China celebrates the 5th Annual China Lake Ice Fishing Derby

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Participants of the China Lake Ice Fishing Derby set up tents and small encampments scattered throughout China Lake. Last year’s derby was held on February 19, 2023. (photo by Cindy Senkbeil, of China)

by Sandra Isaac

The China Four Seasons Club and the China Village Fire Department are co-hosting the 5th Annual China Lake Ice Fishing Derby to be held on Sunday, February 18, during Maine’s Free Fishing Weekend.

“We are excited to be celebrating our fifth year in the partnership with the China Village Volunteer Fire Department”, said China Four Seasons Club President Tom Rumpf. “These last few years have been amazing and a great way to see the community come out and celebrate Winter on China Lake. This is also Maine’s free fishing weekend which is a nice bonus. We will be following all State of Maine ice fishing laws and rules.”

Many other events will be happening around town leading up to Derby Day. On Friday there will be an “Owl Prowl” starting at 6:30 p.m., at Thurston Park, and a $15 lasagna dinner, at the China Masonic Lodge. Saturday events include an $8 pancake breakfast at the Dirigo Masonic Lodge and, starting at 10 a.m., will be a Cornhole Tournament at the China Primary School sponsored by Central Maine Power Sports, snowshoeing at the China Community Forest, and sledding at Thurston Park. Finishing off Saturday night will be an Ice-Skating Event at the China Town Rink, hosted by the China Lake Association.

(photo by Cindy Senkbeil, of China)

Rumpf continued, “Sunday is still dedicated to the ice fishing derby with fishing limited to China Lake. The ice fishing derby will finish with fireworks display after the derby’s award ceremony.” All the weekend’s activities will be open to the public, however reservations are requested for the lasagna dinner at the Mason’s Lodge, as well as for the Cornhole Tournament.

“We encourage people to check out our website and look at the Ice Derby’s Facebook page for up­dates. The other weekend events have either a dedicated page on Face­book or posts on the Fishing Derby Face­book page,” said Rumpf.

The first 100 children to stop in at the China Village Fire Station will receive special takeaway ice fishing bait buckets filled with some great items courtesy of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Jack Traps of Maine, Central Maine Powersports, New England Sled Talk, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and The Maine Audubon Society. The buckets will be available starting at 5 a.m. on the day of the derby. In addition, Central Church will be set up on the ice across from the fire station on Causeway Road to work with children who are new to fishing and Traps for Kids of Maine will be set up next to them, giving away free traps to children who need them, while supplies last.

Young anglers show off their catch during the China Lake Ice Fishing Derby 2023. This year’s derby will be held on February 18, 2024. (photo by Cindy Senkbeil, of China)

“We will also be giving away over 40 door prizes including an Orca cooler, gas grill and chair set from Lakeview Lumber, a StrikeMaster electric ice auger, courtesy of Jack Traps of Maine, and Brookfield Renewable Energy, 100 gallons of heating fuel from Augusta Fuel Company, an Roc Inflatable Stan-Up paddleboard and accessories from Hannaford Supermarket, $500 cash from Vacationland Rentals, plus many more prizes and gift certificates, all donated by great local businesses,” said Rumpf.

(photo by Cindy Senkbeil, of China)

Fishing derby weigh-in time will be at 4 p.m., on Sunday, and all entries must be in line at the fire station building [on Causeway Road] by 4 p.m., to qualify for a prize. Prizes will be awarded in the following fish categories: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown trout, brook trout, and pickerel. The children’s category will be perch and kids will be awarded prizes for the top five winners with the most perch caught. The lunker of the day – the largest fish overall – will be the derby’s top prize. This year the lunker prize will be its own category and not combined with another fish category prize.

Tickets for the derby are available for $5 a piece or 3 for $10 at many local stores including China Variety & Redemption, Harvest Time Bait, Tobey’s and Lakeview Lumber. You can also purchase tickets from members of the China Four Seasons Club and the China Village Fire Department.

The China Four Seasons Club maintains a dedicated Facebook page and a website to share information on door prizes, sponsors, and ticket information. Please visit https://www.facebook.com/China-Lake-Ice-Fishing-Derby or www.chinalakeicefishingderby.com.

