Mosaic workshop to be held on Sept. 13 for grieving children

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Hope’s Place for grieving children, a program of Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, will be offering the art workshop: Create a Mosaic, geared towards children ages 6 to 18. This activity will give children the opportunity to express their feelings of grief and remember their loved one while creating a beautiful piece of art. The workshop will be held on Monday, September 13, from 6 – 7:30 p.m., in the Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area Healing Garden, 304 Main Street, in Waterville. Create a Mosaic will be facilitated by professional glass artist, Lucie Boucher (stoneridgeglass.com). To register, contact Jillian Roy, Phone 873-3615 x 19 or email jroy@hvwa.org. Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area will follow the current CDC COVID 19 guidelines and recommendations for in person meetings.

Scouting lets you escape the inside

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Gabriel Daniel Lawyerson, of Troop #216. (contributed photo)

by Chuck Mahaleris

This Fall, as students go indoors back to school, the local Scouts will be inviting those students to join them as they “Escape the Inside.” The Membership Recruitment theme “Escape the Inside” will be used on promotional material such as fliers, posters, and lawn signs as a way of informing youth and their parents that Scouting plans to deliver fun programs in outdoor settings.

“A boy is not a sitting-down animal,” – Robert Baden-Powell, Founder of Scouting.

“Scouting works best when we bring the Scouts into the outdoors,” said Kennebec Valley District of Scouting Vice Chairman Chuck Mahaleris, of Augusta. “Our Cub Packs, Scout Troops and Venture Crews have been busy all summer long having adventures. Scouts in this area spent their summer camping, hiking, shooting at the archery range, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and challenging themselves.

They didn’t get a lot of time to sit down. They learned about cooking over an open fire and how to save someone’s life in the woods. Some of our Scouts went white water rafting and many spent part of their summer helping their community. In September, our Cub Packs, Scout Troops and Venture Crews will be opening their doors to new members- youth who are tired of sitting around and want to get outside and have fun and do things.”

The three largest parts of Scouting are:

Cub Scouting which is fun for the whole family of boys and girls in grades K-5. It’s fun, hands-on learning and achievement that puts kids in the middle of the action and prepares them for today – and for life.

The next level is Scouts BSA which is for boys and girls ages 11-17 and is the traditional Scouting experience for youth in the fifth grade through high school. Service, community engagement and leadership development become increasingly important parts of the program as youth lead their own activities and work their way toward earning Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout.

Venturing is for teens age 14-20 and perfect for those kids looking for the next mountain to climb.

There will be Scouting sign up opportunities in every town and fliers will be distributed to students where allowed, and here are the contacts for the Scouting program in your area.

The Kennebec Valley District of Scouting, which covers Somerset, Lincoln, Knox, Kennebec and Franklin Counties, will also be adding Sea Scouting and Exploring programs later this year.

“Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting worldwide, said ‘the open air is the real objective of Scouting and the key to its success.’ Our Scouting leaders are eager to get the youth in their programs out into the great outdoors of our state and let the Scouting shine,” Mahaleris said.

Volunteers firefighters to hold Picnic in Palermo

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Photo: Palermo VFD Facebook

The Palermo Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) will be holding a fundraiser on Sunday, August 22, from noon – 4 p.m., in the Branch Mills Village field opposite the old Dowe General Store (2 N. Palermo Rd). You invited to join in fellowship and see old friends, welcome new residents, celebrate the community, and raise important funds.

The VFD will be grilling local burgers and hot dogs, from Haskell & Daughter Beef, with veggies and sides from Wild Miller Farm. Tickets are $10 ($12 on the day of the event) and available at the Palermo Town Office, Community Library and Tobey’s Grocery. Volunteers who would like to assist or participate in the event should contact Will Armstrong (armstrongpalermo@gmail.com or 993-5016).

The picnic will feature a controlled burn and the return of the VFD’s Engine No. 4! They will host Palermo authors Gary Dyer (Apple Pie and Sharp Cheese) and Jeanette Scates (the upcoming There Wasn’t Always Peace in the Valley). The VFD is delighted to have support from other Palermo organizations, including the Branch Mills Grange, the Malcolm Glidden American Legion Post #163 and Auxiliary, the Palermo Community Library, and more.

They will have metal folding chair seating and some lawn games on hand, but, you are invited to bring your own of each.

Disabled parking is available on-site and village parking is nearby.

Prize Vegetable Contest & Children’s Best-Decorated Fruit or Vegetable Award

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Branch Mills Grange #336. (photo courtesy of the Kennebec Journal)

The Branch Mills Grange (20 Branch Mills Road) is hosting two agricultural contests during the Palermo VFD’s picnic, a Prize Vegetable Award and Children’s Best-Decorated Fruit or Vegetable Award, each with cash prizes! Children aged one through 12 are welcome to decorate a fruit or vegetable in their favorite style – they want entries with flair (googly eyes welcome).

Registration is on Friday, August 20, and Saturday, August 21, from 3 – 6 p.m., at the Grange. Prizes will be awarded on Sunday, August 22, during the Palermo Volunteer Fire Department fundraiser.

DEP’s Basic and Advanced Erosion Control Practices training offered

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District and Maine DEP are co-sponsoring an in-person day-long training in Basic and Advanced Erosion Control Practices Certification for Contractors on Thursday, September 16, 2021, at Union Town Office, 567 Common Road, Union. The training will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and includes a morning refreshments and lunch.

