Communities benefit from hours of Boy Scout work

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by Charles Mahaleris

Boy Scouts working on their Eagle Scout service projects in Kennebec, Lincoln, Knox, Somerset and Franklin Counties in 2016 provided more than 6500 hours of service to their communities as they worked towards Scouting’s highest honor. The Kennebec Valley District Boy Scout committee released the numbers on the 2016 Eagle Scout class and they show that 37 young men in our area completed all requirements for the Eagle Scout rank and one female Venture Crew member from Winslow who has dual citizenship in Canada earned Scouts Canada’s equivalent to the Eagle badge- the Chief Scout of Canada. Together they provided leadership to projects that gave 6,635 hours of service.

Eagle Scout Devon Handley, right, of Troop #401 Sidney, with Scoutmaster Ryan Poulin. Photo courtesy of Charles Mahaleris

 

Over the years, requirements for the Eagle Scout Award have changed to meet the needs of the era; however, certain elements of the program have remained true from the original Eagle Scout requirements. A boy must demonstrate citizenship and caring for his community and others, leadership qualities, and outdoor skills that show his self-sufficiency and ability to overcome obstacles. Today, a boy must earn 21 merit badges, 12 of which are required. Beyond the merit badges, a candidate must also plan and carry out a service project to benefit the community. In addition, he must have held a troop leadership position during his Scouting tenure. Finally, the Eagle Scout candidate undergoes a rigorous board of review in which his district, council, and troop leaders evaluate his “attitude and practice of the ideals of Scouting.” Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout must happen before a boy’s 18th birthday.

Scouting in Kennebec Valley District is run by hundreds volunteer leaders with support from a small professional staff. One of the key leaders is District Commissioner Charlie Fergusson of Windsor. “The importance of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout cannot be overstated! The impact it has on, not only the Boy Scouts’ future, but also the parents and family of the Eagle Scout. It is an accomplishment never forgotten. I am forever proud that I have two sons who achieved scouting’s’ highest rank that there are no words that can do it justice. It has already opened so many doors of opportunity for both of them, such as colleges and career opportunities. I cannot tell you how many times when I have discussed scouting that someone has said they have a Father, Brother, or Brothers who are Eagle Scouts and how it has immeasurably improved their life circumstances. Eagle Scout is more than a rank in scouting. It is a life changer,” Fergusson said.

Part of the rank of Eagle requires the youth member to give leadership to a meaningful project that will benefit their community. Kennebec Valley District which delivers Scouting to the five counties of Kennebec, Lincoln, Knox, Franklin and Somerset- saw projects ranging from trail improvements in Benton to the preservation of the history of local veterans at the Library of Congress, from tree and plant identification signs at Smithfield Plantations to the collection of school supplies for needy children in Zambia, from the construction of costume racks and theatre improvements at Gardiner Area High School to the securing of back to school supplies for kids in the foster child program, and from the construction of a bridge at the West Gardiner Nature Trail to the crafting of 50 baby quilts for sick babies and toddlers at Reddington Fairview General Hospital, and from major improvements at the Quaker Hill Cemetery in China to the building of lockers for personal equipment at Titcomb Mountain Ski Area in Farmington. The list goes on and on.

 

Eagle Scout Willie Neubauer, right, and his mom, Angela, holding one of the 50 quilts that were donated to the sick children at Redington-Fairview General Hospital, in Skowhegan. Photo courtesy of Charles Mahaleris

Ryan Poulin is the Scoutmaster of Troop #401 in Sidney and saw several Scouts earn their Eagle rank last year. “In today’s society, the Scouting program couldn’t be more important to a young person. I have personally experienced the impact that the Scouting program has had on these individuals and their families. The scouting program has been and continues to be a pillar in our local community setting a strong foundation for everyone. I am still amazed at how the Scouting programs continue to grow in our community state and nation and I could not be any prouder to be part of such a great organization.”
The Eagle Scout badge was first given in 1912 to Arthur Eldred, a Scout from Brooklyn, New York. By 1982, more than 1 million young men had reached the rank, and the 2 millionth Eagle Scout was recognized in 2009. In 2011, the BSA welcomed more than 51,000 new Eagle Scouts. The organization has averaged more than 50,000 new Eagle Scouts per year over the past six years.

