Eric Handley elected district scouting chairman

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Eric Handley with his Eagle Scout sons Devon, left, and Jared. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The Kennebec Valley District of Scouting has elected Eric Handley, of Sidney, to serve as District Scouting Chairman and Christopher Santiago, of Vassalboro, was tapped to serve as District Scouting Commissioner. This took place during the annual meeting of the district on Wednesday, January 8, at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, in Waterville.

The Kennebec Valley District delivers the programs of Scouting to communities and youth in Kennebec, Lincoln, Knox, Somerset and Franklin counties. The district is one of four in Pine Tree Council which covers the southern and western half of Maine. At the end of 2024, Kennebec Valley District had 22 Scout Troops and 12 Cub Scout Packs made up of 194 Scouts and 232 Cub Scouts. Twelve youth in Kennebec Valley earned Scouting’s highest rank, the Eagle Scout award, in 2024 and 564 Merit Badges were earned by the Scouts.

“I’m happy to serve Kennebec Valley Scouting,” Handley said. “My approach will always be to place the Scouts first.” Handley, in his role as District chairman, will preside at district committee meetings and represent the district on the council executive board. He will oversee all subcommittees that help deliver and grow Scouting including membership, program (events/ training/ advancement/ camping), and fund development functions (including popcorn sales and Friends of Scouting). Handley, who is the Point of Sale IT manager for Aubuchon Company, had been serving as the District Commissioner prior to the annual meeting.

He began his Scouting career in 1972 when he joined Cub Scouts, in Gorham, New Hampshire, and followed that as a Scout, in Windsor, Vermont Troop #218. “My son Jared asked to join Cub Scouts as a Tiger the Spring of 2006. I became the Cub Master of Pack #401 in Spring of 2007, in Sidney, and stayed with the Pack until May 2018 when I became Scoutmaster of Troop #401,” Handley said. Handley has also served as a Unit Commissioner, on the Advancement Committee, Roundtable Commissioner, Camp Bomazeen Staff, and on the Kennebec Valley District Band. Handley said that his goals are to increase the visibility of Scouting in the local community and to increase membership by providing excellent programs to the youth in the district.

Santiago, who is the Director of Safety and Security, at Thomas College, in Waterville, said, ” I am truly honored and blessed to be nominated by my peers to this position of leadership within Scouting America. I will continue to develop scouts and their leadership skills, with a focus on living the Scout Oath and Scout Law; and I will work diligently to provide leadership and mentorship to my peers so that they may do the same.” He has been involved in Scouting since his son joined Cub Scouts, in Vassalboro Pack #410, serving as Den Leader and then Cubmaster. This was followed by Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop #410 when his son crossed over to the Scouts. He is still serving as Scoutmaster of Troop #410. At the same time, he has also served on and is still currently serving Scouting on the District Committee, as the District Duty to God Coordinator, as a Unit Commissioner and as the District Training co-chairman. The district commissioner leads the commissioner staff of the district, guiding and measuring the district’s unit service program. The Roundtable Commissioner also is part of the District Commissioner’s team. Santiago said his goals as District Commissioner are to provide quality support to Scouters, while ensuring that all units (Packs and Troops) within the district are delivering an excellent scouting program and experience.

The District Committee also selected Jamie Santiago, of Vassalboro, to serve as District Vice Chairman of Finance and Joseph Poulin, of Oakland, to serve as District vice chairman of Program. The position of District Vice Chair for Membership is currently vacant.

These elections took effect immediately following the close of the annual meeting.

From left to right, Jamie Santiago, Life Scout Arianna Allen, Tenderfoot Scout Christopher Santiago, Eagle Scout Eric Allen, and Christopher Santiago. The Allens are niece and nephew of Jamie and Christopher Santiago. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Local Modern Woodmen members honor Jeff Meader

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Jeff Meader, left, of Oakland, received the Modern Woodmen’s Hometown Hero award from Patrick Linehan, Modern Woodmen volunteer leader. (contributed photo)

Local volunteer Jeff Meader, of Oakland, Maine, was recently recognized for countless hours of service to the community during a Modern Woodmen of America member event on November 18, 2024. Meader was honored through Modern Woodmen’s Hometown Hero program for his dedication to the Sons of American Legion and American Legion Post #51, where he serves as Assistant Finance Officer.

