Local residents attend iconic night concert

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Ethan Frost and his dad, Floyd, of China, attended his first concert. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

July 26, 2024 brought beautiful summer weather along with an outstanding concert featuring Godsmack, Nothing More, and special guests Flat Black. The Maine Savings Amphitheater and the Bangor Waterfront set an exceptional stage for this iconic night.

The opening band was Flat Black who is led by ex-Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Jason Hook. The audience came alive immediately for Wrex Horton’s vocals. The band had Rob Pierce on drums, Nick Diltz on bass and Hook on guitar. It was just what was needed to open the door for what was to come.

Nothing More took that baton and started running. Jonny Hawkins lit up the stage with vocals and drumming. Alongside him were band members Mark Vollelunga on guitar, Ben Anderson on drums and Daniel Oliver on drums. Some of the highlighted songs to match their impressive lighting and stage effects were: If It Doesn’t Hurt, Go to War, and the emotionally charged “Jenny.”

The crowd was now primed and ready for the main event. That beat started and Bangor Waterfront knew what was coming as they led with When Legends Rise. The undeniable presence of Godsmack, led by Sully Erna was just what the rock n’ roll fans came to see. Captivated by the stage presence and signature sounds of the vocals, concert goers young and old were on their feet and enthralled in the moment. They were rocking out to the timeless hits such as Awake, Voodoo, and Bulletproof. The night had it all including a memorable drum battle but really hit a high with I Stand Alone. The fans were cheering for an encore as to not let this moment end.

The Scars Foundation has been established by Sully Erna, of Godsmack, to help raise awareness of the mental health issues that so many are faced with today. With the rise of suicides, bullying, addiction, abuse and so many other challenges, The Scars Foundation is dedicated to providing resources and tools to educate and empower people on a global level that struggle with these burdens. https://www.scarsfoundation.org.

Erica Clapperton, of Fairfield, said “Godsmack had a palpable impact on the audience. It’s music you can touch and feel. The emotion of the music is felt deeply, and we left the concert looking forward to the next time. Godsmack has always put on an amazing show after seeing them multiple times I’m in awe everytime”. She captured what many felt in the theater that night, a sense of truly rocking and rolling all night with a raw infectious energy.

Lead singer, Sulley, announced that the Maine Savings Amphitheater has one of the top facilities in the country! The crowd responded similarly as young Ethan Frost, of China said, “it was just awesome.” This is Ethan’s first concert and it came to him as a special gift for his 16th birthday. He loves the band and was able to enjoy singing all of his favorite songs along side his father, Floyd.

July 26, 2024, was nothing short of amazing. From the opener all the way through to the headline, the energy was in epic proportions. From the staff, to the fans and the bands, everyone brought their “A” game and made for a memorable night for all.

EVENTS: St. Cecilia Chamber Choir holds auditions for December lessons and carols

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St. Cecilia Chamber Choir is holding auditions for all voice parts as they begin preparing the December Ceremony of Lessons and Carols concert. Drawing inspiration from the world-famous King’s College Cambridge Service of Lessons and Carols, the program blends carols both sacred and secular with seasonal readings, accompanied by a professional string quartet and performed in the beautiful Bowdoin College Chapel and Damariscotta Baptist Church.

St. Cecilia Chamber Choir is a fully-auditioned group of singers that includes talented youth and seasoned performers. They perform the very finest challenging choral repertoire spanning the centuries from medieval to modern, under the direction of husband-and-wife team Linda Blanchard and Sean Fleming, of Damariscotta. Much of the repertoire is a cappella, and are frequently accompanied by a professional chamber orchestra. They present two to three concerts per year, typically in December and May.

Singers wishing to audition should have good vocal control, and sopranos and altos should be able to sing without vibrato. The ability to read music is preferred, but those who cannot read may participate by spending extra time learning the music at home with the aid of provided practice materials.

Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., starting on Wednesday, September 11, at St. Andrew’s Church, on Glidden Street, in Newcastle. To schedule an audition, call Linda Blanchard at 207-315-9740 or email audition@ceciliachoir.org. For more information about the choir, please visit their website at ceciliachoir.org.

