ShineOnCass announces scholarship

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Cassidy Charette, a longtime summer camper at Hart-to-Hart Farm. (photo by Monica Charette)

The ShineOnCass Foundation announces a new $1,000 ShineOnCass Community Ser­vice Scholarship to be awarded annually to one area high school senior who makes service and kindness part of their everyday life. The scholarship is created in honor and memory of Cassidy Charette, a longtime volunteer in the central Maine community and former Messalonskee High School student, in Oakland, who died in a hayride accident in 2014.

Qualified applicants for the scholarship must live in the school district of Lawrence, Messalonskee (RSU #18), Waterville, or Winslow high schools; be accepted into a 2-year associate degree program, or 4-year college/university; and demonstrate their commitment to service in their community. Deadline to apply for the ShineOnCass Community Service Scholarship is April 22, 2024.

The newly-created ShineOn­Cass scholarship is in addition to the foundation’s annual $4,000 ShineOnCass Memorial Scholarship in Memory of Cassidy Jean Charette, originally established by Cassidy’s Messalonskee High School Class of 2016.

To apply for the ShineOnCass Community Service Award, or to learn more about other scholarship opportunities offered by the ShineOnCass Foundation, visit shineoncass.org.

Waterville’s Bob Chenard inducted to Franco-American Hall of Fame

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Maine State Rep. Bruce White, D-Waterville, right, nominated Robert Chenard, left, to be inducted into Maine’s Franco-American Hall of Fame on Tuesday. Chenard is an author, lecturer and instructor with a specialty in Franco-American genealogy. He has volunteered at the Taconnett Falls chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society for the past 32 years, helping to connect many with their ancestry and heritage. (contributed photo)

A Maine rarity comes to China

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The Cape Racer (on far left). (photo by Bob Bennett)

by Bob Bennett

Many of we older Mainers spent much of our winters as kids outside, sliding down long hills on toboggans and other “vehicles” with runners. In some parts of our state, especially along the Downeast coast, one of the more widely seen sleds was known as a Cape Racer. While I haven’t found much information on these versions, the China Historical Society recently acquired one and it seems to be a true rarity. And, there are some ties to China. A quick look at those links starts us off.

Long-time China resident and antiques collector Dave Davis purchased the sled from a dealer in Searsport years ago. He says he did so because it was the longest version he had seen. It spent a long time in Dave’s garage and then emerged when he sold his house several years ago. The buyer, Bill Wahlfield, brought the sled outside a couple of summers ago and I first saw it in the grass next to his wood pile, and then supporting a newly planted tree. Bill had no idea of its function and I spent a fair amount of time trying to discover its use. It was obviously some kind of ice or snow vehicle due to its runners, but it was very long, about eight feet, and very narrow. Then, I ran into Mr. Davis at the South China Post Office a few weeks ago and he cleared up the mystery. It is a Cape Racer.

According to the information I found on line, this unique sled was first designed by a man named Martin Van Buren Gray, born in Brooksville, Maine in 1832. It apparently was named for Cape Rosier which is located near Blue Hill. The sled was later patented by a Percy Perkins who built a number of them and even sold some to Sears Roebuck in Boston. The sled was quite popular in the Hancock County area of Maine.

In an article published by the Deer Isle-Stonington Historical Society, a local named Monty Small wrote about his childhood sledding experiences and spoke well of the Cape Racer. “Some kids had store-bought Flexible Flyers, and some had homemade bobsleds that had two small sleds, one front and one rear, with a long plank in between. It would hold four or five kids, depending on the length of the plank. You steered with the front sled; usually with grab handles on the sled. My favorite sled was a “Cape Racer,” and lots of kids had one. Lyndon “Ham” Gross lived on the hill, and he had a real fast one named “Queenie.”

