Waterville Creates announces youth art month exhibition

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A landscape painting by Uliana Fournier, Winslow High School, grade 10. (contributed photo)

Ticonic Gallery, a division of Waterville Creates, is delighted to partner with Greene Block + Studios to celebrate Youth Art Month (YAM) with a spectacular, multi-site exhibition of artwork by local students in grades K–12. The 9th annual YAM exhibition will be on view at both locations March 3 – 31, with an opening reception on March 3 from 4­­ – 7 p.m., in conjunction with downtown Waterville’s First Friday event. Sponsored by the Colby College Museum of Art, Kennebec Savings Bank, Morning Sentinel and Kennebec Journal, and PRO Moving Service, this year’s YAM exhibition will include the work of youth artists from 25 participating area schools.

Established in 1961, YAM is a national initiative designed to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs. Featuring works in a variety of media, including painting, digital art, pottery, and photography, YAM is an opportunity for students to showcase their work in a gallery setting and share their achievements with their families and their community. This year’s YAM theme is “Your Art, Your Story.”

In conjunction with YAM, Waterville Creates is conducting a special awareness campaign and fundraising drive for its Youth Arts Access Fund (YAAF). Established in March 2022 with the belief that all youth, regardless of income, ability, or background, should have access to outstanding arts programming and arts education opportunities, YAAF provides free admission for youth ages 18 and under to the full range of programming offered by Waterville Creates and its divisions, including art classes and camps, community theatre productions, live music, and film programming. Initially established as a pilot program with a $15,000 grant from the Raymond J. and Mary C. Reisert Foundation, YAAF has received additional support from a variety of foundations, businesses, and individuals. Since March 2022, the Youth Arts Access Fund has been accessed nearly 1,000 times, allowing youth to attend events and programs across all divisions of Waterville Creates, including Ticonic Gallery + Studios, Maine Film Center, and Waterville Opera House.

Located at 93 Main Street in the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, Ticonic Gallery is free and open to the public Wednesdays – Mondays, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Greene Block + Studios, located at 18 Main Street, is free and open to the public Tuesdays – Fridays, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturdays, noon – 5 p.m. For more information on YAM, please visit the Ticonic Gallery exhibitions page; for information about the Youth Arts Access Fund, including a link to donate, visit the Waterville Creates’ website.

YAM 2023 participating schools: Albert S. Hall School, Canaan Elementary School, Clinton Elementary School, George J. Mitchell School, Sylvio J. Gilbert Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Madison Elementary School, Madison Junior High School, Maine Arts Academy, Maranacook Community Middle School, Messalonskee High School, Messalonskee Middle School, Mount Merici Academy, Mt. Vernon Elementary School, Palermo Consolidated School, Readfield Elementary School, Warsaw Middle School, Waterville Alternative High School, Waterville Senior High School, Waterville Junior High School, Wayne Elementary School, Whitefield Elementary School, Winslow High School, Winslow Junior High School.

Vassalboro Historical Society gets new Bookeye scanner

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The Bookeye scanner recently acquired by the Vassalboro Public Library. (photo courtesy of Janice Clowes)

by Mary Grow

The Vassalboro Historical Society (VHS) has a new tool, and VHS president Jan Clowes is excited about using it and about sharing it.

It’s called a Bookeye scanner, and it takes pictures of documents and transfers them to a computer, from which they can be read, downloaded, printed and otherwise used without risk to the irreplaceable, often-fragile originals.

Clowes and other Historical Society volunteers were scheduled for an on-line training session on the machine March 2. They intend to record the session to use to train others interested, Clowes said.

Meanwhile, she has started scanning, following the instruction manual.

The scanner has three parts. A flattish machine sits on a desk in the VHS office, with a book cradle on its top. The cradle is adjustable to accommodate books and papers of different sizes and to hold them at different angles.

At head height above the cradle is the light that does the scanning. Between the two, a vertical screen shows what is being scanned. The resulting image transfers to the attached computer.

Clowes demonstrated with a hand-written page in a recipe book. She placed the open book in the cradle and pressed a button; a red line shone down to tell her to adjust the book’s position slightly; she did so, pressed the button again and a picture of the page transferred to the computer.

There is also a foot-pedal control, in case the operator needs both hands to keep the document being scanned in position.

Clowes intends to offer use of the scanner to other area organizations, and perhaps to individuals. She and VHS member Dawn Cates happily listed the possibilities – valuable old documents from VHS and other historical societies; Grange, church and other organizations’ records; interesting items from library collections; handwritten store-keepers’ records; school records, including from the former Oak Grove School – “there’s just so much,” Clowes exulted.

“This is a game-changer for getting our information online and safe,” she said.

The Historical Society applied to the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation for funds for a scanner. Clowes said she got a letter from the foundation at the beginning of February, opened it half-expecting a rejection – and found a check for $10,000.