PHOTO: Boat inspectors do a great job

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Sheepscot Lake’s Courtesy Boat Inspection (CBI) program was very successful again this year. A huge thank you to 2024 Courtesy Boat Inspectors Sorrel Vinci and Reid Sutter. Thanks to their hard work Sheepscot Lake remains healthy and free from invasive plants. (contributed photo)

EVENTS: Spectacular laser show & concert to benefit Winslow Community Cupboard Food Pantry

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photo from: foodpantries.org

The Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry – which serves thousands of food-insecure children, seniors, and other adults from Winslow, Waterville, Skowhegan, Fairfield, and 20 other surrounding towns – will benefit from a spectacular Drive-in Laser Show & Concert coming to the Clinton Fairgrounds, 1450 Bangor Rd., Clinton, Friday and Saturday, August 23 and 24, with gates opening at 5 p.m. Cost is $39 per vehicle. To assure admission, ordering tickets in advance is strongly suggested.

Order Tickets at: https://www.freshtix.com/events/clintonlasers2, or call (608) 701-6114.

This summer’s event will be a double-feature. The pop laser show, which features top 40 hits from the ’70s through today, will start at 7:30 p.m., on Friday and Saturday. Following a short intermission, the classic rock show will start at 9 p.m. The classic rock show will feature some of the biggest rock hits of the ’70s and ’80s.

Vendors and food will be on the fairgrounds, and there will be an exclusive infield seating area. (Please bring your own chairs and blankets.)

Can’t attend? Those who may not be able to attend a Laser Show & Concert, but who would still like to donate to Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry, are invited to do so by sending a check payable to “Winslow Community Cupboard”, to 12 Lithgow St., Winslow, ME 04901, or by visiting WCCPantry.com and clicking on the yellow “Donate” button.

For more information, please contact Winslow Community Cupboard at WinslowCupboard@Gmail.com.

KPAC introduces new director

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John Neal

Kennebec Performing Arts Company (KPAC) has announced the start of its 2024-2025 season under its new director. John Neal, of Greene, was selected to lead the wind ensemble and chorus following the retirement of longtime director Charles T. Milazzo. Neal has had a long career in Maine as a music director, pianist, and composer. John Reeves will continue as interim director of the jazz band as the search for a permanent conductor continues.

With over a hundred musicians, Kennebec Performing Arts Company provides one of few opportunities in the central Maine area for amateur and professional musicians and talented high school students to perform with a large group. A nonprofit organization supported in part by a grant from the Onion Foundation, KPAC presents five free performances over the course of its concert season.

Chorus rehearsals will begin on Monday, August 26, and rehearsals for the jazz band and wind ensemble will start on Tuesday, September 3. Throughout the season, the chorus meets at Hope Baptist Church, in Manchester, on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The jazz band and wind ensemble rehearse on Tuesday evenings at Cony High School, in Augusta – jazz band at 5:45 p.m., followed by wind ensemble from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

KPAC welcomes new members. For more information, contact John Neal at 207-946-7789 or email jandrneal@aol.com.

ROTARY CLUB NEWS: Trust is an important aspect in all we do

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by Gary Kennedy

To many of you I begin my articles in a superfluous manner. Much of the old methods of doing things have become redundant. I have been doing this with you for more than 40 years. I have watched a couple of groups come and retire. Things are forever changing so I endeavor; in part to start my explanations in an archaic manner as for me simplicity helps avoid words like, “what”? When you are trying to be helpful you certainly don’t want to demean them or put people on the defensive as they try to protect their dignity and self respect. In many cases words can dig-in as deeply as a bullet. If the veteran you are trying to aid doesn’t really understand but because of dignity leaves without receiving the information they sought then we end up with two losers, instead of an informed veteran with a new friend.

Trust is an important aspect in all we do. If you serve with an open heart then the wisdom you impart will be received, and absorbed to the betterment of the giver and receiver. I have been disabled for many years and during that time I have learned to serve with honesty, integrity and joy. All the vets that I have worked with really have taught me the meaning of Camaraderie. I hope I have instilled the same feeling with them. I have always been able to count on them and they know my phone number.

I have a list of situations that I promised to get to for you and I will do my best to do just that. Our newspaper only allows so much space so I do my best to cover at least one medical issue per week. You can always contact me if you feel I have left something out that is important to you. I will always do my best to find the answer for you.

