Vassalboro Legion to collect holiday gifts for veterans

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Veterans Administration facility at Togus. (Internet photo)

During the holiday season for the last three years, members of American Legion Post #126, Vassalboro, gathered personal care products, puzzle books, and snacks for veterans at Togus Veterans Home, in Augusta.

The members of American Legion Post #126, Vassalboro, are inviting you to join them as they collect. Once again, the Sew for a Cause group at St. Bridget Center have made and donated more than 250 Christmas stockings for this project. They will fill the stockings on December 9, 2024, at St Bridget Center, 864 Main St., North Vassalboro. All are welcome to sort and fill the stockings. The filled stockings will be delivered to Togus Veterans Home by December 12, 2024. To volunteer and/or make a donation call 207 616-3148.

EVENTS: Explore China’s transportation history at upcoming presentation

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Railroad owner Carson Peck and his party, on an inspection trip, around 1910 or so, in Windsor. (courtesy of the WW&F Museum)

by Eric W. Austin

The China Historical Society is pleased to invite the public to an engaging presentation on the history of the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington (WW&F) narrow gauge railway. This event, featuring local experts Bob Wallace and Phil Dow, from the Albion Historical Society, will take place next Thursday, October 17, at 7 p.m., at the China Baptist Church.

The presentation will offer a unique opportunity to explore the history of the narrow gauge railway that once played a vital role in connecting China to other towns in the region. Wallace will provide an in-depth look at the railway’s development and its significance to local communities, particularly the Weeks Mills station. In addition to the talk, attendees will be treated to a slideshow of historical photographs, offering a glimpse into the past and showcasing the railway’s impact on the area.

The WW&F railway, launched in the 1890s, was an essential transportation route for residents and businesses, ferrying people, produce, and goods between towns from Wiscasset to Windsor.

However, as automobiles and gasoline-powered trucks became more widespread in the mid-20th century, the narrow gauge railway could no longer compete, and it eventually ceased operations. While the tracks are no longer in use, the history of the railway continues to be an important part of the town’s heritage, offering a window into a time when the railroad was the lifeblood of rural Maine.

In addition to the historical insights provided by Bob Wallace, attendees will have the opportunity to see rare, archival photographs that capture the daily workings of the railway, including images of the Weeks Mills station and the railway’s trains.

The event is free and open to the public, although the China Historical Society encourages donations to support its ongoing work in preserving local history, and attendees are invited to consider joining the society as members. Annual membership dues are a modest $10, and these contributions help ensure that important stories like that of the WW&F railway continue to be shared with future generations.

The China Historical Society’s Narrow Gauge Railway Presentation will be held on Thursday, October 17, at 7 p.m., at the China Baptist Church, at the north end of the lake. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the role the railway played in shaping the town’s development, this event promises to be an informative and engaging look into a fascinating chapter in China’s past.

Attend the presentation to meet other members of the community who are passionate about preserving and sharing China’s rich heritage, and for more information about upcoming events, follow the China Historical Society Facebook page.

Former Palermo man receives award from MDIF&W

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Zach Glidden

by Roland D. Hallee

Former local resident Zach Glidden, along with two other biologists, has been presented with the 2024 award from the Maine Department of Fisheries and Wildlife for a rescue last year.

On September 7, 2023, at approximately 3:30 p.m., retired fisheries biologist Nels Kramer took a direct phone call of a missing angler on Cold Stream Pond. The angler, an amputee of the leg, was reported missing by his wife. She called Nels, who is well known in the town, and said her husband had gone fishing on the lake and had not returned home, and was not answering his cell phone. Nels retrieved his personal boat and headed to the lake to initiate a search for the individual. While en route, Nels contacted his former colleagues in Enfield and asked for some help. Fisheries biologist Kevin Dunham and Zach Glidden immediately responded to assist in the search.

“This incident highlights that employees of MDIFW, even retirees, are truly committed to serving the public.”

– Maine Game Warden Joseph E. Bailey

About 45 minutes after the initial call, Nels, Kevin and Zach found the fisherman’s boat drifting in Sand Beach Cove with him aboard. The boater had fallen in the area of the transom and was in such a position that he was unable to get up or yell for help. He told the trio of rescuers he had fallen in the boat and later lost consciousness due to the heat.The three biologists were able to upright the fisherman and get him to shore. The estimation is that he was stuck there for up to five hours.

According to the nomination letter, “These three members of DIFW went outside of their wheelhouse to assist someone in need. Nels, Kevin and Zach acted quickly to rescue a boater in distress. Their decisive action saved the angler from further harm and potentially extended search incident by [the] warden service.”

