KICK FOR CASS (2024): Annual 11-Hour continuous soccer game planned for July 13

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Cassidy Charette, right, with then-teammate Katie Mercier. (contributed photo)

Over 500 players, including 17 high school soccer teams from around the state, will join the 11-hour, continuous soccer game “Kick For Cass” on Saturday, July 13, at Thomas College, in Waterville. The annual event is held in memory of Cassidy Charette, former midfielder for Messalonskee High School Girls Soccer who wore the #11 jersey before her passing in a tragic hayride accident on October 11, 2014.

Cassidy Charette

Kick For Cass will welcome back high school soccer teams, playing from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., in a round-robin play day. From 3 to 7 p.m., community teams of club soccer, adult leagues, local organizations, Cassidy’s friends and neighbors, and her former soccer teammates will round out the final hours.

Kick for Cass is presented by Golden Pond Wealth Management, Central Maine Motors Auto Group, Kennebec Savings Bank, Hammond Lumber, Surette Real Estate, Central Maine United Soccer, and host, Thomas College. The event is also supported by Field Sponsors Camden National Bank and Darci and Dana Michaud. Proceeds from the event will support the CMU ShineOnCass Soccer Scholarship.

The final hour of Kick for Cass will have a walk-out ceremony and a friendly competition between Cassidy’s former soccer teammates from Messalonskee High School vs. her Central Maine United Premiere Soccer team, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Spectators are welcome all day. Hero’s On Wheels Food Truck will sell food from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Messalonskee Robotics Club will provide concessions throughout the event. Inclement weather date is Sunday, July 14. For more information visit shineoncass.org, or email shineoncass@gmail.com.

China Lake alewife restoration initiative receives international award

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From left to right, Landis Hudson, Nate Gray, and Matt Streeter display the award presented to the China Lake Alewife Restoration Initiative. (contributed photo)

Submitted by Landis Hudson

The China Lake Alewife Restoration Initiative, a complex, ambitious and highly collaborative project, has shown remarkable success since its completion. The effort has now received international recognition and was awarded the 2024 “Distinguished Project Award” at the recent 15th International Symposium on Ecohydraulics and Fish Passage held in Quebec City, Canada. Dating back to 2011, the annual Fish Passage Conference has brought together experts, managers, stakeholders and companies from around the world with concurrent sessions in engineering, biology, and management and social issues. One goal of the Distinguisted Projects Award is to inspire greater application of fish passage restoration, there was no cash awarded.

The goal of all China Lake Alewife Restoration Initiative was to restore fish passage to China Lake for alewives, a native migratory species. Over seven years, three dams were removed and three technical fishways were installed along the China Lake Outlet Stream. Known as the “fish that feed all” alewives are a keystone species, critical in freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, valuable throughout the land and waters of the Gulf of Maine. Alewives and blueback herring are collectively known as river herring. They feed many species of birds, including eagles and osprey, numerous other fish species, bear, raccoons, foxes, whales, haddock and cod. When the run is fully approved as being sustainable, a harvest can take place to benefit the Town.

In 2022, for the first time since the colonial era, native migratory alewives were able to make their way freely from the ocean to China Lake to spawn and they did so in large numbers—837,964 adults were counted as they entered the lake. Their offspring, young alewives, then made their way safely downstream and out to the ocean where they will live for four years before returning to freshwater to spawn. The results were remarkable in 2023 when a total of 1,943,733 adult alewives were counted entering the lake, even more remarkable in 2024 when 3,282,720 fish we tallied coming into the lake. In a letter confirming the size of the 2023 run, Nate Gray, key project partner and scientist with the Maine Department of Marine Resources, noted:

“The re-establishment of a river herring run of this magnitude is a rare bird after a 239-year absence. A hearty congratulations is in order for Maine Rivers and all the partners involved in this ambitious project!”

