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.

St. Michael Parish collecting toothpaste and shampoo to help single mothers

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St. Augustine Church in Augusta (photo by Eric Austin)

In the coming weeks, St. Michael Parish, in Augusta, will help local single mothers who need assistance keeping up with the expenses of caring for their children.

Large baskets will be stationed in the front of each parish church (listed below) on the weekends of August 7-8 and August 14-15 for parishioners and community members to drop off toothpaste (5-6 ounce tubes) and shampoo (12-15 ounce bottles) before, during, and after Masses. Toothbrushes will also be collected for those who are able to donate them.

The collection is sponsored by the St. Michael Parish Social Justice & Peace Commission to benefit the “Bridging the Gap” program, an initiative in Augusta that helps people connect with resources that help meet their basic needs, offers opportunities for meaningful volunteerism, and provides the chance for social connection.

If you are able to donate, here is the Mass information for the parish and addresses for each parish church:

St. Augustine Church
75 Northern Avenue, Augusta
Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

St. Mary Church
41 Western Avenue, Augusta
Sundays at 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

St. Denis Church
298 Grand Army Road,
Whitefield, Saturdays at 4 p.m.

“‘Bridging the Gap’ doesn’t change people’s lives. Rather, it provides the space, resources, and support for individuals to change their own lives,” said Sarah Miller, director of the program. “We stand on the shoulders of many, and it is only because of strong community support from places like St. Michael Parish that allows us to continue with our work. We thank anyone who can donate for joining us in envisioning a community in which everyone is given the opportunity to thrive and live with dignity.”

For more information or to drop off a donation during the week, contact St. Michael Parish at (207) 623-8823 or St.Michael@portlanddiocese.org.

The Town Line’s long-time volunteer passes away at age 92

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Gladys Hewett

WINDSOR – Gladys B. Hewett, 92, passed away Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center at Glenridge, in the Comfort Care Center, in Augusta, following a brief illness. She was born in South China, on March 16, 1929, the daughter and only child of the late George E. and Erlena C. (Saben) Bartlett.

Gladys attended local schools, and graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, with honors. She furthered her education at Gates Business School and the University of Maine at Augusta.

Gladys worked 26 years for the State of Maine. She started as a clerk typist and retired as Quality Control Manager for the Aid to Families with Dependent Children, a position she held for ten years. For a number of years following retirement, she worked several days a week at Austin’s Law Office, in South China.

Gladys worked in the Exhibition Hall at the Windsor Fair for 38 years. In addition, she volunteered at The Town Line newspaper for over 20 years, and was a member of the paper’s board of directors, holding the position of secretary.

Gladys was an avid bowler and at the age of 84 she was state of Maine champion for her age group, qualifying her for the national championships. Her hobbies included genealogy, knitting, reading, and cribbage.

Mrs. Hewett was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Maynard E. Hewett; and a daughter, Gayle Pinkham.

She is survived by four daughters, Marilyn Boyle and her husband Gary, of China, Gloria Danley, of Casco, Joyce Dumont and her husband Peter, of Oakland, and Brenda Davis, of Destin, Florida; 13 grandchildren; 15 great- grandchildren.

At her request, there will be no public visiting hours. A private graveside service will be held with family in Chadwick Hill Cemetery, China.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Rt. 32, Windsor, ME.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MaineGeneral Health to benefit Comfort Care at Glenridge by mail to MaineGeneral Health, Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828, or online at: https://give.mainegeneral.org.

Sam Fegel achieves Eagle Scout status

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Mom Lauralee, Eagle Scout Sam Fegel and dad Dale, of Winslow. (contributed photo)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Samuel Dale Fegel, of Troop #417, was presented Scouting’s Eagle Scout medal during a ceremony surrounded by friends and family, at the Waterville Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Sam, son of Dale and Lauralee Fegel, is the second Fegel to earn Eagle with Troop #417. His brother Walter was presented his Eagle rank in December 2019 and served as Master of Ceremonies at his brother’s ceremony held on July 29, 2021.

Sam passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review on December 20, 2019, but the ceremony was delayed due to Covid-19. Sam’s Eagle Scout project took place on the Messalonskee Stream Trails near Messalonskee schools. He organized a team to build a bridge, ten fairy houses, repairing benches, blazing a trail and cleaning graffiti.

“I gathered my friends and family and we were able to complete all of the work in two days,” he said. “Planning the project and organizing everything took much longer.” In all, 183 total hours were spent on the project which was a benefit to his school and community. Roger Crouse, former Scoutmaster of Troop #417, said, “Sam continues to internalize and demonstrate his commitment to the principals of the Scout Law and the noblest qualities of an Eagle Scout. Sam’s kindness, friendship, and perseverance will be the foundation he builds upon as he continues to grow and serve his family, community, friends, and God. We are proud of all he has accomplished.”

His father said, “Sam really embodies Scouting, he is kind, polite and loves to give service to the community. He was really excited to help Messalonskee Middle School improve the Eagle Trail and Fairy Garden, as his Eagle project. He’s being a good leader and mentor role model for other scouts making the Eagle journey.” His mother replied, “We as his parents are very proud of him and who he is and what he’s accomplished.”

State Rep. Mike Perkins (R-Oakland) shared stories of his time as a Scout in Belgrade as a youth and encouraged Sam to follow his dreams and let Scouting be a guide.
Sam is a sophomore at Messalonskee High School where he is a member of the track and cross country teams.

