The Remembrance Tree (2025)
Remembering those we’ve lost:
Ken Walsh is grand marshal as annual Parade of Lights kicks off the holiday season in Downtown Waterville
members of the Winslow Cub Scout Pack #445 participated in the Parade of Lights, in Downtown Waterville, on Saturday, November 29. Holding the den flag, left, is Wolf Cub Lorelei Pullen, American Flag is Arrow of Light Scout Freddie Pullen. Holding the banner from left to right are Cubs Cody McGraw, Aries Garling and Lincoln Hamilton. (photo by Corianna Doucette, Central Maine Photography)
by Mark Huard
Santa Claus waves to the crowd as he approaches his seasonal home in Kringleville, at Castonguay Square, in Waterville. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)
The Children’s Discovery Museum once again organized this year’s Parade of Lights, kicking off the holiday season in downtown Waterville with over 30 entries, including three dance troupes, dazzling floats, and brightly lit fire trucks. This year’s Grand Marshal, Ken Walsh, helped lead the beloved annual procession, carrying on a cherished tradition that brings the community together each December. Crowd favorites included a solar-powered Charlie Brown Christmas display and a line of festively decked-out Jeeps, all culminating in Santa’s arrival to light the tree in Castonguay Square. The event was made possible through major support from the City of Waterville, Central Maine Motors Auto Group, KSW Federal Credit Union, and Selah Tea Café, with additional support from Chase Toys, Kennebec Behavioral Health, Skowhegan Savings Bank, United Ag & Turf, and Day’s Jewelers. “Seeing our community come together in such joyful, sparkly spirit is truly magical. This parade is a highlight of the year for so many families, and we’re grateful to help bring that joy to downtown Waterville,” said Amarinda Keys, Executive Director of the Children’s Discovery Museum. Thank you to all of the volunteers for all the help and support.
Waterville Police Chief William Bonney said, “The Parade of Lights is an amazing annual event that brings thousands of people to the downtown to welcome Santa to Waterville. We, at the police department, love playing a part in this event and seeing the joy on people’s faces as the parade passes.”
Each year, the Children’s Discovery Museum is honored to recognize a member of our community as the Parade of Lights Grand Marshal, sponsored by Central Maine Motors Auto Group.
Levi “The Grinch” Burgess, 8, of Winslow, riding on the Grinch Float during the Parade of Lights! (photo by Mark Huard/ Central Maine Photography)
This season, the parade directors were proud to celebrate someone whose lifelong dedication to youth, families, and community enrichment. This year’s Grand Marshal is Ken Walsh, whose three decades of leadership have shaped the landscape of youth development across Maine. Ken began his journey in Maine in 1992 as the Executive Director of the Waterville Boys and Girls Club, later leading the newly merged Alfond Youth Camp; Community Center (AYCC) – the only combined Boys and Girls Club and YMCA in the nation. During his tenure as CEO, he helped raise over $100 million and transformed the AYCC into a nationally recognized model for community impact. Ken’s visionary work led to the development of iconic recreation spaces, including replica Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, and expanded Camp Tracy, while also establishing youth programs across Maine and around the world. From building international partnerships in China, Mexico, and Europe, to supporting new World Youth Club sites in Africa, Ken’s work has opened doors for countless young people. In January 2026, he will begin a new chapter as President & CEO of World Youth Clubs, overseeing affiliates in 50 countries and serving more than half a million youth worldwide.
Ken’s legacy is rooted not just in buildings and programs, but in people.
Ken Walsh
A 7th-degree black belt, founder of the AYCC Martial Arts Program, longtime baseball coach, and member of both the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame and Maine Sports Legends, Ken has inspired generations of young athletes. He and his wife Suzanne are proud parents of two children, Sean and Kate. The Children’s Discovery Museum is deeply grateful to honor Ken Walsh as this year’s Grand Marshal. His compassion, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of community embody the very spirit of the season. Thanks to Central Maine Motors Auto Group for helping to celebrate a leader whose dedication has touched thousands of lives here in Central Maine and across the globe.
Members of the Winslow Cub Scout Pack #445 participated in the Parade of Lights, in Downtown Waterville, on Saturday, November 29. Holding the den flag, left, is Wolf Cub Lorelei Pullen, American Flag is Arrow of Light Scout Freddie Pullen. Holding the banner from left to right are Cubs Cody McGraw, Aries Garling and Lincoln Hamilton. (photo by Corianna Doucette, Central Maine Photography)
Remembering the Thanksgiving without power
by Connie Bellet
Nearly everybody who has lived in Palermo for a number of years has stories to tell about power outages (no disrespect to CMP, whose workers are heroic). However, when the power went out after the usual November storm right before Thanksgiving a few years ago, we all had to get creative. At least we can all laugh about it now.
