Showing of force
Some of the many youth competitors showing the force before the competition. (Photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff)
Covers towns roughly within 50 miles of Augusta.
Bird count seeks feeder watchers and field observers
The Sebasticook Regional Land Trust (SRLT) invites all interested birdwatchers to participate in the Unity Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Saturday December 14.
If you like to feed the birds and will be around to watch your bird feeder on the day of the count, they would love to have you help!
This event contributes to the North American database for the National Audubon Society’s CBC which is now in its 120th year. Birders of all skill levels are welcome at any level of participation.
A CBC is a tally of individuals of all bird species found during one 24-hour period from midnight to midnight within a 7.5 mile radius. The Unity CBC circle is centered at the intersection of Quaker Hill Road and Route 202/9, in Unity, and is divided into sectors, each of which is assigned to a team of observers.
You may either watch birds at your home feeders (if you live within the circle) or go out in the field for any part of the day.
SRLT will provide volunteers with instructions, bird lists, data sheets and the results of the tally.
They will also sponsor another CBC in Hartland on December 21. This count is centered just south of St. Albans and extends from the south side of Great Moose Lake to the west side of Sebasticook Lake. The count will be run similarly to the Unity count, as explained above. If you have computer access and would like more information on the CBC, see this link: http://www.audubon.org/content/history-christmas-bird-count.
For more information or to sign up for either count, please email Tom Aversa at tom.aversa@gmail.com.
New inductees in the Maine Ski Hall of Fame 2019
Pictured are the recent inductees to the 2019 Maine Ski Hall of Fame, held at Sugarloaf Mountain on October 26. From left to right, Leigh Breidenbach, Brent Jepsen for Henry Anderson, Lizzie Chenard for Billy Chenard, Lindsay Ball, Jeff Schipper for Paul Schipper, Seth Wescott, Don Fowler and Bob Zinck. (photo by Dan Cassidy)
Tax relief payments coming to qualified homeowners
An Act to Return Funds to Maine Property Tax Payers requires the Maine Office of the State Treasurer (OST) to provide tax relief payments of no less than $100 to qualifying homesteads, when the Property Tax Relief Fund reaches a threshold of funding to support the payments. In 2019, this threshold will be met based on available funds divided by the number of homesteads net of expenses to administer the program. To read the law in its entirety, please click here.
State Treasurer Henry Beck has determined the fund to be at a level sufficient to trigger a payment for FY 2020. Property owners should contact their town office for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Is this a new program?
A. Yes, this is a program that began in 2019 and is administered by the State Treasurer. This program was established by P.L. 2019 Chapter 448, as proposed in LD 1713 “An Act To Return Funds to Maine Property Tax Payers.” It is separate from previous and existing efforts to provide property tax relief such as revenue sharing, certain property tax exemptions and certain property tax credits.
Q. How is this program funded?
A. This program is funded by the Property Tax Relief Fund for Maine Residents. The Property Tax Relief Fund for Maine Residents consists of excess general fund revenues.
Q. Does a qualified taxpayer with a property valued at $20,000 receive a payment?
A. Yes, all qualified homestead exemption property taxpayers will receive the same payment.
Q. I work for a town or city. How should I send my list of homestead property owners to the Treasurer?
A. Our office has sent a request to each Municipal Tax Assessor with an attached template that will need to be completed and returned. If you do not have Excel, we will work directly with you to find a solution. TRIO Users will be provided an extract to use and pull the exact data we need. If you have not received the template, you can download that here. Please make sure the list is accurate.
Q. The money for this relief used to come to the municipality as an offset to taxes, is this not the case anymore?
A.This is a different program from the homestead exemption. The homestead exemption is simply the qualifier for the relief payment.
Q. How do we contact you?
A. You may call 207.624.7477 or Email: PropertyTaxRelief@maine.gov
Q. If a check was sent with information that is incorrect, who should be contacted?
A. If you are a recipient of a payment, please contact your Tax Assessor who will make a formal request to the Office of the State Treasurer to correct the recipient’s information. We will only reissue checks by request of the Tax Assessor who submitted the original name. Other examples of errors that can be potentially be corrected include:
- Name spelled incorrectly
- Mailing address incorrect
- Spouse or co-owner is deceased.
