Last winter, the Garden lost three bearing trees in the severe cold snap, so they need to be replaced. And, of course, many of the seeds need to be purchased, above and beyond those that have been saved.

The Community Garden is sponsored by the Living Communities Foundation, but funding has been generously supplied by SeedMoney.org, a Maine nonprofit, who has offered us a Challenge Grant. We have requested $900, and have until December 15 to raise that much through their crowdfunding program. They are over a third of the way to their goal, and need your help to get over the top to be eligible for a grant. They believe in the good that can be done in a Community Garden, that not only provides food, but gives people a chance to work the soil together, socialize in the grape arbor, and connect with literal roots. Please donate now by going to: https://donate.seedmoney.org/8834/palermo-community-garden.

PHOTOS: Winter Wonderland

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Garth Bammer, of China, took this photo on the Little Andros­coggin River, in Auburn.

Left, Raya, 10, and Ivy Belisle, 7, of Waterville, built a snowman following the season’s first storm on December 4. Middle, Kara Brennan, 4, of Waterville, with her snowman, and brother, Jack, 8, right, with his masterpiece. (photos by Mark Huard)

Local scouts conduct drive to benefit area food pantries

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Scouts food drive Troop 631 (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Text and photos by Chuck Mahaleris

Callum Dorias, of Madison, is a member of Pack #428, in Pittsfield, and took part in the Scouting for Food Drive on November 11. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Lord Robert Baden Powell, the founder of Scouting worldwide, said, “The most worthwhile thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.” Scouting isn’t just about earning badges and recognitions. Scouting strives to prepare youth to become responsible, participating citizens and leaders who are guided by the values of Scout Oath and Law. Scout Leaders throughout Kennebec Valley District, try to foster in our Cubs and Scouts an attitude of service especially for those in their community who are struggling. That’s where the annual Scouting for Food Drive comes in.

According to Kennebec Valley District Scouting for Food chairman Shelley Connolly, of Pittsfield, the national food drive began in 1985. Connolly said, “On average, 1 in 4 children in Maine is at risk for hunger daily, and 37 percent of them do not qualify for public assistance. They are even more vulnerable when school is not in session (summers, vacation weeks and weekends). All Scouting Units (Packs, Troops and Crews) are charged with conducting at least one Scouting for Food collection annually.” She stressed this can be done either in the Fall or the Spring depending on when the greatest need exists in their particular community.

“It’s our National Good Turn for America. Fall and Spring collections are recommended.” Scout leaders, working with their local food bank or pantry, pick a date to conduct their food drive. Some choose to go door to door collecting food while in other towns the Scouts fill a tent or a canoe outside a grocery store. Any funds donated to the Scouts at these collection efforts is used to buy additional food for the needy. “Our Scout Oath calls on our young people to “help other people at all times,” and Scouting for Food demonstrates to the nation how our movement can make a difference in their communities,” Connolly said.

Scouts in Vassalboro held their “Scouting for Food” drive on November 19 and collected 142 pounds of food that was delivered to the Vassalboro Food Station Pantry.

“On behalf of all of the families in Troop #497, we would like to thank the Jackman community for your overwhelming support of our annual Scouting for Food Drive,” Scoutmaster Karla Talpey said after the Scouts from the Moose River Valley held their food drive on Saturday, November 18. “We continue to be amazed at the generosity of everyone. We delivered boxes- each filled with a Turkey (or ham), potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sugar, flour, butter, pasta and pasta sauce, peanut butter and jelly, juice, cereal, turnip, carrots, and yes, even a roll of paper towels- to 12 families. A special Thank you to Mountain Country Market for always allowing us to set up in their parking lot for the day. We would like to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving.” The troop also received $709 in donations which bought additional food for the needy. “We have been doing this for more than 30 years. The community is so generous.”

