The South China Public Library: Central ME Nonprofit Spotlight

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photo courtesy of South China Library

by Bob Bennett

As I believe most of we humans are aware, especially in these difficult times, change is inevitable. For the most part, the results of these events are positive, at least in the long run, and we look back with gratitude and acceptance. The South China Public Library is undergoing change to a great degree at this moment and those of us associated with this special organization are certain that ultimately, we will have an entity that will continue to provide the services to our community for which our library has been noted for nearly two centuries.

The verification of this “old age” is that the South China Public Library is the oldest continuously operating public library in the state of Maine. It was established in 1830 and its founders included members of the Jones family and other Quaker families. The library is also one of the oldest nonprofit organizations in the state, incorporated in 1912. The building presently in use by the library had its main section constructed in 1900 and the addition now housing the children’s room was built by volunteers in 1980.

Our historic, treasured building does not have bathroom facilities and we are not able to expand at the current site. Our central location has always made the library very accessible for the residents of South China and for its numerous summer visitors and seasonal residents. In addition, the library’s site directly across from the South China Community Church has allowed us to coordinate our annual fundraisers (until this year) such as the library’s book and pie sale and the church’s chicken barbecue and summer sale. This is a tradition we hope to continue, even with our relocation “around the corner.” These community interactions have always been at the heart of our existence.

The programs the library offers are in many ways our most vital services, and our children’s programs may best reflect this. Every summer for a number of years, we have offered a kid-oriented series of get-togethers, usually on Wednesday mornings, that spotlight local resources and presenters focusing on young people. These range from Mr. Drew and his amazing animals (he “zoomed” with our young patrons recently), to local fire departments stressing the importance of safety, and ice cream trucks, offering a “taste of the good life.”

These foxes were seen recently at the South China Public Library. Perhaps they are interested in reading up on ancestors. (photo by Bob Bennett)

These presentations, starting in late June after schools close and extending into the middle of August, are intended to bring young people together and to encourage reading and learning in the summer. Traditionally, the children’s room is packed as Mr. Drew’s unique critters crawl over willing listeners while he describes their lifestyles or fairy house builders present their construction techniques. We also occasionally host adult-oriented speakers and encourage public interaction and, of course, circulate many books, movies, and audiobooks and provide 24/7wireless internet access. In addition, reflecting our rather unique heritage, all of these activities are provided totally by volunteers supported by a board of directors consisting of local residents. All financial donations go to support the South China Library and its services. And in the last several years, much of those funds have been directed toward the new library.

Having outgrown our present site, the South China Library purchased the Rufus M. Jones House and property that rests largely between the Jones Road and Lakeview Drive, in South China. The ground breaking ceremony for new construction was held on August 6, 2018, and work has continued at a relatively slow pace since then. The portable classroom purchased from the town of China for $1 has been added to the new building as well. This new location will give us more and better organized interior space and will have the amenities that will allow our patrons and volunteer staff to be more comfortable year round. In the future we plan to develop the Jones house as an attractive historic venue. Fundraising for this still-evolving change in the library’s life is ongoing, and the results will ultimately continue our mission and efforts for a long time to come.

In conclusion, the South China Public Library is a vital, useful and compassionate presence in our town and the surrounding area. We have been in existence for 191 years and during that time have provided a multitude of services to untold numbers of loyal receivers. Change is inevitable, and we look forward to the future.

Please support your local library.

The Town Line will continue with a series on local nonprofit groups and their work in their respective communities. To include your group, contact The Town Line at townline@townline.org.

New Dimensions FCU supporting their community

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Ryan Poulin, center, CEO of New Dimensions FCU, prepares to cut the ribbon at a special ceremony commemorating the opening of the credit union’s new Waterville location in 2020. (contributed photo)

Ask New Dimensions Federal Credit Union (NDFCU) what Team Teal means to them and they will likely talk about giving back to their community through the fundraising efforts of their Social Responsibility Committee. “Team Teal”, as they have coined themselves, is more than a Social Responsibility Committee. They pride themselves on being an organization that positively impacts the community by supporting friends and neighbors who need it the most, but they also take tremendous joy and reward in their efforts that help to fund Maine’s Ending Hunger Campaign, Special Olympics Maine, and Maine Children’s Cancer Program. Helping others is a priority to their staff, management, and Board of Directors.

2020 brought some unique challenges that forced NDFCU to postpone some fundraising events and to reimagine others. They found that they were unable to host several of their popular, and always successful, events due to concerns with the pandemic and had to search to find viable yet safer ways to raise money to help the people of Maine. They utilized technology and made many of their fundraising events virtual, they found items that could be purchased through the drive-thru and tested several new ideas, including themed baskets and holiday gift-giving ideas.

