PHOTO: China Community Food Pantry Saturday crew

The Saturday crew at the China Food Pantry. From left to right, Peter Caldwell, Larry Lemieux, Carl McKeil, Cindi Orlando, Donna Loveland, Ann Austin, Cathy Bourque, Nancy Lemieux, Bunny Caldwell, Jodi Blackinton and Kimberly Goneau. (photo by Eric W. Austin)

PHOTOS: Former Vassalboro Methodist Church is dismantled

Before… (photo by Eric W. Austin)

Steeple (photo by Eric W. Austin)

Before… (photo by Jason Lucas)

…During… (photo by Jason Lucas)

…After… (photo by Eli Cates)

…Now. (photo by Eric W. Austin)

New exhibit at Vassalboro Historical Society depicts textiles

Painting signed by Hedwig Collins. Eva (Pratt) Owen, headmistress at Oak Grove School from 1918 – 1958, front and center in a light blue gown and matching hat, holding a white shawl; her husband, headmaster Robert Everett Owen, under the trees at left in a dark suit, behind a young lady in red. The woman in purple hat coming down the lawn is said to be Mrs. Owen’s sister.

by Mary Grow
Photos courtesy of Jan Clowes, VHS president

The new display at the Vassalboro Historical Society (VHS) Museum in East Vassalboro is titled “All Things Textile,” and the name is appropriate.

The most eye-catching items are women’s dresses, from the early 1800s to the 1950s, in varied materials and colors, and on one wall a large painting of young ladies in spring outfits (and two gentlemen) gathered on the lawn of the Oak Grove School.

The gentleman in black, half hidden behind a bevy of students under the trees in the left of the painting, is identified as Headmaster Robert Owen. Front and center is his wife, Headmistress Eva (Pratt) Owen, wearing a light blue gown and matching flat hat. Behind and to her left, the woman in the purple dress and hat coming toward the viewer is said to be her sister, Edith (Pratt) Brown.

By the castle, on the right side of the painting, students greet an unidentified man on horseback.

The painting is signed by Hedwig Collin. Wikipedia identifies her as a Danish artist, born May 27, 1880, and known primarily as a writer and illustrator of children’s books. She also did portraits and landscape paintings, Wikipedia says, and another on-line site includes reproductions of fashion illustrations from different decades.

Collin spent World War II in the United States, and VHS President Jan Clowes says the Oak Grove painting is dated 1940. Collin died near Copenhagen, Denmark, on April 2, 1964.

The black dress is a walking suit from 1910. The red dress is a teenager’s from 1830 and the white wedding dress Mary C. Haynes designed and wore when she married John Bussell on June 13, 1953.

On other walls are three samplers stitched by young Vassalboro residents in 1816, 1821 and 1836. Shelves and display tables and cases contain a working sewing machine from the late 1870s, children’s clothing, men’s hats and shoes and other items. Two interactive stations let visitors test their skills by working on a hooked or a braided rug.

There is also an antique quilt frame that Clowes said is being raffled off as a fund-raiser for the Society.

The Society’s website says the display was put together with help from Textile Conservation Specialist Lynne Bassett, who is from Massachusetts. Her assistance to museum volunteers included identifying fabrics and estimating ages of items in the collection; advising on proper storage; and teaching volunteers four “conservation stitches” so they can do authentic repairs.

Bassett is scheduled to continue working with Society volunteers later in July. “We take care of things, and consult experts when we need to,” Clowes said.

Elsewhere in the building, visitors can enjoy replicas of a 1950s kitchen and a much earlier Native American encampment; view local artists’ work; and admire a collection of furniture, tableware and dozens of other items once used by Vassalboro families.

The Society’s library has an invaluable collection of letters, documents, books and other sources of information on past events in the town. The website credits volunteer Russell Smith for answering reference questions.

