China Ice Fishing events – February 14-16, 2025

/0 Comments/in , , /by

ICE EVENTS

Friday, February 14

Bean supper, 6 – 8 p.m., Masonic Lodge.
Silent Disco, China Middle School, 7 – 9 p.m.
Snowmobile Ride, after bean supper at Masonic Lodge.
Owl Prowl, Thurston Park, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 15

Pancake Breakfast, Dirigo Masonic Lodge, Weeks Mills, 8 – 10 a.m.
Snowshoeing/Hiking, China School Forest 1:30 p.m.
Cornhole Tournament, China Middle School, 10 a.m. Pre-registration required.
Derby Ticket Sales, China Village Volunteer Fire Department.
Radar Run, Darrell and CFSC, registration begins at 9 a.m., runs are from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ice Skating and S’mores, China Lake Association, 5 – 7 p.m., China Ice Rink by the red barn near the town office.

Sunday, February 16

6th annual China Lake Ice Fishing Derby.

Fireworks to follow at 6:30 p.m. at the north end of the lake.

Variety store in China Village celebrates grand opening

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Plenty of selection at the China Lake Provisions.
Photo courtesy of the C.L.P. store webpage: (https://chinalakeprovisions.com/.Info@chinalakeprovisions.com.)

by Gillian Lalime

China’s newest specialty store & deli, China Lake Provisions, is hosting its official grand opening this weekend. Located in China Village near the Post Office, the store is having a ribbon cutting ceremony this Friday, February 14th at 3:30pm. The celebration coincides with the China Lake Fishing Derby and all community members are invited to join the festivities and explore the new store’s offerings! They plan to be open for business at 7:30am on Derby Day.

* * * *

Nellie’s Deli, at the new China Lake Provisions. (photo by Galen Neal)

Like many small town businesses, China Lake Provisions began as a dream rooted in childhood memories. Michael Brown is a third-generation farmer at Meadowbrook Farm who’d always envisioned an off-farm outlet to expand sales. When the old China General Store came up for purchase, Brown saw an opportunity to restore it as a local hub for quality goods and community connection.

Back when Brown was a kid, the China General Store was a local hub. One could stop in for gas and food, and you’d inevitably run into a neighbor or friend and have a chance to catch up on local happenings. It’s these community gathering spots – sometimes referred to as Third Spaces – whose presence make a town a home; that brings quality of life to a place.

James Malinky is Mike’s business partner, longtime family friend, and has worked for the family farm for years. His is the friendly face most likely to greet you walking into China Lake Provisions. Malinky notes that the store’s concept evolved over time, informing me that what folks experience when they step through the doors today is a fourth or fifth edition of the original vision. For the renovation, timbers were harvested from Meadowbrook Farm’s woods, mere miles from the storefront. Those timbers can be easily seen at the counter, coffee bar, and other areas throughout the building.

“When we were in the initial planning stages, it was very clear we were going to have a deli kitchen and coolers with meat from the farm,” says Malinky. “With the way the store is set up, the kitchen is in the back. There was all of this empty floor space and we thought…so what do we do with that?”

Inside you’ll find rows of shelving that feature a wide variety of Maine & New England-made products from over 50 vendors. The store’s mission is clear: to support local farmers and makers while promoting sustainable farming and fostering community bonds.

Co-manager Carissa Stein, demonstrates how she closely reviews each product for ingredient quality. “We’re working here every day and eating the food from here,” she says. Whether it comes off of the shelves or out of the cafe oven, “The post-digestion is just as important as the taste, and a measure of the quality of ingredients used.” This philosophy extends beyond the shelves to the deli, where they prioritize whole ingredients, avoiding pre-shredded cheeses that contain anti-caking agents.

The menu at China Lake Provisions is built around local ingredients. Meadowbrook Farm beef is featured prominently in pizzas and sandwiches, while other meats are sourced locally, either from Joseph’s Meat Market or North Country Bacon.

Malinky smiles when I ask him about the pizza. “Renovating the store we had to bring some structural changes through the Town Planning Board. It was after these meetings about 95% of people would come up to us and ask, ’So, are you guys gonna have pizza?’.”

A collaborative approach to decision making is at the core of this business. Major decisions are decided upon by all co-managers: MIke, Jim, Carissa, and the Kitchen Manager, Olivia. Input from the store’s team members and customers is crucial! In Malinky’s eyes it’s been this sort of community input that shapes the store. “We want feedback from you guys. We are always looking for community input and want to know what you want!”

