Aroma Joe’s, located on Kennedy Memorial Drive, in Waterville, and Bay Street, in Winslow, will be offering a FREE 24 oz. drink for all Veterans on November 11.
Also, on Veterans Day, November 11, Hannaford Supermarkets will be offering 10 percent off all purchases, excluding alcohol, tobacco and pharmacy purchases, that day for all veterans, active duty or family member.
The Emerson family of Washington, from left to right, Travis, Kim, and Kandace. (contributed photo)
Kim Emerson is on a long journey through cancers, kidney failure, organ transplants and long recuperations. The 39-year-old Washington wife of Travis and mother of Kandace is now in line for a second kidney transplant. Kim is exceptional. As a teenager, she had eighteen months of chemotherapy to treat a tumor on her rib. She made it into recovery and went on with her life.
She and her husband, Travis, were married in 2011. In 2013, when her daughter, Kandace, was just a year old, Kim was diagnosed with kidney cancer and her left kidney was removed. In the meantime, the chemo she had during the tumor treatment years before had damaged her heart which finally required a heart transplant in 2018. The new heart was protected by anti-rejection drugs, but those strong medicines led to damage to Kim’s remaining kidney. That had led to the search for a kidney donor again.
Finding the donor whose organ has the best chance of success is complicated, time-consuming, and nerve-wracking. Kim says the Tufts Medical Center team, in Boston, is very helpful and supportive of patients facing these devastating health conditions and provides education and assistance with solving the many challenges they face.
Because no one in Kim’s family was a good match for donating an organ and because she has a rare blood type that seldom arrives in the organ bank, Kim and the team knew she would need a live donor rather than an organ from the organ bank. With emotion in her voice, Kim says that her special angel donor has been found. So, now the count down to the transplant begins.
Kim is currently being treated using an AV graft device that facilitates the work of the non-functioning kidney (blood cleansing). When her body is ready, the operation will be scheduled. After it’s performed, Kim will remain in the hospital, being monitored for organ rejection, infection, and any other changes. Once she is released to home, she will be traveling back and forth to Tufts Medical Center, in Boston, every week for six months of observation and tests that are routine for post-operation patients. Six more months of less frequent (probably bi-weekly) Boston trips and then regular trips to Maine Medical Center, in Portland, essentially forever.
The cost of these trips is one of the many expenses beyond the med-surg fees and it is a focus of a community fundraising supper planned for Friday, November 11, (Veterans Day) from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The supper is supported by Washington’s nonprofits Central Maine Bird Fanciers, Evening Star Grange, Four 4-H, Mt. Olivet Masons, Prescott Memorial Parent Teacher Organization, The Village Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary, Washington Town Office, and Washington Fire Dept. Auxiliary. The meal will include homemade baked beans, casseroles, salads, biscuits, beverages and desserts. The cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children. If you would like to make a larger donation, simply add it when you buy your meal.
There are over 110,000 individuals on waiting lists for organ transplants here in the USA and only about 35,000 organs available. This website helps understand the basics for donors and recipients. Anyone considering being a living donor can contact Tufts Medical Center in Boston (617-636-5000) and ask for a transplant coordinator. The website at Tufts concerning being a living donor is https://livingdonortufts.org .
Organ donors are literally life savers. Kim Emerson says nobody knows better than she that “organ donors save lives.” She knows that better than most and is continuously grateful for all the support through this long journey.
The American Red Cross urges blood donors of all types and those who have never given before to book a time to give blood or platelets now and help keep the blood supply from dropping ahead of the holidays.
People of all blood types are needed, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood – blood products that are critical to keeping hospitals ready to help patients depending on transfusions in the weeks ahead.
Book now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you for taking the time to give this fall, all who come to give Nov.1-22 will receive a $10 e-gift card by email to a merchant of choice. Details are available at rcblood.org/perks.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 1-15:
Monday, November 14, 2022: 12:30 – 6 p.m., Augusta Elks, 397 Civic Center Drive, P.O. Box 2206.
Friday, November 4/2022: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., MaineGeneral Health, 35 Medical Center Parkway.
Saturday, November 5, 2022: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Faith Christian Church, 280 Brunswick Ave.
Friday, November 4, 2022: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., O’Brien’s Event Center, 375 Main St.
