Central Maine ATV Glow Ride illuminates the night with community spirit

ATVs parade down Main St., in Waterville. (photo by Mike Guarino)

by Mike Guarino

The Central Maine ATV Club hosted its highly anticipated ATV Glow Ride, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, with approximately 300 machines and over 1,000 participants for a night of community, fun, and charity.

Melanie Dickinson, and her dog, are ready to roll. (photo by Mike Guarino)

The event kicked off at the Best Western. The parade of brightly lit ATVs made its way through Waterville’s Main Street, continued up Front Street, College Ave, and eventually over to North Street.  From there, riders continued their journey through the Fairfield trail system towards Norridgewock before looping back onto the scenic Kennebec Valley Rail trail, in Fairfield, and parts of Oakland.  The ride culminated back in Waterville, completing an unforgettable night of camaraderie and celebration.

The event was a true testament to the power of community partnerships. The Central Maine ATV Club joined forces with the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce to help organize and promote the Glow Ride.  In addition, a marketing grant was secured from the Kennebec Valley Tourism Council, playing a vital role in attracting riders from throughout Maine and a variety of New England states.

In addition to providing an evening of entertainment and community spirit, the Glow Ride also served a charitable purpose. Proceeds from the event were split between the Club and the Fairfield Food Pantry, supporting their mission to provide essential services to local families in need. “The Glow Ride is more than just a parade of ATVs; it’s a celebration of our community coming together for a great cause,” said Kevin Kitchin, President of the Central Maine ATV Club.

“We are thrilled with the turnout and the incredible energy that everyone brought to the Glow Ride this year,” Kitchin added.  “This event showcases the family fun and excitement of ATV riding and highlights the strong sense of community we have here in Central Maine. We are grateful to our partners, the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, and the Kennebec Valley Tourism Council, for their support in making this event a reality.”

The Central Maine ATV Club is dedicated to promoting safe and responsible ATV riding while fostering a strong sense of community among riders in Central Maine. The club organizes events and rides throughout the year, with a focus on community engagement, trail stewardship, and charitable giving.

Windsor benefit concert

Photo by Roberta Barnes

by Roberta Barnes

When was the last time you enjoyed a live concert put on by experienced, highly-skilled musicians and singers for a worthy cause?

Friday evening, August 16, a concert upstairs in the Windsor Town Hall was a musical tribute paid to the life and music of Nat King Cole. The enjoyable music the Downeast Brass Quintet played is part of this country’s musical history.

This concert, with superb music and narrations on the life of Nat King Cole, born in 1919, was free. The donations jar on the table near the entrance was for the Maine Lung Association. The musicians donated their time and talents. This was an excellent way to celebrate the American Lung Association’s 120th anniversary.

Nat King Cole (Nathaniel Adams Cole) the American singer, jazz pianist, and actor who made television history in 1956, unfortunately, was a smoker. In 1965 at the height of his stardom, when he was only 45 years old, lung cancer ended his life.

The concert began at 7 p.m., but musicians were present doing sound checks around 6 p.m. Andy Foster, on trumpet and sang, Peter Suart, on trumpet, Dwight Tibbetts, on trumpet and piano, Rick Gadway, on trumpet, Loren Fields, on French Horn and sang. Michael Peterson, on trombone, Erica Scarano, on tuba, Andrea Buckland, on banjo and guitar, Richard LaChance, on percussion, and Dakota Ryder, who sang, made up the group of skilled and experienced musicians.

The concert began with background piano music while Marianne Tibbets gave the first of several short narrations on the life and career of Cole. She also managed the slides appearing on a large screen that related to the narrations she gave.

One of the first songs in the concert, Straighten up and Fly Right, written by Nat King Cole and Irving Mills, became part of the soundtrack in a 1943 movie and was the first of vocal hits for the King Cole Trio.

Each narration was followed by songs selected from Cole’s hits. Most of those attending could feel their body naturally moving, if only a hand or foot, with rhythm of the music that filled the town hall. Each song was followed with smiles, clapping by those attending, and at the end of the two-hour concert a standing ovation.

At some time you no doubt have heard the phrase “Route 66”. One of the songs played was, Get Your Kicks on Rte. 66, which became the iconic American road song first recorded in 1946.

When Tibbetts was explaining that in the 1950s Cole emerged as a popular solo performer she introduced Ron Marlowe, who lives in Maine. He shared that in 1950 he happened to be in the same building where Cole was practicing. Cole came to the floor where he was and gave him and another boy musical tips. On the table near the door was a photograph of Ron and another boy standing on either side of Cole.

One of the songs in the concert was Cole’s version of Mona Lisa, released in 1950. In the middle of this selection Ryder and another woman did a dance routine to the musical beat. This produced extra smiles and clapping from those attending.

The concert ended with a selection of Cole’s music different than his jazz. The song, Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer, was Cole’s final top ten hit.

Following the standing ovation at the end of the concert everyone enjoyed refreshments provided by Windsor’s Ladies Aid. They were a varied selection of snack foods and beverages designed to fit different people’s diet restrictions.

The amazing music of the evening gave such positive energy that no one was in a hurry to leave.

