EVENTS: Vassalboro library to host theatrical play

photo: vassalboro.net

Vassalboro Public Library will host a theatrical play, to take place at the Vassalboro Grange, 353 Main Street, for two exclusive shows, Saturday, October 19, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, October 20, at 2 p.m.The play is a fundraiser for the library. Cost of tickets are $10 for adults and $2 for children. You can buy tickets at the door or purchase from the library beforehand. In addition to entertainment, they will have refreshments and baked goods available for the fundraiser, and a brief intermission.

The theatrical play will showcase Vassalboro actors as well as starring roles from members of the Waterville Creates community. The play is entitled Murder by the Book, written by Canadian playwright, Laura Teasdale and is inspired by the books of Louise Penny which feature the investigator Armand Gamache. Louise Penny has provided sponsorship and collaboration with Ms. Teasdale in the play’s development and availability.

Murder by the Book is a comedy. Unlike the Penny series, it doesn’t take place in “Three Pines.” If you want to know whether it takes place in “six spruces” or “nine firs” or “eight hemlocks” you’ll need to mark your calendar for the Vassalboro production in October. The play is set in a small town much like Vassalboro. The murder (sort of) takes place in the local library, much like the Vassalboro Library.

We are looking forward to these evenings of fun, fellowship and library fundraising. This event is open to interested people from all over Maine. Vassalboro is a community with a big heart and plenty of activities for such a small town. Vassalboro Library est. 1911. A proud community resource.

EVENTS: Erskine Academy Parent/Teacher Conferences scheduled

(photo credit: Erskine Academy)

All parents of Erskine Academy students are invited to attend fall Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 9 and 10, 2024, from 3 – 7 p.m. To avoid long waiting lines, Wednesday, October 9, has been designated for students whose last names begin with A – K; and Thursday, October 10, has been designated for students whose last names begin with L – Z. No appointments are necessary as teachers will be available to speak with parents in their respective classrooms. In addition, the Guidance Office will host a Senior Blast for parents on each of these evenings from 6:30 – 7 p.m., to provide helpful updates and information about the post-secondary planning process, financial aid, and other pertinent senior year details.

EVENTS: Vassalboro events for October

Simone Antworth, far left, of Vassalboro, Pastor Karen Merrill, of West Gardiner, and Barbara Frost, of China, are among those who cook and serve at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church public luncheons and suppers. The next supper will take place on October 19 when turkey and all the fixings will be served. (contributed photo)

by Dale Potter-Clark
On Saturday, October 19, a Harvest Supper will be held at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) fellowship hall, at 614 Main Street/Rte. 32. The meal will be served 4:30 – 6 p.m., unless food runs out before, for a recommended donation of $10 per person. “Baked bean suppers are our usual fare but given the time of year and the popularity of turkey dinners we are changing it up this time,” said Pastor Karen Merrill. All are welcome to join us!”
The following Saturday, October 26, a “Fall Fest” will be held at VUMC from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. when crafts and homemade pumpkin and apple baked goods will be for sale. During the same hours, a variety of “To Go” hot soups, chili and mulled cider will be available to take home.
“Our Fall Fest is a great time to start early holiday shopping and to buy special sweet treats for your family and weekend guests,” said Simone Antworth.
It will be the last public supper in 2024 but soup and salad luncheons for 50+ year olds will continue throughout the winter, in collaboration with the Vassalboro Community Program, every second Wednesday 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Saturday night public suppers will resume next spring.
FMI about Vassalboro United Methodist Church and their Sunday services, activities and programs visit Facebook; phone Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 873-5564 or email info.vumc@gmail.com.

EVENTS: Apple desserts and ham public supper in Vassalboro

Apple pies and other apple desserts will be on the menu at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church public supper on September 21. Linda Millay, left, and Eileen Ronco are helping plan the event. (contributed photo)

Baked ham and apple desserts of all kinds will be served in addition to the traditional baked beans, casseroles, salads and breads on Saturday, September 21, at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC).

“People come from miles around to our suppers,” said church lay leader, Eileen Ronco. “We serve the traditional foods they enjoy at every supper in addition to something new or different in hopes to attract new folks.”

Supper will be served from 4:30 – 6 p.m., unless food runs out before, for a $10 suggested donation per person.

VUMC public suppers take place April – October in the church fellowship hall, at 614 Main Stree/Rte. 32, every third Saturday, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Senior public luncheons for 50+ year oilds are held in collaboration with the Vassalboro Recreation Department every second Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For more information visit Vassalboro United Methodist Church on Facebook, phone Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 873-5564 or email info.cumc@gmail.com.