Taste of Waterville Brew Punch Cards available

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New this year at the Taste of Waterville are Brew Punch Cards – on sale now.

What better way to sample some tastes of Waterville? Be sure to purchase your brew samples punch card – good from 3 – 6 p.m., at Taste of Waterville, Wednesday, August 4 – Head of Falls. You will receive a punch card redeemable for 16 2-ounce samples at the nine breweries represented.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase your punch card, to be picked up at the entrance on the day of the Taste. IDs will be required for pickup.

You will get 16 brew punches for just $20. Limited quantities, so get yours today! Order online at www.tasteofwaterville.com.

Mid-Maine Chamber names vice president of operations

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Brandi Meisner

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, located in Waterville, has named Brandi Meisner as its new vice president of operations. This is a new position for the Chamber, with plans for Meisner to focus on member growth and retention, marketing, social media and website development.

A graduate of Skowhegan Area High School, Brandi went on to study locally at Thomas College, earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She also holds a master’s degree in business from Thomas College. Brandi formerly served as Community Banker for Skowhegan Savings Bank, a position she held for three years.

Brandi serves as vice-president of Main Street Skowhegan’s board of directors and is a member of its Community Engagement committee.

Meisner lives in Skowhegan with her husband and daughter where they help operate family businesses, Maine Cedar Hot Tubs and the Skowhegan Wooden Rule.

18th annual China Community Days set for Aug. 6-8, 2021

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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.

Trenton Clark has hiked all 14 of Maine’s 4,000-plus foot peaks

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Trenton Clark with his mother, Leanne, atop the 5,267-foot Mt. Katahdin.

Nine-year-old Oakland youth accomplishes feat with mom

Trent Clark on Saddleback Mountain

by Mark Huard

Trenton Clark, 9 years old, of Oakland, has successfully hiked all of Maine’s 4,000-plus foot peaks. Trenton and his mom Leanne, started hiking as a way to get out into nature more when the pandemic started last year and quickly fell in love with the rush of climbing big mountains. Trenton says, “it wasn’t always easy but it was always worth it.” Maine has fourteen 4,000-foot peaks, the tallest two being on Mt. Katahdin—Trenton hiked Baxter Peak (5,267 feet) at Katahdin last August and then Hamlin Peak (4,756 feet) this month. His favorite mountain hike was up Abol Trail, on Katahdin, and states, “rock climbing is my favorite part of hiking.” Trenton is looking forward to hiking more mountains and trails in Maine this summer and fall.

Mountains he has climbed to date! Katahdin: Baxter Peak, Katahdin: Hamlin Peak, Sugarloaf, South Crocker Mountain, Old Speck, North Brother, Bigelow: West Peak, Saddleback Mountain, Bigelow: Avery Peak, Mt. Abraham, South Crocker Mountain, Saddleback Horn, Mt. Redington, and Spaulding Mountain.

Trenton Clark on the peak of the 4,151-foot North Brother Mountain.

China to hold WindowDressers workshop this fall

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Volunteers prepare window inserts at the 2019 WindowDressers workshop, two years ago, in Vassalboro. (photo courtesy of Vassalboro Historical Society)

by Eric W. Austin

The China for a Lifetime Committee is busy planning for a WindowDressers workshop that will take place this November 3 – 7. The initiative is a volunteer-led, “barn-raising” effort to construct low-cost “window inserts” to reduce residential energy bills.

The window inserts are constructed of pine wood frames, covered in thin plastic film and can usually be ordered in natural wood or painted white, however, because of pandemic-related difficulties in the lumber industry, they may not be available in white this year. (Please inquire at the time you place your order.) There is a maximum order limit of 10 frames, and no minimum. Orders are open to residents in China, Vassalboro, Palermo, Albion and Windsor.

The price of the window inserts will vary 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. There is financial help available for those who qualify.

The committee is working with the statewide WindowDressers organization, described on their website as a “volunteer-driven non-profit organization dedicated to helping Maine residents reduce heating costs, fossil fuel consumption, and CO-2 emissions by lowering the amount of heat loss through windows.” WindowDressers is based out of Rockland.

The China for a Lifetime Committee, a local group which supports community initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for residents, has been meeting for several months to discuss having a WindowDressers workshop in China this fall. Vassalboro hosted a workshop two years ago, and the China for a Lifetime Committee had discussed organizing a workshop in China last year before plans were scrapped because of the pandemic.

As the workshop will take place during the first week of November, orders should be placed no later than October 1. Committee volunteers will need to visit your home to take window measurements which will then be sent to the WindowDressers organization, who will cut the wood for the frames. All volunteers doing the measuring will be vaccinated for COVID-19, and can also wear a mask if the homeowner requests. Measurers need to complete their task and submit data to WindowDressers by mid-October, so to avoid “crunch time”, please make sure to get your order in and set up a measuring appointment as soon as possible.

There is a great need for local community volunteers in order to make this a successful WindowDressers workshop. It is requested that anyone ordering frames also sign up for a four-hour shift on one of the workshop days. The committee is also looking for anyone willing to supply food to the teams working during 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 the China for a Lifetime Committee at chinaforalifetime@gmail.com, or visit the WindowDressers website and fill out the form located at windowdressers.org/sign-up-for-inserts.

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