EVENTS: ‘Murder by the Book’ back by popular demand for final show

Actors pictured, from left to right, Becky Paradis, Candy Clark, Gina Krummel, Brian Stanley, Ethan Sargent, Ashton Erving, Grace Pirri, Jan Clowes. (contributed photo)

Murder by the Book returns by popular demand following the sold out shows in mid-October. Join them for an epic final night if you missed it before or want to catch it again. The final show will be held on Saturday, November 2, at 7 p.m., at the Vassalboro Grange, 353 Main St.

Overflow parking is available at the Historical Society (327 Main St.) or the Vassalboro Library (930 Bog Rd.) for those who can walk.

Murder by the Book was written by Canadian playwright, Laura Teasdale, and sponsored by novelist Louise Penny, alongside special arrangements with the Playwrights Guild of Canada. The play is a fundraiser for the Vassalboro library. Cost of tickets: $10 adults, $2 children. Refreshments and snacks by donation. The theatrical play showcases Vassalboro actors as well as starring roles from members of the Waterville Creates community.

EVENTS: Local vets invited to march in Veterans day parade

All veterans and community members are invited to participate in the Waterville Veterans Day parade on Monday, November 11, 2024. Lineup begins at 10 a.m., at The Elm, 21 College Ave. Waterville. A ceremony will be held at Castonguay Square, on Main St., at 11 a.m. It will be followed by lunch at MacCrillis-Rousseau Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8835, on Veterans Drive, in Winslow.

EVENTS: Fall Fest in Vassalboro

Eileen Ronco, left, and Nancy Adams, both of Vassalboro, are among those who are planning and will be baking for the “Fall Fest”, at Vassalboro Methodist Church, on Saturday, October 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (contributed photo)

by Dale Potter-Clark

A “Fall Fest” will be held at Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC), on Saturday, October 26, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., when crafts and homemade pumpkin and apple baked goods will be for sale. During the same hours, a variety of “To Go” hot soups, chili and mulled cider will be available to take home. The “To Go” food items will be available to purchase by folks who drop by as well as to shoppers attending the crafts and bake sale. Two of the planners and cooks, Eileen Ronco and Nancy Adams, both of Vassalboro, des­cribed the Fall Fest as a great time to start early holiday shopping and to buy special sweet treats for your family and weekend guests.

FMI about Vassalboro United Methodist Church and their Sunday services, activities and programs visit their Facebook page; phone Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 873-5564 or email info.vumc@gmail.com.

Vassalboro Legion to collect holiday gifts for veterans

Veterans Administration facility at Togus. (Internet photo)

During the holiday season for the last three years, members of American Legion Post #126, Vassalboro, gathered personal care products, puzzle books, and snacks for veterans at Togus Veterans Home, in Augusta.

The members of American Legion Post #126, Vassalboro, are inviting you to join them as they collect. Once again, the Sew for a Cause group at St. Bridget Center have made and donated more than 250 Christmas stockings for this project. They will fill the stockings on December 9, 2024, at St Bridget Center, 864 Main St., North Vassalboro. All are welcome to sort and fill the stockings. The filled stockings will be delivered to Togus Veterans Home by December 12, 2024. To volunteer and/or make a donation call 207 616-3148.

EVENTS: Veterans urged to take part in Veterans Day parade

All veterans and community members are invited to participate in the Waterville Veterans Day parade on Monday, November 11, 2024. Lineup begins at 10 a.m., at The Elm, 21 College Ave. Waterville. A ceremony will be held at Castonguay Square, on Main St., at 11 a.m. It will be followed by lunch at MacCrillis-Rousseau Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8835, on Veterans Drive, in Winslow.

EVENTS: Explore China’s transportation history at upcoming presentation

Railroad owner Carson Peck and his party, on an inspection trip, around 1910 or so, in Windsor. (courtesy of the WW&F Museum)

by Eric W. Austin

The China Historical Society is pleased to invite the public to an engaging presentation on the history of the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington (WW&F) narrow gauge railway. This event, featuring local experts Bob Wallace and Phil Dow, from the Albion Historical Society, will take place next Thursday, October 17, at 7 p.m., at the China Baptist Church.

The presentation will offer a unique opportunity to explore the history of the narrow gauge railway that once played a vital role in connecting China to other towns in the region. Wallace will provide an in-depth look at the railway’s development and its significance to local communities, particularly the Weeks Mills station. In addition to the talk, attendees will be treated to a slideshow of historical photographs, offering a glimpse into the past and showcasing the railway’s impact on the area.

The WW&F railway, launched in the 1890s, was an essential transportation route for residents and businesses, ferrying people, produce, and goods between towns from Wiscasset to Windsor.

However, as automobiles and gasoline-powered trucks became more widespread in the mid-20th century, the narrow gauge railway could no longer compete, and it eventually ceased operations. While the tracks are no longer in use, the history of the railway continues to be an important part of the town’s heritage, offering a window into a time when the railroad was the lifeblood of rural Maine.

In addition to the historical insights provided by Bob Wallace, attendees will have the opportunity to see rare, archival photographs that capture the daily workings of the railway, including images of the Weeks Mills station and the railway’s trains.