 

Young men who earned Eagle nationally in 2015 combined to record 8,503,337 hours of service on Eagle projects. That’s an average of 156.4 hours of service per Eagle project. With the value of volunteer time at $23.07 an hour, that means Eagle Scouts and the volunteers they led contributed more than $196 million worth of time working on these projects.

Chris Bernier, retiring Scoutmaster of Troop #433 in Winslow: “I have seen a huge growth in my daughter Paige since she started her Scouting trail. Transitioning from Scouts Canada to Venturing BSA has been great for her. Also watching Boy Scouts within our own Troop and Crew we have seen a climb in membership as kids these days are positively impacted when serving their community. I have observed that charge of positivity in the youth become infectious between circles of friends. Our program has seen membership growth because of the eagerness of our youth to serve. Just ten years ago Winslow only had seven scouts, and in that time we have grown to over 35 youth active in Scouting/Venturing.”

The following local scouts earned the rank of Eagle in 2016:

Devon Handley, Troop #401, Sidney; Parker Denico, Troop #410, Vassalboro; Jonathon Cook, Troop #431, Skowhegan; Dan Brown, Troop #479, China; Jacob Brownd, Troop #479, China; Tayler Croft, Troop #417, Waterville; Christian Hunter, Troop #479, China; Paige Spears, Crew #433, Winslow (Chief Scout of Canada); Owen Corrigan, Troop #401, Sidney; William Neubauer, Troop #485, Skowhegan; Matthew Cote, Troop #401, Sidney; Matrim Glazier, Troop #436, Waterville; Timothy Martincic, Troop #433, Winslow; Ryan Pellerin, Troop #446, Albion; Dan Crouse, Troop #417, Wins­low/ Water­ville; Jacob Lennon, Troop #446, Albion.

Dr. Rice joins staff at Nadeau Chiropractic

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Dr. Ashley Rice grew up in California, Kentucky, and has concentrated her education on the study of biology, human anatomy and physiology. After experiencing a back injury in high school, her parents sought out the help of a chiropractor. With the help of adjustments from her doctor, she experienced great relief and became very interested in chiropractic.

Following high school, Dr. Rice joined the United States Air Force as an air traffic controller and medic. Following the military, she received her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, in Montgomery, Alabama. While there, she completed an accelerated program that allowed her to start chiropractic school earlier than most. She then moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she attended Logan University College of Chiropractic. While there, Dr. Rice completed her certification in acupuncture, applied kinesiology, and fascial work.

In her free time, Dr. Rice loves to experiment with paleo and gluten free cooking, exercise, and spend time with her family.

Area students on dean’s list at UNH

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The following area students have been named to the dean’s list at the University of New Hampshire, in Durham, New Hampshire.

Kelly McCormac, of South China; Michaela Hinckley-Gordon, of Benton; Kellie Bolduc and Luke Violette, both of Waterville; Sarah Wildes, of Winslow; Myrilla Hartkopf, of Albion; Andrew Marden, of Bingham, Maxwell Kenney and Kyle McLain, both of Fairfield; Adam Bovie and Rebecca Grenier, both of Vassalboro.

Erskine Academy schedules parent/teacher conferences

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Erskine Academy has scheduled Parent/Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, January 18, from 3 to 7:30 p.m.,(snow date will be Thursday, January 19). Progress reports will be emailed to parents by January 17. For those parents who have not yet submitted a primary email address, please stop by the Guidance Office for a printed copy of your student’s progress report. No appointments are necessary as teachers will be available to speak with parents in their respective classrooms. Refreshments will be available in the library and the Sports Boosters will be selling Erskine apparel and other merchandise during the evening.

In addition, a representative from the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) will be in attendance to present information about paying for college. Soup and salad will be served in the cafeteria from 5 – 5:30 p.m., for attendees. The FAME presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria and will end at approximately 6:20 p.m. In addition to financial aid information, the guidance department will provide information about course offerings, dual enrollment opportunities, PSAT, and SAT testing dates.

Please feel free to contact the Guidance Office at 445-2964 with any questions or concerns regarding this information.

AARP offers free tax service to low and moderate income individuals

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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. Counselors will help individuals navigate the many changes on the 2016 federal and state income tax returns. You do not need to be an AARP member to use this service.

Assistance is available by appointment at the following sites from Feb 1 to April 15.

2017 AARP tax-aide volunteer sites:

AUGUSTA: BUKER COMMUNITY CENTER, 22 Armory St., Augusta. Mondays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 582-3053 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ONLY to make appointments.