Local residents attend iconic night concert

Ethan Frost and his dad, Floyd, of China, attended his first concert. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

July 26, 2024 brought beautiful summer weather along with an outstanding concert featuring Godsmack, Nothing More, and special guests Flat Black. The Maine Savings Amphitheater and the Bangor Waterfront set an exceptional stage for this iconic night.

The opening band was Flat Black who is led by ex-Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Jason Hook. The audience came alive immediately for Wrex Horton’s vocals. The band had Rob Pierce on drums, Nick Diltz on bass and Hook on guitar. It was just what was needed to open the door for what was to come.

Nothing More took that baton and started running. Jonny Hawkins lit up the stage with vocals and drumming. Alongside him were band members Mark Vollelunga on guitar, Ben Anderson on drums and Daniel Oliver on drums. Some of the highlighted songs to match their impressive lighting and stage effects were: If It Doesn’t Hurt, Go to War, and the emotionally charged “Jenny.”

The crowd was now primed and ready for the main event. That beat started and Bangor Waterfront knew what was coming as they led with When Legends Rise. The undeniable presence of Godsmack, led by Sully Erna was just what the rock n’ roll fans came to see. Captivated by the stage presence and signature sounds of the vocals, concert goers young and old were on their feet and enthralled in the moment. They were rocking out to the timeless hits such as Awake, Voodoo, and Bulletproof. The night had it all including a memorable drum battle but really hit a high with I Stand Alone. The fans were cheering for an encore as to not let this moment end.

The Scars Foundation has been established by Sully Erna, of Godsmack, to help raise awareness of the mental health issues that so many are faced with today. With the rise of suicides, bullying, addiction, abuse and so many other challenges, The Scars Foundation is dedicated to providing resources and tools to educate and empower people on a global level that struggle with these burdens. https://www.scarsfoundation.org.

Erica Clapperton, of Fairfield, said “Godsmack had a palpable impact on the audience. It’s music you can touch and feel. The emotion of the music is felt deeply, and we left the concert looking forward to the next time. Godsmack has always put on an amazing show after seeing them multiple times I’m in awe everytime”. She captured what many felt in the theater that night, a sense of truly rocking and rolling all night with a raw infectious energy.

Lead singer, Sulley, announced that the Maine Savings Amphitheater has one of the top facilities in the country! The crowd responded similarly as young Ethan Frost, of China said, “it was just awesome.” This is Ethan’s first concert and it came to him as a special gift for his 16th birthday. He loves the band and was able to enjoy singing all of his favorite songs along side his father, Floyd.

July 26, 2024, was nothing short of amazing. From the opener all the way through to the headline, the energy was in epic proportions. From the staff, to the fans and the bands, everyone brought their “A” game and made for a memorable night for all.

EVENTS: St. Cecilia Chamber Choir holds auditions for December lessons and carols

St. Cecilia Chamber Choir is holding auditions for all voice parts as they begin preparing the December Ceremony of Lessons and Carols concert. Drawing inspiration from the world-famous King’s College Cambridge Service of Lessons and Carols, the program blends carols both sacred and secular with seasonal readings, accompanied by a professional string quartet and performed in the beautiful Bowdoin College Chapel and Damariscotta Baptist Church.

St. Cecilia Chamber Choir is a fully-auditioned group of singers that includes talented youth and seasoned performers. They perform the very finest challenging choral repertoire spanning the centuries from medieval to modern, under the direction of husband-and-wife team Linda Blanchard and Sean Fleming, of Damariscotta. Much of the repertoire is a cappella, and are frequently accompanied by a professional chamber orchestra. They present two to three concerts per year, typically in December and May.

Singers wishing to audition should have good vocal control, and sopranos and altos should be able to sing without vibrato. The ability to read music is preferred, but those who cannot read may participate by spending extra time learning the music at home with the aid of provided practice materials.

Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., starting on Wednesday, September 11, at St. Andrew’s Church, on Glidden Street, in Newcastle. To schedule an audition, call Linda Blanchard at 207-315-9740 or email audition@ceciliachoir.org. For more information about the choir, please visit their website at ceciliachoir.org.

PHOTO: Boat inspectors do a great job

Sheepscot Lake’s Courtesy Boat Inspection (CBI) program was very successful again this year. A huge thank you to 2024 Courtesy Boat Inspectors Sorrel Vinci and Reid Sutter. Thanks to their hard work Sheepscot Lake remains healthy and free from invasive plants. (contributed photo)

EVENTS: Spectacular laser show & concert to benefit Winslow Community Cupboard Food Pantry

photo from: foodpantries.org

The Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry – which serves thousands of food-insecure children, seniors, and other adults from Winslow, Waterville, Skowhegan, Fairfield, and 20 other surrounding towns – will benefit from a spectacular Drive-in Laser Show & Concert coming to the Clinton Fairgrounds, 1450 Bangor Rd., Clinton, Friday and Saturday, August 23 and 24, with gates opening at 5 p.m. Cost is $39 per vehicle. To assure admission, ordering tickets in advance is strongly suggested.

