Vassalboro Public Library summer reading program a huge success

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Throughout the summer 67 students, all members of the Vassalboro library, participated in the Summer Reading Program “Bikes for Books,” sponsored by Vassalboro Masonic Lodge #54. Mid-June the children signed up for the program and received a welcome packet which included a free book, start-up prizes and reading logs. They also received one raffle ticket for signing up which went into the bike raffle. For every two hours read after signup, and recorded in reading logs, students received another ticket to add to the raffle. There were 12 bikes total to win – all sponsored by the Vassalboro Masonic Lodge- sized 16″, 20″ 24″ and 28″, to accommodate the different ages of the participants.

The incentive for students was immediately apparent to library staff. Many of the participating children were eager to win a bike. About 15 students were reading 15-40 hours a week, and up to 40 came often to the library to turn in reading logs for more raffle tickets. By August 28, once the final tally came in, the 67 participating students had read a total of 1,622 hours!

On August 28 the library director, Brian Stanley, assistant librarian, and two trustees gathered with members of the Masonic lodge to raffle off the bikes. Participating families were welcome to get free ice cream, to have their faces painted by a pro – Face paint Amy – and to get a free library T-shirt. Many of the winning students were present to receive the bikes and others were called who were not present. All in all 12 eager and happy students received bikes and the 1,622 hours read became a great incentive for the Library and Masonic Lodge to hold similar events in the coming years.

During the summer the Vassalboro Library also sponsored many programs for the area youth including Northern Stars Planetarium, Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers, Chewonki – Tidepools and Fins and Flippers – the LC Bates Museum and weekly storytimes. Check the library’s website and Facebook for future events.

EVENTS: Bryan Bielanski to perform in Warren Aug. 30

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Bryan Bielanski

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 U.S. 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 will be performing Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at Saint George River Café, in Warren.

 

 

EVENTS: Recycled Shakespeare Company to perform Much Ado About Nothing

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Sarah Mayven Crocker, back left, and Justine Wiesinger, back right, play the sparring Benedict and Beatrice with the slandered lovers Claudio, played by Emily Carlton, front left, and Hero played, by Helena Page, front right, in Recycled Shakespeare Company’s presentation of Much Ado About Nothing. (photo by Vanessa Glazier)

Submitted by Lyn Rowden

Recycled Shakespeare Company (RSC) is bringing fun and romance to the end of summer with their free performances of William Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.

Come hear some of the best witty repartee by Shakespeare when a strong independent woman tries to maintain her liberty in a battle of words with a jocular aristocratic soldier. Contrasting them are another couple caught up in scandalous gossip which comes dangerously close to ruining them. Meanwhile the officers of the law try to discover the truth despite their bumbling antics.

Bring a chair or blanket to see Much Ado About Nothing in an outdoor performance on Friday, August 19, at 6:30 p.m., in Mill Island Park, Fairfield. The theater in Central Hall Commons in Dover-Foxcroft will be the venue on Saturday, August 20, at 6:30 p.m. South Parish Congregational Church, in Augusta, welcomes all to their stage for a 2 p.m., matinee on Sunday, August 21. Concessions will be sold and donations most gratefully received at each show. Reservations for front row/best view tickets in Dover-Foxcroft and Augusta may be guaranteed with a $10 donation by calling 207-314-4730. As with all plays by RSC this show is free of charge and accessible to all. Much Ado About Nothing is a family friendly production.

The following weekend RSC travels to Aroostook County to perform outdoors at the Limestone Renaissance Faire, at Albert Michaud Memorial Park, at 1 p.m, on Saturday, August 27, and at noon on Sunday, August 28. Also on August 27, see the show at 7 p.m., at the historical Musee Culturel Du Mont Carmel, in Grand Isle.

RSC is Maine’s premier environmentally conscious, grassroots community theater. Dedicated to their motto that “all who want a part get a part,” this troupe is comprised of people of all ages and abilities from seasoned actors to first timers who come together to build Shakespearean plays from the ground up using royalty-free and primarily recycled­/repurposed materials. RSC is proudly a founding member of the international EarthShakes Alliance to promote and practice the art of green theater.

For more information on becoming part of RSC or attending an event visit Recyledshakespeare.org, like and follow them on Facebook, email recycledshakespeare@gmail.com or call 207-314-4730.