I always understood that this type sled was originally developed over in Cape Rosier, thus the name Cape Racer. They were indeed fast. They were made with two angled wooden side rails having polished steel runners. The rails were joined by a series of dowels set into the rails, and these are what you laid down on to slide. You crossed your arms in front of you and pulled up on the right rail to go right and left rail to go left. You also used a little body motion to help turn.” From other comments, much of these kids’ riding seems to have been on snow covered roads.

The donated sled generally matches Monty’s description. The dowels he mentioned that held the runners in position are actually steel rods, some threaded on each end and screwed into the runner supports. There is about two inches of “side-play” to both left and right that would have allowed some steering ability. The racer will ultimately be displayed in or museum and while it likely will not ever travel in the snow it is certainly a piece of history.

CORRECTION: In the March 21, 2024, issue of The Town Line, the Cape Racer was misidentified. The Cape Racer is the object on the left (in the picture above). Center is a 1960s “flying saucer” like sled, and the right is a traditional flex sled. It was an editing error.

New Dimensions FCU has record-breaking impact on volunteerism

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Lauren McCallum, left, League Communications Coordinator, and Ryan Poulin, CEO, New Dimensions FCU. (contributed photo)

New Dimensions FCU has demonstrated its commitment to the philosophy of People Helping People by volunteering their personal time and assistance to local communities each year. In 2023, the credit union recorded an outstanding 1,994.75 hours of personal volunteer time, surpassing all other credit unions of its asset size across Maine.

Since 2018, the Maine Credit Union League has been tracking credit union volunteerism efforts through the CUs Share for ME form. Last year, credit unions in Maine reported a record-breaking 29,294.98 hours of volunteer time. According to the Independent Sector’s newest Value of Volunteer Time report, each hour of volunteer work is estimated to be worth $31.80. By this calculation, New Dimensions FCU’s volunteer efforts in 2023 alone were valued at approximately $63,433.05.

At the League’s annual Ending Hunger Luncheon on February 13, 2024, New Dimensions received recognition for recording the highest volunteer time among credit unions with similar asset sizes. This accomplishment showcases its staff’s unwavering dedication to serving and strengthening the communities where they live and work. Through the credit union’s commitment to volunteerism, it is proud to embody the mission of People Helping People.

The record-breaking volunteer hours in 2023 were made possible by the active participation of the credit union’s staff in various community events and initiatives throughout the year. The MECUL Ending Hunger in Maine Campaign, which offered several volunteer opportunities, was instrumental to its success. Moreover, dozens of its staff generously volunteered their time at local food banks, soup kitchens, youth athletics, local area schools, and organizations such as Special Olympics Maine, the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, Maine Children’s Cancer Program, and the Travis Mills Found­ation.

United in their dedication to making a meaningful impact and showcasing collective action, the staff of NDFCU selflessly volunteered their time. Firm believers in the philosophy of ‘people helping people,’ they embody the spirit of community service. Their strong determination to volunteer will continue to create lasting positive changes as they work together to build a brighter future for the communities they serve.

Nolan Burgess receives MPA award

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Nolan Burgess

Headmaster Jamie Soule has announced that Nolan Burgess, of Whitefield, a senior at Erskine Academy, in South China, has been selected to receive the 2024 Principal’s Award. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association, recognizes a high school senior’s academic excellence, outstanding school citizenship, and leadership.

Burgess is a consistent high-honors student in a highly competitive academic program that includes honors or accelerated level classes and numerous Advanced Placement and Concurrent Enrollment courses with nearby colleges. He has been commended and honored within the school for his exceptional academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and community service. Burgess has received awards for outstanding achievement in Social Studies, Advanced Mathematics courses, and Spanish, and he is currently ranked among the top students in Erskine Academy’s Class of 2024.

“Nolan has demonstrated outstanding dedication, integrity, and a commitment to excellence in all endeavors. He personifies the school’s core values of scholarship, leadership, stewardship, and relationships, and he is an excellent representative of Erskine Academy,” noted Headmaster Soule.

