EVENTS: Spectrum Generations invites public to participate in 21st annual Golf Fore a Cause Tournament

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Spectrum Generations, Central Maine’s Area Agency on Aging, invites the public to participate in the 21st Annual Golf Fore a Cause tournament at The Meadows Golf Club, in Litchfield, on Friday, June 9, 2023. This fun event will take place at 495 Huntington Hill Rd., where check-in starts at 8 a.m. and tee off is at 9 a.m.

The cost to participate begins at $125 per golfer, $500 per foursome and $600 for a foursome/hole sponsorship combo (a $100 sponsorship savings). There are several sponsorship opportunities to choose from and ways to participate.

This popular scramble includes 18 holes of golf with cart, a delicious BBQ lunch served at the turn, on-course contests including the Air Cannon with Leaderboard of Boston, longest and straightest drive, closest to the pin and more! Scoring enhancement packages and raffle tickets will be available for purchase. There are many post event awards for teams and individual golfers.

All proceeds raised support Spectrum Generations in its mission to promote and advance the well-being and independence of older and disabled adults, with the support of their care partners, to live in their community of choice. For over 50 years, the organization has been a leading provider of information and advice, referrals, programs and activities for older and disabled adults – including social dining and Meals on Wheels. To register your team, provide a sponsorship or learn more, please visit:
https://www.spectrumgenerations.org/events/golf-fore-a-cause.

EVENTS: All Saints ten mile yard sale

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On May 19 and 20, the annual 10-mile yard sale winds its way from Skowhegan to Cornville. At All Saints Episcopal Church on, 169 Malbons Mills Road, Skowhegan, you will find free activities, big bargins and, of course, food.

All Saints has many vendors to check out. From baby items to household items and jewelry. Under the tent you will find free make and take fairy garden demonstrations with Billie Sherman at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., on Saturday. The Climate Change Lobby will help anyone with Efficiency Maine information on heat pumps, new windows and insulation. Geeze Louise, That’s a Wrap, has her hand cut fries, muffins, coffee and wraps. All Saints Grill will have breakfast sandwiches and hot dogs.

All profit from the yard sale will help facilitate All Saints Contemplation Garden that will be open to the public. Call 207-431-2118 for vending spaces.

Browntail moth update (May 2023)

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Browntail moth caterpillars can be identified by the two distinctive orange dots at the tail end and white tufts along the sides.

We’ve had some wonderful sunny and warm weather this past week; which means that many browntail moth host plants have been continuing to produce leaves and flower buds. However, this also means that there is more food available for hungry browntail caterpillars. With this in mind, it may not be surprising that we documented the caterpillars nearly doubling in size at almost all of our monitoring sites. Their growth at this time of the year is expected and is related to the caterpillars’ increased metabolism and appetite.

Each time a caterpillar grows larger, they have to shed the outer layer of their bodies (exoskeleton), a process called molting. Oftentimes, caterpillars will eat these old outer layers, but sometimes you can see the old outer layers on their winter web. As the caterpillars grow, they will molt a few more times, and therefore will have more toxic hairs on their bodies. Please take caution while performing outdoor yardwork near trees that have browntail caterpillars to avoid contracting a rash from the toxic hairs – wear long sleeves, eye protection, and gloves.

As we mentioned in last week’s update, eastern tent caterpillar is a native caterpillar that often gets confused with browntail caterpillar. At this time, both species of caterpillars are building their silk tents right now. Eastern tent caterpillar webs start small in the ‘crook’ of the tree where the branch meets the trunk or where branches join together. These tents can grow quite large, reaching around the size of a football. Right now, the eastern tent caterpillar tents are roughly the size of an adult hand and the white silk is much denser than browntail silk tents. Remember, browntail tents always stay on the smaller side and are often on the tips of the tree branches.

So far, we have not found evidence of any pathogens causing disease in browntail caterpillars at our monitoring sites. Some signs of pathogens may be:

• White/yellow fungal spores on caterpillars
• Swollen, puffy caterpillars
• Liquid expulsion of the caterpillar guts (often the caterpillar rests in an upside-down “V” shape)
• Dead caterpillars.

EVENTS: Hospice volunteers to offer weekend retreat for families

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Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area has announced they will be hosting Camp Ray of Hope, a statewide weekend retreat for Maine individuals and families who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives. The retreat will be held June 16-18, at Pilgrim Lodge, in West Gardiner.

Attendees are given opportunities to connect with other people from throughout the state who have experienced a significant loss. Adults, teens, and children will spend time in respective peer group settings and participate in workshops that encourage healthy outlets and self-care.