Connolly is also the leader for Cubs and Scouts in the Pittsfield area. “Troop and Pack #428 held its annual Scouting for Food event at Danforth’s Downhome Supermarket, in Pittsfield, on November 11,” she said. “Scouts accepted food items from the very generous customers in the community. Additionally, the Scouts set up a Veterans Day display and gave veterans a small gift as they came through. Some customers gave the Scouts a monetary donation for the event. The older Scouts would then take a Cub Scout shopping. It’s always interesting to see what elementary school aged children think would be good in a pantry. They also were able to practice thrifty shopping skills to yield the most amount of items for the amount they had to spend. In the end the Scouts collected just over 900 pounds of food. This food was distributed to three area pantries: Hartland’s Food Cupboard, Somerset Elementary Food Pantry and Warsaw School’s Food Pantry.”

Augusta Troop #631 Scouts and leaders helped pack Thanksgiving food bags on November 19 with the American Legion Post #2. These bags are going to veterans and to the community.

Pack #410 Vassalboro Wolf Scout Declan McLaughlin and Lion Scout Boone McLaughlin, at the Vassalboro Food Station Pantry, show off the 142 items of food collected by local Scouts. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

The town of China has a new author!

/0 Comments/in , /by

Lance Gilman

Lance Gilman, who was born in Waterville, raised in Bangor (graduated from Bangor High School) and currently a resident of China, is now an author who has just released his first book – Conquering Retirement! Lance is a 20-year veteran combat engineer, army officer and an independent Investment Adviser Representative (IAR). He is also President & CEO of Northern Alliance Financial, LLC (NAF). Headquartered in Auburn, (with nine other locations throughout the state and numerous Fiduciary advisers), Northern Alliance is an independent, comprehensive wealth management firm – focusing on all aspects of investments, retirement planning and wealth preservation.

Conquering Retirement, Strategies to Reduce Threats, Maximize Income & Live Worry-Free covers all aspects of retirement planning. This book is designed to walk you through the seven major areas of a comprehensive financial plan, including: goals, budgeting, long-term care/risk management, social security, tax considerations, Medicare options, and legal/estate planning.

There are a number of ways to get a copy of the book. The easiest way to get your copy would be to call the main office in Auburn: 207-241-7430. The cost of the book is $15.99 and shipping $2, or $17.99 total. Another option would be to go to the NAF website: www.nafinancialadvisors.com. A link will be available there, where you can order the book. As an alternative to paying for the book, you can also use the phone number above to call and schedule a no cost/no obligation appointment with one of the advisers on the NAF team and receive a complimentary/free copy. Lead the charge, get a plan, and conquer your retirement today!

Local scouts hold Lego derby

/0 Comments/in , /by

Tony and Simon Giroux, of Winslow, show off Simon’s “Double Play” Lego Pinewood Derby Car. (photos by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Seventy-five youths, mostly Cub Scouts, from Hartland to Buxton rolled into Camp Bomazeen, on November 4, for the annual Lego Pinewood Derby.

“We love to see Camp Bomazeen so filled with Scouts,” event chairman Julie McKenney, of Belgrade, said. “It was a sunny day so the Scouts put their cars together outside with their parent’s help and then everyone came inside the dining hall where the track was set up for the races. Counting Cubs and Scouts, parents, leaders, and siblings, there were close to 200 people in the place cheering on the Lego racers. It was very exciting. Love to see all the new folks and the smiling faces.”

Gabriel Booker and his father Michael Booker, of Augusta, work on his Lego car. Gabriel came in first overall last year and third overall this year at the races. (photos by Chuck Mahaleris)

Gabriel Booker, of Augusta, came in third fastest overall with his Raptor Rider Lego car. He knows just the right blocks to put together as last year his car was the overall winner of the event. His father, Michael said Gabriel is in second grade, at Lincoln Elementary School, and he is a Wolf Cub, in Augusta Pack #684. “He loves Scouts and all the fun things that they do,” Michael Booker said while watching Gabriel put together the block car.

Simon Giroux and his father Tony Giroux, of Winslow, are members of Cub Pack #445. “I built this car. It has a Storm Trooper inside. I call it Double Play,” Simon said. He is in second grade at Winslow Elementary. Tony enjoys seeing his son use his creativity to come up with the design for the car before he builds it.