(photo by Cindy Senkbeil, of China)

EVENTS: Vassalboro senior lunch to be held February 14, 2024

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Vassalboro United Methodist Church (photo: Google streetview)

The next Senior (50+) Soup and Salad luncheon will be next Wednesday, February 14, from 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m., at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church, 614 Main Street, Vassalboro. Lunch is FREE, donations are accepted.

RSVP is not required, just plan on coming for lunch and a time of fellowship. For more information contact Karen Hatch, Vassalboro Community Program Director, khatch@vassalboro.net.

EVENTS: Maine Pond Hockey weekend at Snow Pond

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The 12th annual Maine Pond Hockey Classic will be held this Friday, February 9, through Monday, February 11, 2024, at the scenic Snow Pond Center for the Arts, in Sidney, 8 Goldenrod Lane. The event is a fundraiser for the Alfond Youth & Community Center – a unique partnership of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Waterville, The Waterville Area YMCA, and the Alfond Youth Center – which serves more than 5,000 youth in Maine through its main facility in Waterville.

This year’s Maine Pond Hockey Classic will spotlight more than 70 teams – 560 players in all – coming from New England, other U.S. states, Canada, and as far away as Australia. Hammond Lumber Company is a Presenting Sponsor of the event.

“Folks absolutely love this authentic pond hockey experience,” said Patrick Guerette, the tournament director. “They love the charm and nostalgia of watching or playing hockey on frozen ponds, which evokes a sense of camaraderie, outdoor adventure, and a return to the sport’s roots.”

Guerrette noted that a grant from the Maine Office of Tourism represents a huge vote of confidence for the Maine Pond Hockey Classic and the positive community and economic effects it will have throughout central Maine.

“The grant not only raises funds to support youth locally at the Alfond Youth and Community Center, but also provides an economic boost for our entire community through tourism dollars. It’s exciting to know that the economic resources we attract to our community will ultimately have a compounding impact, benefiting the youth and families we serve daily,” Guerrette said.

The event planners say the Maine Pond Hockey Classic will be “a hockey tournament and much, much more” – a kind of winter carnival with additional activities and entertainment offered, including live music, a community skating area sponsored by Maine State Credit Union, food trucks, a Bud Light Beer Garden, interactive games, and opportunities for families and friends to enjoy a truly memorable weekend together. PLEASE NOTE: Parking passes are required for players and spectators.

For more information, please contact Patrick Guerette, Tournament Director, at 207-873-0684 or MEPondHockeyClassic@Gmail.com.

EVENTS: Chelsea to hold special Valentine’s free informational luncheon on dementia

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Residents of Chelsea and neighboring towns are invited to attend a special Valentine’s session of Chelsea’s free monthly Informational Luncheons. This luncheon will be the same format that community members are familiar with from previous events, but with an added emphasis on creating a welcoming and accessible environment for people living with dementia. The place settings, decorations, and menu have all been designed to create a safe and comfortable sensory experience for all.

Age-Friendly Chelsea’s Informational Luncheons have been a community staple every third Thursday of the month since 2021. This monthly event provides time for socializing with friends and neighbors, a home cooked meal, and hearing brief talks on various topics. Every few months a chapter from the “Pathways to Well-Being with Dementia” is covered. February’s topic will be Emotional, Psychological, and Functional Health presented by Chelsea resident and Age-Friendly committee chairman Wilma Ware.

February’s luncheon is being held in partnership with UMaine’s Lifelong Fellows Program. This event is just one of the ways that Lifelong Maine is striving to support communities around the state interested in improving public awareness and inclusion for people living with dementia.

Social exclusion unfortunately is a common experience for people living with dementia and their families. Communities can lessen this impact by increasing public knowledge and reducing stigma and stereotyping. Dementia-Inclusive communities help people living with dementia to enjoy social connections and experience the best possible quality of life. All community members benefit from these more user-friendly environments.

Space for the event is limited! If you wish to attend, please RSVP by Monday, February 12, 2024. Call or leave a message at the Chelsea town office at (207) 582-4802 or email Dot Grady at agefriendlychelsea@yahoo.com

To learn more about the Informational Luncheons or Age-Friendly Chelsea please visit Chelsea’s town website or visit the Age-Friendly Chelsea Facebook page.

