Image Credit: chinalakeassociation.org
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SHEEPSCOT LAKE ASSN.
THURSDAY, JULY 21
7 p.m.
Palermo Consolidated School
Route 3
CHINA LAKE
SATURDAY, JULY 30
9 – 10:30 a.m.
China Middle School
Lakeview Drive
WEBBER POND
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13
10 a.m.
Vassalboro Community School
Webber Pond Road
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To be included in this list, contact The Town Line at townline@fairpoint.net.
Courtney with her son. (contributed photo)
“You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help you will be well.” This is the encouragement offered at every step by volunteers from Postpartum Support International or PSI, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness around postpartum mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, psychosis and bi-polar conditions. PSI’s mission is “to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide.”
In 2017 Courtney, a lifelong resident of central Maine, gave birth to her son. A momentous occasion, she welcomed this significant life event with open arms and an open heart. However, soon she realized something was out of whack: her emotions. Not long after the birth, Courtney began struggling with depression and psychosis – the former more commonly known, the latter less known and much more severe. This diagnosis led to hospitalization and Courtney’s journey to become well was jump-started when she got involved with a PSI group. In October 2021, Courtney became a PSI coordinator, and now works as a volunteer connecting postpartum Mainers in need of help to local resources through a hotline.
One in seven women develop a postpartum disorder. Lesser known, perhaps, is that one in ten fathers or birth partners will experience anxiety or depression after the birth of a child. Postpartum by definition, is considered the period just after childbirth to the first year after birth. Symptoms can appear as early as during pregnancy and can include depression, PTSD anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, or postpartum psychosis. Navigating these conditions as a brand new parent can be overwhelming to say the least. Maintaining relationships and taking care of yourself can feel out of reach, especially living in a rural area where it can be hard to stay connected to your community. Feelings of depression, isolation, anxiety, or other postpartum conditions exacerbate the difficulties of new parenthood and can sometimes lead to increased disconnection from both your immediate family and wider community.
Courtney’s own experience with postpartum depression and psychosis motivated her to help others going through what she did. She says, “The important thing to remember is that these feelings are not your fault.” After giving birth, Courtney blamed herself for the feelings she had. To any new parents in a similar situation, Courtney knows exactly what it feels like to go through all of this and yet, “It made me a stronger person overall.” In 2020, she attended an online PSI “Climb”. This year Courtney and two friends, Rebekah and Amanda, are organizing an event in China for local families.
“Climb Out of Darkness” announcement poster.
Team Central Maine’s “Climb out of the Darkness” is a family friendly event that will be held at the China Community Forest on Saturday, July 23, beginning at 2 p.m. The Climb is PSI’s biggest fundraiser for the year and all money goes towards training for professionals, perinatal mental health certificates, and educational webinars. The event itself provides a platform for connection and strength in the community. Folks looking to get involved, give donations, share through social media, look up the event on Facebook (search Team Central Maine), and local businesses can become a sponsor. There will be a photo booth, cornhole, fun giveaways, and other activities for kids (snacks will be provided) in addition to a resource table for anyone seeking information about postpartum mood disorders, what they are, and how to help those experiencing it. The route is stroller friendly and available to walkers of all abilities. “You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help you will be well.” This PSI mantra is a lifeline for many and a deep reminder that help and wellness is within reach.
The children’s reading program starts Tuesday, June 21, and will run until August 30, with the final drawing on September 1. For each book a child reads, a ticket goes in for a drawing. A ticket is drawn once a week for a $5 gift certificate for the Jefferson Scoop. At the end of the summer, there will be a drawing for the grand prize of a $25 gift certificate to Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop, in Damariscotta. The Jefferson Public Library’s summer hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 4 – 7 p.m., effective Tuesday, June 21. The library is located in the Jefferson Village School, 48 Washington Road.
Also during the summer, Midcoast Conservancy will be running four programs for children:
June 29 – Fantastic World of Fungi
Davis Stream Preserve , 4 – 5 p.m.
From the mushrooms in your yard to the lichen on a gravestone to the yeast in our bread, fungi are all around us! During this half mile hike, we will explore the mushroom, lichens and other kinds of fungi we encounter and discuss why they are important to the forest and the creatures that live in it.
July 6 – Tree Trek
West Branch Preseve, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
On this one mile hike, we will meet some of Maine’s common trees and learn how to tell them apart from each other. Along the way, we will create a “Tree of Trees” and use it to identify the trees we are seeing around us!
July 20 – Track Trail Scavenger Hunt
Davis Stream Preserve, self guided between 2 and 5 p.m.
Can you find all the animal tracks along this half mile hike? Take a Track Trail sheet with you and draw all the animal tracks you find. Complete the scavenger hunt for a free ice cream cone from the Jefferson Scoop.
