Local scouts honor veterans at parade

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Vassalboro Scouts at the Waterville Veterans Day Parade. Front row, from left to right, Tiger Scout Kasen Maroon, Wolf Scout Beckett Metcalf, Tiger Scout Greyson Malloy, Wolf Scout John Gray, and Wolf Scout Lux Reynolds. Second row, Tiger Den Leader Shane Maroon, Dragon Scout Lila Reynolds, Asst. Cubmaster/Wolf Den Leader Chris Reynolds, Webelos Scout Anthony Malloy, Arrow of Light Scout Christopher Santiago, Arrow of Light Scout William Vincent, Webelos Scout Henry Gray, Asst. Scoutmaster/Cubmaster Christopher Santiago. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Anthony Fortin of Augusta

In Waterville, Scouts from Vassalboro, Winslow, Windsor and Augusta marched in the Veterans Day Parade with some of the Cub Scouts from Windsor leading the pledge of allegiance at City Hall. Windsor Pack #609 Cubmaster Shawn McFarland said, “This was our first parade and first community event. I am so proud of these Littles! Thank you everyone.” The pack, which became official this month after several years of non-operation, is also going to be marching in the Gardiner Parade of Lights. Christopher Santiago is a leader for both Scout Troop and Cub Pack #410, in Vassalboro, and said, “Vassalboro Scouting came out to thank our veterans and marched in the Waterville Veterans Day Parade alongside its Charter Organization, American Legion Post #126. A great job by our scouts and their families who braved the cold on this important day. Thank you Veterans!”

In Augusta, members of Scout Troop #431 served lunch to veterans at American Legion Post #2 and in Litchfield, Scout Troop #672 took part in a flag retirement ceremony with members of American Legion William R Bold Post #181, Litchfield.

Augusta Troop 631

Pack 609 Tiger Cub Brody Dyer holding a handmade sign

Vassalboro Historical Society on-line collection now available

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Vassalboro Historical Society

by Mary Grow

The Vassalboro Historical Society’s online collection, showing pictures of items from the society’s collection, is now available for viewing by computer at vassalborohistoricalsociety.org.

People can see on line photos of items in the society’s collection, showing people, a great variety of documents, clothing, household objects and furniture, tools and other historic items.

The front page of the website invites viewers to visit the online collection, where they find instructions for using it to search, for example, for a key word or for photos of objects, and for refining searches to more specific topics.

Society members plan to continue to expand on-line offerings.

Sign up for The Remembrance Tree 2023

/0 Comments/in , /by

Help us decorate the tree and at the same time remember loved ones. For only $10 a ball, you can commemorate loved ones who have passed. Mail your donations and the names of your remembered love ones to:

The Town Line
PO Box 89
South China, ME 04358

(Or use our online donate option and then send us an email (townline@townline.org) with the names of your loved ones.)

Deadline is Friday, December 16, 2023. The completed tree will be published in the December 21 issue.

EVENTS: Festival of Wreaths to benefit Winslow Community Cupboard Food Pantry

/0 Comments/in , , /by
by Dave Carew

The Festival of Wreaths – a raffle-benefit for Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry – will be held on Friday, November 24, from noon to 8 p.m., and on Saturday, November 25, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow. Admission to the event will be a $1 donation; raffle tickets will be 50 cents each. Food and beverages will be available for sale and there will be a very special appearance by Santa Claus!

Featuring more than 50 wonderful Christmas and holiday wreaths, the raffle-benefit will seek to raise urgently-needed funds for the food pantry, which has served more than 20,087 food-insecure households in Winslow, Waterville, and surrounding towns so far in 2023.

According to Operations Manager Bruce Bottiglierie, Winslow Community Cupboard – which also operates a Mobile Food Pantry that directly serves locations in Waterville, Skowhegan, Fairfield, and more than a dozen other local towns – has experienced a 39 percent increase in the number of households needing food-pantry service this year. The Festival of Wreaths is sponsored by Healthy Northern Kennebec.

For more information, please contact Bruce Bottiglierie, Winslow Community Cupboard, at 207-616-0076 or WinslowCupboard@Gmail.com.

Love is Louder rally held at Mill Park in Augusta

/0 Comments/in , /by

photo by Jonathan Strieff

by Jonathan Strieff

Well over 200 demonstrators gathered at Mill Park, in Augusta, on Sunday, November 12, to take part in the Love is Louder rally organized by State Representative Regan La Rochelle and the Greater Augusta Unity Committee. The event came in response to recent incidents of vandalism and hate speech in Augusta and Hallowell and a rise in neo-Nazi organizing taking place statewide. The rally featured eight speakers including elected officials, the Augusta chief of police, various faith leaders, and the regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, as well as live music, sign and banner painting, and crafts and activities for families.