The scanner cost $9,888. The rest of the money, Clowes said, will start a fund to buy a more powerful computer to go with the scanner.

The computer she’s been using is adequate for training. For continued use, Clowes said, the scanner manual recommends “a large, high resolution display and high-speed computer with at least 16 gigabytes of RAM.”

She estimated the computer will cost about $1,200. She and Cates discussed the possibility that if someone donated the entire price, the Historical Society might honor the donor by putting his or her name on the computer.

Clowes’ first project is scanning the multi-volume diary kept by North Vassalboro mill-owner John D. Lang (1799 – 1879). It is part of a collection of Lang-related documents the late Dick Kelly, a VHS member, donated more than 20 years ago.

“We have this wonderful thing that nobody was able to see, and now they’ll be able to,” Clowes said.

CORRECTION: The article headline previously mentioned the Vassalboro library. It should reference the Vassalboro Historical Society. The article headline has been updated.

Maine Catholic youth raise nearly $14,000 in “Souper” Bowl of Caring

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In addition to Super Bowl Sunday parties and gatherings, young Catholics from around Maine had more reason to celebrate on Sunday, February 12: a wildly successful “Souper” Bowl of Caring.

The event saw young people collecting money at several Maine parishes with 100 percent of the donations set for delivery to local charities that help tackle hunger in the community.

The young people collected nearly $14,000 and hundreds of food items at weekend Masses. The parishes, totals, and beneficiaries were:

St. Michael Parish, which consists of Augusta, Gardiner, Hallowell, Whitefield, and Winthrop, youth collected over $2,600 for the Catholic Charities Maine food and nutrition program.

Corpus Christi Parish, Waterville and Winslow, youth collected $1,733 to help sponsor a child in El Salvador and for the Lighthouse Soup Kitchen, in Waterville.

China 2023 Ice Fishing Derby winners

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AND THE WINNERS ARE…

Lunker of the Day – Large Mouth Bass – Randall Glidden – 5.48 lb

Brook Trout:

1st and 2nd place – David Hamilton – 1.06 lb and .70 lb
There was no 3rd place in this category

Brown Trout:

1st place: Jaden Callahan – 3.40 lb
2nd place: Emmet Ambrose – 3.34 lb
3rd place: Dan Horning – 2.80 lb

Large Mouth Bass:

1st place: Randall Glidden – 5.48 lb
2nd place: Kolby Glidden – 4.86 lb
3rd place: Christine Casmer – 4.84 lb

Small Mouth Bass:

1st place: Terry Couture – 3.02 lb
2nd place: Mile Michaud – 2.76 lb
3rd place: Tom Monroe – 2.32 lb

Pickerel:

1st place: Isabelle Pelotte – 4.2 lb
2nd place: Damien Lee Theriault – 3.88 lb
3rd place: Brad Wing – 3.70 lb

Kids Perch by Count:

1st place: Max Collins – 24
2nd place: Nicole – 22
3rd place: Blake Owens – 17 (first in at fire house)
4th place: Griffin Smith – 17
5th place: Alexis Wentworth – 14

Purdue Global partnering with Northern Light Inland Hospital

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Tricia Costingan

A new partnership between the Purdue Global School of Nursing and Northern Light Inland Hospital will create a more efficient and innovative learning model that meets the needs of Purdue Global students, Inland Hospital staff and the community. The partnership includes a state-of-the-art simulation center to be located on the Inland campus, at 222 Kennedy Memorial Drive, in Waterville, next door to the hospital.

The simulation center will utilize a family of high-fidelity, Gaumard brand manikins that include an infant, child, birthing mother and adult. The space will consist of large high-fidelity simulation suites staged to mock hospital rooms with audio/video capabilities, a master control room, several conference rooms to hold debriefings, a dedicated skills lab, break area, nurses’ station, central supply area, medication preparation space, offices and storage space. The new sim lab will be up and running by early spring.

“We are excited to partner with Inland Hospital, creating a state-of-the-art simulation facility that enables our nursing students and health care colleagues to engage in immersive learning with a keen training focus on patient safety, high reliability and quality of care, all while fostering interprofessional collaboration serving the rural community,” said Melissa Burdi, Purdue Global vice president and dean of the School of Nursing. Additionally, the organizations are working together to create mutually beneficial interprofessional simulation experiences where multiple health care professionals can practice patient and family care together.

Inland Hospital president Tricia Costigan said, “This medical simulation lab partnership gives our healthcare staff another important way to continue to hone and grow their clinical skills. State-of-the-art, hands-on training, with easy access right on our hospital campus, is invaluable. We are grateful for Purdue’s collaboration to help us deliver the best care possible to our community.”

This arrangement builds on an existing partnership between Purdue Global and Inland Hospital, in which Purdue Global students have completed their clinical rotations at the hospital.

For more information about Purdue Global, visit www.purdueglobal.edu.