This week we will try and cover Tinnitus. Tinnitus is considered one of the easiest claims to win. I am certainly not sure that I agree with that. However, most of us have earned sharp shooter medals. In order to do that, one must place his weapon near his ear when sighting. This is done repetitiously, perhaps hundreds of times. I, to this very day, can hear noise in my ears and have been issued hearing aids. Any military person, even those trained to be clerks, etc. had to train with a lot of noise. Some, of course, were subjected to copious amounts of various loud sounds with many different frequencies of sound. Frequency of sound is the number of times an event occurs in a unit of time. (A repeating rifle, blast of a tank, big guns on ships, etc.) These things will stay with you always; it just depends on exposure and time. Some soldiers/veterans suffer with extreme headaches, some hearing loss and some get it all. Typical disability ratings for hearing loss range from 0-10 percent. Ratings are based on the degree of disability. Hearing loss with tinnitus is based on the severity and can reach as much as a 100 percent disabling. Hearing loss and tinnitus can be rated separately if the veteran is totally deaf in both ears due to service connected situation.

The veteran may be eligible for (S.MC.), Special Monthly Compensation consideration as well. This aspect of V.A. Compensation is a tax free amount paid by D.V.A. (V.A.) to the veteran and their family to help with special needs. This benefit is paid in addition to the vet’s standard compensation. It is based on the severity of need. So as you can see although the norm for hearing issues such as Tinnitus is only 0-10 percent, a greater amount is attainable depending on your hearing issue. I am a very strong believer on investigating your issues with your family doctor for indepth evaluation and opinion. If you have a V.A. Primary Care Provider by all means share your outside doctor’s opinions/reports. Growing your medical issues with the complication of recorded opinions from other sources will just strengthen your claim for the many possible benefits available for the different levels of medical opinion.

The V.A. considers Tinnitus a viable source of some types of headaches. Those that suffer with this disorder hear sounds when no sound is present. This is especially problematic when trying to sleep. Day time noises usually drown out most unwanted sound but in the quiet of night such is not the case. Some solutions can be found by using a white sound machine to mask the unwanted sound. If you don’t have access to such an item then try soft music or a gentle moving fan. Avoiding tobacco, caffeine and alcohol is also a great help. According to Mayo Clinic these substances can affect blood flow and be a contributor to tinnitus. It has also been discovered that zinc supplements can reduce symptoms up to 80 percent in some patients.

I mentioned earlier that it is possible to receive 100 percent for Tinnitus if proven service connected (explosions and other loud noises). A medical professional would be helpful here as well as lay evidence. A diagnosis would be needed (reports) specific events during military service, cause and effect nexus. Secondary conditions such as hearing loss, anxiety, and sleep apnea or migraine headaches can become addendums to your tinnitus. So you can see the possible ways your tinnitus rating issue can grow. Those things are very real and the reason you should follow any and all problems that might affect this area. Time has a way of changing all possible scenarios. Remember what you read/learn and add time as the wild card. It is a proven pathway.

We will answer other areas next time. Good luck my brothers and sisters. Together we are strong. Find a vet rep who is knowledgeable and is willing to give you the time and understanding you need and you will be successful with honest claims. Have a great and safe weekend. God bless and thank you for all that you have given too and for our country.

LETTERS: Mike Ray for District 40 State Representative

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To the editor:

Mike Ray is my idea of a great neighbor. He’s a regular volunteer for the Waldo County Woodshed, has served on many local committees and is currently on the Lincolnville selectboard. Mike deeply respects our natural environment, having led camping trips as a registered Maine guide and managed a woodlot. He’s a down-to-earth, regular person.

As a selectman, Mike understands firsthand the challenge of watching out for his neighbors’ pocketbooks while providing essential services such as education, fire/emergency services and sensible development.

For those living in Appleton, Islesboro, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill or Searsmont, a vote for Mike Ray for State Representative will bring locally-informed, common-sense leadership to Augusta. And he’s done his homework … sitting in on legislative committee meetings to study how the legislative process works. Mike is ready to hit the ground running!

Bob Kohl
Liberty

LETTERS: Elise Brown will listen

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To the editor:

Mainers have the luxury of meeting the people who are running for office to represent us. Getting to know candidates personally makes a difference. I have met Elise Brown several times, and I’m voting for her to be Waldo County Commissioner in District #3.

In the past six months, I have spoken with Elise at the Searsmont Town Meeting, the Searsmont Memorial Day Parade, and at Hannaford, in Belfast. She took the time to come to a Searsmont Selectmen’s meeting to ask “What do you need from your county government?” and “What issues do you have with the commissioners now?” Attending that meeting as a newspaper’s town correspondent, I was impressed with her questions. I was even more impressed when she listened to the answers.

Elise also tells you when she does not know something. And, special for a candidate, she treats you like you are the only and most important person in the room. I’m old enough to appreciate these qualities, and to have experienced very different reactions and evasions in the past from people running for local, state and federal office.

