Rose’s Room returns to Winslow on August 26

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Graphic from Rose’s Room Facebook page.

Following a pandemic hiatus, a group that offers support for families of individuals behind bars will return to Winslow in August.

“Rose’s Room” is a monthly, nonsectarian support group for those with a loved one in prison or jail. The next meeting is set for Thursday, August 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the St. Joseph Center on 80 Garland Street in Winslow. Future meetings will all be held on the last Thursday evening of each month at the same time and location.

“I think everybody feels alone and that they’re the only one. They can’t talk to anybody about it. It’s shame. It’s humiliation,” says Rose Dubay from Poland, who has a son in prison and for whom the program is named. “I think with Rose’s Room, we can help people get out of that stigma and realize that this isn’t their fault.”

The program got its start when Rose, searching for such a group, reached out to Bruce Noddin, of the Maine Prisoner Re-Entry Network. Not finding a program like it in Maine, he established the first Rose’s Room, in Auburn, in May 2018.

“There is kind of a basic script that is a combination of the script from Alcoholics Anonymous and from a hospice support group. Those were kind of combined,” says Noddin. “We understand that there is an anonymity there.”

In the three years that have passed since Rose’s Room started, it has expanded into other communities, including Bridgton, Farmington, Lewiston, Rockland, Sanford, and Westbrook. The group in Winslow met for the first time in late February of 2020, but before it could pick up steam and grow, the pandemic reached Maine. With conditions allowing for live meetings again, organizers hope the group will begin providing hope in the months ahead.

“It’s the only group in Kennebec County,” said Sister Judy Donovan, CSJ. “Everyone will be welcomed, loved, and equally respected. Former inmates are welcome, too, as their stories about successful recovery and re-entry into society create hope for all.”

Sister Judy say she hopes it becomes a place of healing for families.

“I hope they feel at home in this space, and as they meet, they get to feel at home with each other, and they take real ownership of it,” says Sister Judy. “That would be wonderful.”

Rose’s Room is also offering virtual meetings on the first Wednesday of each month. To attend that meeting or for more information about any Rose’s Room meeting in Maine, call (207) 998-2547.

“People are not alone. We have all been through what you are going through, and we can help each other,” said Rose.

To contact Rose directly to set up an individual conversation, email rosesroom2018@gmail.com.

New Dimensions FCU announces results of Cruisin’ for a Cure car show

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Front row, from left to right, Sara Fifield, Tammy Poissonnier, Jamie Theriault, Sharon Storti, Ashton Hunter-Sildve. Back row, Hannah Fitzgerald, Ryan Poulin. All people in the photo are from New Dimensions FCU except Ashton, who is a representative of the Maine Children’s Cancer Program located in Scarborough. (contributed photo)

New Dimensions Federal Credit Union showed up at the Robert LaFleur Airport, in Waterville, a new location for their 7th Annual Cruisin’ For a Cure Car Show the morning of June 5, 2021, unsure of what to expect.

The invitations went out to car owners, and with the end of the pandemic restrictions, all they could do was set up the markers, pop the tents, start the grill, and hope for the best outcome. The airport was a new venue for them this year and, the hope was that the new larger space would be well received by the car owners (participants). When the cars started rolling in at 7 a.m., one hour earlier than the opening registration time, we knew we were going to have a large turnout. With 188 registrations, the wide-open space filled rapidly.

Once all the money was collected and tallied, New Dimensions found that they had raised a record-breaking amount. They raised a whopping $20,082.97, and with the CO-OP Miracle Match of $10,000, the total was $30,082.97.

The “Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Show” is hosted by NDFCU each year because they know the money directly benefits the Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP) – an affiliate of The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center, located in Scarborough, Maine. To raise money for such a worthy cause, they began selling tickets for a 50/50 raffle and a Super Raffle that included two rustic rockers and a firepit weeks earlier and continued sales throughout the car show. Additionally, they raised even more money by grilling hot dogs, sausage & onions, deep-frying French fries, selling pizza by the slice, and making breakfast sandwiches. Other efforts to raise money were the proceeds from tee-shirt sales and, of course, each car show participant paid a nominal registration fee of $10 per vehicle. They suggested a $3 donation from the patrons who came to see the car show and were amazed at the contributions above and beyond the requested amount.

The major sponsors are the backbone of funding for this event and include area businesses who donate to help them with the costs of putting the car show together, so all proceeds go to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. Sponsors include Gold, Silver, Bronze, General, and Trophy Sponsors, who happily give year after year. Also included are the businesses that volunteer to donate signs, posters, pizza, super raffle prizes, and more.