Landis Hudson, Maine Rivers Executive Director, and Matt Streeter, Alewife Restoration Initiative Project Manager. were in Quebec City to accept the award on behalf of the many partners who came together over the course of the undertaking. Partners and project supporters included: Natural Resource Conservation Service, Town of Vassalboro, Town of China, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Maine Natural Resources Conservation Program, Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, Kennebec Savings Bank, Maine Department of Marine Resources, Sebasticook Regional Land Trust, China Region Lakes Alliance, China Lake Association and its members, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maine Community Foundation, The Nature Conservancy in Maine, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, an Anonymous Foundation, and many generous individuals.

PHOTOS: Dirigo Lodge #104 gives away Bikes for Books

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Members of Dirigo Lodge #104, from left to right, Tom Squires, Sheldon Goodine, Len Goodine, Jason DeMerchant and Michael Falla. (photo courtesy of Sheldon Goodine)

Dirigo Lodge #104, of Weeks Mills, recently presented 20 bicycles to students at the Windsor Elementary School in their sponsored Bikes for Books program. Every student is awarded a ticket for each book they read to be entered into a drawing for the bicycle give-away. This marked the 12th year the Dirigo Lodge sponsored the program.

(photo courtesy of Sheldon Goodine)

Vassalboro Methodist Church receives community building grant

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Vassalboro United Methodist Church at 614 Main Street/Route 32. (contributed photo)

The Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) has received a $10,000 grant from the Community Building 2024 fund of the Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF). VUMC welcomes and offers services and support to all people. This grant will help improve accessibility to VUMC programs and services throughout the building and community.

In 1988 VUMC was constructed on Route 32, in Vassalboro, when the old and outdated Methodist churches in North and East Vassalboro villages were discontinued. The new church created a community center for people of Vassalboro and surrounding towns who come to attend Sunday services, special programs, concerts, public suppers and more. In addition VUMC members provide outreach through participation in the Vassalboro fuel fund, food pantry, senior programs, Scouting, kids’ scholarships to Camp Mechuwana, in Winthrop, and by delivering welcome baskets to new residents. VUMC also organizes and publishes a community calendar each year, and delivers them door to door throughout town.

VUMC is working towards broadening accessibility to all their programs and services by adding a lift/elevator between the sanctuary and fellowship hall; installing audio-visual equipment and internet capability for remote access to services; and updating other safety features throughout the building. Donations to assist VUMC in those efforts are greatly appreciated and can be mailed to 614 Main Street with a notation “for accessibility project.”

“The Methodist Church seeks, welcomes and nurtures all people,” said Harvey Boatman, project coordinator. “With so many churches having closed their doors, or in danger of it, including here in our own town, we recognize more than ever the importance of VUMC remaining a vital presence for those who wish to worship on Sundays or be a part of a faith community in some way or another. This project will help VUMC maintain that presence while building a stronger foundation for accessibility and future growth.”

All are welcome to VUMC, 10:00 a.m., Sunday services, at 614 Main Street/route 32. Public suppers take place in the church fellowship hall every third Saturday 4:30 – 6 p.m. Senior public luncheons for 55+ year olds are held in collaboration with the Vassalboro Recreation Department every second Wednesday 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

FMI visit Vassalboro United Methodist Church on Facebook or contact Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 873-5564.

Bridge construction update

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Please find below the anticipated traffic impacts and bridge closures for the week of June 24.

Note: the info published has been provided to the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and is accurate to the best of our knowledge. It is subject to sudden change based on staffing, weather, supply chain, etc.

Cianbro, of Pittsfield, the contractor, anticipates continuing eastbound left lane closures on the Ticonic Bridge project on various Monday-Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. depending on conditions.

Drivers are encouraged to drive cautiously, observe signage in the work zone, and reduce speed inside the work zone. Westbound travelers should continue to utilize the posted westbound detour.

Cianbro also reminds the traveling public of the following:

– ALL sidewalks on the Ticonic Bridge are closed for the safety of the public.
– Pedestrians should continue to use the pedestrian detour across the Two Cent Bridge. Pedestrians should not be walking around barricades, down the active lanes, in lane closures, or inside the work zone.
– Portable message boards and construction signing will continue to be used to provide advance warning and directions for the westbound detour route.