Order Tickets at: https://www.freshtix.com/events/clintonlasers2, or call (608) 701-6114.

This summer’s event will be a double-feature. The pop laser show, which features top 40 hits from the ’70s through today, will start at 7:30 p.m., on Friday and Saturday. Following a short intermission, the classic rock show will start at 9 p.m. The classic rock show will feature some of the biggest rock hits of the ’70s and ’80s.

Vendors and food will be on the fairgrounds, and there will be an exclusive infield seating area. (Please bring your own chairs and blankets.)

Can’t attend? Those who may not be able to attend a Laser Show & Concert, but who would still like to donate to Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry, are invited to do so by sending a check payable to “Winslow Community Cupboard”, to 12 Lithgow St., Winslow, ME 04901, or by visiting WCCPantry.com and clicking on the yellow “Donate” button.

For more information, please contact Winslow Community Cupboard at WinslowCupboard@Gmail.com.

KPAC introduces new director

John Neal

Kennebec Performing Arts Company (KPAC) has announced the start of its 2024-2025 season under its new director. John Neal, of Greene, was selected to lead the wind ensemble and chorus following the retirement of longtime director Charles T. Milazzo. Neal has had a long career in Maine as a music director, pianist, and composer. John Reeves will continue as interim director of the jazz band as the search for a permanent conductor continues.

With over a hundred musicians, Kennebec Performing Arts Company provides one of few opportunities in the central Maine area for amateur and professional musicians and talented high school students to perform with a large group. A nonprofit organization supported in part by a grant from the Onion Foundation, KPAC presents five free performances over the course of its concert season.

Chorus rehearsals will begin on Monday, August 26, and rehearsals for the jazz band and wind ensemble will start on Tuesday, September 3. Throughout the season, the chorus meets at Hope Baptist Church, in Manchester, on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The jazz band and wind ensemble rehearse on Tuesday evenings at Cony High School, in Augusta – jazz band at 5:45 p.m., followed by wind ensemble from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

KPAC welcomes new members. For more information, contact John Neal at 207-946-7789 or email jandrneal@aol.com.

Waterville troop scout earns Eagle rank

Sarah Harriet Benn, Isaac’s mom, affixes the Eagle Scout medal on her son’s uniform. This medal was first presented to Isaac’s father when he made Eagle in 1987 in Troop #436. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Isaac Benn, of Westbrook, son of Shawn and Sarah Benn, reached the highest peak in Scouting – the Eagle Scout rank – during a Troop #436 court of honor held Sunday, June 2, at the Waterville Lodge #33 A.F. & A.M. The ceremony was led by Colby College Professor Bruce Rueger who was Scoutmaster of the same Troop in 1987 when Isaac’s father received his Eagle Scout award.

“I am super proud of Isaac,” Shawn Benn said after administering the Eagle Scout Charge and watching as his wife pinned Isaac with the same Eagle Scout medal Shawn received in 1987.

Rueger explained that the distance between Waterville and Westbrook was a challenge but much of his time in the troop took place during Covid-19 and the troop held virtual meetings anyway. “During camping trips we would all meet at the place we were going so it all worked out,” he said. Shawn Benn said, “I am so very glad we came back to Troop #436 during Covid so my boys can see what Scouting was like for me.”

According to Rueger, each Eagle Scout must complete a significant project to better their community. “Isaac’s project was the restoration of the Johnson Cemetery on County Road in Westbrook. He led a team that made a new sign, raked and pruned and cleaned up the grounds, and washed headstones so the names of those buried could be more easily read.” His mother, Sarah, pointed out they even found a forgotten child’s headstone under a pile of decaying leaves. This effort has received praise from the Westbrook Historical Society.

Isaac has turned 18 but completed all requirements prior to his 18th birthday. He is registered as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop #436 and will be going into his sophmore year at the University of Southern Maine, in September.

PHOTO: Beautiful flowers, beautiful day

Lindy Sklover, of Vassalboro, snapped these peonies at Fieldstone Gardens, in Vassalboro.

CORRECTION: In the print edition, this photo was incorrectly credited to Gary Mazoki, of Palermo, in the print edition, instead of Lindy Sklover, of Vassalboro. We apologize for the error.

Madison Auxiliary to tend booth during Madison/Anson Days

The theme this year is “Flashback to the 70s”.

Collect school supplies for MSAD #59 and RSU #74; to hold fundraising raffle

American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #39, Madison, will have a booth on Saturday, August 24, near the Skowhegan Savings Bank, in Madison, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., during Madison/Anson Days celebration. They will be selling RADA cutlery, American Pride bracelets, collecting school supplies for students in MSAD #59 and RSU #74, handing out information pamphlets regarding the American Legion Auxiliary.

There will also be a raffle. The winner will win the following: a Madison Historical Throw (60” x 50”), black metal Eagle cutout decoration, Americana Quilt (86” x 86”) and a beautiful wreath (red, white and blue). Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Do not need to be present to win. Tickets are available now by contacting an auxiliary member or mail check payable to Madison ALA, earmarked “Raffle” and mail to Madison ALA, P.O. Box 325, Madison, ME 04950.