Calendar of Events

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

(updated February 27, 2025)

(To submit an event, email us at townline@townline.org or visit our Contact Us page!)

Upcoming Events

Free Grief Support Group offering in March

Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area is offering a free six-week support group for people grieving the loss of a loved one. Meetings will be held Thursdays from 1– 2:30 p.m., beginning March 6, at the Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area Community Center, 304 Main Street in Waterville. The group will be facilitated by trained bereavement volunteers. For more information or to register, contact Rick Darveau, Bereavement Coordinator at 873-3615 x 19 or email griefsupport@hvwa.org.

Survivors of Suicide Grief Support Group begins in March

Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area is offering a free six-week Survivors of Suicide support group starting March 25, at the Hospice Community Center, 304 Main Street, in Waterville.  Meetings will be on Tuesday evenings and will be held from 6 – 7:30 p.m.  This support is for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. The group will include opportunities for sharing at one’s own comfort level and educational handouts.  Group facilitators are trained hospice volunteers who have both experienced a loss by suicide. For more information or to register, contact Rick Darveau, Bereavement Coordinator at 873-3615 x 19 or email griefsupport@hvwa.org.

Apple Tree Pruning Workshop

There will be an apple pruning workshop on Saturday, March 8, from 9:30 a.m. – noon, at 167 Tabor Hill Road, in Vassalboro. Cost is $10 and registration deadline is March 3.

Late winter is the time for pruning apple trees, and Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District (Kennebec SWCD) is hosting an outdoor, skill-building workshop at a volunteer property in Vassalboro.

Apple tree enthusiast Joe Dembeck will lead the workshop, covering pruning methods and tools to increase tree viability and production. After a brief overview, participants will practice pruning techniques. Wear warm layers for outdoor conditions. Clean pruning equipment (pole saws, hand saws, and loppers will be available), work gloves, heavy shoes or boots (site may be wet/muddy).

Note: This is a working farm with various animals on site. Only outhouse facilities are available.

Registration is limited to 25 participants for safety.

Register online or email or call Stephanie at staylor@kcswcd.org or 207-480-3927 to reserve a spot if paying by cash/check at the event.

Waterville Area Soup Kitchen to hold fundraiser

The Waterville Area Soup Kitchen will be holding its first fundraiser on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Elks Club, on Industrial Street, in Waterville. The event is a tropical themed winter getaway. The doors will open at 5 p.m.

The soup kitchen is open five days a week. A light breakfast is provided in the morning and a hot lunch at noon time.

In 2024, the soup kitchen served over 80,000 meals.

The evening will include door prizes, appetizers and a cash bar, entertainment, 50/50 drawing and live and silent auction.

For more information, and ticket information, email Info@WatervilleAreaSoupKitchen.org.

Health & Wellness Expo in Augusta

The public is invited to the 3rd annual Health & Wellness Expo on Sunday, March 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Senator Inn & Spa, 284 Western Avenue, Augusta. Your free admission includes activities for children (ages 3-10), Carotid Artery screening, chair massage, estimated health age, individual lifestyle coaching, hydrotherapy demo, a goodie bag, and much more. For more information, call (207) 582-2116.

On-going EVENTS

Senior Day in China

CHINA – 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.

Indoor walking in China

Warm this winter with indoor walking at the China Lake Camp and Conference Center, 255 Neck Rd The facility is open for walking Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. No walking during school vacations and holidays, or school is canceled for inclement weather. FMI: director@chinalakecamp.org.

New location for China skating rink

The new location for the China ice skating rink is 553 Lakeview Dr., corner of Alder Park Rd. and Lakeview Dr. Stick and puck Tues. and Thurs., 3 p.m. to close. The rink is open sunrise to sunset. No tobacco, alcohol, cannabis or illegal substances.

So. China Legion Post meetings

SOUTH CHINA – American Legion Boynton/Webber Post #179, in South China, meeting every third Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m., at the South China hall. FMI call or text Neil at 462-4321.

Monthly breakfast at SCCC

Homemade breakfast every second Saturday from 8 – 10:30 a.m., at South China Community Church, 246 Village St., South China. Eggs, bacon, pancakes with Maine maple syrup, biscuits and sausage gravy, muffins and pastries, fresh fruit, orange juice, coffee/tea. $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12. Take-out available.

VUMC to hold monthly baked bean suppers

The Vassalboro United Methodist Church, located at 614 Main St., Vassalboro, is starting its monthly baked beans suppahs once again beginning March 15, from 4:30 – 6 p.m., and every third Saturday thereafter.  A $10 donation for the meal would be most appreciated.  Some of the meals with have a special flare to make them even more enjoyable.  Also, please keep your eyes open for other special events being held.  Articles will appear in The Town Line as well as fliers that will be posted in several locations.  You may also check for what’s happening at VUMC by checking their facebook page.  Please join and bring a friend.  A good place to enjoy good food and good company.

Mother’s Circle in Vassalboro

Weekly on Mondays from December 16, 2024 to March 31, 2025, 2:30 p.m. 12 Priest Hill Rd., Vassalboro. Bottom floor of Maine Family Natural Health.  FMI please contact Hattie: hattie.welch.ot@gmail.com.

Senior cribbage in Vassalboro

VASSALBORO – The Vassalboro Recreation Department hosts Senior Cribbage every Wednesday, from 1 – 3 p.m., in the town office board room. Anyone who wants to play is invited. Coffee and snacks provided. FMI, khatch@vassalboro.net.

Senior luncheon every second Wed.

VASSALBORO – Welcome to all and come join us when we serve Senior Luncheons on the second Wednesday of every month at 11:30 a.m. This event is sponsored by the Vassalboro Recreation Department and held at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church, at 614 Main Street, in Vassalboro. Soups, salads, rolls, and desserts will be served. Some menu changes may take place from time to time to whet your appetites. Come join friends and make new ones. Donations are appreciated. See you soon and hopefully every second Wednesday thereafter.

Farmers Market has moved indoors

The Waterville Farmers Market has moved indoors to 150 Main Street, in the Colby building, Thursdays, from  2 – 5 p.m.

Open Mic Nights at “A Coffeehouse” in Waterville

Bring your voice, guitar, and smile! Keyboard, bass and rhythm guitars, and percussion provided. FREE admission. Comedy and poetry also welcome. Every Saturday evening, 4 to 7 p.m., 252 Main Street, Waterville.
For more information, please call or text Jenny at (207) 877-1208 or email acoffeehouseinfo@gmail.com.

Crochet group meets at Brown Library in Clinton

The library announces the crochet group meets every Saturday, at 1 p.m. This group will be taught by Jen Allstom. Jen is the owner of Curiously Crazy Creations.
Please call the library for a list of supplies needed. This is a free program.

Monthly public suppers at VUM Church

VASSALBORO – The Vassalboro United Methodist Church, located at 614 Main Street, Vassalboro, will hold public suppers every third Saturday through October from 4:30 to 6 p.m., for a monthly sit-down meal. They will be serving baked beans, hot dogs, rolls, chop suey or spaghetti, macaroni & cheese, a few casseroles, pies and possibly other sweet goodies for dessert. All for $10. Bring a friend and make new ones while you fill your tummies.

American Legion Post #51 meetings

OAKLAND – American Legion Post #51, Oakland meetings, American Legion Post #51, every fourth Monday, 6 p.m.

Auxiliary every first Monday, 6 p.m.

Riders, second Monday, 6 p.m.

SAL every third Monday, 7 p.m.

