William Banks, of Jefferson, and Kyle Ingraham, of Unity, were named to the dean’s list at Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts, for academic excellence for the 2022 fall semester. Banks has a primary major of physical education, and Ingraham in sport management.
Thurston Park in the winter (photo from Thurston Park Facebook page)
Four members of China’s Thurston Park Committee spent most of their Jan. 19 meeting talking about money, both the 2023-24 budget and the long-term future of the almost 400-acre public park in northeastern China.
As in past years, committee members intend to ask for money from China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund, as well as from the 2023-24 municipal budget.
Committee chairman Jeanette Smith said the proposed TIF request totals $44,000. Minutes of the committee’s November 2022 meeting show that planned expenditures include buying a utility vehicle that would be used to move equipment and supplies (like gravel); preparing a new trail; and building kiosks, installing more cameras and preparing trail maps.
The TIF Committee meeting scheduled for January to review requests was canceled due to members’ illnesses. The calendar on the town website shows the next TIF meeting scheduled for 6 p.m.. Wednesday, Feb. 8, in the portable building behind the town office.
Funds requested from the China municipal budget would cover work on the entrance road from Albion and supplies.
The park has more than five miles of trails that need maintenance. Several have been or are being built or improved as Eagle Scout projects. Committee members talked about damage from storms that have taken down trees and washed out trails.
Committee members are investigating grants that might be available for work in the park. Smith is concerned about funding sources when China’s TIF ends in 26 years. In reply to a suggestion to research other towns’ park financing, she said few if any other Maine towns support so large a natural area.
Another suggestion was to try to find out how many people, from China and from out of town, use Thurston Park, as an indicator of its value to townspeople and local businesses. The cameras in place and to be installed will help, committee members said. They doubted enough visitors would sign a logbook to make it informative.
Thurston Park has multiple listings on the worldwide web; it is included on the sites called mainetrailfinder.com and mainebyfoot.com.
Despite the Dec. 23 damage, on Jan. 23 Smith said the park is open for winter use, though she urged caution.
Parking is at the top of the Yorktown Road hill on the left, or in the new winter parking area at the bottom of the hill, also on the left, Smith said.
Residents interested in joining the Thurston Park Committee are invited to contact the town office or to email thurstonpark@outlook.com.
The next Thurston Park Committee meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, in the portable building.
Recognized as a leader in the healthcare industryNorthern Light Inland Hospital announced that it has been named a 2022 Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® winner for Clinical Quality by Press Ganey, a global leader in healthcare experience solutions and services. This award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in patient experience.
As a winner of the Press Ganey HX Guardian of Excellence Award®, Inland Hospital is in the top 5 percent of healthcare providers in the last year and is one of only seven hospitals nationwide to receive the clinical quality recognition. Twelve clinical measures from 2021 data were used to calculate the award including care from the emergency department, outpatient services, care related to pregnancy and related conditions, stroke, and blood clots. Press Ganey works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality, and experience of care.
“By putting their patients and workforce first each and every day, Inland Hospital is demonstrating their unwavering commitment to their employees and to the communities they serve,” said Patrick T. Ryan, chairman and chief executive officer, Press Ganey. “The caregivers at Inland have inspired us with the compassion, empathy and human connection they bring to the clinical healthcare setting. We are honored to partner with them as we celebrate their achievement.”
“We are excited to receive this recognition and very proud of everyone at Inland who goes above and beyond to deliver the highest quality of care possible,” said Nick Chobanian, MD, senior physician executive and vice president of Medical Affairs at Inland Hospital. “It takes a skilled clinical team dedicated to each patient and their individual needs, using excellent communication that engages patients and families in their care. Great teamwork helps us deliver the best medical outcomes.”
To learn more about Inland Hospital, visit northernlighthealth.org/Inland. Find more information on the award and Press Ganey at pressganey.com.
Brionna Charlebois helps out in the kitchen during the Vassalboro seniors cribbage day, as part of the Vassalboro Community program, headed by Karen Hatch. (contributed photo)
The 59th annual Waterville Rotary Auction with hundreds of gifts, services and discount items wrapped up the first week of December. Every year, for more than half a century, this important community event has supported Rotary’s efforts to make a difference in the community. Proceeds from the auction will again go to support community programs and initiatives in early childhood development and education, helping to ensure a bright future for our community’s most vulnerable and valuable asset, our children.
