EVENTS: Upcoming Vassalboro Library play in search of actors

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The Vassalboro Public Library is planning to present a play as part of a library fundraiser on October 19 and 20. The play, entitled Murder by the Book, is written by Canadian playwright, Laura Teasdale, and it is inspired by the books by Louise Penny which feature the investigator Armand Gamache. Louise Penny has provided in the play’s development and availability. Murder by the Book is a comedy set in a small town much like Vassalboro. The murder (sort of) takes place in the local library, much like the Vassalboro Library.

Opportunities to join the cast of the production are open to people of all ages. Anyone interested in participation, either in the cast or in supportive roles, is urged to attend their next meeting on Saturday, May 25, at 9:30 a.m., at the Grange, 353 Main St., Vassalboro. Interested participants may also contact the library at 207-923-3233, email at vplibrary@gmail.com, or register through the library website.

EVENTS: Washington 2024 photo contest and exhibition

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In celebration of the natural beauty of Washington Maine, the Washington Lakes and Watershed Association (WLWA) is sponsoring its Fourth Annual Photo Contest and Exhibition.

You are invited to explore and submit photos of the natural aspect of Washington waters or watershed and taken between July 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024. Enty deadline: July 22.

Photos will be on the exhibition at the Corner Gallery, 302 Liberty Rd,. Washington, August 4-9th and at the WLWA Annual Meeting, August 10th, Medomak Family Camp.

Awards for winners and second place in each of four divisions plus a People’s Choice Award for the photo with the greatest number of votes.

For full information re the rules, entry forms, and last years entries, go to www.washingtonlakesassociation.org.

EVENTS: Drawing is a skill, not magic! Classes with Connie Bellet

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If you can hold a pencil or pen, you can draw. A lot of people say, “I can’t draw a straight line.” Well, that’s what rulers are for.

Join Connie Bellet at the Palermo Community Center, on Turner Ridge Road, across from the ball field, on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, at 2 p.m., for a fun adventure in learning how to draw. Bellet, a professional artist who has been drawing and painting most of her life.

The Sunday class will focus as much as possible on each student’s passion. Paper, drawing boards, easels (if preferred), pencils, and, of course, erasers, will be provided. The cost for both classes is $45 per student, and the sessions will run about an hour and a half. Please call Connie at 993-2294 for information and to enroll. Classes are limited to 10 students, so please call soon to reserve your place.

These classes are a fundraiser for the Living Communities Foundation, which runs the Community Center and hosts the Palermo Food Pantry. It also sponsors the Palermo Community Garden and the Great ThunderChicken Teaching Drum.

CRITTER CHATTER: New neighbors move in

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squirrel

by Jayne Winters

In my typical fashion, I wasn’t sure what this month’s column would be about. After Monday (May 13), however, there was no doubt in my mind. What was just another day in the life of a wildlife rehabber was special for me!

For those who read Critter Chatter regularly, you may remember that last October I wrote about a chipmunk and gray squirrel that had been hit by cars. Although the gray was active and seemed on the road to recovery, he did succumb to his injuries after a few days. “Chip” slowly began to come around from his trauma, eating, drinking and grooming himself. He was left with a slight crook in his neck, though, which Don thought would eventually straighten out.

In November, I wrote about a young red squirrel – the sole survivor of a litter of three – that was rescued from a glue trap. After Don used PAM Cooking Spray and Dawn detergent to clean off the glue residue, Little Red sported a real funky-looking tail for weeks; it reminded me of a fancy poodle cut.

Since their cages were in Don’s living room, I regularly greeted Chip and Little Red on my visits and looked forward to seeing their improvement over the winter months. I told Don in January that if he needed a place to release them this spring, they would be welcome to the woods behind our house as I’d been seeing only a couple of gray squirrels and only one red.

So, when I got the call on Monday that it was Release Day, I quickly grabbed my camera and awaited my guests’ arrival. Don and volunteer Jeff arrived shortly with not one, but two reds, and Chip. Not a problem! The first squirrel hadn’t been in rehab very long and immediately scooted out of his cage, bee-lining it for a nearby oak tree. Chip was the next to be set free and he spent 15-20 minutes on the lawn, sampling last fall’s acorns and exploring.

Little Red was hyper, bouncing all over his cage, inside for a few minutes, then on top once he discovered the open door, even popping back inside. With a little encouragement from Jeff and Don, he finally ventured out again and the last we saw of him, was rustling around in the leaves in the woods. I expect he’ll be easy to recognize by his tail, so I hope he decides to make this area his permanent home. Chip has made several appearances this week and his neck appears to be fine; he’s already become quite a climber in the bush near the back deck.

I’ve always had great respect and admiration for wildlife rehabbers: for their 24/7 TLC and compassion, for their commitment in helping injured or abandoned critters, of all shapes and sizes. Witnessing the months’ long recovery and final release of what many people consider “just little rodents” only increased my high regard and appreciation for everything these folks do.

PLEASE NOTE: Don is currently dealing with some health issues and is not accepting any new admissions. He has asked that I include the name and telephone number for a rehabber he works with: Kathi McCue, at Wilderness Miracles Wildlife Rehab, in Bowdoin, can be reached at (207) 720-0074. Depending upon your location and critter situation, she can assist personally or refer you to someone in your area. You should also check these websites for a rehabber close to you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html –

Donald Cote operates Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a non-profit state permitted rehab facility supported by his own resources & outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. EMAIL ADDRESS IS NOT BEING MONITORED AT THIS TIME.

FOR YOUR HEALTH – Clean Your Air: Six Ways To Manage Allergens

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Professionally cleaned air ducts can cut down on allergens in your home.

Regular cleaning can help protect your home from dust, dander, pollen, mold and other allergen.

