Make-A-Wish Maine grants Jordan’s dream

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Taken at Toy Story Land, at Hollywood Studios. Front row left to right, Jordan “JoJo,” Garay, 7, Layla Garay, 5 and Kobe Garay, 9. Back row , Lennie Langlais, Justina Tippin, Amanda Garay, Victor Garay and Cathy Langlais. (contributed photo)

by Mark Huard

Jordan Garay (contributed photo)

This past month, seven-year-old Jordan Garay (“Jojo”), of Winslow, traveled to Walt Disney World, in Florida, for his wish! Jojo was born with a heart defect that required him to have a pacemaker inserted at just nine days old. Jojo’s family was very familiar with Make-A-Wish, as his grandmother Cathy is a long-time wish granting volunteer, having worked with dozens of wish kids over the years.

Jojo knew all along that he wanted to go to Walt Disney World for his wish! He especially wanted to visit Legoland and dreamed of staying in Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit partner on 89-acres, in Kissimmee, Florida, which is where all wish kids stay on their local wish trips. This whimsical resort is a favorite for wish families who travel to Florida.

Jojo found out that his wish would be granted in a very special way. He and his family attended a Portland Sea Dogs game where he got to go on the field and learn the good news in front of the entire stadium.

“The atmosphere was amazing and hearing the crowd cheer for him was so special. He came running up to me after and was so excited that he was going to get his wish. The whole day was so special for our family,” says wish mom Amanda Garay.

After the special announcement, Jojo’s wish granting volunteers, including his grandmother Cathy, surprised Jojo and his family with his Wish Party. Complete with balloons, cake and travel bags packed with gifts, they learned more about what Jojo’s wish would be like.

“It was wonderful to grant Jojo’s wish to go to Walt Disney World and to see how meaningful the wish was for Jojo and his entire family,” says Mackenzie Perry, Wish Manager for Make-A-Wish Maine. “It was especially meaningful as his grandmother is a long-time Make-A-Wish Maine volunteer and we were grateful to be able to have her grandson experience the impact of a wish.”

Thanks to the Fast Pass Lanes, the Garay kids were able to make it through lines quicker and go on even more rides throughout the day. They rode some of their favorites multiple times throughout their visit. And, while the family had a lot of information about the mission of Make-A-Wish, experiencing it firsthand was a unique experience.

“Over the past 20 years I have heard my mom speak about how important Make-A-Wish is to her and I have seen her dedication to all her wish kids. I knew it was special and I knew she put her heart into it, but I never truly understood the impact of a wish until we experienced JoJo’s wish,” says wish mom Amanda. “Our family was able to make these amazing memories and not worry, not worry about hearts, not worry about cancer, not worry about anything.”

Make-A-Wish Maine extends thanks to Field of Greens Limo, Portland Sea Dogs, Give Kids the World Village, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and Legoland for making Jojo’s wish come true.

(contributed photo)

Waterville American Legion Post #5 installs new officers

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American Legion Post #5 recently installed officers: from left to right, Dave Butler, Executive Committee, Charlie Shoudy, First Vice Commander, Val Bard, Second Vice Commander, Craig Bailey, Commander, Ernie Paradis, Adjutant, Butch Berard, Finance Officer, Pearley Lachance, Chaplain, Mike Hanley, Sgt.-at- Arms. Officers not in photo, Don Marden, Judge Advocate, and James Ware, Service Officer. (contributed photo)

American Legion Post #5, in Waterville, installed its officers for the coming year on June 8, 2022. Post #5 is still active fulfilling its mission of honoring men and women who served their country by wearing their uniform proudly. Many of the requirements for American Legion membership have been modified and all veterans are welcome.

For more information call 207 859-3055. Post #5 meetings are held the first and third Saturday, at 9 a.m., at the new location, at 120 Drummond Avenue, Waterville.

25th annual Maine International Film Festival to honor actor Debra Winger

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Debra Winger

Star of An Officer and a Gentleman will appear at Waterville festival in July

The Maine International Film Festival (MIFF) will present its annual Mid-Life Achievement Award to actor Debra Winger at a special ceremony held at the Waterville Opera House, on Friday, July 15, following a special 35mm screening of A Dangerous Woman, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination. Best known as an Academy Award nominee for her work in An Officer and a Gentleman, Terms of Endearment, and Shadowlands, Winger has had a stellar acting career, working in a wide variety of genres with directors including Bernardo Bertolucci, Jonathan Demme, James L. Brooks, Bob Rafelson, and James Bridges.

