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.

Delightful “All Things Blueberry” Festival promises loads of family fun

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by Dave Carew

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 14, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., to Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow. Admission to the festival grounds is FREE.

Nearly 700 mouth-watering blueberry pies and “all things blueberry” baked goods will be available for sale. Blueberry pies ($12 each; $20 for 2; $10 each for additional pies) may be picked up at the church anytime from 3 to 6 p.m. the previous evening (Friday, August 13) or the day of the festival (Saturday, August 14) from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kicking off the 50th 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 ages 12 and under. Tickets for the pancake breakfast will be available in advance at Winslow Congregational Church on the Saturday prior to the festival (August 7) from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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; an agricultural exhibit featuring goats; a dunk tank sponsored by Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry; and a firetruck and police car.

The night before the Blueberry Festival, there will be a Friday-evening (August 13) Chicken Bar-B-Q Supper (with “all the fixin’s”) at Winslow Congregational Church, which will be served by first-responders from the Clinton Fire Department. The Chicken Bar-B-Q Supper will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Blueberry pies, blueberry baked goods, and a yard sale also will be available during the Friday-evening supper. Cost of the Chicken Bar-B-Q supper is $12 per person, with advance tickets strongly encouraged, but day-of tickets also available. Advance tickets will be available at Winslow Congregational Church on the Saturdays prior to the festival (August 7) from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and also at Rita’s House of Pizza (51 Bay Street) and Pool Tech (28 Charland St .) during regular business hours through Thursday, August 12.

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!

The 50th Annual Blueberry Festival is grateful for the support of both Hannaford Supermarkets, in Waterville, Rita’s House of Pizza, and Pool Tech, in Winslow, and Tradewinds Market, in Clinton.

For more information about the 50th annual Blueberry Festival, please visit: https://winslowucc.org/blueberry-festival/.

China Community Days set for this weekend

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The China Community Days are set for Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8.

On Friday, there will be a free BBQ dinner, lawn games and movie night. These activities will be hosted by the Central Church, 627 Rte. 3. Dinner and games will be held from 6:15 – 7:30 p.m., and the movie will begin at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, there will be a guided tour of the China School Forest, at 10 a.m. It will begin at the kiosk off the bus circle beside the Primary School.

From 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., there will be community organizations and vendors at the China ballfields, 763 Lakeview Dr. A list of participating organizations will be available on the town’s website, Facebook page and China Community Days Facebook page. Vendors or organizations interested are asked to contact Neil Farrington at 207-462-4321 or peachclassof68@gmail.com.

All weekend there will be a yard sale trail. Just follow the map that will be posted on the China Community Days Facebook page, town of China Facebook and the town of China website. Anyone wanting their yard sale location to be included should contact the town office.

Also, there will be a Story Trails of Maine. Begin the journey of discovering China’s history by downloading the app for Story Trails of Maine. China Community Days kicks off the interactive adventure of a tour of China. All teams who complete the challenge by August 13, will be in the drawing for the grand prize of $150 in gift cards to local businesses.

Fireworks will take place Saturday night, at 9 p.m., at the Causeway.

Vassalboro library animal events planned

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Drew Desjardins holds Creature and Gomez, two Argentine black and white tegus, in the new home for Mr. Drew and His Animals Too in the Pepperell Mill in Lewiston. A lot of cleaning and painting needs to be done before the animals move in for good, which is planned for early 2018. (Andree Kehn/Sun Journal)

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 at 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.

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.

Taste of Waterville Brew Punch Cards available

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New this year at the Taste of Waterville are Brew Punch Cards – on sale now.

What better way to sample some tastes of Waterville? Be sure to purchase your brew samples punch card – good from 3 – 6 p.m., at Taste of Waterville, Wednesday, August 4 – Head of Falls. You will receive a punch card redeemable for 16 2-ounce samples at the nine breweries represented.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase your punch card, to be picked up at the entrance on the day of the Taste. IDs will be required for pickup.

You will get 16 brew punches for just $20. Limited quantities, so get yours today! Order online at www.tasteofwaterville.com.

18th annual China Community Days set for Aug. 6-8, 2021

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The China Community Days are set for Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8.

On Friday, there will be a free BBQ dinner, lawn games and movie night. These activities will be hosted by the Central Church, 627 Rte. 3. Dinner and games will be held from 6:15 – 7:30 p.m., and the movie will begin at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, there will be a guided tour of the China School Forest, at 10 a.m. It will begin at the kiosk off the bus circle beside the Primary School.

From 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., there will be community organizations and vendors at the China ballfields, 763 Lakeview Dr. A list of participating organizations will be available on the town’s website, Facebook page and China Community Days Facebook page. Vendors or organizations interested are asked to contact Neil Farrington at 207-462-4321 or peachclassof68@gmail.com.

All weekend there will be a yard sale trail. Just follow the map that will be posted on the China Community Days Facebook page, town of China Facebook and the town of China website. Anyone wanting their yard sale location to be included should contact the town office.

Also, there will be a Story Trails of Maine. Begin the journey of discovering China’s history by downloading the app for Story Trails of Maine. China Community Days kicks off the interactive adventure of a tour of China. All teams who complete the challenge by August 13, will be in the drawing for the grand prize of $150 in gift cards to local businesses.