Thursday, November 3, 2022: 1 – 6 p.m., Saint Francis Church, 130 Route 133.
Barbara Frost at the top of the China Baptist Church steeple. (contributed photo)
CHINA, ME — From her camp, from her boat, and as she walked around China Village, Barbara Frost saw the China Baptist Church and the steeple. Barbara got acquainted with some of the church members and volunteered to do some work around the church (she called it ‘puttering’ around). In her ‘puttering’ she cleaned, painted, repaired and completed many much needed projects.
One day, talking to Pastor Ron [Morrell], she expressed a desire to climb into the steeple, knowing what a great view there would be from the bell tower.
He agreed, but admitted he’d have to find a younger person to accompany her.
Recently, she got her wish as Brad Bickford and Dale Peabody joined her in her climb.
The trustees have installed a webcam in the steeple and Brad is working on getting it online on the churches website. This will give folks from away a chance to see what’s happening on China Lake year round.
A little history….In 1993 the steeple began to tilt and had to be removed and repaired. The church started a ‘Steeple People’ project and with lots of fundraising (bike race around China Lake, auctions, dinners, etc.) had the steeple and bell back up in just a few months.
Volunteers prepare window inserts at a previous WindowDressers workshop, in Vassalboro. (photo courtesy of Vassalboro Historical Society)
CHINA, ME — Planned for the second week in November starting just after Election Day, the China Window Dressers workshop is moving full steam ahead. The intent of the workshop is to build low-cost window inserts to reduce heating expenses for homeowners in central Maine. The organizers have spent the past year taking orders and visiting local homeowners to measure the windows requiring inserts, and now they are looking for volunteers to help at the upcoming workshop.
Sponsored by the China for a Lifetime Committee, a local group dedicated to philanthropic activities meant to improve the quality of life for China residents, and assisted by other local organizations, the initiative is modeled after the classic “barn-raising” community efforts of the past, with residents working together for the benefit of everyone.
Committee chairman Christopher Hahn describes it this way: “The workshop is a great chance for the community to come together and help one another during these tough financial times. Such events don’t happen as often as they should anymore in this age of Facebook and online Zoom meetings, so we jumped at the opportunity to organize this workshop. It fits right in with our mission of ‘neighbors helping neighbors.’ I hope to see many familiar faces and hopefully some new ones.”
The committee has received more than 130 orders for window inserts from over two dozen local clients across central Maine. Although the workshop will take place at the China Conference Center, orders have been open from any of the area towns and volunteers for the upcoming build workshop do not need to have ordered inserts or live in China. The workshop will run from Wednesday, November 9, through Sunday, November 13. Work shifts are divided into a morning shift from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and an afternoon shift from 1 – 5 p.m. Food will be provided by community volunteers between shifts. The first two days are devoted to putting together the wooden frames for the window inserts, while the next two days will be for wrapping those frames in plastic and foam. Sunday will serve as an overflow day if everything cannot be completed by Saturday evening.
No experience is necessary to help out, and there are still plenty of spots that need to be filled. Hahn says they are aiming for eight people per shift. The work is not complicated, and designed to flow through an assembly line process, making it easy for anyone to participate. Participants from earlier workshops will be on hand to answer any questions and provide guidance for volunteers.
For those interested in signing up to participate in the workshop, there are several ways to get involved. The easiest way is to visit the Window Dressers website at windowdressers.org. Click on “Community Builds” link on the menu at the top-right of the page, then scroll down to the China build and click where it says “Sign up to volunteer”. (Click here to go there directly.) That will take you to a page where you can choose which time-slot best fits into your schedule.
If you’re not tech-savvy, or don’t have internet access, you can also send an email to ChinaforaLifetime@gmail.com or call the China town office at 445-2014 and let them know what days you are available to help.
More information about the China for a Lifetime committee can be found on their website at chinaforalifetime.com.
This September, staff at Lovejoy Health Center welcome two new members: Nancy Johnson, Connector; and Hattie Blye, Care Manager.
Nancy obtained her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, Language Arts from the University of Maine at Farmington. She also has a master’s degree in Literacy Education from the University of Maine at Orono. She worked as a Certified Title I Literacy Teacher for the Augusta School Department for over a decade. Nancy also has experience in helping people with Medicare Part D. Nancy looks forward to providing free services to help patients navigate a variety of resources, including MaineCare (Medicaid), Hospital Free Care, the Supplemental Nutritional Aid Program (SNAP, or “food stamps”), reduced-cost prescription medications through the Patient Assistance Program, and our very own HealthReach Affordable Care program (“Sliding Fee”).