The Office of State Treasurer has discretion to approve or not approve the reissue of payments consistent with the intent of the law. The Office of the State Treasurer may require certain documentation before reissuing payment. We wish to be of assistance ask for the patience of taxpayers.
Q. Who qualifies for a homestead exemption?
A. For more information on this program, please review the FAQ here: https://www.maine.gov/revenue/faq/homestead_faq.html
Q. I submitted my application after April 1, 2019. Will I receive a payment?
A. No, only properties that qualified for the exemption on or before April 1, 2019, will receive a payment.
Q. When will I receive my payment?
A. Payments will be processed and mailed in the months of January and February.
Q. Have a question that has not been answered?
A. Please contact our office at PropertyTaxRelief@Maine.gov and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Santa headed to central Maine, again, on Friday, November 29
Santa is already checking his mail box at the North Pole, looking for letters from all the children of central Maine. (photo by Central Maine Photography)
by Mark Huard
Central Maine Photography
A message from the North Pole to the good people of Kringleville, Maine USA! Thanks to the welcoming folks in the booming city of Waterville, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Kringleville cabin again this Christmas season. Last season was full of Christmas magic in the Claus Cabin at Castonguay Square.
Santa knows that you’ve been busy this year with new talents like cooking, and arts and crafts, and learning how to help clean the yard, the house and even the car, learning to play with others, play an instrument or play a sport and more. Mrs. Claus knows that you are all trying to mind your Ps & Qs and are trying your very best to be kind to others whether at home, at school, at dance, at karate, at gymnastics, at swimming, at soccer and so many more places that you are doing your best to be nice.
Santa and Mrs. Claus look forward to visiting with the Kringleville area residents, as well as so many who travel miles and miles to share stories with Santa and see Mrs. C, too. We love that you all continue to be part of the Kringleville story season after season and keep the tradition in such a wonderful city.
Again this year, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be greeting youngsters at their cabin at Kringleville, in Castonguay Square, in downtown Waterville. (photo by Central Maine Photography)
Year after year, Kringleville has more and more visitors line up to visit with Jolly Old Santa. Last season, visitor after visitor commented to Santa and Mrs. Claus that though the wait can be long, once you’re inside the cabin you truly feel the magic of Christmas making it well worth the wait. Hearing it is “Worth the Wait,” again and again makes Santa and Mrs. Claus feel like visitor’s time in the cabin is special for each individual. Mrs. C wants to remind all visitors of all ages, please dress appropriately for the weather. While waiting in line, you should have warm footwear, a warm hat, mittens and, of course, a warm jacket. Always prepare for the unexpected and bring an umbrella, too.
Kringleville continues with the support of The Children’s Discovery Museum led by Executive Director Amarinda Keys. Santa’s elves are already hard at work in the North Pole making toys for all the good little boys and girls. Thanks to the generosity of Central Maine Photography, Elves Cinnamon and Cinnamon Stick will be at the cabin again this season to offer photos of visitors with Santa. Central Maine Photography is a proud annual supporter of Kringleville. Thank you again to last season’s supporters; The Children’s Discovery Museum, Central Maine Motors Auto Group, Colby, Selah Tea Café, GHM Insurance, Portland Pie Company, Technology Solutions of Maine, Kennebec Behavioral Health, Marden’s, the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, the Bankery and others who shared the Christmas spirit with Christmas caroling, hot chocolate and more.
All of us at the North Pole, appreciate the generosity of Central Maine Motors Auto Group being Kringleville’s major sponsor again this season! If you or your business would like to contribute to the success of this timeless Waterville tradition, please contact Amarinda Keys at The Children’s Discovery Museum at (207) 622-2209 or email amarinda@childrensdiscoverymuseum.org to ask how you too can be a part of the magic of Christmas at Kringleville.
Kringleville is a proud supporter of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Again this season, proceeds from Santa and Mrs. C’s hand-painted annual Kringleville collectable ornaments will help children in need.
The parade of lights is always scheduled for the Friday after Thanksgiving and is a jolly good time for Santa when he arrives to Kringleville from the North Pole.