Looking ahead, China Lake Provisions plans to expand its bakery offerings with fresh bagels and other baked goods, while continuing to emphasize locally and ethically sourced staple food items such as: dairy, eggs, grains, spices, and of course meat. Patrons have multiple company offerings of local maple syrup, honey, ice cream, bread, and beverages. New and seasonal products will continue to make appearances on the shelves and in the coolers at China Lake Provisions. Leading up to their Grand Opening, the store has distributed coupons to nearby schools and businesses and is thrilled to help sponsor this weekend’s fishing derby.

Stop in for hot coffee, delicious pizza, a sandwich, or to see their wide array of local and seasonal products. Check out their Menu and more at : https://chinalakeprovisions.com/.

FMI contact: Info@chinalakeprovisions.com

NOTE: This article has been updated from it’s original print version.

China trails are open

/0 Comments/in , /by

Contributed photo

As of Monday evening, February 3, China snowmobile trails are open. Riders should use them at risk of damaging their machine. The China Four Seasons Club volunteers are grooming to build firm bases, and the forecast of more snow is encouraging.

Vassalboro Methodists adapt to changes

/0 Comments/in , /by

Pews that were moved from the old church to the new. (photo courtesy of Dale Potter-Clark)

by Dale Potter-Clark

The Vassalboro Methodists first professed their faith in 1794 when the itinerant minister Rev. Jesse Lee preached at Getchell’s Corner, and they have been on the move and adapting to change ever since.

Vassalboro history tells us there were four Methodist churches in town at one time: South Vassalboro on Cross Hill (1813); East Vassalboro (1840); North Vassalboro (1865); and at Getchell’s Corner (1868). None of those buildings exist any longer. The Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) on route 32/Main Street is the only one in town today – constructed when the declining congregations in North and East Vassalboro recognized the need to change. They combined in 1987 and took on the seemingly gargantuan task of constructing a new church building.

The old East Vassalboro Methodist Church. (photo courtesy of Dale Potter-Clark)

Ever since VUMC’s doors opened in 1988 community members have been welcomed to worship services – some have transferred from other local churches that have closed their doors. Public meals, weddings, funerals and special events are frequently held there as well. Other than choosing to add a rear el to hold office space and two meeting rooms in 2003, members of the little country church have not had to undertake any major structural or interior changes until last year. It was then a largely attended funeral made them realize they needed to make some adaptations for folks with mobility and accessibility challenges and they immediately began to plan accordingly.

“The project was planned in three stages,” said Harvey Boatman, project coordinator. “Once funding was secured, our first step was to install a lift/elevator between the sanctuary and the lower level where our fellowship hall and bathrooms are located. The lift is very close to completion and it should become operational in February. During the early stages of the installation we discovered significant damage to the roof so unexpected, emergency repairs had to be done which included removal of the damaged steeple. Through all that, the lift installation never faltered. We had a lot going on here for a while last fall,” said Boatman.

Once the lift was 99 percent done the next major adaptation for improved accessibility was to remove parts of two pews near the center of the sanctuary to better accommodate wheelchairs. This was completed on Tuesday, January 21st and the following day some veteran members saw the changes. “There are several older folks who attend VUMC – some who were once members of the East or North Vassalboro churches and were here when VUMC was built,” said Boatman. “But given time to understand they have been real troopers! It’s human nature to have some resistance to change no matter how young or old we are but the vast majority of our congregation has been on board from the beginning.”

Theresa White, 94, of Vassalboro, was among the first to arrive on Wednesday and even though she was there for a meeting, she arose from her chair saying, “I cannot wait! I have to go upstairs to see the pews. Mae Jones was not far behind her. “It is beautiful,” exclaimed White. “You can’t really even tell they were ever there. The carpet there looks good too and isn’t hurt at all.” Jones recalled that one of the removed pews used to be “her pew,” where she sat with Carroll and Betty Rowe over the years. Through their reminiscing both White and Jones seemed to appreciate the progress made and the craftsmanship that went into the job.

The pews at VUMC were moved there from the East Vassalboro Methodist church that no longer stands. A news article appeared in 1871 when that church was built and included details such as, “…the circular pews with ash backs (now at VUMC) sat 300 people. Friend, C.M. Bailey, from the Winthrop Center Quaker congregation, gave a Bible; William Cates a pulpit chair; James Cates a chandelier and side lamps; Mrs. S. Marshall the altar table.” The bell was added in 1873 and that, along with the pews and some of the previously mentioned items, was also moved to VUMC in 1988. That bell chimes every Sunday morning to welcome folks to the worship service and beckoning to those who may also come one day to help re-fill those old pews.

