Vassalboro Public Library summer reading program a huge success

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Throughout the summer 67 students, all members of the Vassalboro library, participated in the Summer Reading Program “Bikes for Books,” sponsored by Vassalboro Masonic Lodge #54. Mid-June the children signed up for the program and received a welcome packet which included a free book, start-up prizes and reading logs. They also received one raffle ticket for signing up which went into the bike raffle. For every two hours read after signup, and recorded in reading logs, students received another ticket to add to the raffle. There were 12 bikes total to win – all sponsored by the Vassalboro Masonic Lodge- sized 16″, 20″ 24″ and 28″, to accommodate the different ages of the participants.

The incentive for students was immediately apparent to library staff. Many of the participating children were eager to win a bike. About 15 students were reading 15-40 hours a week, and up to 40 came often to the library to turn in reading logs for more raffle tickets. By August 28, once the final tally came in, the 67 participating students had read a total of 1,622 hours!

On August 28 the library director, Brian Stanley, assistant librarian, and two trustees gathered with members of the Masonic lodge to raffle off the bikes. Participating families were welcome to get free ice cream, to have their faces painted by a pro – Face paint Amy – and to get a free library T-shirt. Many of the winning students were present to receive the bikes and others were called who were not present. All in all 12 eager and happy students received bikes and the 1,622 hours read became a great incentive for the Library and Masonic Lodge to hold similar events in the coming years.

During the summer the Vassalboro Library also sponsored many programs for the area youth including Northern Stars Planetarium, Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers, Chewonki – Tidepools and Fins and Flippers – the LC Bates Museum and weekly storytimes. Check the library’s website and Facebook for future events.

PHOTO: Fort Halifax DAR winners

/0 Comments/in , /by

Front, from left to right, Elizabeth Longfellow, fifth grade American History winner, Carrina Chen, Jennie Paine Howard winner, Megan Heusers, Good Citizen winner, and Dominique Giroux-Pare’ eighth grade American History winner. Back, Patricia Poulin-Gorman, chairman of the Good Citizens Committee, and Sandra Swallow, Regent of the DAR Fort Halifax Chapter. Missing from the photo is Swayer Inman and Kloe McEachirn. (contributed photo)

Eagle Scout Ryan Martin receives much praise

/0 Comments/in , /by

Scoutmaster Garth Smith, right, presented Ryan with the Eagle Scout certificate. (Photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Submitted by Chuck Mahaleris

Leaders of government and civic organizations heaped praise on teenager Ryan Steven Martin during his Eagle Scout ceremony held on August 25, at the Winslow Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8835.

Eagle Scout Ryan Martin, left, received a Certificate of Recognition from the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Winslow VFW Post #8835 Commander Wayne Vashon made the presentation. (Photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

“I am so grateful and honored to have been invited to this event tonight to honor Ryan Martin,” Winslow Town Manager Erica LaCroix said. “My cousin is an Eagle Scout and I understand what a huge achievement this is. I’m amazed at how many Eagle Scouts are actually in this room with us but look at how many others are here and have never achieved that status. It is truly a great accomplishment.”

Ryan received a Legislative Sentiment and U.S. flag that had flown over the State House, in Augusta, from State Senator Scott Cyrway, of Albion, and State Representative Cathy Nadeau, of Winslow. “Your hard work is commendable and exactly what our nation needs,” Cyrway said.

Ryan also received certificates of recognition from both the American Legion and the VFW but it was his Scoutmaster Garth Smith who presented him with his Eagle Scout certificate.

For his Eagle Scout project, Ryan led a team to build benches and chairs which are now located around the Town of Winslow for the enjoyment of the public. LaCroix said, “The benches and chairs that you did for your project will be enjoyed for years to come by both residents and visitors alike. Wonderful work and the town appreciates that you chose us to benefit from your service. We wish you all the luck in your future and we hope to keep you in Winslow for a very long time.”