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.

Information provided by Mike Rocque – Consolidated Communications.

Area boy scouts do training in the woods

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Course Director Christopher Santiago, left, of Vassalboro, and Gearry Judkins, of Farmington, review the ITOLS syllabus during a break between sessions. Bryan Vick, of Waterville, not pictured, also helped with the program. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Area adult leaders in Scouting, and some from as far away as Rangeley, Kittery and Melrose, Massachusetts, took part in a weekend training course held at Camp Bomazeen on May 17 and 18 designed to make them better leaders by giving them confidence with their outdoor skills.

Outdoor adventure is the promise made to a child when they join Scouting. The Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (ITOLS) is a fun-filled program of hands-on skills training in the outdoors, designed to help leaders in Scout Troops master basic camp skills required for Tenderfoot to First Class.

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is the equivalent training for those working with Cub Scout-aged youth. The courses teach such things as outdoor cooking, map and compass, rope use, conducting safe campfires, hiking and backpacking, First Aid and Outdoor Ethics. The goal is to provide first-hand experiences so Scouting leaders can teach these skills to their Scouts. Course Director Chris Santiago of Vassalboro said, “It is important to teach these types of courses because Scouting is about being outdoors. Both ITOLS and BALOO help Scouters understand and guide them to the best practices of the BSA, and help Scouters become the best outdoor skilled version of themselves so they can share and deliver a quality program to our Scouts.”

Camp Bomazeen, located on Great Pond, in Belgrade, is the ideal outdoor setting for adults or youth to develop such skills that will serve them well through life. Gearry Judkins, Scoutmaster of Troop #546, in Farmington, would agree as he has spent three weekends in a row at Bomazeen for various Scouting events and was one of the ITOLS instructors.

Nathaniel Bacon is an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop #111, in Auburn, and was another instructor. “There is so much value in these programs,” Bacon said.

Dan Gacki, of Dallas Plantation, is not even registered in Scouting yet but felt it was important to take the course. “I am looking to start a Troop in Rangeley and I love the outdoors,” Gacki said. He traveled more than an hour to attend. Dale Leonard and Aaorn Whitman are Den Leaders in Kittery Pack #316 and also had long drives to attend. “I joined Scouts so I could find any excuse to get me and my family outside,” Leonard said. “The thing I love about Scouting,” Whitman added, “is being out in nature and being active.” Jeremy Seeley is a Den Leader of Cub Scout Pack #202, Topsham and agreed, “I really enjoy being outdoors and that is what Scouting is all about.”

Nick MacDonald spent nearly three hours on the road to get to Bomazeen. He is a Den Leader in Cub Scout Pack #615 out of Melrose, Massachusetts. He saw the event advertised on Facebook and came to complete the BALOO course.

Lou Garza is a parent volunteer with Scout Troop #805 in Windham. “I’m here to learn some stuff,” Garzia said. And experienced Scouting leaders like Kelly Deprez, Chartered Organization Representative for Cub Scout Pack #85, in Gorham, was happy to teach subjects such as knife skills and how to conduct an interfaith service for the BALOO course.

Chris Santiago is also Scoutmaster of Vassalboro Troop #410 and finds he learns from the students while teaching. “My favorite part of the course is meeting Scouters both new and experienced from across our district, across our council, and from outside of our council because you get to learn about them, their experiences, and most importantly become colleagues who may be a resource for you down the road.”

Some training courses are required in Scouting. Youth Protection training, for example, is required for all BSA registered volunteers and is a joining requirement that must be retaken every two years (annually for leaders in Maine’s Pine Tree Council which covers the Western and Southern half of state). Additionally, it is required in Pine Tree Council that all Cubmasters and Scoutmasters complete the Basic Leader Training and all assistant Scoutmasters and Assistant Cubmasters starting in 2025. Each pack or troop must have someone trained in BALOO or ITOLS and they must have at least two registered leaders who have completed Youth Protection Training in order to go camping.