All members are encouraged to attend.

Two local square dance clubs to offer beginner square dance lessons this fall

The Central Maine Square Dance Club, of Watervillle, hold lessons on Tuesdays, at the George Mitchell School, on Dutton St., in Waterville. Also, the Ridge Ramblers, of St. Albans, hold their lessons Wednesdays, at the Jonathan Bowman Center, on Hartland Ave., in St. Albans.

The lessons will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m., each night at a cost of $5 per person, per lesson.

The classes are structured for the very beginner and those who have danced before and want to return to this popular activity. Presented in a relaxed, easy setting with an emphasis on learning and having fun. For more information on either class call Bob Brown @ 447-0094.

Cribbage/Scrabble in Liberty

The Liberty Library hosts Cribbage every Monday, at 1 p.m., at the library, located at 59 Main St. Anyone who wants to play is invited. Bring your board and cards if you have them.

The Liberty Library hosts Scrabble every Thursday at 4 p.m. Anyone who wants to play is invited. Bring your board if you have one.

Bingo every Sunday in Madison

MADISON – Madison American Legion Bingo will be held every Sunday in the lower level of Somerset Abby, 98 Main Street, Madison. Entrance is the lower door facing Main Street. Doors open at noon, games start at 2 p.m. Kitchen will be open. No outside food or drinks are allowed. FMI: call Gina at 696-4946.

Madison Historical Society open every Saturday

The Madison Historical & Genealogical Society will be open for viewing the many Madison’s historical displays and usage of genealogy resources every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Old Point Avenue School, 108 Old Point Avenue , Madison.
A monthly meet will be held the third Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m.
New members and volunteers are always welcomed. Contact person Judy Mantor, president at 696-5810.

Cribbage Partners in Madison

Cribbage Partners, in Madison, hosted by Madison American Legion Post #39, is now held on Wednesdays, at 6:30 p.m., at Madison VFW, 58 Preble Avenue, Madison: $7 to play, payout to the top three players and high hand, 50/50 raffle. FMI: call Barbara at 207-578-0261.

Cornhole played on Tuesdays in Madison

Cornhole tournaments, hosted by Madison American Legion Post #39, take place every Tuesday, at Somerset Abby, 98 Main St., Madison. Sign up at 6:30 p.m., games start at 7 p.m. $10 per person, 100 percent payout. Bags are available or bring your own. Airmail raffle every week. FMI: call Mark at 207-431-4663.

Legion Post #5 meetings

WATERVILLE – Bourque-Lanigan American Legion Post #5, Waterville, meets monthly on the second Monday of each month at 5 p.m., at 120 Drummond Ave., Waterville. All veterans are welcome to attend the meetings.

A selection of local images at Gibbs Library

A Selection of Very Local Images, photographs by David Spahr, will be on exhibit September through October, at the Gibbs Libary, located at 40 Old Union Rd., in Washington Village. Hours are Monday 4 – 7 p.m., Tues., 9 a.m. – noon, and 4 – 7 p.m., Wed., 3 – 6 p.m., Thurs. and Sat., 9 a.m. – noon.

Chelsea Age Friendly meetings

CHELSEA – The Chelsea Age Friendly meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Chelsea Town Office.

Unity Parkinson’s Support Group

UNITY – Unity Area Parkinson’s Support Group for Parkinson’s Patients and Caregivers, meets the third Monday of the month from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., on ZOOM November through February; and March through October, at Unity Community Center, 32 School Street, Unity. Come for information, support, encouragement, and helpful tips on living with Parkinson’s disease. Free and informal. For more information, call Eleanor at 948-2437 or email: dogisland52@gmail.com.

Singing group seeks new members

Maine-ly Harmony is a women’s a capella chorus singing in the barbershop style. If you love to sing, they’d love to share their voices with you each Wednesday, at the Randolph Methodist Church, 16 Asbury St., Randolph, from 6:30-9 p.m. Contact: becombs@comcast.net.

Upcoming events at Ecology Learning Center

230 Main St., Unity 04988 
207-948-3520

Goodnight Moonshine

Goodnight Moonshine combines the evocative voice and songwriting of Molly Venter, with Eben Pariser’s adventurous guitar playing. The result is folk music with a depth of improvisation and tonal subtlety usually reserved for jazz.
While Molly and Eben have been successful musicians separately, their combined talents leave nothing more to be desired.

Lithgow library events

Lithgow Library is located at 45 Winthrop Street, in Augusta. For more information, please call the library at (207) 626-2415 or visit our website at www.lithgowlibrary.org.

Lithgow Cribbage Club

AUGUSTA – Enjoy a fun time with other local cribbage players at the Lithgow Library, in the Board Room, every Friday from 1 – 4 p.m. This program is free, and players of all ages and abilities are welcome. Boards, pegs and cards are provided.

Freedom from Smoking

Quitting isn’t easy. but it’s easier with the right help. Mondays, February 3 – March 31 (no session Feb. 17), 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Open play board games

Enjoy a fun time with other local. players at the library. These programs are free, and open to all ages and abilities.
– Cribbage, every first Friday from 1 – 4 p.m.;
– Scrabble, every first Friday, 1 to 4 p.m.;
– Chess/Checkers, every third Monday from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Other Events

FOOD EVENTS

JEFFERSON: Jefferson Food Pantry to hold two food distributions a month; second & fourth Wed., 4 – 5:30 p.m., St. Giles Episcopal Church, 72 Gardiner Rd. (Rte. 126), for Jefferson and Somerville residents. FMI: Richard St. Amand, 485-6950. Monetary donations accepted, PO Box 34, Jefferson, ME 04348.

SQUARE DANCING

WATERVILLE: Winter session, Square dancing for beginners, Tues., 6:30 – 8 p.m., Waterville Junior High, Rte. 104 (West River Rd.). FMI: Call Bob 447-0094 or Cindy 631-8816.

BINGO

GARDINER: Gardiner Lions Club, every Wed., 25 Lions Ave. Doors open 4 p.m., games begin 6:30 p.m. Kitchen on site for snacks and lunch.

SENIOR CITIZENS ACTIVITIES

FAIRFIELD CENTER: Seniors group meets third Fri. of the month for potluck lunch 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bring a dish, the lunch is free. Occasional guest speakers, music, and games. FMI: Becky 465-9291 or Sabrina 238-6170. Open to all seniors and volunteers.

AUGUSTA: Cushnoc Seniors welcome all 55 or older to weekly meeting, St. Augustine Church Hall, Washington St. Doors open 10:30 a.m. for social and lunch. Short business meeting at 1 p.m., followed by Bingo 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. FMI: 458-2191.

SERVICE GROUPS

WATERVILLE: American Legion Post #5, 120 Drummond Ave., meet first and third Saturdays at 8 a.m. All members and prospective members are invited to attend and share their ideas and energy in their ongoing support of veterans.

ALZHEIMER’S TRAINING

WHITEFIELD/JEFFERSON/WATERVILLE: Effective & Communication Strategies, and Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors. Free and open to the public. Every third Wednesday, 1 – 2:20 p.m., Spectrum Generations, Muskie Center, Gold St. Class presented by Cathy Morse, Family Caregiver Specialist.

HISTORICAL GROUPS

PALERMO: Palermo Historical Society, fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m., the Worthing House, 54 No. Palermo Rd.

WINDSOR: Windsor Historical Society, second Wednesday of the month, April – November, Malta Room, Windsor Fairgrounds, Rte. 32. All welcome. FMI: Laurie Thomas, 445-2582.