EVENTS: Announcing annual wildflower seed fundraiser

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District has announced their autumn fundraiser – native wildflower seeds. October is the perfect month to sow wildflower seeds for spring growth. Want to develop a big flower garden without planting and tending to dozens of plants? Replace some of your lawn with a meadow! Create a pollinator strip between your street and property/lawn. Overseed an existing meadow to fill in the gaps. Whether you’re seeding a small space garden, filling in a side yard, or planting across acres of land, wildflowers are an easy-to-grow solution and supportive of pollinators.

They offer three seed mixes:

Showy New England Wildflower & Grasses Mix, New England Annual & Perennial Mix and Butterfly & Hummingbird Mix

For a list of plants included in seed mixes and to purchase seeds, check out our website: https://www.knox-lincoln.org/wildflower-seed-sale. Orders can be picked up at their office, located at 893 West Street (Rte. 90), Rockport, or mailed for an additional fee to cover postage and handling. Seed mixes are for sale until supplies last. FMI, please email info@knox-lincoln.org or call 207-596-2040.

EVENTS: Hazardous waste collection days scheduled

Waste to be accepted in Kennebec and Somerset counties

The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, based in Fairfield, plans to host Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days in October in Kennebec and Somerset counties.

Skowhegan, Anson, and Madison will collect from 9 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct.ober 5, at the Skowhegan Transfer Station, 29 Transfer Station Drive. This is open to residents of those towns, who must call their own town office to schedule a time slot (Skowhegan, 207-612-2002; Anson, 207-696-3979; Madison, 207-696-3971).

Pittsfield, Canaan, Palmyra will collect from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, October 5, at the Pittsfield Transfer/Recycling Station, at Peltoma Avenue. Residents must call their town office to schedule a slot (Pittsfield, 207-487-3136; Canaan, 207-474-8682; Palmyra, 207-938-4871).

Winslow, Albion, Belgrade, Benton, Clinton, Fairfield, Oakland and Waterville will collect from 8 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, October 19, at Winslow Public Works, 135 Halifax St. Residents must call their municipal office to schedule a slot (Winslow, 207-872-2776; Belgrade, 207-592-0678; Clinton, 207-426-8322; Fairfield, 207- 453-7911; Oakland, 207-465-7357; Waterville, 207-680-4744).

Those who don’t have an appointment slot made with their town will not be able to drop off that day.

Many chemicals commonly used around the home are hazardous, either alone or when combined with other chemicals, and need to be disposed of by professionals trained to handle hazardous materials,

Improper disposal of these materials can disrupt the function of sewage treatment plants or private septic systems, contaminate ground water, and harm animals and residents. Items that are difficult to recycle or dispose of – such as electronic waste, batteries, paint, anti-freeze, chemical cleaners, yard chemicals, old fuels, oils and mercury thermostats – many of which can also become harmful if left unmonitored.

The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments will have local law enforcement officials on hand in Winslow and Skowhegan to collect and properly dispose of any pharmaceuticals that residents want to bring in.

EVENTS: Messalonskee girls soccer plans 9th annual Girls Youth Soccer Mentoring Day

Local girls participate in last year’s ShineOn Saturday. The 9th annual event connects youth girls with Messalonskee girls soccer players for a fun day of skills, games and positive youth mentoring. ShineOn Saturday is held annually to honor and remember former Eagle midfielder and youth mentor Cassidy Charette. The event is free to all interested girls, Pre-K to Grade 5, on Saturday, September 28, from noon to 2 p.m., at the Messalonskee High School Turf Field, in Oakland. To pre-register, visit shineoncass.org. (contributed photo)

by Monica Charette

(contributed photo)

Cassidy Charette (contributed photo)

Messalonskee High School Girls Soccer and the ShineOnCass Foundation will host its 9th annual girls’ youth mentoring day “ShineOn Saturday”, September 28, from noon to 2 p.m., on the Messalonskee High School Turf Field, in Oakland. The event is held to honor former Messalonskee soccer player and youth mentor Cassidy Charette, who died in a hayride accident October 11, 2014.

Area girls, ages pre-kindergarten to fifth grade, are invited to attend this free event. Soccer skills are not required. In addition to participating in skill building and fun field games, attendees will receive an autographed team poster and a ShineOnCass wristband that earns them Cassidy’s favorite candy, Skittles, at home games and recognition at the Lady Eagles’ Homecoming game. Healthy snacks will be provided at the event.

To assist in planning, please pre-register at shineoncass.org. Walk-ins are welcome.

The ShineOnCass Foundation was created to educate, inspire and empower youth to shine their own light through kindness and volunteer charitable activities. For more information about the ShineOn Saturday event or the Foundation, visit shineoncass.org or email shineoncass@gmail.com.