Local novelist launches “Read a story, feed a child” effort

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David M. Carew, author of the new murder mystery/love story Lucy’s in the Neighborhood — set in contemporary Waterville — has launched the “Read a Story, Feed a Child” effort to benefit Winslow Comm­unity Cupboard food pantry.

Dave Carew

“For every copy of Lucy’s in the Neigh­borhood purchased online throughout August, I will make a donation to Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry,” said Carew. “And for every order specifically placed from Monday, August 22, through Wednesday, August 24, I will donate 100 percent of my author royalties to the food pantry.” He noted that the food pantry now serves more than 200 families from Winslow, Waterville (30 percent of clientele), Clinton, and Benton.

Hailed as “a stellar story … engaging, entertaining, and intelligent”, by Roy E. Perry, Book Reviewer (retired) for The Tennessean, Lucy’s in the Neighborhood, set in Waterville, is available online from Maine Authors Publishing.

David M. Carew, of Waterville, is the author of the novels Voice from the Gutter and Everything Means Nothing to Me: A Novel of Underground Nashville, which The Tennessean hailed as “haunting, beautiful, powerful.” He worked for more than 20 years as a publicist in Nashville before returning to Maine in 2016.

For more information, please visit Maine Authors Publishing online or call (207) 594-0091.

EVENTS: China Community Days schedule of events Friday, August 5 – Sunday, August 7

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[See also: Planning well underway for China Community Days festivities]

EVENTS: Delightful “All Things Blueberry” festival promises loads of family fun

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WINSLOW, ME — One of Maine’s all-time most popular, beloved, and downright yummy summer events—Winslow’s annual Blueberry Festival—is coming this year on Saturday, August 13, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., to Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow. Admission to the festival grounds is free.

Nearly 750 mouth-watering blueberry pies and “all things blueberry” baked goods will be available for sale. Blueberry pies ($12 each) may be picked up at the church anytime from 3 to 7 p.m., the previous evening (Friday, August 12) or the day of the festival (Saturday the 13) from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kicking off the 51st Annual Blueberry Festival on Saturday will be a delicious Blueberry Pancake Breakfast, from 7 to 10 a.m. Cost of the breakfast will be $7 per person and $5 for children age 12 and under, payable at the door.

Other Great “Festival Festivities”

In addition to the “all things blueberry” pies and other culinary delights, festival patrons will enjoy a Lobster Shore-Dinner Raffle; live classical, pop, folk, and blues music; local crafts vendors; a yard sale; a popcorn vendor; a silent auction; basket raffles; an agricultural exhibit featuring goats; and a firetruck and police car.

Night-Before (Friday Evening) Chicken Bar-B-Q Supper To-Go

The night before the Blueberry Festival, there will be a Friday-evening (August 12) Chicken Bar-B-Q Supper To-Go (with “all the fixins’”) at Winslow Congregational Church. The Chicken Bar-B-Q Supper will run from 3 to 7 p.m. Blueberry pies, blueberry baked goods, and a yard sale also will be available during the Friday-evening supper, plus you’ll enjoy live music. Cost of the Chicken Bar-B-Q supper is $12 per person, payable at the event. The supper will be served by Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry volunteers and all proceeds will benefit the food pantry.

More about the 51st Annual Blueberry Festival

A beloved community favorite since 1972, the Blueberry Festival raises funds to empower the local humanitarian/Christian-service work of Winslow Congregational Church. Celebrating its 193rd birthday this year, the historic church is housed in a building dating from 1796, which has been home to a worshipping congregation since 1828.

Everyone seeking a wonderful opportunity to gather and enjoy a treasure trove of “all things blueberry” is cordially invited to attend this year’s Blueberry Festival. Mark your calendar now!

For more information about the 51st annual Blueberry Festival, please visit: https://winslowucc.org/blueberry-festival/.

Waterville Opera House announces 2023 season

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The Waterville Opera House (WOH) is delighted to announce its 2023 theatrical season. Two amazing musicals and two entertaining plays will reignite the stage of the historic 120-year-old theatre in downtown Waterville.

“We’re excited to bring this amazing selection of theatrical productions to life for our community,” says Michelle Sweet, executive director of the Waterville Opera House. “Our season dates have changed, but our quality and passion haven’t.”

Opening the 2023 season is “The Play That Goes Wrong” (March 31-April 9). Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes, this Olivier Award–winning comedy is a laugh riot, featuring accident-prone thespians who battle against all odds to finish their play as it progresses from bad to utterly disastrous with hilarious consequences.

