EVENTS: ShineOnCass animal baby shower & PJ party

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Cassidy Charette

Children dressed in their pajamas will welcome baby lambs, goats, calves and other newborn animals also wearing pajamas, on Sunday, May 4, at the ShineOnCass Animal Baby Shower & PJ Party at Hart-to-Hart Farm & Education Center, in Albion. The annual free event for children features educational stations that include learning how to milk a cow, fetching eggs from the chicken coop, spinning lamb’s wool, and participating in goat yoga. Children will be able to hold, and have photos taken with the newborn baby animals.

Hart-to-Hart Farm & Education Center is a family-owned and operated organic dairy farm that offers spring and summer day camp educational programs for children. The ShineOnCass Animal Baby Shower is held each year in honor of Cassidy Charette, an Oakland teen who died in a hayride accident in 2014, who was a longtime summer camper at Hart-to-Hart Farm.

Families attending the free event are asked to bring food and pet items to donate to Humane Society Waterville Area in memory of Cassidy, who was also a shelter volunteer.

There will be two sessions offered: 10 to 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 to 2 p.m., with limited capacity of 80 children per session. Pre-registration is required at shineoncass.org or hart2hartfarm.org. For more information, email shineoncass@gmail.com

EVENTS: Women’s History Month celebrates Waterville’s native Alleen Thompson

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Waterville native, the late Alleen Thompson

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we will have a special feature about Miss Alleen Thompson. Even if you are not familiar with who she was, this presentation will bring her interesting and little-known life to your eyes.

After she passed away at the age of 101, a wood traveling trunk and a banker’s box filled with her life’s mementos came to Waterville Historical Society. Even those who knew her for decades or more may not know the adventures her life held: her amazing accomplishments as a Navy woman, her very strong ties to Waterville which never lessened, and her love for all things Colby College from the days of her education there through the rest of her life. Miss Thompson was a very modest woman who was not boastful about her life and work, but her treasured mementos left behind tell many tales of her illustrious life. Her quick wit and candid opinions were entertaining, even if you did not always agree with her. She was spunky!

By the end of the presentation, I am hopeful you will say things like, “Wow, I never knew!” and “What an interesting life she led.” It is likely you all have connections with her in one way or another. Were you a Girl Scout? Did you know someone in the Navy? There will be time to share your memories of her during the presentation. Photos from her albums will be shown on the screen with audience narrative encouraged. Plus a display of historic photos of Waterville and items from her life will be available in Marriner Hall to look at before and after the presentation.

On Saturday, March 29, the door opens at 2 p.m., and the presentation begins at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free, although donations are gladly accepted! Light refreshments are available during the social time and viewing of displays. Please join us. Bring a friend or two!

Look for the Redington Museum sign at 62 Silver Street. The presentation sign outside the door will lead you into Marriner Hall. See you on Saturday, March 29. If you have any questions, please call 872-9439.

EVENTS: 100 Women Who Give event will award $10,000 to local charity

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Francine Garland Stark, Executive Director of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, accepts the $10,000 award from Waterville Area Women’s Club member Stacy Whitcomb-Smith at last year’s 100 Women Who Give. This year’s event will be held April 10, at 6 p.m., at Snow Pond Center for the Arts, in Sidney. To purchase a ticket to attend or support, visit watervilleareawomensclub.org. (contributed photo)

Waterville Area Women’s Club will host its second annual “100 Women Who Give” event Thursday, April 10, at 6 p.m., at Snow Pond Center for the Arts, in Sidney, where attendees will cast live voting to select one local nonprofit to receive a $10,000 unrestricted gift.

The event invites women interested in supporting their community by contributing together as a group to increase impact. One hundred women will purchase a ticket for $100 each to raise $10,000. The evening includes food, presentations by selected nonprofits, music, in-person voting, followed by the awarding of the $10,000 gift to the selected organization, and an event celebration.

