PHOTO: Four generations gather

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From left to right, Reed Lalime Haskin, Marjory Robbins Lalime, Jody Lalime Welch, Hattie Lalime Haskin.

A reunion of four generations of mothers and daughters came together on Christmas Day, 2022. The holidays have a wonderful way of bringing families together. For the Lalime-Welch-Haskin family it meant that one-year-old Reed Haskin met her 90-year-old great-grandmother “Jamma” for the first time. Marjory, Jody and Hattie all grew up in East Vassalboro, while home for little Reed is Anchorage, Alaska. Contributed photo

Rotary Club wraps up successful auction

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The 59th annual Waterville Rotary Auction with hundreds of gifts, services and discount items wrapped up the first week of December. Every year, for more than half a century, this important community event has supported Rotary’s efforts to make a difference in the community. Proceeds from the auction will again go to support community programs and initiatives in early childhood development and education, helping to ensure a bright future for our community’s most vulnerable and valuable asset, our children.

This year, Rotary Club of Waterville identified the construction of the new Children’s Discovery Museum and the development of a second natural play area at Educare Central Maine as recipients of auction proceeds. Both of these amazing organizations located in Waterville make a difference for the children served, with programs focused around childhood literacy and development.

Rotary Club of Waterville thanks the community for its support and contribution to area businesses and to the promotion of literacy in central Maine and beyond. Your participation generated nearly 240 items donated to the auction, resulting in net proceeds over $18,000.

Special thanks are extended to the auction committee, Mix 107.9 for live coverage and interviews during the auction, Central Maine Motors Auto Group, the Mid-Maine Chamber, and fellow Rotarians for assistance in this undertaking.

For more information about the Rotary, visit the website at http://www.watervillerotary.com.

Eight local scouts complete training

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China Baptist Church

by Chuck Mahaleris

Eight Scout leaders completed Youth Protection Training at a course held at the China Baptist Church, on January 4, 2023. Joe Poulin, of Oakland, who serves as the training chairman for Pine Tree Council, led the program. Those completing the course, which is required annually for all leaders who work directly with scouts, were Matthew Bodine, Ronald Emery, Aiden Pettengill, Samuel Boynton, Scott Adams, and Priscilla Adams, all of China; Luanne Chesley, of Vassalboro, and Brian Wedge, of Belgrade.

Poulin said, “Being a leader in the BSA is a privilege, not a right. The quality of the program and the safety of our youth members call for high-quality adult leaders. Each adult leader must agree to undergo a criminal background check and annually complete the Youth Protection Training course either online or in person. Before we can take Scouts camping or teach them how to tie knots, we have to make sure they are in safe hands.”

Scout leaders are mandatory reporters if abuse is suspected and should take the following steps:

  1. Ensure the child is in a safe environment.
  2. In cases of child abuse injury or medical emergencies, call 911 immediately. In addition, if the suspected abuse occurred in the scout’s home or family, you are required by state law to immediately report/contact the local child abuse hotline.
  3. Notify the scout executive or his/her designee, if he/she cannot be reached call the 24/7 Scouts First Helpline at 1-844-726-8871 or email, scoutsfirst@scouting.org.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters needed for 100 waiting Littles

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Little Sister Ryder Perkins meets with her Big Sister Hayley SooHoo once a week to chat while they draw, color, takes walks, and sometimes even learn new dances together. Their friendship was created through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine’s longstanding, one-to-one mentoring program that matches children facing adversity with positive role models. (contributed photo)

by Monica Charette

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBSMM) kicks off the new year and National Mentoring Month in January with an effort to recruit adult volunteers in the community to serve as mentors to 100 children waiting to be matched.

“Bettering yourself in the new year is a fantastic goal,” Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine Interim Executive Director Mae Slevisky, says. “This year, we encourage people to think about how they can do that by also bettering their community—by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister.”

According to Slevinsky, there has never been a more critical time for mentoring.

“The events of the past few years have taken their toll on our most vulnerable citizens—our children. The isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has hampered the social and academic progress of many kids, and many more are experiencing mental health challenges,” she said. “Kids need mentors now more than ever, to help them navigate challenges, open up doors of opportunity, and give them additional support they may need to excel in school and in their communities.”

According to Slevinsky, BBBS of Mid-Maine currently has 100 youth in its seven-county service area waiting to be matched with a mentor. Becoming a Big means committing to spending a couple of hours a week with a young person doing things you and your Little like to do, like playing outside, visiting the library, or taking a walk, she said. Matches also explore new activities together, like visiting a museum or skiing for the first time. “It’s about having fun, being a friend, and nurturing a child’s greatest potential.”

Adult mentors are interviewed, screened and trained, and receive ongoing support from BBBS of Mid-Maine professional staff, including regular match support meetings to ensure safety and help strengthen relationships. Successful volunteers are responsible, caring adults, who enjoy working with youth of all ages and backgrounds, have excellent listening and communication skills, are patient, willing to learn, and share in the BBBS mission of igniting the power and promise of local youth.