Other volunteers mentioned are Juliana Lyon, in charge, with Clowes, of organizing accession records; Ben Gidney, Stewart Carson, Jeremy Cloutier, Dawn Cates, Simone Antworth, Judy Goodrich, Steve and Sharon (Hopkins) Farrington and David Theriault; and specifically for the textile conservation project, Goodrich, Cates, Maurine Macomber, Theriault, Terry Curtis and Holly Weidner. More volunteers are always welcome, Clowes said.

Clowes also welcomes donations of local items, although she does not know where there will be room for them. Some families who have donated larger items are storing them for the Society, Clowes said.

This dress, part of the textile display, is a two-piece wedding dress, with a long train trimmed with lace. Annie Mae Pierce wore it when she married Henry Allen Priest on Aug. 31, 1880.

The next major project is acquiring a barn. In Clowes’ vision, it has two stories; generous space on the ground level will display farm equipment and similar large items, with smaller items above. Monetary donations toward the barn project, and to maintain the present building, are appreciated; the VHS is a non-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

The museum is in the former East Vassalboro Schoolhouse, at 327 Main Street, on the east side of Route 32, just north of the boat landing at the China Lake outlet. In one room, the old tin ceiling is visible, and the floors show the circles of screwholes where students’ chair-and-desk combinations were attached.

The VHS website is vassalborohistoricalsociety.org. The telephone number is 923-3505; the email address is vhspresident@gmail.com; and the mailing address is P. O. Box 13, North Vassalboro ME 04962. Regular open hours are Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The summer and fall calendar includes open houses Sunday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m., on July 24, Aug. 14 and 28, and Oct. 9 and 23.

Three special programs are scheduled for Sunday afternoons from 3 to 5 p.m.: on July 17, Sharon Hopkins Farrington, on “Rug Hooking Past & Present”; on Aug. 21, Nate Gray, on “River Herring Ecology & History”; and on Oct. 16, Suzy Griffiths, “Holman Day Film-Fest.”

In September, the museum will be open during the Vassalboro Days celebration Sept. 10 and 11. The annual meeting and potluck meal are scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at the East Vassalboro Grange Hall.

PHOTOS: Sheepscot Lake 2022 July 4 parade best ever

Contributed photo

Sheepscot Lake Association hosted its annual boat parade on July 4. This year’s parade was the most successful yet with 32 boats participating, and residents of several camps along the lake cheering on from the shoreline. The weather was perfect.

Contributed photo

Madison Legion Auxiliary seeks school supplies

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #39, Madison, is once again collecting school supplies for children and for the classrooms in our local schools (Madison MSAD #59 and Carrabec #RSU 74). With all the uncertainties ahead this year, the need is still there. A list of suggested items: rulers, erasers, pencils, colored pencils, ink pens (blue, black & red), water bottles (no larger than 20 oz) crayons, glue sticks, backpacks, pencil pouches for binders, one-inch binders, one subject notebooks, college and standard ruled filler paper, box of tissues, wipes, and post it notes just to mention a few. Will be collecting until September. The collection box will also be at their booth in the grassy area beside Skowhegan Savings Bank, in Madison, during Madison/Anson Days, on August 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Items can be dropped off in the collection box at the Madison American Legion Hall, 20 S. Maple Street, on Mondays through Saturdays, after 3 p.m., and on Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. If you would like to send a monetary donation, make checks payable to Madison ALA, PO Box 325, Madison, ME 04950, with School Supplies in the Memo.

Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) helps to advance the mission of The American Legion. With more than 600,000 members, the ALA is one of the nation’s most prominent supporters of veterans, military, and their families. ALA members volunteer millions of hours annually, with a value averaging $1.1 billion each year. From helping to draft the GI Bill in 1944 to advocating for veterans on Capitol Hill. The American Legion Family has been instrumental in advancing legislation that improves the quality of life for our nation’s veterans. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforveterans.org, our local website http://www.mainelegionpost39.org or contact Karen Lytle, President PO Box 325, Madison, ME 04950.

