Smithfield Volunteer Fire & Rescue awarded lifesaving equipment grant

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The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has recently awarded a $10,900 grant to Smithfield Volunteer Fire & Rescue to purchase a Groves extractor & gear dryer. The new equipment will allow first responders to be better prepared in emergency situations and protect the citizens of Smithfield as well as volunteer members. The grant is part of more than $73 million given by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to public safety organizations across the U.S.

The awarded grant will be used to purchase a Groves extractor and gear dryer, in order to wash and dry our volunteer’s personal protective equipment (PPE).

For the past 16 years, donations have been the driving force behind Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® supporting first responders and public safety organizations nationwide.

Sen. King visits local child care center

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U.S. Senator Angus King speaks with the children. (contributed photo)

Sen. King with The Neighborhood Child Care Center owner Jennifer Lizotte. (contributed photo)

U.S. Senator Angus King recently visited The Neighborhood Child Care Center, in Winslow, to observe firsthand how funds from the American Reinvestment Plan Act (ARPA) have benefited child care centers. Meeting with Executive Director Jennifer Lizotte, Senator King spoke about investing in the child care industry stating, “Quality early care and education is critical for folks to get back to work.” He also spoke about how important it was for families to have a safe, secure center where children have opportunities for social skill building, healthy snacks, daily physical activities, and enrichment including STEM activities. He stated, “Having quality child care also stimulates the economy.”

The senator was one of the primary architects of the the American Reinvestment Plan Act which has provided a unique opportunity for state and local governments.

During his visit, Jennifer explained the challenges of opening and running a child care center in the midst of the pandemic. ARPA funding provided the financial stability needed for the center to remain open and provide care for approximately 50 families. “Parents need to be able to go to work even during a pandemic” noted Jennifer. “We all still need to be able to pay bills and put food on the table. It’s nearly impossible for parents to do this without childcare. ARPA funding allowed us to survive these challenges”.

2023 Vassalboro ice fishing derby prizes

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2023 Vassalboro ice fishing derby prizes

*$300 North Country Rivers White Water Rafting trip for two, won by Mary Beth Sica.

*$260 Natanis Golf Course Tomahawk Course & Cart (for 4), won by Carol T.

*$220 Natanis Golf Course Arrow Course & Cart (for 4), won by Lori London.

*$150 donated by Reliance Equipment won by Duane Farnham who donated it back to the VBA.

*$122 DeWalt DCB102 charger from Winslow Supply won by Chase Prye.

*$100+ 24M-6 Vehicle battery; carrier, terminal combo wrench, terminal protection kit, and ice scraper & snow broom from 201 Battery, Tire & Service won by Alan Johnston.

*$100 donated by Future Forests won by Scott Folsom.

*Two $50 prizes donated by Maine Savings Federal Credit Union won by Chris Thompson and the Blactentons.

*Miracle II Product ($18) from Sandy’s Magic Scissors won by Candy Manacchio.

*$50 from Maine Adirondack Chairs won by Peter Leach.

*$30 from Curly’s Carpentry won by Jake Swan.

*$50 from Pleau’s Market won by Raymond Maccacchio.

*Two $25 cards from Hussey’s General Store won by Noah Rau and Carol T.

*Two $50 cards from Central Maine Motors won by Donald Breton and Carol T.

*$20 Kat’s Creations Penguin won by Carol T.

*$10 Mistletoad Shop flower vase won by Gidney.

*$10 Mistletoad Shop small crate won by Sue Vashon.

*$10 Pam Butterfield’s Sloth quilted lap blanket won by Yvette LaChance.

University of New Hampshire’s dean’s list for the Fall 2022 semester

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The following area students have been named to the dean’s list at the University of New Hampshire, in Durham, New Hampshire, for the fall 2022 semester.

Julia Riley, of Augusta, earning highest honors;

Brady Barre, of Waterville, earning highest honors;

Jordin Carey, of Waterville, earning highest honors;

Grace Bilodeau, of Winslow, earning honors;

Abigail LaRochelle, of Fairfield, earning highest honors;

Victoria Broadley, of Skowhegan, earning honors; and

Taylor Cassiani, of Skowhegan, earning highest honors.

China scouts provide morning worship on Boy Scout Sunday

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Front row, from left to right, Isaac Audette, Sam Quick, and Brady Newell. Second row, Chuck Mahaleris, Nathan Choate, Kameron Rossignol, Nicholas Choate, Sam Boynton, and Scoutmaster Christian Hunter. Back row, Sean Boynton, Bruce Rueger, Matt Bodine, Michael Choate, Derek Rossignol, and Ronald Emery. Absent from photo are Scott Adams, and Priscilla Adams. (photo courtesy of Ron Emery)

by Ron Emery

On February 5 – Boy Scout Sunday – the Boy Scouts from Troop #479, along with some of their leaders, provided the Morning Worship Service at the China Baptist Church. The scouts, under the leadership of Scoutmaster Christian Hunter, have taken part in Scout Sunday Worship service for 30 years (Missing 2019-2021 because of COVID restrictions). Very few Boy Scout troops in the Kennebec Valley District are provided this opportunity. The scouts from Troop #479 were invited to prepare some of the worship service by Rev. Ronald Morrell. Under Rev. Morrell’s direction and with assistance from the Committee Member Ronald Emery, the worship service gave each of the scouts a chance to participate in the Sunday Morning Worship, as follows:

Call to Worship, by Scout Nathan Choate;
Invocation and Lord’s Prayer by Scout Sam Quick;
Responsive Reading, The Scout Law by Scout Kameron Rossignol;
A Scout Remembrance and Tribute In memory of Scout Rémy Pettengill, by Chuck Mahaleris Kennebec Valley District Chairman;
Preparation for Prayer by Scout Nicholas Choate;
Pastoral Prayer by Scout Sam Boynton;
Children’s Message, The Five Finger Prayer by Scout Leader Derek Rossignol;
Scripture Reading, The Scout Beatitudes by Scout Isaac Audette;
Offering: Nicholas Choate, Nathan Choate, Sam Boynton, Kameron Rossignol;
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication, by Scout Isaac Audette;
Message ‘IF GOD COULD SPEAK’, by Scout Leaders Mike Choate and Ronald Emery;
Benediction by Scout Brady Newell;
Invitation and Prayer for Refreshments by Scout Leader Ronald Emery

The twelfth point of the Scout law, a Scout is Reverent, was exemplified by the scouts. A large congregation including boys and leaders in uniforms enjoyed the Sunday service. Fellowship hour was hosted by Troop #479 in the vestry.

Pine Tree Amendment citizens continue to advocate for protected rights

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A multi-generational team of Mainers is campaigning for an amendment that would enshrine environmental rights in the Maine Constitution’s Declaration of Rights. The Pine Tree Amendment (PTA) is a proposed amendment to the Maine State Constitution that would secure the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment for all people in Maine, including future generations. This amendment would create a robust legal pathway for protecting Maine’s ecosystems.

On Friday, January 27, at a virtual lunch and learn event, Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition (EPC) announced the Pine Tree Amendment is again on their list of environmental priorities for this legislative session. The EPC is a partnership of 37 environmental, conservation, and public health organizations that “works together to identify important legislation and votes to determine their Common Agenda for each legislative session.” The EPC’s decision to include the Pine Tree Amendment among their legislative priorities for the second time suggests that this issue is important to Mainers and that the PTA has the capacity to make a significant impact in protecting Maine’s environment.

“The Pine Tree Amendment will encourage sustainable and forward-thinking development, industry, and business growth. It will also incentivize government officials to make decisions that will accomplish economic and business objectives while also protecting water, air, soils, food, forests, wetlands, climate, and other natural resources,” said Representative Maggie O’Neil, the House sponsor for the bill. “Our environment is critical to sustaining healthy, safe, and successful lives and economies, and Maine’s constitution should be reflective of that fact.”

In the 2022 legislative session, a bipartisan PTA bill (LD 489), with strong community-based grassroots support, and the endorsement of the Environmental Priorities Coalition and many Maine businesses, received strong support in the Senate but fell short of a two-thirds majority in the House. The Pine Tree Amendment will require a 2/3 majority vote in both chambers to be placed on the ballot in November as a statewide referendum.

“All people in Maine deserve the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment, and they deserve it now,” said Cole Cochrane, the Legislative Director for Maine Youth Action, a youth-led organization advocating for environmental justice in Maine. “This is truly the bare minimum in terms of what people in Maine should have for rights, and yet these rights are not stated or protected by Maine’s Constitution. The Pine Tree Amendment would change that, ensuring that these constitutionally protected rights are upheld by Maine state and local governments.”

Individuals and groups interested in learning more or assisting with the campaign can visit www.pinetreeamendment.org or contact pinetreeamendment@gmail.com.

Lindsay Hamilton is Carrabec’s Principal’s Award winner

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Lindsay Hamilton

Lindsay Hamilton, daughter of Matthew and Marsha, of Clinton, a senior at Carrabec High School, in North Anson, has been selected to receive the 2023 Principal’s Award, according to Principal Peter Campbell. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals Association, is given in recognition of a high school senior’s academic achievement, citizenship and leadership.

According to Campbell, Ms. Hamilton has distinguished herself in the classroom, on the basketball court, and as a leader in the school. She has a positive attitude, is hard-working, kind, and humble, all of which will ensure her future success.

Academically, Lindsay has challenged herself throughout her high school years. Her hard work and perseverance have made her one of the top students of the Class of 2023. Her eagerness and enthusiasm makes her a leader and a role model in our school.

Lindsay drives 45 minutes from Clinton every day to be part of the school community. Lindsay shines strong at Carrabec as she applies enthusiasm and passion into everything she does. Strong and focused, Lindsay has played an important role on Carrabec’s teams. She is a supportive team player, she holds and shows respect for all her teammates and coaches.

Ms. Hamilton not only thrives in the sports worlds, but is also an important member of Carrabec’s math team. Lindsay is also a member of the National Honor Society and was chosen as Student of the Month for her graduating class.

