EVENTS: Senior Seminar to be held in Vassalboro

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Building Two of the Olde Mill on Main Street in Vassalboro. (photo by Sandy Isaac)

A Senior Seminar, hosted by Gateway Retirement Solutions, will be held at The Mill, 934 Main St., in North Vassalboro, on Wednesday, June 21, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

The seminar will cover Medicare parts A, B, C, and D, prescription coverage and how to compare different plans. What to do with a 401k upon retirement, and what are better options.

Speakers will be Jessica Cole, Medicare broker, life insurance broker and CoverMe broker; David Godfrey, financial advisor, and Brian Arsenault, property and casualty broker.

Ecology Ctr. accepting ninth grade enrollment

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Ecology Learning Center (photo: Unity College)

The Ecology Learning Center, a public charter high school (9-12 grades) in Unity, enrollment is still OPEN for 9th grade! If interested, please fill out the Intent to Enroll form on our website.

At the Ecology Learning Center, we offer:

focused English, math, history, and science instruction; French and Spanish language courses, taught by native speakers; art electives, including music and woodworking; outdoor adventure and leadership training; FREE breakfast and lunch using locally-grown produce, prepared by students.

Reach out to info@ecologylearningcenter.org with questions.

Hemenway announces new release

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Band member, Northport resident and songwriter for “The Slouch in the Couch Children’s Corner Band,” Stephen J. Hemenway, announces the release of a new music album from the band titled, Songun’s Fer Youngun’s. The original music features upbeat songs including three “book” songs that tell the stories of three published Slouch in the Couch children’s picture books.

Billed as, “The Original Rock n’ Roll Band for all ages,” the new album can be heard on over 150 music platforms, including but not limited to, Itunes, Spotify, Amazon, Youtube and Deezer. For more information, go to the band’s webpage at: slouch.org.

Outdoor Eucharistic processions planned for Sunday

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St. Mary’s Catholic Church

In honor of the Feast of Corpus Christi (also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ) on Sunday, June 11, parishes around Maine are planning outdoor Eucharistic processions and other special events to celebrate the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, recalling the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. The feast is often marked by Eucharistic processions, during which the Blessed Sacrament is carried in a monstrance through the church and into the streets. Many also spend time in Eucharistic adoration on the solemnity.

An outdoor Mass will be held at the Grotto, at St. John the Baptist Church, at 26 Monument Street, on Sunday, June 11, at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome but you are asked to bring your own chair. In case of rain, the Mass will be celebrated inside the church. All are also invited to join Corpus Christi Parish in praying a novena on June 2-10. You can either pray on your own or join the Fraternity of Secular Franciscans via Zoom each night at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit the Feast of Corpus Christi section on the diocesan website at www.portlanddiocese.org/feast-corpus-christi.

Oakland creates new TIF district to support downtown revitalization

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Garvan Donegan

Encompassing 37.27 acres, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development has approved a newly designated Downtown Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district within the Town of Oakland. The new district will allow the municipality to stimulate investment, encourage business expansion and retention, attract new businesses, and boost beautification initiatives while supporting the Town’s growing vibrancy.

“This newly-created TIF district will make a lasting impact in the Town of Oakland by making the downtown more investable, safer, more pedestrian-friendly, and directly aligns with the town’s vision of supporting business development and retention,” said Oakland Town Manager Ella Bowman. “I want to thank the municipal staff and town council who have worked to help advance this initiative, the Oakland Downtown Redevelopment committee for their dedication to this initiative, who was a key driver behind the project, and all the residents and community groups who voiced their support.”

Plans for TIF funding realized from the district will be utilized to support infrastructure, business growth, facade improvements, marketing the downtown, expanding and improving area trail connections, and more. Funding will also be leveraged to secure additional investment and incentivize business recruitment and retention in the district.

“Oakland is driving impact and support for residents, businesses, and remote rural workers through this project, incentivizing investment, cultivating new business attraction, and ultimately contributing to the overall economic well-being of the town and region,” said Central Maine Growth Council Director of Planning, Innovation, and Economic Development Garvan Donegan. “This newly-approved TIF district will create the necessary conditions to support economic development along Main Street and downtown revitalization in the Town of Oakland as a whole.”