Although the year presented many obstacles, challenges, and an uncertain economy, they were determined to maintain the true credit union spirit of “People Helping People” by raising a total of $24,493.97. They are excited to make this announcement because even with the number of challenges they faced, their employees, board, and members, really made a difference. That difference will feed more people in our local area; enable and include those with intellectual disabilities, and help with childhood cancer in Maine.

Through this dedication and perseverance, four wonderful and deserving organizations received support again this year. With great pride, they presented checks to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP), Special Olympics Maine, and MECUL’s Ending Hunger Campaign.

art + gender exhibit to begin August 6, 2021

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photo credit: City of Waterville

The Harlow invites artists to submit artwork to art + gender, a juried exhibition that explores the relationship between gender and society. art + gender will be on view August 6 – September 11, 2021, at 100 Water Street, in Hallowell, with an opening reception on Friday, August 6, from 4 – 6 p.m., in conjunction with Hallowell Pride. art + gender is open to all New England based artists. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m., on July 1, 2021.

Original fine art in any media may be submitted. For complete details please visit: https://www.harlowgallery.org/art-gender-call-for-art.

AYCC parking lot work to continue through summer

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Three construction phases will take place at the Alfond Youth and Community Center, on North Street, in Waterville. The project began June 28 and projected to be completed by October 4.

Renovations include new parking lot entry, traffic flow change, angled parking spaces, new walkways, curb-less and slanted front entry and landscaping.

The changes will include safety and ease of traffic flow, drop offs and pick ups, pull-in/out parking/departures. There will be new walkways to increase pedestrian safety, and curb removal and slanted entry to facility will increase accessibility.

The landscaping will be updated and temporary signage will be displayed to direct traffic during each phase, please stay alert and follow all signage.

The staff asks you to be patient as they continue to improve every area of service to this community.

Dates are estimated and subject to change.

PHOTO: Waterville tennis team captures northern Maine title

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The Waterville High School boys varsity tennis team recently captured the Northern Maine Tennis Championship following an undefeated season. From left to right, Athletic Director Heidi Bernier, head coach Jason Tardif, Logan Tardif, Jay Brock, Kaden Works, Owen Evans, Charlie Haberstock, Josiah Bloom, Cole Bazakas, Nick Poulin, assistant coach Jim Begin and athletic trainer Emily Staples. (photo by Jim Evans)

Fairfield Historical Society quilt show tradition resumes

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Example of a friendship quilt that was created by the 1986-1987 second grade class of Fairfield’s South Grammar School with the assistance of their art teacher.

by Marion Foster

The Fairfield Historical Society announces the resumption of the FHS Quilt Show which they have hosted every other year, until the Covid Pandemic interfered. On Saturday and Sunday, July 10 and 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., more than 50 quilts will be displayed at the Victor Grange, in Fairfield Center. These quilts belong to either the FHS or local residents. Others who have quilts of local interest that they would like to show are invited to call the FHS at 453-2998.

Although both antique and contemporary quilts will be included, all are relatively new when viewed through the history of quilting. There is evidence that quilting was done in 3400BCE when layers of fabric and padding were stitched together. Initially such quilts were of totally practical purposes of warmth and insulation. By the 12th century, quilted clothing was introduced to Europe by the Crusaders who wore it beneath their armor. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, quilt making came to America.

In Colonial America quilting was often a leisure time activity for those of wealth. The quilts of this time were very decorative and displayed the exquisite stitchery, needlework, and creativity which did their makers proud. Many Baltimore Album quilts still exist as examples of these fine quilts. After 1840, less grand but often time consuming, pieced or patchwork quilts of printed fabrics became more common. During the Civil War Era of the 1860s many quilts were fashioned and sold to raise money for the Abolitionist cause. Many more were made and donated to the troops on both sides to honor their cause and keep them warm. Very few of these beautiful tributes have survived. Most commonly, simple but practical quilts were made from leftover fabric scraps or worn out clothing and tied together for everyday bed covers.

During the Victorian Era, Crazy Quilts became very popular. These quilts were comprised of irregular shapes of fancy fabric, luxuriously decorated with fine stitchery and elaborate embellishments. Due to this popular 19th century fad, many examples of these lovely quilts have survived.

Many, many other variations and styles of quilt have endured or evolved through the ages: some of these are Wholecloth, Amish, Feed Sack, Medallion, Block, Album, Sampler, Applique, Patchwork and Friendship quilts. Quilting Guilds continue to flourish in Maine and many are eager to see what has been created during the isolation imposed by the Covid pandemic. On display this year will be an antique “postage stamp” patchwork quilt made of tiny squares pieced together. Also of interest is an example of a friendship quilt that was created by the 1986-1987 second grade class of Fairfield’s South Grammar School with the assistance of their art teacher. This quilt was gifted to their teacher, Mrs. Duplessis, and remains a treasured possession.

