Dennis Keller is NAIFA-Maine J. Putnam Stevens award recipient

/1 Comment/in , , /by

Dennis Keller, LUTCF

The J. Putnam Stevens Award is given to the person who has rendered outstanding service to their industry and community in the State of Maine. Dennis Keller, of Palermo, has been in the insurance industry with State Farm Insurance since 1985 and joined the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) shortly after that. He has mentored countless agents throughout the years, has achieved many awards and milestones with State Farm, is a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force (retired). He is devoted to his family, church, community and office staff, all of whom have been recipients of his generosity as he graciously and often sacrificially shares his time, wisdom, resources and energy.

He has achieved many other awards and milestones with State Farm, including Chairman’s Circle, Honor Club (for 36 consecutive years), Mutual Fund Leader, and Zone Senior Vice-President Club.

Dennis is a member of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce, an ardent supporter of Special Olympics Maine, and a benefactor for the Fair Haven Camps, in Brooks. He recently spearheaded a fundraising campaign collecting over $10,000 to help the camp rebuild after a fire. Dennis is a perennial volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, and as the oldest member on a recent build, was the first to volunteer on the roof.

Dennis and his wife, Miriam, reside in Palermo. They have two grown children, Misty, of Palermo, and Matthew, of Knoxville, Tennessee, and five grandchildren in Maine and Japan.

J. Putnam Stevens was born in Winthrop, Maine, on November 24, 1852. He was appointed General Agent of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company on September 1, 1887. Throughout his more than 46 years of service, he was intensely loyal to his fellow associates, to the industry and to his company.

The J. Putnam Stevens Award is given to the person who has rendered outstanding service to their industry and community in the state of Maine. It is not intended to restrict the award only to agents and/or advisors, but rather to recognize those people, even outside the industry, who have advanced the cause of the life insurance profession.

I’M JUST CURIOUS – Survival: reason to celebrate

/0 Comments/in /by
by Debbie Walker

This move into the camper has held a few surprises for me. Recently, I was going through some boxes I must have packed a couple years ago and forgot. In going through this one box I found some of dad’s things. I found a piece that someone must have shared with dad but I can’t find it on the internet (keeping in mind I am not an expert) and I have no reason to believe he wrote this. I enjoyed reading it and hope you do too:

For All Those Born Before 1945

We are survivors! Consider the changes we have witnessed:

We were born before television, penicillin, polio shots, Xerox, contact lenses, Frisbees, and the PILL.

We were born before credit cards, split atoms, laser beams and ballpoint pens. Before pantyhose, dishwashers, clothes dryers, electric blankets, air conditioners, drip dry clothes … and before man walked on the moon.

We got married first and then lived together. How quaint can you be?

In our time, closets were for clothes, not for “coming out of”, bunnies were small rabbits and were not Volkswagens. Designer jeans were scheming girls named Jean or Jeanne; and having a meaningful relationship meant getting along well with our cousins. We thought fast food was what you ate during Lent, our Outer Space was the back of the Riviera Theatre.

We were born before house husbands’, gay rights, computer dating, duel careers and commuter marriages. We were before day-care centers, group therapy and nursing homes. We never heard of FM Radio, tape decks, electric typewriters, artificial hearts, word or food processors, and guys wearing earrings. For us, time sharing meant togetherness. . . not computers or condominiums; a “chip” meant a piece of wood; hardware meant hardware and software wasn’t even a word.

In 1940, “made in Japan” meant junk and the term “making out” referred to how you did on your exam. Pizzas, “McDonalds” and instant coffee were unheard of.

We hit the scene when there were 5 and 10 cent stores, where you bought things for five and 10 cents. Sanders or Wilsons sold ice cream cones for a nickel or a dime. For one nickel you could ride a streetcar, make a phone call, buy a Pepsi or enough stamps to mail one letter and two postcards. You could buy a Chevy Coupe for $600, but who could afford one? A pity too because gas was only $.11 a gallon.

In our day, cigarette smoking was fashionable, Grass was mowed, Coke was a cold drink and Pot was something you cooked in. Rock Music was Grandma’s lullaby and AIDS were helpers in the principal’s office.

We were certainly not before the difference between the sexes was discovered, but we were surely before the sex change; we made do with what we had. And we were the last generation that was so dumb as to think you needed a husband to have a baby! No wonder we were so confused and there is such a generation gap today! BUT WE SURVIVED!!!! Good reason to CELEBRATE . . .

I’m just curious what you thought of all this. Contact me with questions or comments at DebbieWalker@townline.org. I am looking forward to them! Thanks for reading enjoy your week.

