ShineOnCass free lending library opens at Kennebec Valley YMCA

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June and Jolene Raymond at the free lending library, looking at a photo of Cassidy Charette. (contributed photo)

The newest community Little Free Library to pop up in central Maine is shining a light on youth literacy and putting books into the hands of hundreds of children who attend the Kennebec Valley YMCA, in Augusta. The ShineOnCass Lending Library was installed this week, just in time for National Reading Month.

Jennifer Fortin, Senior Director for Development and Marketing for the KVYMCA, called the lending library a creative and meaningful way to support local kids.

“We are excited to partner with the ShineOnCass Foundation to bring this special library to the families and youth at the YMCA,” Fortin said. “We have a shared mission to support local youth, and through this joint endeavor, we will build community, while promoting a love of reading for all ages. Literacy is crucial for everyone. It’s the foundation for accessing knowledge, participating in society, and thriving in all aspects of life, from education and employment to health and civic engagement.”

Children are welcome to select a book of their choice to borrow, read it at home or at the facility, and either return it, or share a different book by replacing it with one of their own. The ShineOnCass Foundation designed, created and donated the 6-foot, bright yellow, floating sun bookcase, as well as hundreds of children’s books to keep it stocked. The ShineOnCass Foundation was created to spread kindness and promote youth volunteerism in memory of Cassidy Charette, an Oakland teen who died in a hayride accident in 2014. This is the second lending library to be gifted to local children. The first was established four years ago at the Alfond Youth & Community Center, in Waterville, where youth there enjoy daily access to the lending library.

“Cassidy was an avid, lifelong reader. Her love for books began before she could even read the words in them,” said Monica Charette, Cassidy’s mother and executive director of the ShineOnCass Foundation. “We can think of no better way to honor Cassidy than by sharing her passion for reading with other children.”

The ShineOnCass Foundation will continue to donate a variety of hardcover and paperback books, including selections promoting kindness, diversity, and selections addressing grief. Additionally, the Charette family donated some of Cassidy’s personal books to the collection.

Maine-ly Harmony installs officers (2025)

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Left to right, Members at large, Deanne Bangs, Lynn Izzi; Vice President Christine Rogerson; President Barbara Combs; Treasurer Janet Croshaw Dunham; and Secretary Colleen O’Loughlin. (photo by Sue Staples)

Maine-ly Harmony a cappella barbershop chorus rehearse at the Highland Ave. United Methodist Church, 31 Highland Ave., in Gardiner, Wednesdays 6:30 to 9 p.m. They recently held installation of officers. Woman of all ages are welcome to join us and should contact Dee Dumais at deedumais@gmail.com.

104-year-old Augusta Symphony Orchestra thrives with new conductor and dedicated community musicians

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by Barbara Walsh

On an autumn evening in 1920, a small group of Augusta area musicians gathered in the home of Ernest Hill, a renowned performer who had played in orchestras across the country.

The classical music session in Hill’s parlor was so exhilarating that one of the musicians joked, “We ought to hire a hall.”

A few group members took the remark seriously and months later, on January 30, 1921, they performed at the Augusta Union Hall. After a rousing reception from the audience, the musicians decided to call themselves the Augusta Symphony Orchestra and began performing concerts throughout Augusta, Gardiner and Hallowell. The orchestra grew so popular that 1,000 people attended a 1923 holiday concert at the Augusta Opera House.

Today, 104 years later, the Augusta Symphony Orchestra continues to offer concerts and inspire audiences in Central Maine.

The orchestra’s upcoming Sunday, May 11, at 3 p.m., performance will be held at Cony High School. Like the ASO’s original 1920s concerts, they are free and open to the public.

An ensemble of 50 members, the ASO is an eclectic mix of local business owners, IT specialists, medical professionals, engineers, school teachers, music educators, and retirees. Though most of the players live in the Augusta area, several travel from Bangor, Brunswick, Farmington, Camden and Yarmouth to practice and perform. They range in age from 20-year-olds to octo gena rians. Unpaid orchestra members dedicate hours of their time to practice together and take part in “something truly wonderful,” said Mary Ellen Tracy, who joined the ASO 30 years ago and plays the viola. “It’s a super fun group,” Tracy added, “And we love sharing music with the community.”

Regardless of their background, each member shares a passion for playing classical music including pieces created by the masters: Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, and Mozart.

“It’s really amazing music that goes through so many emotions and feelings,” said Betsy Kobayashi, who lives in Manchester, and has played with the ASO for the past 30 years.

Performing the musical pieces, which encompass a wide variety of instruments − from violins to oboes to trombones and kettledrums − is challenging and exhilarating, said Syd Sewall, a retired Augusta pediatrician, who joined the orchestra in 1996.

“Playing some of the music is like climbing Mt. Everest,” said Sewall, who plays the violin and lives in Hallowell. But the rewards, he added, are worth it. “When you are playing in a big group and everything is syncing and working, it’s like a runner’s high.”

