Virtual auction to benefit residents of Northern Light Continuing Care, Lakewood

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Northern Light Continuing Care, Lakewood’s beloved May Day Auction is back in virtual form for 2022. It’s easy to participate—bidders can check out auction items and place bids from any internet connected device between May 9 and 13.

Auction items include an Acadian supper for ten at the home of Lakewood ambassador Marie Cormier, a handmade quilt, a weekend at an oceanfront cottage on Round Pond, gift certificates, a golf package, and much more!

“The auction is an annual tradition that our community looks forward to each May,” says Kendall Bailey, MLA, administrator, Continuing Care, Lakewood. “Last year was the first time we held the event virtually and, while we miss being in person, we were pleased that loved ones of Lakewood residents near and far were able to join our community in enjoying this five-day Auction.”

This year, auction proceeds will support the renovation of the long-term care residents’ dining area.

“We all recognize the challenges the pandemic has presented over the last two years. It’s more evident than ever what a critical resource Lakewood is for the state and the May Day Auction is a great way for the community to show its support,” notes Marie Cormier, Lakewood ambassador.

Browse auction items and bid between May 9 and 13 by visiting northernlighthealth.org/lakewoodauction.

Agriculture theme at Albert Church Brown Library

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Albert Church Brown Memorial Library in China Village (photo courtesy of library Facebook page)

Spring is here and with it the Albert Church Brown Library, in China Village, is jumpstarting its programs and events with a line-up of agricultural themed activities. The upcoming schedule will provide an opportunity for the community gather indoors and out while easing back into a regular schedule. Attendees are encouraged to use their own discretion regarding masking and social distancing. All events are free.

As the library launches its new Seed Sharing Library, Heron Breen of FEDCO will be sharing his expertise on Seed Saving on Sunday, April 24, at 2 p.m.

All are invited to come to Local Farm Days to view presentations of are farmers and producers. this family friendly event on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be a Story and Craft Time at 11 a.m. for the children, along with activities throughout the day. Perhaps you’ll win one of the door prizes that are donated by the vendors. Local farmers and producers are invited to participate in Local Farm Days to display and sell their goods and introduce their farms and businesses to the community. Please contact the library for an application at chinalibraryacb@gmail.com.

Some other programs: The Knitting Group has resumed meeting at the library on Tuesday afternoons from 3 – 5 p.m. Come and stitch a while.

A Themed Book Club will meet the fourth Thursday of the month at 1 p.m.. Books in any genre, according to the chosen theme will be discussed. Please contact the library website for updates.

Children’s Story & Craft Time will be held on the second Saturday of the month at 11 a.m. We will also meet up at the China School Forest for a Spring Story & Craft on Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m., to go with the library sponsored StoryWalk® throughout the month of May.

For more information about these and/or other events and programs, please visit chinalibrary.org, follow on Facebook @chinalibrary, or stop by the library at 37 Main St., China Village on Tues. & Thurs. 2 – 6 p.m., and Sat. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Senior Day in China every Wednesday

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China residents enjoy Senior Day, at the portable building near the China Town Office. (photo by Becky Hapgood)

CHINA, ME — Senior Day is held every Wednesday, from 10 a.m. – noon, in the portable building at the China Town Office. Residents of other area towns are welcome to join in the fun and camaraderie.

Knox-Lincoln SWCD to host Maine Audubon

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District is hosting Maine Audubon to present Stream Smart Training – Phase One on Thursday, May 26, at the Camden Opera House and online. The hybrid training will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and includes refreshments and resource materials.

This half-day introductory workshop provides training for professionals to expand the local knowledge base on how to include aquatic organism passage and higher storm volume capacity when designing stream/road crossings.

Applying the Stream Smart principles to road crossings can help connect and maintain fish and wildlife habitat while protecting roads and public safety. Stream Smart crossings can also help towns prepare for the large and frequent storm events that have been washing out roads around the state and the northeast. Participants will learn about learn about: the value of free-flowing streams; the regulations that are applicable when working on road/stream crossings; the principles of building Stream Smart crossings; the costs and benefits of Stream Smart crossings; and where to look for funding.