August 17 – Macroinvertebrate Mission
Hidden Valley Nature Center, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Let’s explore the tiny but important creatures that live in our waters -macroinvertebrates. After a brief hike, participants will collect samples of insects and other critters from Hay Bale Pond to identify and learn about.
For more information on the Midcoast Conservancy’s programs, contact Skye Cahoon, MCC Environmental Land Steward at 207.389.5150 or landmcc@midcoastconservancy.org
For the first time ever, Maine hosts the Cal Ripken U12 Major 60 World Series right here in Waterville and Oakland. Twelve teams from across the United States play six pool play games per day from August 6 – 10, with playoff games, August 11 – 13. Games will be played at Purnell Wrigley, in Waterville, and Maine’s Fenway, in Oakland.
Bill Green
For 20 years, Green was host and executive producer of “Bill Green’s Maine.” Having retired from his 47-year television career in November 2019, Bill is an inductee to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame, the Maine Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame, and the Silver Circle of the New England Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Ferguson Jenkins
“Fergie” is an All Star Major League Baseball player who pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox from 1965 to 1983. He was the first Canadian and Cubs pitcher to win a Cy Young Award.
Lou Pinella
MLB Alumnus “Sweet Lou” played 16 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees. He was named AL Rookie of the Year in 1969 and captured two World Series championships with the Yankees in ‘77 and ’78.
Lions Club members from around the state came together on Sunday, June 12, at the Buker Community Center, in Augusta, to celebrate their clubs and members’ achievements.
Lions Clubs International (LCI) was formed in 1917 by Melvin Jones, a businessman who believed that by developing clubs with caring people they could serve the needs of their communities. LCIF has expanded to over 200 countries and territories and 1.4 M members serving their communities and world needs.
LCI formed a 501C3 Foundation (LCIF) in 1968 and has awarded over $1.1 billion in grants to Disaster Relief, Vision, Diabetes, Hunger, Childhood Cancer, Youth, Humanitarian Causes, and the Environment.
International Director John Youney and Past International Director (PID) Rod Wright recognized the new Melvin Jones Fellows (MJF). When a Lions Club or member donates $1,000 to LCIF for Disaster Relief or Empowering Services. 1,000 credits are issued for each $1,000 donated and may be used to recognize an individual with a MJF plaque. This recognition is the highest recognition LCIF gives out. This year 31 new MJF have or will be recognized.
The above recognitions could have impacted the lives of more than 12,700 people in need.
Three Lions Clubs qualified to receive a Community Impact Grant (value $750+). Falmouth, Jay/Livermore Falls, and Skowhegan.
Lion Michelle Shores, Waterville Lions Club, presented Stories That Warm the Heart, and introduced the first place winner, Lion Louise Neuts, and told by Lion Dawn Connelly.
The Lion members who were involved in singing songs are, Paula Beach, Skowhegan Lions Club, Regal Naseef and Gwen Bassinger, Falmouth Lions Club, and Jeff Woolston, Winthrop Lions Club. Back-up music, Mike Mahoney of M&M Entertainment.
Lions Clubs involved in the Celebration are as follows; Bridgton, Camden, Clinton, Cumberland/North Yarmouth, Falmouth, Farmington, Freeport Lioness, Gardiner/Augusta, Jay/Livermore Falls, Manchester, Massabesic, New Portland, Oakland, Searsport, Searsport Bay Area, Skowhegan, Stratton-Eustis, Waterville, Westbrook, Winthrop, and Yarmouth.
Sheepscot Lake Association will be hosting its Annual General Membership meeting on Thursday, July 21, at 7 p.m., at the Palermo Consolidated School, on Rte 3. Please attend that evening to renew your membership, meet your neighbors, and discuss the programs that help keep the lake healthy. The Courtesy Boast Inspection Program, LakeSmart, Water Quality Testing, and the annual loon count are all important programs that need membership involvement to continue functioning. If you are not able to attend the meeting and would like to renew your membership, join SLA, or get involved in one of these programs, please email at sheepscotlakeassoc@gmail.com, or visit the website www.sheepscotlakeassocation.org.
Unity Area Parkinson’s Support Group now meets 3rd Monday of the month from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., at Unity Barn Raisers Community Building at 32 School St., in Unity. Come for education, support and free info. Call Eleanor at 948-1474 or email: dogisland52@gmail.com for more info.
Captain David Sulin in Civil War attire. (photo by Mrs. Sulin)
Learn about Palermo Soldiers’ role in the Battle of Gettysburg at the Palermo Community Library’s Annual Meeting.
The Palermo Community Library will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the annual meeting on Sunday, July 10, 2022, at 2 p.m. The Palermo Historical Society joins the library in co-hosting our featured speaker, Captain Sulin, a member of Maine 20th Volunteer Infantry Company B reenactors. Captain Sulin will tell us about soldiers from Palermo and their role in the Battle of Gettysburg. He will also bring lots of artifacts and personal items from the Civil War.