Much of the emphasis in Scouting is as Baden Powell, founder of Scouting worldwide, intended. To challenge the youth in outdoor settings so as to help develop their character and train them to serve. As Powell said, “Teach Scouts not how to get a living, but how to live.”

Erskine Renaissance awards presented

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Seniors of the trimester, from left to right, Aaralyn Gagnon, Simon Clark, Noah Crummett, and Brody Loiko. (contributed photo)

On Friday, June 7, Erskine Academy students and staff, in South China, attended a Renaissance Assembly to honor their peers with Renaissance Awards.

Recognition awards were presented to the following students Katie Shaw, Connor Alcott, Lucas Berto, Lacey Arp, Tristan Anderson, and Stephanie Kumnick.

In addition to recognition awards, Senior of the Trimester Awards were also presented to four members of the senior class: Brody Loiko, son of Ben and Libby Loiko, of Vassalboro, and Mindy and Mike Mathieu, of Augusta; Noah Crummett, son of Monique and Justin Crummet, of Windsor; Simon Clark, son of Stacy and Christopher Clark, of China; and Aaralyn Gagnon, daughter of Todd and Lauren Gagnon, of Vassalboro. Seniors of the Trimester are recognized as individuals who have gone above and beyond in all aspects of their high school careers.

In appreciation of their dedication and service to Erskine Academy, Faculty of the Trimester awards were also presented to Dean McCaslin, bus driver; and Heather Shute, mathematics instructor.

Faculty of the trimester, Heather Shute, left, and Dean McCaslin. (contributed photo)

EVENTS: A China school reunion planned for July 18

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photo source: JMG.org

by Bob Bennett

As we all know, history cannot be changed and, sometimes unfortunately, it can be repeated in a negative sense. But most important of all, it must never be forgotten. This is one of the primary goals of our now, solidly in place, China Historical Society, and to follow that path we are going to coordinate an event with our annual meeting on Thursday, July 18. Since this is the 75th anniversary of the opening of the consolidated China School, we intend to hold our meeting at the present Middle School, on Lakeview Drive, and follow that event with a reunion of China students who attended the school from as far back as we can find them up to and including the present day.

While some of the fine points of this plan still need to be worked out, it is receiving strong support from RSU #18. While we realize that folks who switched to the school when it opened in 1949, from the numerous “neighborhood” facilities, are pretty well along in years, we hope there are a few who might be willing to share their memories of this change, which must have been dramatic to say the least.

Even though my personal ties to China only go back 42 years, I know several folks who started their education, as did most of us, at age 5 or 6, here in town in the early 1950s. Richard Dillenbeck, of the first class, is one of those and he has agreed to be the featured speaker for the discussion. If you readers have knowledge of other individuals who might be willing to share their memories and experiences in the new building, please inform them of our plan and have them reserve the date and a time frame of 6 to 6:30 p.m. We also would like to do a tour of the Middle School to allow those earlier “residents” who haven’t been inside for a while and all others to see the huge changes that have occurred in the five room original structure with a kitchen in the basement.

So, in conclusion, we will use The Town Line and social media sites related to China to keep everyone up to date and work to make this a memorable activity; stay tuned!

New industrial business-space complex planned for Winslow

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Artist’s rendering of exterior look. (Contributed artwork)

submitted by Dave Carew

Kennebec Roofing, a family-owned business in Waterville, has begun construction of The Kennebec Roofing Industrial Annex (KIA), a premier, $2.8 million, 16,500 square foot industrial office-space property for local contractors and others, to be located at the high-visibility location of 875 China Road (Route 137), in Winslow, minutes away from Route 201 and Interstate 95. Named in memory of Kierra “KIA” Ann Lint, the strategic complex will offer state-of-the-art, 1,650-square-feet business spaces with mezzanine offices, garages, and amenities for mid-size contractors, such as roofing companies, those who install flooring, electricians, garage door companies, plumbers, and HVAC. At least 10 units are planned, which also may be used as warehouses or storefronts. A unit for sports organizations, available for rent by the hour or day for practice and games, will also be available, along with year-round storage facilities for boats and RVs.

