Covers towns roughly within 50 miles of Augusta.

LCHA’s preservation party to celebrate local heritage

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LCHA’s annual Preservation Party is held rain or shine on the grounds of the Pownalborough Court House, in Dresden. All are invited to join in the fun for a purpose. (photo by Bob Bond)

Lincoln County can be justly proud of the people who have contributed to the rich and colorful history of this region. Evidence of this pride can be found in local historical societies like Lincoln County Historical Association (LCHA), whose members are passionate about maintaining important buildings and educating the public about our unique heritage.

Each year LCHA seeks to share stories of the people and places from our past in ways that are accessible and fun.The annual Preservation Party at the Pownalborough Court House in Dresden is one such opportunity in which we celebrate our roots while we raise funds for education and for preservation of the artifacts and buildings that we hold dear.

All are welcome to join the festivities on Sunday, September 8, for live music, a catered buffet dinner, an auction of fabulous cakes and intriguing experiences, and a raffle of valuable gift cards. This party promises to be a lively, fun, and memorable way to be part of a celebration of local heritage.

Tickets are available online at lincolncountyhistory.org. Please direct any questions to Shannon Gilmore, Executive Director, at lchamaine1954@gmail.com or 207-882-6817.

Window Dressers create affordable window inserts

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Volunteers hard at work assembling insulated window inserts. (photo by Roberta Barnes)

by Roberta Barnes

Our nights becoming chilly is a reminder to begin preparing for winter.

One of the first places to focus on is your windows.

While replacement energy efficient windows might not fit into your budget, insulating window inserts are affordable and assembling them with others can be enjoyable.

Last November I was one of the people who, after having windows measured by volunteers from WindowDressers, joined others like me, and volunteers, from China, Vassalboro, Windsor and Albion at the Vassalboro Mill to assemble insulating window inserts.

Together we securely assembled wooden frames, covered each side of the frame with strong clear plastic, and added foam edges.

The strong plastic securely sealed on all sides of the frame forms the pocket of insulating air that can help to keep your home warm.

While completing each insulating window insert requires the correct equipment, materials, instruction, and time, the atmosphere was so enjoyable that people volunteered for extra shifts.

This year the location in Vassalboro has changed and there is also a location in Waterville which can be seen on the WindowDressers website.

Today you can either request window inserts by filling out the form online on the website https://windowdressers.org/ or sign up to volunteer.

In Maine you can also call (207) 596-3073. The deadline for signing up for inserts is September 15, 2024.

The cost for these insulting window inserts is kept affordable by the donations and volunteers helping to assemble the inserts.

You can estimate the cost of the inserts on the windowdressers.org website. There is also a low or no-pay Special Rate Program where you pay what you can afford.

You can discuss paying for your inserts with the person or people from WindowDressers when they come out to measure the windows.

There may be a limit of 10 inserts for this Special Rate Program.

The deadline for signing up to receive the window inserts for this winter 2024/2025 is September 15, 2024.

It is best if you go online today at https://windowdressers.org/, or call (207) 596-3073. Doing this can help you keep the chilly air outside your windows and enjoy being one of the people assembling the inserts in a friendly upbeat atmosphere.

(photo by Roberta Barnes)

Central Maine ATV Glow Ride illuminates the night with community spirit

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ATVs parade down Main St., in Waterville. (photo by Mike Guarino)

by Mike Guarino

The Central Maine ATV Club hosted its highly anticipated ATV Glow Ride, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, with approximately 300 machines and over 1,000 participants for a night of community, fun, and charity.

Melanie Dickinson, and her dog, are ready to roll. (photo by Mike Guarino)

The event kicked off at the Best Western. The parade of brightly lit ATVs made its way through Waterville’s Main Street, continued up Front Street, College Ave, and eventually over to North Street.  From there, riders continued their journey through the Fairfield trail system towards Norridgewock before looping back onto the scenic Kennebec Valley Rail trail, in Fairfield, and parts of Oakland.  The ride culminated back in Waterville, completing an unforgettable night of camaraderie and celebration.

The event was a true testament to the power of community partnerships. The Central Maine ATV Club joined forces with the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce to help organize and promote the Glow Ride.  In addition, a marketing grant was secured from the Kennebec Valley Tourism Council, playing a vital role in attracting riders from throughout Maine and a variety of New England states.

In addition to providing an evening of entertainment and community spirit, the Glow Ride also served a charitable purpose. Proceeds from the event were split between the Club and the Fairfield Food Pantry, supporting their mission to provide essential services to local families in need. “The Glow Ride is more than just a parade of ATVs; it’s a celebration of our community coming together for a great cause,” said Kevin Kitchin, President of the Central Maine ATV Club.