Waterville Area Women’s Club President Alisa Johnson said the club’s members started the event as an opportunity for women who wish to collectively have a greater impact on nonprofits that support women and children.

“As an individual, it’s often difficult to make a large financial impact alone, but as a group, we have the ability to make an immediate, direct, and positive impact in our communities, in ways we never thought possible,” Johnson said.

Last year’s “100 Women Who Give” event awarded $10,000 to Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. Thanks to the generosity of more than 100 women in attendance, additional donations were awarded to the Waterville Community Dental Center and the Maine Children’s Home.

The three nonprofit organizations on the voting ballot this year include Camp to Belong, the Maine Women’s Lobby Education Fund, and the South End Teen Center.

To purchase a ticket to attend and/or vote on April 10, or to make a gift in support of 100 Women Who Give, visit the Waterville Area Women’s Club Facebook page or watervilleareawomensclub.org.

Waterville Area Women’s Club and its volunteer members support numerous local charities and service agencies in the greater Waterville area, with a focus on those that benefit women and children. The Club welcomes new female members. For more information, contact Alisa Johnson at 207-629-8317.

EVENTS: Battle of Maine on tap March 22, 2025

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The 43rd Battle of Maine Martial Arts Championships will be taking place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Champions, in Waterville. The event kicks off at 8:30 a.m., and will feature competitions in flag sparring, full contact padded sword fighting, forms, weapons and point fighting divisions.There will also be special world champion demonstrations around 9:30 a.m. The event will go all day until around 4 p.m. Spectator Tickets are $10 each and $1 of each ticket goes to help support the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

3rd annual Mothers-to-be Tea returns in Vassalboro

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Sew for a Cause volunteer Barbara Clerite-Ventura prepares for the 3rd annual Mothers-to-be Tea, on Saturday, May 3. (contributed photo)

by Eric W. Austin

A homemade diaper bag. (contributed photo)

The 3rd Annual Mothers-to-Be Tea is set for Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 1-3 p.m., at the St. Bridget Center, in Vassalboro. This heartwarming event, hosted by the dedicated volunteers of Sew for a Cause, aims to provide a supportive and celebratory space for expectant mothers to relax, connect, and enjoy an afternoon of tea, treats, and community.

With free admission and a welcoming atmosphere, the Mothers-to-Be Tea is designed to bring local moms together, offering resources and connections to help them navigate the journey of motherhood. Whether it’s your first child or another exciting addition to the family, this event promises a memorable and uplifting experience.

Guests will be greeted with a delightful spread of tea and light refreshments in the gorgeously restored St. Bridget Center, creating a cozy, friendly setting. But the real treat? Every attendee will receive a Welcome Baby Bundle tote bag filled with handcrafted baby essentials, lovingly made by the Sew for a Cause volunteers. Expect handmade bibs, blankets, hats, and other adorable baby items that make preparing for a new arrival just a little sweeter.

Sew for a Cause volunteer Mary Michaud. (contributed photo)

Beyond the gifts, the event will also feature raffle baskets, with prizes generously donated by local businesses and community sponsors. Additionally, experienced moms will be on hand to share valuable tips, advice, and encouragement, helping to foster a sense of connection and support among attendees.

Rachel Kilbride, event organizer and Sew for a Cause volunteer, emphasizes the significance of creating a strong support system for new mothers.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child, but these days, many moms feel like they’re doing it alone. We want to change that,” says Kilbride.

Sew for a Cause is a dedicated group of volunteers who meet regularly at the St. Bridget Center to create handmade items for local charities and families in need. Their work benefits organizations such as Catholic Charities, Maine Children’s Home, Maine Veterans Home, and area nursing homes.

Space is limited, so expectant mothers must register no later than April 13, 2025 by emailing motherstobetea@gmail.com or calling 207-616-3148. Each mother-to-be is welcome to bring one guest to share in the celebration.