(contributed photo)

(contributed photo)

EVENTS: Vassalboro Days 2024: Weekend Event Happenings

Vassalboro Days : Weekend Event Happenings

Friday, September 6

8 am – 6 pm – Lemieux’s Orchard Apple picking, corn maze, sunflower fields, donuts & hayrides
10 am – 6 pm – Vassalboro Public Library bake & book sale
10 am – 5 pm – Old Mill Place Gift Shop
2 pm – 6 pm – Oak Grove Chapel & Caretaker’s Cottage tours
5 pm – 6 pm – Oak Grove Chapel Art Exhibit. Meet the Artist Jackson Gregory. Snacks & Cider, paintings for sale.
6 pm – 9 pm – The Mill 934 Main St. Outside dance & music by DJ Dustin from Root Notes Production

Saturday, September 7

8 am – 6 pm – Lemieux’s Orchard Apple picking, corn maze, sunflower fields, donuts & hayrides
9 am – 2 pm – Freddie’s 9th Annual Cruise-In TOwn Office at 682 Main St (rain date Sunday)
9 am – 3 pm – HIstorical Society Museum & Blacksmith Shop open
9 am – 3 pm – Vassalboro Recreation Field opening day of soccer games & field day
9 am – 5 pm – Old Mill Place Gift Shop
10 am – 11 am – Professor Smarty Pants show at the Vassalboro Grange. Pies for sale on Grange Porch
10 am – 4 pm – VPL Book & Bake Sale
10 am – 4 pm – Vassalboro Masonic Lodge Fried Chicken Baskets & burgers. You may order your baskets that day by calling 208-441-0378 from 9 am – 3:30 pm that day! Proceeds benefit Bikes for Books at The Mill.
1 pm – 3 pm – St. Bridget Center Cribbage
2 pm – 6 pm – Oak Grove Chapel & tours of the Caretaker’s Cottage. Art Exhibit by Artist Jackson Gregory. Paintings for sale.
3:15 pm – Double Dam Duck Cerby tickets $3 each or $10 for 5 tickets. Purchase at the Mill or by contacting Ray Breton at 207-877-2005

Sunday, September 8

8 am – 6 pm – Lemieux’s Orchard Apple picking, corn maze, sunflower fields, donuts & hayrides
9 am – 3 pm – The Mill Indoor Yard Sale
9 am – 3 pm – HIstorical Society Museum & Blacksmith Shop
9 am – 5 pm – The Mill indoor gift shop
10 am – 1 pm – Special Sunday worship service & Brunch at the Vassalboro methodist Church
11:30 am – 2 pm – Childrens activities & prizes with an Ice Cream ‘Sunday’ Sundae Bar
2 pm – 6 pm – Oak Grove Chapel & tours of the Caretaker’s Cottage. Art Exhibit by Artist Jackson Gregory. Paintings for sale.
3 pm – Oak Grove Chapel Jazz band preformance “All Together Now” trio playing with audience participation on bells & drums. Outdoor venue unless raining, then concert will be held inside the chapel.

Compiled by Gillian Lalime

EVENTS: Vassalboro Days Sunday at the Methodist Church

Rory and Terra Pillow with their children and Buzz Crandall enjoying some kids’ activities at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC). Supervised children’s activities will be among the offerings at VUMC during Vassalboro Days on Sunday, September 8, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. (contributed photo)

The Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) is holding a special worship service during Vassalboro Days, on Sunday, September 8, at 10 a.m. when the history of their church will be shared.

“We would like to see people attend who were part of the congregation when our church was built in 1988,” said Pastor Karen Merrill. “We want to gather memories from those folks as well as share some of what we know.”

The Sunday service will take place 10 – 11 a.m., followed by food, friendship and fun. The public is welcome to come for the service and any or all of the following. A breakfast brunch will be served in the fellowship hall from 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m.; an ice cream sundae bar will be open from 1 – 2 p.m., and supervised childrens’ activities will be set-up from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. There is no charge but donations are gratefully accepted.

VUMC was built in 1988 and serves as a community center for people of Vassalboro and surrounding towns who come to attend Sunday services, special programs, concerts, public suppers and more. VUMC members provide outreach through participation in the local fuel fund, food pantry, senior programs, Scouting, kids’ scholarships to Camp Mechuwana and by delivering welcome baskets to new residents. VUMC also organizes and publishes a community calendar each year, and delivers them door to door throughout town.

All are welcome to VUMC every Sunday for the worship service, at 10 a.m., at 614 Main Street. Public suppers take place in the church fellowship hall May through October, every third Saturday 4:30 – 6 p.m. Senior public luncheons for 55+ year olds are held in collaboration with the Vassalboro Recreation Department every second Wednesday 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

FMI visit Vassalboro United Methodist Church on Facebook, phone Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 873-5564 or email karenmerrill62@gmail.com. FMI about other activities at other locations during Vassalboro Days on September 7 – 8 contact Samantha Lessard at (207) 314-4940 or samanthalessard@yahoo.com.