Although the meeting starts at 2 p.m., Captain Sulin encourages the public to come as early as 1 p.m. to look at his large display and ask any questions you may have. Captain Sulin’s talk will serve as a nice lead-in to the Maine 20th reenactor’s Palermo Days encampment next to the Worthing House August 12, 13, and 14.
This is a public meeting and all are invited. Light refreshments will be served. The library is located at 2789 Route 3. For more information call 993-6088 or email palermomelibrary@gmail.com or visit www.palermo.lib.me.us.
Bryan Bielanski
Bryan Bielanski, singer-songwriter, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is touring the United States in 2022 to promote his new music release and will perform on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, in Warren, at Saint George River Cafe.
Imagine Nirvana and the Beatles had a kid together who became an acoustic rock singer-songwriter: that’s Bryan Bielanski! Although he is inspired by some of the rock greats like Tom Petty and REM, he has a distinct musical style and lyrics that make you think deep thoughts and feel like you’re really alive! This critically acclaimed globetrotting singer-songwriter has been touring the US and the world for the last 10 years.
During that time, Bryan Bielanski has performed in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Austria, Belgium, California, Canada, China, Colorado, Connecticut, Costa Rica, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Italy, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Luxembourg, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mexico, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Netherlands, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Poland, Russia, South Carolina, South Dakota, Switzerland, Tennessee, Texas, Thailand, United Kingdom, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Bryan Bielanski is full of fun energy and catchy songs and he is ready to entertain you!
“Bryan’s Super Happy Fun Time II is a catchy, bouncy, musical journey for the senses.” – Teresa Robinson (New Mexico Entertainment Magazine, Albuquerque, New Mexico)
“Road warrior Bryan Bielanski takes happy songs, positive vibes from city to city.” Kyle Peveto (Baton Rouge Advocate daily periodical, Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
“On his website, Bielanski describes his music as : ‘If The Beatles and Nirvana had a kid together.’ That’s a pretty bold statement, but by the end of the 73-plus minutes (Bryan’s Super Happy Fun Time I run time), the listener has been given ample proof that the description is actually very accurate.” – Johnny Vinyl (Go! Eastern Oregon Magazine, La Grande, Oregon)
“Bryan has so much passion in his music. The songs sound really great” Scott Litt – Producer (REM, Nirvana)
“Catchy… the vocal melodies and guitar solos are sweetly delivered with an honest sense of urgency.” Gordon Lamb (Flagpole Magazine, Athens, Georgia)
“…intelligent and musically coherent power pop with soul.” Woody Mitchell (Charlotte Observer daily periodical, Charlotte, North Carolina)
“East Coast singer-songwriter packs more hooks than a tackle box!” Erika Boling (Metrospirit Magazine, Augusta, Georgia)
Debra Winger
The Maine International Film Festival (MIFF) will present its annual Mid-Life Achievement Award to actor Debra Winger at a special ceremony held at the Waterville Opera House, on Friday, July 15, following a special 35mm screening of A Dangerous Woman, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination. Best known as an Academy Award nominee for her work in An Officer and a Gentleman, Terms of Endearment, and Shadowlands, Winger has had a stellar acting career, working in a wide variety of genres with directors including Bernardo Bertolucci, Jonathan Demme, James L. Brooks, Bob Rafelson, and James Bridges.
“We’re tremendously excited to have Debra join us at the festival this year, and to have the chance to showcase the wide diversity of films that she’s given great performances in,” said MIFF programming director Ken Eisen.
Winger played Diana Prince’s younger sister in the television series Wonder Woman before appearing opposite John Travolta in her first major film, Urban Cowboy, for which she earned BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations. Winger continued to rise to stardom throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, winning a National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress for Terms of Endearment and a second BAFTA nomination for Shadowlands. Other accolades followed, including National Society of Film Critics Award nominations for Everybody Wins and The Sheltering Sky and a Golden Globe nomination for A Dangerous Woman, co-starring 2016 MIFF Mid-Life Achievement Award honoree Gabriel Byrne. After an acting hiatus in the late 1990s, Winger returned to acting, giving acclaimed performances in Dawn Anna, Rachel Getting Married, Law & Order, and The Ranch.
The Mid-Life Achievement Award presentation will be followed by a party in Winger’s honor at Front & Main, 9 Main Street, Waterville. Admission to the party will be limited to ticket purchasers of the screening and festival pass holders. Winger will be in Waterville for several days of the Festival for screenings of Mike’s Murder, The Lovers, and The Sheltering Sky.
“As we celebrate an incredible MIFF milestone this year – our 25th anniversary – we could not have asked for a more influential and adored special guest than Debra, whose groundbreaking career has made such an impact on American cinema,” said Maine Film Center Executive Director Mike Perreault.
Festival passes are now on sale at MIFF.org. The complete MIFF program was announced on June 10, when tickets were made available for purchase online.