Buy one of these reusable grocery bags in February, and the China Hannaford will donate $1 to The Town Line!
The Town Line, Inc., a weekly, reader-supported, nonprofit newspaper, has been selected again to receive $1 from every $2.50 reusable Community Bag sold during the month of January 2023 at Hannaford, 33 Hannaford Drive, in South China.
Christopher Anderson, President of F.A. Peabody Insurance (FAPCO,) is announcing the opening of the agency’s 11th branch office in Palermo. Palermo is centrally located in the tri-city community of Belfast, Augusta and Waterville.
With the addition of the Palermo branch, Christine Huntress joins the F.A. Peabody staff as a seasoned insurance professional with over 35 years of experience. She moved from York to Palermo in 2018 and has shown herself to be a valuable asset in expanding insurance services to the Central Maine community. By joining FAPCO, Christine will be in a better position to also increase the commercial insurance offering to the community.
“Christine brings extensive expertise in property casualty insurance to the F. A. Peabody Insurance Division. Her professionalism and friendly business style compliments our agency’s culture,” states Anderson. Christine says, “I’m very excited to join the F. A. Peabody team. Each client is unique with different insurance needs and I welcome every challenge.”
The F.A. Peabody Company was founded in 1927 in Houlton, and over its rich 95-year history has launched additional branch offices in Madawaska, Caribou, Presque Isle, Mars Hill, Sherman, Lincoln, Calais, Hampden, Westbrook, and now, Palermo.
Christine can be reached at (207)993-5002 or christine.huntress@fapeabody.com.
Bacchus is one of the Yule Goats at Pumpkin Vine Family Farm, in Somerville. (photo courtesy of Pumpkin Vine Farm)
Pumpkin Vine Farm’s Yule Goat celebration, which aims to help spread the magic of Christmas from Scandinavia to India, is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, December 11, at the 217 Hewett Road farm, in Somerville.
In Scandinavian tradition, the Yule Goat brings presents to children at Christmas, accompanied by the Tomten, a farm gnome that looks after the well-being of the animals, according to a news release from farm owner Kelly Payson-Roopchand.
This year, the Yule Goat is raising funds for underprivileged schoolchildren in Varanasi, India.
People can attend the holiday event for free, then pass on the gift through a purchase of a special fundraising goat calendar and/or direct donation. The festivities start with a traditional Scandinavian story followed by handcrafts and hot chocolate by the fireside.
Those who attend are encouraged to wear winter clothes and boots so they can take a hike with Yule Goats dressed in their bells and blankets to decorate a tree for the wild birds.
After a visit to the barn, people can browse local crafts and farm-fresh treats at the farmers’ market. The market will include snacks, holiday gifts, and all the fixings for a holiday table.
For more information, visit pumpkinvinefamilyfarm.com, email info@pumpkinvinefamilyfarm.com or call 207-549-3096.
Scouts in Kennebec Valley District, which includes Somerset, Kennebec, Franklin, Lincoln and Knox Counties, are taking time during the holiday season to help other people through the annual Scouting for Food Drive. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)
As more people make travel plans to celebrate with family and friends this year, the American Red Cross asks donors to set aside a time to give blood or platelets for patients waiting for care over the holidays. As a thank-you, all who come to give through Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card, thanks to Amazon. Those who come to give Dec. 16 – Jan. 2 will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
In Kennebec County, Augusta, Monday, December 12, 12:30 – 6 p.m., Augusta Elks, 397 Civic Center Drive, P.O. Box 2206; Monday, December 19, 12:30 – 6 p.m., Augusta Elks, 397 Civic Center Drive, P.O. Box 2206.
Winslow, Thursday, December 15, 1 – 6 p.m., MacCrillis-Rousseau, VFW Post #8835, 175 Veterans Drive.
Gardiner, Saturday, December 17, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 109 Spring Street.
Clockwise from top-left: Muhammad Zakariya Alam, Brendan Wallace, Steven LeClair.
Northern Light Inland Hospital has announced three new specialists to the staff in Waterville.
Muhammad Zakariya Alam, MD, joins Northern Light Neurology; nurse practitioner Steven LeClair, AGACNP-BC, is now part of Northern Light Gastroenterology; and Brendan Wallace, MD, joins Northern Light Urology. All are welcoming referrals. Their offices are located in the Medical Arts Building, attached to Inland Hospital on Kennedy Memorial Drive.
Dr. Alam is a skilled neurologist, board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with an expertise in clinical neurophysiology with a particular interest in epilepsy, neuromuscular conditions, headache and post stroke care and rehabilitation. Dr. Alam shares, “I enjoy listening to and developing relationships with my patients and their families. Hearing them out and validating their concerns is important. They or their loved ones need to advocate for themselves, and I will be their partner in finding the best solutions.” Learn more about Dr. Alam by calling his office at 207-861-7050.