“We’re tremendously excited to have Debra join us at the festival this year, and to have the chance to showcase the wide diversity of films that she’s given great performances in,” said MIFF programming director Ken Eisen.

Winger played Diana Prince’s younger sister in the television series Wonder Woman before appearing opposite John Travolta in her first major film, Urban Cowboy, for which she earned BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations. Winger continued to rise to stardom throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, winning a National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress for Terms of Endearment and a second BAFTA nomination for Shadowlands. Other accolades followed, including National Society of Film Critics Award nominations for Everybody Wins and The Sheltering Sky and a Golden Globe nomination for A Dangerous Woman, co-starring 2016 MIFF Mid-Life Achievement Award honoree Gabriel Byrne. After an acting hiatus in the late 1990s, Winger returned to acting, giving acclaimed performances in Dawn Anna, Rachel Getting Married, Law & Order, and The Ranch.

The Mid-Life Achievement Award presentation will be followed by a party in Winger’s honor at Front & Main, 9 Main Street, Waterville. Admission to the party will be limited to ticket purchasers of the screening and festival pass holders. Winger will be in Waterville for several days of the Festival for screenings of Mike’s Murder, The Lovers, and The Sheltering Sky.

“As we celebrate an incredible MIFF milestone this year – our 25th anniversary – we could not have asked for a more influential and adored special guest than Debra, whose groundbreaking career has made such an impact on American cinema,” said Maine Film Center Executive Director Mike Perreault.

Festival passes are now on sale at MIFF.org. The complete MIFF program was announced on June 10, when tickets were made available for purchase online.

Friends of Razorville Chapel begin fundraising for refurbishing

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Razorville Chapel 2002

Washington, ME — After a long idle time, Razorville Chapel will have crucially needed refurbishments when the Friends of Razorville Chapel succeed in raising the needed funds. The familiar building was acquired from The International Society of Christian Endeavor after a years’ long search to ferret out the legal owner of the property. Originally a schoolhouse, the structure was relocated in 1897 to a tiny plot purchased for the purpose for $15 by trustees of the “Razorville Young Peoples Society of Christian Endeavor,” namely W.E. Overlock, L.T. Marr, Lewis Day, Newel Jones and O.B. Collins. It never changed hands from then until last year.

Friends of Razorville Chapel know that the building was used by the Christian Endeavor organization for meetings and for Sunday school and, probably, church, but the timeline is unclear and far from complete. Everyone with experience and knowledge about the first century of the chapel is warmly encouraged to post facts to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/razorvillechapel . In time, with the public’s help, we will have a good record of those earlier years.

Ten years ago, a speaker at Washington Historical Society spoke about Razorville Chapel and related the (then) difficulty in finding the owner. The conversation led to a question about whether any group in town could take responsibility for it if, indeed, it could be acquired. At that time there was no interest. Over its long dormant time though, neighborhood residents watched over the place and donated to or outright paid for urgent repairs. Residents like the Sidelingers, Victor Chapman, Mary Merrifield, Bradley and Judy Brann, Steve Melgard and several others warded off serious damage by keeping the building weather tight.

By 2018, the Christian Endeavor Society had been located and a transfer of the property was proposed to them by Roy Garnett, Patty Manson, Jillianne Jermyn, and Charlotte Henderson. In fact, the International Society of Christian Endeavor, headquartered in the Midwest, had lost track of this property which was so remote from their activities they were unaware of it.

While Christian Endeavor considered the proposal, Garnett, Manson, Jermyn and Henderson filed papers to become a non-profit corporation, the Friends of Razorville Chapel. Ignoring Covid and other challenges, the Friends took a leap of faith and accepted responsibility for the property as soon as the Society agreed to let it go. Friends of Razorville Chapel envision the small building being used for special services, meetings, private events, small theater presentations, or music recitals, guest speakers, and other purposes that are suited to an intimate sized of hall.

The Friends of Razorville Chapel organizers, with the addition of Zelma Williams, have gotten appraisals and estimates for the work that needs to be done to make the structure solid and safe for public use. It includes foundation and sill replacement, new roofing, and new windows. The estimates, which are now several months old, total about $95,000. The group will be seeking funding from many sources with fervent hope to raise enough to make the chapel long term weather tight before another winter.