Ryan, son of Diane and Steve Martin, just graduated from Winslow High School in the spring and will begin classes at Husson University, in Bangor, shortly, where he is enrolled in the 5-year accelerated program for Accounting and MBA for financial management. “My ultimate vision in life,” Ryan said, “Is to be the person who helps those around them and shows others their full potential. I have tried to do this throughout my life up to this point whether it was serving as Senior Patrol Leader for the troop or just being that stranger at the store who helps someone load their groceries. I will always hold the Scout Oath and Law close to my heart where all core values should be in life.”

State Senator Scott Cyrway, left, and State Representative Cathy Nadeau presented Legislative Sentiment to honor Ryan from the entire Legislative body. (Photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Waterville H.S. class of ‘66 holds 56th reunion

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Front row, from left to right, Marilyn Patterson Bouchard, Pauline Harding Gorham, Angie Fortin Loftus, Linda Pomerleau, Nancy Knauff Atkins, Louise Lord Proulx, Mary Ann White, Eva Couture Michaud and Cheryl Abbott. Back, Buz Brown, Peter Hallee, Mike Labbe, Charlie Breton, Tom Nale, John Hairsine, Roland Hallee, Peter Beckerman, Mike Paquette, John Nadeau, David Begin, Mike Vashon, Bob Bourassa, Dan Cosgrove, Ron Raymond, Jim Vashon, Norman Mattson and Jim Bosse. (contributed photo)

On August 3, the Waterville High School class of 1966 held its belated 55th (actual 56th) class reunion, at the Forrest J. Pare VFW #1285, in Waterville.

Courtesy boat inspectors busy

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Pictured, left to right, are Wyatt McKenney, Alex Reitchel, and Brody Worth, all of Palermo. They will be incoming ninth graders at Erskine Academy, in South China, this year. (contributed photo)

The Sheepscot Lake Association Courtesy Boat Inspectors have been having a busy season at Palermo’s new boat launch! They have inspected over 100 boats for invasive species during their weekend shifts, and also educated boaters on the importance of self-inspections, both before entering and when leaving the lake. This is important since the inspectors are not always there to check your boat for you. It all plays a part in keeping Sheepscot the healthy lake that it is.

Celebrate Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District’s 75th Anniversary on August 30

/0 Comments/in , /by

The community is invited to Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District’s 75th anniversary and annual banquet celebration on Tuesday, August 30, from 4:30 pm – 7:30 p.m. The banquet will be held at the beautifully-renovated Jewell Lodge, overlooking Damariscotta Lake, at Camp Wavus, in Jefferson.

They are celebrating 75 years of conservation activities in Knox and Lincoln counties with old friends, including past board members, past conservation award recipients, partner organizations and new friends. Attendees will be treated to a BBQ dinner and delicious pies while viewing a rolling display of photos spanning 75 years. Speakers will highlight the district conservation activities and future plans in Knox and Lincoln counties. Throughout the evening there will be raffle drawings, a chance to meet our supervisors and staff, and to peruse displays highlighting past and current District projects.

China Four Seasons helps at Bomazeen

/0 Comments/in , /by

Front row, from left to right, Ian Martin (#603), Julie McKenney, Amber Chesley. Back, Thomas Gage (#485); Tyleek Baluvett (#546); Zachary McKenney; Remy Pettengill (#479); Michael Connolly (#428). (contributed photo)

This summer two large boxes of life jackets and PFDs were donated by the China Four Seasons Club to the Camp Bomazeen Old Timers. The Old Timers put the donation directly to work this August at the Scouts BSA program at Camp Bomazeen. This is the older Scout program. The donation immediately supported Scouts from Kennebec Valley District troops to earn swimming, life saving and canoeing merit badges.

South China Library: Every bit helps

/0 Comments/in , /by

When they heard about the match, Griffin, Daxton and Mollie Carballo had a lemonade stand and donated their sales to the library.

Construction on the new South China Library is coming along nicely. Thanks to a generous donor, all donations received in August will be matched up to $10,000. There is one week left for this great fundraiser. Donate today to double your impact! Donate online , or mail a check made out to South China Library to P.O. Box 417, South China, ME 04358, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1281956, or go to their website, southchinalibrary.org.