Santa wants everyone to keep in mind that Christmas isn’t something you should have in your heart only once a year. The spirit of Christmas should live in your heart year-round. So, take Santa’s advice and be good to your brothers and sisters, your friends and neighbors, and all who you are with until Santa sees you again…That means mom and dad, too! Remember, he knows if you’ve been bad or good, which makes a difference for his naughty or nice list. So, be good listeners and be kind to one another always. Santa and Mrs. Claus look forward to seeing you all soon when they arrive for the 2019 Parade of Lights.
Fall Scouting Camporee brings out adventures, challenges with super hero theme
Scouts Anastasia Ames and Isabelle “Isa” Russell, both members of Troop #695, in Chelsea, and are earning requirements towards their Tenderfoot rank.
by Scott Bernier, of Augusta
On a mission to collect all six Infinity Stones, Thanos plans to use the artifacts to inflict his twisted will on reality. The fate of the planet and existence itself has never been more uncertain. Only the greatest heroes assembled can stop the mad Titan. Who can stop Thanos from wiping out half of the population? The Scouts can!
Julian Cain, of Sidney, dressed in his Captain America costume.
The 2019 Fall Scouting Camporee was held October 11-13 in Sidney, and the theme was “Marvel Universe Adventure.” Scouts from across the region, if not the galaxy, converged on the at the Silver Spur Riding Club where the three-day event was held and took part in competition and challenges as well as fun and fellowship. Scouts from Jackman, Jay, Palmyra, Randolph, Waterville, Augusta, Gardiner, Oakland, Farmingdale, Skowhegan, and Chelsea attended.
The event was organized by the Scouts and leaders of Sidney Troop #401 who have been planning the event for months. Taylor Hayden, of Skowhegan Troop #485, dressed up as Spiderman. “He’s my favorite superhero,” Hayden said. He is a new Scout and enjoyed the Captain America Scout Skills area the most where Scouts went into the woods to build a survival shelter.
Jeremy Croft, of Sidney, is working on his First Class rank. He was one of the “Silver Surfer Relay Race” during which the Scouts carried a rock on a spoon and raced through an obstacle course. “Its a lot of fun,” Jeremy said, about being able to run a station at 11 years old. Scouts not only compete in activities but it was entirely youth planned and run with adult supervision, said event chairman Eric Handley, who is the official Nick Fury for the event. “I am really proud of these kids,” Handley said. “The entire camporee wouldn’t have happened if we didn’t have the Scouts. This was their event. They chose the theme. They chose the stations. They planned each one and then adjusted as things went along. Not everything worked out perfectly but that is how they learn. And everyone had a lot of fun.”
Stations challenged Scouts on traditional Scout knowledge but each tied into a hero or villain in the Marvel Universe. Scouts had fun at Hawkeye’s Archery Range, the Quest for the Infinity Stones Compass Course, and Captain America’s Scout Skills among others..
Harry Bromberg, from Oakland, is a new Scout and this was his first multi-troop camporee. He helped run the Dr Strange’s Puzzle in which Scouts had to tie a complicated knot – a clove hitch – around a stump without being within ten feet of the stump. They had to use sticks and rope but mostly teamwork to solve the puzzle. Harry’s favorite hero is the Incredible Hulk.
Eric Handley, was the official Nick Fury for the event.
Scouts also took part in Tony Stark’s Rocket Launch where they not only built a rocket but assembled the mechanism that launched the rocket. Some rockets flew 200 feet. This was the favorite area of new Scouts Anastasia Ames and Isabelle “Isa” Russell. Both are members of Troop #695, in Chelsea, and are earning requirements towards their Tenderfoot rank.
Chris Somerset, of Jackman, assisted an adult at Hawkeye’s Archery Range. The 15-year old said it was fun to help teach younger Scouts how to shoot a bow and arrow safely. “My favorite Avenger is Captain America because he is honest and trustworthy,” Chris said.
There was also a re-enactment from the movie “Captain America Civil War” in which the Scouts were divided into two teams in order to capture the other team’s flag, a costume contest, and a community dinner with meals prepared by the Scouts and enjoyed by all. Skowhegan Troop #485 won the Youth Cooking Contest with its “Captain American Chop Suey” and the adult winner was John DeWitt, of Troop #401, with Italian chicken. The evening ended with a traditional Scout campfire.