Northern Light welcomes Dominique Uva

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Dominique Uva

Northern Light Inland Hospital welcomes Dominique Uva, FNP-C, family nurse practitioner, to Northern Light Endocrinology and Diabetes Care, in Waterville.

Dominique is experienced in diabetes management and endocrinology with expertise in thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Dominique earned her undergraduate degree in Gerontology from Ithaca College, in Ithaca, New York, and her master’s in nursing from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. She is a board-certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Her experience includes hospital medicine and specializing in advanced diabetes care and treatment along with management of thyroid disorders and osteoporosis at the Joslin Diabetes Center in New York. Additionally, she worked at Arnot Health Endocrinology – a hospital-based practice that specializes in Endocrinology with focus on diabetes management, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, PCOS, and hypogonadism.

Dominique believes, “Patients needs to trust their provider and be able to relate to them on some level. I find earning trust and building rapport to be most important. Additionally, I find it imperative that the patient be at the center of their care; involved in the decision making and treatment plan. We are in a relationship with and for our patients, and we should be co-navigating their healthcare journey together.”

For referrals or more information, please call 872-5529. The practice is located in the Medical Arts Building, which is connected to the hospital, in Waterville.

New provider welcomed at Northern Light Primary Care in Oakland

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Stephanie Plasse

Northern Light Inland Hospital is pleased to welcome Stephanie Plasse, DNP, FNP-C, family nurse practitioner, to Northern Light Primary Care, in Oakland.

Stephanie received her doctoral degree from Quinnipiac University in North Haven, Connecticut, and her undergraduate degree from Endicott College, in Beverly, Massachu­setts. She is a board-certified family nurse practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Regarding patient care, she says, “I take the time to educate patients. It is important for patients to understand their conditions so that we can make a management plan together. In primary care, we aim to help prevent diseases, if possible, catch other diseases early to improve prognoses, and establish an appropriate plan of care once diseases are diagnosed. Education is critical in all of these areas.”

Stephanie is welcoming new patients age 17 and older. Please contact the office at 465-7342 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to schedule an appointment online. The practice is located at 74 Water Street, in Oakland.

Northern Light Vascular Care welcomes Mark Bolduc, MD

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Northern Light Vascular Care

Northern Light Vascular Care, in Waterville, welcomes Mark Bolduc, MD, a highly skilled vascular surgeon to the team. Dr. Bolduc also sees patients and performs surgeries at Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital, in Pittsfield.

Dr. Bolduc is fellowship trained from the Vascular Surgery Fellowship at the New England Deaconess Hospital, in Boston, Massachusetts. He earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Dr. Bolduc will be providing consultations for and treatment of arteries, veins, and poor circulation. Varicose vein treatment is covered by most insurances.

Northern Light Vascular Care is located at 244 Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville, on the Inland Hospital campus. For more information about our services or referral process, please contact the practice at 207.861.8030.

New mental health provider welcomed to Unity practice

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Jennifer Turner

Northern Light Primary Care in Unity welcomes Jennifer Turner, LMSW-CC, a licensed master social worker, to the team. Jennifer was the Unity practice manager for the past five years and has transitioned into this new role. Jennifer has been with Northern Light Inland Hospital for 21 years.

Jennifer earned her undergraduate degree in social work at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and her master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of New England. She is state licensed.

Jennifer shares, “I want to be a part of changing the stigma around mental health/behavioral health. It is an honor to be “allowed” into a patient’s world and be a part of their healthcare journey, one I don’t take lightly. It is important to listen, then listen more. I enjoy coming alongside the patient to help them reach their goals while providing a safe place with no judgement.”

Jennifer is a generalist social worker who provides individual therapy. She works with patients, ages 10 years and older, who have all types of symptoms and diagnosis, such as: substance use, grief, women’s health, and chronic illness. She also has experience working with learning disabilities and challenges. She will be seeing patients in-person at the Unity practice with telehealth as an option.

For referrals or more information, please call our practice at 948.2100. The practice is located at 80 Main Street in Unity.

Matthew Burnham joins Rizzo Mattson, REALTORS® as an agent

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Matthew Burnham

Matthew Burnham, a lifelong resident of the Boothbay Region who served as a lobsterman for 17 years while also building and remodeling homes, has joined Augusta-based Rizzo Mattson, REALTORS® as a sales agent.

“As Rizzo Mattson, REALTORS® celebrates 40 years of real estate service throughout Maine, they are bringing onboard someone of Matthew’s diligence and devotion to caring, personal service,” said Brian Rizzo, Designated Broker-Owner of Rizzo Mattson, Realtors® who also serves as the immediate past president for Kennebec Valley Board of Realtors® and as a director for both Maine Listings and Maine Association of Realtors® this year.

In his spare time, Matthew enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, finding new adventures, and hanging out with his black Lab puppy, Zeppelin.