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.

China’s Isaac Audette becomes Eagle Scout

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Audette Family: Eagle Scouts Bert and Isaac, and Janet Audette, of China. (photos courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

In 2022, 35,533 young men and women earned the Eagle Scout rank, joining more than 2.7 million Americans before them. Less than 6 percent of all youth who enter Scouting attain the rank of Eagle but China’s Isaac Audette, 14, did just that and received his Eagle Scout medal during a ceremony at China’s Central Lodge #45 Masonic Hall, on Saturday, May 20.

“To earn the highest rank in scouting, a scout must spend a great deal of time and effort,” said Matt Bodine, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Therefore, the occasion that recognized his accomplishment should be memorable. After a youth enters scouting, the Scout Law that he promises to obey begins to guide his life.”

Nick Choate, who will soon also receive the Eagle rank, said during the ceremony, “In the Scout Oath, the young Scout promises upon his or her honor to do their best to do their duty. first to God and their country; second, to other people, by helping them at all times; and third, to himself, by keeping himself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.”

Audette, who attends China Middle School, is the 48th Eagle Scout for Troop #479, since 1995. In order to earn the Eagle Scout rank, Isaac was required to provide leadership to others in order to complete a meaningful project in the community. Isaac’s project was to paint the unfinished interior of the new South China Public Library and build two outdoor bendings. Sanding and staining door and window trims were also completed as part of his project.

State Representative Katrina Smith, of Palermo, was on hand for the event and presented Isaac with a Legislative Sentiment noting his accomplishments.

Troop #479 Scoutmaster Christian Hunter, himself an Eagle Scout, reminded Isaac of his responsibilities. “As an Eagle Scout, the eyes of all scouting, the eyes of the world, will be upon you. The traditions and standards of Eagle Scouts are high. May you live up to those traditions and standards, always guided by the spirit of scouting.”

Hugs for Pops: Eagle Scout Isaac Audette hugs his grandfather, David “Pops” Singer, after presenting him with one of his Eagle Scout Mentor Pins. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

One of the highlights of the ceremony came when Isaac presented one of his Eagle Scout Mentor Pins to his grandfather David “Pops” Singer. “This person has been by my side and is hands down one of the most influential people in my life,” Isaac said. “He has taught me many things including fishing, metal detecting, magnet-fishing, and sparking a passion for cooking at a young age. We love trash talking each other about basketball teams even though mine always comes up on top.”

Winslow scouts prepare for Memorial Day

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From front to back, left, Alex Parsons, of Benton, Simon Giroux, Freddie Pullen, Lorelei Pullen, and Elliot Giroux, all of Winslow. The Cubs of Pack #445 joined scouts from Troop #433 in advance of Memorial Day to remember those veterans who had served and have since passed on. The scout near the headstone is Wyatt Collins, of Fairfield, who is a member of Troop #433, in Winslow. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Dan Bernier receives scouting highest award

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Eagle Scout Benjamin Bernier, left, and his mother Jennifer Bernier, stand on either side of Dan Bernier after he received the District Award of Merit from Luanne Chesley, right, Kennebec Valley District Advancement Chairman. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Waterville attorney Dan Bernier wears a suit when providing expert advice to clients on matters such as estate planning, probate law, litigation and government relations. But he was wearing his Scout uniform when he received the District Award of Merit on Wednesday, May 10, at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, in Waterville.

The District Award of Merit is the highest honor a local Scouting District can bestow upon a volunteer Scouting leader. Kennebec Valley District delivers the Scouting program in Franklin, Kennebec, Lincoln and Knox Counties. Based on the Scouting demographics of the area, Kennebec Valley District was allowed to present two District Awards of Merit this year.

Garth Smith, of Winslow, received one earlier this year but Bernier was not able to attend the district dinner and received his award during the monthly Scouting Leaders’ Roundtable.