Volunteers needed for Window Dressers workshop

Volunteers prepare window inserts at a previous WindowDressers workshop, in Vassalboro. (photo courtesy of Vassalboro Historical Society)

by Eric W. Austin

The China for a Lifetime Committee is planning a Window Dressers workshop this November 7-13, at the China Lake Camp, off the Neck Road, on the west side of the lake. The initiative is a volunteer-led, barn-raising effort to construct low-cost “window inserts” that can significantly reduce residential energy costs. Orders for inserts need to be submitted to the China Town Office or through the Window Dressers’ website by September for the November workshop.

The insulated window inserts are constructed of pine wood frames, and can be ordered in natural wood or painted white. There is a maximum order limit of 10 frames, and no minimum. Orders are open to all residents of China, Vassalboro, Palermo, Albion and Windsor.

The price of the window inserts varies depending on the size of the frame requested, but generally range from $30-$70 per frame for natural pine, with an additional $5-$10 if painted white. Discounts and financial help are available for those who qualify.

As the workshop will take place during the second week of November, orders should be placed by September. Volunteers will need to visit your home to take window measurements which will then be sent to the Window Dressers organization, who will cut the wood for the frames and deliver them in time for the workshop. All volunteers visiting customer homes to measure windows are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and wear a mask.

There is a great need for local community volunteers to make this a successful Window Dressers workshop. It is requested (but not required) that anyone ordering frames also commit to a four-hour shift on one of the workshop days. The committee is also looking for anyone who can supply food to the teams participating in the workshop.

To submit an order for window inserts, or to volunteer, please call the China Town Office at 445-2014, send an email to chinaforalifetime@gmail.com, or visit the Window Dressers website and fill out the request form at windowdressers.org/sign-up-for-inserts.

For more information about the China for a Lifetime Committee, please visit their website at chinaforalifetime.com.

China mother raises awareness for postpartum mood disorders

Courtney with her son. (contributed photo)

Family-friendly event to take place at China Community Forest, July 23

by Gillian Lalime

“You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help you will be well.” This is the encouragement offered at every step by volunteers from Postpartum Support International or PSI, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness around postpartum mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, psychosis and bi-polar conditions. PSI’s mission is “to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide.”

In 2017 Courtney, a lifelong resident of central Maine, gave birth to her son. A momentous occasion, she welcomed this significant life event with open arms and an open heart. However, soon she realized something was out of whack: her emotions. Not long after the birth, Courtney began struggling with depression and psychosis – the former more commonly known, the latter less known and much more severe. This diagnosis led to hospitalization and Courtney’s journey to become well was jump-started when she got involved with a PSI group. In October 2021, Courtney became a PSI coordinator, and now works as a volunteer connecting postpartum Mainers in need of help to local resources through a hotline.

One in seven women develop a postpartum disorder. Lesser known, perhaps, is that one in ten fathers or birth partners will experience anxiety or depression after the birth of a child. Postpartum by definition, is considered the period just after childbirth to the first year after birth. Symptoms can appear as early as during pregnancy and can include depression, PTSD anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, or postpartum psychosis. Navigating these conditions as a brand new parent can be overwhelming to say the least. Maintaining relationships and taking care of yourself can feel out of reach, especially living in a rural area where it can be hard to stay connected to your community. Feelings of depression, isolation, anxiety, or other postpartum conditions exacerbate the difficulties of new parenthood and can sometimes lead to increased disconnection from both your immediate family and wider community.

Courtney’s own experience with postpartum depression and psychosis motivated her to help others going through what she did. She says, “The important thing to remember is that these feelings are not your fault.” After giving birth, Courtney blamed herself for the feelings she had. To any new parents in a similar situation, Courtney knows exactly what it feels like to go through all of this and yet, “It made me a stronger person overall.” In 2020, she attended an online PSI “Climb”. This year Courtney and two friends, Rebekah and Amanda, are organizing an event in China for local families.

“Climb Out of Darkness” announcement poster.