The event is free and open to the public, although the China Historical Society encourages donations to support its ongoing work in preserving local history, and attendees are invited to consider joining the society as members. Annual membership dues are a modest $10, and these contributions help ensure that important stories like that of the WW&F railway continue to be shared with future generations.

The China Historical Society’s Narrow Gauge Railway Presentation will be held on Thursday, October 17, at 7 p.m., at the China Baptist Church, at the north end of the lake. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the role the railway played in shaping the town’s development, this event promises to be an informative and engaging look into a fascinating chapter in China’s past.

Attend the presentation to meet other members of the community who are passionate about preserving and sharing China’s rich heritage, and for more information about upcoming events, follow the China Historical Society Facebook page.

EVENTS: Vassalboro library to host theatrical play

photo: vassalboro.net

Vassalboro Public Library will host a theatrical play, to take place at the Vassalboro Grange, 353 Main Street, for two exclusive shows, Saturday, October 19, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, October 20, at 2 p.m.The play is a fundraiser for the library. Cost of tickets are $10 for adults and $2 for children. You can buy tickets at the door or purchase from the library beforehand. In addition to entertainment, they will have refreshments and baked goods available for the fundraiser, and a brief intermission.

The theatrical play will showcase Vassalboro actors as well as starring roles from members of the Waterville Creates community. The play is entitled Murder by the Book, written by Canadian playwright, Laura Teasdale and is inspired by the books of Louise Penny which feature the investigator Armand Gamache. Louise Penny has provided sponsorship and collaboration with Ms. Teasdale in the play’s development and availability.

Murder by the Book is a comedy. Unlike the Penny series, it doesn’t take place in “Three Pines.” If you want to know whether it takes place in “six spruces” or “nine firs” or “eight hemlocks” you’ll need to mark your calendar for the Vassalboro production in October. The play is set in a small town much like Vassalboro. The murder (sort of) takes place in the local library, much like the Vassalboro Library.

We are looking forward to these evenings of fun, fellowship and library fundraising. This event is open to interested people from all over Maine. Vassalboro is a community with a big heart and plenty of activities for such a small town. Vassalboro Library est. 1911. A proud community resource.

EVENTS: Erskine Academy Parent/Teacher Conferences scheduled

(photo credit: Erskine Academy)

All parents of Erskine Academy students are invited to attend fall Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 9 and 10, 2024, from 3 – 7 p.m. To avoid long waiting lines, Wednesday, October 9, has been designated for students whose last names begin with A – K; and Thursday, October 10, has been designated for students whose last names begin with L – Z. No appointments are necessary as teachers will be available to speak with parents in their respective classrooms. In addition, the Guidance Office will host a Senior Blast for parents on each of these evenings from 6:30 – 7 p.m., to provide helpful updates and information about the post-secondary planning process, financial aid, and other pertinent senior year details.

EVENTS: Vassalboro events for October

Simone Antworth, far left, of Vassalboro, Pastor Karen Merrill, of West Gardiner, and Barbara Frost, of China, are among those who cook and serve at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church public luncheons and suppers. The next supper will take place on October 19 when turkey and all the fixings will be served. (contributed photo)

by Dale Potter-Clark
On Saturday, October 19, a Harvest Supper will be held at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) fellowship hall, at 614 Main Street/Rte. 32. The meal will be served 4:30 – 6 p.m., unless food runs out before, for a recommended donation of $10 per person. “Baked bean suppers are our usual fare but given the time of year and the popularity of turkey dinners we are changing it up this time,” said Pastor Karen Merrill. All are welcome to join us!”
The following Saturday, October 26, a “Fall Fest” will be held at VUMC from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. when crafts and homemade pumpkin and apple baked goods will be for sale. During the same hours, a variety of “To Go” hot soups, chili and mulled cider will be available to take home.
“Our Fall Fest is a great time to start early holiday shopping and to buy special sweet treats for your family and weekend guests,” said Simone Antworth.
It will be the last public supper in 2024 but soup and salad luncheons for 50+ year olds will continue throughout the winter, in collaboration with the Vassalboro Community Program, every second Wednesday 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Saturday night public suppers will resume next spring.
FMI about Vassalboro United Methodist Church and their Sunday services, activities and programs visit Facebook; phone Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 873-5564 or email info.vumc@gmail.com.

EVENTS: Apple desserts and ham public supper in Vassalboro

Apple pies and other apple desserts will be on the menu at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church public supper on September 21. Linda Millay, left, and Eileen Ronco are helping plan the event. (contributed photo)

Baked ham and apple desserts of all kinds will be served in addition to the traditional baked beans, casseroles, salads and breads on Saturday, September 21, at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC).

“People come from miles around to our suppers,” said church lay leader, Eileen Ronco. “We serve the traditional foods they enjoy at every supper in addition to something new or different in hopes to attract new folks.”

Supper will be served from 4:30 – 6 p.m., unless food runs out before, for a $10 suggested donation per person.

VUMC public suppers take place April – October in the church fellowship hall, at 614 Main Stree/Rte. 32, every third Saturday, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Senior public luncheons for 50+ year oilds are held in collaboration with the Vassalboro Recreation Department every second Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For more information visit Vassalboro United Methodist Church on Facebook, phone Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 873-5564 or email info.cumc@gmail.com.