Burgess, Soule, and other award winners and their principals will attend an Honors Luncheon at Jeff’s Catering on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. The event recognizes outstanding students by presenting a plaque and awarding ten $1,000 scholarships in the names of former Maine principals and MPA Executive Directors: Horace O. McGowan, Richard W. Tyler, and Richard A. Durost.

China Baptist Church Bible group honors Mrs. Smiley on 95th birthday

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(contributed photo)

The China Baptist Church Women’s Bible Study group had a surprise 95 ‘Chocolate Birthday Party’ for Mrs. Smiley at their meeting this week. Everyone knows about Alene’s love of chocolate and she now has enough to last ‘til Christmas! She also received some other special gifts including a lovely lap quilt from Carlaine Bovio, a hand knitted shawl from Ann Austin, and a broach of seaglass with a hand painted picture of the church from Audrey Morneau. Alene has been a long time leader in the women’s Bible Study and in the past has held many different leadership roles in the church. She is still active, serving on the diaconate board. The party was organized and hosted by Nancy Pfeiffer.

Oak Grove grants available

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The Oak Grove-Coburn school today, serving as the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

The Oak Grove School Foundation is accepting applications for grants to support the education and cultural needs of students and non-profit organizations in the greater Central Maine area.

Recipients must be educational, charitable or religious organizations that are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code.

Grant requests should be received by April 5, 2024. Funding decisions will be made in May and shortly after the funds will be distributed in July. Recent grants have ranged $500-$5,000. The OGSF has also provided seed money for initiatives that last up to three years.

Groups interested in obtaining application forms and guidelines can email ogsftreas@gmail.com or visit https://sites.google.com/site/ogsfoundationorg/major-grants.

Applications may be emailed or USPS to Oak Grove School Foundation, P.O. Box 23, East Vassalboro, ME 04935.

Ice Out winners announced 2024

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Because ice went out on China Lake on a record date of March 11, 2024, the contest officially ended on that day.

Two entries nailed the date correctly: Jamie Nichols and Jennifer Noll both entered the exact date of ice out and are the winners of a gift card to Hannaford’s Supermarket.

MaineGeneral’s podiatrists: getting you back on your feet

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MaineGeneral Orthopaedics surgical podiatrists Michael Kipp, DPM, left, and Brian Loring, DPM. (contributed photo)

by John D. Begin

As a high school soccer player, Michael Kipp had foot and ankle injuries that required appointments with a podiatrist to treat his issues. At the time, he could not appreciate that the appointments would plant the seed for a decade-plus career as a podiatric surgeon.

“As a college undergrad, I knew I wanted to go into health care, so I spent a summer shadowing the podiatrist I met in high school, and the rest is history,” he said. “I liked that patients would see him and, in many cases, leave feeling better instantly.”

Kipp earned a doctorate degree in podiatric medicine from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, PA in 2010. After completing his residency in podiatric medicine and surgery at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY in 2013, he moved to Maine to work in private practice until he joined MaineGeneral Orthopaedics and its podiatry team in September 2022.

He and fellow podiatrist Brian Loring, DPM, offer a range of surgical interventions including ankle arthroscopy, Charcot foot reconstruction, bunion and hammertoe correction, ankle fusion and minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. The surgical podiatric care team is supported by Doug O’Heir, DPM, Renee Slaney, FNP-C, and Certified Foot Care Specialist Lori Melancon, RN. The team also offers general foot care services at MaineGeneral Orthopaedics’ practice sites in Augusta and Oakland.

Got foot pain? They can help!

Kipp and Loring will offer a free event on April 11 to discuss non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical treatments that MaineGeneral Orthopaedics offers to treat foot and ankle conditions and the pain or limitations associated with them. They also will answer questions from those attending.

The 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. session will be held in Conference Rooms 1 & 2 at the Alfond Center for Health, 35 Medical Center Parkway, Augusta. Space is limited so registration is required online at www.mainegeneral.org/foot-pain, by calling (207) 624-3881 or by emailing joshua.hamel@mainegeneral.org.