Team Central Maine’s “Climb out of the Darkness” is a family friendly event that will be held at the China Community Forest on Saturday, July 23, beginning at 2 p.m. The Climb is PSI’s biggest fundraiser for the year and all money goes towards training for professionals, perinatal mental health certificates, and educational webinars. The event itself provides a platform for connection and strength in the community. Folks looking to get involved, give donations, share through social media, look up the event on Facebook (search Team Central Maine), and local businesses can become a sponsor. There will be a photo booth, cornhole, fun giveaways, and other activities for kids (snacks will be provided) in addition to a resource table for anyone seeking information about postpartum mood disorders, what they are, and how to help those experiencing it. The route is stroller friendly and available to walkers of all abilities. “You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help you will be well.” This PSI mantra is a lifeline for many and a deep reminder that help and wellness is within reach.

 

 

 

What to do if you can’t pay your rent

As housing costs keep climbing across the country, more than 11 million Americans report being behind on rent payments, according to Surgo Ventures. Add in inflation and other economic uncertainties, and millions more are on the brink of falling behind or facing eviction.

“Housing instability remains a critical issue for millions of renters, many of whom are only one missed check or lost job away from possibly losing their home,” said Michael Sullivan, a personal financial consultant with Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit and housing counseling agency. “If you’ve fallen behind on your rent — or soon will — there are several steps you should take to protect yourself and limit your chances of eviction.”

If you’re struggling to pay rent, Sullivan suggests the following actions:

Contact your landlord. First, try talking with your landlord. Be up front and honest about your situation, asking about potential options or temporary accommodations they’re willing to make. They may be willing to work with you, especially if you have a history of paying on time and maintaining the property. Whatever arrangement you come to, be sure to get it in writing.

Explore rental assistance. Nonprofit and government agencies such as the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities USA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offer a range of programs to help people struggling with rent. Your local housing authority is another good resource. Renters can find additional rental assistance programs near them at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website.

Manage other expenses. You may be able to free up cash for rent by adjusting other expenses or financial obligations. For example, most credit card companies offer hardship programs that lower monthly payments. You can also slash subscriptions, hidden entertainment costs, auto-delivery services and other non-essential purchases.

Ask to help. Offer your skills and time to friends or family to earn extra cash to make rent. Do they have some yard work you can do? What about babysitting for a few hours? Also explore the gig economy with services like TaskRabbit, DoorDash or Rover to help with various tasks, delivery or dog-walking.
Seek nonprofit rental counseling.

Nonprofit rental housing counselors, like those with Take Charge America, can provide you with one-on-one rental guidance and tailored resources to help you determine the best path forward.

For additional housing resources and assistance, explore housing counseling services from Take Charge America.

Mid-Maine Chamber golf classic another success

First place gross, Mid-Maine Marine team members, not necessarily in order, Garret Prelgovisk, Rob Moody, Scott McManaman and Tim Mitchell. (contributed photo)

Central Maine’s most prize-laden golf tournament fundraiser was held under clear skies on Monday, June 6, at Waterville Country Club. Thirty-six teams took part in the shotgun start scramble.

Nearly 50 businesses provided sponsorships or in-kind donations for the tournament.

“We were thrilled with the participation in this year’s event once again – and had a waiting list of teams wishing to participate,” said Kim Lindlof, president & CEO of Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce. “We were also happy that the weather cooperated, with a beautiful Chamber of Commerce day of sunshine and an enjoyable day of golf for all involved.”