To Learn more about Age-Friendly Maine or Dementia Inclusive Programs please visit lifelongmaine.org.

EVENTS: Maple Sunday weekend slated for March 23-24, 2024

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The Maine Maple Producers Association (MMPA) is pleased to announce the 41st Maine Maple Sunday Weekend on March 23-24, 2024. A favorite annual event, visitors are welcomed at local sugarhouses to celebrate Maine’s maple syrup in as many ways as possible.

“As always, our members are thrilled to host Maine Maple Sunday – maple producers are preparing creative ways to share their love of all things maple,” said Lyle Merrifield, president of the MMPA. “Over 100 sugar houses will be open in 15 counties, some on Sunday only, but many for the whole weekend so everyone can enjoy some sweetness.”

Activities vary from sugarhouse to sugarhouse. Many offer demonstrations of tree tapping, boiling, filtering, bottling and sugarbush tours, and some are offering horse-drawn wagon rides, farm animals to pet, full pancake breakfasts, live music and family-friendly activities. There will be many maple products to sample or purchase like maple syrup, maple candies, nuts, baked goods and popcorn.

Considered a tasty treat and preferred cooking ingredient by many, new research shows maple syrup’s advantages over other sweeteners, like refined sugar.

“Researchers from Québec and the University of Rhode Island have been investigating the potential health benefits of maple syrup, as compared to other sweeteners,” said Jason Lilley, the state’s maple industry educator for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

“Prior work had identified that pure maple syrup contains over 100 compounds such as vitamins and minerals, amino acids, phytohormones, and 67 phenolic compounds including many polyphenols. A recent clinical trial confirmed the suspicions that substituting other sweeteners with pure maple syrup increased participants’ glucose tolerance, meaning their bodies better managed their blood sugar levels after eating. Participants who consumed maple syrup instead of other sweeteners also had lowered blood pressure. Who knew that Maine’s official sweetener could not only support local businesses, taste delicious, and be a climate smart food product, but it’s good for you, too!”

To find a sugarhouse to visit, see the MMPA website for the full list of participating sugarhouses and their hours.

Since 1983, Maine Maple Sunday Weekend® has attracted thousands of visitors annually to sugarhouses throughout the state. Many producers create the four different varieties of maple syrup — golden with delicate flavor, amber with rich flavor, dark with robust flavor, and very dark color with strong flavor. These varieties are not often found in grocery stores and have different flavor profiles and uses.

The MMPA represents more than 250 of the 450 producers licensed to sell maple products in Maine. The majority of Maine’s producers are small, artisan businesses that focus on flavor over volume production.

EVENTS: Upcoming Area Caucuses 2024

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Somerset County Democratic caucuses

All registered Democrats are welcome to attend the caucus in your area. If you are currently unenrolled or not yet registered, we will have registration forms at each caucus.

Region 1: Detroit, Pittsfield

Pittsfield Town Office, 112 Somerset Ave, Pittsfield

Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

Region 2: Athens, Brighton Plt, Cambridge, Canaan, Harmony, Hartland, Palmyra, Ripley, St. Albans

Canaan Fire Department, 265 Main St, Canaan

Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

Region 3: Cornville, Skowhegan

Skowhegan Community Center, 39 Poulin Dr, Skowhegan

Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

Region 4: Fairfield

Fairfield Community Center, 61 Water St, Fairfield

Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 12:30 p.m.

Region 5: Mercer, Norridgewock, Smithfield

Norridgewock Town Office, 16 Perkins St, Norridgewock

Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

Region 6: Madison, Solon

Solon Fire Department, 119 S Main St, Solon

Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

Region 7: Anson, Embden, Highland Plt, New Portland, Starks

Carrabec Community School, 56 N Main St, North Anson

Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.

Region 8: Bingham, Caratunk, Dennistown Plt, Jackman, Moose River, Moscow, Pleasant Ridge Plt, Rockwood Strip Twp, The Forks Plt, West Forks Plt

Moscow Town Hall, 110 Canada Rd, Moscow

Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

For additional information, please e-mail the Somerset County Democratic Committee at somersetcountydemsme@gmail.com.