PHOTO: Courtesy boat inspectors on the job at Sheepscot Lake

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Sheepscot Lake Association Courtesy Boat Inspectors Holden McKenney, left, and Aiden French work at Sheepscot Lake’s boat launch to help inspect boats and protect the lake from nvasive species. (contributed photo)

Skowhegan scouts hold annual crossover ceremony

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Owen Perri, left, and Hayden Rowell recently joined Cub Scout Pack #485, in Skowhegan, and are both working on their Lions Badge this year.

by Chuck Mahaleris

Skowhegan Cubs Scouts held their annual cross over ceremony on July 2 and Arrow of Light recipient John “LJ” Easler completed all requirements in order to leave Cub Scout Pack #485 and start his new adventures in Scout Troop #485.

The program was held at “Chicken Camp” on River Road and included dinner (all families brought things to share), campfire, awards, and families could spend the night if they chose. There was an Arrow of Light Ceremony for Webelos Scouts and a Bobcat Light ceremony.

John “LJ” Easler crosses the Arrow of Light bridge leaving Cub Scouting and entering the Skowhegan Scout Troop. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Kaleb Simonds and Owen Hatfield crossed to the Tiger Cub program from the Lions Program. Jameson McGinnis left the Tigers and began his journey to Wolf. Logan Simonds started his Bear program and Weston Booker crossed the bridge from Webelos to the Arrow of Light level program. Pack #485 welcomed two new Cub Scouts: Owen Perri and Hayden Rowell who earned their Lions Honor. The Scouting program follows the school calendar so they will be working all year on these new levels of program.

Pack #485 Cub Master Shanna Brown said, “It was an amazing night. We had a BBQ, ball games, the campfire and Scouts made and enjoyed s’mores. No one stayed the night, it was chilly and many of the families have younger siblings.” The pack is planning another similar family outdoor event at the end of summer as a way to kick off the new Scouting year.

Cub Scouts Kaleb Simonds, Hayden Rowell, Owen Hatfield, Owen Perri and Jameson McGinnis with leader Shawn Hayden. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Scouts New Boy Scout LJ Easler. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Delightful “All Things Blueberry” Festival promises loads of family fun

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by Dave Carew

One of Maine’s all-time most popular, beloved, and downright yummy summer events—Winslow’s annual Blueberry Festival—is coming this year on Saturday, August 14, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., to Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow. Admission to the festival grounds is FREE.

Nearly 700 mouth-watering blueberry pies and “all things blueberry” baked goods will be available for sale. Blueberry pies ($12 each; $20 for 2; $10 each for additional pies) may be picked up at the church anytime from 3 to 6 p.m. the previous evening (Friday, August 13) or the day of the festival (Saturday, August 14) from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kicking off the 50th Annual Blueberry Festival on Saturday will be a delicious Blueberry Pancake Breakfast, from 7 to 10 a.m. Cost of the breakfast will be $7 per person and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets for the pancake breakfast will be available in advance at Winslow Congregational Church on the Saturday prior to the festival (August 7) from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

In addition to the “all things blueberry” pies and other culinary delights, festival patrons will enjoy a Lobster Shore-Dinner Raffle; live classical, pop, folk, and blues music; local crafts vendors; a yard sale; a popcorn vendor; an agricultural exhibit featuring goats; a dunk tank sponsored by Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry; and a firetruck and police car.

The night before the Blueberry Festival, there will be a Friday-evening (August 13) Chicken Bar-B-Q Supper (with “all the fixin’s”) at Winslow Congregational Church, which will be served by first-responders from the Clinton Fire Department. The Chicken Bar-B-Q Supper will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Blueberry pies, blueberry baked goods, and a yard sale also will be available during the Friday-evening supper. Cost of the Chicken Bar-B-Q supper is $12 per person, with advance tickets strongly encouraged, but day-of tickets also available. Advance tickets will be available at Winslow Congregational Church on the Saturdays prior to the festival (August 7) from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and also at Rita’s House of Pizza (51 Bay Street) and Pool Tech (28 Charland St .) during regular business hours through Thursday, August 12.

A beloved community favorite since 1972, the Blueberry Festival raises funds to empower the local humanitarian/Christian-service work of Winslow Congregational Church. Celebrating its 193rd birthday this year, the historic church is housed in a building dating from 1796, which has been home to a worshipping congregation since 1828.

Everyone seeking a wonderful opportunity to gather and enjoy a treasure trove of “all things blueberry” is cordially invited to attend this year’s Blueberry Festival. Mark your calendar now!

The 50th Annual Blueberry Festival is grateful for the support of both Hannaford Supermarkets, in Waterville, Rita’s House of Pizza, and Pool Tech, in Winslow, and Tradewinds Market, in Clinton.

For more information about the 50th annual Blueberry Festival, please visit: https://winslowucc.org/blueberry-festival/.