A ceremony will be held later this year to dedicate the new lift/elevator and to recognize those who made it possible through their donations of funds, time and efforts. FMI about VUMC’s continuing accessibility project, their events, programs and services email info.vumc@gmail.com or phone (207) 873-5564 or follow the Vassalboro United Methodist Church Facebook page.

FROM NORTH VASSALBORO Methodist Church

Stained glass windows on the north and south walls of the sanctuary;
Pews in the Fellowship Hall (they are too large to fit in the sanctuary);
Large Pastor’s pulpit and chair;
Communion table;
Marble top table at back of sanctuary.

FROM EAST VASSALBORO Methodist Church:

Stained glass window behind pulpit, moved in and remains enclosed in original framing;
The 1,500 lb. steel church bell cast by Sheffield Sons & Co., in England, in 1871;
The pews in the sanctuary;
The smaller Lay Leader pulpit and chair.

Cabin Fever Quilt Show and luncheon on tap in Vassalboro

/0 Comments/in , /by

A “Cabin Fever Quilt Show and Luncheon” will be held in Vassalboro on Saturday, February 15, (storm date February 22) at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC), 614 Main Street.. “What better way to spend a mid-winter Saturday than taking in a display of beautiful new and vintage quilts,” said one of the event coordinators, Dale Potter-Clark. “Quilts of all sizes, ages, patterns and skill levels will be draped over the pews in the sanctuary, producing a rather breathtaking display.” A luncheon will add to the enjoyment of the day.

Some antique quilts from the Vassalboro Historical Society’s collection will be among those on display as well as others, both old and new, from church members and local families. Information about the quilts’ histories will be provided and there will be people on standby to answer questions that may arise. Those who attend the Quilt Show will be eligible for a door prize – one drawing will be done every hour 11:00 a.m – 2 p.m. Some newly-made quilts will be available for purchase, a percentage of which will be designated to the VUMC building fund as will be all proceeds from the day.

The quilts will be on display 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and the luncheon will be served 11:30 a.m. p.m., to include special desserts and sweets with Valentine’s Day in mind for a $10 donation, and additional donations would be appreciated for the Quilt Show. Anyone with interest in entering a quilt, whether vintage or newer, can email crossings4u@gmail.com or call or text (207) 441-9184. Follow this and future special events and public meals on the Vassalboro United Methodist Church Facebook page.

China’s garden project aims to unite the community

/0 Comments/in , /by

Hsiang shows off some of the parsnips grown this past summer. (contributed photo)

by Eric W. Austin

In an era where community spirit is more important than ever, China’s new garden project aims to bring people together by fostering a sense of connection and collaboration through a shared love of gardening.

Organizer Jim Hsiang, begins assembly of the raised beds. (contributed photo)

Managed by the China for a Lifetime committee, and advised by Jim and Jude Hsiang, this initiative builds on their successful experience with similar projects in Connecticut to ensure its success here. The garden will be centrally located on the south side of the Town Office, by the Red Barn, making it accessible and convenient to all community members.

The project will feature 36 garden beds available for rent, providing ample space for participants to cultivate their own plants. Any surplus produce will be donated to the China Community Food Pantry, further benefiting those in need. Additionally, a spring workshop will introduce participants to the basics of gardening, equipping them with the knowledge to make the most of their plots. A nominal fee of $25/year, or $15/year for seniors, will be required to participate.

While the project has received several generous donations already, they still need to raise about $1,500 from local businesses and individuals to fully fund the effort before spring. Volunteers are also essential for building the fenced-in area, constructing a storage shed, and preparing the garden beds.

James Hsiang and Tom Michaud will be putting the garden beds together on Saturday, February 8, and they could use additional volunteers to help with the effort.

Those interested in signing up for a garden plot or seeking more information should contact the committee by email at ChinaForALifetime@gmail.com. Follow “China Community Garden Project” on Facebook for future updates and announcements.

Community members can also support the project by donating recyclables (bottles and cans) designated for the garden project at China Variety and Redemption in China Village on Rt. 202 just north of the lake.

The Garden Committee is excited to see our community come together through this initiative and looks forward to the growth and connections it will inspire. Join us in bringing this vision to life!