In an effort to foster post-pandemic community spirit, the Victor Grange will provide seating and sell food during the two-day event. This event is open to the public and all donations are very much appreciated.

Dispensation from obligation lifted

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St. Mary’s Catholic Church

Effective June 19-20, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland has lifted the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation throughout the state of Maine. Issued due to the pandemic, the dispensation has been in place for Maine Catholics since March 18, 2020.

In addition to the Diocese of Portland, the Archdiocese of Boston, Diocese of Fall River, and Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts, as well as the Diocese of Manchester in New Hampshire, will also be lifting the dispensation starting June 19-20.

“The obligation to attend Mass reflects the character of who we are as Catholics. There is no greater form of prayer as we praise God for his many blessings and strengthen one another in faith and hope,” said Bishop Robert Deeley. “At Mass, we have an encounter with Jesus which brings true meaning to our lives, and the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith, is the primary place in which we are community.”

As is always the case, the obligation does not apply to those who have serious reasons for not attending Mass like individuals who are seriously ill, caring for an ill person, homebound, suffering from a compromised health condition, or otherwise unable to attend Mass in person. Livestreamed Masses will also continue to be offered at Maine parishes.

Individuals with questions about any specific needs or concerns are advised to contact their parish. Pastors, who have the authority to dispense in individual cases, can be helpful in addressing individual fears and concerns.

The diocese has been guided by experts, local and national agencies, and science in making decisions throughout the pandemic.

“We have acted with caution and continue to do so,” said the bishop. “Our use of vaccinations has grown sufficiently to allow us to safely reopen and gratefully welcome people back as there is no substitution to experiencing Jesus in person.”

Scouts help dispose of flags

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Boy Scout Troop #479, of China.

Boy Scout Troop #479, of China, was asked to help with the flag retirement ceremony at the American Legion. Thanks to all the Scouts and leaders for participating on Flag Day,” said Troop Advancement Chairman Ron Emery. According to the U.S. Flag Code, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” While this is the preferred way to dispose a flag, it can be dangerous and so it was asked that the Scouts cut the flags into strips of cloth. Once cut those strips are no longer considered a US flag and the strips can be disposed.

Text and photos courtesy of Neil Farrington

Camp Bomazeen prepares for season with help from Scouts

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The LaBonte family, of Oakland, made the work day a family event: Scott, Garrett, Ruby and Rebecca LaBonte. (contributed photo)

The weather was ideal at Camp Bomazeen on Saturday, May 15, for a great Beaver Day-camp work day. Everyone who attended will get a commemorative patch of a beaver wielding a chain saw. Scott Adams, of China, organized the event.

“The pandemic prevented us from opening last summer so we have two years worth of work to get done before camp opens for the season at the end of June,” Adams said. “We rely on people coming into camp and lending a hand. We are so grateful.”

Along with removing leaves and brush from fields, the health lodge was also cleaned. Thanks to those who helped: Willie and Parker LeHay, Scott, Garrett, Ruby and Rebecca LaBonte. Scott Vernier, Chuck Mahaleris, Scott Martin, Susan and Russ Shoberg, Steve Craig, and, of course, Scott Adams and Henry. Lunch was provided courtesy of the Bomazeen Old Timers.

Scouts help Scott Adams, of China, toss brush onto the trailer for removal and later burning. (contributed photo)

Vassalboro pastor to retire

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Pastor Gary Hubley (right)

After serving the Vassalboro United Methodist Church for 11 years and serving in the ministry for over 50 years, Pastor F. Gary Hubley and his wife Judy, of Randolph, retired June 30, 2021. Pastor Hubley was honored at a luncheon following services on Sunday, June 13. He and Judy will be sorely missed.

Pastor Hubley served the Vassalboro church with distinction. He will be well known for his wit and his thoughtfulness. He always kept in contact with members of his congregation both in their time of need and in their time of joyfulness. He truly cared for his church and the people within this community. He and his wife, Judy, always took part in whatever the church sponsored such as public suppers, bake sales, craft fairs, coffee fellowships, children’s programs, Bible studies, etc. They served as an example of how we too should serve. We thank them for their service.

The congregation wishes them both a happy and healthy retirement with time and ability to enjoy a little fishing, something both of them enjoy.

Pastor Karen Merrill, of West Gardiner, will lead the Vassalboro United Methodist Church as of July 1, 2021. She and her husband have connections to this community and the community is looking forward to her leadership and guidance.