Over the past decade, ASO’s conductors have encouraged members to take on more challenging pieces. Their new conductor, Jinwook Park, the former music director of Boston’s Philharmonic and director of Colby College’s symphony orchestra, has inspired the players to elevate their musical talent.

“I’ve heard some people say they’re practicing more than ever now,” said violinist Kobayashi.

CHINA: Does your town have a seed library

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by Jude Hsiang

Does your town have a Seed Library? Seed Libraries are found all over the world, enabling gardeners to save money and try new types of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Alex Burbank is the new librarian at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, 35 Main Street, China Village. Although only open a few hours a week – Tues. and Thurs., 2 – 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., – there is a lot going on. Recently, Alex and Assistant Librarian Miranda Perkins discovered forgotten materials for a Seed Library. They set up a nice new display and invited folks to bring extra garden seeds to share and swap.

The University of Maine Extension office in Augusta had gotten a large donation of seeds from Pinetree Garden Seeds, in New Gloucester, for distribution. Maine Master Gardener Volunteer Marie Michaud, of China, received seeds from the Extension for the new China Community Garden, some of which were for plants like squashes, which would be too large for the 4-foot x 8-foot raised garden beds. Those seeds and others were brought to the library. Other people are donating seeds as well. Alex contacted Fedco Seeds, in Clinton, and received another generous donation.

Fedco and Pinetree specialize in providing seeds for plants known to thrive in our Maine climate. You will find a nice selection of typical seeds and some new and unusual varieties to try. There is also information about how long seeds will remain viable when kept in a cool, dark place. Many seeds will last for at least five years.

The library’s display includes information about seed saving and sharing, even small envelopes for those who need only a small portion of a standard seed packet. One of my favorite gardening stories is that of two friends, city folks who moved to suburban houses with a vegetable garden. They loved cooking fresh vegetables, so they bought lots of seeds including zucchini. They planted the entire packet!

Libraries like this one in China Village are the perfect location for a seed library as anyone can use this free service and find useful gardening information. When you visit this, or another local library, check out their other services and activities for all ages. The China Village library has rotating artist’s displays, digital resources, and activities for adults and children. My favorites are Interlibrary loan and the knitting group.

© Judith Chute Hsiang
Jude Hsiang is a retired Extension Master Gardener instructor and member of the China Community Garden Project.

HealthReach celebrates 50 years of providing rural healthcare services

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Connie Coggins, HealthReach President & CEO, is happy to commemorate an important milestone: in 2025, HealthReach Community Health Centers marks its 50th year of providing high-quality, affordable care to rural Maine. Founded in 1975, HealthReach’s mission continues to be serving the otherwise medically underserved areas of Central and Western Maine. HealthReach offers rural communities convenient healthcare close to home, including general primary and preventative, behavioral, substance use disorder, dental, and podiatric care services.

In 1975, when the local doctor in Bingham retired, the tightknit community pulled together and imagined a family medical practice where everyone felt welcome.

Working together, neighbors helped raise funds to renovate an old house, which they converted into a community health center. This is how the very first HealthReach clinic — Bingham Area Health Center — was formed!

Since its founding, HealthReach has gradually grown to now operate 12 community health centers across Maine, including one school-based health center, as well as integrated dental centers in two towns: Bingham and Strong.

HealthReach is a 501c3 nonprofit that offers patients high-quality care without high costs by putting patients before profits. Nearly 300 HealthReach staff serve 26,000 patients each year. The majority of the volunteer HealthReach Governing Board are patients of HealthReach. This model has led to steady success by building the voice of the patient into the organization’s strategy and priorities.

HealthReach proudly celebrates a half-century of patient-centered care while looking forward to the future!

Erskine presents Renaissance awards (2025)

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Senior of the Trimester recipients, from left to right, Echo Hawk, Joslyn Sandoval, Sadie Pierce, Paige Clark, and Lillian Rispoli. (contributed photo)

On Friday, April 4, 2025, Erskine Academy students and staff attended a Renaissance Assembly to honor their peers with Renaissance Awards.

Renaissance Recognition Awards were presented to the following students:

Aiden Reny, Layla Peaslee, Lilly Clark, Nathan Choate, Jayda Bickford, Achiva Seigars, Carter Brockway, Kailynn Houle, and Bodi Laflamme.

In addition to Recognition Awards, Senior of the Trimester Awards were also presented to five members of the senior class:

Echo Hawk, daughter of Mary and Jonah Hawk, of Vassalboro; Joslyn Sandoval, daughter of Rachelle and Aaron Marable, of Windsor, and Jose Sandoval, of Gardiner; Paige Clark, daughter of Joshua and Amanda Clark and Sarah and Ben Foster, of Chelsea; Sadie Pierce, daughter of Ryan Pierce and Natasha Littlefield, of China and Cortney Gould and Kevin Haskell, of Palermo; and Lillian Rispoli, daughter of Maureen and Bill Rispoli, of Palermo.

Seniors of the Trimester are recognized as individuals who have gone above and beyond in all aspects of their high school careers.