The show of the summer is “Rock of Ages” (June 16-25). Featuring smash-hit songs from the 1980s, this musical sensation follows several dreamers and aspiring stars as they attempt to save their beloved Sunset Strip venue from encroaching strip mall development.

Mystery abounds in “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” (September 1-10). This whodunnit story follows famed detective Hercule Poirot as he tries to determine who murdered an American tycoon aboard a packed train before the killer strikes again.

Kicking off the holiday season is “Elf the Musical” (November 17-26). Based on the beloved holiday film from New Line Cinema, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy, a young orphan, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and grows up in the North Pole before eventually embarking on a journey to discover his true identity.

“From laugh-a-minute comedy to suspense-filled mystery to full-on musical spectacle, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy!” says Sweet. “I hope to tempt our theatre patrons back to the Waterville Opera House in record numbers by offering a 2023 Season Pass to catch all four of these crowd-pleasing offerings at a discount.”

Tickets for all four shows will go on sale to Waterville Creates members on September 5 and to the general public on September 12. Season Passes, giving a 20 percent discount when purchasing tickets for all four shows, will also be available.

For more information, visit operahouse.org or call 207-873-7000.

Tina’s Daylilies to donate 20 percent of sales on July 23 to MS research

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Once again Tina White, owner of Tina’s Daylilies, will be hosting an annual garden party fundraiser. This is the eighth year that Tina’s Daylilies has held this event. They will have door prizes, refreshments and Tina says “we will have lots of blooms!” Each year 20 percent of the proceeds that day is donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for MS research, along with donations others give that day or on line. “Research for a cure is what we really need”, White says.

Multiple Sclerosis is an incurable, progressive disease that attacks the central nervous system. It is now estimated that one million people in the United States have been diagnosed with MS. This disease most often appears in people between ages 20 to 50, with two to three times more women than men receiving the diagnosis.

“This has become my way of helping find a cure for MS so that we can stop MS completely. It’s a lot of fun to talk with people about daylilies or MS and hear what the connection is for people who come,” she says.

The event will be Saturday July 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Tina’s Daylilies, located at 310 East Pond Road, in Jefferson. If you are unable to come to the event but would like to donate to the fundraiser you may go to the event page at www.tinasdaylilies.com and click on the “Donate to NMSS” button. Tina’s Daylilies is open June, July and August each year and always has a donation can there or the online page accepts donation until the end of the calendar year.

Planning well underway for China Community Days festivities

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by Eric W. Austin

Local residents of China are hard at work organizing the activities and festivities for the China Community Days celebration planned for the weekend of August 5-7.

The events kick off on Friday evening with a free barbecue dinner, lawn games and a movie hosted at Central Church, on Route 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Those looking to work off the pounds instead of putting them on can participate in (or watch) a softball game on Friday evening, organized by Martha Wentworth and the China Rec Committee, starting at 8 p.m., at the China Ballfields, between the Middle and Primary schools. Potential players should call the Town Office (445-2014, extension 3) to reserve their spot on the team.

Saturday will feature a host of events and sights to see starting at 10 a.m. at the China Ballfields, including booths from local organizations and vendors, fun kids’ activities and games for all ages. (Vendors looking to participate should contact Neil Farrington at peachclassof68@gmail.com, 462-4321, or Ashli Hussey at 692-3210.)

Proceeds raised from the Dunk Tank on Saturday (three balls for $1) will go to help Steve Arsenault and his family, who has recently received a heart transplant.

Mr. Drew and His Animals Too! will be on hand with a menagerie of exotic pets to wow the kids and adults alike.

The Cornhole Tournament, under the supervision of Tom Michaud, kicks off at 1 p.m. Participants can sign up ahead of time at the Town Office or on the day of the event. For more information contact Tom Michaud at 242-0318 or Alyssa Michaud at 692-8813.

Bob Hall is putting together a “Cruize-In Car Show” for Saturday at the China Primary School. There’s no entry fee and anyone entering their vehicle will receive 11 tickets for a chance at some fantastic prizes.

All weekend there will be town-wide yard sales. Anyone wanting to get in on the action by having their sale included on the “Yard Sale Trail” map being put together by the Town Office should contact them at 445-2014 or email info@chinamaine.org with their location and time information. A map of the yard sale locations will be published on the Facebook pages for China Community Days and the Town of China and available at the Town Office.