This year, Rotary Club of Waterville identified the construction of the new Children’s Discovery Museum and the development of a second natural play area at Educare Central Maine as recipients of auction proceeds. Both of these amazing organizations located in Waterville make a difference for the children served, with programs focused around childhood literacy and development.
Rotary Club of Waterville thanks the community for its support and contribution to area businesses and to the promotion of literacy in central Maine and beyond. Your participation generated nearly 240 items donated to the auction, resulting in net proceeds over $18,000.
Special thanks are extended to the auction committee, Mix 107.9 for live coverage and interviews during the auction, Central Maine Motors Auto Group, the Mid-Maine Chamber, and fellow Rotarians for assistance in this undertaking.
For more information about the Rotary, visit the website at http://www.watervillerotary.com.
China Baptist Church
Eight Scout leaders completed Youth Protection Training at a course held at the China Baptist Church, on January 4, 2023. Joe Poulin, of Oakland, who serves as the training chairman for Pine Tree Council, led the program. Those completing the course, which is required annually for all leaders who work directly with scouts, were Matthew Bodine, Ronald Emery, Aiden Pettengill, Samuel Boynton, Scott Adams, and Priscilla Adams, all of China; Luanne Chesley, of Vassalboro, and Brian Wedge, of Belgrade.
Poulin said, “Being a leader in the BSA is a privilege, not a right. The quality of the program and the safety of our youth members call for high-quality adult leaders. Each adult leader must agree to undergo a criminal background check and annually complete the Youth Protection Training course either online or in person. Before we can take Scouts camping or teach them how to tie knots, we have to make sure they are in safe hands.”
Scout leaders are mandatory reporters if abuse is suspected and should take the following steps:
Little Sister Ryder Perkins meets with her Big Sister Hayley SooHoo once a week to chat while they draw, color, takes walks, and sometimes even learn new dances together. Their friendship was created through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine’s longstanding, one-to-one mentoring program that matches children facing adversity with positive role models. (contributed photo)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBSMM) kicks off the new year and National Mentoring Month in January with an effort to recruit adult volunteers in the community to serve as mentors to 100 children waiting to be matched.
“Bettering yourself in the new year is a fantastic goal,” Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine Interim Executive Director Mae Slevisky, says. “This year, we encourage people to think about how they can do that by also bettering their community—by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister.”
According to Slevinsky, there has never been a more critical time for mentoring.
“The events of the past few years have taken their toll on our most vulnerable citizens—our children. The isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has hampered the social and academic progress of many kids, and many more are experiencing mental health challenges,” she said. “Kids need mentors now more than ever, to help them navigate challenges, open up doors of opportunity, and give them additional support they may need to excel in school and in their communities.”
According to Slevinsky, BBBS of Mid-Maine currently has 100 youth in its seven-county service area waiting to be matched with a mentor. Becoming a Big means committing to spending a couple of hours a week with a young person doing things you and your Little like to do, like playing outside, visiting the library, or taking a walk, she said. Matches also explore new activities together, like visiting a museum or skiing for the first time. “It’s about having fun, being a friend, and nurturing a child’s greatest potential.”
Adult mentors are interviewed, screened and trained, and receive ongoing support from BBBS of Mid-Maine professional staff, including regular match support meetings to ensure safety and help strengthen relationships. Successful volunteers are responsible, caring adults, who enjoy working with youth of all ages and backgrounds, have excellent listening and communication skills, are patient, willing to learn, and share in the BBBS mission of igniting the power and promise of local youth.
To learn more about Littles waiting, follow BBBS of Mid-Maine’s weekly “Waiting Wednesday” Facebook posts. For information on how to become a Big or enroll a child, visit bbbsmidmaine.org, email info@bbbsmidmaine.org or call 207-236-BBBS (2227).
Pictured are Sam Madison with frisbee, John Gray who serves as the Denner, and Wesley Danielson. (contributed photo)
On Monday January 9, 2023, Tiger Den #410 members got together to learn about teamwork, good sportsmanship, following rules, and how to hustle. They battled it out in a fierce frisbee relay! The Tiger Adult Partners joined in the fun and Vassalboro Community School supported the Tigers, according to Vassalboro Cub Scout Pack #410 Cubmaster Chris Santiago. The Tiger Cubs are first grade members of the Cub Scout pack.