If you are an excavation contractor, landscaper, well driller, or other individual involved with soil disturbance within the shoreland zone and have not yet taken a class, sign up now so that you won’t have to turn away jobs! John Maclaine, of Maine DEP, will facilitate this course, which is necessary to become a Contractor Certified in Erosion and Sedimentation Control Practices by the Department.

Pre-registration with payment of $60 (mail-in registration) / $62 (online registration) is required by Friday, September 10. Attendees may register and pay online or download a registration form from the Knox-Lincoln SWCD website at https://www.knox-lincoln.org/events-workshops/basic-erosion-and-sediment-control-practices-contractor-certification-training or for more information, contact Knox-Lincoln SWCD office at 596-2040, julie@knox-lincoln.org.

Knox-Lincoln SWCD is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Glen Campbell Alzheimer’s concert planned in Windsor

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Glen Campbell

There will be a free public concert and fundraiser for the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association on Friday night, August 27, at 7 p.m., in the Windsor Town Hall auditorium. Dwight Tibbetts and the Downeast Brass Quintet have organized an evening concert featuring the life and music of the late Glen Campbell. The popularity of Campbell’s music and his early death from Al­zheim­er’s combine to make his life a compelling story of living with this common illness.

The program will be a presentation of slides, narration, and music by the Downeast Brass plus a local drummer, Rick LaChance. Campbell struggled with substance abuse, womanizing, and overwork as his fame increased rapidly. As his popularity and wealth grew, his alcohol and drug abuse escalated. His early Christian upbringing was eventually pivotal in helping him turn around his private life.

After his family started noticing his increasing memory losses and confusion, Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2011. He and several of his adult children made a documentary and final concert tour to say goodbye to his fans. His last concert was on November 30, 2012. He died on August 8, 2017, at age 81.

Most of us have been touched by this prevalent disease. Please come and celebrate Glen’s music and his message of hope and forgiveness. The Downeast Brass plan to perform this program in several venues around the state. All donations will be given to the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. (alz.org/maine).

Central Maine youth ballplayers meet the big leaguers

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Carson Mattice, center, and Wyatt Jones, right, get autographs from 2004 Red Sox World Series closer Keith Foulke. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

Charles Ferris, 10, of Waterville, has a baseball signed by former Red Sox pitcher Bill Lee. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography

Thanks to the generosity of Ray Haskell, the youth in Maine have had the opportunity to attend a baseball clinic working with the Alfond Youth and Community Center, at Maine’s Fenway Park, in Oakland, and Purnell Wrigley Field, in Waterville. This year’s event was hosted at Purnell Wrigley Field on August 11, in which 100 youth from around the state attended.

The clinic was conducted by the Major League Baseball Alumni Association, led by Geoff Hixson and the Red Sox Foundation. Former MLB players came along to help that included 2004 World Series closer Keith Foulke, former Red Sox Bill Lee, Mike Torrez, Tom Burgmeier, Steve Crawford, Chico Walker, Rick Miller, Jerry Martin, Kevin Buckley, along with other players including former MLB players from Maine, Matt Kinney and Pete Ladd.

After the clinic all the ball players attended the annual Golf Fundraiser at the Waterville Country Club. Thanks to Ray Haskell and the golf steering committee over $1,000,000 has been raised supporting programs at the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA over the past 15 years.

Waterville Cal Ripken Baseball team member Carson Mattice said, “I loved meeting the players. It was such a cool experience meeting players who were once at my level and age, who made it to the major leagues.” Carsons dad Stephen Mattice said, “As a parent, I would say that I truly appreciate these gentlemen coming out and spending some time with the kids and providing them with some advice and tips. They were all extremely down to earth and friendly to all.”

Cameron McInnis, 10, of Waterville, said “it was awesome! I enjoyed getting autographs from the players that were there. I really enjoyed the pitching tips I learned!”

This was surely a great opportunity for kids of all ages.

Tom Burgneier, major league pitcher for the California Angels, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox and Oakland A’s teaches the finer points of pitching to local youth. (photos by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

Vassalboro Library to host animal events

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Photo: Vassalboro Public Library

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 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.

Photo: Vassalboro Public Library

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.

 

 

 

 

Second vaccines available in China

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People who got their first Covid-19 vaccination at the pop-up clinic in China on Saturday, July 24, are reminded to return for a second shot on Tuesday, Aug. 24, from 8 to 9 a.m., at the same site, the portable building behind the town office.

Town Manager Becky Hapgood surmises the limited time is because only 14 people got initial shots; those running the follow-up clinic expect to be able to finish second shots in an hour.

Gibbs Library to feature Maine artist Kay Sullivan

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Sample art from Kay Sullivan

Kay Sullivan is a Maine-based artist whose work from nature reflects time’s passing: its rhythms, cycles, seasons. Kay received her MFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is a juried member of the Pastel Society of America. Her award-winning work has been exhibited in numerous juried and group shows and is held in private collections across the country. Kay lives in Palermo, with her husband and daughter. Her website is www.KaySullivanStudio.com.

Kay states about her work, “These places in my drawings are my home: my garden, river, and woods. As I continue to explore this land which has been in my husband’s family for generations, I am acutely aware of time’s passing. It is evident in the changes of days and the rhythms of seasons. Through the movement of my hand, in my lines and marks on the page, I make my connection with nature’s energy. These marks are the evidence I leave, the history of my time here in this place.”

The Gibbs Library is located at 40 Old Union Road, Washington, Maine. For more information call the library at (207)845-2663.