Cheryl Sarto was very pleased with the program. She and her children Mya and Jaycob came from Biddeford for the event. “They loved it,” Cheryl said. “We originally went because friends that we met at Camp Hinds Day Camp this past summer are from Pittston and were going as well. So it was definitely worth it for us.” Jaycob is a Webelos in Saco Cub Pack #311 and is in the fourth grade.

Brayden Humphrey was there with his dad Ryan Humphrey. Brayden attends Somerset Elementary School, in Hartland, where he lives. Braydon had a full story for the driver of his car “Spidey”. He has Legos at home so this was a fun event. “It was a fun event to come and build a car and race it,” Ryan said. “He helped me with the metal parts,” Braydon said about the axles that hold the tires.

Up to four cars could run on the metal track at once and an electronic eye recorded who crossed the line first and computers recorded the speeds of each car. “It is very high-tech,” McKenney said.

Local author seeks funds to help heal grieving Lewiston community

/0 Comments/in , /by

Jeanine Deas

Waterville-based author and poet Jeanine Deas is seeking donations to print copies of her not-for-profit grief book When Someone We Love Dies, which she then will donate free of charge to community members in Lewiston grieving the mass-shooting there. Any additional copies will be distributed free of charge to Maine’s families, schools, libraries, churches, hospitals, and hospices.

“Our desire is to have this not-for-profit book reach people who are grieving the loss of a loved one, and those who want to understand and support someone who is grieving,” said Jeanine Deas. She noted that When Someone We Love Dies is a collaboration with her friend, Charlie Hartman, whose son Alec, a brilliant young photographer, died in 2019. The text of When Someone We Love Dies is a moving and uplifting poem by Jeanine Deas.

To help defer the printing costs of When Someone We Love Dies, Jeanine is now seeking donations from the local community. Each $2.25 donated will allow Jeanine to print one copy of the grief book. To donate, please mail a check payable to “ALBISON’S PRINTING” to WSWLD / PO Box 2434 / Waterville, ME 04903.

For more information, please email Jeanine Deas at JeanineDeas@Gmail.com.

PHOTOS: First snowmen of the year

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Left photo, Asher, Gideon and Joseph Alix with their Thanksgiving snowman from the first snowfall of the year. Right, Emma, 2, and Parker, 9, Robbins, of Skowhegan, show off their snowman. (photos by Central Maine Photography)

Parade of Lights kicks off holiday season in Central Maine

/0 Comments/in , /by

Isabella, of Fairfield, visits with Santa at Kringleville. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

Everly Hanson, 6, of Clinton, enjoying her ride on the float during the Parade of Lights. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

Winslow and Waterville partnered together for the annual Parade of Lights, opening of Kringleville, lighting of the Winslow Gazebo, and the lighting of the Castonguay Square.

Temperatures were in the mid-20s by Saturday evening, as the lighted floats, marchers, and Santa made their way from Winslow High School, down Benton Ave, across the bridge into Waterville. Once in Waterville the parade proceeded up Main Street.

In Castonguay Square, City of Waterville Parks and Recreation department found a huge tree for the annual display, while SkyBoy Holiday & Event Lighting, a major sponsor of Kringleville, was creative in setting up lights on Santa’s Cabin and wrapping trees and light poles. With a countdown from Santa, the magic of the season was brightly lit to kick off the annual Kringleville event, which runs Saturdays and Sunday afternoons in December.

The Parade Grand Marshal this year was Victor Esposito Jr., sponsored by Central Maine Motors Group. Victor is a longtime supporter of Jobs for Maine Graduates. He is a JMG Master Specialist, and 77 years old. He’s worked for JMG for the past 24 years, and spent 21 of those years at Vassalboro Community School working in grades six to eight. For the past two years he has been working out of the AYCC (still with JMG) doing Workforce Dev­elopment and Career Exploration, and helping to develop the Teen Program at the AYCC. He has been teaching for a total of 42 years.