View from the mezzanine. (Contributed artwork)

“The $2.8 million investment in The Kennebec Roofing Industrial Annex is critically important and impactful for our community,” said Garvan Donegan, Director of Planning, Innovation, and Economic Development for the Central Maine Growth Council. “This new commercial project brings much-needed commercial square-footage inventory into the Winslow and regional market, providing opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs to establish a presence in Winslow, Maine. The Central Maine Growth Council, in conjunction with the Town of Winslow, is available to discuss public-private finance tools and economic development programs to support businesses looking to benefit from this key development project.”

George Lint, owner of Kennebec Roofing and a Winslow native, said The Kennebec Roofing Industrial Annex represents the culmination of one of his major business goals. “I am excited to see my dream of developing a much-needed commercial and multi-use facility in my hometown become reality,” Lint said. “I’m looking forward to future expansion plans to benefit the entire Winslow community.”

Among the benefits of renting office/business space within The Kennebec Roofing Industrial Annex will be flexible lease options; a year-round, climate-controlled environment; ample parking for tenants and their clients; secure outdoor and indoor storage for equipment and materials; custom-building of units to meet specific business needs; and high-bay commercial doors that allow easy access for large equipment and vehicles.

For more information, please call Kennebec Roofing at (207) 873-6128.

Windsor 10-year-old is cancer survivor

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Owen and family at a Celtics game. (contributed photo)

by Mark Huard

Owen Gosselin is a 10-year-old boy from Windsor. He is a little league player, a beloved son and brother and a student. Owen is also a survivor of cancer. Over the last year, Owen and his family have been fighting a battle.

Owen Gosselin ready for the game. (contributed photo)

In December, Owen was diagnosed with Ependymoma grade 3, a cancerous brain tumor. He had a successful resection surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital this past January, followed by six weeks of radiation. The surgeon was able to successfully remove the whole tumor. Owen has worked hard to recover and regain his strength. He resumed playing sports this spring for the Capital Area Little League.

Owen’s mother, Melissa, reached out to someone she knew that helps raise funds for this cause. She became connected to Kelly’s Cause for Brain Tumor Fundraising. Kelly’s dad died from brain cancer shortly after she graduated high school. She went to college for occupational therapy, and after she graduated and got a job, she wanted to do more. She began fundraising for the national brain tumor society by hosting a 5k, which then evolved into multiple events a year along with the 5k. In 11 years they have raised $184,000 for the national brain tumor society and the last few years have been donating to local families as well.

Three years into fundraising, Kelly started a small committee of family and friends committed to helping. All of the members are in the Augusta area and the only group of people in Maine to raise money for this cause. Over the years, Kelly’s Cause has gone to Washington, DC, to advocate to congress about funding NIH for cancer research, and to share a lot of information with the community about brain cancer.

It is no surprise this disease tears into families emotionally, physically and financially. Knowing this, the group provided Owen’s family with support. They hosted an event for their family to provide funds for the family and all of their travel to treatment. They had to stop working quickly, so this support was done to try to reduce the financial stress.

Kelly’s Cause has raised $184,000 for local families and The National Brain Tumor Society. Kelly’s Cause was recognized at Augusta’s Little League opening. Coach Ryan Conrad asked the board if they would allow Owen to throw out the first pitch on opening day May 11, 2024. Everyone is so proud of Owen and so thankful for Kelly and her cause.

Kelly’s Cause for Brain Tumors has upcoming events including a golf event at Natanis Golf Course, in Vassalboro, on Friday, June 21, and a 5k on Sunday, July 21, at the Augusta rail trail. More detailed information for these events are on Kelly’s cause for brain tumors Facebook page.