The Friends of Razorville Chapel invite you to check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/razorvillechapel. Contributions may be sent to: Friends of Razorville Chapel, c/o P. Manson – Treasurer, 55 Youngs Hill Road, Washington ME 04574. If you would like to talk to someone about the project or want to discuss a contributions, please inquire at razorvillechapel@gmail.com.

Spectrum Generations offering early morning “Savvy at Sunrise” class for caregivers

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Spectrum Generations is offering an evidence-based class, “Savvy Caregiver,” via Zoom, Tuesdays 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., from July 19 to August 23.

The nonprofit Area Agency on Aging is aware that caregivers or care partners of someone with Alzheimer’s face challenges when it comes to attending events. For this reason, Spectrum Generations will offer the class when most caregivers are available and when the person they are providing support for is still sleeping.

Savvy Caregiver provides the tools and knowledge to be a more effective caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers leave the class with a better understanding of the effects of the disease, and how to identify triggers to avoid undesirable behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s and related types of dementia. The class is being implemented to help get the information into the hands of those who want to attend the class from the comfort of their own homes.

Anyone is welcomed and other members of the family are encouraged to attend. Participants will receive coffee and biscuits along with their class materials. Pajamas, hair rollers, pin curls, and bedhead are all welcomed.

To register for Savvy Caregiver, call 1-800-639-1553.

Augusta group to host June 15 fundraiser showing of Martha Ballard film

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The Mayor’s Committee for Martha Ballard, a city group planning a memorial celebrating the famed early American midwife and diarist, is organizing a June 15 presentation of the 1997 documentary film A Midwife’s Tale. The 89-minute movie, which first appeared on PBS in 1998 as part of the American Experience film series, is based on Laurel Thatcher Ulrich’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, A Midwife’s Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812.

Ballard, a native of Oxford, Massachusetts, moved with her family to the Augusta area at the start of the American Revolution. Her 37-year diary records not only many of the births, illnesses, deaths, and illnesses in which she was involved as a caregiver, but also blunt, insightful observations about the customs, conflicts, and living conditions of her time.

To honor Ballard’s achievements, The Mayor’s Committee for Martha Ballard is planning the design and construction of a permanent monument to her. The film presentation is part of an effort to raise money for and community awareness of that project. The event is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour featuring hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar at Le Club Calumet, at 334 West River Road, in Augusta; followed by a 7 p.m. live interview with sisters Glee and Ruth Ballard, of Sidney, and their cousin, recently retired Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Diane Dunn, of Newburgh, all direct descendants of Martha Ballard; and a silent auction. The showing of the film will conclude the event.

The committee’s members are Chairman Larry Fleury; the Ballard sisters; Earl Kingsbury, Augusta’s director of community services; Courtney Allen and Heather Pouliot, Augusta City Council members; Stephen Arbour, local historian; Rachel Merriam, of Hallowell; and Secretary Jamie Logan and Joseph Owen, representing the Kennebec Historical Society.

Tickets for the film showing event cost $30 each and are available online at the mayor’s committee’s website, www.marthaballard.com, or by arrangement with Fleury, who can be called at (207) 242-0540.

Beware of energy saving scammers

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image: AARP

Summer is coming, and rising temperatures mean high air conditioning bills. Scammers have devised a new con that claims to “save you money.” Con artists, posing as local government and utility company representatives, are offering phony home energy audits and services. Here’s what you need to know to spot the scam.

How the scam works

You are contacted over the phone or in person at your front door. The “representative” introduces themselves as working for your utility company or with the energy division of your local government. They may even show you identification, but it isn’t real.

Scammers inform you that you could be saving big on your energy bill. Some con artists will even insist on a tour of your home. These individuals may offer to install filters, thermostats, or other energy equipment to lower your bill, or they may say simply you are eligible to pay less. In either case, they’ll ask you to sign a contract and possibly even run a credit check. They will also ask for billing information, including your debit or credit card number.

In the end, you won’t receive any discount on your energy bill or any services. The equipment you were promised won’t be delivered. That’s because this “home energy audit” is a scam. You may, however, be charged the fees mentioned in the contract, and your personal information will be in the hands of a scammer.