Hattie obtained her associate’s degree in Applied Medical Science, Medical Assistant from Central Maine Community College. Hattie brings a decade of experience as a medical assistant into the role of Care Manager. She looks forward to assisting patients with both the management of chronic illness and the pursuit of better health.
Nancy and Hattie join physician Dean Chamberlain; physician assistant Nikki Kimborowicz; family nurse practitioner Keiko Kurita; and licensed clinical social worker Deb Daigle. Clinicians offer medical and behavioral health services for patients of all ages.
Residents of Albion and nearby towns have enjoyed quality care at the Center since its founding in 1978.
Lovejoy Health Center is a part of HealthReach Community Health Centers, a group of twelve Federally Qualified Health Centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality medical and behavioral healthcare to citizens from 9 of Maine’s 16 counties. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers. In addition, an Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured residents. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with the cost of your healthcare and medications, including Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
A Veterans Day parade was held in Waterville on November 11, 2019. (photo by Mark Huard,
Central Maine Photography)
The Veterans Day Parade, in Waterville, will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022. Lineup begins at 10 a.m., at The Elm, 21 College Ave. Waterville. American Legion Post #5 Commander Craig Bailey invites all area veterans of all wars and services to participate in the parade and ceremony at the Castonguay Square Park, Common Street, Waterville.
After the parade and ceremony, American Legion Post #5 will have a free catered luncheon for veterans and a guest at the Waterville Elks Lodge, 76 Industrial Street, Waterville. The luncheon is sponsored by the Unity Foundation in memory of Bert G. Clifford, of Unity, U.S. Navy World War II veteran. To assist Post #5 in finalizing food and server arrangements, call 207-313-8865.
This story has been updated: Veterans Day update: Change in parade route
The seventh and eighth grade social studies students at China Middle School recently hosted a free car wash for first responders and local veterans in our communities in recognition of those service organizations who lost so many lives on September 11, 2001. (contributed photo)
Janet Faye Hilton Fletcher, 97, is Anson’s oldest living citizen.
Janet Faye Hilton Fletcher, 97, was honored as the oldest resident of Anson by the presentation of the ceremonial Boston Post Cane, by Anson Historical Society, at her home in Anson. President Sharon Mellows, Vice President Charlotte Withee, Chairman Ralph Withee and Anson Administrator Tammy Murray were present.
Janet Fletcher was born July 19, 1925, on Hilton Hill Road, in Anson, and resided in Anson most of her life. She attended elementary school at Garrett Schenck and graduated from Madison High School in 1943, at the age of 17.
She married Hurley Fletcher on November 27, 1943. They lived on Fletcher Road in Anson, moved to the Airport Road, in Norridgewock, for three years but moved back to West Mills Road, in Anson. She currently lives with her son David and his wife Mary Fletcher, on Hilton Hill Road, Anson.
Janet and Hurley had nine children, Gary Fletcher, Diane Fletcher Oliver, Sandra Fletcher Weese, Betty Fletcher Burpee, Linda Fletcher Sargent, Dennis Fletcher, Joan Fletcher, David Fletcher, Larry Fletcher. She has 24 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Pictured are, front row, from left to right, Tiger Cubs Wesley Danielson, John Gray, Beckett Metcalf, and Lux Reynolds. Second row, Bear Cubs Henry Gray and Eli Richmond. Third row, Webelos Elliot Rafuse, Christopher Santiago, Hunter Brown, and Desmond Landreth. Back row, Cubmaster Christopher Santiago and Tiger Den Leader Christopher Reynolds. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)
On Tuesday October 11, 2022, the Vassalboro Community School PTO held a Food Truck Night at Vassalboro Community School as a fundraiser for the Michaud family. Ira Michaud is the principal of the Vassalboro Community School and his son is battling a very rare cancer. Ira Michaud is himself a Cubmaster and his son Ian is a Cub Scout. So Vassalboro Pack #410 provided desserts for the food truck event in the form of a bake sale. The community came together in support of the family. Pack #410 was able to contribute $516.54 towards the $2,649.54 raised for the Michaud family.