LIBRARY NEWS

SOUTH CHINA: Library hours: Mon. & Wed., 10 a.m. – noon, and 3 – 5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

CHINA VILLAGE: Library hours, Tues. & Thurs., 2 – 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – noon. Knitting/crafts group, Tues., 4 p.m.

ALBION: Mon. & Thurs., 2 – 8 p.m., Wed. & Sat., 9 – 11 a.m.

PALERMO: Mon., Toddler Time, 10 a.m. – noon; Tues., 3 – 6 p.m.; Wed., Lego Club, 6 – 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., 3 – 6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

SKOWHEGAN: Skowhegan Free Library, informal discussion group, Monday mornings, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., 9 Elm St. First Mon., What Are You Reading, with Alan Foxwell; second Mon., Technology Help, by David James; third Mon., Gardening Hints, by Jim Hastings; fourth Mon., Knitting and Crocheting, with Pat Dickey. Open to all and free of charge. FMI: 474-9072.

SKOWHEGAN: Toddlertime: 2nd & 4th Mon., 10:30 a.m., Children’s story & craft: Wed., 10am. New hours: M- F,10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 474-9072.

WATERVILLE: Make something fabulous, children department, Waterville Public Library, Tuesdays, 2:30 – 4 p.m., for children 5 years old and up. Please bring a grownup helper. Free, open to the public. FMI: 872-5433, or kkenny@watervillelibrary.org.

WATERVILLE: Teen Maker Monday. Group meets every Mon., 3 p.m., Waterville Public Library, Elm St. Free to ages 11-18. FMI: 872-5433 or staylor@watervillelibrary.org.; Teen Game Night, 4 – 6 p.m., Mon. Board games include Settlers of Catan, One Night Ultimate Werewolf, Apples to Apples, Exploding Kittens, Munchkin, Fluxx, Monopoly, Jenga and more. FMI: 872-5433 or email staylor@watervillelibrary.org.

WATERVILLE: Rhymetime for babies, toddlers and their grownups, Waterville Public Library, Elm St., Fri., Feb. 9, 16 and 23, 10:30 – 11 a.m. Program is free, open to the public; Ukuleles, Thurs., Feb. 8 & 22, 6 – 7:30 p.m. FMI: 872-5433 or kkenny@watervillelibrary.org.

WINSLOW: Weekly programs: Storytime, every Tues., 10 a.m.; Drop-in Tech help, 1 – 2 p.m., every Wed.; Friday morning book group, 11 a.m. – noon, last Fri. of month; Knitting group now meets the first and third Mon. of the month, 3 p.m.: June 4 & 18, July 2 & 16, Aug. 6 & 20.

SPIRITUAL GATHERINGS

VASSALBORO: Non-denominational meditation group and silent meditation, Thursdays, 8:30 a..m., Vassalboro Friends Meetinghouse, 48 South Stanley Hill Rd. All are welcome, beginners and long-time practitioners. Cushions available or bring your own. FMI: Susan 385-7452.

YOUTH MINISTRIES

WATERVILLE: Awana youth ministries, ages 3 through grade 8, every Wed. evening, 6 – 7:45 p.m., Kennebec Valley Baptist Church, 91 Marston Rd. Registration begins 5:30 p.m.

ROTARY / LIONS CLUBS

ALIBON: Albion Lions Club, second Thurs. of each month, 7 p.m. Social time 6 p.m., dinner 6:30 p.m.

SKOWHEGAN: Rotary, Tues., 2:15 p.m., Heritage House.

WINTHROP: Rotary, Tues., 7:30 a.m., Credit Union.

GARDINER: Gardiner/Augusta Lions Club meets second Monday of each month for a dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. Guests always welcome. FMI: 485-7100.

SNOWMOBILE / ATV CLUBS

CHINA: Four Seasons Club meets second Thurs. each month, year-round, 7 – 8 p.m. at the club, 571 Lakeview Dr., China. FMI: 968-2032.

PALERMO: Snowmobile Club, 1st Mon., 7 p.m. Oct. – April, Sheepscot Fish & Game Clubhouse, Rte. 3. FMI: call Doug 691-2548.

ALBION: Night Roadrunners meets second Wed. of the month, 7 p.m., Besse Building. FMI: Everett Drake, 437-4461, or see their Facebook page for conditions.

PALERMO: Friends & Neighbors ATV Club, 4th Thurs., each month March thru Oct, 7 p.m., Sheepscot Fish & Game Clubhouse, Rte. 3. FMI: 993-4000.

FISH & GAME CLUBS

PALERMO: Sheepscot Lake Fish and Game Club meets the second Friday of each month. Potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. followed by meeting. Guests welcome.

RV CLUBS

AUGUSTA: Capital Area Wheels – RV Club, meetings second Sunday of the month, October – May. Camping outings June thru Sept. FMI: call Wagon Master David Buker, 685-4948. All campers welcome.

KARAOKE

WATERVILLE: Every Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m. – 1 p.m., Forrest J. Pare VFW Post #1285, Water St.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

CLINTON: Adult Coloring Book Club, Brown Memorial Library, second Thursdays of each month, 6 – 7:45 p.m. You will need own coloring books or coloring pages and your enthusiasm. Some coloring supplies available, but its recommended to bring your own. FMI: Cindy @ 426-8686.

SKOWHEGAN: Morning Bingo, Thurs. 10 – 11 am. Free. Register: Parks & Rec. 474-6901.

UNITY: Tea and Game time, Fridays, 1 – 3 p.m. Bring a game! Knitting and Fiber Group, Thurs. 2 – 4 p.m.. Bring your knitting, hooking, felting, etc.; Bridge Club, Wed., 1 – 3 p.m.; Scrapbaggers, April 7, 6:30 p.m.

CRAFTERS / QUILTERS

WINDSOR: Capital Carvers, Thurs., 6 – 8 pm, Gunning’s workshop off Legion Park Rd. FMI: George, 445-2078.

PALERMO: Sheepscot Valley Quilters meet 1 – 3 p.m., first Tuesday of the month at Palermo Library. All welcome.

JOB SEEKING

WATERVILLE: Job Search Lab, every Tues., 10 a.m. – noon, Waterville Public Library. No appointment necessary. Staffed by Augusta CareerCenter, Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education, and New Ventures Maine. FMI: (207) 872-5433, or librarian@watervillelibrary.org.

AARP / SENIOR GROUPS

AUGUSTA: Coffee Klatch, 8 – 10 a.m., Lisa’s Restaurant, 15 Bangor St. This group meets every third Wed. Please RSVP: sammee.quong@gmail.com or Jay Els at 776-6302.

AUGUSTA: Tuesdays at the State House, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Cross Building. Mileage reimbursement available, lunch is on AARP at the Cross Café.

Support Groups

PALERMO: Celebrate Recovery, every Tuesday, at 6 p.m., Palermo Christian Church, Branch Mills Rd. Open to the public. Designed to help you overcome your hurts, habits and hang-ups. FMI: www.palermochristianchurch.org, or www.celebraterecoverymaine.com.

WATERVILLE: Widows/Widowers, 2nd/4th Thurs., 10 am. Hospice Volunt. Ctr., 304 Main St., 873-3615.

WATERVILLE: General loss: 1st & 3rd Mon, 6 p.m., Hospice Ctr., 304 Main St., 873-3615.

WATERVILLE: Breastfeeding support group, Babies welcome. Fri., 1 pm, Inland. 861-3100.