(NAPSI)—As the warmer seasons unfold, a host of allergens and irritants become more prevalent, potentially disrupting your daily life and health – especially if you have asthma and allergies. According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA), millions of people are affected by allergies, and understanding how to control your environment can significantly improve your quality of life during this beautiful but challenging season. Here are effective strategies and types of products that can help reduce allergens and irritants in your home:

1. Prioritize Indoor Air Quality

Air Purifiers – Invest in a good air purifier. Devices with HEPA filters are especially effective at trapping allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. To maximize their effectiveness, put air purifiers in commonly used areas such as bedrooms and living rooms.
Humidity Control – Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30 percent and 50 percent. Humidifiers can add moisture to dry air, while dehumidifiers can help control mold growth and dust mites by reducing excess moisture. Both tools are essential in creating a balanced indoor environment.

2. Keep It Clean

Regular Cleaning – Weekly cleaning can significantly reduce the presence of allergens. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to capture the fine particles that traditional vacuums may recirculate into the air. Remember to wear a dust mask while cleaning to avoid inhaling allergens.
Bedding and Upholstery – Encase mattresses and pillows in dust mite-proof covers. Wash bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites and remove allergens. Additionally, consider washing or replacing curtains and deep cleaning upholstery where allergens can linger.

3. Filter and Ventilate

Replace HVAC Filters – Regularly replace the filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Opt for filters with a high MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating that can capture smaller particles, thus improving indoor air quality. Check with your manufacturer to ensure you’re using the right MERV rating for your system. Using a filter with too high a rating for your system can cause more harm than good, taxing your system and shortening its lifespan.

Enhance Ventilation – Improve your home’s ventilation by opening windows when the pollen count is low or using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to reduce moisture and cooking fumes, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

Air Duct Cleaning – Consider having your air ducts cleaned by a NADCA-certified professional. Over time, dust, mold, and other allergens can accumulate in your duct system, affecting the overall air quality and efficiency of your HVAC system. Cleaning your air ducts can help ensure that these irritants are removed, providing cleaner, fresher airflow throughout your home.

4. Create a Pollen-Free Zone

Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen days. Use air conditioning in your home and car to keep pollen out. Remove shoes at the door and shower after being outdoors to wash pollen off your skin and hair.

5. Control Pet Dander

If you have pets, groom them regularly to reduce the dander they shed. Also, establish pet-free zones, especially in bedrooms, to minimize allergy exposure while sleeping.

6. Consider Indoor Plants

Some plants can help improve indoor air quality. However, it’s important to choose wisely, as some plants can also be sources of mold or pollen. Spider plants and ferns are good options for improving air without increasing allergens.

By integrating these strategies and using effective products, you can significantly reduce the impact of allergens and irritants during the allergy and asthma season. Living with allergies and asthma can be challenging, but with these tips from BreathingClean.com, you can enjoy the season without the sneeze.

Charles Haberstock an award winner at Hamilton College

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photo credit: Hamilton College

Charles Haberstock, of Waterville, was named the recipient of The Sidney and Eleanor Wertimer Prize Scholarship in Economics at Hamilton College’s annual Class & Charter Day, held on May 7, in Clinton, New York. Established in 1950, the event combines the traditional Class Day celebrating the end of classes with a commemoration of the granting of the College’s charter on May 26, 1812.

The Sidney and Eleanor Wertimer Prize Scholarships in Economics are awarded to up to five juniors who have excelled in the study of economics.

Haberstock, a junior majoring in economics and geosciences, is a graduate of Waterville High School.

Bodhi Littlefield named to Ohio University dean’s list

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Ohio University Patton College of Education, in Athens, Ohio, student Bodhi Littlefield, of Oakland, has been named to Ohio’s Fall 2023 dean’s list.

Evelyn Withee inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

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Evelyn Withee, of Rome, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Withee was initiated at the University of Maine.

Area students named to dean’s honor list at Cedarville University

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The following area students at Cedarville University, in Cedarville, Ohio, have been named to the dean’s honor list for the Spring 2024 semester:

Catherine Estes, of Sidney, Josette Gilman, of China, and Rebecca Riley, of Chelsea.

Carrabec High School announces top 10 seniors (2024)

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Kolby Carpenter – Valedictorian, is the son of Tia Bessey and Brandon Harrington, of Anson. Kolby will be attending Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield, in their electrician’s program.

Jayden Cates is the daughter of Adam and Jessie Cates, of Embden. Jayden will be attending Eastern Maine Community College, in Bangor, for Criminal Justice.

Riley Crocker is the daughter of Aaron and Lexie Crocker, of Skowhegan. Riley will be attending Maine Maritime Academy, in Castine, for Marine Engineering Technology.

Devyn DeLeonardis is the son of Frederick and Amanda DeLeonardis, of North Anson. Devyn will be attending the University of Maine at Farmington for Early Childhood Education, specializing in Special Education.

Cooper Dellarma – Salutatorian, is the son of Derek and Hailey Dellarma, of Solon. Cooper will be attending the University of Maine at Fort Kent in their Forest Management program.

Molly Hay is the daughter of Gene and April Hay, of Athens. Molly will be attending the University of Maine at Augusta in their Nursing program.

Summer Lindblom is the daughter of Robert and Nicole Lindblom, of Solon. Summer will be attending Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield, for Radiology.

Dillon Nelson is the son of Sarah Nelson, of Anson and Nick Nelson, of Princeton, Illinois. Dillon will be attending Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield, in their Lineman program.

Alyssa Schinzel is the daughter of Cari Roderick, of Solon, and Ryan Schinzel, of Virginia. Alyssa will be attending Saint Anselm College, in Goffstown,New Hampshire, in their Forensic Science program.

Hailey Wyman is the daughter of Travis and Donna Wyman, of Embden. Hailey will be attending Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield, in their Radiology program.