Legion auxiliary donates backpacks and essentials to children

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From left to right, Tardiff-Belanger American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #39, of Madison members, Tammy Giguere, Karen Lytle, Tina Boudreau, Harriet Bryant, Merrilyn Vieira, Vicki Anderson, and Irma Fluet. (contributed photo)

In observance of April as Children and Youth Month, members of the Tardiff-Belanger American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #39, Madison donated backpacks and many essential items such as clothes, Pj’s, toothpaste, toothbrushes, diapers, jackets, socks, hygiene products for the older children and toys.

These items benefit the children who will enter the Department of Health and Human Services System. Most children enter with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. These backpacks provide them with items they can call their own in hopes that it makes the transition a little easier for them. This year with generous donations of items from the members of the local community and membership as well as the Auxiliary purchases, the Auxiliary donated over $1,300 worth of items!

To learn more about the American Legion Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate, visit www.ALAforveterans.org. To join the Madison American Legion Auxiliary Unit, contact Karen Lytle, President – American Legion Auxiliary, PO Box 325, Madison, ME 04950, or karen.lytle364@gmail.com, or (207) 696-4445.

Teenage historians honored

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Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

On April 2, at the Winslow Congregational Church, the Fort Halifax Chapter, NSDAR presented awards to six young adults at a Student Tea held in their honor. The American History Contest is offered to students in grades 5-12. The fifth grade winner was Elizabeth Longfellow, the daughter of Hailey Longfellow and Patrick Morrison. Dominique Giroux-Paré the daughter of Michelle and Rick Giroux-Paré was chosen as the winner from the eighth grade. They both wrote on the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” and were presented Certificates of Participation. They also both received a historical coloring book published by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Carrina Chen, the daughter of Sandy and Wing Chen received the Jennie Paine Howard Award for achieving the highest rank in American History in her junior class. She was presented a medal and certificate for her outstanding work. Carrina also received a historical coloring book.

Three students were chosen by the faculty from area schools as the DAR Good Citizen Candidate. They included Megan Huesers, daughter of Katie and Thomas Huesers, of Winslow High School, Kloe McEachirn, daughter of Brandy and Corey Dow, of the Maine Arts Academy, and Sawyer Inman, the son of David Inman and Frieda Mavor, of Mt. View High School. Megan Huesers wrote the winning essay for the Fort Halifax Chapter entitled “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It.” They all received the DAR Good Citizen certificate and pin. Megan will receive an American flag that has been flown at the Maine State Capitol.

Search for wolves in northeast

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Eastern wolf

John M. Glowa, Sr., president of The Maine Wolf Coalition, Inc., (MWC) a 501c(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to wolf recovery in Maine through research, education and protection, is pleased to announce a new collaboration with Princeton University and Michigan Technological University. This collaboration will include the collection, preservation and analysis of wild canid scats, primarily from Maine, and is the latest development in a citizen science project to assess the status of wolves in Maine begun by MWC in 2019.

Wolves were documented to have been killed in Maine in 1993 and 1996. Since then, other than MWC’s efforts, little has been done to assess the status of wolves in Maine and the northeast. Given their similarity of appearance to eastern coyotes, it is likely that additional wolves have been killed in Maine, and in fact, since 1993, no less than nine wolves have been documented killed south of the St. Lawrence River from Massachusetts to New Brunswick.

Canada’s wolf range in Ontario and Québec is just 60 miles from New York and 75 miles from Maine. In fact, an 85-pound probable wolf was killed this past winter in central New York. Wolves have been documented to travel more than 1,000 miles during dispersal, making the northeast U.S. well within range for natural wolf recolonization. Furthermore, the northeast U.S. and maritime Canada contain tens of thousands of square miles of potential wolf habitat and abundant prey, making the region suitable for the natural return of wolves.

In 2019, MWC volunteers found scat from the first live Eastern wolf ever documented in Maine. The Eastern wolf is a smaller wolf found in southern Ontario and Québec, which typically averages approximately 60 pounds. It is similar in appearance and size to the eastern coyote (aka coywolf) with which it can interbreed.

Maine may also be home to larger gray wolves dispersing south from central Canada and the Great Lakes region. To date, MWC has collected more than one hundred wild canid scats, primarily in a 3.3 million acre region of Maine called the North Maine Woods.

The assistance from Princeton and Michigan Technological Universities will help to assess the status of wolves in Maine by analyzing the scats and interpreting the results. Event­ually, our hope is to have one or more graduate students in the woods of northern Maine monitoring radio-collared wolves.

Any wolves in the northeast are currently protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, although the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has claimed that their populations have recovered in most of the U.S. They have not recovered in the northeast, despite abundant habitat and prey, and the region’s proximity to wolf range in Ontario and Québec. MWC hopes to gather information to support the continued listing of wolves in the region under the Endangered Species Act and to promote natural wolf recolonization through research, education, and protection.