Jeff ís attention to detail, willingness to accept any challenge, stick-to-it-iveness and willingness to volunteer are a major key to the success of Decker Simmons Post #51. As part of the Hometown Hero program, members of the The Capitol District Modern Woodmen Chapter presented Meader with a certificate and an award grant to be donated to the charitable organization of the honoree’s choice. Meader selected The American Legion Post #51 Entertainment Committee to receive the donation. “Volunteers form the foundation of a strong community,” says Patrick Linehan, local Modern Woodmen volunteer leader. “Modern Woodmen’s Hometown Hero program gives us the chance to thank those who selflessly give their time to make the world a better place.”

Coordinated by local Modern Woodmen members, the fraternal financial services organizationís chapters and youth service clubs provide opportunities for members to take part in social and educational activities and volunteer projects to meet local needs. For more information or to get involved, contact Linehan at 207-465-4800 / Patrick.r.linehan@mwarep.org.

Modern Woodmen was founded in 1883 as a fraternal benefit society. The organization supports members, families and communities with a unique blend of financial services, fraternal programs and local-impact opportunities. Learn more at www.modernwoodmen.org.

* Securities offered through MWA Financial Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America.

CAMPAIGN 2024: Candidates address issues concerning Maine voters (Part 4)

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CAMPAIGN 2024: Candidates address issues concerning Maine voters (Part 3)

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PHOTO: Messalonskee youth football grades 3 and 4

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Front row, from left to right, Ryder Bolduc, Blake Lawler, and Marshall Veilleux. Second row, Andrew Proctor, Tucker Reynolds, Reed Fowler, Braydyn Grard, Sam Wolman, Brady Fish, Baine Bennett, and Colton Curtis. Third row, Pierce Holman, Colton Sense, Nolan Brown, Bryson McCullough, Liam Luther, Bernard Pelletier, Sawyer Pierson, and Trent Bickford. Fourth row, Kellum Corbett, Easton Dyer, Colin Porter, Able Smart, and Kolby Lajoie. Fifth row, Karson Simmons, Parker Taylor, Jackson McLaughlin, Noah Dale. Back, coaches Scott Proctor, Matt Holman, Justin Lawler, Landan McCullough. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)

PHOTOS: Youth football action in Oakland

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Messalonskee youth team member Andrew Proctor running with the football while Winslow’s Tristan Blaney (32), Nathan Merrill (41) and Freddie Pullen (75) move in for the tackle. The game took place on October 7. (Photos by Casey Dugas, Central Maine Photography)

Waterville team member Malahki Klaiber (12) looks for open field while, Alex Sheehan (80), Connor Jones (27) and Quincy Brittingham (4) form a wall on Messalonskee defender Zoeey Emmons. The game ended in a 12-12 tie. (Photos by Casey Dugas, Central Maine Photography)

PHOTOS: Central Maine high schools’ homecoming

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Lawrence high school and junior high school soccer teams. (photo by Casey Dugas, Central Maine Photography)

Members of the Messalonskee grades 1 and 2 red football team. (photo by Casey Dugas, Central Maine Photography)

Members of the Messalonskee grades 5-6 football team. (photo by Casey Dugas, Central Maine Photography)

Members of the Clinton Variety PAL football team. (photo by Casey Dugas, Central Maine Photography)

Local students on Tufts University dean’s list

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Tufts University, in Medford, Massachusetts, recently announced the dean’s list for the Spring 2024 semester.

They are Cole Bazakas, Class of 2027, of Waterville, and Bella Wallingford, Class of 2026, of Oakland.