AUGUSTA: LITHGOW LIBRARY, 45 Winthrop St., Augusta. Saturdays from 9 to noon, Feb 11, Feb 25, March 11, March 25, April 8. Call 582-3053 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ONLY to make appointments.

HALLOWELL: SPECTRUM GENERATIONS, COHEN COMMUNITY CENTER, 22 Town Farm Rd., Hallowell. Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Call 626-7777 to make appointments. (Note: Changed from Thursday to Friday)

MADISON: CROSSROADS BIBLE CHURCH, 705 White Schoolhouse Rd., Madison. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Call 643-2559 to make appointments.

MT VERNON: DR. SHAW MEMORIAL LIBRARY, 344 Pond Rd., Mt. Vernon. Saturdays February 18, March 4 & 18 and April 1 from 10:15 a.m.to 1:15 p.m. Call 293-2565 to make appointments.

WATERVILLE: SPECTRUM GENERATIONS, MUSKIE COMMUNITY CENTER, 38 Gold St., Waterville. Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 248-9567 from 10:00 to 4:00 to make appointments.

WINSLOW: WINSLOW LIBRARY, 136 Halifax St., Winslow. Fridays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Call 872-1978 to make appointments.

Vassalboro News: Voters overwhelmingly approve ban on recreational marijuana facilities

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro voters lopsidedly approved a ban on recreational marijuana facilities in town at their Jan. 9 special town meeting. With more than the required quorum of 125 voters in the Vassalboro Community School cafeteria, the “Ordinance Prohibiting Retail Marijuana Establishments and Retail Marijuana Social Clubs in the Town of Vassalboro” was debated for almost half an hour. Although speakers divided fairly evenly for and against the ordinance, when Moderator Richard Thompson called for a show of hands, 100 or more people voted for the ordinance and only about two dozen voted against.

The new town ordinance, allowed under the state recreational marijuana law approved Nov. 8, says: “Retail marijuana establishments, including retail marijuana stores, retail marijuana cultivation facilities, retail marijuana products manufacturing facilities, and retail marijuana testing facilities, and retail marijuana social clubs, are expressly prohibited in this municipality.” The ordinance does not apply to “any lawful use, possession or conduct pursuant to the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Act.”

Jim Pfleging, a former California law enforcement official, was the first and one of the most vehement supporters of the ban. He called marijuana shops and social clubs “attractive nuisances” that would promote money-laundering and theft, lead to more instances of impaired driving and increase demands on the town police chief.

Because the business has to be conducted in cash, he said, there would be no records and therefore minimal tax benefits to the town.

Pfleging was later challenged by a medical marijuana caregiver who said he was able to use banks and credit cards. Medical marijuana is different, state Rep. Richard Bradstreet said; he agreed with Pfleging that banks “won’t touch” recreational marijuana dealing as long as it’s illegal under federal law.

Most of those opposed to the ordinance wanted to see what regulations the state creates before closing off what could be an opportunity for new businesses in town. They felt a ban was too hasty, given the lack of knowledge about what effects the new state law will have.

Bradstreet was among critics of that point of view, saying his support of the ban was motivated “by what I do know about marijuana, not by what I don’t know.”

Selectman Lauchlin Titus’s motion that the vote be by written ballot “because some people are going to be uncomfortable” voting publicly was overwhelmingly defeated. After the ban was approved, voters passed over the second ballot item, which asked for a moratorium on marijuana facilities and, selectmen explained, was included as an alternative if the ban were rejected. The meeting adjourned less than an hour after it started.

Robert Dowe honored for many years of service to China area

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Robert C. Dowe, of China, after receiving a plaque recognizing his many contributions to the town of China. Photo by Julie Finley

On Christmas Eve 2016, Robert Dowe, of China, received a most unusual Christmas gift. Through the corroboration of three China organizations, Boynton-Webber American Legion Post #179, The South China Volunteer Fire Department, and Dirigo Masonic Lodge #104, he was presented with a plaque in appreciation for the many years of service he gave to the organizations and the town.

On the plaque, presented to him by Sheldon Goodine, along with Neil Farrington, from the American Legion, Chief Richard Morse, of the fire department, and Don Pratt, of the Masons, it states: “In appreciation of your many years of service and sharing of your wealth of knowledge and talents to so many people. You are truly an America Hero.”