On August 12, two dozen masked men assembled at the State House behind a banner reading “Keep New England White,” to chant racist and anti-immigrant slogans at passersby. Similar demonstrations occurred in Portland and Lewiston in 2022. Following the August event, swastika graffiti appeared at Mill Park and Cony High School and at least one city council meeting in Hallowell was disrupted by anonymous “zoom bombers,” calling in remotely to shout racist, antisemitic, and homophobic comments at the council members.

Addressing the crowd on Sunday, LaRochelle explained that the Unity Committee organized the event following an outcry from residents looking to “do something” to counter the recent series of hateful displays. “(Residents) were looking for an outlet,” said LaRochelle, “to show what our community and the beautiful state of Maine is truly about.”

The rally began with an up-tempo performance by Pat Colwell and the Soul Sensations. Following a moment of silence and a reading of the names of the shooting victims in Lewiston, LaRochelle first introduced Augusta Police chief, Jared Mills. Mills spoke briefly to commend the organizers and liken the days event to other random acts of kindness that he and his department encounter daily.

Hallowell mayor George LaPointe (photo by Jonathan Strieff)

Next, Hallowell mayor, George LaPointe, described the values of love, tolerance, inclusiveness, and community as fundamental to the character of his city, despite occasional reminders that not everyone feels the same way. “Our work to become a better place is everyones and is ongoing.” LaPointe closed by paraphrasing Edmund Burke, saying, “the only thing necessary for the triumph of hate is for good people to do nothing.”

Rabbi Erica Asch from Temple Beth El, in Augusta, spoke next, connecting recent events in the capital area to a larger national trend. “What has been happening here in Augusta is part of a larger pattern of antisemitism in our country. Since my family and I moved here to Maine 10 year ago the number of antisemitic incidents in the United States has quintupled… Most synagogs, including ours here in Augusta, regularly have police officers patrolling during our holidays and our Hebrew schools.” Rabbi Asch spoke to the many ways the Jewish community feels targeted today and of the importance of events like Love is Louder to grow solidarity.

Augusta mayor, Mark O’Brien, celebrated the Augusta City Councils unanimous decision to establish a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee as sending a decisive message that the city welcomes, recognizes, and values all people.“We don’t always have the power to change the hatred that exists, but we do have control over how we react. We will not be accepting. We will not be intimidated. We will not be silent…No matter what our backgrounds or upbringings, we are united in striving for the protection of individual rights, free and civil debate, and the rejection of intolerance.”

Jonathan Strieff is a freelance contributor to The Town Line newspaper

photo by Jonathan Strieff

Volunteers at The Mill help with basic needs

/0 Comments/in , /by

Unidentified volunteers stand ready to help folks. (photo by Roberta Barnes)

by Roberta Barnes

The Olde Mill in Vassalboro (photo by Roberta Barnes)

We all need a little help at various times. For the past year, people have been receiving food as needed at The Mill, in Vassalboro. Food is the fuel needed to keep our bodies functioning and proper nutrition matters.

Nevertheless, there can be times when the cupboards in a household do not have enough food to provide that fuel. Whether a person is trying to learn something new to him or her, or doing a job in the right way, it is difficult if that person does not have enough food to provide the needed fuel for his or her body. Enjoying the simple things in life or having a restful night’s sleep do not always happen if a person has not eaten the food that his or her body needs.

Through the Winslow community cupboard and Good Shepard food bank, volunteers at The Mill, in Vassalboro, are helping put the needed food in those cupboards. Wednesdays from 4 – 7 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., (except on Holidays) donated breads, canned goods, vegetables, cheeses, fruits, and more are available to put in your grocery bag when needed.

By 9 a.m. Sunday morning volunteers were unloading boxes of donated food from the Winslow Community Cupboard truck and carrying them into The Mill. Other volunteers were busy taking donated food out of those boxes and arranging them on the appropriate tables.

It takes time to safely handle all the donated foods and organize them in the best way. Samantha, the primary organizer, and some other volunteers began setting things up at 7:30 that morning.

Volunteers not only organized things so that people passing by the tables in single file could pick up the food needed for their household but were watching over so that people could get needed food in the best way. While the donated foods are free, any monetary donation is welcome as each dollar allows this program to continue to help provide food to those needing it at certain junctions in time.

Needing food can happen at unexpected times. Signing in you simply include your first name, the town in which you live and the number of people in your household. As you move through the line your focus only needs to be on the nutritional needs for you and others in your household.

Roberta Barnes is a freelance contributor to The Town Line newspaper.

Tables of food available for those in need. (photo by Roberta Barnes)

(photo by Roberta Barnes)

Construction Updates China Road Construction – Winslow Ongoing Work

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Eastwood Contractors will continue a $2.4 million stormwater contract on the China Road.

Work will continue in front of Cumberland Farms, tying into a large box culvert with a 48-inch storm drain that will proceed east on the China Road to the Cushman Road and continue down the Cushman Road.