Erskine Academy announces top 10 seniors (2023)

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Top row, right-to-left: Malachi Lowery, Damon Wilson, Lily Matthews, Grace Hutchins, Sophia Pilotte; Bottom row: Mackenzie Toner, Gabriel Pelletier, Nabila Harrington, Carson Appel, Noah Rushing.

Erskine Academy has announced the class of 2023 Top Ten Seniors.

Valedictorian is Malachi Lowery, son of Hollie Hilton, of Vassalboro, and John Lowery, of Ellsworth. Throughout his four years at Erskine, Malachi has participated in such activities as Student Council, National Honor Society, the EA Leadership Team, EA Theater, LEO Club, the International Outreach Coalition, Soccer, Indoor Track, Tennis, and he has completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Malachi is a four-year honor roll recipient and has received awards of distinction in Algebra, English, Physics, U.S. History, and Physical Education. Malachi has served as Vice-President of the Class of 2023, he has been a Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester award recipient, and is a Maine Principals’ Association Award recipient. Malachi plans to attend the University of Maine to study Electrical Engineering.

Salutatorian is Damon Wilson, son of Aimee and Jeffrey Wilson, of Windsor. Damon has participated in such activities as National Honor Society, Student Council, EA Theater, the EA Leadership Team, Prom Committee, and served as the Field Hockey Manager. Damon has also served as President of the Class of 2023 for three years and as one of two Class Marshals in 2022. A student who has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, Damon was the recipient of awards of excellence in Algebra, Geometry, PreCalculus, Statistics, US History, and Spanish. In addition, Damon has also been a recipient of the George Eastman Young Leaders Award and Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester awards. Damon plans to attend Kennebec Valley Community College in the General Studies program.

Third in academic standing is Lily Matthews, daughter of Kim and John Matthews, of China. Lily is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as Student Council, EA Theater, Future Business Leaders of America, LEO Club, Math Team, Speech Team, the Girl Up Club, Soccer, and Lacrosse. In addition, Lily has completed nearly 100 hours of community service projects. Lily has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, has received awards of achievement in Biology and Calculus, and is a Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award recipient. Lily plans to attend Syracuse University to major in Mechanical Engineering.

Fourth in academic standing is Grace Hutchins, daughter of Teresa and Randy Hutchins, of Litchfield. Grace has participated in such activities as National Honor Society, Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, the EA Leadership Team, Math Team, Field Hockey, Basketball, and Lacrosse. Grace has received awards of distinction in Geometry, PreCalculus, Calculus, and Physical Education, and she has achieved four year honor roll status. In addition, Grace was the recipient of the Society of Women Engineers Award, served as one of two Class Marshals in 2022, and she is a Renaissance Senior of the Trimester award recipient. Grace plans to attend the University of Maine with a major in Civil Engineering.

Fifth in academic standing is Sophia Pilotte, daughter of Andrea Pilotte, of Palermo, and Aaron and Michelle Pilotte, of Warren. Sophia is a member of National Honor Society and has been a participant of the International Outreach Coalition, EA Theater, LEO Club, Student Council, and Soccer. Sophia has also completed over 150 hours of community service projects. Sophia has received the Phi Beta Kappa Award, and is a four year honor roll recipient. Sophia plans to attend the University of Maine with an undeclared major.

Sixth in academic standing is Mackenzie Toner, daughter of Thomas Toner, of Windsor, and Chrystal Toner, of Augusta. Mackenzie is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as Future Business Leaders of America, Field Hockey, Basketball, Softball, and she has completed over 200 hours of community service activities. Mackenzie is a four-year honor roll recipient, has received a Renaissance Senior of the Trimester award, and received the Smith College Book Award. Mackenzie plans to attend Thomas College, in Waterville, with a major in Digital Marketing Management.

