Hanson, Blaney big winners at Battle of Maine

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Crowd at the Battle of Maine in Waterville. (photo by Mark Huard)

by Mark Huard

WATERVILLE, ME — The 40th Battle of Maine Martial Arts Championships took place at Champions Fitness Club, in Waterville, on Saturday March 26, and helped support the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals here in Central and Northern Maine.

Jackson Hanson, 9, of Clinton, captured first place in forms, first place in weapons and first place in fighting. Hanson also captured the overall 12 & under Weapons Grand Championship title. (photo by Mark Huard)

It was a packed Champions and Elm Plaza parking lot, with around 340 competitors and close to 1,000 spectators from around Maine and New England. The Battle kicked off at 8:30 a.m. with the full contact padded sword fighting competitions.

At 10:15 a.m. opening ceremonies began with an amazing National Anthem sung by Rebecca Pushard. This was a special day since the event hasn’t been able to be in person for the last couple of years. Everyone was in great spirits and happy to be back to in person competition.

After the National Anthem, hundreds of prizes were thrown into the crowd for all of the kids to catch! The tournament then proceeded a special demo by world champions and then with forms, weapons forms and fighting competitions throughout the day.

Special thank you to Central Maine Motors and Hammond Lumber for being a major sponsor of the Battle of Maine Martial Arts Championships.

Boston Blaney, 9, of Winslow, captured first place in fighting at the Battle of Maine Martial Arts Championships. (photo by Mark Huard)

China Village Volunteer Fire Department appoints new chief

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China Village VFD newly-appointed fire chief, Joel Nelson. (photo by Eric W. Austin)

by Eric W. Austin

CHINA, ME — Let me introduce you to Joel Nelson, China resident and the new fire chief for China Village Fire Department. He strikes an imposing presence on first acquaintance, standing over six-feet tall and broad-shouldered. Soft-spoken and thoughtful, Nelson told me a bit of his life in China and his plans for the China Village Volunteer Fire Department.

Nelson takes over from longtime fire chief and former state representative, Tim Theriault, who will stay on as deputy chief. Raised in Winslow, Nelson moved to China in 2016 with his wife Elana, who works as an occupational therapist. They are expecting their first child, a boy, within the next several weeks.

Nelson attended Winslow High School, graduating in 2004, before going to Kennebec Valley Community College, (KVCC), in Fairfield, and then Thomas College, in Waterville, where he completed a degree in Business Management. During the day, he works for Sheridan Construction, in Fairfield, as a project manager.

He brings a wealth of experience to the job. Aside from his background in business and project management, Nelson served with the Winslow Fire Department during high school and, since 2006, with the Albion Volunteer Fire Department, where he is currently deputy chief.

Nelson sees the volunteer fire department as an integral part of the community. He says, “We’re here in a time of need to help our neighbors and surrounding communities. Whether it’s an emergency or not, we’re here to support people and do what we can to help them.”

Nelson says there is a lot of work involved in running the department beyond just responding to emergency calls. That work includes monthly meetings, sending trucks out for annual pump testing, SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) testing, hose testing and training sessions for fire fighters. “There’s a lot of behind the scenes work that goes on here that people driving by don’t realize is going on,” he says.

The China Village Fire Department handles fire and emergency calls for everything north of Cross Road, while the South China Fire Department responds to calls south of that line, and Weeks Mills Fire Department covers Dirigo Road, Deer Hill Road and nearby areas.

While the China Village Fire Department has 24 members on the current roster, they are always looking for additional volunteers with the courage to fight fires and give back to their community. The squad meets every second Tuesday of the month when they discuss department business and conduct training sessions. Anyone is welcome to stop by to see what it’s all about. Prospective fire fighters will need to complete a 6 – 8 month (every other weekend) training course which, in recent years, has been offered by the fire department in Waterville. Support persons, who may not be directly involved in firefighting, but can help with fundraising for the department, or directing traffic at the scene of an accident, are also needed. Interested parties are invited to contact Nelson by phone, at 877-5911, by email at chinafd214@gmail.com, or through their Facebook page.

EVENTS: Gibbs Library presents students art exhibit from Prescott Memorial Elementary School

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Gibbs Library in Washington, ME. (photo from: librarything.com)

The Gibbs Library presents the 17th Annual Student Art Exhibit featuring the wonderful work of the student artists from Prescott Memorial Elementary School. Art Teacher Anthony Lufkin has guided the students, using a wide range of materials and cultural art forms, to express their creativity in these remarkable works. The pieces, representing all of the K-6 students, were selected and artfully framed and displayed by Mr. Lufkin. If you are in need of some inspiration or maybe a smile or two, come to the Gibbs and enjoy. They will announce a reception as soon as risk levels permit. The show runs through March and April.