PHOTO: New brown belts

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These Huard’s Martial Arts students earned their advanced brown belt ranks on Saturday July 17. From left to right, Ethan Joseph, Dominic Joseph, Isabella Citro, Patience Goulette and Landon Nunn. (photo by Mark Huard)

Sean Spillane receives degree in master of science

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Sean Spillane, of Chelsea, received a degree in master of science, engineering management, from Missouri University of Science and Technology, in Rolla, Missouri, on May 14-15.

China Community Days set for this weekend

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The China Community Days are set for Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8.

On Friday, there will be a free BBQ dinner, lawn games and movie night. These activities will be hosted by the Central Church, 627 Rte. 3. Dinner and games will be held from 6:15 – 7:30 p.m., and the movie will begin at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, there will be a guided tour of the China School Forest, at 10 a.m. It will begin at the kiosk off the bus circle beside the Primary School.

From 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., there will be community organizations and vendors at the China ballfields, 763 Lakeview Dr. A list of participating organizations will be available on the town’s website, Facebook page and China Community Days Facebook page. Vendors or organizations interested are asked to contact Neil Farrington at 207-462-4321 or peachclassof68@gmail.com.

All weekend there will be a yard sale trail. Just follow the map that will be posted on the China Community Days Facebook page, town of China Facebook and the town of China website. Anyone wanting their yard sale location to be included should contact the town office.

Also, there will be a Story Trails of Maine. Begin the journey of discovering China’s history by downloading the app for Story Trails of Maine. China Community Days kicks off the interactive adventure of a tour of China. All teams who complete the challenge by August 13, will be in the drawing for the grand prize of $150 in gift cards to local businesses.

Fireworks will take place Saturday night, at 9 p.m., at the Causeway.

Vassalboro library animal events planned

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Drew Desjardins holds Creature and Gomez, two Argentine black and white tegus, in the new home for Mr. Drew and His Animals Too in the Pepperell Mill in Lewiston. A lot of cleaning and painting needs to be done before the animals move in for good, which is planned for early 2018. (Andree Kehn/Sun Journal)

The Vassalboro Public Library will be sponsoring two popular live animal events in Vassalboro as a part of their end of summer reading. Families from surrounding communities are invited to attend. This event is free for all ages with donations welcomed.

Please register online (Library or Town Office website or Facebook) or by calling the Vassalboro Library at 207-923-3233. Registration will help ensure you and your child(ren) will have a space within a gated area. First come first served for those who register. Those who do not register may view the program from a distance.

These programs will be outdoors, rain dates will be determined the week of the event.

Mr Drew and His Animals Too
August 17 at the Mill – 934 Main Street
First program at 2 p.m.; Second program 3:15 p.m.
https://forms.gle/FaPcGs5Us8Wo31PcA

Mr. Drew and His Animals Too is a natural science and exotic animal rehabilitation center in Lewiston. This program will include reptiles, mammals, and insects. Mr Drew will bring his passion for rehabilitation and knowledge of animals in a fun filled presentation full of facts and laughs.

Chewonki – Owls of Maine
August 24 at the Vassalboro Recreation Fields – 800 Bog Road.
First program 2 p.m.; Second program 3:15 p.m.
https://forms.gle/5mRdRMmpxgKyKjF37

Chewonki is an education center in Wiscasset. Birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians arrive with injuries or conditions that prevent their return to the wild. Their teachers are extensively trained and take deep pleasure in making connections with students, and in passing on a lifelong appreciation for the value of wildlife and nature.

Legion collecting school supplies in MSAD #59 and #74

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American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #39, Madison is once again collecting school supplies for children and staff in its local school districts (Madison MSAD #59 and Carrabec RSU #74). With the lingering uncertainties ahead, the need is still great. Here are some suggestions for items in need: rulers, erases, pencils, colored pencils, ink pens (black, blue and red), crayons, post-its, glue sticks, glue, scissors, backpacks, pencil pouches or boxes, 1″ binders, 1 subject notebooks, sheet protectors, tab dividers, and ruled filler paper.

Items may be dropped off in the collection box at the Madison American Legion Hall, on 20 S. Maple Street, on Mondays, Wednesdays through Saturdays after 3 p.m., and on Sundays between noon to 4 p.m. Those who would like to send a monetary donation can make checks payable to Madison American Legion Auxiliary, P.O. Box 325, Madison, ME 04950, with School Supplies in the memo.

You can drop off items in the collection box that will be available at the American Legion Auxiliary’s booth during Madison/Anson Days on August 21, in the grassy space next to Skowhegan Savings Bank, at 188 Main Street, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will be selling RADA Cutlery items, American Pride Bracelets and raffle tickets on a Red, White & Blue “Summer Fun” Tote filled with many items and gift certificates.

Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) members dedicated themselves for over a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, military, and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $2 billion. As part of the world’s largest patriotic service organization, auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALA Girls Stage programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforveterans.org or http://www.mainelegionpost39.org. Or contact Robin Turek, President at 696-8289 – robinturek@gmail.com.