Seventh in academic standing is Gabriel Pelletier, son of Hilary and Ryan Pelletier, of China. Gabriel is a member of National Honor Society and he has participated in such activities as Future Business Leaders of America, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, and has completed nearly 100 hours of community service activities. Gabriel is also a four-year honor roll recipient. Gabriel plans to major in Biology at the University of Maine.

Eighth in academic standing is Nabila Harrington, daughter of Paul Harrington, of China, and Nita Harrington, of Waterville. Nabila has been a member of such activities as the Speech Team, LEO Club, the EA Leadership Team, HOPE (Helping Others Persevere at Erskine), Soccer, and Lacrosse. Nabila has received honor roll distinction every trimester, and she has received awards of excellence in Social Studies and French. Nabila plans to attend the University of New England with a major in Medical Biology.

Ninth in academic standing is Carson Appel, son of Suzanne and William Appel, of Windsor. Carson is a member of National Honor Society, and he has participated in such activities as Student Council, LEO Club, Math Team, the EA Leadership Team, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Tennis, and he has completed nearly 200 hours of community service projects. Carson has also received high honor roll distinction every trimester, and was selected as a 2022 Scholar in the National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program. Carson plans to major in Public Policy at Cornell University.

Tenth in academic standing is Noah Rushing, son of Allyson and Jason Rushing, of China. Noah is a member of National Honor Society and has participated in such activities as Future Business Leaders of America, HOPE (Helping Others Persevere at Erskine), Soccer, Basketball, and has completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Noah is also a four-year honor roll award recipient. Noah plans to major in Computer Science at the University of Maine.

The Class of 2023 graduation ceremony will be held at the Augusta Civic Center, on Friday, June 9, at 6:30 pm.

Mid-Maine Chamber announces Ezhaya scholarship winner

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Hannah Robinson

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce announces the 2023 Joseph B. Ezhaya scholarship winner.

Hannah Robinson, of Pittsfield, was selected as the scholarship recipient from a field of applicants.

Hannah is one of the top students in her class at Maine Central Institute (MCI) and was chosen as Salutatorian for the class of 2023. She will present the welcoming speech at graduation.

At the point of graduation time, along with her regular classes, she will have completed four honors, one AP and six college courses. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has received the Maine Principal’s Award as well as multiple Certificates of Merit and other academic awards.

Hannah played on her school’s field hockey, basketball, and softball teams throughout her four years at MCI, serving as captain for all three sports in her senior year. Through her school’s Key Club and National Honor Society, she found many ways to give back to her community. She has also worked at various youth athletic clinics and plans to stay active in community service throughout her college years.

Hannah will attend the University of Maine at Orono in the fall, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is entering the field of Speech Language Pathology so she can work with children, a passion she discovered while enrolled in the Early Childhood program at Maine Central Institute’s Technical and Career Center.

Gibbs Library observes 30th anniversary

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Gibbs Library in Washington, ME. (photo from: librarything.com)

The Gibbs Library, in Washington, is celebrating its 30th anniversary from 11a.m. -4 p.m., on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Highlighting the celebration will be book talks and book signing featuring Maine children’s author Chris Van Dusen and Maine novelist Paul Doiron. In addition, Student Art Show awards will be given, and a history of the library will be on display in the library. Refreshments will be served.

Events are free (although donations would be gratefully accepted), and will be held at the Gibbs Library and the Evening Star Grange. Events will be held at Gibbs Library, 40 Old Union Rd., Washington, and the Evening Star Grange, 31 Old Union Rd., Washington.

Schedule of Events

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Library open. Ongoing library history display;
11a.m.: (Grange) Raffle begins – Pick a prize raffle (tickets $1 each or 6 for $5) and hand made braided rug (tickets $5 each – only 100 will be sold);
11:15 a.m.: {Library} Student Art Show Awards;
Noon – 1 p.m.: (Grange) Children’s Author, Chris Van Dusen talk and book signing. Books available for purchase at the event from Kelly’s Books To Go;
1 – 2:15 p.m.: (Grange) Refreshments;
2:30 – 4 p.m.: (Grange) Maine Author Paul Doiron talk and book signing. Books available for purchase at the event from Kelly’s Books To Go;
3:45 p.m.: – (Grange) Raffle drawing.