My husband, Phil, won a large turkey at a raffle sponsored by the Palermo Community Library. Don Barrett had raised the monster bird and I think it was trying to take over his farm. It weighed in at 38 lbs. It would not fit into my oven. It would not fit into my large roaster, either. So, we called around to see if anybody would saw it in half.
The guy at Hussey’s finally said he’d do the deed. So, Phil wrapped it in a towel so he could get a better grip on it and lugged it into Hussey’s. It was like hauling a beer keg. He hoisted it onto the meat counter, amidst a number of curious onlookers. The butcher considered this a challenge, so he turned on his big band saw and grabbed the turkey’s ankles to guide it through. The band saw made some unusual noises in protest, then, almost halfway through, shrieked and ejected the saw blade.
Nobody was hurt, but there was a lot of crashing and clanging, drawing more onlookers. The butcher was now taking this personally. He carefully cleaned and remounted the band saw blade. Then he turned the turkey around and guided it in by the wings. The band saw protested, but kept going until the turkey stuck in the gateway. Only an inch or two remained. It was just too big.
Not to be deterred, the butcher decided he needed a tool to split the last inch of breastbone and spine. I thought he’d grab an axe, but nooooo. He was a real Mainer (who shall remain nameless to protect his innocence). Without an axe handy, he picked up a tire iron and stabbed it into the breastbone. It struck with a resounding crack, the turkey fell open, and the crowd went wild!
No sooner had I cleaned and brined the turkey, the power went out, and stayed out. Our next door neighbor had a generator, so he offered to plug in my roaster. I had a gas oven, which held the other half of the turkey and its stuffing, so we were good to go.
As usual, I had invited local people who didn’t have family to share Thanksgiving to join us at the Community Center. About 23 people showed up, even though we had no heat or lights. Phil collects oil lamps, so we lit several of those, and somebody brought in a space heater. Everybody brought some food, so very shortly our laughter warmed the rooms and eyes sparkled with reflected lamplight. We toasted the power company trucks as they hustled down Turner Ridge Road and in a couple of days, the power came back on and we were thankful again.
Once again, we will host Thanksgiving Dinner at 2 p.m., on Thursday, November 27. To reserve a place at the table, please call Connie at 993-2294 or email pwhitehawk@fairpoint.net. We will be delighted to welcome you.
EVENTS: Family Festival of Trees coming soon; Santa will be in the house
Alfond Youth & Community Center and Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, through the Central Maine Community Betterment Collaborative are bringing Festival of Trees this holiday season, continuing a proud tradition.
Participation in this year’s event continues a fabulous holiday tradition. At the same time, money raised supports families in the community experiencing food insecurity through the services of Alfond Youth & Community Center and funds workforce development services and assistance through the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, meeting a need existing throughout our region.
Who doesn’t love a beautiful holiday tree? Imagine over 50 trees, each uniquely decked out in holiday cheer. This wonderful family event will be held at Waterville Elks Banquet & Conference Center, 76 Industrial Rd., Waterville, on Fridays through Sundays, November 21-23, and November 28-30. Hours on both Fridays and Saturdays are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Sunday, November 23, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on the final day, November 30, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Festival of Trees will provide a magical experience the whole family can enjoy. Admission for ages 12 and over is just $2 per person; children 12 and under are admitted for free. Children are also given a free book upon arrival. New this year, Santa will be there from noon – 3:30 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 22 and 1 – 4 p.m., on Sunday, Nov. 23.
Purchase and drop your individual tree tickets (just 50-cents each) into the bucket of your favorite tree, and you could go home with a beautifully decorated tree complete with all trimmings, gift cards, and merchandise displayed. Tree winners will be drawn after 5 p.m., Sunday, November 30, and notified that evening. Trees will be available for pickup on the following Monday and Tuesday.
This year’s 50/50 experience has also been enhanced by increased prize amounts, with a maximum payout of $10,000 daily. Winners will be drawn each day, and you do not need to be present to win. A note: in each of the cases of winning a tree or a 50/50 amount, winners are responsible for any tax implications, and a 1099 Form will be furnished for values exceeding $600.
Please join them for this wonderful holiday experience. Whether you visit to view the trees on display or are willing to volunteer some time to help staff the event, it will be time well spent – and you will be helping support your community through your participation. It takes a substantial number of volunteers for an event of this magnitude. Some volunteer slots are open. For more information about volunteering for a shift or shifts, please visit www.festivaloftreesmaine.net.