In short, I have gotten to know something about Elise Brown, the person. Call her a breath of fresh air. Or call her the Waldo County District #3 County Commissioner. Come November, that’s who I hope she will be. I ask folks from Brooks, Burnham, Freedom, Knox, Liberty, Montville, Morrill, Palermo, Searsmont, Thorndike, Troy and Unity to join me in voting for Elise.

Michael Sirota
Searsmont

OBITUARIES for Thursday, August 22, 2024

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CECILE M. TRAPNELL

WATERVILLE – Cecile Marie (Carter) Trapnell, 84, passed away at Northern Light Inland Hospital, in Waterville, on Thursday, August 8, 2024. Cecile was born November 10, 1939, in Waterville, daughter of Alfred and Mabel (Montminy) Carter.

Cecile felt teaching and working with children were two of the most meaningful achievements in her life. Upon graduation in 1958 from Marie Joseph Academy, in Biddeford, she earned a BS in education at Riviere College, in Nashua, New Hampshire. She taught fifth grade in the Winslow school system for 30 years, retiring in 2002.

Cecile loved to cook for people She read cookbooks and watched cooking shows nearly every day after retirement. She also loved playing cards with friends and travelling with her husband, Bill. She was an avid Boston sports fan, and loved watching the Red Sox and Celtics play.

Cecile was predeceased by her husband, Bill Trapnell; her parents, Alfred and Mabel; and her siblings, Richard, Donald, Jean, Dolores, Jeannine, Fernand, Patrick, Francis, Roland, and Robert.

She is survived by her daughters Cyndi Trapnell and Stephanie Trapnell; granddaughter Dora Blaisdell; niece Anne Meader; and many nieces, nephews, and their children.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 10 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, in Waterville.

Burial to be performed at a later date at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

THEODORE R. DICKEY JR.

WATERVILLE – Theodore “Teddy” R. Dickey Jr. passed away peacefully on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Northern Light Inland Hospital, in Waterville. Born in Augusta, Teddy was a lifelong Mainer who was known for his crinkly-eyed smile and love for his family and good food.

Teddy is survived by his wife of 65 years Simone Dickey; three sons Tim, Tom and Tod; and many family members.

A small private graveside service is being planned for immediate family and close friends at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to Notre Dame du Perpetual Secours, 116 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901.

DESIREE L. MOSHER

VASSALBORO – Desiree L. Mosher, 32, passed on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at her home. She was born in Portland on April 27, 1992, a daughter of Wayne A. Lee, Jr. and Wendy J. (William­son) Lee. Desiree was a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, class of 2010.

She had been employed by MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, for several years as a CNA and other roles. She previously worked at the Oak Grove Center, in Waterville, but her favorite career was being a mom to her son, Ryker.

Desiree enjoyed being outdoors exploring new hiking trails, working in the garden, or just hanging in the backyard relishing the sun. In the springtime, she would be happy going out foraging for fiddleheads, in summer it was picking blueberries. She was more than pleased to just sit and share a pint of raspberries with her son – her husband was lucky to get one. Desiree loved to go to concerts and sit and listen to live music. She was always grateful when she had time to spend with her father, even if it was just to sit while he watched his westerns. Desiree loved her dogs Odin and Lilly.

She always had been a caring person, that’s what drove her to the path of CNA. She showed her caring far beyond her work into her social life. She did not know how far her reach was and how many people’s lives she had touched. She will be missed greatly by friends, family, and the many people she worked with through the years.

Desiree is survived by her husband, Zebadiah H. Mosher, of Vassalboro; her son, Ryker L. Mosher, of Vassalboro; her parents Wayne A. Lee, Jr. and Wendy J. Lee, of South China; two brothers, her twin Dustin W. Lee and Jeremy D. Lee, both of Clinton; her grandmother, Mary E. Williamson, of Waterville; and the many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and one great-niece; her father-in-law, Scott Mosher, of China; sister-in-law, Molly Ward, of Winslow; and Jacqueline and Fallyn Soucy.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 31, at 11 a.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Route 32, Windsor.

Burial will be at family convenience. There will be a gathering after the service for those who wish to attend at the American Legion Hall, 79 Legion Memorial Dr., South China.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

The family request that donations in Desiree’s memory may be made to NAMI Maine, 52 Water St., Hallowell, ME 04347.

ALBERT H. LANGUET III

BELGRADE – Albert H. “Joe” Languet Jr., 51, of Belgrade, passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

Despite his enduring struggle with mental health, Joe was known for his profound kindness, humility, and love for life’s simple pleasures. Joe was always guided by an enduring love for nature, his family, and his cherished dogs.