These workshops are designed for professionals responsible for road-stream crossings, including municipal leaders, managers, and public works employees. They cover road-stream crossing projects from site assessment to permitting and installation, and emphasize maintaining and restoring aquatic habitat and economic values of the stream. Workshop presenters include professionals from state and federal agencies and statewide non-profits, participants can receive recertification credit for Maine DEP’s Voluntary Contractor Certifi­cation Program, and information on potential funding sources.

Pre-registration with payment of $25 (mail-in registration) / $26 (online registration) is required by Friday, May 20. Attendees may register and pay online or download a registration form from the Knox-Lincoln SWCD website at www.knox-lincoln.org/events-workshops/stream-smart 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.

Shakespeare group to observe 9th annual Bard’s Bash

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Recycled Shakespeare Company

by Lyn Rowden

Recycled Shakespeare Company proudly presents the 9th annual Bard’s Birthday Bash on Saturday, April 23.

This FREE event is open to all. You may join RSC and friends in dressing up and parading around Waterville reading sonnets, singing Shakespearean songs, and performing monologues and scenes. No memorizing, prior experience or costumes necessary.

Recycled Shakespeare Company members

Begin at 10 a.m., at Camden National Bank Lobby, on Main Street, for the first set of sonnet readings and songs. Parade to Yardgoods Center and The Villager Restaurant along the upper Concourse, cross over to Re-Books on the lower Concourse, and go to Cancun by 11 a.m., where there will be a sword fight demonstration and more sonnets read. Then parade up Main St. stopping at stores and restaurants along the way, including Madlyn’s Consignment Shop, Incense and Peppermint, The Framemakers, Holy Cannoli and Day’s Jeweler where shopkeepers will read sonnets. At about noon there will be a lunch stop at Jin Yuan Chinese Restaurant with live sonnets and music as well as performances from across the continent on Zoom. Then on to Selah Tea from 3 to 5 p.m., with flourish to finish readings of all 154 sonnets.

A Renaissance Masquerade Ball will take place 7 to 8:30 p.m., in the Lutheran Church Hall, on Cool Street. Open to all ages, simple dances will be taught and led by Dancemistress Margaret May Lambert. No partner or experience necessary. Come costumed, with a masquerade mask, or just as you are.

Throughout the day we celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday and times with sword demos, live Elizabethan music, and fun Renaissance fortune telling by Sarah Love. The entire day is free of charge! Open to all ages and skills!

If anyone in the community would like to read a sonnet or get involved, please call Lyn at 314-4730, or just show up and jump in. Each reader may introduce themselves, and briefly promote their business or organization.

Maine K-12 students invited to submit short films

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The 44th annual Maine Student Film + Video Festival (MSFVF) is currently accepting submissions until June 15. All Maine students grades K-12 are eligible to enter for free. Films will be judged by category: Narrative, Documentary, and Creative (animated, experimental, etc.), and by age group: Grades K-5; Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12.

Students can submit their work at MaineStudentFilm.org/Festival.

A free-to-attend screening and awards ceremony will take place at Railroad Square Cinema on Saturday, July 16, during the Maine International Film Festival. The grand prize for best film of MSFVF is a $500 award, generously sponsored by Maine Public.

“Young filmmakers produce some of the most inspired, genuine work we’ve seen,” says Julia Dunlavey, assistant executive director of the Maine Film Center. “Students who participate in the festival have gone on to become professional filmmakers with their work screened at the Maine International Film Festival.”

About the Maine Film Center

The Maine Film Center (MFC) brings world-class independent film to Central Maine through Railroad Square Cinema, the only Sundance Art House Project cinema in Maine; the annual Maine International Film Festival, a 10-day celebration that attracts filmmakers and film aficionados from around the world.

By delivering impactful, accessible film exhibition and education programs. MFC believes that art and culture have the power to enrich lives, strengthen community bonds, and serve as an economic engine. MFC is a division of Waterville Creates. For more information, visit MaineFilmCenter.org.

Hanson, Blaney big winners at Battle of Maine

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Crowd at the Battle of Maine in Waterville. (photo by Mark Huard)

by Mark Huard

WATERVILLE, ME — The 40th Battle of Maine Martial Arts Championships took place at Champions Fitness Club, in Waterville, on Saturday March 26, and helped support the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals here in Central and Northern Maine.

