Winslow Cub Scouts learn about constellations

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Caitlin Walker, Program Director with the Children’s Discovery Museum, engages the Cubs in the wonders of the universe. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Ricky Pullen and Lorelei Pullen of Winslow try their hand at making constellations of their own. Using plastic wrap on toilet paper roll secured with an elastic band, Lorelei used a marker to place dots for stars on the wrap. Then they held a light to show on the wall with the design of her homemade constellation. She made a house. Other constellations made by Pack #445 Cubs included a Dragon, Viking, and the Wolf . Lorelei is a Lion Cub with Pack #445. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

On Tuesday, January 23, Winslow Cub Scout Pack #445 held its meeting at the Waterville Children’s Discovery Museum. They learned about constellations, which ones we could see in the night sky above Waterville and Winslow and the stories behind them.

The 14 Cubs taking part in the program explored the planetarium dome and made constellations of their own. Cubmaster Sabrina Garfield said ,”The Children’s Discovery Museum put on a wonderful display and the kids and parents really enjoyed themselves. Learning about constellations engages interest in so much – like using stars for navigation or landmarks, it opens up curiosity about the wonders of the universe and the idea of exploration of space. This lesson has also taught our Cubs that most of the astronauts that walked on the moon were once Scouts.”

Those youth and adults from Winslow and surrounding towns looking to join the Pack on future adventures- global or galactic- contact the pack at winslow.cubscouts445@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

 

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Becky Hapgood cited for 30 years of community service

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China town manager Rebecca Hapgood. (photo by Eric W. Austin)

by Mary Grow

Ask China Town Manager Rebecca “Becky” Hapgood what’s the best part of her job, and she gives you a quick double reply: “Every day is different; and the people.”

“People” includes her fellow town employees, residents, visitors – everybody she meets, personally or virtually.

Variety and people have been central themes since Hapgood was first hired by the Town of China on Feb. 2, 1994 – 30 years ago.

She graduated in 1992 from Thomas College, in Waterville, with a degree in business management and experience helping in her family businesses, Back’s Dairy Bar, in South China, and an antique shop. Her plan was to start her own business.

Why, then, apply for a town job?

“Because my mother made me,” Hapgood answered, not entirely seriously.

The connection, she explained, was that her mother worked with Town Manager Gary Brown’s wife, Wanda. Brown had an opening for a deputy clerk; Hapgood applied and was hired.

That job, like every position in the office, involved learning and doing “a whole lot of everything,” with days seldom going as planned.

Brown doubled as town clerk in 1995, Hapgood found in town records. By the spring of 1996, Daniel L’Heureux was town manager and she was town clerk.

Dennis Heath succeeded L’Heureux in 2018, but didn’t stay long. Hapgood became town manager on July 18, 2020.

“Dennis set me up for success,” Hapgood commented, by sharing records and information and answering questions. She translates this openness to the entire office’s relationship with residents: nothing is hidden.

Her career has focused on providing the best possible service to everyone who comes in, calls in or otherwise gets in touch. She summarized her daily goals as “making somebody’s day, changing somebody’s day, helping somebody out.”

Moving to the manager’s private office has limited her interactions, but she still pops out to the counter when she can, especially if she overhears someone giving other staff a hard time.

Recently, she said, the new transfer station entrance stickers have created dissatisfaction and complaints. She understands: people don’t like change, and “we’re government and people don’t like government.”

But, she said, “This is local government, and we can help.”

She sees town employees as “all about trying to find the solution. We’re all willing to help; that’s what we’re here for. We want to do the best for our residents, to be the best town.”

Hapgood welcomes suggestions for running the town better. She habitually urges residents to join a town board or committee to share their ideas.

Her reaction to gripes and venting on social media is to encourage people, before they complain, to consider how their words could affect others, and to contact the town office to make sure they’re acting on accurate and complete information.

Looking back over the last 30 years, Hapgood summarized, “This is not what I thought I’d be doing in life, but I’m having a blast; 99.9 percent of the time, I love my job.”