A proud veteran with distinction in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps, Joe served his country with honor and dedication.

Though his journey was marked by struggle, his rough exterior belied a profound kindness. He was known for his selflessness, often going out of his way to help others, and would have given the shirt off his back to those in need. His love for the outdoors was a source of great solace and joy, and he found peace and fulfillment in nature’s beauty.

His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah Coakley Languet; his children India Languet and Chance Languet; and a host of friends and family who remember him for his generous spirit and his unwavering love.

Joe will be remembered not only for the challenges he faced but also for his capacity to touch the lives of those around him with his generosity, humor, and affection.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity supporting mental health or veterans in his honor, http://www.maineveteransproject.org.

CECILE A. DeLISLE

BENTON – Cecile A. DeLisle, 99, passed passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

Cecile, the oldest of nine children in the LeClair family, had a good life. Oh, the stories she would tell of her upbringing, and how she would look after all her siblings. There were fun times and some very hard times, but she was such a trooper, handling any challenge that came her way.

In 1944, Cecile married Richard DeLisle and life became an adventure. Traveling some, while Richard was in the service, then settling back in Waterville and starting a family. They created a wonderful life together and their three children.

They spent many days at their camp on Snow Pond and enjoyed camping trips to Moosehead Lake with friends. Once Richard purchased the farm on the Bangor Road, in Benton, they worked very hard remodeling, and making that a home that many people will remember as “The Red Barn Farm.” Cecile enjoyed being a homemaker, and always had a wonderful meal on the table morning, noon and night. She worked side by side with Richard in their chicken business, growing and selling some of the finest corn on the family roadside stand, and tending to their small farm.

Cecile was still making her famous homemade bread at 90 years old, until she had to go into an assisted living home following several fractures from osteoporosis. Otherwise very healthy, she stayed very busy and was remarkable in every way.

Cecile was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Richard DeLisle; her parents Felix and Juliette LeClair; brothers Gaston and Donald; and sisters Pat and Priscilla.

She is survived by three daughters, Sandra and Robert Bucknam, of Clinton, Diane and Marshall Demott,of Naples, Florida, and Rebecca and Rodney Therrien, of Clinton; sisters Beverly and Joanne; brothers Roger and Richard LeClair; grandchildren Angela, Jennifer, Jacob, Jevon and Rick; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren as well.

A graveside celebration of Cecile’s life will be held on Friday, August 23, at 11 a.m., at Benton Falls Cemetery, in Benton. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, in Winslow.

Online condolences and memories can be shared at http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm St., Waterville.

CHINA: New tax rate to bring in more TIF money than previously anticipated

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by Mary Grow

Members of China’s Tax Increment Financing Committee were pleased to learn that the new China tax rate will bring the TIF program over $44,000 more in 2024-25 revenue than they had anticipated.

After discussion at their Aug. 19 meeting, they decided to start setting aside money for a new project, improving parking at the causeway outside China Village for boaters and other users of China Lake.

Committee members are working on a third draft of China’s TIF plan. They approved the bulk of it at their Aug. 5 meeting (see the Aug. 8 issue of The Town Line, p. 2), but needed final financial information.

An incomplete draft is on the town website, chinamaine.org, under the TIF Committee, the last committee listed under Officials, Boards & Committees.

Committee member Jamie Pitney, who has been updating the document, planned to incorporate the parking proposal in time for review by China select board members at their Aug. 26 meeting. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said items for the Nov. 5 local ballot, including the updated TIF document, need to be ready by then.

The causeway and adjacent boat landing were rebuilt with TIF funds early in the 10-year-old program. The revision approved Aug. 5 includes extending a sidewalk and adding more dock space for fishing and swimming.

The Aug. 19 proposal is to work with Pastor Ronald Morrell, of the China Baptist Church, on improving the large parking lot west of the causeway that belongs to the church but is often occupied by lake users’ vehicles, including boat trailers.

TIF funds come from taxes Central Maine Power Company pays on its power line through China and its South China substation. The money is spent as authorized by local voters, with approval from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. TIF Committee members oversee expenditures.

The committee currently consists of five members, two having resigned at the beginning of the current fiscal year. New volunteers are welcome; interested residents are invited to contact the town office, or any committee member: Brent Chesley, Lucas Adams, Karen Morin, Jamie Pitney or Benjamin Weymouth.

Committee members scheduled their next regular meeting for 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28.