Photos provided by Kim Tilton

From left to right, Griffin, Daxton, and Mollie Carballo deliver their donation to librarian Cheryl Baker.

Cubs learn about outdoors

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Chuck Mahaleris

Warden Service Sgt. Josh Bubier shows Scouts the pelt of an animal that lives in Maine’s woods while parent Chris Vincent and Cub Scout Hunter Brown listen. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Cub Scouts in Vassalboro Pack #410 enjoyed meeting with members of the Maine Warden Service recently. Sgt. Josh Bubier and Warden Jake Voter took time the first week of August to discuss with the Cub Scouts the important role the Warden Service plays in protecting Maine’s unique natural outdoor heritage. According to Cub Master Christopher Santiago, the pair spent time talking about a day in the life of a game warden, what it takes to become a warden, introducing us to K-9 Koda, and showing the Cubs many different animals found here in Maine including: bobcat, red fox, raccoon, moose, black bear, otter, muskrat, possum, weasel, and fishers.

The Cubs enjoyed the entire presentation but were especially fond of meeting Game Warden K9 Koda – a four-legged hero. In May, Koda and Voter located a missing person, rescuing a 77-year-old woman who likely had spent two nights in the woods in Bremen just a few days after Koda and Voter found an 11-year old girl who had gone missing.

Santiago said, “What a great night for our Pack! A huge thank you to Sgt. Bubier and Warden Voter. Thanks to all our den leaders and parents who got the majority of our boys out to this event. We have a recruiting event at the Vassalboro family movie night which is on Saturday, August 20. I will be there around 7 p.m., and we have a recruitment event at the Vassalboro Community School open house on Tuesday, August 30 at 6 p.m.”

Vassalboro Pack welcomes parents and families of boys grades K-5.

Interested in Joining Scout Pack #410? Please contact via email: VassalboroCubScoutPack410@gmail.com.

All photos courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris.

Koda

90-year-old veteran creates a hand-carved legacy for future generations

/0 Comments/in , /by

On Saturday, August 6, Alan Johnston, U.S. Army veteran and commander for the Maine Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars, led the dedication of a hand-carved wood eagle to Wreaths Across America’s founder Morrill Worcester, as part of the organization’s annual Stem to Stone event in Downeast Maine.

The eagle was carved by 90-year-old Navy veteran George Gunning and painted by his wife of 70 years, Donna, both of Windsor, as a gift of thanks to Worcester and all those who carry out the Wreaths Across America mission to remember the fallen, honor those that serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.

Over the last 15-plus years, the Gunnings have made more than 4,000 hand-carved and painted wooden, eagle-headed canes to donate to Maine veterans as an extension of the Eagle Cane Project started in Oklahoma. They do it as a labor of love for all those who served our country. The Gunnings were moved to create this larger eagle sculpture after learning more about the Wreaths Across America program and the impact it has had on veterans and their families across the country.

As part of the dedication, Johnston presented George and Donna a $1,000 check from the Maine Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars. A $1,000 donation was also presented by Johnston to Wreaths Across America Volunteer Location Coordinator for Togus National Cemetery, Deborah Couture, to sponsor veterans wreaths to be placed there this December as part of National Wreaths Across America Day – scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022.

Wreaths Across America is the nonprofit organization best known for placing wreaths on veterans’ headstones at Arlington National Cemetery. However, in 2021, the organization placed more than 2.4 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths at over 3,100 participating locations nationwide. Throughout the calendar year you can tune in to Wreaths Across America Internet Radio, 24/7, to learn more about the mission and those who support it across the country, as well as the hundreds of local charitable efforts nationwide that are funded through wreath sponsorships.

You can sponsor a veteran’s wreath anytime for $15 at www.wreathacrossamerica.org. Each sponsorship goes toward a live, balsam wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American hero as we endeavor to honor all veterans laid to rest, at noon on Saturday, December 18, 2021, as part of National Wreaths across America Day.