Lincoln County Dems volunteers picnic kicks off fall campaign

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Leaders of the Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC) marked the kick off of the fall campaign with a Volunteer Appreciation Picnic on September 10, at the Sheepscot Community Center, in Newcastle.

More than 60 volunteers attended the event, which included activities for kids and food prepared by LCDC leaders and volunteers.

“Our volunteers have been working for months to support Democratic candidates and with activity picking up as we head into fall, we wanted to take some time to thank them for all of their efforts,” said Kelli Whitlock Burton, LCDC vice chair and the 2022 campaign leader. “They are determined to do everything they can to elect people who will work hard to improve the lives of all Mainers. Their commitment to our community and state is just so inspiring.”

More than 120 people have signed up to volunteer with LCDC this campaign season, with more joining every day.

Scout leaders complete training

/0 Comments/in , /by

Nine scouting leaders completed the Youth Protection Training on Wednesday, September 19, at the American Legion Post, on Eastern Avenue, in Augusta. As stated in The Boy Scout Handbook, “Child abuse is a serious problem in our society, and unfortunately, it can occur anywhere, even in Scouting. Youth safety is Scouting’s No. 1 concern.”

Child abusers are out there and come in all shapes and sizes, and too often are people youth know and trust. Scouting has the tools and information Scout leaders need to help them keep youth safe so they can enjoy the program. Youth Protection training is required annually for all registered volunteers of Pine Tree Council. It is valid for one year, after which you must take the training again to remain eligible to serve as an adult in Scouting.

Why does Scouting ask its adult members to retake YPT every year? Because it’s important that this topic remain top of mind for every adult registered with Scouting. Karen Norton of Harpswell, a member of the Council Training Team, led the course.

Those completing the course were: Becky Blais, Philippe Blais, Josh Demers, and Douglas Mason, who are leaders in Augusta Cub Scout Pack #603; Charles Fergusson, of Troop #609, in Windsor; Jeffrey Morton and Michael Fortin, of Augusta Troop #603; Kennebec Valley District Vice Chairman Chuck Mahaleris, of Augusta, and Kennebec Valley District Executive Michael Perry, of Livermore.

The training, which is also offered online, will be provided in person several times this Fall to ensure all leaders have an opportunity to learn how to recognize the signs of abuse, how to react, and to whom should they report. Scouting leaders are mandatory reporters in the state of Maine.

EVENTS: Bingo in Madison

/0 Comments/in , , /by

American Legion Bingo is an every Sunday event at the American Legion Hall, 20 S. Maple Street, Madison. Doors open at noon; Games start at 2 p.m. Kitchen is open with refreshments FMI: Call Gina at 696-4946.

Halloween theme at Camp Bomazeen

/0 Comments/in , /by

Patch is the design from Dalton Curtis that will be used by the Bomazeen Old Timers to fundraise for their efforts to provide ongoing support for Camp Bomazeen.

Enjoy a day of Halloween-Themed Activities for families at Camp Bomazeen. Come in costume, join in the games and fun this fall! As you travel around, don’t forget to get your treat.

This will take place on Saturday, October 1, 2022. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Camp Bomazeen, 656 Horse Point Rd., Belgrade, for Cub Scouts and non-Cub Scout families. $7/pp. Walk-ins welcome!

All youth are to be accompanied by responsible adults. They are only able to accept cash for the door, pumpkins, hot food, and trading post. You can order your patches at the event for $5.

All participants are welcomed to participate in all the following activities during the day: sports and games, shooting sports, multiple crafts, decorate your own pumpkin for $5, cooking activity, Monster Mouth, concession stand, trading post, special guests, hayride wagon, and food and personal care drive, (non-perishable and unexpired items).

Saturday Schedule: 10:30 a.m., registration and check-in begins; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., activity periods; 4:15 p.m., closing ceremony at parade field. This is a chemical free location, please plan accordingly. Licensed service animals are welcomed. No pets!

For more information contact Julie McKenney, 207-530-0362 or campbomazeen@gmail.com. Subject to change at a moment’s notice. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Augusta cub scouts help needy students

/0 Comments/in , /by

Cub Leader Josh Demers, Scarlett Mudie, Landon Demers, Mack Demers, Willow Mudie, Cub Leader Lynette Mudie, and Cub Leader Jeff Morton. All live in Augusta except the Demers’ family who live in Windsor. (contributed photo)

Cub Scouts from Augusta Pack #603 were at Shaw’s Supermarket over the weekend of September 17 and 18 collecting money to purchase school supplies for needy students. For each box of supplies the Scouts purchased at Staples for a needy student, the business donated a second box of school supplies. The boxes contain such items as pencils, erasers, markers, highlighters, glue sticks, etc. Cub Pack #603 serves children from Augusta, Windsor, and Chelsea.