To learn more about Littles waiting, follow BBBS of Mid-Maine’s weekly “Waiting Wednesday” Facebook posts. For information on how to become a Big or enroll a child, visit bbbsmidmaine.org, email info@bbbsmidmaine.org or call 207-236-BBBS (2227).

PHOTO: Frisbee relays

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Pictured are Sam Madison with frisbee, John Gray who serves as the Denner, and Wesley Danielson. (contributed photo)

On Monday January 9, 2023, Tiger Den #410 members got together to learn about teamwork, good sportsmanship, following rules, and how to hustle. They battled it out in a fierce frisbee relay! The Tiger Adult Partners joined in the fun and Vassalboro Community School supported the Tigers, according to Vassalboro Cub Scout Pack #410 Cubmaster Chris Santiago. The Tiger Cubs are first grade members of the Cub Scout pack.

PHOTO: Local scouts clear cemetery markers of snow

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Front row, from left to right, Scarlett Mudie, Bear Cub Scout, Willow Mudie, BSA Scout, “Lizzy” Blais, BSA Scout. Second row, Mrs. Jennifer Fortin, Marleen Lajoie (Col. Ret. ARNG), Tristan Morton, BSA Scout, Trenton Franklin, BSA Scout, Ian Martin, BSA Scout, Carmina Fortin, Jacob Blais, BSA Scout, Becky Blaise, CC Cub Scouts, Jeff Morton, CR (Col. Ret, USA), Anthony Fortin, BSA Scout Third row, Michael Fortin, CC Troop #603, Jon Martin, SM, Brian Franklin, Lynette Mudie, Lonwood Keller, VFW, VFW Post Commander Brian McComb, Phillipe Blais, ASM, Craig Bailey, VFW (MSG ret. USA) Not Pictured: Joshua Demers (Cub Scout Den Leader), Mack Demers (Tiger Cub Scout), and Landon Demers (Lion Cub Scout). (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Each year thousands of service members are remembered in National and State Veterans Cemeteries. This year VFW Post #887 and Troop/Pack #603, of Augusta/Windsor, cleared the markers and stones during a snowstorm to honor over 30 who have not been recognized before.

SMALL SPACE GARDENING: Growing tasty and nutritious leafy greens indoors

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by Melinda Myers

Boost the flavor and nutritional value of winter meals by growing a container of greens indoors. Plant, tend and harvest greens for garden-fresh flavor now and throughout the year.

Green leafy vegetables are healthy sources of carbohydrates, typically rich in fiber and nutrients, while also being low in fat and calories. Many of these vegetables can help reduce the risk of stroke, anemia, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and diabetes. They also help improve the health of your gut, heart, bone, and skin while boosting your body’s immunity.

To create your own indoor garden of greens, all you need are seeds, a container, potting mix, and a sunny window or artificial lights. Select a container or planter with drainage holes or reduce maintenance with the help of self-watering containers like the Viva Round or Square self-watering planters. Their water reservoirs reduce watering frequency.

Fill the container with a quality potting mix that is well-drained and retains moisture. Plant seeds as recommended on the seed packet. You can grow each type of green in its own container or mix them up for an attractive display in larger planters like the Tartu Elevated Rectangular Planter (gardeners.com).

Water thoroughly and often enough to keep the soil moist while waiting for the seeds to sprout. Reduce the need for frequent watering by covering newly planted containers with a plastic sheet or dome. Once sprouts appear, remove the plastic and begin watering thoroughly when the top inch of soil begins to dry.

Boost productivity and increase planting space with the help of artificial lights. You will find a variety of setups for any space in your home. Counter and tabletop light stands like the Micro Grow Light Garden can be conveniently located in the kitchen or dining room. Stand-alone light shelves provide more growing space within a small footprint. Furniture-grade light stands make them easy to use in any room in the house.

Grow greens you and your family like to use in your favorite recipes and salads. Green or red leaf lettuce is easy to grow indoors and its mild flavor is most appealing to children and picky eaters.

Spinach is another popular and easy-to-grow leafy green vegetable used fresh in salads and smoothies or added to soups and sauces. It contains many vitamins and nutrients, including iron, folic acid, and calcium.

Kale is considered a superfood. This nutrient-dense vegetable is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. If the flavor is a bit too intense for you, try the baby leaf types that are milder in flavor, or try braising kale for a milder flavor and more tender texture.

Add a bit of peppery flavor to salads, soups, pastas, and other dishes with arugula. Add a spicier flavor with mustard greens. Sauté mustard greens or add them to your favorite Southern, Asian, Indian or savory dish.

Include color and flavor in your winter meals with beet greens. The leafy part of this vegetable is often overlooked but is the most nutritious part of the plant. Use these the same way you would spinach or kale. You can purchase beet varieties selected for growing the best greens to harvest from baby to full size.

Make it more fun by getting others involved. Hand family members and guests a plate and kitchen shears so they can harvest and help prepare the meal.

Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Gardener’s Supply for her expertise to write this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Follow the 4 Rs to knock out browntail moth

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Webs can look like fist-sized clumps of leaves tied together tightly with silk or like single leaves hanging onto twigs.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

With spring and summer several months away, now is not too early to be thinking about the browntail moth caterpillar.