Saturday afternoon, the festivities continue with a Cardboard Boat Regatta hosted by the China Lake Association. Contestants should gather at the China Baptist Church Park on Causeway Road at the north end of the lake. Races begin at 4:45 p.m. and registration opens at 4 p.m. For more information and to find a copy of the registration form, go to the Town of China website, china.govoffice.com, or the China Community Days Facebook page. For any questions, contact Elaine Philbrook at 968-1037 or Bill Powell at 441-3514.

There’s also a Boat Parade for decorated boats (those not built of cardboard) starting at 5 p.m. in front of the China Lake Conference Center. The parade will travel down the lake to the Causeway at 5:30 p.m. for judging, with prizes going to the best decorated boats. Register your boat by sending an email to boatparade22@gmail.com.

Get your boogie on Saturday evening at the Street Dance in the China Baptist parking lot from 6 – 9:30 p.m., featuring the live band, The Veggies!. Food will be available for sale from the China Baptist hamburger booth. The China 4 Seasons Club will also be selling glow sticks for all the neon-lovers out there.

The celebrations on Saturday will end with a bang — literally! — with a fireworks show, beginning at 9 p.m. ,from Judi Gilman’s property at the north end of the lake.

On Sunday, a Youth Fishing Derby is being held from 9 – 11 a.m. for ages 15 and under on the Causeway. For more information or to register your child, contact Kelly Grotten at 445-2014, extension 6, or 462-0301.

The final event of the weekend is also one of the most popular: the China Community Days Scavenger Hunt. After registering (promptly!) at noon in the China Baptist Church parking lot, teams will have two hours to find 100 items.

All of the events, except for fireworks, will be held rain or shine. The rain date for fireworks is Sunday.

The China Community Days Committee is still looking for volunteers to help with the planned activities, so please contact the Town Office if you are available.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Town of Windsor Bicentennial celebration

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EVENTS

7 – 9 A.M. – Pancake Breakfast Hosted by Windsor Christian Fellowship
9 a.m. – noon – Antique Cars
9 – 10 a.m. – Sign ups – 3-legged race, egg spoon run, Ladies Frying Pasn Toss
9 a.m. – noon – Sign ups Sawdust Hunt and Cornhole Tournament
9 a.m. – Cupcake Walk – All Ages
10 a.m. – 3 – Legged Race (16-20 year old)
10 a.m. – Cupcake Walk – All Ages
10 a.m. – Egg Spoon Run (6 – 10 year old)
10 a.m. – Frying Pan Toss (18 – 25 year old)
10 a.m. – Face Panting
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – S&S Carriage Rides
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Historical Society Building Opens
10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Kevin’s French Fries
10:30 a.m. – 3 – Legged Race (6 – 10 year old)
10:30 a.m. – Egg Spoon Run (11 – 15 year old)
10:30 a.m. – Frying Pan Toss (26 – 40 year old)
11 a.m. – 3 – Legged Race (21+ year old)
11 a.m. – Cupcake Walk, All Ages
11 a.m. – Egg Spoon Run (16 – 20 year old)
11 a.m. – Frying Pan Toss (41 – 60 year old)
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – RedBarn Roadshow Truck
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Sandcastle Entertainment, Bounce Houses/Games
11:30 a.m. – 3 – Legged Race (11 – 15 year old)
11:30 a.m. – Egg Spoon Run (21+ year old)
11:30 a.m. – Frying Pan Toss (61+ year old)
Noon – 1 p.m. – Founder’s Day Picnic
Noon – Face Painting
Noon – Oldest/Youngest Presentation
Noon – 2 p.m. – Downeast Brass
12:30 p.m. – Saw Dust Hunt (3 & 4 year old
1 – 5 p.m. – Cornhole Tournament
1:30 – 4 p.m. – C&S Carriage Rides
1:30 p.m. – Saw Dust Hunt (5 & 6 year old)
2 p.m. – Face Painting
2 p.m. – Bingo
2:30 p.m. – Saw Dust Hunt (7 & 8 year old)
3 p.m. – Bingo
3:30 p.m. – Saw Dust Hunt (9 & 10 year old)
4 p.m. – Bingo
5 – 7 p.m. – Baked Bean Supper Hosted by North Windsor Baptist Church
7:30 p.m. – Movie Night by FYM Entertainment
6 – 9:30 p.m. – Street Dance, featuring DJ Brando
9:30 p.m., FIREWORKS