Bernier became active in scouting in 2006 when his son, Ben Bernier, joined the program as a Cub Scout in Waterville Pack #436. Dan became Cubmaster of the Pack and then when Ben moved on to the scout troop, Dan joined as well. In Troop #436, Dan Bernier held several positions during the years including Chartered Organization Representative, Committee Chairman and eventually Scoutmaster – a position he still holds. Dan has been active in Kennebec Valley District helping the Bushcraft program at Camp Bomazeen and assisting with efforts to grow the Bomazeen Old Timers which is an entity formed to provide support for Camp Bomazeen.

Dan Bernier was named Scouting’s Unit Leader of the Year in 2015 and has earned the Scoutmaster’s Key.

Kennebec Valley District Advancement Chairman Luanne Chesley, of Vassalboro, made the presentation of the award to Bernier highlighting his work outside of scouting especially with the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce.

“Dan is without a doubt a deserving individual,” Chesley said. “He is a man who works very hard in the background for the benefit of many scouts. It is a great honor that we honor him tonight.”

Bernier feels that scouting is valuable today because of its strong, outdoor program. “The big thing about scouting is getting kids outside and exposing them to a lot of things in the outdoors that they don’t normally do anymore that they used to do.” Waterville Troop #436 recently visited the sites of the Battle of Lexington and Concord on Patriots’ Day. “We meet on Tuesday night at 7 p.m., at the Methodist church. People who want to join can contact me at dan@bernierlawoffice.com or the office number 877-8969.”

Mid-Maine Chamber names customer service specialist

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Deborah Hellman

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, located in Waterville, welcomes Deborah Hellman as its new customer service specialist. Deborah has been named to the position, replacing Katelyn Hood, who worked for the chamber just under one year.

Hellman had a 25-year career in the aviation industry, focusing on passenger service and ground handling operations. She most recently was an innkeeper at two different prestigious bed and breakfasts in Portland. In 2022, she relocated to central Maine.

Deborah graduated from Sidney High School, in Sidney, Ohio, and Sinclair Community College, in Dayton, Ohio. She received an associate degree in applied science in aviation administration.

Included in her new duties as customer service specialist will be customer service, human resources, collections, supplies and equipment maintenance, and general administrative duties. She will also participate in many of the chamber’s signature events.

Mid-Maine Chamber President and CEO Kimberly Lindlof said of Hellman: “Debbie joins us as she settles down and moves into a new home in our region. She is a shining example of one who chooses the quality of life that our region has to offer, and we are delighted to have her join our growing team of do-ers. She greets everyone that she meets with a smile on her face and a willingness to assist.”

Hellman resides in Winslow with her four-legged furry son, Ollie.

Quick response to Kennebec River freshet

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Quick response getting vehicles away from the rising flood waters. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

The Kennebec River overflows its banks into the Hathaway Creative Center parking lot on the morning of May 2. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

On Tuesday May 2, 2023, Waterville Fire/Rescue responded to 10 Water Street for a routine flood assessment. During times of severe rain, they generally check areas of concern including Water Street and along the Messalonskee River. Upon arrival, they located a flooded parking lot which included three cars that were on the perimeter of the water line. There was a significant amount of debris which washed up on the parking lot creating a roadblock to accessing the vehicles. Waterville Fire Chief Shawn Esler contacted Matt Skehan, Director of Public Works, and he quickly sent over with a crew with a truck and loader. They were able to move and pile the debris to access the vehicles. The building maintenance supervisor was able to secure keys for two of the three vehicles. Ace Tire was contacted to assist in the removal of the cars, and they did a great job. At one time, Rob, of Ace Tire, backed his flat bed truck into the water to access one of the vehicles. Public works did a great job of cleaning up the area.

It was expected based on a 12:30 p.m., prediction that the water line will recede, pending additional rain. Chief Esler contacted Kennebec EMA and advised them of the situation. Otherwise, emergency personnel learned of a few missing kayaks, a dock, and a few small items that went missing along the stream. Additionally, the fire department has been busy over the last couple of days pumping out basements.