Following a severe outbreak in 2021 (a summer in which I had six battles with the rash they are famous for delivering), I saw only one caterpillar all of 2022. That doesn’t mean we are scott free.

I will pass on to you a news release from the Maine Department of Agriculture and Conservation and Forestry, and the Maine Forest Service, on the four Rs to knock out the caterpillar.

Browntail Moth Awareness Month is right around the corner in Maine! February is when our community is encouraged to take advantage of the dormant season of the insect and join together to “KNOCK OUT” Browntail Moth (BTM).

Winter is the best time to clip and destroy BTM winter webs within reach or hire licensed arborists or pesticide applicators to reduce out-of-reach populations. BTM populations in Maine have been in an outbreak phase since 2015, and the pest cannot be eradicated. While long-lasting tree defoliation and branch dieback are major concerns, BTM’s microscopic, toxic hairs can cause trouble breathing and skin irritation similar to poison ivy from a few hours up to several weeks.

Follow the four Rs to reduce BTM populations on your property and protect your family and your community.

Recognize browntail moth.

Learn how to recognize if the trees where you live, work, and play have BTM. Their winter webs can look like single leaves hanging onto twigs or fist-sized clumps of leaves tied together tightly with silk. Winter webs are easiest to locate on sunny days, where the silk in the webs makes them “shine” in the sun. Knowing where the nests are in your yard or town can help inform your management decisions. Learn more by participating in the BTM Awareness Month events included below.

Remove BTM

With permission, remove webs with hand snips or an extendable pole pruner in areas within reach of the ground and away from hazards such as powerlines. Protect your eyes and skin from hairs that might be present from past caterpillar activity. After removal, destroy webs:

Burn them safely and legally or soak them in soapy water for several days, then dispose of the webs in the trash.

Recruit BTM

Winter is a great time to identify webs that may be too difficult to remove on your own. Recruit professional help to treat webs out of reach or near hazards on the property you own or manage. Licensed Professional Arborists can remove BTM webs in larger trees and shrubs in the winter. In trees where the caterpillars’ hairs cause a nuisance and where it is not practical to remove the webs, Licensed Pesticide Applicators may be able to use insecticides during the growing season to manage BTM.

Reach Out BTM

If you find BTM in your neighborhood, reach out and let your neighbors and town officials know. The more neighbors, businesses, and others that get together to respond to the problem, the better the results.

The Maine Forest Service (MFS) Forest Health and Monitoring Division coordinates within state government, local communities, and directly with citizens to respond to this issue. Comprehensive BTM information and tools compiled by MFS, Board of Pesticides Control, Maine Center for Disease Control, the University of Maine and other partners, including research, infestation tracking, FAQs, and educational resources for communities, municipalities, businesses, and healthcare providers, are available on the Maine Forest Service website.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Name the four NFL teams to never appear in a Super Bowl.

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, January 19, 2023

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Trivia QuestionsName the four NFL teams to never appear in a Super Bowl.

Answer:

Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Janguars and Houston Texans.

Jeremy Croft earns Eagle Scout rank

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Croft Eagle Scout Project. All Eagles are required to complete a significant project to improve their community. Last April, Jeremy led other Scouts and friends in building five large wooden planters for the town of Oakland replacing the old rusted tricycle planters. In the spring they are placed on traffic islands and other locations around town. (photo by Jennifer Croft)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Jeremy Tilson Croft, of Sidney, received Scouting’s Eagle Scout rank during a ceremony on Wednesday, January 4, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on Washington Street, in Waterville. Family, friends, and Scouts from Troop #417 and Troop #401 were on hand to watch the culmination of years of work.

Troop #401 Scoutmaster Eric Handley served as Master of Ceremonies and praised Jeremy. “Jeremy is the guy that wants to be out doing! Jeremy is in his element outside, camping, playing soccer, hiking and just doing.”One milestone in his Scouting career came last year when Jeremy joined other Scouts from the troop on a trip to Gettysburg and visited other historic sites.

Jeremy’s mother placed the Eagle pin on her son. He is the fourth Croft son to earn Scouting’s highest rank. Tayler received his Eagle Scout rank in 2016, Cameron in 2017 and Tieran in 2018. She explained what scouting means to their entire family. “Scouting has been a wonderful addition to our family,” Jennifer said. “It has taught our boys skills and principles that have already benefited them in their life. They all have learned to love camping and the outdoors, they have learned new things through their merit badges, and have learned how to be better citizens through serving in our community. Devin and I have been adult leaders and Devin was a merit badge counselor throughout the years. We have been able to help other scouts learn these principles as well. Our family has been grateful for the opportunity scouting has given us to be a part of our community.”

Jeremy Croft lives in Sidney and attends Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, as a sophomore. He served as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader for Troop #401.

Croft Family Photo from 2018. Front, Jeremy Croft wearing the blue Cub Scout shirt. Back, from left to right, Cameron Croft, Jennifer Croft, Devin Croft, Tayler Croft, and Tieran Croft. Jeremy is the fourth Croft to earn Eagle Scout. Tayler received his Eagle Scout rank in 2016, Cameron in 2017 and Tieran in 2018.