Scouts received a commemorative patch and two Marvel Comic Books as part of Scouting’s effort to encourage reading.
Northern Light Inland Hospital initiates innovative solution to ensure food bank access
Northern Light Inland Hospital is responding to the problem with an innovative solution to ensure access to food banks for patients who do not have dependable transportation.
Nearly one in six households in Kennebec County lacks enough food to maintain healthy, active lifestyles for all household members. Nutritious food is available, yet many families can’t access the food because they don’t have transportation to a food bank. Northern Light Inland Hospital is responding to the problem with an innovative solution to ensure access to food banks for patients who do not have dependable transportation.
The new transportation initiative, funded by a John T. Gorman Foundation grant, builds on an existing partnership between Northern Light Inland Hospital and Good Shepherd Food Bank to provide emergency food bags to families in need at Inland’s primary and specialty care practices, emergency department, inpatient units and other care site.
Inland Hospital providers and staff routinely screen patients for food insecurity, and patients whop have immediate needs are offered emergency food bags on the spot. If transportation to the food bank is also found to be an issue, the provider can refer the patient for transportation assistance. The hospital explored many different solutions to the problem and found that arranging a taxi ride would help the largest number of food insecurity patients get access to the food they need.
“One of the biggest struggles is getting people to the food, and food to the people,” says Bridgette Gemelli, community health navigator, Northern Light Inland Hospital. “Some people can welk to the food bank but can only carry so much back to their homes.”
In her role as community health navigator, Bridgette considers each person’s unique needs and helps them find solutions to a range of issues that affect quality of life. Her work often includes providing education about and connections with resources available in the community and strategies to help patients overcome barriers.
“You can’t recover from illness or live your healthiest possible life if you aren’t getting the proper nutrition,” says Crystal Richard, director, women’s health at Northern Light Inland Hospital. “In order to improve overall health and wellness, we need to get to the root of the problem, which is sometimes transportation.”
Inland Hospital’s approach to addressing food insecurity for its patients may serve as a model for other hospitals to follow. The initiative, funded through spring 2020, augments Inland’s ongoing work with several community organizations to address the most significant problems that affect health for the people of Kennebec County.
For more information, please contact Bridgette Gemelli, community health navigator, at bgemelli@northernlight.org or 207-861-6091.
MDOT to do pavement preservation work on Rte. 202
The Maine Department of Transportation is planning pavement preservation, including guardrail improvements, beginning at Route 202 and extending west 6.14 miles to Route 137B, then extending north 1.04 miles to Route 201.
The Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is seeking information from consulting parties that would likely have information/knowledge of, or concerns with historic properties adjacent.
Under Section 106, the town is considered a consulting party and will receive National Register Eligibility and the Determination of Effects on historic properties within the project area for review and comment. If the town knows of any party or person interested in becoming a Section 106 consulting party for review of effects on historic properties, please have them fill out and return the Consulting Party Request Form (available at the town office.)
If you have any information, comments or concerns in regards to historic properties, please contact the point person at Julie.Senk@maine.gov or at 16 State House Station, Environmental Office, Augusta Maine 04333.
This is intended to obtain information and concerns regarding historic properties. If you have any questions or concerns about the project, please contact the Project Manager, Douglas Coombs at Douglas.Coombs@maine.gov.
Not all heroes wear capes
Colby Rumpf, left, and Brooke Allen, who are both in the JMG program and were freshmen at the time, running an eighth grade JMG blood drive. (contributed photo)
Local family, service group, sponsor blood drives every two months
by Laurie Rumpf
I never knew how much blood was needed. I would see the blood drive signs along the road or they would have a drive at my place of work years ago. In addition, I’d always think…they have enough blood, they don’t need mine. Boy was I wrong!
Back in 2003 my dad, Stephen Dickens, was diagnosed with leukemia. They discovered this by a random urine test for his job as a diesel mechanic. His oncologist told him that he wouldn’t really have to worry about it for another five years. He had regular visits for lab work in those five years. In addition, pretty much to that day…five years later my dad was at the Alfond Cancer Center, in Augusta, having chemo treatments. He ended up at MaineGeneral, in Augusta, from there they transported him to Maine Medical Center, in Portland. He was a patient there for a month.