Jackson Hanson, 9, of Clinton, captured first place in forms, first place in weapons and first place in fighting. Hanson also captured the overall 12 & under Weapons Grand Championship title. (photo by Mark Huard)

It was a packed Champions and Elm Plaza parking lot, with around 340 competitors and close to 1,000 spectators from around Maine and New England. The Battle kicked off at 8:30 a.m. with the full contact padded sword fighting competitions.

At 10:15 a.m. opening ceremonies began with an amazing National Anthem sung by Rebecca Pushard. This was a special day since the event hasn’t been able to be in person for the last couple of years. Everyone was in great spirits and happy to be back to in person competition.

After the National Anthem, hundreds of prizes were thrown into the crowd for all of the kids to catch! The tournament then proceeded a special demo by world champions and then with forms, weapons forms and fighting competitions throughout the day.

Special thank you to Central Maine Motors and Hammond Lumber for being a major sponsor of the Battle of Maine Martial Arts Championships.

Boston Blaney, 9, of Winslow, captured first place in fighting at the Battle of Maine Martial Arts Championships. (photo by Mark Huard)

EVENTS: Gibbs Library presents students art exhibit from Prescott Memorial Elementary School

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Gibbs Library in Washington, ME. (photo from: librarything.com)

The Gibbs Library presents the 17th Annual Student Art Exhibit featuring the wonderful work of the student artists from Prescott Memorial Elementary School. Art Teacher Anthony Lufkin has guided the students, using a wide range of materials and cultural art forms, to express their creativity in these remarkable works. The pieces, representing all of the K-6 students, were selected and artfully framed and displayed by Mr. Lufkin. If you are in need of some inspiration or maybe a smile or two, come to the Gibbs and enjoy. They will announce a reception as soon as risk levels permit. The show runs through March and April.

The Gibbs Library is located at 40 Old Union Road, in Washington Village, and is open on Monday 4 – 7 p.m.; Tuesday 9 -noon and 4 – 7 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 3 -6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 pm. Phone (207)845-2663. Email info@gibbslibrary.org, Website: https://www.gibbslibrary.org/.

EVENTS: Battle of Maine set for March 26, 2022

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Carter Couturier, of Winslow, left, practices with Keegan Miranda for the upcoming Battle of Maine. (photo by Mark Huard)

The 40th anniversary of the Battle of Maine Martial Arts Championships will be taking place on Saturday March 26, 2022, at Champions Fitness Club, in Waterville. Spectator Tickets are $10. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and will feature forms, fighting and weapons competitions throughout the day. The Battle of Maine has supported the Children’s Miracle Network for many years and has helped raised over $80,000. The city of Waterville Mayor Jay Coelho has proclaimed Saturday March 26, 2022, as Martial Arts Day.

Celebrate Earth Day with free trees for kids!

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Plant a tree and help the Earth! The Waterville Public Library (WPL) is celebrating Earth Day this spring by participating in the 13th Annual Neighborhood Forest free tree program, whose aim is to provide free trees to kids every Earth Day! To get one, parents can fill out the online registration form.

The tree (6-12 inches in size) will be delivered during Earth Week (April 22-30) to the library where it can be picked up. Planting instructions and species information will be emailed a few days prior to the trees arriving.

To register, visit the Waterville Public Library’s Dedicated Parent Registration page on the Neighborhood Forest website, https://bit.ly/3sNcpe1 or find the Waterville Public Library in the drop-down menu on the school search page on https://www.neighborhoodforest.org/school-search/

For questions or directions to the Waterville Public Library, visit www.watervillelibrary.org, email librarian@watervillelibrary.org, call 207.872.5433, or stop by the Library.

Since 2010, Neighborhood Forest has reached over 100,000 families and planted over 50,000 (mostly urban and residential) trees through the hands of children and parents across North America. We endorse this project and are excited to be participating in this wonderful program that teaches kids stewardship through the magic and wonder of planting and watching trees grow.

For more information about the Neighborhood Forest program: www.neighborhoodforest.org.