Special thanks to Amanda McCaslin from Winslow Parks and Re­creation for coordinating the parade and the lineup, and the police departments from Waterville and Winslow for coordinating the road closures and keeping everyone safe.

Owner of Stage Presence for Dancers Heather Beaster says, “participating in the The Parade of Lights has been a tradition for our studio for over a decade. It kicks off the holiday season for us and the whole community! It’s so amazing to see the smiles on kids and adults faces as you go through the route. Everyone is so joyful, even in the cold! The spirit of the season is definitely in the air, you can feel it! Our SP4D Family wouldn’t miss it!

Second place winner in the float competition, Mushero’s Lawn Care. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

Winslow Parks and Recreation Director Amanda McCaslin added, “The parade of lights was a remarkable success, marking a festive beginning for the central Maine community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated town employees and volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring this event to life. The floats showcased an extraordinary display of creativity and holiday cheer, captivating everyone with their exquisite craftsmanship. It was truly a sight to behold!”

Judges, representing the Children’s Discovery Museum, have chosen this year’s Parade of Lights contest finalists, judging holiday theme and best looking floats.

First place Maine Homeschool Athletic Association, second place, Mushero’s Lawn Care; and third place, Winslow Parks and Rec.

The thousands of people in attendance at the parade of lights definitely lit the path to the holiday season. Whether you were there as a child or as a parent or guardian or grandparent, you were welcomed as part of a wonderful event by the community for the community. Make sure you keep that spirit going by enjoying Main Street and visiting Santa Claus in his cabin on Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas.

Downtown Waterville aglow in lights, and bustling with activity during the Parade of Lights. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

PALERMO: Help grow a seed money grant

/0 Comments/in , /by

The Palermo Community Garden gave almost 350 pounds of fresh greens, veggies, and herbs to the Palermo Food Pantry this growing season, and it was all done with volunteer labor and a grant from SeedMoney.org, a Maine nonprofit. This is a crowd funding challenge grant that the Living Communities Foundation applies for every fall. The challenge period is from November 15 to December 15, and your support would be highly appreciated. They are attempting to win a grant of $900 this year.

But you can help, and your support will help provide food security for many of our neighbors. In addition to using 100 percent of the funds raised from businesses and individuals like you, they have a chance to win a challenge grant of up to $1,000 from SeedMoney.org based on how much is raised over the course of the 30-day challenge period. Please support the campaign here:

https://donate.seedmoney.org/8834/palermo-community-garden

You are welcome to stop by during the growing season to enjoy the beautiful plants and their community of pollinators.

Here is a picture of the Community Garden in full bloom. Thank you for your support!

The Palermo Community Garden in full bloom

EVENTS: Rotary Club launches charity auction

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

The 60th annual Waterville Rotary Auction with hundreds of gifts, services and unique items will once again be held online through BiddingOwl.com.

If you would like more information about the online auction Saturday, November 25, through Friday, December 1, 2023, please see our webpage for details: https://watervillerotary.com/. You may also actively bid and participate in the auction simply by visiting: www.biddingowl.com/auctions.cfmon. Bidding opens on November 25.

The Waterville Rotary Club hosts an auction each year in late November to benefit what Rotarians determine to be among the worthiest causes of the region. Every year, for more than half a century, this important community event has supported Rotary’s efforts to make a difference in our community.

Proceeds from the 2023 Online Auction will again go to benefit many important community programs.

This year, Waterville Rotary’s initiative focuses on the community’s greatest asset-children and youth. Among the many service projects that the club assists with, Waterville Rotary will support Kennebec Valley Community Action Program’s South End Teen Center.

One of the area’s critically important needs is providing safe and secure community spaces for youth and providing programming to develop skills, create healthy aspirations, and combat the current mental health and substance abuse crisis. The South End Teen Center offers these types of activities and helps young people develop leadership, self-esteem, and decision-making skills.

Rotary Club of Waterville thanks the business community for its support and contribution to the local community.

For more information about cash and/or item donations please call 649-2745.

For more information about the Rotary, visit the website at watervillerotary.com.