SKOWHEGAN: Breastfeeding group, 2nd & 4th Thurs. 6-7:30 p.m. Free RFGH, 858-2405.

WATERVILLE: Overeaters Anon.,Thurs. 6:30pm, First Congregational. Church, 453-8304.

SKOWHEGAN: Tobacco Cessation, 1st & 3rd Thurs. 5:30 pm, RFGH, register: 858-2318.

WATERVILLE: Family and friends of individuals living with mental illness, first Tuesday 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Brown bag lunch. Second and fourth Weds., 6:30 – 8 p.m., Pleasant St. Methodist Church. 61 Pleasant St., NAMI Mid-Maine, 293-2921.

WATERVILLE: Peer Support Group fo Individuals Living with Mental Health Challenges, every Tuesday, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Pleasant Street Methodist Church choir room (upstairs), 61 Pleasant St.. NAMI Mid-Maine, 873-5358, 621-8430, ext. 306, or 293-2921.

WATERVILLE: NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group for Individuals Living With Mental Health Challenges, Tues., 6:30 – 8 p.m., Pleasant Street Methodist Church, choir room (upstairs), 61 Pleasant St. NAMI Mid-Maine, 873-5358, 621-8430 ext. 306, 293-2921.

SKOWHEGAN: Family and friends of individuals living with mental illness, Tues., 6 – 7:30 p.m., Maine Behavioral Health Organization, second floor, 30 Leavitt St. Linnea 530-1732, June 215-0818, NAMI Mid-Maine 293-2921.

SKOWHEGAN: NAMI Family Support Group every Tues. evening, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Maine Behavioral Health Organization, 30 Leavitt St. Free to participants. FMI: Linnea 530-1732 or June 215-0818.

FOOD ADDICTS

WATERVILLE: Food Addicts in Recovery, Fri. night meetings, 6:30 p.m., Mid Maine Homeless Shelter conference room, 19 Colby St. FMI: 775-2132 or toll free 1-222-998-5297.

AUGUSTA: Food Addicts in Recovery, Tues. 6:30 p.m.; Also, Thurs., 1 p.m., both at Prince of Peace Church, 209 Eastern Ave. FMI: 775-2132 or toll free 1-222-998-5297.

AA / AL-ANON / NARCANON

SKOWHEGAN: Al-Anon, Tues. 7-8 p.m. Federated Church, Island Ave. 800-498-1844.

AUGUSTA: Al-Anon group, Tues., 7 p.m., St. Mark’s Church basement.

WATERVILLE: Al-Anon, Wed., noon. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Eustis Parkway.

WATERVILLE: High Nooners Lunch Bunch, Alcohol Anonymous, Mon. thru Fri., noon – 1 p.m., Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, 19 Colby Street.

WATERVILLE: Al-Anon, Sun., 10 a.m., MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Center Dean Building, 149 North St. For family and friends of alcoholics.

WATERVILLE: Do you know someone addicted to drugs. Families and friends meetings at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 60 Eustis Parkway, Wednesdays, 6 p.m. All welcome. FMI: 594-2801.

AUGUSTA: Nar-Anon Family Group meets weekly on Mondays, Unitarian Universalist Church, 69 Winthrop St., 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. FMI: Karen 413-262-3833.

NORTH ANSON: Narcotics Anonymous, first Monday of each month, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, 635-2748.

FITNESS / WELLNESS

VASSALBORO: Healthy Heart walking program on Mon., Wed., & Fri., 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., China Lake Conference Center’s Sukeforth New Life Center, 283 Neck Rd. Free program.

PALERMO: A Walk in the Gym, Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Palermo Christian Church, 322 Branch Mills Rd. Open to the public. FMI: 993-2636.

PALERMO: Yoga for limbering up!, Mondays, 6 – 7 p.m., Palermo Consolidated School, Rte. 3. Donation suggested. FMI: 993-2035.

UNITY: Yoga all levels, slow flow, beginners encouraged. FMI: Dhyana Blanchard, 568-1381, yogainunity@uninets.net. Meditation, Ananda meditation and prayer group, Harrison Aldrich Wellness Center, Unity College, 90 Quaker Hill Rd., Mon., 6 – 7:30 p.m., on-going. Learn simple meditation, chanting and healing prayer techniques.

UNITY: Nia in Unity, movement for health, wellness and fitness, Sundays 4 – 5 p.m., Unity Community Center, 32  School St. Classes are sliding scale, drop in any time. FMI: annania.wordpress.com. or Anna Fiedler, fiedlera@yahoo.com.

UNITY: Sunday Night Yoga, 5:15 – 6:15 p.m., Unity Community Center, 32 School St. Classes are sliding scale, drop-ins welcome. FMI: Michelle Moschkau, yoga.with.michelle.ahimsa@gmail.com, 360-556-4894.

MADISON/ANSON: Somerset Dance Party Fitness, Garrett Schenck School, first class free;  with Tiara Nile, Mondays & Wednesdays, 6 – 7 p.m.; with Allison Marcoux, Tuesdays 6 – 7 p.m., and Sat., 8 a.m. FMI: Tiara 431-4107, tiara.nile@yahoo.com or Allison 992-6843, allison.marcoux@myfairpoint.net. Facebook: Somerset Dance Party Fitness.

EMBDEN: Wednesdays, TOPS, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.; Weight Watchers, 5 – 6 p.m. FMI: 566-7302

Letters to the Editor Week of April 28, 2016

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It’s clean-up time

The official “Earth Day” is over with not so good results. Very, very few volunteers.

Thank you so much Goodine family, Barbara F., Irene Belanger and all of you who have done the roadside cleanup in your own neighborhoods. Things are looking better with the “ winter uglies” being picked up.

Thank you also for the town (Kevin Rhodes) picking up bags along the pickup trails. It isn’t too late to get on board with this endeavor to keep our town looking clean and in good health.

We would like to extend this good cause through to May 2016.

Please! we invite all who can to join us. We can even supply some bags if you need, and to have the  filled bags picked up if necessary. Also, large pieces such as tires, metal, tree branches, etc may be picked up.t together

Get the neighborhood involved and have a  fun get together  after the work is done.

Call Irene at 445-2349 if you need to adopt a roadside to cleanup.

Irene Belanger
China selectman

Maine needs lower energy costs

To the editor:

Governor Paul LePage’s final address at the Republican State Convention Saturday afternoon identified the source wreaking havoc on the Maine economy: high energy costs.

“We are facing a crisis!  The number one challenge to the Maine economy is energy.  We have an energy crisis!” the governor revealed.

The governor then illustrated his wooing of Airbus to retool the Brunswick Air Station came to an abrupt halt.  Airbus informed the governor the cost of energy in the DIrigo state was too high and they were better off in Alabama.  The price that tipped the scale 14 cents a kilowatt hour.

Airbus could build their manufacturing plant for $300 million in Maine, or  $600 million in Alabama.  Yet, Airbus could get 4  cents a kilowatt hour in Alabama.  This 10 cent difference in the cost of energy means Airbus could get a return on their investment in half the time in Alabama than Maine.  How many jobs did Airbus envision, 3000?

Airbus is not the only examples of companies taking a pass on Maine because of expensive energy the governor informed.  Taiwan General Counsel also wanted to bring manufacturing to Maine, but high energy costs made other states more attractive.

Governor LePage blamed the Natural Resource Council of Maine for making the business landscape a desert, because of their promotion of alternative energy.  NRCM is misguided as alternative energy as a primary source of energy was unsustainable, too expensive, and currently requires government subsidy to exist.