According to Game Warden Joseph E. Bailey, who submitted the nomination letter, “this incident highlights that employees of MDIFW, even retirees, are truly committed to serving the public.”

Zach is the son of Rodney and Jane Glidden, of Palermo. He attended Erskine Academy, in South China, and was an Eagle Scout. He grew up in Palermo and now resides in Howland.

CHINA: William Lankist turns 90

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William Lankist, of China

William Lankist, of China, was honored on the occasion of his 90th birthday, at his home, recently. William was born on September 29, 1934, in Guilford, the oldest son of William and Hilda Lankist. He was educated in Guilford schools. He had three brothers, and is the sole survivor. He has been a resident of China for over 20 years, where he resides with his partner, Ruth Fuller.

Family and friends, especially his daughter, Tammy Bailey, attended from Guilford, Sidney, Albion and Unity, and William received a special telephone call from a nephew, Edward Lankist, who resides in Florida.

William did small engine repairs for most of his life.

PHOTOS: Central Maine high schools’ homecoming

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Lawrence high school and junior high school soccer teams. (photo by Casey Dugas, Central Maine Photography)

Members of the Messalonskee grades 1 and 2 red football team. (photo by Casey Dugas, Central Maine Photography)

Members of the Messalonskee grades 5-6 football team. (photo by Casey Dugas, Central Maine Photography)

Members of the Clinton Variety PAL football team. (photo by Casey Dugas, Central Maine Photography)

Spectrum Generations’ Celebrity Chef Challenge raises over $50K

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Three Maine chefs went head-to-head September 16, at the Augusta Civic Center, competing in Spectrum Generations’ 12th annual Celebrity Chef Challenge fundraiser and serving over 200 guests.

Chef Michael Gosselin, of bon Vivant, a vibrant part of Lewiston’s downtown, received the highly-coveted Judges’ Choice Award, and Chef Steven Dumas, an Augusta native and owner/head chef at Augusta’s Otto’s on the River, earned the People’s Choice Award. Joseph Tupper, head chef at the popular Muddy Rudder Restaurant, in Yarmouth, also created an inspiring dish that did not disappoint, according to a news release from Lindsay MacDonald, Vice President of Community Engagement for Spectrum Generations.

“These funds will have an immediate, positive impact for older adults and adults with disabilities that are homebound and facing food insecurity. Incredibly, over $30,000 worth of in-kind support was also donated by way of food, silent auction items and other goods and services. We couldn’t do our important work without this caring community of supporters,” said MacDonald.

Scouts drive provides scouting uniforms for 23 scouts; also helps food bank

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From left to right, Christopher Bernier, of Waterville, the Goodwill mascot, and Millard Davis, of Clinton, at the annual Scouting uniform drive at Goodwill, in Waterville. Photo by Chuck Mahaleris

by Chuck Mahaleris

From left, Millard Davis, of Clinton, Christopher Bernier, of Winslow, and new Cub Scout Kenneth Murray Bryar, of Fairfield, who recently joined Winslow Pack #445. Photo by Chuck Mahaleris

Kennebec Valley District Scouting volunteers, under the leadership of Christopher Bernier, of Winslow, held two uniform drives this month providing Scout uniforms to 23 children. The first uniform drive took place at the Waterville Goodwill of Northern New England location, on Wednesday afternoon, on September 8. The second drive took place on September 19 at the Winslow Parks and Recreation Building, at 114 Benton Ave.

Those scouts, who just joined Scouting, could receive an experienced uniform including the patches they would need for their program. Returning Scouts who had outgrown their uniform, could get one new to them by returning their old one for someone else. Christopher Bernier, who is Scoutmaster of the troop, in Winslow, also encouraged scouts to bring in a food item for the needy or something for an animal at the Humane Society Waterville Area.

“Scouting gives kids an opportunity to help other people – or animals – at all times,” Bernier said. Every youth who brought a food item for the Pleasant Street United Methodist Food Bank or for the animal shelter received a “Scouting for Food” patch to display on their new to them uniform. If you need a uniform, contact Chris at circleofone555@hotmail.com.

EVENTS: Erskine Academy Parent/Teacher Conferences scheduled

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(photo credit: Erskine Academy)

All parents of Erskine Academy students are invited to attend fall Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 9 and 10, 2024, from 3 – 7 p.m. To avoid long waiting lines, Wednesday, October 9, has been designated for students whose last names begin with A – K; and Thursday, October 10, has been designated for students whose last names begin with L – Z. No appointments are necessary as teachers will be available to speak with parents in their respective classrooms. In addition, the Guidance Office will host a Senior Blast for parents on each of these evenings from 6:30 – 7 p.m., to provide helpful updates and information about the post-secondary planning process, financial aid, and other pertinent senior year details.