[You might like: New China town manager takes over with unprecedented local support]

Issue for January 25, 2024

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Issue for January 25, 2024

Celebrating 35 years of local news

Moments of Pride at RSU #18 schools

CHINA PRIMARY SCHOOL

No Power, No Problem: On Wednesday, December 20, China Primary School welcomed students from China Middle School to join them in their building even with a power outage! Each middle school class paired with an elementary school class for the day. Students helped each other out, played, had a hot meal, and had a warm place to spend the day!…

ATWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dress Like an Elf, Bring Food for the Shelf: At Atwood Primary School, in Oakland, adorned in creative elf attire, staff and students came together to generously contribute to Atwood’s Dress Like an Elf, Bring Food for the Shelf weekend food backpack program. This year, all donations made their way into the backpacks that the elementary school sends home on weekends, providing essential nourishment for families in need…

BELGRADE CENTRAL SCHOOL

Student Council: Belgrade Central School recently started a student council organized and led by Wendy Randall and Meredyth Browning. Students in third through fifth grade were invited to complete an application explaining why they wanted to be part of the group. The school was excited to receive more than 40 applications from students interested in being leaders in the building…

Town News

School board takes up several money items

VASSALBORO – Although discussion of the 2024-25 budget doesn’t start in earnest until February, Vassalboro school board members had several money items on their Jan. 22 agenda. Board members approved wage increases for five categories of substitute employees, to keep them slightly ahead of the state minimum wage that went up to $14.15 an hour on Jan. 1…

Transfer station committee looks for redesign

VASSALBORO – At their Jan. 18 meeting, members of Vassalboro’s transfer station task force finished proposing revisions to the town’s Solid Waste Ordinance, now renamed the Solid Waste and Recycling Ordinance, and planned next steps for the ordinance and for their other task, redesigning the transfer station…

Select board approves emergency services dispatching

CHINA – At a brief meeting on a snowy Jan. 16 evening, China select board members approved an emergency services dispatching agreement, made three committee appointments and briefly discussed pending ordinance changes…

Board carries over $300,000 in WVFD tanker truck funds

WINDSOR – Select board members, at their January 2, 2024, meeting, approved carrying over Windsor Volunteer Fire Department tanker truck funds in the amount of #300,000, which was approved at the last town meeting. Town manager Theresa Haskell said the tanker truck should be ready by the end of January…

Webber’s Pond

Webber’s Pond is a comic drawn by an anonymous central Maine resident (click thumbnail to enlarge)…

AARP Maine announces 2024 legislative priorities

CENTRAL ME – With the second regular session of the 131st legislative session now underway, AARP Maine announces its 2024 legislative agenda which includes expanding caregiver support resources in Maine, as well as a focus on fair and affordable utility rates…

Towns seek Spirit of America nominations

CENTRAL ME – 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”…

Scouts hold Klondike weekend at Camp Bomazeen

BELGRADE – Despite the 14 degree temperature, Camp Bomazeen, in Belgrade, played host on Saturday, January 20, to an outdoor competition between Brown Bears, Northern Pike, Falcons, Arctic Sharks, a Wolf Pack, Antarctic Polar Sturgeon, and Spicy Meatballs. Those were the names of some of the Patrols of Scouts assembled to vie for the top spot in the annual Klondike Derby… by Chuck Mahaleris

PHOTOS: Lacroix captures two gold medals

SKOWHEGAN – Huard’s Martial Arts student Lucia Lacroix, 13, of Skowhegan, captured two gold medals and one silver medal at the AKA Warrior Cup World Martial Arts Tournament, in Chicago, Illinois, on Friday and Saturday January 12 – 13…

Name that film!

Identify the film in which this famous line originated and qualify to win FREE passes to The Maine Film Center, in Waterville: “They’re here!” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is February 8, 2024…

York County CC announces fall honors

CENTRAL ME – York County Community College students are recognized each semester for their outstanding acadmic acheivements, in York. Stacy Bettencourt, of Jefferson,, part-time dean’s list; Michaela Bisson, of Winslow, dean’s list; Lucas Wallace, of Skowhegan,  part-time dean’s list…

SNHU announces fall dean’s list

CENTRAL ME – Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), in Manchester, New Hampsire, congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2023 dean’slist. The fall terms run from September to December. Nicholas Stutler, of Sidney; Justin Drescher, and Kristina Wilbur, both of Augusta; Carrielee Harvey, of Waterville; Emily Hernandez, of Embden; and Javyn Greenlaw, of Oakland…

Bickmore named to dean’s list

WASHINGTON – Jacob Bickmore, of Washington, has been named to the Commonwealth University dean’s list for the Fall 2023 semester. Bickmore is a student at the Mansfield campus…