Croft Eagle Scout Project. All Eagles are required to complete a significant project to improve their community. Last April, Jeremy led other Scouts and friends in building five large wooden planters for the town of Oakland replacing the old rusted tricycle planters. In the spring they are placed on traffic islands and other locations around town. (photo by Jennifer Croft)
Jeremy Tilson Croft, of Sidney, received Scouting’s Eagle Scout rank during a ceremony on Wednesday, January 4, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on Washington Street, in Waterville. Family, friends, and Scouts from Troop #417 and Troop #401 were on hand to watch the culmination of years of work.
Troop #401 Scoutmaster Eric Handley served as Master of Ceremonies and praised Jeremy. “Jeremy is the guy that wants to be out doing! Jeremy is in his element outside, camping, playing soccer, hiking and just doing.”One milestone in his Scouting career came last year when Jeremy joined other Scouts from the troop on a trip to Gettysburg and visited other historic sites.
Jeremy’s mother placed the Eagle pin on her son. He is the fourth Croft son to earn Scouting’s highest rank. Tayler received his Eagle Scout rank in 2016, Cameron in 2017 and Tieran in 2018. She explained what scouting means to their entire family. “Scouting has been a wonderful addition to our family,” Jennifer said. “It has taught our boys skills and principles that have already benefited them in their life. They all have learned to love camping and the outdoors, they have learned new things through their merit badges, and have learned how to be better citizens through serving in our community. Devin and I have been adult leaders and Devin was a merit badge counselor throughout the years. We have been able to help other scouts learn these principles as well. Our family has been grateful for the opportunity scouting has given us to be a part of our community.”
Jeremy Croft lives in Sidney and attends Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, as a sophomore. He served as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader for Troop #401.
Croft Family Photo from 2018. Front, Jeremy Croft wearing the blue Cub Scout shirt. Back, from left to right, Cameron Croft, Jennifer Croft, Devin Croft, Tayler Croft, and Tieran Croft. Jeremy is the fourth Croft to earn Eagle Scout. Tayler received his Eagle Scout rank in 2016, Cameron in 2017 and Tieran in 2018.
(photo by Eric W. Austin)
An Act to Amend the Membership Requirements of the State Claims Commission. (Presented by Representative WHITE of Waterville)
An Act to Provide Ongoing Funding for up to 2 Years of Community College for Certain Maine Students. (Presented by Representative BRIDGEO of Augusta)
An Act to Prohibit Open Burning Under a Red Flag Warning and Regulate Recreational Campfires. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)
An Act to Provide Indigenous Peoples Free Access to State Parks. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
An Act to Align Maine’s Lead Abatement Law with Federal Definitions and to Clarify Lead Abatement Licensing and Certification Requirements. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)
An Act to Increase the Statutory Fee for Defensive Driving Courses. (Presented by Senator FARRIN of Somerset)
An Act to Allow the Commissioner of Transportation to Reduce Speed Limits at Construction Sites with Input from Municipalities and Utilities. (Presented by Senator FARRIN of Somerset)
An Act to Require a Person to Show Photographic Identification for the Purpose of Voting. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)
An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens to Eliminate the Requirement for an Annual Application. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)
An Act to Amend the Cannabis Laws. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
An Act Regarding the Commissioner of Corrections’ Role in Death Benefit Determinations and Regarding Training for Corrections Officers. (Presented by Senator LAFOUNTAIN of Kennebec)
An Act to Amend the Statutory Balance Limit on the Finance Authority of Maine’s Loan Insurance Reserves. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)
An Act to Amend the Law Governing Licensing Actions of the Emergency Medical Services’ Board. (Presented by Senator LAFOUNTAIN of Kennebec)
An Act to Move the Headquarters for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. (Presented by Representative BRIDGEO of Augusta)
An Act to Clarify That Certain Imported Motor Vehicles Are Not Off-road Vehicles. (Presented by Representative RUDNICKI of Fairfield)
An Act to Ensure In-state Tuition for Postsecondary Students Who Are Registered to Vote in the State. (Presented by Representative RUDNICKI of Fairfield)
An Act to Require That Printing Services Provided to the General Public by the University of Maine System Be Provided at Market Rates. (Presented by Representative RUDNICKI of Fairfield)
An Act to Clarify State Policy Regarding the Use of Cannabis Paraphernalia in the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Act. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp.
The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.