For all of these reasons, Mr. Campbell is proud to announce that Lindsay Hamilton is the Carrabec High School MPA Award recipient for 2023. Lindsay will attend an awards luncheon on April 1, 2023, where she will receive her award and be eligible to be selected for one of ten scholarships.

Madison Legion Auxiliary turkey pie sale nets $2,295

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American Legion Auxiliary Tardiff-Belanger Unit #39, Madison, volunteers are hard at work preparing for the annual turkey pie fundraiser. (photo courtesy of Harriet Bryant)

Harriet Bryant, left, and Pam Daigle roll out the dough in preparation for the turkey pie sale.
(photo courtesy of Harriet Bryant)

The turkey pie sales were so popular last year, members of the American Legion Auxiliary Tardiff-Belanger Unit #39, Madison, decided to sell them again. Recently they made and sold turkey pies (162 to be exact) with the proceeds to benefit local food pantries. Reny’s of Madison donated 100 pie plates, Apple Tree Bakery gave discounted price for the pie boxes, along with members donating turkeys and many of the items needed such as flour, vegetables, shortening, etc., and their time making pies. After expenses, a total $2,295 was raised and was donated to five local food cupboards. This is another way the American Legion Auxiliary supports the community.

American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for over a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, military, and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $2 billion. As part of the world’s largest patriotic service organization, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with Dirigo State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org or www.mainelegionpost39.org.

If you wish to join the Madison American Legion Auxiliary Unit #39 contact: Robin Turek, President – American Legion Auxiliary Tardiff-Belanger Unit #39, PO Box 325, Madison, ME – robinturek@gmail.com – 696-8289.

PHOTOS: Belgrade Central School students busy with projects

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Publishing Party: Belgrade Central students in Mrs. Lachance’s fourth grade writing class recently invited parents and teachers into their classroom to share their realistic fiction stories. Student-authors started this writing unit by imagining stories that they wished existed in the world, developing believable characters, and plotting out a story arc. Then students drafted scenes that focused on using action, dialogue, and characters’ thoughts to bring their stories to life through the eyes of their readers. There were stories full of friendship, adventure, and beloved pets. These fourth grade authors were excited to share their publications with fans, and were impressed with the amazing turnout! Mrs. Lachance would like to thank all who came!

Scientific Writing: The second grade students at Belgrade Central School have been learning about how scientists write. The children learned that scientists ask a question about how the world works. Each child then came up with their own question involving force and motion. Next, students recorded a hypothesis for their question. They then learned to design an experiment to test their hypothesis and recorded their procedure. The second graders learned the importance of writing the details of each step, and also how to include drawings and labels to help other people recreate their experiment. After that, they conducted multiple trials and recorded their data. Finally, the results were analyzed and a conclusion was written. Learning about this new type of writing was challenging and fun! – Laura Dunbar, Second Grade Teacher

Spectrum ice fishing derby returns

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Gene Letourneau

The Annual Gene & Lucille Letourneau Ice Fishing Derby will take place on Sunday, February 19, at the Muskie Community Center, 38 Gold Street, in Waterville. This mid-winter tradition for ice fishing enthusiasts and families is celebrating its 25th anniversary year! Established by Maine’s great outdoorsman and his wife, Gene and Lucille Letourneau, the ice fishing derby attracts people throughout the state to fish and compete for cash prizes.

Join in by fishing on any legal Maine pond or lake of your choice, then gather at the Muskie Community Center during the official weigh-in between 2 and 5 p.m. This multigenerational family event encourages ages 15 and under to compete in their own category. Cash prizes are awarded for first, second and third place for youth in ten fish categories and first and second place for adults in eight fish categories.

All are welcomed to attend and enjoy the fire pit, S’mores, hot cocoa, popcorn, cornhole, pool table, silent auction (from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and to purchase tasty food from Sheba’s Wicked Kitchen, of Oakland, at this outdoor/indoor event. Bring your young children to visit with Maine children’s author, Deborah Walder, and take home an autographed book (available for purchase; there will also be a couple of her signed books in the silent auction). Children’s arts and crafts and other activities will also be offered. At 3 p.m. join a chainsaw carving demonstration and visit with special guests Ryan, Ashley, Jedi and Dixie, from the Maine Cabin Masters, and Tom Welch, from Mainely Handrails. Two 25th anniversary specific items will also be available including a Fireside Camp Mug for purchase and a free anniversary cupcake provided by Cakes and Catering by Karen.

Ice Fishing Derby tickets can be purchased online and at several locations in Waterville and its surrounding areas including at the Muskie Community Center. Each ticket allows a fish entry and an entry into the door prize drawing for a Yeti Tundra Cooler and drink tumblers sponsored by Nale Law Offices. Tickets to enter a fish are sold only until noon the day of the event.

The Ice Fishing Derby is a fundraiser supporting the programs and services of Spectrum Generations including Meals on Wheels and other related services for older adults and adults with disabilities. To purchase tickets and review tournament rules please visit: https://www.spectrumgenerations.org/events/ice-fishing-derby. For more information contact Sandra MacDonald, Regional Center Director smacdonald@spectrumgenerations.org or call 207-873-4745.