The governor mentioned lifting the cap on renewable energy allowing Hydro-Quebec to transmit power into the state would drastically lower energy costs.  If this were to happen, Maine would be very competitive with other states offering low cost energy to attract companies; bringing new job opportunities.

What the governor left out was lower energy costs would greatly promote growth of Maine based businesses also.  Energy is always needed and always a challenge.  Lower costs would trickle down or up depending on how you look at it and create more jobs, higher paying jobs.  Then the Maine economy would get the lift it so desperately needs.

Dale Fegel Jr.
Delegate to the Republican State Convention from China

Obituaries Week of April 26 2016

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CAROLYN M. LANE

FAIRFIELD – Carolyn May Lne, 73, passed away on Friday, April 15, 2016, at MaineGeneral Medical Center. She was born in Mexico on July 6, 1942, the daughter of the late Carroll and Evelyn (Kilbreth) Akers, and later raised by Philip and Lucienne Welch, her foster parents.

Carolyn graduated from Dixfield High School in 1961, and also accomplished an associate’s degree at the age of 60, from Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield.

Carolyn worked several different jobs, such as a full-time homemaker, factory worker, and office worker, and she also worked on the family chicken farm. Carolyn was an active church member and loved to play piano and sing for the Lord.

She had a beautiful gift of sewing and talent for music and cooking. Carolyn loved family with all her heart and showed hospitality to everyone she came in contact.

Carolyn was predeceased by both parents, brother Richard Akers, sister Gloria Duval, and great-grandchildren Joshua Taylor and Braydon Norman.

She is survived by her husband Leslie Lane; children Erwin Taylor Jr. and fiancée Diane Morissette, Robert Taylor, Shelly Geidel and husband Lance, Kelly Jeremie and husband Daniel, Phillip Taylor and wife Martha and Sheldon Lane; grandson Ryan Lane; former husband Erwin Taylor Sr.; siblings Mary Learned, Jessie Shelkis, Roger Carroll Jr. and William Akers; grandchildren Seth, Jacob, Isaiah and Michael Taylor, Cassandra Norman and fiancé Chris McLaughlin, Bradley Norman and fiancé Andrea Foss, James and Madeline Geidel, Travis, Aaron and Carolynn Bagley and fiancé Dalton Satterwhite, Kimberly Dathnay and Shayna Jeremie; great-grandchildren McKaela McLaughlin, Braelyn Taylor, Hunter Norman and Ellie Satterwhite.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.lawrybrothers.com.

RHONDA T. MORGAN

OAKLAND – Rhonda T. (Knight) Morgan, 65, passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2016, following a long battle with COPD. She was born at the Franklin Memorial Hospital, in Farmington, on October 16, 1950, the daughter of Howard and Helen (Wyman) Knight.
She  attended Williams High School, in Oakland, and graduated on June 12, 1969.

She was a stay-at-home mom for her three children, and also took care of her grandchildren when needed. She worked other jobs off and on through the years.

For those who knew her, she had a heart of gold and was very thoughtful and caring of others. Rhonda was always willing to give her time, money, or listening ear to whomever was in need and was accepting of everyone. She was also a spunky and fun woman, who could always make you laugh or put a smile on your face.

Rhonda was predeceased by her father and mother, Howard and Helen Knight; sister Sheila Castonguay; brother-in-law Gerald Castonguay; and niece Barbara Castonguay Marcoux.

She is survived by her three children, Brad S. Hastings, Cory G. Hastings and Briana L. Pomerleau and husband Brian; seven grandchildren and a great-granddaughter, Trenton Hastings, Ryan Pomerleau, Brendon and Megan Pomerleau, Faith Pomerleau and Austin Pomerleau; great-grandchild Ayden Pomerleau.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com.

HOWARD L. BROWN

WINSLOW – Howard L. Brown, 81, passed away Sunday, April 17, 2016, at his home in Winslow. He was born May 5, 1934, in Mapleton the son of Lemuel and Mary (Crawford) Brown.Obits Howard L Brown

He was employed for 42 years in construction work for L.M. Cutchin, now known as the Sheridan Corporation and was a volunteer fireman for the towns of Mapleton and Winslow. He also participated and volunteered at RSVP walking program at Colby College since 2005.

Howard was married for 52 years to Myrtle Carter Brown, who predeceased him.

Howard is survived by his children, Lorraine O’Brien, of Wash­ing­ton state, Carol Hansen, of Mapleton, a companion, Thelma Lafferty; one brother, Richard Brown, of Deltona, Florida, and a sister, Audrey Christie, of Mapleton; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by brothers, Harold and Roger Brown; daughter, Muriel Griffin; son, Carlton Hubbard.

Friends wishing may make donations in Howard’s memory to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.

OTHERS DEPARTED

John R. Verrier and partner Barbara Bailey, of Fairfdield, lost his mother, JANET Y. VERRIER, 83, of Portland, on Monday, April 11, 2016, in Portland.

Debra Fuller and husband David, of Albion, lost her brother, STEVEN J. PERRY, 61, of Clearwater, Florida, on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at Mease Hospital, in Dunedin, Florida.

Lauren Glueck and partner Henry Poirier, of Waterville, and Craig Glueck and wife Valerie, of Oakland, lost their father, HAROLD F. GLUECK, 76, of New Hartford, New York, on Thursday, April 14, 2016, at Faxton-St, Luke’s Healthcare.

Ronald Shorty and wife Nancy, of Fairfield, lost his mother, ANGELA A. SHORTY, 81, of Waterville, on Monday, April 18, 2016, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

FORMER RESIDENTS

MARY E. DOUGLASS GRADY, 72, of Waldoboro, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2016. She was born January 5, 1944, in Whitefield, to Chester and Bernice Douglass II.

Mary was educated in Whitefield schools, attended Erskine Academy, in South China, and later received a GED. She worked at her aunt Margaret’s Nursing Home, in Coopers Mills.  She later became the first female buyer at Associated Grocers, in Gardiner.

Our Town’s Report

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Our Town’s Report

ALBION
437-2900

Town office hours: Tues., 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Thurs., 1 – 6 p.m.; Fri., 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Trash pick up Tues. morning. Animal Control Officer (through the Waterville Humane Society): Johnna Hatt, jpelle04@yahoo.com, (207) 314-9071, call back times are between 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday thru Friday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Library hours: Mon. & Thurs., 2 – 8 p.m., Wed. & Sat., 9 – 11 a.m. Phone 437-2220. Recycling, Besse Bldg. second Sat., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

  • Selectmen meets second Monday of the month, 7 p.m., Besse Bldg.
  • Please visit the town’s website at townofalbionmaine.com

BENTON
453-7191

Town office hours: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Transfer station in Clinton, Wed. – Sat., 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., 426-8187. Codes Enforcement Officer: David Savage, 314-4126.  Animal Control: Connie Cummings, 487-1632.

  • Selectmen meet second Monday, 6 p.m.
  • Planning board meets second Tuesday, 6 p.m.
  • Please visit the town’s website at www.bentonmaine.info.

CHELSEA
582-4802

Town office hours: Mon., closed; Tues., Thurs., Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wed., 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Codes Enforcement Officer, Wed. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., or by appointment.

  • Selectmen’s meeting 2nd and 4th Wed. of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the town office.
  • Planning board meets second Mon. of every month, 7 p.m., town office.
  • Rapid Renewal can be doe on line at www.sosonline.org.
  • Register your dog online at maine.gov.
  • Pay taxes online at town website at chelseamaine.org and click on “links.”