How to avoid impersonation scams

Don’t agree to anything on the spot. No matter how good the deal seems or how urgent the individual makes their offer seem, take time to do your research. Tell the person you need time to think about their offer and hang up or close the door. Scammers may tell you you’ll miss out on the deal, but taking immediate action isn’t worth getting scammed.

Go to the source. Contact your local government agency or your utility company directly to confirm whether they really are offering energy audit services. This is the quickest way to find out if you are dealing with an impostor.

Get help. If you aren’t sure about what you’re being offered, talk to someone. Call a trusted friend or family member or contact your local BBB to find out if it you are dealing with a scam.

For more information

Learn more ways to protect yourself from scams by reading the BBB’s tip on avoiding impostor scams. You can find additional information at BBB.org/AvoidScams.

Become a skilled scam spotter by visiting BBB.org/SpotaScam and report any suspicious activity to BBB.org/ScamTracker.

Erskine Academy announces top ten seniors, class of 2022

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Top row, left to right: Mackenzie Roderick, Aidan Larrabee, Hannah Soule, Lily Vinci, Samantha Golden.
Bottom row: Emily Clark, Grace Hodgkins, Devon Polley, Grace Kelso, Riley Reitchel.

Erskine Academy, in South China, has announced the Class of 2022 Top Ten Seniors.

Valedictorian is Mackenzie Roderick, daughter of Melissa Vail, of Augusta, and Mike Roderick, of China. Throughout her four years at Erskine, Mackenzie has participated in such activities as Student Council, National Honor Society, the EA Leadership Team, math team, soccer, basketball, and she has completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Mackenzie is a four-year honor roll recipient and has received awards of distinction in Spanish, statistics, and calculus, and she has been a Senior of the Trimester award recipient. Mackenzie is also a Maine Principal’s Association Award recipient, a George Eastman Young Leaders Award recipient, and has served as President of the Class of 2022. Mackenzie plans to attend the University of Southern Maine to study Biology.

Salutatorian is Aidan Larrabee, son of Carrie and Jeremy Larrabee, of China. Aidan has participated in such activities as Student Council, National Honor Society, math team, Youth in Government, the EA Leadership Team, Future Business Leaders of America, soccer, wrestling, and basketball. Aidan has also served as Vice President of the Class of 2022, and he has completed over 200 hours of community service projects. A student who has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, Aidan was the recipient of awards of excellence in English, pre-calculus, social studies, biology, U.S. History, French, and physical education. In addition, Aidan has also been a recipient of the Rensselaer Medal and Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester awards. Aidan plans to attend Texas A & M to study Petroleum Engineering.

Third in academic standing is Hannah Soule, daughter of Amanda and Jamie Soule, of Fairfield. Hannah is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as EA Theater, Future Business Leaders of America, AFS (Erskine’s cultural awareness group), LEO Club, the EA Leadership Team, and field hockey. In addition, Hannah has completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Hannah has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, is a Smith Book Award recipient, and has been a recipient of Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester awards. Hannah plans to attend Columbus State University to major in Political Science with a Pre-Law concentration.

Fourth in academic standing is Lily Vinci, daughter of Melody and Anthony Vinci, of Palermo. Lily has participated in such activities as AFS (Erskine’s cultural awareness group), cross country, indoor track, track & field, and tennis. Lily has also completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Lily has received awards of distinction in Algebra 1, geometry, Algebra 2, and chemistry, and she has achieved four year honor roll status. In addition, Lily was the recipient of the Phi Beta Kappa Award. Lily plans to take a gap year to pursue employment and travel opportunities.

Fifth in academic standing is Samantha Golden, daughter of Jane and Richard Golden, of China. Samantha is a member of National Honor Society and has been a participant of HOPE (Helping Others Persevere at Erskine), soccer, and basketball. Samantha has also completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Samantha has received awards of excellence in U.S. history and is a four-year honor roll recipient. Samantha plans to attend Clark University with a major in Biology.

Sixth in academic standing is Emily Clark, daughter of Stacy and Christopher Clark, of China. Emily is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as HOPE (Helping Others Persevere at Erskine), soccer, basketball, and she has participated in a variety of community service activities. Emily has received awards of excellence in Integrated Science and PreCalculus, is a four year honor roll recipient, and received the SWE Certification of Merit. Emily plans to attend Endicott College with a major in nursing.