Messages from the different organizations on the plaque:

American Legion: Thank you Comrade Bob Dowe for your service and dedication to our country, from the officers and members of Boynton-Webber American Legion Post #179.

Fire Department: Thank you Engineer Bob Dowe for your dedication to protect the lives and property in our community, from the officers and members of the South China Volunteer Fire Department.

Dirigo Masons: Thank you brother Bob Dowe for your love and commitment to the betterment of all mankind, from the officers and
members of the Dirigo Masonic Lodge #104.

 

Albion News: New books at Albion library

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New books that recently arrived at the Albion Library include:

Maine Authors: Ghost Buck, by Dean Bennett; and Maine Sporting Camps, by George Smith.
Children’s: Finding Winnie, by Lindsey Mattick.
Adult: A Man Called Ove, by Frederik Backman; The Farm, by Tom Rob Smith; Driving Heat, by Richard Castle; and Warrior in the Shadows, by Marcus Wynne.

Police conduct 11th annual Cops Care for Kids program Fairfield’s finest trade stetsons for Santa hats

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by Mark Huard

The Cops Care For Kids Program was created in 2006 by Detective Kingston Paul who started shopping all year for small stuffed animals, coloring books and crayons which he would deliver to struggling families within Fairfield. After several years, then Chief John Emery found out that the program was being funded solely by Detective Paul and challenged all officers to donate $5 per week to the program. He himself donated $10 weekly and now the program raises about $1,300 per year. Once the officers started donating, the list was increased to include as many Fairfield children as possible and has risen to as many as 250 children.

Front, dispatcher Jeanne Kempers. Front row, from left to right, Officer Casey Dugas, Sgt. Matt Wilcox, Officers Jacob Boudreau and Patrick Mank. Back, Officer Shanna Blodgett, Sgt. Matthew Bard, Chief Tom Gould, Officer Blake Wilder and Captain Paul St. Amand. Photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff

This year, members of the Fairfield Police delivered to about 90 households and they gave presents to around 200 children. They were able to get names of families and children in need with the help of the Fairfield Primary and Benton Elementary School staff. The schools handed out slips to Fairfield children and collect them for the officers. Fairfield officers then go to local stores and start shopping for gifts. This year, around 600 gifts were wrapped by about 15 people in the basement of the Fairfield Town Office. They were packaged with a small stuffed animal and a business card which was printed in memory of Kingston Paul who passed away earlier this fall. Some of Kingston’s family members attended the wrapping session as well as family and friends of the department’s officers and town office staff (who helped with wrapping most of the fall). Kingston retired as a captain in 2015 after serving 20 years with the town of Fairfield, and after his passing, we learned that he donated $20,000 to the program to ensure its existence long into the future.

Fairfield Police received gifts from many sources including local citizens, the VFW and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, although the officers are most proud of the fact that they donate the lions share of expenses for the program. Chief Tom Gould said, “It’s hard to put into words the emotions involved in the delivery process because it creates a unique connection between our department and the children who live in town. We’re just as excited to see them as they are to see us.”
Fairfield Police thank Skowhegan Printing for getting their 2016 program cards printed the same day they were needed. Also thank you to the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office for patrolling the town and covering calls while all of their cruisers were busy making deliveries.

Thank you Village Market and the Fairfield Family Dollar Store for their continued support to the program.

Area News: Central Maine Squares donate to children’s home

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Again this year the Central Maine Square (CMS) Dance Club was able to collect almost $1,000 in toys and clothing for the Home For Little Wanderers of Waterville. Each year the home puts on a drive for children across the area for the holidays. And as in the past the Central Maine Squares was eager and very willing to come to their aid.

Central Maine Squares dancers, from left to right, Colleen Howes, Claude Francke and Becky Potter are pictured with just a few of the gifts they collected. Contributed photo

Beginning with two club workshops in November and a dance on December 4, they were able to make this donation. The club thanks all who were able to donate, both club members and visiting dancers, and some of the spectators who came to the dance just for this purpose.

The Central Maine Square Dance Club invite any interested people to their new beginner lessons starting on Tuesday, January 3, and Tuesday, January 10, 2017. These will be free nights for anyone new to square dancing. All are welcome, no age requirements, and space is limited. Lessons start at 6:30 p.m., at the Waterville Junior High School on Route 104 (West River Road), in Waterville. To pre-register or for more info call Bob at 447-0094 or Cindy at 631-8816.