Steven LeClair is a board-certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and is also board-certified with the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Steven provides treatment and medical management of liver and digestive issues, hepatology, dysmotility, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Steven says, “I empathize with my patients as I have had GI issues in the past and understand how frustrating it can be. Our goal is to guide patients through the care experience. I have lived in Maine my whole life and grew up in these communities; these patients are my community members, and we must look out for each other.” Contact Steven’s office for more information at 207-861-7874.
Dr. Wallace is a urologist, board-certified by the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada and is board-eligible by the American Board of Urology. Dr. Wallace specializes in the medical and surgical management of kidney stones using minimally invasive surgery. He provides ureteroscopy, transurethral resection of prostate, transurethral resection of bladder tumor, prostate needle biopsy, circumcision, hydrocelectomy. “Working with my patients on shared decision making ensures patients are involved and engaged in creating individualized care plans. I also like my patients to be well educated so they have a better understanding of what to expect with treatment and with their diagnosis.” For more information about Dr. Wallace’s services, reach out to 207-861-7874.
Contact your primary care provider for a referral. For more information, please visit northernlighthealth.org/Inland.
Waterville Creates (WC) has announced the arrival of several new staff members across the organization.
Bryant Cyr was hired as production manager and Michael Churchill appointed technical director for the Waterville Opera House.
Cyr previously worked in the Boston and New York City theatre industries for national tours, regional productions and Off-Broadway shows. Churchill studied entertainment production at the New England School of Communications prior to beginning his career at theaters around New England.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bryant and Michael to the Waterville Creates team,” said Michelle Sweet, executive director of the Waterville Opera House. “They bring years of experience in the industry that will elevate our stage productions and enable us to expand offerings at the Waterville Opera House.”
Austin Frederick was hired as AV coordinator at the Maine Film Center (MFC) on Nov. 1. Frederick brings invaluable experience from previous roles at the Maine International Film Festival (MIFF), including operations coordination and venue management.
“We’re so excited to welcome Austin to the MFC staff,” said Mike Perreault, executive director of MFC. “Austin will coordinate regular-run and special screenings at MFC, technical components for special events throughout the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, and projection operations of MIFF.”
Lisa Wheeler has joined the Waterville Creates staff as education and outreach coordinator. In her previous role as art educator in the Waterville Public School system, Wheeler oversaw Waterville’s gifted and talented program for the visual and performing arts and was a frequent community collaborator with Waterville Creates.
Jordyn Chelf has joined Waterville Creates as marketing and development coordinator. Chelf brings extensive theatre experience to her new role, having worked at the Theater at Monmouth in Maine, as well as the Creede Repertory Theater, in Colorado.
Sara Stewart was hired as WC’s event and volunteer coordinator and brings a wide array of event and operations experience from her previous roles at the Tribeca Film Institute, in New York City, Campus Movie Fest, in Atlanta, and the Sunset Beacon Neighborhood Center, in San Francisco.
“We are delighted to welcome our new employees to the Waterville Creates team. Their collective expertise, professionalism and enthusiasm to support the arts in Waterville is both inspiring and provides a solid foundation which enables us to offer a wide range of arts experiences,” said Vice President Patricia King.
More information about upcoming events and classes can be found at watervillecreates.org.
Waterville Creates connects artists, organizations, and the public with arts and cultural events and programs happening in our community.
Sharon Oliver, back, Director of Transfer Admissions at the University of Maine, with Winslow High School senior Lainey Bell. (Central Maine Photography photo)
On November 29, 2022, Winslow High School hosted its annual Admit in a Day for Seniors. Admission representatives from the University of Maine, Husson University, of Bangor, Thomas College, of Waterville, Kennebec Valley Community College, of Fairfield, the University of Maine at Farmington, and the University of Maine at Augusta, were at WHS and gave students on the spot admission decisions, as well as feedback on their applications. In total 61 of 101 WHS seniors scheduled 117 admissions appointments for application review. Winslow High School is pleased to report that 100 percent of the students who participated were accepted at one or more colleges. As a result of their commitment to academics while at Winslow High School, the six colleges and universities awarded a total of $2,038,000 in merit scholarship money to students over their four years with the expectation that they maintain an identified GPA.
Excitement filled the Camp Bomazeen Dining Hall where the Lego Racing took place.
Gabriel Booker, of Augusta Pack #603, had the fastest Lego Car.
More than 60 Cubs and Scouts, some from as far away as Buxton, West Paris, and Bath, rolled into Belgrade’s Camp Bomazeen on Saturday, November 12, for the second annual Lego Pinewood Derby. Isa Russell, of Lewiston Troop #2019, won Best in Show with her Phoenix Lego Derby Car. She is a Life Scout from Randolph and enjoys the creativity of the Lego project. Gabriel Booker, a Tiger Cub with Augusta Pack #603, was the fastest Lego car in the Camp’s Dining Hall. He had plastic lights on the back of his car so other racers would be able to follow him to the finish line.