Olivia Bourque makes fall 2023 dean’s list

VASSALBORO – Eastern Connecticut State University, in Willimantic, Connecticut, recently released its dean’s list for the fall 2023 semester, in which more than 1,300 students were recognized for maintaining high GPAs. Among them is full-time student Olivia Bourque, of Vassalboro, a sophomore who majors in health sciences…

William Banks named to dean’s list

JEFFERSON – Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts, has named William Banks from Jefferson, to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2023 fall semester. Banks has a primary major of physical education…

Local students named to president’s list at Plymouth State

CENTRAL ME – The following local students have been named to the Plymouth State University president’s list for the Fall 2023 semester, in Plymouth, New Hampshire: Kaiden Kelley, of South China; Dylan Flewelling, of Oakland; Sidney Hatch, of Oaklan; and Sondre Ashei, of Klepp Stasjon…

Plymouth State University announces fall dean’s list

CENTRAL ME – The following area student have been named to the dean’s list at Plymouth State University, in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Joscelyn Gagnon, of Benton, and Courtney Peabody, of Solon…

Local happenings

EVENTS: AARP Tax-Aide program available in central Maine

CENTRAL ME – The AARP Tax-Aide program provides free federal and state income tax preparation and electronic filing to low-and moderate-income individuals. Returns are prepared by IRS-certified volunteers. The program is funded by the AARP Foundation, a tax-exempt charitable organization, and the IRS…

EVENTS: UMaine Extension offers maple sugaring workshops

CENTRAL ME – UMaine Extension 4-H offers maple sugaring workshops in Piscataquis, Penobscot, Somerset, Aroostook, Waldo counties starting Feb. 7…

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Valentine’s dance planned

MADISON — United Bikers of Maine Somerset County will be hosting their annual Valentine’s Dance on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 8 p,m, to midnight, at Madison American Legion Post #39, 20 S. Maple Street, Madison. Live music by Country Comfort: $10 per person or $20 per couple. Open to the public 21+ event. FMI: contact Sue Gordon at 207-431-4883… and many other local events!

Give Us Your Best Shot!

The best recent photos from our readers!…

Obituaries

SIDNEY – Stanley “Red” Cummings, 70, passed away at home, Sunday, January 7, 2024. He was born May 21, 1953. Red was the “go to guy” for his large family and neighbors… and remembering 11 others.

Celebrating Maine history

Click here for all of our recent stories about the local history of Maine!

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: People for whom ponds are named (new)

CENTRAL ME HISTORY — Previous articles have mentioned ponds and lakes in central Kennebec Valley towns with people’s names, like Pattee or Pattee’s Pond, in Winslow. Some of these water bodies are named for early settlers. Your writer intends for the next few weeks to match ponds and people, to the extent permitted by available resources… by Mary Grow

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Diary-keeping, Ballard & Bryant

CENTRAL ME HISTORY — Kennebec Valley, your writer recently read Richard Beeman’s Plain, Honest Men: The Making of the American Constitution (2009). Beeman described the 1787 convention in Philadelphia at which men from 12 of the 13 original states (Rhode Island refused to play) wrote what became the Constitution of the United States, succeeding the 1777 Articles of Confederation… by Mary Grow

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Streams of northern Winslow

CENTRAL ME HISTORY — As promised last year, this article finishes the story of mills and dams in 19th-century Winslow, or as much of the story as your writer has found, before moving south to Vassalboro’s Seven Mile Stream… by Mary Grow

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Winslow, Hollingsworth & Whitney

CENTRAL ME HISTORY — In addition to the historic mills on Outlet Stream and smaller flowages in Winslow, Kingsbury mentioned two larger mills on the east bank of the Kennebec in the 1890s. One he described as a new “large steam saw mill…on the historic grounds of Fort Point,” covering most of the “palisade enclosure of old Fort Halifax”… by Mary Grow

Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!

DEADLINE: Wednesday, February 15, 2024

Identify the people in these three photos, and tell us what they have in common. You could win a $10 gift certificate to Hannaford Supermarket! Email your answer to townline@townline.org or through our Contact page. Include your name and address with your answer. Use “Common Ground” in the subject!