Seventh in academic standing is Grace Hodgkin, daughter of Helen Edmonds and Dana Hodgkin, of Manchester. Grace is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as EA Theater, Student Council, yearbook, tennis, and she has served as a class officer. Grace is also a four-year honor roll recipient. Grace plans to major in biology at the University of Maine.

Eighth in academic standing is Devon Polley, son of Hillary and Stephen Polley, of Vassalboro. Devon has been a member of the soccer and tennis teams and he has completed a variety of community service projects. Devon has received honor roll distinction every trimester, and he has received an award of excellence in physics. Devon was also the recipient of the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award. Devon plans to attend the University of Maine with a major in Mechanical Engineering.

Ninth in academic standing is Grace Kelso, daughter of Storm and Bradley Kelso, of Vassalboro. Grace is a member of National Honor Society, and she has participated in such activities as debate team, Youth in Government, AFS (Erskine’s cultural awareness group), swim, tennis, and she has completed over 300 hours of community service projects. Grace has also received high honor roll distinction every trimester, has received awards of excellence in English, German, and debate, and she has received Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester awards. Grace plans to major in International Relations at the University of Edinburgh.

Tenth in academic standing is Riley Reitchel, daughter of Danielle and Richard Reitchel, of Palermo. Riley is a member of National Honor Society and has participated in such activities as LEO Club, the EA Leadership Team, the EA International Outreach Coalition, soccer, indoor track, and she has completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Riley has earned honor roll status every trimester, and she has received a Renaissance Senior of the Trimester award. Riley plans to major in Linguistics at the University of Southern Maine.

Free dental care for veterans

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On Saturday, June 11, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Aspen Dental locations nationwide will open their doors to provide free care to military veterans across the country.

Now in its eighth year, the Day of Service provides much-needed dental care for veterans at no cost to honor their service and break down barriers to health care.

Veterans can call 1-844-277-3646 (1-844-ASPENHMM) to find a location and schedule an appointment. Advance appointments are required.

There are five participating offices in the Auburn – Portland ME market.

791 Turner Street, Auburn, ME 04210 171 Maine Mall Road, South Portland, ME 04106

333 Main Street, Waterville, ME 04901

125 Shops Way #126, Biddeford, ME 04005

17 Thomaston Commons Way, Thomaston, ME

Millions of Americans struggle to access dental care every year, and veterans are no exception. In fact, U.S. veterans are ineligible for dental benefits through the Veterans Administration unless they’re 100 percent disabled, have a service-related mouth injury, or were a prisoner of war.

Visit www.Healthy MouthMovement.com to learn more.

Bishop Deeley announces priest assignment

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Fr. Kuzia

Bishop Robert Deeley has announced priest assignments. The three appointments include one assignment to St. Michael Parish, in Augusta.

Effective September 1, 2022, Fr. Anthony F. Kuzia, CM, is appointed as parochial vicar at St. Michael Parish (St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Augusta; St. Augustine Church, Augusta; St. Joseph Church, Gardiner; Sacred Heart Church, Hallowell; St. Denis Church, Whitefield; St. Francis Xavier Church, Winthrop).

Fr. Kuzia currently serves as administrator of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish in Oquossoc. A native of Ansonia, Connecticut, Fr. Kuzia was received into the Vincentian community in 1969. He earned a master of divinity degree from Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, Pennsylvania, before making his final vows on June 13, 1974.

Fr. Kuzia was ordained to the priesthood in the Mary Immaculate Seminary chapel on May 29, 1976. Since his ordination, Fr. Kuzia has served as a parochial vicar at St. Michael Church in Derby, Connecticut; a faculty member at St. John Kanty Prep, in Erie, Pennsylvania; a superior, consultor, vocations director, and treasurer for the New England province of the Vincentian Order; a pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, in Lisbon; a vicar for priests for the Diocese of Portland; a pastor of St. Peter and Sacred Heart Parishes, in Concord, New Hampshire; a pastor of St. Patrick Parish, in Pelham, New Hampshire; and a parochial vicar of St. Stanislaus Parish, in New Haven, Connecticut.

In addition, Fr. Kuzia was responsible for supervising the construction of the DePaul Provincial Residence, in Manchester, Connecticut, and the current Holy Trinity Church, in Lisbon Falls.