For more information, contact the following: The Maine Wolf Coalition, Inc.

John Glowa jglowa@roadrunner.com; Eastern Coyote/Coywolf Research
Jon Way, PhD. jon@easterncoyoteresearch.com; Princeton University
Bridgett vonHoldt, PhD. vonholdt@princeton.edu; Michigan Technological University
Kristin E. Brzeski, PhD. kbrzeski@mtu.edu.

Local Farms Day at ACB

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Come one and all to the first annual Local Farms Day at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library at 37 Main St. in China Village. Attendees will view displays of goods of area farmers and producers with items also for sale. This family friendly event will be held on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Displays will be indoors and out. There will be door prizes and giveaways. Children will enjoy some activities including a story and craft time at 11 a.m. We will also be accepting seed donations to build up our Seed Sharing Library.

National Poppy Day is May 27

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Members of American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit #39, Madison will be distributing bright red poppies in exchange for a donation throughout the month of May. The Flanders Fields poppy has become an internationally known and recognized symbol of the lives sacrificed in war and the hope that none died in vain. The American Legion Family called upon Congress to proclaim the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day, which was officially designated as such in 2017.

Honor our fallen warriors and contribute to the continuing needs of our veterans on National Poppy Day, May 27, 2022.

“Wearing the poppy on National Poppy Day and throughout Memorial Day weekend is one small way to honor and remember our fallen warriors who willingly served our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit #39 President Karen Lytle “We must never forget.”

The poppy also honors hospitalized and disabled veterans who handcraft many of the red, crepe paper flowers. Making the poppies provides a financial and therapeutic benefit to the veterans, as well as a benefit to thousands of other veterans.

When The American Legion Family adopted the poppy as its memorial flower in the early 1920s, the blood-red icon became an enduring symbol of honor for the sacrifices of our veterans from the battlefields of France in World War I to today’s global war on terror. The American Legion Auxiliary raises about $4 million each year distributing poppies throughout the nation, with 100 percent of the funds raised going directly to help veterans, military, and their families.

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) is a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families. Our members also support the mission of The American Legion in improving the quality of life for our nation’s veterans.

The more than 600,000 ALA members across the country volunteer millions of hours annually and raise millions of dollars in service to veterans, military, and their families. Founded in 1919, the ALA is one of the oldest patriotic membership organizations in the U.S.A. To learn more and to volunteer, join, and donate, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org or if you like to join a local unit, contact Karen Lytle, President, American Legion Auxiliary, Tardiff-Belanger Unit #39, PO Box 325, Madison, ME 04950, or karen.lytle364@gmail.com or (207)696-4445.

Free dental care for military veterans

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Appointments necessary for June 11 visits

On Saturday, June 11, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Aspen Dental locations nationwide will open their doors to provide free care to military veterans across the country.

Now in its eighth year, the Day of Service provides much-needed dental care for veterans at no cost to honor their service and break down barriers to health care.

Veterans can call 1-844-277-3646 (1-844-ASPENHMM) to find a location and schedule an appointment. Advance appointments are required.

There are 5 participating offices in the Auburn – Portland ME market.

  • 791 Turner Street, Auburn, ME 04210;
  • 171 Maine Mall Road, South Portland, ME 04106;
  • 333 Main Street, Waterville, ME 04901;
  • 125 Shops Way #126, Biddeford, ME 04005;
  • 17 Thomaston Commons Way, Thomaston, ME.

Millions of Americans struggle to access dental care every year, and veterans are no exception. In fact, U.S. veterans are ineligible for dental benefits through the Veterans Administration unless they’re 100 percent disabled, have a service-related mouth injury, or were a prisoner of war.

Visit www.HealthyMouthMovement.com to learn more., or contact Jessica Sklar, 856-701-4954, Jessica@curleycompany.com.

Foundation receives two grants totaling $5,340

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Submitted by Connie Bellet

Covid brought many changes to Maine’s economy. Among them were a damaged supply chain, social isolation, and an upset in the job market. The Living Communities Foundation and many other nonprofits are working to ameliorate these challenges and help people to adapt to a new economic reality. Local philanthropic organizations such as United Midcoast Charities and SeedMoney.org are also stepping up to help nonprofits address issues such as food insecurity.

The Palermo Community Garden received a SeedMoney crowdfunding grant amounting to $1,665 which is going toward tools, soil amendments, seeds, and supplies. Between 380 and 450 pounds of fresh, organic produce is harvested every growing season, and this goes directly to the Palermo Food Pantry. The Living Communities Foundation provides space at the Palermo Community Center for the weekly Food Pantry, which is supported by Good Shepherd Food Bank and Hannaford.