We were with him that whole time. My mom lived there with him that whole time. My sister, brother or myself were always there with him. We watched him receive so many blood transfusions and platelets. The bad blood cells would kill it just as fast as he’d receive it. It was a rollercoaster month for all of us. In the end, he lost the battle with leukemia. But all those transfusions gave us an extra month with my dad. What a precious gift that was!
As the nurses would hook up each pint of blood I promised each one of them, “I’m going to pay that back!” After my dad passed, I went to Penney Memorial Church to a blood drive. After that I was hooked. It was my therapy to help me heal from losing my dad. So every 56 days I’d look for a local blood drive. My family wasn’t far behind me. We all would donate. None of us had ever donated before.
So a year after my dad had passed away we decided to all meet at the Portland Red Cross Donor center and we all donated blood together. There were eight of us that day. After that I decided I’d like to sponsor a drive each year on the anniversary of my dad passing away. So each year we’d get more and more people. My daughter Sasha Rumpf turned 16 and brought a lot of her friends. All first time donors! I was so proud of her and all of her friends! A lot of my friends had also jumped on the bandwagon. I think the most we had was around 52 people show up. We had so many that some had to wait over three hours! It was amazing to see though. All these people waiting around to save lives! Truly amazing!
My husband and daughter received a letter that they had a high platelet count so they wanted them to come to Portland to donate platelets.They now both donate platelets.
We now host the blood drives at the South China American Legion. We usually get pizza donated from Tobey’s or Fieldstone. We have so many that show up at each drive — I’m truly humbled to see this. The community pulls together! From the legion hosting it, my family and I running it, local stores donating pizza and all the amazing people that show up to give up their time and donate their blood to help save someone’s life or to help give someone some extra time with a loved one.
Our last drive was hosted by my 16 year old son, Colby Rumpf, in the Leaders Save Lives program. If you host a blood drive while you’re in high school and have 25 donors you earn a Red Cross cord for your graduation! He tried this last year and was short a few people. So he tried it again this year and he had 32 units of blood!
I am so very proud of my family, my friends and last but not least the community that I live in.
Please watch for our blood drive posters throughout the community and my posts on Facebook. We host drives right around every 56 days! Our next drive will be on November 16, 2019.
I hope to see you there!
Kennebec Federal Savings seeks video contest entries from teens
Kennebec Federal Savings is now accepting submissions from local teens for its “Lights, Camera, Save!” video contest. Organized by the American Bankers Association Foundation, the contest is a national competition that encourages teens to use video to communicate the value of saving money and to inspire their peers to become lifelong savers. Last year’s local First Round Winner was Ely Yang, then a senior at Winslow High School and a student in the Mid-Maine Technical Center’s Mass Media Communications program.
“This wonderful competition offers Maine students a unique opportunity to tap their creativity, learn about saving and using money responsibly, and communicate those key lessons to other young people,” said Allan Rancourt, president of Kennebec Federal Savings. “A sound financial education is critical to a successful future, and we are excited to participate in a contest that spotlights that message.”
To participate in “Lights, Camera, Save!,” local students ages 13 to 18 are asked to create a short video (90 seconds or less) that spotlights the importance of saving and using money wisely. They must then submit a link to the video to Kennebec Federal Savings by December 3, 2019, along with a completed entry form.
Kennebec Federal Savings will host the local first round of judging and select a local winner. The local winner will then advance to the National Competition, where the first place, second place, and third place winners will be announced by the American Bankers Association Foundation on Wednesday, February 26, 2020. The top three national winners will receive cash prizes of $5,000, $2,500, and $1,000 respectively, to fund their savings goal. Each winner’s school also will receive a scholarship for a teacher to attend the Jump$tart National Educator Conference.
Videos will be judged on their quality, message, content, and faithfulness to the criteria set forth by the contest’s official rules. Get the official rules and submission packet online at www.kfsavings.com/news.aspx.
To learn more about the “Lights, Camera, Save!” competition, please visit www.LightsCameraSave.com.