Waldo County GOP to caucus

The Waldo County Republican Committee has announced that the Waldo County Republicans from all 26 towns in Waldo County will caucus on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the Searsport MSHS, 24 Mortland Rd, Searsport. Registration will begin at 9 am, candidate presentations at 10 am, and town caucuses to follow.

The purpose of the caucus is to elect members to the Waldo County Republican Town Committees to organize for the upcoming elections. Voter registration sign up will be available. You must be a registered Republican to vote at the caucus. Delegates and alternates to the 2024 Maine GOP convention will also be elected. The Maine GOP state convention will be held April 26-27, 2024, at the Augusta Civic Center. All Waldo County Republicans are urged to attend this important event.

The snow date of the caucus is February 10. Weather cancellation will be announced on the Waldo County GOP Facebook page or contact waldocountyrep@gmail.com.

Lincoln County Democrats to caucus Feb. 3 and 4

Democrats in Lincoln County will gather for biennial caucuses Feb. 3 and 4 to begin organizing for the 2024 elections. All registered Democrats are invited to participate in their town’s meeting. Attendees will hear from candidates, conduct local committee business, and elect local delegates to the Maine Democratic State Convention held May 31 to June 1.

LCDC will also collect items for the organization’s Food Pantry Project, including paper towels, toilet paper, coffee and tea, hot/cold cereal and canned soups.

Doors open at start times below for voter check-in. Candidate speeches in most locations will begin shortly after check-in. In the event of a weather-related cancellation, caucuses will be held one week later at the same times and locations.

Saturday, Feb. 3

10 a.m. – Noon: Somerville

Windsor Town Office (2nd Fl), 523 Ridge Rd.

Noon – 2 p.m.: Bristol, Damariscotta, Newcastle, Nobleboro, South Bristol

Great Salt Bay Community School, 559 Main St., Damariscotta

2 – 4 p.m.: Alna, Jefferson, Whitefield, Wiscasset

Wiscasset Elementary School, 83 Federal St.

Sunday, Feb. 4

Noon – 2 p.m.: Westport Island

Old Town Hall, 1217 Main Rd, Westport Island.

2 – 4 p.m.: Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, Southport

Boothbay Region High School, 236 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor.

Disclaimer: This event is not sponsored by the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School district, nor does it necessarily represent the values and opinions of the Board of Trustees, the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor School Committee, or the school community at large.

4 – 6 p.m.: Dresden

Pownalborough Hall, 314 Patterson Rd, Dresden.

4 -.m.: Bremen, Waldoboro

Miller Elementary School, 145 Kalers Cr St/Rte 32, Waldoboro.

Complete information about the caucuses, LCDC, its meetings, and other activities can be found at https://lincolncountydemocrats.com. Questions can be emailed to info@lincolncountydemocrats.com.

EVENTS: Smithfield celebrates leap year with winter events

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If you are looking for something fun and engaging to do with your children this winter, plan on attending any number of free events planned by the Smithfield Leap Year Committee. Generous business sponsors helped make most everything free. Events are both indoors and outdoors so dress accordingly.

Kicking things off there is a child friendly movie on Thursday, February 29, at 6 p.m., at the Municipal Complex where free popcorn will be served. Bring a blanket and get comfy with the kids. Friday night is 21+ Chad the Hypnotist show. Adults will not want to miss this hilarious evening; $15 a ticket with free refreshments at the Fairview Grange #342. Seats are limited so get your tickets today!

Saturday, March 2, is a full day of happenings. Horse drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing, tobogganing/sledding, Mr. Drew and His Animals, Too, hot chocolate bar and lunch courtesy of the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department, a workshop for children to build bird feeders to take home and rock painting, Northern Stars Planetarium dome will present The Wonderful Sky and after all of that fun, enjoy a potluck supper at the Smithfield Baptist Church, at 5:30 p.m.

Find all of the details on Face­book at: Smith­field Maine’s Leap Year Celebra­tion-Winter or www.smithfieldmaine.us website. Take a photo of the QR code.

Sunday, March 3, the North Pond Asso­ciation has part­nered with the town of Smithfield to host a Northern Pike Fishing Derby from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cash prizes for adults, $500 for top weigh-in and an incredible prize of a lifetime fishing license for the youth, 15U, who reels in the biggest pike! Get your derby tickets online.