There will be opportunities to canoe or kayak, swim, participate in arts and crafts, and spend time in nature in a beautiful peaceful location. Childcare is available for children under three years of age.

Cost is $60 per person or $180 for a family of three or more. If cost is a barrier, please contact Kayla Coffin at 873-3615 ext.19 or kcoffin@hvwa.org. For questions or to request a brochure and registration form, contact Jillian Roy at 873-3615 ext.11 or email jroy@hvwa.org.

EVENTS: National Poppy Day is May 26, 2023

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May 26, 2023 is National Poppy Day. Members of American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit #39, Madison, will be distributing bright red poppies in exchange for a donation throughout the month of May. The Flanders Fields poppy has become an internationally known and recognized symbol of the lives sacrificed in war and the hope that none died in vain. The American Legion Family called upon Congress to proclaim the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day, which was officially designated as such in 2017.

Honor our fallen warriors and contribute to the continuing needs of our veterans on National Poppy Day, May 27, 2022

“Wearing the poppy on National Poppy Day and throughout Memorial Day weekend is one small way to honor and remember our fallen warriors who willingly served our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit #39 President Karen Lytle “We must never forget.”

The poppy also honors hospitalized and disabled veterans who handcraft many of the red, crepe paper flowers. Making the poppies provides a financial and therapeutic benefit to the veterans, as well as a benefit to thousands of other veterans.

When The American Legion Family adopted the poppy as its memorial flower in the early 1920s, the blood-red icon became an enduring symbol of honor for the sacrifices of our veterans from the battlefields of France in World War I to today’s global war on terror. The American Legion Auxiliary raises about $4 million each year distributing poppies throughout the nation, with 100 percent of the funds raised going directly to help veterans, military, and their families.

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) is a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families. Our members also support the mission of The American Legion in improving the quality of life for our nation’s veterans. The more than 600,000 ALA members across the country volunteer millions of hours annually and raise millions of dollars in service to veterans, military, and their families. Founded in 1919, the ALA is one of the oldest patriotic membership organizations in the U.S.A. To learn more and to volunteer, join, and donate, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org or if you like to join a local unit, contact Robin Turek, President, American Legion Auxiliary, Tardiff-Belanger Unit #39, PO Box 325, Madison, ME 04950.

China transfer station committee members struggle with unauthorized users

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by Mary Grow

China transfer station committee members pondered two questions at their May 9 meeting: how to make a second regional household hazardous waste day as successful as the one April 22 (if China hosts one again); and how to continue to reduce the number of unauthorized transfer station users.

A regional household hazardous waste day lets residents of participating towns (on April 22, China, Albion, Palermo, Windsor and Winslow) dispose for free of types of waste that do not go into the mixed waste stream, like paint, old gasoline, household chemicals and electronics (television sets, stereos, VCRs, for example).

The day was a huge success, with an estimated 400 people (twice the number who signed up in advance) coming to the public works building west of the transfer station and long lines of vehicles waiting to get in, committee members said.

Some people obviously brought things they’d stored for years. The China transfer station accepts most types of what is considered household hazardous waste, but charges a fee for some.

“We did a lot of good for the communities,” committee member Robert Kurek, from Palermo commented.

China Director of Public Services Shawn Reed had three suggestions for continuing the collection days.

First, he recommended enforcing the pre-registration requirement.

Second, he suggested town officials consider budgeting for annual collection days, because the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) grant that funded most of the April 22 event might not be available in future years.

And third, he recommended trying to hold future collections at one of the China schools, instead of the public works garage, for more space and better traffic circulation.

According to statistics distributed at the May 9 committee meeting, getting rid of the collected materials cost more than $20,000. Each participating town contributed $500; the grant covered the rest.

Olivia Kunesh, of KVCOG, said in an email that a company called EPI – found on the web as Environmental Projects, Inc., of Auburn – took away the collected waste and recycled the old paint. Removal of electronic waste (e-waste) was delayed more than a week, committee members said, and Kunesh wrote that a means of dealing with e-waste needs to be found.

Other towns host such events at their schools, Reed said. Having seen the care taken to avoid spills or otherwise damage the public works area at the April 22 event, he does not think there would be any risk.

The day’s traffic spilled over to the nearby transfer station, which was the site of the annual drug takeback day. Manager Thomas Maraggio said 996 people came in, close to double the usual Saturday traffic.

The Transfer Station Committee’s second issue, discussed at several previous meetings, was how to make sure only China and Palermo residents use the transfer station that their taxes help support. The present RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) program, started in 2019 with a state grant, provides tags that an electronic sensor recognizes; driving in without a tag alerts attendants.