In appreciation of their dedication and service to Erskine Academy, Faculty of the Trimester awards were presented to Brian Dutil, Math Instructor; and Randy Pottle, Director of Maintenance.

Faculty of the Trimester recipients, from left to right, Brian Dutil and Randy Pottle. (contributed photo)

Huard’s Martial Arts hosts the 43rd Battle of Maine

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Photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography

Huard’s Martial Arts hosted the 43rd Battle of Maine Martial Arts Championships at Champions Fitness Club, in Waterville, on Saturday, March 22. Just over 350 competitors and close to 1,000 spectators attended this special martial arts event from all around Maine and New England. Special guest performers came from various parts of the United States to give demonstrations to kickoff the tournament. $1 of each admission went to help support the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

Everly Hanson, 7, of Clinton, walking off the competition area after placing first in point fighting at the Battle of Maine, on March 22. (photo by Dawn Jaques, Central Maine Photography)

Huard’s Sport Karate Team member Kate Shores, 13, of Benton, with her medals from the 43rd Battle of Maine. She captured first place in all three divisions. (photo by Central Maine Photography)

Time to order Vidalia Onions!

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Down in Vidalia, Georgia, the Vidalia onions are ripening. They are big, sweet, and juicy, and are just waiting for you to order a bag. A 25-pound bag of these beauties costs $30 and will arrive at the Palermo Community Center around Mothers Day. To order, please call Connie Bellet at 993-2294 or email pwhitehawk@fairpoint.net and leave your name, phone or text number and the number of bags you want. Save money and order four bags for $115! Connie will get back to you to confirm, and as soon as we learn the exact date of arrival, we will let you know.

The proceeds from this sale will be used for much-needed maintenance of the Community Center, at 26 Veterans Way. New nut trees and thornless blackberries are going in the front yard, and the seedlings for the Community Garden are coming up. If you are interested in volunteering, there is a lot of planting to be done. We are also building a new lighted sign with reflective letters! That will be going up in early summer. The parking areas are also being expanded to accommodate the nearly 250 people who use the Food Pantry every Tuesday, from 11 a.m. to noon. All are welcome!

Thank you very much for your support. To donate or to pay for your onions when you order, please send your check to LCF (Living Communities Foundation), P.O. Box 151, Palermo, ME 04354. We appreciate all that you do to help our community.

EVENTS: Vassalboro Ministry Association emergency fuel fund holds monthly meetings

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Eileen Ronco of Vassalboro is a past officer and has continued as an active volunteer for the non-profit Vassalboro Ministry Association, which has an emergency fuel fund for Vassalboro residents in need. (Contributed photo)

by Dale Potter-Clark

Through a collaborative effort among churches in town, the Vassalboro Ministry Association (VMA) has been helping with fuel assistance for Vassalboro residents since 2004. It all began when two members of the Friends Meeting House, in East Vassalboro, recognized that some people in town needed fuel assistance and thought something should be done to help. They organized a spaghetti supper at the Vassalboro Community School to raise seed money that first year and after that VMA received a nonprofit status so donations are tax-deductible. Congregations from Vassalboro’s United Methodist Church, the Friends Meeting House and the Congregational Church as well as the Corpus Christi Roman Catholic parish contribute in addition to many generous community members.

Various fundraisers have been held by members of the VMA over the years but the spaghetti supper is an annual event that has endured for twenty years. For the last few years the supper has been held at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC), of which Eileen Ronco is a member and she is also a VMA past officer who remains an active volunteer. Ronco reported to her VUMC congregational on Sunday morning that proceeds from the annual spaghetti public supper hosted by VUMC on April 5th added $1,700 to the VMA treasury for the 2025-2026 winter season.

Rose Fortin, VMA president says types of fuel VMA donates may include wood, propane, wood pellets or heating oil. The amount given to each household is based on the current cost of 100 gallons of heating oil and the fuel providers are paid directly by VMA. Assistance is for low income, disabled community members, or families with children, experiencing financial hardship.

“Applicants must be residents of Vassalboro and can make requests by phone because oftentimes people do not have transportation or are disabled,” said Fortin. In order to receive assistance they must provide information such as how many individuals live in their household and if any of them are working, what is their total income and what are their household, living expenses. Calls to VMA are always an emergency situation because those making the requests have already tried every other avenue. “VMA received 22 requests last winter,” Fortin said. “We are a little worried because it is hard to know what next year will bring with all the Federal cut-backs that are taking place right now.”

Fortin, who has been a volunteer since 2008 explained the nonprofit VMA is run totally by volunteers. In addition to Fortin, members of their board of directors are Russell Smith, VP; Gail Perry, treasurer; and Josie Haskell, secretary. Volunteers are needed to help with fundraising events.

Meetings are held monthly at VUMC, at 614 Main Street. All are encouraged and welcome to attend. FMI about meetings, volunteering or to request fuel assistance call Rose Fortin at (207) 873-1342. Tax deductible donations are appreciated anytime. MAIL: V.M.A. Fuel Fund, P.O. Box 203, North Vassalboro, ME 04962.