The Gibbs Library is located at 40 Old Union Road, in Washington Village, and is open on Monday 4 – 7 p.m.; Tuesday 9 -noon and 4 – 7 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 3 -6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 pm. Phone (207)845-2663. Email info@gibbslibrary.org, Website: https://www.gibbslibrary.org/.

EVENTS: Battle of Maine set for March 26, 2022

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Carter Couturier, of Winslow, left, practices with Keegan Miranda for the upcoming Battle of Maine. (photo by Mark Huard)

The 40th anniversary of the Battle of Maine Martial Arts Championships will be taking place on Saturday March 26, 2022, at Champions Fitness Club, in Waterville. Spectator Tickets are $10. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and will feature forms, fighting and weapons competitions throughout the day. The Battle of Maine has supported the Children’s Miracle Network for many years and has helped raised over $80,000. The city of Waterville Mayor Jay Coelho has proclaimed Saturday March 26, 2022, as Martial Arts Day.

Endicott College announces local dean’s list students

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Endicott College, in Beverly, Massachusetts, the first college in the U.S. to require internships of its students, is pleased to announce its Fall 2021 dean’s list students. In order to qualify for the dean’s list, a student must obtain a minimum grade point average of 3.5, receive no letter grade below “C,” have no withdrawal grades, and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits for the semester.

The following students have met these requirements:

Alana York, of Palermo, majoring in business management, is the daughter of Cheryl York and Andrew York.

Kristen Dube, of Sidney, majoring in nursing, is the daughter of Sarah Dube and Robert Dube.

FAIRFIELD: Town to hold public hearing to review PFAS report on drinking water expansion

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Looking south down Main St., in Fairfield. (Internet photo)

The Town of Fairfield will be holding a public hearing at the Fairfield Community Center, located at 61 Water Street, on Wednesday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m., to discuss the recently completed report by Dirigo Engineering and associated options for extending public drinking water. At the hearing, members of the public will have the opportunity to review potential changes to public water infrastructure within the town.

Community members and residents are encouraged to attend in-person, with a virtual hearing option available as well.

“Providing a public forum for the town’s residents to understand the proposed project and report will assist the Town of Fairfield in educating the public, achieving clean drinking water goals, and addressing impacts related to PFAS contamination,” states Fairfield Town Manager Michelle Flewelling. “The town’s priority is and will continue to be the well-being of its residents, and allowing the public to ask questions and submit feedback will help address this challenge going forward.”

Hired through a recent RFQ process, Dirigo Engineering has completed a feasibility report to assist the town with determining necessary water infrastructure extensions needed within the bounds of the municipality. Dirigo Engineering, based in Fairfield, is a consulting firm that provides professional services through civil engineering, with specialties including wastewater engineering, environmental services, and water supply engineering.

Additional information regarding the municipality’s ongoing PFAS investigation, including the Dirigo Engineering Report, can be found on the town’s website: www.fairfieldme.com.

For questions or additional information, please contact the Town of Fairfield at 207-453-7911 or info@fairfieldme.com.

Dirigo Labs announces selection as AWS activate provider

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photo credit: Dirigo Labs

Dirigo Labs, Maine’s newest accelerator program, has been designated as an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Activate Provider, allowing Dirigo Labs-based startups and entrepreneurs to access exclusive benefits to help accelerate growth as they build their respective businesses. The accelerator, launching its first cohort in March, will host appro­ximately 10 Maine-based startups representing a range of industries including biotechnology and information technology.

Startups affiliated with Dirigo Labs who are building or about to start building web-based programs on AWS may apply for the AWS Activate Portfolio and receive free AWS credits, technical support, training, resources, and more. Inclusion in the Activate program differentiates the Dirigo Labs accelerator as an important solution to the maturation of startups building and scaling their companies on AWS.

“Being designated as an AWS Activate Provider will allow Dirigo Labs participating founders access to an exclusive toolset to help them succeed at every stage of their development,” states Dirigo Labs Managing Director Susan Ruhlin. “We welcome all cohort members to take full advantage of these incredible benefits.”

Dirigo Labs will offer a 12-week curriculum for seed-stage entrepreneurs scaling their startups. Topics will include product development, fundraising strategies, revenue modeling, and pitch refinement. Utilizing regional assets to encourage job creation and retention while improving access to capital for startups, Dirigo Labs is building an innovation ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and showcases central Maine as a destination for business development and success.

“Joining an impressive portfolio of AWS Activate Program companies, including Coinbase and Toast, Dirigo Labs will provide opportunities and services to startups in our accelerator that they wouldn’t have had access to before, such as AWS Cloud credits, AWS business support, and access to the Activate console to help their business prosper,” elaborates Central Maine Growth Council Development Coordinator Sabrina Jandreau. “We look forward to working with our startups to utilize these opportunities while supporting rural business development for years to come.”