For those who want to support the event, donations are welcome to help sustain the work of Sew for a Cause. Contri­butions can be mailed to Sew for a Cause, c/o St. Bridget Center, PO Box 112, North Vassalboro, ME 04962, or dropped off at the venue.

EVENTS: St. Patrick’s public supper at Vassalboro Methodist Church

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The Fundraising & Activities Committee at Vassalboro Methodist Church is planning a public supper with an Irish twist for Saturday, March 15. Some committee members pictured here include, sitting, Theresa White. Standing, from left to right, Simone Antworth, Pastor Karen Merrill, Wayne Curtis, Linda Millay. (contributed photo)

Vassalboro Methodist Church will re-start their regular monthly public suppers on Saturday, March 15, with an “Old Fashioned New England Boiled dinner with an Irish Twist.” The meal will be served 4:30 – 6 p.m., at 614 Main Street. “We plan to change up our menus at some of our suppers this year in order to attract more interest but our famous baked beans will always be included, and pies which are always very popular,” said Dale Potter-Clark, one of the church’s event planners. The March 15 supper menu will include corned beef and cabbage, potato, carrots, baked beans, pickled beets, breads and pies for a $10 donation.

Added to the enjoyment of the evening, guests who wear something green can have their names entered in a door prize drawing. “We encourage people to get creative. Something green could be most anything within sight, such as a piece of jewelry, socks, hair color, nail polish or an entire outfit! Have fun with it,” said Potter-Clark.

FMI contact (207) 873-5544 or info.vumc@gmail.com Follow this and future special events and public meals on the Vassalboro United Methodist Church Facebook page.

EVENTS: Palermo planning board to meet

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The Palermo Planning Board will meet Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Palermo Town Office, at 6 pm. Purpose is to conduct official review of plans for the proposed Pine Hill subdivision on Hostile Valley Road, Tax Map R11, Lot 27C.

Local central Maine Town Meetings schedule for 2025

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Town meetings 2025

ALBION

Municipal Election
TBD
Besse Building
Town meeting
TBD

CHINA

Town meeting (election format)
TBD

FAIRFIELD

TBD
Fairfield Community Center

PALERMO

Town meeting

Saturday, March 8, at 9 a.m.,
Palermo School, Route 3

Town voting for town officials

Friday, March 7, 3 – 7 p.m.
The town office.

VASSALBORO

Town meeting
TBD
Town Elections
TBD

WINDSOR

Municipal Election
TBD
Town meeting
TBD

*   *   *

To be included in this list, visit our Contact Us page or send an email to The Town Line at townline@townline.org.

EVENTS: Benefit supper to help defray costs as family deals with cancer for second time

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A few months ago a young woman, Heather Bragg, and her family, Steve Bragg Jr., her husband, and two children Ken and Emma were unfortunately given the news, for the second time in five years, that Heather would be battling cancer.

The first time, four-and-a-half years ago was a well fought and won battle with this disease. Again. she has been diagnosed, except with lung cancer this time.

She is brave and her family is also. They have always been kind and giving to others and have wonderful positive outlooks. Now, they are receiving the kindness of the community of Palermo and beyond. The people of Palermo have graciously stepped up for this family with wonderful support and kind spirited giving.

Local community members will be hosting a benefit spaghetti supper, raffle and auction for Heather Bragg and her family. This will be held on Saturday, March 22, from 4 – 6 p.m., at the Palermo Consolidated School, on Rte. 3, in Palermo. Following dinner there will be a baked goods auction. Dinner is $10 per person or donation, $5 for children under 10. There will also be an auction with more items coming.

Tickets are $5, or 5 for $20.
This article has been updated from how it originally appeared in print.

EVENTS: Palermo planning board reschedules meeting, again

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The Palermo Planning Board, once again, has rescheduled its meeting to Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Palermo Town Office, at 6 p.m. The purpose is to conduct official review of plans for the proposed Pine Hill subdivision on Hostile Valley Road, Tax Map R11, Lot 27C