Local youth groups participate in Veterans Day parade (2025)
All the local youth groups that participated in the Veterans Day Parade, in Waterville. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)
“It is so important for the community to honor, pay respect, and show gratitude to all veterans but especially for those in our community and in some cases our own family who have shown the courage to serve our country with the ultimate belief that service above all else is what they are committed to,” said Christopher Santiago, Kennebec Valley District Commissioner of Pine Tree Council, Scouting America. “Scouting has had a long relationship with the military and veterans. Our Scout Oath reads directly to do our Duty to God and Duty to Our Country. With that being said, honoring our country and those who protect it is a very real opportunity to teach young people about citizenship and the responsibility we have to our country and community. Not everyone will serve in the military, but individuals serve as police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, and so many other professions for the purpose of serving others. Participating in the Veterans Day Parade allows us the opportunity to make these lessons real and encourage our youth to think about the positive impact they can have in the lives of others.”
Vassalboro Troop #410, march down Main St., in Waterville. Other groups participating included Vassalboro Cub Scout Pack #410, Winslow Cub Scout Pack #445, Winslow Troop #433, Oakland Cub Scout Pack #454, Augusta Troop #603, and Girl Scouts Arnold Trail Service Unit Troop #1521. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)
The Remembrance Tree (Christmas 2025)
Help us decorate the tree and at the same time remember loved ones.
For only $10 a ball, you can commemorate loved ones who have passed.
Mail your donation and the names of your remembered loved ones to:
The Town Line
P.O. Box 89
South China, ME 04358
to place an ornament on the tree.
Deadline is Friday, December 12.
The completed tree will be published in the December 18 issue.
All donations to The Town Line are tax deductible.
PHOTOS: Memorial Day in Palermo
Taps was played by Erskine student Sabrina Studholme, right. A brunch at the Palermo Historical Society wrapped up the day’s events. (contributed photo)
Malcolm Glidden Post #163, in Palermo, visited four local cemeteries on Memorial Day to honor fallen comrades. A prayer and poem, “Decoration Day,” was read by Commander Paul Hunter, above, volleys were fired by the rifle squad. (contributed photo)
Inaugural Thanksgiving dinner at SCCC well attended
South China Community Church (SCCC) served about 55 people at its first free Community Thanksgiving Dinner on November 28. Photo by Jayne Winters
by Jayne Winters
South China Community Church (SCCC) served about 55 people at its first free Community Thanksgiving Dinner on November 28. While SCCC is known for its monthly Blessed Breakfasts and various dinner and soup fundraisers throughout the year, this was the first time its members provided a holiday meal.
The idea was discussed at the September Church Council meeting after a new Sunday service attendee asked if SCCC offered Thanksgiving dinner for people who are alone on the holiday, away from family or simply don’t have the energy or means to make dinner for their small families. Council members voted unanimously to do it and with Debbie Stowe taking the lead, church members enthusiastically got busy!
Dining room set-up and food preparations began Wednesday morning; kitchen workers returned early Thursday to finish cooking, carving, setting tables, slicing pies, etc. Following Pastor Paul Harwath’s opening prayer, folks thoroughly enjoyed their meal. The menu included turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, mashed potato, squash, pearl onions and other veggies, as well as cranberry sauces, homemade rolls, ambrosia, cucumber salad, corn bread, homemade pies and beverages. In addition to the wonderful cooks, there were food and beverage servers, clean-up crews, and, of course, dishwashers!
Many thanks to everyone who helped make this dinner such a success. Donations of food and gift certificates came from Hannaford, Tobey’s, Sam’s Club, Shaw’s, Walmart, and countless church and community members. A free will offering that totaled $236 will be used to help purchase gifts for three families SCCC is sponsoring this Christmas – thank you so much for your generosity!
SCCC’s first Thanksgiving dinner went very well and the church plans to do it again next year. Leftovers were taken to the Bread of Life Ministries, in Augusta, for distribution to two local food pantries. We have much to be thankful for, indeed.
POETRY CORNER: Holiday Nights
Holiday Nights
Written by Connie Hartley
The sky is filled with beautiful lights
Sparkling brightly through the night
Holiday music fills the air
Love and happiness everywhere
Horse and sleigh are ready to carry
Happy couples singing merrily
Through the snow-covered hills
Snuggled together so not to be chilled
There is a special feeling that fills the air
One that leaves you without a care
Signs of blessings all around
As family and friends gather in the town
To sing in joyous harmony
Underneath that wondrous Christmas tree
PHOTOS: Parade of Lights: Another spectacular event
The Parade of Lights, in downtown Waterville, kicked off the holiday season on November 30. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)
Santa Claus arrived in downtown Waterville during the Parade of Lights. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)
Winslow Fire/Rescue deputy chief’s wife, Heidi Murphy, and Engine 7 driver’s dog Bobby during the parade. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)
(photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)