“We are thrilled with the turnout and the incredible energy that everyone brought to the Glow Ride this year,” Kitchin added.  “This event showcases the family fun and excitement of ATV riding and highlights the strong sense of community we have here in Central Maine. We are grateful to our partners, the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, and the Kennebec Valley Tourism Council, for their support in making this event a reality.”

The Central Maine ATV Club is dedicated to promoting safe and responsible ATV riding while fostering a strong sense of community among riders in Central Maine. The club organizes events and rides throughout the year, with a focus on community engagement, trail stewardship, and charitable giving.

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.

Inaugural Margaret Peacock Community Hero Award honors Watershed Partners

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The 21st annual Lakeside Libations & Celebration fundraiser for the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed (FOCW) on August 22 will honor longtime watershed partners with the inaugural Margaret Peacock Community Hero Award. Margaret, who passed away in 2019, was known for her volunteerism and love for her community. Margaret taught kindergarten in the Gardiner school system for 20 years and opened Cram’s Point Nursery School after her retirement.

She was also a longtime member and president of Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed, volunteered as a PTA officer, Girl Scout leader, Johnson Hall board member and secretary, a founding member and editor of a quarterly newsletter, The Weathervane, and a member of the West Gardiner Garden Club.

The Margaret Peacock Community Hero Award will be presented to Bill Monagle, Wendy Dennis, and (formerly) Ryan Burton, of the Cobbossee Watershed District, for their work of protecting, improving and managing the lakes, ponds and streams of the watershed since 1973. The event will also honor Rob and Nancy Brown of Clark Marine as the Friend’s Business Honorees of the Year for the decades of support they have shown the organization and their many charitable contributions to the community.

This annual fundraiser will be held at the YCamp of Maine in Winthrop on August 22, 2024, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., and will also include lakeside entertainment from the Laura Hudson Project, light fare from the Parsonage House, and cocktails and mocktails. The event raises funds for the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed’s education and conservation work. FOCW’s mission is to protect the 28 lakes, ponds, and streams of the 217-square mile Cobbossee Watershed.

The 2024 Lakeside Libations & Celebration is sponsored by the Peacock Family, Kennebec Savings Bank, Augusta Fuel Company, Charlie’s Chevrolet, Tex Tech, Mendall Financial Group, Central Maine Power, Sprague & Curtis Real Estate, Vallee Harwood & Blouin Real Estate, and the YCamp of Maine. The 2024 Planning Committee includes co-chairmen Kathleen Boggan and Julie Peacock, Paul Buch, Mark & Jen Fleming, Jeff Gleason, Elizabeth Neale Pollack, Paula Nersesian, Corey Smith, Peter Washburn, and Suzanne Young. Ad-Hoc Members include Peter Mendall, Todd Snider, and FOCW staff.

For more information or images, contact: Torie Levesque, Director of Development for the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed, Tel: 207-395-5239; Email: torie@watershedfriends.com.

AARP Awards Grants to two central Maine towns

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AARP has announced 14 organizations throughout Maine will receive 2024 Community Challenge grants – part of AARP’s largest investment in communities to date with $3.8 million awarded among 343 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults ages 50 and older.

Included in the recipients are the towns of Vassalboro and Skowhegan.

Town of Vassalboro – Raised garden beds with benches will be added outside Vassalboro’s municipal office. The new community garden will serve as an outdoor classroom and gathering space and will allow residents to grow healthy food.

Town of Skowhegan – This project will install directional signage and replace a deteriorated chain-link fence flanking an access trail, keeping walkers safely away from a steep river embankment. The town will also clear overgrown brush, plant flowers and install benches to create a pocket park.

This year, AARP awarded three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants for improving walkability, bikeability and accessible home modifications, and demonstration grants that focus on equitable engagement to reconnect communities, housing choice design competitions and improving digital connections to endure disasters.

The grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages, with an emphasis on people ages 50 and older.

Since 2017, AARP Maine has awarded 71 grants and $472,438 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.

AARP Community Challenge grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. True to the program’s quick-action nature, projects must be completed by December 15, 2024.

EVENTS: Maine Open Farm Day set for Sunday, July 28, 2024

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Experience farm life and learn about the origins of your food on Maine Open Farm Day, held this year on Sunday, July 28. This annual event is a fantastic opportunity for families, educators, and anyone curious about agriculture to connect with farmers and explore Maine’s vitally important agricultural community.