The event also will educate community members about the breadth of foot and ankle care their team provides.

“People sometimes mistakenly assume podiatrists only do routine foot care. While cutting toenails or treating corns and calluses are an important part of our job, that’s only one small part of what we can offer to patients,” Kipp said. “Because we are residency trained in surgical podiatry, we can do so much more.”

Making a difference in patients’ lives

Loring is the newest member of MaineGeneral Orthopaedics’ podiatry team, having joined the practice in July 2023 after completing his podiatric surgery residency at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, PA. Before that, he earned a doctorate degree in podiatric medicine from Des Moines University in Des Moines, IA in 2020. He likes that his work can help improve a patient’s quality of life.

“Some patients come for their first appointment and, within that appointment, I can greatly reduce or eliminate their pain,” he said. “It’s great to be able to change their day and, sometimes, their life.”

Dr. Kipp agrees.

“Where else can you say that someone came in feeling miserable and later walked out the door, thanking you and saying, ‘I actually feel better already,’” he said.

Loring also enjoys the challenge of finding the cause of a patient’s medical issue and then offering treatment options for it.

“One of my favorite things to do in my free time is work on my car,” he said. “There are similarities between mechanical work and working with the foot and the ankle. You have parts that may not be functioning properly and my job is figuring out what’s wrong with the anatomy and then fixing the problem.”

Loring and Kipp appreciate being part of a comprehensive team at MaineGeneral Orthopaedics, both for what it offers them professionally and what it means for patients with more than one issue.

“There’s really a multidisciplinary approach to care at MaineGeneral,” Loring said, “so if I have a patient who comes in for foot pain and they mention they also have back problems, I can quickly refer them to where they need to be seen.”

“We’re part of a greater practice that offers orthopaedic care from head to toe, with highly skilled clinicians available to treat the whole patient,” Kipp added. “It’s great to work with people you trust and would encourage a family member to see.”

To learn more about the full range of care that MaineGeneral Orthopaedics provides, visit www.mainegeneral.org/orthopaedics.

John D. Begin is a communications specialist in MaineGeneral Health’s Marketing and Communications Department.

Albert Church Brown library receives handicapped access grant

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Albert Church Brown Memorial Library in China Village.

by Mary Grow

The China Library Association (CLA) has received a $10,000 grant to improve handicapped access at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library in China Village.

Librarian, Miranda Perkins, and CLA president, Louisa Barnhart, shared the news early in March.

The grant is from the American Library Association (ALA), under a program called Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Accessible Small and Rural Communities.

The goal is to “begin or continue projects that will improve library access for thousands of library users,” a March 4 ALA letter says. Typical projects make it easier for residents with physical or intellectual disabilities to use library services.

Gerry Boyle, speaking for the CLA’s building committee, said the money will support the trustees’ handicapped access plan, which starts with “a symmetrical handrail and half wall to the front of the building,” connecting to a platform in front of the front door, level with the floor inside.

There will be a ramp, built to Americans with Disabilities standards, on the south side of the platform and steps on the north side. “An electric door is on the wish list,” Boyle added.

Interior renovations are to include widening doors to allow wheelchair access and, in the future, a handicapped-accessible bathroom and an emergency exit with a ramp, tentatively from the south side of the ground floor.

Barnhart credited assistant librarian, Karel McKay, with helping the trustees investigate grant possibilities. McKay, Barnhart and CLA treasurer Thomas Parent developed the application; Barnhart is the grant administrator.

“We are delighted everyone will be able to access community and library services,” Barnhart said.

According to the March 4 ALA letter, the grant was part of $3.6 million the organization awarded to 310 small and rural libraries in 45 US states. The letter said 62 percent of the libraries receiving grants serve communities of fewer than 5,000 people.

Fifteen other small Maine libraries, scattered all over the state, received grants similar to China’s. This was the second round of these grants; a third round opens in the fall.