Palermo is very fortunate that Wild Miller Farm, Bruce Potter, Field of Greens, John Bunker and Cammy Watts, and other small local growers also bring in excess crops for distribution to elders, the disabled, veterans, and those who have lost jobs due to covid. The Food Pantry provides nourishing food for 35 to 50 families per week. The Pantry is open every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to noon.

A steep rise in fuel and electricity costs, plus a breakdown in transportation of the annual produce-based fundraisers has also put pressure on the Foundation. A $2,700 increase in trucking costs halted the annual Vidalia onion sale, but negotiations are still ongoing to obtain New Jersey peaches for August. In the meantime, United Midcoast Charities granted the Foundation $3,675 to defray heating oil and electricity costs to keep the food pantry comfortable and run the refrigeration systems. This grant came at the perfect time, as oil prices were skyrocketing beyond $4 a gallon. The Community Center uses about 500 gallons of oil a year, depending on the severity of the winter, so this grant was extremely appreciated.

The Living Communities Foundation, the Community Center, the Community Garden, and the food pantry are all run by volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering or serving on the board of directors is most welcome to call Connie Bellet or Phil White Hawk at 993-2294. Your donations of talent, energy, and service to the community are as appreciated as funding, and help our team build a more sustainable network of neighbors. The board of directors extends a big “Thank You” to all of you who continue to support the Living Communities Foundation.

Rep. Bradstreet announces local DOT projects

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Richard Bradstreet

State Representative Dick Bradstreet (R-Vassalboro) has announced that the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) Work Plan for calendar years 2022, 2023 and 2024 is available. The estimated value of work in the plan totals more than 2,316 individual work items with a total value of $3.17 billion. This represents a substantial increase from last year due to anticipated federal funding.

The MDOT Work Plan for House District #80 includes $31.8 million for several area projects, including:

In Augusta: Bridge replacement of the Western Avenue/I-95 Bridge located just south of Old Winthrop Road. Replacing the Rines Hill Bridge over the Old Maine Central Railroad just north of Green Street.

Highway safety and spot and improvements beginning at Route 201 and extending east for 1 mile on Route 202.

Highway construction/rehabilitation beginning just east of the intersection of Granite Hill Road and extending east for 1.67 miles

In Vassalboro: Highway construction/Rehabilitation beginning 1.14 miles north of Gray Road and extending north for almost one mile.

“This year’s Maine DOT Work Plan projects have been enhanced by federal dollars,” said Rep. Bradstreet. “This will help DOT offset the unprecedented increases in labor and material costs that we are all experiencing with our family budgets. I am pleased to see MDOT has more to spend this year and the projects scheduled for the next three years in our area.”

The full work plan, searchable by municipality, is available at the Maine Department of Transportation’s website: https://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/workplan/search/ .

Over 3,000 Easter eggs found in Vassalboro

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Picture is of Easter Festival volunteers Ray Breton, Alicia Reynolds, Samantha Lessard and special guest, The Easter Bunny. (photo by Goodbrain Photography)

On Saturday, April 16, over 150 children attended and participated in Easter crafts, egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny. Children enjoyed finding Golden Eggs and exchanging for a toy. Over 3,000 candy filled Easter Eggs were found.

Maine State Credit Union expands senior leadership

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Brie-Anne Mellor, left. Shane Abbott, right.

Maine State Credit Union has announced the promotions of Brie-Anne Mellor and Shane Abbott.

Ms. Mellor is now the Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer, and Mr. Abbott is the Senior Vice President, Chief Retail Officer. In their new roles, they will work with the other senior leadership team members to drive the organization’s continued growth. Both will be reporting to Stephen Wallace, incoming President, and Chief Executive Officer.

“Brie and Shane have been key players in the organization’s growth over the past several years,” said Wallace. “They have stepped up to lead without any hesitation and demonstrated the ability to inspire and grow their teams simultaneously.”

Ms. Mellor began her career on the teller line 20 years ago. During her tenure at Maine State Credit Union, she has continued to accept any challenge presented. In 2018, Ms. Mellor led the project team on the introduction of Meridian Link, an online direct-to-the-member lending tool. She created the first online lending team responsible for helping members access the credit union’s products through digital banking. In addition, Ms. Mellor has also been a financial services representative, loan officer, assistant branch manager, and loan servicing supervisor before being promoted to vice president of lending in 2021.

Mr. Abbott started his career as a summer teller in 2007 and joined the finance team as an accounting clerk. He continued to move through the organization and worked as an indirect loan officer and teller supervisor. In 2018, Mr. Abbott built a new internal call center, the eBranch, which takes over 300 calls a day. In 2021, he joined the operations team as vice president, where he led the project team to convert the credit union’s online and mobile banking system.