Members of the Waterville Public Works Dept. cleaning up along the flooded parking lot. Three vehicles had to be removed from the rising water. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

Waterville scouts at Nobscot Reservation

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Waterville Troop 436 with the Minuteman Statue in Concord. Xandr Dunton, Elijah Benn, Tucker Waldie, Samuel Bernier, Joshua Knight, Micah Waldie, Tobias Crocker, Malahki Kornsey, and Isaac Benn. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Friday, April 14, found Boy Scout Troop #436, of Waterville, spending the weekend at Nobscot Scout Reservation, in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Early Saturday morning, they headed to Lexington to hike the 10-mile “Sons of Liberty Trail” to the North Bridge, in Concord.

“Along the way we visited many stops including the capture site of Paul Revere and Merriam’s Corner. We had lunch while watching a reenactment of one of the skirmishes that occurred as the Minutemen chased the British back to Boston,” said Scout leader Bruce Reuger, of Waterville. Scouts participating were Joshua Knight, Samuel Bernier, Malahki Kornsey, Tucker Waldie, Isaac Benn, Micah Waldie, Elijah Benn, Xander Dunton and Tobias Crocker. Leaders were Daniel Bernier, Shawn Benn, James Kornsey and Bruce Rueger.

All live in Waterville except for the Benn family who live in Westbrook. Shawn Benn is an Eagle Scout from Troop #436 and is active with his sons in the program.

The following morning the troop headed home to Waterville but stopped in Marblehead, Massachusetts, to hike the 2-mile long “Spirit of ’76 Trail.” “Along the way we visited many historic buildings, the birthplace of the United States Navy, the home of the first commander of the U.S. Marines, Fort Sewell, where the USS Constitution was protected from British warships and one of the oldest cemeteries in the country. The hike began and ended at Abbot Hall where the famous painting “Spirit of 76″ is housed,” Rueger said. “Unfortunately, Abbot Hall is only open on weekends during the summer months.”

Cub scouts pitch-in on Earth Day

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Cubs in Pack #445, in Winslow, walked several miles collecting trash around town on Earth Day. Shown here are Ashish Dabas, of Winslow, Able Byroade, of Albion, Lorelei Pullen and Freddie Pullen, of Winslow, Easton Vigue and Colton Vigue, of Albion, Ryder Johnston, of Albion, Alex Parsons, of Benton, Simon and Elliot Giroux, of Winslow, Gavin McGowen, of Benton, Owen Clark, of Winslow, and Josh Collins, of Waterville. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Cubs Scouts in Winslow Pack #445 spent Earth Day- Saturday April 22 – picking up trash around town. Sabrina Marie Garfield, Den Leader for the Wolf Den, organized the project as a way of teaching the Cubs that they have a responsibility to make their community a little better than they found it. The Wolf Den is made up of boys and girls in grade two and they cleaned up litter from more than four miles in town including around the elementary, middle and high schools; Fort Halifax park; Norton Street Playground area; near the town hall; Halifax Street playground, monument and cemetery; the Crummet Street trail; and along Monument Street.

Lorelei and Freddie Pullen collecting trash, in Winslow, on Earth Day. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Since 1910, conservation and environmental studies have been an integral part of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts have rendered distinguished public service by helping to conserve wildlife, energy, forests, soil, and water. Past generations of scouts have been widely recognized for undertaking conservation Good Turn action projects in their local communities. Through environmental explorations, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Sea Scouts visit the outdoors and discover the natural world around them. Many natural resource careers are born in Scouting.

There are meeting plans, badges and awards for every level of the scouting program to remind youth about their role in protecting our natural places. Some include the Distinguished Conservation Service Award, the Sustainability Merit Badge, and the Cub Scout World Conservation Award. At all levels of Scouting, they learn “Leave No Trace” methods.

Garfield said, “We had a lot of volunteers. Most of the kids cleaned up their assigned areas and then chose to move on to do other places, too. Then after we were all done and they were hanging out and playing or heading to their cars to go home, the kids were still happily cleaning up trash they saw as they went. They were very proud of their hard work as they should be. They all did a really great job.”

“We chose Green Up Day to help the earth and help keep animals safe,” said Cub Scout Freddie Garfield. “Trash affects the earth and earth affects nature and the animals, and people are animals, too, so it affects all of us.” Young or old, everyone can do something to lend a hand.