For more information, call Gibbs Library at 207-845-2663.

FAIRFIELD: Town to open new walking trail

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Looking south down Main St., in Fairfield. (Internet photo)

The town of Fairfield is excited to announce the opening of the Cattail Trail, a new trail that runs adjacent to Lawrence High School. The trail will host its opening in conjunction with National Trail Day on Saturday, June 3. Recognizing the importance of protecting natural resources and inviting the public to participate in the beautification of Fairfield’s trails, the event will also highlight three additional trails that create linkages throughout the municipality: the Kennebec Valley Com­mu­nity College (KVCC) Campus Trail, the Goodwill-Hinckley Trails, and the Mill Island Trail.

“Fairfield’s trail system provides linkages to key areas within the municipality, including our downtown and Mill Island Park,” states Fairfield Town Manager Michelle Flewelling. “We are thrilled to celebrate the seasonal opening of the Cattail Trail and demonstrate our commitment to community development. This event is an opportunity to connect with residents and visitors to showcase the municipality’s scenic trails and invite the public to enjoy Fairfield and Hinckley’s natural resources.”

National Trails Day will also recognize the launch of the Fairfield Trails Passbook initiative, which will be open until September 4, 2023. Visitors are encouraged to utilize Fairfield’s trail systems throughout the summer. Each trail will have a QR code that will allow users to photograph their visits along the town’s trails. Participants who walk and record all four trail site visits will be entered into a drawing for a prize, with the drawing taking place after Labor Day.

“The addition of Cattail Trail into Fairfield’s existing hub and spoke trail system symbolizes a commitment to the natural environment, stewardship of recreational resources, and growing the town as a vibrant and walkable community,” states Central Maine Growth Council Director of Planning, Innovation, and Economic Development Garvan Donegan. “Residents and visitors of all ages will have the ability to enjoy the waterfront while being connected to a variety of local resources and services, such as Memorial Park and Mill Island Park.”

The American Hiking Society’s National Trail Day highlights a national movement to create more inclusive and accessible trail networks. The Economic and Community Development Committee of Fairfield are spearheading the event and will be present at the Cattail Trail to assist walkers on their journeys from 10 a.m. – noon. The Cattail Trail is located adjacent to Lawrence High School, and the opening event will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., on June 3. Attendees are encouraged to explore the trail system and learn more about the Fairfield Trails Passbook initiative.

Local author captures award

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Michelle Shores

Local Maine Author, Michelle E. Shores, of Waterville, whose recently published book The Gathering Room – A Tale of Nelly Butler, has been awarded a 2023 IPPY AWARD for Best Fiction in the Northeast Region, Bronze Medal.

The Independent Publisher Book Awards, commonly known as the IPPY Awards, are a prestigious set of awards that recognize excellence in independent publishing. They have been held annually since 1996 and aim to highlight the best independently published books in a variety of categories.

The Gathering Room – A Tale of Nelly Butler brings to life, in fiction, the dramatic account of the first documented ghost sighting in America which occurred in Maine in 1799. Based on a true story, Michelle’s work weaves an epic tale of what the lives of George and Nelly Butler might have been like as they faced the supernatural in the form of a young girl, Lydia Blaisdell. Set in Sullivan and Franklin in Downeast Maine this is a haunting story that captivates the reader from the start.

Since its release in September 2022, The Gathering Room – A Tale of Nelly Butler has been a top selling book for Maine Authors Publishing located, in Thomaston. The book has sold in every state in the U.S. as well as Canada and the United Kingdom. Highly rated on Amazon, it is available in paperback and Kindle. Until recently, Michelle was the advertising manager for the Maine Tourism Association but had to give up her full-time job to meet the demands of this best-selling book. Michelle is willing to discuss her book, her journey into self publishing and being a bronze medalist in the IPPY Awards for Best Fiction in the Northeast.

For more information, contact Michelle at writerinmaine@gmail.com or 207-944-8361 or check out her website https://www.mshoreswriter.com/ or on all social media @mshoreswriter.