Prize winners were as follows:

Summer Sizzler BBQ Package: Chad Kelly, Bangor Savings Bank;

50/50 Winner: Brian Robbins, Jr. – Central Maine Power Co.;

First Place Gross Team Score: Mid-Maine Marine—Garret Prelgovisk, Rob Moody, Scott McManaman, Tim Mitchell;

Second Place Gross Team Score: The Insurance Guys— Gary Levesque, Shawn Michaud, Cliff Hannon, Christian Gabrielsen;

Third Place Gross Team Score: Damon’s Beverage—Jeff Damon, Mark McGowan, Luke Collier, Flint Collier;

First Place Net Team Score: Central Maine Motors Auto Group—Chris Gaunce, Matt Loubier, Shad West, Jason Lyford;

Second Place Net Team Score: Caswell’s Liquidation—Dwight Leighton, Paul Stevens, Jon Dubois, Brian Gordon;

Third Place Net Team Score: Nicholson, Michaud & Co. —Derek Gervais, Scott Nivus, Erik Nadeau, Steve Falcom;

Longest Drive— Male: Chris Farrar—Huhtamaki; Female: Sawyer Boulette—Alfond Youth & Community Center;

Straightest Drive – Male: Rob Moody – Mid-Maine Marine; Female: Laura Rowe – GHM Insurance;

Closest to the Pin—Hole #2: Male: Scott McManaman – Mid-Maine Marine; Female: Sarah Vanderwood – AT&T;

Closest to the Pin—Hole #6: Male: Jeff Damon – Damon’s Beverage;

Closest to the Pin—Hole #13: Male: Travis Hotham -Valley Beverage;

Closest to the Pin—Hole #16: Male: Shad West – Central Maine Motors Auto Group; Female: Sawyer Boulette – Alfond Youth & Community Center;

Highest Team Score: Standard Waterproofing—Isaac Thompson, Theresa Thompson, Patrick Michaud, Jen Michaud.

Chairman of the Chamber Golf Classic Committee, Rick Whalen added, “We would like to thank the staff at Waterville Country Club, and all of the area businesses for their participation – whether with posting a team, providing volunteers or in-kind donations, or being a sponsor. Your support makes this a successful fundraiser.”

The Mid-Maine Chamber Golf Classic is made possible by major sponsors Central Maine Power and Maine State Credit Union and multiple additional sponsors.

First place net, Central Maine Auto Group team members, not necessarily in order, Matt Loubier, Shad West, Chris Gaunce, and Jason Lyford. (contributed photo)

Jefferson library children’s 2022 summer reading program

The children’s reading program starts Tuesday, June 21, and will run until August 30, with the final drawing on September 1. For each book a child reads, a ticket goes in for a drawing. A ticket is drawn once a week for a $5 gift certificate for the Jefferson Scoop. At the end of the summer, there will be a drawing for the grand prize of a $25 gift certificate to Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop, in Damariscotta. The Jefferson Public Library’s summer hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 4 – 7 p.m., effective Tuesday, June 21. The library is located in the Jefferson Village School, 48 Washington Road.

Also during the summer, Midcoast Conservancy will be running four programs for children:

June 29 – Fantastic World of Fungi
Davis Stream Preserve , 4 – 5 p.m.

From the mushrooms in your yard to the lichen on a gravestone to the yeast in our bread, fungi are all around us! During this half mile hike, we will explore the mushroom, lichens and other kinds of fungi we encounter and discuss why they are important to the forest and the creatures that live in it.

July 6 – Tree Trek
West Branch Preseve, 3:30 – 5 p.m.

On this one mile hike, we will meet some of Maine’s common trees and learn how to tell them apart from each other. Along the way, we will create a “Tree of Trees” and use it to identify the trees we are seeing around us!

July 20 – Track Trail Scavenger Hunt
Davis Stream Preserve, self guided between 2 and 5 p.m.

Can you find all the animal tracks along this half mile hike? Take a Track Trail sheet with you and draw all the animal tracks you find. Complete the scavenger hunt for a free ice cream cone from the Jefferson Scoop.

August 17 – Macroinvertebrate Mission
Hidden Valley Nature Center, 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Let’s explore the tiny but important creatures that live in our waters -macroinvertebrates. After a brief hike, participants will collect samples of insects and other critters from Hay Bale Pond to identify and learn about.

For more information on the Midcoast Conservancy’s programs, contact Skye Cahoon, MCC Environmental Land Steward at 207.389.5150 or landmcc@midcoastconservancy.org