Because of the depth and size of the pipe, work continues on this project. Contractors will occupy both eastbound lanes with two-way traffic maintained in the westbound lane.

Every effort will be made to minimize disruption to the affected businesses. This work is to eliminate a flooding problem that has existed in this area for a long time.

Waterville-Winslow Ticonic Bridge Construction Look Ahead

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Lane Closures:

The bridge will be closed from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., from Sunday, November 19 -Thursday, November 23, for work requiring access to the entire bridge. During this time, all vehicles will be required to follow the posted detour route. Message boards will be used to warn drivers. Pedestrians should continue to utilize the posted detour route during these times.

Thursday, November 23, not a definite for closure 7 p.m. – 6 a.m. Announcement will be made as the date gets closer.

Drivers are encouraged to proceed cautiously, observe signage in the work zone, and obey reduced work zone speed limits.

URGENT SAFETY REMINDER:

It is unlawful and unsafe to traverse the river via the rail bridge. Pedestrians have been observed doing so and are reminded of the dangers of such activity. Pedestrians must utilize the Two Cent Bridge for foot traffic.

Alfond Youth Center hosted its 99th annual holiday community dinner

/0 Comments/in , /by

Photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine photography

by Mark Huard

The Alfond Youth & Community Center, serving the Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA of Greater Waterville, hosted its 99th Annual Holiday Community Dinner on Thursday, November 9, 2023. This traditional sit-down holiday dinner with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, rolls, gravy, vegetables, beverages, pies and all the trimmings was amazing. The event served over 1,000 community members.

The event is staffed by AYCC employees, volunteers from the Sunrise Rotary Club of Waterville and AYCC members. Central Maine Motors Auto Group was the event’s exclusive sponsor for the 10th year in a row, donating 700 pounds of turkey for the dinner.

“My husband, Chris, and I were pleased to be able to sponsor the Annual Holiday Community dinner again this year,” said Linanne Gaunce, Donations / Employee Relations at Central Maine Motors Auto Group. “We have much to be thankful for and feel strongly about giving back. Central Maine may be large, but it is a tight-knit community. We look out for each other during difficult times and share our joy during good times. We are happy to join with the AYCC to bring everyone together to enjoy a home cooked meal and celebrate our community and our connection to each other.”

The holidays are a busy time for Linanne, Chris and their team at Central Maine Motors Auto Group. A few weeks from now – just as they have in the past – they will make sure every family from the AYCC’s Waterville After School and Preschool programs receives a turkey and a bag of the fixings for their Thanksgiving dinner. The Central Maine Motors Auto Group is as competitive as they are generous. Chris and Linanne provide a list of what is needed for the bags (i.e., vegetables, gravy, etc.) and host a contest to see which site can fill the bags the fastest.

“We are incredibly grateful to Linanne, Chris and the Central Maine Motors Auto Group team for providing Thanksgiving dinners to the families of AYCC’s youth,” said DJ Adams, After School Programs Director, AYCC. “The holidays are a time for families to come together but can also be a difficult time for some. By donating the turkeys and all the fixings, Central Maine Motors Auto Group has taken some of the pressure off these families and helped to make it possible for them to focus on enjoying family time together.”

Photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine photography

EVENTS: Warming up for Christmas concert set

/0 Comments/in , , /by

After five years Steve and Linda Fotter are returning for the Warming Up For Christmas Concert. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

After a five year hiatus, Steve and Linda Fotter and friends are putting on a benefit concert for Operation Hope managed by the Waterville Police Dept. It is called Warming Up for Christmas and will be held November 18, 5 p.m., at the Williamson Auditorium, at Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. Steve includes some of his current and former guitar students. This year the Al Corey Orchestra under the direction of Brian Nadeau will be opening the concert. Tickets are $25.00 in advance, or $30.00 at the door. They can be purchased on Eventbrite.com.

Over his 17 year career, Fotter and his wife, Linda have gathered everyone together for the performance, and donated the proceeds to charitable causes, so that more people have shelter, safety and food that they wouldn’t of otherwise have. In 2018 the Fotters raised $14,300 for the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, in Waterville, and $15,000 for the Shine on Cass Foundation. The Fotters and the community have helped raise more then $150,000 over the years.

The Fotters say their only goals are to help others and have left a legacy of benevolence, grace and compassion filled with beautiful music that touches not only our ears but our hearts. And it’s a legacy that will continue to inspire others to live and love just a bit harder.

The benefits they have supported include the MS society, heating assistance, first choice, pregnancy center, shine on Cass foundation, the homeless shelter, and now operation. Hope.

Fotter says, this years event will help a wonderful cause that is helping people with serious drug addictions. It is a real problem in our community and if we can help just one person and we’ve done something positive and good. Tickets are also available by calling Mr. Fotter at 207-649-0722.