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)
Tuesday, June 10 Polls open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Absentee ballots available May 12 – June 5.

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
Mon., June 2, 6:30 p.m. Vassalboro Community School
Town Elections
Tues., June 10, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Vassalboro Community School

WINDSOR

Town meeting
Wednesday, June 11, 6:30 p.m.
Windsor Elementary School
Voting
Tuesday, June 10, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Windsor Elementary School
Absentee ballots available May 9 – June 5
*   *   *

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

EVENTS: Spaghetti supper to benefit Winslow Community Cupboard Food Pantry

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Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry – which serves food-insecure children, seniors, and other adults from Winslow, Waterville, and 22 surrounding towns – will hold a Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser at Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, on Saturday, March 1, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. A donation of $9.95 for adults and $4.95 for children under 12 is kindly requested. All proceeds will benefit Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry.

The delicious spaghetti supper can be enjoyed as a sit-down meal at the church or as a to-go treat. The meal will include spaghetti, salad, bread, and a drink. To place a to-go order, please call (207) 616-0076 on Saturday, March 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Those who may not be able to attend, but who would like to help food-insecure children and adults in Central Maine, may send a much-appreciated check payable to “Winslow Community Cupboard”, to 12 Lithgow St., Winslow, ME 04901, or by donating online at WCCPantry.com.

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

EVENTS: Lincoln County Democrats to hear labor union experts

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The Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC) hosts two experts on the labor movement at its monthly meeting on Thursday, February 27, at 7 p.m.

The meeting will be in a hybrid format. Participants can join in person at the Newcastle Fire Station, 86 River Road, and can be attended on Zoom as well.

Guest speakers are Giovanna Gray Lockhart, executive director of the Frances Perkins Center (an organization dedicated to workers’ rights advocate Frances Perkins), and Cynthia Phinney, president of the Maine AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations).

Lockhart will present an overview of Frances Perkins (the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet), who was Secretary of Labor for the entire tenure of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidency.

Perkins was the driving force behind the groundbreaking New Deal programs on which Americans still rely—Social Security, unemployment insurance, the 40-hour work week, and the minimum wage. She spent summers throughout her life at her ancestral family homestead in Newcastle, now the nonprofit, nonpartisan Frances Perkins Center.

Lockhart will address Perkins’ historical work and the recent designation of the Center as a National Historic Landmark in December

Phinney will discuss the importance of the AFL-CIO’s policy work to protect workers and maintain the social safety net that Perkins championed.

All Lincoln County Democrats and unenrolled progressives are welcome to attend the meeting. LCDC voting members will automatically receive the Zoom log on information and reminders by email. Those interested in becoming a voting member must be a registered Democrat in Lincoln County and may make their interest known by indicating so at the in-person meeting, on the meeting registration form at lincolncountydemocrats.com/meet, or by emailing info@lincolncountydemocrats.com.

Pre-registration for the meeting is required for non-voting members who want to receive Zoom log on and/or phone-in details. Register before noon the day of the meeting to ensure access. However, LCDC will do its best to accommodate last-minute registrations.

More information about LCDC, its meetings, and other activities can be found at https://lincolncountydemocrats.com. Questions can be emailed to info@lincolncountydemocrats.com.

EVENTS: Palermo planning to meet

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The Palermo Planning Board will meet Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Palermo Town Office, at 6 p.m.

Purpose – is to conduct official review of plans for the proposed Pine Hill subdivision on Hostile Valley Road, Tax Map R11, Lot 27C.

EVENTS: North Pond Pike fishing derby slated for Saturday

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The North Pond Association is hosting a Pike Ice Fishing Derby at North Pond from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m., on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

This family fun derby features two divisions: one for participants aged 16 and older, and another for children aged 15 and under. Prizes in both divisions are awarded based on the heaviest pike caught. In the first division, the prizes are $500 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place. The prize for the children’s division is a Lifetime Fishing License. Organizers will be stationed at the boat landing on North Shore Drive on the Mercer/Smithfield town line for the weigh-in at the end of the derby. Come on out and make a day of it!

Tickets can be purchased online until just before the kick off of the derby on Saturday, February 22, at 6 a.m. $15 for ages 16 and up and $5 for ages 15 and under.

LINK FOR TICKETS: www.northpondmaine.org or search north pond pike derby and the TICKET tab is at the top.

Derby Rules and Details

You are responsible for knowing and following all applicable Maine Fishing Laws and Rules found online at the link provided.

Laws & Rules: Fishing: Fishing & Boating: Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Organizers will decide the day before the derby whether the ice conditions are safe. However, you are responsible for ensuring the ice is safe for yourself, your equipment, and any guests you bring.

Check the Facebook event page as they share updates on the leaderboard.

The weigh-in station will be located at the boat landing on North Shore Drive near the CBI shelter. Submissions for weigh in starts at 6 a.m.

They reserve the right to decline any submission from individuals suspected of cheating and will notify the warden service.

Your pike must be free of all snow, ice and not be frozen solid prior to weigh in.

They will note your name along with the weight, length, and the time you weighed in for any tiebreakers.

In the event there’s a line of submissions right at 2 p.m., they will ensure everyone gets recorded within a reasonable time.

Once your submission is recorded you are free to take your fish back with you. If you do not wish to keep your pike, they will take it off your hands.