Previous winner: Diana Gardner, Windsor

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | Although I don’t usually write about domestic pets, here is something that came across my desk last week that I must share with my readers, especially where it deals with a very sensitive subject when it comes to the family canine…

CRITTER CHATTER

by Jayne Winters | I love chatting with Don Cote at the Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab Center – he has over 50 years of critter stories to share! Not all have happily-ever-after endings, but I think every one of the animals Don and his late wife Carleen cared for over the decades touched his heart. It’s comforting to me to know that those who didn’t survive were tended to by folks who did their best to keep them safe and comfortable in their final days or hours…

THE BEST VIEW

by Norma Best Boucher | My cat Olivia loves to bird watch. In her wild outside cat days, I suppose she hunted a few birds, but she was more content catching lizards and snakes that didn’t take off into the air in the middle of the chase. I found many heads of these dead reptiles at my back door…but never a bird…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | A 1998 history book, Big Trouble, by Anthony Lukas (1933-1998) is a massive 875 pages of compulsively fascinating reading centered on the 1905 assassination of Idaho Governor Frank Steu­nenberg (1861-1905) who was originally elected via support from organized labor but then declared martial law when one mine was destroyed by more radical union elements…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

(HEALTH) | The National Institute on Aging reports that individuals who are 65 or older are more likely than younger people to have cardiovascular-related issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, or heart failure…

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Six Heart-Healthy Foods for Seniors

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The National Institute on Aging reports that individuals who are 65 or older are more likely than younger people to have cardiovascular-related issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, or heart failure.

The American Heart Association states that eating a heart-healthy diet is one of the best ways (along with exercise) to help reduce the risk of heart disease and promote heart health. However, although you may know the right foods to eat, it’s often hard to change long term eating habits.

Fortunately, there are many healthy and tasty foods that can be easily worked into your diet. We’ve singled out six healthy foods for older adults that can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as highlighted a few ways you can easily incorporate them into your daily diet for a healthier heart.

 

Eat More of These

1. Leafy green vegetables

Leafy green vegetables like chard, kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, and bok choy are packed with vitamins and minerals and are low in calories. Get more high-fiber greens in your diet by tossing a handful into your morning smoothie, adding a side salad to a sandwich at lunch, sautéeing for a side dish, or adding into homemade soups.

Recipe to try: Garden-Fresh Rainbow Chard

2. Fat-free or low-fat dairy products

The vitamin D and calcium found in dairy products help improve mood, strengthen bones, and preserve muscle strength. An easy way to add more dairy is to use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise or cream in dishes.

Recipe to try: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

3. Fresh fruits (especially berries)

Many fresh fruits are filled with vitamins and fiber. Berries, in particular, are chock-full of heart-healthy antioxidants, calcium, potassium, magnesium and fiber. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries are all little bursts of superfood that are low in sugar and calories. Add a handful to salads, throw them in smoothies, or use them to create a heart-healthy dessert.

Recipe to try: Warm Berry Crisp

4. Whole grains

Three daily servings of whole grains like oats, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, and popcorn can keep your heart healthy and your cholesterol managed. It’s easy to replace refined grain options (like bread) with whole grain options without sacrificing taste. Whole grain side dishes are a great way to jazz up your mealtime routine.

Recipe to try: Cherry-Quinoa Salad

5. Healthy fats

Omega-3s are a type of good fat that can help keep arteries from hardening, lower triglycerides, and help regulate heartbeat. They’re also really good for your skin. Fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines are full of omega-3s, making them an excellent protein option. Healthy fats can also be found in nuts like almonds and walnuts and fruits like avocados. Swapping canola oil for olive oil whenever possible is a great way to get more healthy fat in your diet.

Recipe to try: Green Bean Salad With Roasted Almonds and Feta

6. Nuts and seeds

We already mentioned that almonds and walnuts have value for their healthy fats. They’re also loaded with protein and fiber, making them the perfect snack, salad topping, or ingredient for just about anything. They’ll help keep you fuller longer, which means you’ll eat less while remaining satisfied. Branch out and choose options like cashews, Macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, and even coconuts to tantalize your palate while getting a healthy-heart boost.