Camp Director Julie McKenney, of Belgrade, reviewed the rules at the start of the day with “Have Fun!” being the most important one. “Scouts and their mom or dad built the cars today and then they raced them. Even parents could build a car. It is a great event because the kids love Legos and parents love spending the time with their son and daughter working on the project together.”
Participating racers are given a kit of blocks and other items to built their cars which have met specific height, width and length requirements largely in order to fit on the track and not interfere with other racers. Trays of additional blocks and accessories are provided as well to help feed their imagination.
Ryder Johnston, of Albion, is a Tiger in Cub Scout Pack #445, and built a Star Wars-themed car with his dad Josh Johnston. Ryder’s favorite characters in Star Wars are the Storm Troopers. “I like their masks,” Ryder said. “It’s a lot of fun,” Josh said.
Adam and his son Finn Theriault, who is a Tiger Cub from Pack #349, in Buxton, built a Santa Claus car. “Santa knows how to go really fast,” Finn said. Adam enjoyed seeing the excitement Finn had in building the car he had imagined.
The lego cars
Adam and Finn Theriault of Buxton
Isa Russell of Randolph
by Jeanne Marquis
Michelle Shores
When you discover the compelling combination of a haunting mystery, unexpected plot twists and romantic conflict, you know this is a story that needs to be written. That was exactly what author Michelle E. Shores, of Waterville, thought when she stumbled across the Nelly Butler ghost hauntings of Franklin, Maine. This spark of an idea grew into the novel, The Gathering Room – A Tale of Nelly Butler.
Shores has had a lifelong love of history, genealogy and was already a nonfiction author of historical records, so a typical evening for Shores would be to pursue historical records. On Halloween night of 2015, Shores came across The Nelly Butler Hauntings: A Documentary History edited by Marcus LiBrizzi and Dennis Boyd. She became obsessed with this legend. It was a six-year long obsession that took her through the process of researching and writing a story, which she said at some points seemed to mysteriously write itself.
The Gathering Room is based on real people – Nelly Butler, George Butler, Lydia Blaisdell and Reverend Abraham Cummings – living in the late 1700s in an early port town of coastal Maine. Author Shores found actual written testimonies of the appearances of the ghost of Nelly and skillfully used these accounts as the foundation for her novel. She developed other fictional characters based on her research of her own genealogy and family portraits from the time period.
Shores’ accuracy for historical details and knowledge of life in early New England came from her two earlier nonfiction books, Vital Records of Bangor, Maine, Volume 1 and 2. Both of these works are part of the collection of the National Library of Congress.
As Shores wove the plot to fill the gaps left by historical records, she drew from her own imagination and detailed research of the customs of the times. Shores explains, “I knew that I needed to write a wedding scene for George and Nelly, and I started researching 18th century, 19th century wedding customs. I came upon the custom of putting the little ring in the posset to find out who the next bride was going to be, whereas we throw the bouquet. They created this custard-like alcoholic drink called posset, and they would put a little ring in it. Whoever found the ring would be the next one to get married.”
Shores tells people the book wrote itself. The ring, a theme running through the book, is one example of why she feels this to be true. She told of another incident of how an idea came to her more mysteriously. Shores was working on her book while on vacation with her husband in Jamaica and was typing along rapidly because the words were flowing. She looked over the text and saw the phrase “sardonic smile.” She didn’t remember ever using that word before and wasn’t quite sure what the word precisely meant. She had her husband, who was sitting on the beach next to her look it up on his tablet. Sardonic was the exact adjective she needed for this description.
Shores has begun to hear from fans of her book who tell her the book is a gripping story that’s hard to tear themselves away. Shore remarked, “I had one woman who went out on her deck to start reading, and read until it got dark, realizing she was already on page 142.”
Another reader purchased the book while camping in Bar Harbor, and she realized how close she was to Franklin. She drove over there and located George Butler’s gravestone. She took a photo of The Gathering Room book next to George’s gravestone and posted it on the book’s Facebook page. Shores said, “My book cover is the exact same color as his gravestone. How weird? And I did not do that on purpose. I did not know. I had not even seen George’s gravestone.” Perhaps, this was another aspect of the book that was mysteriously meant to be? Readers will have to judge that for themselves.
The Gathering Room – A Tale of Nelly Butler offers all the elements of an intriguing winter read and a very welcomed holiday gift. This ghostly legend, which once divided a small town on the coast of Maine 200 years ago, comes to life through the writing of Michelle E. Shores. The Gathering Room is available for purchase at www.mshoreswriter.com.