There will be an ice rink sponsored by the Moonshiners Snowmobile club on the ice at the Grange Hall, free breakfast bagels from North by East, a hearty lunch for just $5 and various local nonprofit merchandise on sale, all at the Fairview Grange #342, along with Just a Kid From Smithfield hoodies, made by Catalyst for Change Wear and Smithfield winter hats. You can purchase them now at the Smithfield Municipal Complex in the town office. Derby awards and Leap Year cake will be served at the grange at this time. Find lots more detailed information on Facebook: North Pond – Leap Year Pike Derby. Call 207-362-4772 with any questions you may have.

EVENTS: Knox-Lincoln SWCD launches annual plant sale

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District’s 2024 Spring Plant Sale Catalog is now available in print and online! Plants are available for pre-order, either online or by mail through Tuesday, April 16, 2024. They are offering curbside pick-up of your orders on Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11, and “Cash and Carry” on Saturday, May 11, at Union Fairgrounds. Quantities are limited so order early for the best selection!

This annual spring fundraiser provides more than 180 varieties to choose from: bareroot fruit trees and berries for the home orchard and garden; native conifers, deciduous trees, shrubs and vines for conservation, wildlife, and landscape enhancement; and native, organic, Maine-grown perennials and herbs in one-gallon pots for pollinators. The plant list includes new varieties in all categories and returning favorites. As always, the print catalog offers descriptions of the plants and cultural requirements to aid in choosing the right plant for the right place. Plant care fact sheets are available on our website.

The proceeds of this fundraiser support the youth and adult conservation programs throughout the year.

They are dependent on volunteers to help pack orders and distribute to customers. Volunteers receive some perks as a thank you for helping. If interested, please contact louisa@knox-lincoln.org.

Don’t wait to place your order, visit https://www.knox-lincoln.org/spring-plant-sale to download a catalog or to shop online; call 596-2040 or email julie@knox-lincoln.org to receive a catalog by USPS – and, think spring!

Kennebec Performing Arts Company is looking for conductors

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With the recent retirement of its longtime leader, Charles T. Milazzo, the Kennebec Performing Arts Company (KPAC) board of directors is accepting applications for conductors of its three groups. KPAC is a regional, nonprofit music performance organization that includes a jazz band, a chorus, and a wind ensemble comprised of local musicians of all ages and backgrounds with the common goal of community fun and high-level music performance.

The schedule for each of the fall and spring seasons consists of a weekly rehearsal for 12 weeks, with two or three performances at the end of each period.

In addition to conductors, KPAC also encourages new members to join its groups. Singers and instrumentalists are always welcome.

Interested candidates can reach out via the KPAC website kennebecperformingartscompany.org to complete and submit an application through Google Forms.

Candidates may also request an application by email – kpacapp.board264@gmail.com. Candidates will be contacted for interviews and auditions.

Towns seek Spirit of America nominations (2024)

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by Mary Grow

Several area towns, including China and Vassalboro, are seeking nominations for 2024 Spirit of America awards.

According to its website, the nonprofit Spirit of American Foundation was established in Augusta in 1990 to honor volunteerism. Initially, municipalities presented awards “to local individuals, organizations and projects for commendable community service.”

Since 2022, the program has included a Spirit of America Foundation School Award.

In a Dec. 11 email to municipal officials, Bruce Flaherty, President of Maine Spirit of America, invited them to seek nominations.

At the Jan. 2 and 16 China select board meetings, Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood encouraged China residents to recommend outstanding volunteers. The town has an on-line nomination form, found twice on the website, china.govoffice.com, under Town Clerk and Town Manager. These pages are under Administration, which is under Town Departments on the main page.

Deadline for nominations to be submitted to the China town office is Friday, March 1.

Vassalboro Town Manager Aaron Miller is also soliciting nominations from his town’s residents. Vassalboro has no form, he said; people wanting to nominate someone should call the town office at 872-2826 or email amiller@vassalboro.net.

Both China and Vassalboro have in the past presented annual Spirit of America awards at their June town meetings.

Flaherty explained that municipalities submit their awardees’ names to the state organization by June 1, and the names are forwarded to county officials for county-wide ceremonies in the fall.