CHINA
445-2014

Town office hours: Mon. – Fri., 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sat., 8 – 11 a.m. Transfer station, Mon., closed; Tues., Wed., Fri., 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thurs., 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat., 6:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Codes Enforcement Officer, Mon., Tues. & Thurs., Fri. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wed. 1 – 4 p.m.; Animal Control 242-2346; you may also contact the town office during working hours. Library hours: Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, China Village, Tues., 2 – 6 p.m., Thurs., 2 – 6 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m. – noon – 968-2926; South China, Wed., 10 a.m. – noon, & 3 – 7 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Phone 445-3094..

  • Rapid Renewal auto-vehicle re-registrations can be done online at www.sosonline.org.
  • Planning board meets second and fourth Tuesday of the month, China town office meeting room.
  • Please visit the town’s website at ChinaMaine.org

CLINTON
426-8511

Town office hours: Mon. thru Fri., 8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., second and fourth Tues. of each month, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Transfer station, Wed. – Sat., 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Police non-emergency and Animal Control, 426-9192. Library, 426-8686.

  • Board of selectmen meet second and fourth Tues. of each month.
  • Town Assessors / Codes Enforcement Officer Tues. – Thurs., 8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
  • Please visit the town’s website at www.clinton-me.us

FAIRFIELD
453-7911

Town office hours: Mon. – Fri., 8:30 – 4:30 p.m. Transfer station, Pine Tree Waste in Waterville. Animal Control, call police 453-9321. Library hours: Mon. – 8 p.m., Tues. & Wed., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thurs, 1 – 8 p.m., Fri., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – noon, 453-6867.

  • Town council meets 2nd and 4th Wed. of month, 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center, Water St.
  • For burning permits call the fire department, 453-2429.
  • Please visit the town’s website at www.fairfieldme.com
  • email at info@fairfieldme.com

JEFFERSON

Town office hours: Mon., 3 – 7 p.m.; Tues., 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wed., 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Closed Thurs., Fri., 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. 549-7401; fax 549-7709. Transfer station Tues. & Sat., 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Gates close at 3:50 p.m. Public Library, Jefferson Village School 215-2487, Tues., & Thurs., 4 – 7 p.m. Closed during school year when school is closed. Three laptops avavailable; free Wi-Fi.

MADISON
696-3971

Town office hours: Mon. – Fri., 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Landfill pass at town office. Curbside recycling, Area 1, first & 4th Tues. (Weston Ave., Rte. 43); Area 2, 2nd and 4th Thurs. (Main St., Norridgewock end); Area 3, 2nd and 4th Fri. (all through roads outside village). Animal control, call police 696-5373. Library hours: Mon., Tues., Wed., 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., 696-5626.

  • Selectmen meet 2nd & 4th Monday.
  • Planning board meets as needed.
  • Please visit the town’s website at www.madisonmaine.com

NORRIDGEWOCK
634-2252

Town office hours: Mon., Tues., Wed. & Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.; Thurs., 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Library hours, Tues. & Thurs., 2 – 6 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sophie May Library, Wed., 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 634-2828.

OAKLAND
465-7357

Town office hours: Mon. – Thurs., 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Fri., 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Transfer station, Wed. – Sun., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Codes Enforcement Officer, Mon. – Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 465-2842 for appointment. Library hours: Tues., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Wed., – Fri., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; closed Sat., Sun. & Mon. Recreation Department, Mon. – Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

  • Town Council meetings 2nd and 4th Weds. of each month, town office, 6 p.m.
  • Please visit the town’s website at www.oaklandmaine.us

PALERMO
993-2296

Town office hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 7.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.; Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Website, www.townofpalermo.org.  Animal Control, Peter Nerber at 242-6251 (backup: 993-2225).

Library hours: Effective July 1, Mon., 10 a.m. – noon, Toddler Time; Tues., 3 – 6 p.m.; Wed., 6 – 7:30 p.m. Lego Club; Thurs., 3 – 6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

  • The town accepts credit cards and debit cards with a convenience fee that is separately charged from the transaction.
  • Rapid Renewal re-registrations available online at https://www1.maine.gov/online/bmv/rapid-renewal/.
  • Select Board meets on alternating Thursdays at 6 p.m. at the Town Office. (Meeting dates and Zoom information are posted on the town website.
  • Please visit the town’s website at www.townofpalermo.org.

SKOWHEGAN
474-6902

Town Office hours: Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Recycling at landfill, Tues. – Sat., 7 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Extended summer hours on Tues. & Thurs. until 4:45 p.m. Library hours: Mon. – Fri., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 474-9072.

  • Planning Board meets 1st & 3rd Tues., 7 p.m., council room.
  • Select Board meet 2nd & 4th Tues.
  • Please visit the town’s website at www.skowhegan.org

SOMERVILLE
549-3828

Town office hours: 72 Sand Hill Rd. Hours, Mon., 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Wed., noon – 6 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

  • Selectmen meet first Wed. of the month, 6 p.m., town office.
  • Please visit the town’s website at www.somervillemaine.org

UNITY
948-3763

Town office hours: Mon. – Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Tues. evenings, 5 – 7 p.m. Transfer station, first Sat. of the month, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Animal Control, Sue Dwyer, 568-3141 or 851-8080. Unity College Library hours: check website for the most current times, www.unity.edu/academic/supportservices/library/hours.aspx or call 948-3131, ext. 328.

  • Unity selectmen meet first and third Mon., 6:30 p.m., town office.
  • Please visit the town’s website at unityme.org

VASSALBORO
872-2826

Town office hours: Mon., Tues., & Wed., 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thurs., 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 a.m. – noon. Transfer station, Tues., Thurs., Sat., & Sun., 6:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Codes Enforcement Officer, Tues., 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wed., 8 a.m. – noon, Thurs., 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Library hours: Mon. & Wed., 12:30 – 8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., 923-3233. Kennebec Explorer Bus, Mon. & Thurs., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 1-800-542-8227 opt 2 at least two days in advance. Fare is $1.25 for each one-way trip.

WASHINGTON

Town office hours: Mon., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 4 – 7 p.m.; Tues., Thurs., Fri., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Weds., 2 – 7 p.m.

  • Closed Maine state holidays & MSAD #40 snow days.
  • Selectmen meet every Wed., 7 p.m., Bryant Room, Gibbs Library unless otherwise posted.
  • Please visit the town’s website at www.washington.maine.gov

WINDSOR
445-2998

Town office hours: Mon., Thurs., Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Tues., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; closed Wed. Transfer station, Weds., 3 – 8 p.m., Fri., 1 – 6 p.m., Sat., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Codes Enforcement Officer Arthur Strout, Tues., 6 – 7 p.m., town office. Animal Control, Kimberly Bolduc-Bartlett, 993-2052 (Emergency 242-9374). * Food bank will be open first & third Wed. of the month, 5 – 7 p.m. 

All of the following meetings at town hall unless otherwise noted:

WINSLOW
872-2777

Town office hours: Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Library hours: Mon., Tues. & Fri., 9 a.m,. – 8 p.m.; Wed. 7 Thurs., 1  – 8 p.m.; Sat., closed July, August and Labor Day weekend. 872-1978.

  • Planning board meets first Monday of each month, 6 p.m., council chambers, Winslow Town Office.
  • Town council meets on the second Monday of each month in the council chambers at the Winslow Public Library, Halifax St.
  • Planning board meets third Monday of each month, 6 p.m., council chambers, town office.
  • Please visit the town’s website at www.winslow-me.gov

Did You Know….