PHOTO: Success on the ice

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

James Owens, son of Anne Owens, of Vassalboro, caught this beautiful brown trout, in China Lake, on Saturday, January 18. The trout was 19 inches long and weighed 3 pounds.

Local bank named America’s Best Regional Bank

/0 Comments/in , /by

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust has been recognized by Newsweek as one of “America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions” for the second consecutive year. Pictured is the South China branch.

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust has been recognized by Newsweek as one of “America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions” for the second consecutive year. The bank and its branches received a five-out-of-five star rating and were selected from among 9,170 financial institutions across the country based on a combination of factors including financial health, operational performance, and customer reviews.

The Newsweek award is one of many honors bestowed on the bank in the past few years. Others include Forbes “World’s Best Banks” in 2024 and 2023; Forbes “Best-in-State Banks” in 2024, 2023, and 2022; Newsweek’s “America’s Best Banks” in 2022; and the Mastercard® Doing Well by Doing Good Award in 2022.

One of the key factors that determine what financial institutions are chosen for these awards is input from customers.

Oakland woman named Maine Mother of the Year

/0 Comments/in , /by

Monica Wilcox Charette

Monica Wilcox Charette, of Oakland, has been named 2025 Maine Mother of the Year. Charette will be recognized and represent Maine at the 90th National Convention of American Mothers, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in April, where one honoree will be named American Mother of the Year.

A native of Aroostook County, Charette is a graduate of Presque Isle High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Maine at Orono. She has lived in Oakland, Kennebec County, for the past three decades with her husband Randy, and their children, Cassidy and Colby.

She is a journalist, photographer, author, and podcast creator/host. Charette has a 35-year professional career working in the nonprofit sector, including serving as director of public relations for the former Mid-Maine Medical Center, fund development director at Mount Merici Academy, and she served the last 10 years as communications director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine.

Charette is the founder and executive director of ShineOnCass Foundation, a nonprofit created 10 years ago to carry forth the legacy of her 17-year-old daughter Cassidy Charette, a longtime community volunteer and advocate for children, who died in a Maine hayride accident in 2014. According to American Mothers, Inc., Charette has used this platform to champion youth mentoring, animal welfare, youth literacy, provide scholarships for athletics, music and art, and establish multiple community scholarships and awards for service-focused high school students in central Maine. She also helped inaugurate multiple youth mentoring programs in her community and created free lending libraries for children at Boys/Girls Clubs and YMCAs in Waterville and Augusta. She and her son Colby co-host Holding the Light Podcast to support bereaved families of child loss.

Charette also volunteers as a weekly coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters ShineOnCass youth mentoring program at Messalonskee, serves on the Oakfest, Maine Committee, and is a member of the Waterville Area Women’s Club.

“It is an honor to represent all Maine Moms, and especially my fellow bereaved mothers, at the national convention this spring,” Charette said. “I am humbled to be chosen to represent our beautiful state and many mothers for whom I have tremendous respect and admiration. I’ve never been more inspired, or prouder, to be a Mainer.

Every year, mothers from around the country are selected by a national committee from American Mothers, Inc. to represent their respective state as Mother of the Year. The mission is to recognize mothers and their positive impact in their families and communities. To support this year’s Mother of the Year through the Maine Chapter of American Mothers, contact Lisa Newall at Lisa.Newell@va.gov. For information about American Mothers, Inc., visit americanmothers.org.

New librarian at ACB Library

/0 Comments/in , /by

Alexis Burbank

by Birdie

The new librarian at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Librarian, in China Village, is Alexis Burbank. She initiated her tenure in October 2024 and is devoted to fostering the library’s growth and development. She has been working diligently on introducing family-friendly activities, including the ongoing 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge.

Furthermore, she hosts multiple craft nights and is developing a summer reading program. Her favorite literary genre is folklore. Additionally, she is a talented artist.

Alexis graduated from the University of Maine Machias in 2014 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Fine Arts. She has been actively engaged in artistic pursuits since childhood. Alexis collaborates with fellow artists to create illustrated books, which are subsequently published. She also designs leather masquerade masks, which are shipped globally through her online business, Faylander Studios. Her artwork has been featured in Downeast magazine, and she won the poster contest at the Windsor Fair last year for her poster of pulling horses.

If you haven’t had the chance to meet her yet, I highly recommend visiting our exceptional library and introducing yourself to her!