The main problem with the RFID tags is that people can keep them after they move out of town, and can lend them to out-of-town relatives and friends whose transfer stations might be more expensive or less convenient. Maraggio said staffer Cheyenne Houle had tried unsuccessfully to find a way to link the RFID system with town office records that might show someone had moved away.

Before RFID, transfer station users had a vehicle window sticker with the license plate number. Committee members said stickers, or lack thereof, send no message to transfer station staff; and some people don’t want a sticker on their car.

Another method discussed previously and mentioned May 9 would be to add a guard shack where a staffer would check each vehicle coming in.

Reed and Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood commended Maraggio and his staff for their efforts to minimize unauthorized transfer station use.

In other business, Maraggio distributed copies of a Dec. 6, 2022, marketing report from the Maine Resource Recovery Association summarizing the lower market for recyclable materials. Recycling income has declined substantially, he said; but generally, recycling is still less costly than having materials transported and disposed of as waste.

Because the committee’s usual second Tuesday meeting falls on election day in June, the next meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 6.

Ladies group celebrates young families

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Group that participated in the Moms to Be tea, in North Vassalboro. (contributed photo)

by Roberta Barnes

When you hear tea party you might imagine a tea pot with tea cozy surrounded by teacups on saucers. The Moms to be Tea Party hosted by the ladies of Sew for a Cause was quite different.

May 6, 2023, was a time to celebrate the joy of new life at the St. Bridget Center, in Vassalboro. The kindness and all the work that went into that day grew from a discussion in January 2023 on how these ladies could celebrate young families. Aside from all the donated and handmade gifts that filled the center, were the warm smiles that began in the parking lot with the men from the American Legion directing vehicles. Rachel Kilbride, the organizer, was visibly present to greet attendees and move things along throughout the event.

When Moms to Be Tea was announced, people were asked to register by April 15, 2023, as the number of attendees was limited. Everyone checked in and received a name tag from the ladies who sat at a table just inside the front door.

Opposite the front door was a table on which sat three jars filled with pieces of candy, with a way to guess how many were inside each. Behind the jars was a board showing the planned times for different activities.

While babies are bundles of joy, they are not born with instruction manuals. Unless relatives or friends are close by to give support, a new Mom can feel alone. I heard one mom to be say, “I felt so alone.” This tea party not only helped new moms interact with each other, but to receive things to help with some of the basic baby needs. As I talked with various moms and moms to be, I also spoke with one of the three dads to be that I saw at the event.

Even though each baby is unique, there are some needs they all share. On one table close to the entrance were tote bags donated by one of the sponsors. Inside the bags were basic baby needs and a brochure showing ways that have kept other babies healthy and happy. A bundle of diapers could go along with the tote bag, and on a table close by were maternity pants.

Another table close by was filled with handmade baby hats and caps. The sparkle in the woman’s eyes as she watched attendees deciding which of her hats to take, I saw reflected in many eyes that day.

The huge open room in the center was filled with tables. Those in the middle held donated baby items and things to help the moms. Those on which handmade tote bags rested were kept covered until after lunch.

The tables at the back contained healthy foods and yummy home baked treats. One table to the right of the food tables offered handmade cloth frames for baby pictures. The larger donated baby items that were raffled off at the end of the event were behind the food tables.

Along the sides were tables with chairs for the attendees. From a seating plan, each of these had a number that was later used to keep the afternoon activities flowing smoothly.

Kindness and gratitude filled the center’s room with a joyful harmony that could be felt the moment you walked into the building. An infant sleeping peacefully in his mom’s arms was an example of that harmony. As I talked with different people about the event, I also heard such things as cool and fantastic.

Once the attendees were seated at their designated tables, sandwiches were brought in for lunch. As the number of a table was drawn, the people from that table would have their plate filled with the foods they wanted by the ladies behind the tables.

After lunch, attendees were challenged with sit down games such as the Baby Shower Word search and matching a wildlife mother with her baby. A bear and her cub was easy, but what is an Alpaca, a platypus, or a dove?

Once the games were finished, the handmade tote bags were revealed. Because all the materials were donated, each tote bag was different. As the number of a table was drawn, those sitting at that table could select the tote bag that went best with their baby.

Each tote bag was filled with handmade baby quilts, blankets, changing pads, bibs, and a stuffed toy. One of the ladies confirmed that each of the handmade items for each bag was carefully selected to go with the theme of the material used to create that tote bag. Other items such as wipes and a brochure of tips to keep a baby happy and healthy were also included in these tote bags.