By Maine law, meetings of town boards and committees are open to the public. The only exception in the law is an allowance for executive (closed) sessions to discuss specific topics under specific conditions.

Whether and when audience members are allowed to participate in discussion is up to the board or committee chairman.

In China, board and committee meetings held in the town office meeting room are streamed live and preserved on the town website for later viewing. To observe a live or recorded meeting, go to china.govoffice.com, click on Live Stream on the left side of the page, when Live Stream opens, click again on Live Stream where live events (if any), upcoming events and past events are listed.

Young athletes take center stage

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Battle of Maine

Left, Club Naha team member Michael Achorn and Huard’s Sport Karate team member Mikey Stewart with their awards after point fighting at the recent Maine Martial Arts Challenge, on April 10. Michael captured first place and Mikey, second place. (Photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff).

Martial Arts tourney

Below left, Alfond Youth Center CEO Ken Walsh with Waterville Cal Ripken baseball team member Keegan Dumais during opening day ceremonies at Fran Purnell Field, in Waterville. Photo by Carol Fredette, Central Maine Photography staff. Below, Participants in the 36th annual Battle of Maine Martial Arts championships at Sukee Arena, in Winslow, on March 19. Photo by Dawn Jacques, Central MaineKen Walsh and player

Mystery claw not so mysterious

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Roland Scores and Outdoorsby Roland D. Hallee

Last weekend, while we were getting ready to open camp for the summer, we did some raking of leaves along with some of our camp neighbors. While raking a section of road, our friends alerted me to something they found. It was definitely a leg from some kind of large bird. My first thought was a raptor because of the size, and the presence of a large spur on the back of the leg. But my gut feeling was turkey. It had three toes and this one rather large talon on the back of the leg. Now, I have never hunted turkey, and never really paid much attention to the species, except when it’s on a platter on the Thanksgiving dinner table. Also, the part of the leg that was found is usually removed from the holiday fowl.

It didn’t take much research to confirm my suspicion. It was the leg of a turkey, pretty well picked clean of all meat. The only thing that confused me was the color of the feathers remaining on the leg. They were reddish in color. But, it was definitely turkey.Turkey leg photo small

The next question in my mind was what could have taken down a bird of that size. More investigation showed the foot print of the bird to be three inches. A mature male tom turkey would have a footprint of about six inches, while an adult female would be about four inches. So, this fowl was probably a poult, or young turkey, a more manageable target for a predator.

From the time an egg is laid, there is a predator looking for a ready-made omelet. Snakes of all descriptions, skunks, crows and ravens, opossums, raccoons, rodents, dogs and coyotes, even domestic cats, to name a few, are on the lookout for a nest and an easy lunch. If the eggs survive to hatching, things don’t get any easier. Hawks, owls, foxes and other large predators like cougars and eagles in some parts of the country love to find a brood from which they can grab a young, unsuspecting poult.

But the list goes on. Predators on poults can include bald eagles, barred owls, red-tailed hawks and broad-winged hawks, all of which exist around our camp. Mortality of poults is greatest in the first 14 days of life, especially of those roosting on the ground. Add to that list of predators coyotes, gray wolf, bobcats, cougars and even black bears, and the turkey population could take a considerable hit.

As noted earlier, the large spur on the talon was something I had never seen before, and didn’t think existed on a turkey. Occasionally, if cornered, adult turkeys may try to fight off predators, and large male toms can be especially aggressive in self-defense. When fighting off predators, turkeys may kick with their legs, using the spurs on the back of their legs as a weapon.

The turkey was Benjamin Franklin’s choice for the United States’ national bird. It was a favored food of Native Americans. Yet, by the early 20th century, wild turkeys no longer roamed over much of their traditional range. They had been wiped out by hunting and the disappearace of their favored woodland habitat.

Historically, in Maine, wild turkeys existed in significant numbers in southern counties. From the time of settlement, until 1880 agricultural practices intensified, farmland comprised about 90 percent of York and Cumberland counties. The reduction in forest land and unrestricted hunting are believed to be the two most important factors leading to the extirpation of native wild turkeys in Maine in the early 1800s.

Attempts to reintroduce turkeys in Maine began in 1942, but several attempts to restock the bird failed. Over the years, farms became abandoned and land was reverted back to forest.

In 1977 and 1978, 41 wild turkeys were obtained from Vermont and released in York and Cumberland counties. In 1984, 19 birds were captured in York County and released in Hancock County. To make a long story short, the population continued to grow. Today, in the 2000s, the wild turkey population is high in Maine. The flock in Maine is now estimated at more than 60,000 birds and growing. They now exists in all 16 Maine counties.

In the end, the restocking of wild turkeys – nearly wiped off the American landscape – has been a conservation success story. But, has it been too successful. Like mentioned earlier, the flock is continually growing – good news for the Thanksgiving table – but bad news for those who have seen the turkeys destroy their crops. Turkeys are now present in 49 states – only Alaska is void of them.

Farmers, especially in Maine, don’t like the birds. A flock of 20 turkeys can go down a row in the orchard and peck an apple here and there, and destroy $10,000 in apples in an hour. Not only that, but turkeys also compete for the same foods as the white-tailed deer.

We’re still not sure what killed and consumed that particular turkey. A close look at the bones didn’t show any evidence of claw or teeth marks – maybe I’ve watched too many episodes of the TV series Bones, but we do know it lurks in the campground. And it has a taste for turkey.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

In the 13 years between 1957 and 1969, what of significance happened during the NBA playoffs?

Every day is Mothers Day

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GardenWorksHow you made it through bringing the four of us kids and dad up with any sanity left is amazing to me. I know each one of us with our own little unique personalities made for a lot of challenging events for your life. You weathered us well.

And yes, I included dad as another child because as most women realize men stay children much longer than women. If anyone disagrees with me they only have to try talking on a phone (they think their needs come first just as kids do) or have their husband become ill (so much for the stronger sex theory!).
Most of us women don’t even realize the strength of our mothers until we become mothers ourselves. Then that respect only gets stronger the older we get.

Mothers have so many hats to wear in one day; the hats have to be stacked one on top of the other. Gees, where do you start? Let’s see: cooks, cleaners, laundry woman (I want my pink top, why didn’t you wash it? Answer: Would it be because it’s on the bottom of your closet instead of the laundry hamper?), taxi, doctor, nurse, maid, organizer, counselor (I love him so much, mom, I’ll never get over him!), teacher for everything from eating, talking, shoe tying, etc. Oh yeah, and more than likely all of this while you’re responsible for another full time job outside the home.

When the kids grow up and leave home (if you’re lucky) the teaching doesn’t end there. Yes, we learned a lot growing up but even then you are still teaching us through our questions (See now we realize how smart you are!) about our own homes, spouses and children (your precious, over-active grandchildren!). Then, when we become grandparents’ there are still times when we look to you for guidance.

Of course all these years you were teaching us about life (Life 101) by your example. We (hopefully) learned how to multi-task (sick kid on the hip and still doing laundry and cooking dinner!). Tough times you showed us by example how to suck-it-up and keep putting one foot in front of the other and work our way through them.

Naturally we don’t realize until we have children of our own, how much pain a mother can endure. See, we never realized how every time we were hurt physically or emotionally you were hurting right along with us. It’s not until we are much older we realize that never does change.