Startups and potential mentors interested in learning more about Dirigo Labs and submitting an application can visit www.dirigolabs.org.

Dirigo Labs is a regional startup accelerator based in Waterville, Maine. With a mission to grow mid-Maine’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs who are building innovation-based companies, the Dirigo Labs ecosystem brings together people, resources, and organizations to ensure the successful launch of new startups. Dirigo Labs operates under Central Maine Growth Council and is supported by several organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms.

Hedrich inducted into National Association of Conservation District’s Hall of Distinction

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Mark Hedrich

Both the Knox-Lincoln SWCD Board of Supervisors and staff, and the Maine Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) Executive Committee have announced that Mark Hedrich, of Agricola Farms, in Union, has been accepted by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) for entry to their Hall of Distinction in 2022.

Mark’s service and contributions span local, state, and national conservation. His volunteer leadership in chairing the Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District for multiple decades—36 continuous years of service—has impacted the local area through identifying and addressing natural resource priorities, highlighting and  assisting with resource concerns unique to the region, as well as supporting education and outreach to inform local landowners of services available, funding opportunities, and issues important to landowners of all levels; from recent landowners to beginning farmers to diverse operation property owners/managers.

When not farming in Union, or assisting Knox-Lincoln SWCD or MACD, Mark can be found at Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry as the nutrient management specialist where he assists producers with nutrient management planning, solar pasture endeavors, irrigation, and compost management statewide.

In addition, Mark’s knowledge of farm operations, resources, permitting requirements, and soil health provide important input and recommendations for creating and updating informational resources – published documents, brochures, and Best Management Practice guides – provides the agricultural community with vital material statewide.

As an expert in carcass composting, Mark has assisted in helping the agricultural community on a national level, as well. He is a recognized USDA Compost Subject Matter Expert. As such, Mark was deployed in 2018 to North Carolina to assist poultry operations recover after Hurricane Florence where he worked directly with growers to supervise poultry losses (broilers) through composting. Mark’s expertise and willingness to deploy is important during these types of catastrophic events to ensure sustainability and safety on site during devasting animal loss.

A member of the Maine Association of Conservation Districts Executive Committee, Mark makes recommendations and offers guidance to advance the profile and public awareness of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. With long-range awareness to conservation methods, common sense approach decision making, and skills that provide extensive assistance, Mark Hedrich more than deserves the recognition of the National Association of Conservation Districts Hall of Distinction.

For more information about NACD and the Hall of Distinction, please see: https://www.nacdnet.org/about-nacd/nacd-history/hall-of-distinction/. For more information, please call Julie at 596-2040 or email julie@knox-lincoln.org.

Colby students for mutual aid created

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Lorimer Chapel at Colby College.

This GoFundMe was created to support an ongoing fund by Colby College students for mutual aid. The organizers are students passionate about building a community within the Colby student body and alumni network where they can support the students most impacted by COVID-19 and Colby’s reopening. The fund is specifically benefiting students of color, first-gen low-income students, and queer and trans students. All donations will go directly to students for specific needs such as flights, groceries, and text-books

“As the COVID-19 pandemic ravages the United States, marginalized communities are impacted the most. With Colby’s reopening, we must ensure these students have the support and abilities to return to Colby or choose to do remote learning without a significant financial burden.” says the fundraiser organizers.

Contact info can be found here:

https://www.instagram.com/colbymutualaid/

https://www.facebook.com/colbymutualaid/

To view the GoFundMe, please visit: https://gf.me/v/c/z4lq/2022-colby-mutual-aid.

CENTRAL ME: Check before giving to Ukraine relief efforts

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News reports of Russia’s attack on Ukraine may encourage concerned individuals to reach out and help victims affected by the conflict.

Before giving, go to BBB’s Give.org for tips on how to best help Ukraine relief activities. Among other things, it notes that not all relief organizations will be able to provide timely assistance unless they already have a presence in Ukraine. For additional advice as well as a list of BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet all 20 BBB Charity Standards) raising funds to help, visit tips for donating to Ukraine relief. List is provided below. As the Russian invasion of Ukraine has begun, concerns grow about current and potential emergency needs of the Ukraine people. Generous donors want to help by supporting charities that are raising funds for assistance. BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips for donors to consider along with a list of BBB Accredited Charities that have announced Ukraine-related activities or plans on their websites.

We certainly encourage generosity to help the people in Ukraine.

The following nationally-soliciting charities are BBB Accredited (i.e., they meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability). Their respective websites indicate they are either currently raising funds for assistance efforts in Ukraine or preparing for needs that could arise if conflict results in population displacement.