China Village library launches renovation to improve accessibility of historical building

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Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, in China Village.

The Albert Church Brown Memorial Library in China Village will soon be more accessible to the community thanks to an upcoming renovation.

“The current layout of the library makes it difficult or impossible for many, including those who use mobility aids, to visit and attend our programs. We have been working hard to ensure these updates make our space more inclusive while preserving the beautiful character of our historic building,” said Dr. Louisa Barnhart, president of the library’s Board of Trustees.

Plans include a ramp, wider entryway and doorways, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom so that people of all abilities are able to benefit from the library’s programs. Library leaders plan to begin work in the coming weeks.

The renovation is possible in part thanks to Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities, and a Sustainable and Resilient New England Libraries Grant awarded by the Association for Rural and Small Libraries.

Barnhart said the library’s trustees are working with the community to secure additional financial support necessary to complete the renovation.

“Making our library’s space and programs more accessible is especially meaningful to me, because all people deserve a welcoming, functional public library,” she said. “I believe this is a project we can all feel excited about supporting, and I am deeply grateful for donations from library patrons and supporters to make it possible.”

The Albert Church Brown Memorial Library has served China and surrounding communities since 1936. Its mission is to enrich the lives of its patrons by providing access to information, culture and connection free of charge. The library is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To learn more about the library’s programs, visit www.chinalibrary.org. To donate in support of the renovation project, visit www.chinalibrary.org/p/donate.html or mail contributions to P.O. Box 6164, China Village, ME 04926.

Vassalboro scouts community service for local church

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Scout Troop #410 and Cub Scout Pack #410 presenting a check to Vassalboro United Methodist Church, on September 22. Scoutmaster Christopher Santiago, left, Nancy Adams and Hellen Paulette, from VUMC and Nate Gray, committee chairman of Cub Scouts #410. Scouts left to right, John Gray, Henry Gray, Hunter Brown, William Vincent, Christopher Santiago and Eli Richardson. Harvey Boatman photo. (Christopher Santiago photo)

by Dale Potter-Clark

A community service by Viking Axolotl Patrol of Scout Troop #410, and the Arrow of Light Cub Scouts #410, culminated on Sunday, September 22, when they gathered at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) and presented $300 to the VUMC finance secretary, Nancy Adams, and treasurer, Hellen Paulette.

The funds were collected through a bottle drive to help towards the installation of an elevator/lift inside the church. According to Scoutmaster Christopher Santiago, the Scouts do bottle drives frequently to help defray costs of charter, annual dues, uniforms, supplies, activities and to do good turns for the community. “We are very fortunate to maintain a partnership with the church who maintains a facility agreement with our units. We are so grateful!” Following the check presentation, Harvey Boatman helped the Scouts ring the 150-year-old church bell in celebration of their efforts. “What fun and a lot louder than you would think,” said Santiago.

Harvey Boatman ringing the church bell with the Boy and Cub Scouts Troop #410, at Vassalboro United Methodist Church, on September 22. (Christopher Santiago photo)

The lift/elevator is part of an upgrade to VUMC, explained Boatman, project coordinator, in order to make the entire building more accessible to our aging population and those with mobility challenges. The installation will make it possible for people to move more easily between the sanctuary and the bathrooms, meeting rooms, and fellowship hall on the lower level which is currently accessible only by a full flight of stairs or from the lower parking lot.

The lift is part of an expanding accessibility project that will also make it possible for VUMC to better reach the people of Vassalboro and surrounding communities in additional, various ways. “We are fundraising for the project through grants, special activities and fund drives, such as this one by the Scouts which we are so appreciative of to say nothing of proud of their efforts in the community!” FMI about the project contact Harvey Boatman at (207) 441-9168 or hcb03@roadrunner.com. Donations can be mailed to Vassalboro Methodist Church, 614 Main Street, Vassalboro 04989.

Following Sunday’s check presentation Scouts embarked on two more community service projects. The Viking Patrol picked up litter along the Lombard Dam Road while the Arrow of Light Den proceeded to the Vassalboro Community School and cleaned up the grounds and trails.

FMI about Scout Troop 410 and Cub Scouts Pack 410 visit their Facebook page or contact Scoutmaster Santiago at (603) 903-9709 or vassalborocubscoutpack410@gmail.com.