There is no way to put on paper all the things we have to be grateful for in our lives with you. One day of attention a year (courtesy of another Hallmark holiday) just is not enough to show you that we really have learned and we do finally, really appreciate you.

Still every day, even now mom you are teaching me how to breeze through growing older. The difference is hopefully I’m smarter now and I pay attention to every little detail! I guess once you become a mom, you are always a mom is really true.

I’m so glad you are my mom and I know I speak for Blake, Lyn, Pete, your grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

You are so loved and appreciated.

I’m just curious if you all believe like I do that Mothers Day and Fathers Day should be much more than a Hallmark Holiday once a year. Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com.

PLATTER PERSPECTIVE

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PlatterPerspectiveby Peter Cates

Some more non-classical examples of recorded sound:

Harry James: I Wish I Knew; The More I See You; Columbia- 36794, ten-inch 78, recorded 1-3-1945.

The great trumpeter Harry James (1916-1983) had already considerable experience performing, when he was hired by Benny Goodman at the very young age of 20, and his mostly extroverted playing of both highly virtuosic and Harry-Jameswide-ranging musical dimension reinforced the previously surging appeal of the BG band. He enjoyed working with Goodman, stayed almost three years, even when other key players such as Gene Krupa were leaving to start their own bands and, a year after, left, with Benny’s blessing and some financial backing, to find his own group.

The band was a smashing success until just after World War II, when the young audiences became more singer-oriented while the death knell sounded for so many of the top bands.

However, during its heyday, James made a large number of fine 78s with singers Frank Sinatra, Connie Haynes, Dick Haymes, Helen Forrest, etc. The 1945 record features two very good vocalists who came towards the end of the war. Kitty Kallen, who died this past January at 94, sings, very nicely, the otherwise average I Wish I Knew while Buddy Di Vito does a superb The More I See You – I have been a big admirer of Kallen for years and own numerous recordings but am not at all familiar with Di Vito. The strings added wonderfully to James’s records despite the endless carping of jazz purists.

Finally, he was quite famous for his 22 year marriage to actress Betty Grable.

Muggsy_SpanierMuggsy Spanier and his Ragtimers: Snag It: Angry; Commodore 616, ten-inch 78, recorded April, 1944.

Spanier (1901-1966) was noted for his mastery of the cornet as well as the trumpet. He assembled a half dozen of the finest instrumentalists then alive, including clarinettist Pee Wee Russell, trombonist Miff Mole, guitarist Eddie Condon, pianist Dick Cary and two others, to cut these two roaring examples of Dixieland at its best, the A side Snag It being an original composition by King Oliver, one of Dixieland’s founding fathers.

The 1947 Plymouth Deluxe

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by Roland D. Hallee

I’m going to begin this new series by taking a look at the 1947 Plymouth Deluxe.

Why, you ask?

Well, to begin with, that was the year I was born. It is also the first car I remember being owned by my dad – he bought it used. I can still see it, with its splashing gray color, sitting in the garage.

The Plymouth Deluxe was a full-sized automobile – my dad would have nothing else – produced by Plymouth from 1946-1950. It came in two trim levels, the Deluxe and the top-of-the-line Special Deluxe. As the war in Europe wound down, the U.S. government slowly began allowing the automobile industry to return to the car-making business. It had been four years since any new cars had been built, and those cars still on the road were beginning to show their age. “The more you know about the new Plymouth… the more convinced you are that not all the beauty is on the surface. You can’t see them all, but you can feel them in action,” was the advertising push.

Plymouth’s new models for 1946 were once again offered in two series, the P15S Deluxe and P15C Special Deluxe. Deluxe body styles included a four-door sedan, two-door sedan, club coupe, and business coupe. Special Deluxes added a convertible coupe and wood-body station wagon to the line-up. Waiting lists were common at dealerships. Those wanting a new car placed their name, and often a cash deposit, with the dealer. Customers hoped that as new cars became available, they would move up the list until it was their turn to take delivery. Car buyers with their name on every dealer’s list in town were not uncommon; reports of money paid under the table were common, as were scalpers who would put their new car on the market at a price considerably higher than they had paid for it.

The first post-war Plymouth, a P15S Deluxe, came off the line October 22, 1945 (Ironically, October 22 is also my birthday). Special Deluxes would follow four days later. Bodies for the P15 Plymouths were virtually unchanged from 1942, with only minor trim differences. “Engineering magic greets you right from the start. You don’t grope for a starter button or pedal. You don’t pull on a choke. You simply turn the ignition key – and the engine starts,” said the advertising brochure.

Plymouth literature claimed 50 improvements over the pre-war cars; many were of little significance but were changes nonetheless. Mechanically there were few changes. The 217 cubic inch engine stayed the same and was still rated at 95 horsepower, attained at 3,600 rpm instead of 3,400 rpm. An economy engine package using a smaller intake manifold and carburetor with one-inch bore returned to the option list. Aluminum pistons replaced the cast iron ones that had been mandated during the war. Like many vendors, Carter couldn’t supply enough of their model D6G 1 carburetors to meet Plymouth’s production demands; Stromberg, which normally supplied Ford, provided its model 3-84 carburetor. Replacing the disposable oil filter was a new cleanable canister that contained a replacement cartridge. “Outside and in, it’s a completely new Plymouth. Compare it feature for feature. Sit in it.

Ride in it. Drive it. Then you’ll surely agree,” continued their sales pitch.

I don’t quite remember how long my dad had that Plymouth, but his track record was three years. I do remember though that his next car, for whatever reason, was a 1950 Mercury. From that point on, my dad went strictly General Motors.

Bradstreet estate to be sold at auction

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On Saturday, May 7, DownEast Auctions will sell the longtime collection of Joseph A. Bradstreet. As a young man, he and partner Walter White started White & Bradstreet, in Augusta. In 1953, they began selling used auto parts and doing towing work. They later expanded to used and rebuilt truck parts. Today, White & Bradstreet is one of the largest truck salvage yards in the state of Maine.

In 1988 Bradstreet started the Betty & Joe Bradstreet Transportation Museum, in Palermo. He collected and restored antique cars and trucks. He also collected and displayed an impressive collection of automobile related signs and automobilia. Anyone entering the 60-foot x 100-foot museum building will be amazed at the number and quality of the signs and vehicles displayed. One of the highlights of the auction will be a fully-restored 1937 Cadillac, 4-door sedan. Joe loved trucks; and his favorite was the 1960 Mack B-70. Other impressive trucks are the 1931 International and the 1942 International; both with handcrafted oak stake bodies.

The property consists of 29 acres with four buildings; large two-family home built in 1985. The home has three fireplaces with an impressive library and woodwork, with attached two-car garage. The museum building is 60-feet x 100-feet with nine bays. There is also a two bedroom house with custom woodwork with a heated two-car detached garage. This home would make a great caretaker’s home or office.

The entire property will be offered at the May 7 auction; if not under contract before sale day. The contents of all buildings will be sold: including antique vehicles, work vehicles, unrestored Cadillacs, many unrestored heavy duty trucks, porcelain signs, automobilia, tools, equipment, and Moosehead furniture. Come out for a full day of selling and buying a piece of history. There are so many items to sell, two auctioneers may sell simultaneously. Sale will be catered. Please bring a chair, a limited supply will be available.

For more information on the real estate or to arrange a showing, call Chris Vallee at Vallee Real Estate, 207-622-2220. For more information, visit www.downeastauctions.com for photos and terms, or call DownEast Auctions at 207-548-2393.