Maine Open Farm Day offers a unique chance to:

– Experience Farm Life: Discover the daily operations of a working farm, meet the animals, and learn about crop production.
– Educational Opportunities: Gain insights into sustainable farming practices, the importance of local agriculture, and the food journey from farm to table.
– Good Fun: Enjoy a day in rural communities across each of Maine’s 16 counties, with activities for all ages, from farm tours and demonstrations to hands-on experiences and local food tastings.

Event Details:

Maine Farm Day will take place on Sunday, July 28, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., at various participating farms across Maine. Admission is free. Learn more at RealMaine.com.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

– Don’t Ignore Farm Rules: Follow all guidelines provided by farm staff to ensure safety and avoid disruptions.
– Don’t Wander Off: Stay within designated areas, follow marked paths to prevent accidents, and ensure you don’t get lost.
– Don’t Feed the Animals Without Permission: Always ask the farmer to ensure it’s safe and appropriate before feeding any animals.
– Don’t Startle the Animals: Approach animals calmly and quietly to avoid causing them stress or defensive behavior.
– Don’t Bring Pets: Leave your pets at home to prevent the introduction of diseases to farm animals and avoid stress or aggressive encounters.
– Don’t Touch Equipment: Farm machinery can be dangerous; only handle equipment with explicit permission and supervision.
– Don’t Leave Gates Open: Always close gates behind you to prevent animals from escaping and creating additional work for farmers.
– Don’t Litter: Dispose of trash properly to protect animals and the environment.
– Don’t Wear Inappropriate Clothing: To ensure a safe and comfortable visit, dress in sturdy, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.
– Don’t Ignore Safety Signs: Follow all posted signs and warnings to keep yourself and others safe.
– Do check the local listings before you head out: Life on the farm can be unpredictable, and schedule adjustments may happen for any reason. Plus, you may find spots open on both days!
– Do plan to shop: There are plenty of options from home goods to farm-fresh food. Enjoy the best quality of perishables; use an insulated tote or cooler and keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot!

Join Maine Open Farm Day for a fun, learning, and community-minded day! For more information and a list of participating farms, please visit RealMaine.com.

AARP Maine seeks Andrus Award nominations

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AARP Maine is seeking nominations for its 2024 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors individuals 50 and over who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of others in their community. The annual award is named after AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, who founded AARP in 1958 at the age of 73.

“AARP Maine is excited to shine a light on Mainers 50+ who are using what they’ve learned to make a difference in the lives of those around them,” says Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director. “AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions AARP volunteers make to their communities and neighbors.”

The screening of nominees will be performed by a panel of AARP staff and volunteers. The panel will review a range of criteria including each nominee’s positive impact on their community and the lives of individuals aged 50 and over.

AARP Andrus Award for Community Service nominees must meet eligibility requirements including:

• Nominees must be 50 or older, but do not need to be an AARP member or a volunteer with AARP;
• The achievements, accomplishments or service on which nominations are based must have been performed on a volunteer basis, without pay;
• The achievements, accomplishments or service on which the nominations are based must reflect AARP’s vision and mission;
• Couples or partners who perform service together are eligible; however, teams are not;
• The recipient must live in the awarding state; and
• This is not a posthumous award.

The AARP Maine Andrus Award for Community Service is an annual awards program developed to honor individuals whose service is a unique and valuable contribution to society. Last year, Falmouth resident Phil Chin was the recipient of the award.

For more information about AARP and our work in Maine, please visit their website at www.aarp.org/me and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @aarpmaine.

TEAM PHOTO: PAL Majors champions

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2024 PAL Majors Championship game winners on June 15, at the Fairfield PAL field. Team Pillsbury took home the trophy with a 8-2 win over Clinton. Front, from left to right, Hunter Pooler and Brentley Archer. Middle row, Jacob Wegener, Austin Owens, Jace Elliot, Tucker Graves, and Connor Ballew. Back, Coach KJ, Clay Morse, Coach Owens, Hunter Lockhart, Kayden Lachance, Coach Ballew. Absent from the photo is Jackson Hanson. (photo by Ramey Stevens, Central Maine Photography)

TEAM PHOTO: PAL Minors champions

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2024 PAL Minors Championship game winners on June 15, at the Fairfield PAL field. Team Galushas took home the trophy with a 14-10 win over Village Market. Front row, left to right, Jaydon Labrie, Logan Grard, Greyson Martin, Landon Blaisdell, Andrew Michaud, Elliot Littlefield, and Colton Dangler. Back, Dylan Miklos, Mike Kilby, Cohen Harriman, Emmett Wilson, Micah Wiswell, and Austin Harriman. Coach Grard, coach Blaisdell, and Coach Dangler. (photo by Ramey Stevens, Central Maine Photography)