PHOTO: Winning pumpkin

/0 Comments/in , /by

The China Hannaford store manager Jon Fortier recently took first prize with the largest pumpkin at the Windsor Fair. The pumpkin weighed 1,209 pounds and Jon grew it in his backyard garden in just 57 days. (photo by Eric W. Austin)

2022 Golf Fore Kids’ Sake raises $35,000 for youth mentoring

/0 Comments/in , /by

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine’s 2022 Golf Fore Kids’ Sake, at Belgrade Lakes, presented by Kennebec Savings Bank, raised $33,000 on Friday, September 2, to support one-to-one youth mentoring throughout mid-coast, central and eastern Maine.

The Belgrade Lakes Golf for Kids’ Sake was sponsored by Kennebec Savings Bank (Invitational Presenting Sponsor) with support from Major Sponsors Skowhegan Savings Bank, Cives Steele Company, Robert Gatof, and Horch Roofing. Lunch and Scoreboard Sponsors included Central Maine Motors Auto Group, Darlings, Sprague & Curtis Real Estate, and Sappi.

First Place Net: Maine General #2: Andy Dionne, John Smith, Jason Brown, Tim Borelli.

First Place Gross: Horch Roofing: Tim Matero, Chris Seavey, Jordan Matero, Benjie Blake.

Second Place Net: Bank of New Hampshire: Sean Rankin, Matt Worthen, Don McFadden, Travis Frautten.
Second Place Gross: Skowhegan Savings Bank: Kevin Holland, Don Skillings, Jim Coffin, Ed Goff.

Longest Drive awards were presented to Mark Eldgridge (men’s) and Adrian Phair (women’s). Ed Goff won the Chipping Contest.

To learn more about becoming a mentor, or for more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine’s youth mentoring programs, visit bbbsmidmaine.org.

Belgrade Golf Fore Kids’ Sake 2022 Tournament winners:

First Place Gross: Horch Roofing: Tim Matero, Chris Seavey, Jordan Matero, Benjie Blake. (photo courtesy of Monica Charette)

First Place Net: Maine General #2: Andy Dionne, John Smith, Jason Brown, Tim Borelli (photo courtesy of Monica Charette)

Webber Pond tests positive for blue-green algae toxins

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Blue-green toxic algae bloom.

by Roland D. Hallee

Following weeks of speculation, the test results were confirmed, on Friday, September 9, that Webber Pond, in Vassalboro, has tested positive for toxic algae blooms.

According to Linda Bacon, at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, “scum collected Wednesday afternoon [September 7] tested positive for microcystin this afternoon, an algal toxin that causes damage to the liver.”

Bacon added, “you’ve always had cyanobacteria blooms! This year was just particularly bad.”

Concentrations exceed EPA’s drinking water threshold and their recreation standard. Bacon continued, “Rapid tests were performed on the samples at DEP. The rapid tests do not provide numeric results, but assume that the concentrations of microcystin are likely to be 100-1,000 times these limits, which is typical of scums.”

According to Bacon, it is very likely that concentrations in open water do not exceed the recreation limit, based on data DEP has collected over the past few years.

The overall message is: don’t drink water taken from an area where scums are present or have been present recently (within the last two weeks). Don’t let pets drink the water and don’t let them in the water if scums are present. If they get scum on their fur, rinse them off with fresh water as soon as possible.

Do not let children play in the scums. Scums are quite tempting as they look like paint, so children will paint the rocks on the shoreline, the dock, or whatever is nearby while having lots of fun.

If you get your water from the lake, do not use it for cooking or drinking; make sure showers are short.

Bacon said, “although water treatment systems for algal toxins are still being refined, evidence suggests that it is a good idea to have two filters on an intake line, the one closest to the lake being a coarse filter (looks like wound string), followed by an activated charcoal filter. The charcoal filters are more expensive and would clog quickly if the coarse filter was not in place.”

Cyanotoxins have acute health effects in humans. The most common Cyanobacteria producing toxin, Microcystin-LR, will produce abdominal pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting and nausea, dry cough, diarrhea, blistering around the mouth, and pneumonia

Microcystis, Dolichospermum (previously Anabaena) were observed in the sample along with Aphanizomenon.

Referring to the drawdown on Septembeer 18, “Regardless, I would remove as many boards as you can [from the dam], but I wouldn’t leave the boards out. If we end up in another year of drought, it could become a water level issue next summer. Keep track of flows and when the flow decreases to what the usual end-of-drawdown has been, begin replacing the boards.

Concerning the alewife egress from the lake, “one thing that can happen – not saying that it did – is that adult spawners get trapped and die in the lake along with all the nutrients in their bodies. It will be very important to make sure adults can leave the lake post-spawning to minimize this issue.