Recipe to try: Sweet and Spicy Heart-Healthy Walnuts

 

Other Heart-Healthy Tips

While eating the right types of food will help you age well, feel good and stay healthy, there are other easy ways to keep your heart in tip-top shape, including:

  • Stay physically active – shoot for approximately 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Even a brisk walk around the neighborhood after dinner will improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and boost mood. Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Limit foods such as saturated fats, high-fat foods, fried foods, refined sugars, and alcohol
  • If you smoke, quit smoking
  • Manage any medical conditions by regularly visiting your doctor and staying on top of prescribed medication

REVIEW POTPOURRI – Book: Big Trouble; Conductor: Leopold Stokowski; TV: Death and Other Details

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Big Trouble

Anthony Lukas

A 1998 history book, Big Trouble, by Anthony Lukas (1933-1998) is a massive 875 pages of compulsively fascinating reading centered on the 1905 assassination of Idaho Governor Frank Steu­nenberg (1861-1905) who was originally elected via support from organized labor but then declared martial law when one mine was destroyed by more radical union elements. Tensions already being high between mining corporations and workers, Steunenberg remained a controversial figure.

A bomb was rigged in the entrance gate of the governor’s house and exploded when he tried to open it, killing him instantly. The Pinkerton Detective Agency investigation centered on a dynamiter Harry Orchard who told of being hired by Wild Bill Haywood, founder of the Industrial Workers of the World and an instigator of numerous labor battles reaching from the Western states to New England.

The resulting arrests and trials were a major media circus across the country. Lukas also wrote about progressive groups around the country and the endless struggles between haves and have nots, resulting in even more fascinating reading, particularly in the vignettes on the individual personalities .

Even though Lukas’s agent felt the book was more than ready for publication by 1997, the author wanted to provide every possible detail, which would have resulted in an unmanageable length, and his frustration at not being able to do so resulted in depression and suicide by hanging in 1998 at the age of 65.
Despite these tragic circumstances, this book remains a major contribution to 20th century American history in its dealing with issues still pertinent.

lsewhere Lukas wrote of his mother committing suicide when he was eight years old, of his father contracting tuberculosis and being sent to a sanitorium , and of himself and his brother shipped off to boarding school and of feeling totally alone in the world . These traumas were alluded to in the following quote:

“All writers are, to one extent or another, damaged people. Writing is a way of repairing ourselves.”

Leopold Stokowski

Leopold Stokowski

Conductor Leopold Stokowski (1882-1977) left hundreds of recordings over a 60 year period from the World War One acoustic era to 1970s four channel stereo cassettes and covered a massive amount of repertoire .

One fine RCA lp from the early 50s features Stoky directing studio session musicians in a Symphony by the unknown Roger Goeb and Bela Bartok’s Sonata for 2 Pianos and Percussion. Both pieces have a very colorful combination of lyricism and slightly abrasive dissonance .

Death and Other Details

Mandy Patinkin

Violett Beane

A brand new 2024 Hulu series, Death and Other Details, stars the very good Mandy Patinkin and Violett Beane as two detectives investigating the brutal murder of a wealthy tourist on a luxury liner in the Mediterranean Sea. Everybody on the cruise is of course a suspect. What makes the series compelling so far in its first two available episodes is the quirky characterization of each individual and other details. The other cast members, all previously unfamiliar, do outstanding work.

 

 

 

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Plymouth State University announces fall dean’s list (2023)

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The following area student have been named to the dean’s list at Plymouth State University, in Plymouth, New Hampshire.
Joscelyn Gagnon, of Benton, and Courtney Peabody, of Solon.

Local students named to president’s list at Plymouth State (2023)

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The following local students have been named to the Plymouth State University president’s list for the Fall 2023 semester, in Plymouth, New Hampshire:
Kaiden Kelley, of South China; Dylan Flewelling, of Oakland; Sidney Hatch, of Oakland; and Sondre Ashei, of Klepp Stasjon.

William Banks named to dean’s list (2023)

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Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts, has named William Banks from Jefferson, to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2023 fall semester. Banks has a primary major of physical education.

Olivia Bourque makes fall 2023 dean’s list (2023)

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Eastern Connecticut State University

Eastern Connecticut State University, in Willimantic, Connecticut,  recently released its dean’s list for the fall 2023 semester, in which more than 1,300 students were recognized for maintaining high GPAs.

Among them is full-time student Olivia Bourque, of Vassalboro, a sophomore who majors in health sciences.

Bickmore named to dean’s list (2023)

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Jacob Bickmore, of Washington, has been named to the Commonwealth University dean’s list for the Fall 2023 semester. Bickmore is a student at the Mansfield campus.