The smiles that happened as items were removed from the bags added to the feelings in the center. Each adorable toy gave off an extra glow because of the joy woven in by the lady creating it and the sponsor donating the materials. That was the same with all the handmade things inside the tote bag, as well as the handmade tote bag.

(contributed photo)

This quilt showing “Dream Big Little One” is an example of hopes that went along with the sewing of each quilt and blanket.

None of this could have happened without the 50-plus ladies of Sew for a Cause donating their time and sewing skills. Besides these ladies there were over 29 sponsors ranging from businesses, organizations, and churches to individuals who also helped make this tea party a reality.

Windsor students are top 10 seniors at Maine Arts Academy

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Maine Arts Academy recognizes all 41 graduates of the class of 2023, according to a news release from Diane Manter at the academy. Among the class’s top ten seniors are Alexis Scott, who was second, and Alyssa Gagne, who was third, both of Windsor.

Graduation will be Thursday, June 1, at the Augusta Civic Center.

Mid-Maine Chamber names new marketing director

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Bridget Campbell

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, located in Waterville, welcomes Bridget Campbell as its new marketing and membership director. Bridget will be replacing Brandi Meisner, who was VP of Operations, and has left to work for her family businesses, Maine Cedar Hot Tubs and Skowhegan Wooden Rule Co., following two years in her position.

Campbell, who was advertising operations manager for the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel, had served 27 years over two different time periods throughout her newspaper career in various creative and management roles.

A graduate of Waterville Senior High School, in Waterville, Campbell graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a degree in communications and a minor in art. Campbell began her career at the newspaper as a graphic designer in 1985, creating ads by hand, prior to computers, winning numerous awards for her designs. In 1996 she started her own business, Papermoon Graphics, where she assisted many local businesses with their graphic design needs. During this time, she also followed one of her other passions, theater, as set designer and technical director for Waterville Senior High School Thespian Troupe 2926, as well as being in and involved with many productions at the Waterville Opera House. Campbell later worked at the Waterville Opera House as production manager and box office manager. Her latest employment prior to coming to the chamber was as advertising manager for the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.

Included in her new duties at the chamber is new member procurement and retention, marketing and communications of the numerous chamber events and programs through print and social media platforms, website development and maintenance, tourism promotions, and the production of the Better Living in Mid-Maine Map and Guidebook, among other duties.

Mid-Maine Chamber President and CEO Kimberly Lindlof said of Campbell, “Bridget brings a vast knowledge of marketing expertise, management experience and business connectivity to our team. Staff and volunteers alike are pleased to welcome her onboard.”

Campbell resides in Winslow with her husband, John. They have a daughter, Haley, who is assistant creative director for Thomas College, in Waterville.

EVENTS: Spectacular laser show to benefit Winslow Food Cupboard

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Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry—which serves thousands of food-insecure children, seniors, and other adults from Winslow, Waterville, Skowhegan, Fairfield, and 20 other surrounding towns—will benefit from a spectacular Drive-in Laser Show & Concert coming to the Clinton Fairgrounds from Thursday, May 18, through Sunday, May 21, with gates opening at 5 p.m. each evening. To assure admission, ordering tickets in advance at the link below is strongly suggested.

The Drive-in Laser Show & Concert (three shows each night, May 18 through 21) will be family-friendly and will feature many of your all-time favorite musical hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and beyond – current hits to Classic Rock! All songs are choreographed with cutting-edge effects, high-powered lasers, and Large Screen Laser Projection! Vendors and food will be on the fairgrounds, and there will be an exclusive infield seating area. (Please bring your own chairs and blankets.)

SHOW TIMES & DETAILS:

Clinton Fairgrounds, 1450 Bangor Rd., Clinton, ME 04927, May 18, 19, 20, and 21, 2023
Gates open at 5 p.m., 8 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.
Shows at 7 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10:30 p.m.

ADMISSION FEE: Just $29 per entire carload when you purchase tickets in advance; $39 per carload at the gate. PLEASE NOTE: We strongly advise purchasing tickets in advance to guarantee admission.

Order Tickets at: https://www.freshtix.com/events/bangorlasers.

CAN’T ATTEND? Those who may not be able to attend a Laser Show & Concert – but who would still like to donate to Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry – are invited to do so by sending a check payable to “Winslow Community Cupboard”, to 12 Lithgow St., Winslow, ME 04901, or by visiting https://winslowucc.org/winslow-community-cupboard/ and clicking on the yellow “Donate” button.

Winslow Community Cupboard is a ministry of Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow, which has served the local community since 1828.

For more information, please contact Winslow Community Cupboard at WinslowCupboard@Gmail.com.