R. B. Hall Memorial Band to honor Selma Pulcifur at concert

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The late Selma Pulcifur

by Jane Brogan

The R.B. Hall Memorial Band will present an outdoor concert at Waterfront Park, in Oakland, on Tuesday, August 13, at 6 p.m., to honor Selma Pulcifur, who passed away in December.

Selma was an institution, both in her community and among the countless musicians who were privileged to have known her over the years. She was the last surviving charter member of the R. B. Hall Memorial Band, where she played trombone for 55 years and served in various offices, including president.

In 2019, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the band, Sel­ma recounted in an interview that she began playing in 1944 when a friend told her the school band director needed a trombone. Selma laughed, “And I said, “What’s a trombone?” Selma fondly recalled, “I tried this old trombone, and, oh, it had the most beautiful tone, and I just fell in love with it.”

Selma played trombone for over 75 years, last performing with the R.B. Hall Band in the summer of 2022 at the Clinton Fair, a long-standing tradition and her favorite.

“I have to admit I’m getting older, but get me in a chair and I can play. I still have lots of wind. It’s natural.”

Sadly, the hot weather prevented her from performing at the fair in 2023, as she had hoped to do.

Selma’s final words in the interview were “I just hope I never have to give up the band. It’s been a very important part of my life.”

In gratitude for her contribution to keeping the community band tradition alive in Maine, the annual R.B. Hall Day festival, held in Bridgton this year, was dedicated to Selma.

The August 13 concert is free of charge. Audience members are asked to bring a lawn chair.

(The 2019 interview by Central Maine Newspapers is available on YouTube: “Selma Pulsifer plays on…”)

EVENTS: Oakfest scheduled for July 26-28, 2024

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Gerry Butler rides a chicken during the 2023 Oakfest parade. (contributed photo)

Come experience a weekend of family fun Friday through Sunday, July 26 – July 28, and see why Oakfest is rated among the “10 Best Outdoor Festivals in Maine” this summer!

This year’s Oakfest theme is “Christmas in July” with three days of family entertainment beginning Friday evening with food, music, and a parade on Main Street, in Oakland. The day starts at 4 p.m., with a children’s Lions Club Safari “Bowling with Coconuts “at the Camden National Bank parking lot and tours at Memorial Hall, on Church Street. Food trucks are available from 5 – 11 p.m., and the American Legion Beer Tent will be open for over 21 years old until 11 p.m. The evening events kick off with a performance by the Highland Bag Pipes at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Christmas in July Parade at 6 p.m. Enjoy music by “RJ the DJ” Richard Jandreau, and come out for a street dance to live music by the Roy Hudson Band from 8 to 11 p.m., sponsored by the American Legion.

Saturday’s ShineOn Oakland festivities start at 9 a.m. behind Williams Elementary School, at 55 Pleasant Street, in Oakland, with an expansive, 75-booth ShineOn Oakland Open Air Market. The day-long event features Maine-made artisans and crafters, an extensive variety of food vendors, dozens of fun children’s activities, including bounce houses, water activities, a climbing wall, and carnival games, sponsored by Kingdom Life Church. Have your children choose a free book, as part of the ShineOnCass Literacy Project. Plus there will be a Cruise-In Classic Car Show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy live music until 3 p.m., at the ShineOn Oakland Stage, plus much more.

Claire Slevinsky shows the free book she received at the 2023 Oakfest. (contributed photo)

At dusk, bring the kids to an Outdoor Movie Night presentation of Migration presented by Kingdom Life Church. Please bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch the movie. In case of inclement weather, Movie Night will be held at Kingdom Life Church, 191 High Street, in Oakland.

Rise and Shine on Sunday at 10 a.m., at the Oakland Gazebo, 22 Old Belgrade Road, in Oakland, to watch the Oakfest Christmas in July Boat Parade, led by Eric Seekins. Then enjoy live music from 1 to 3 p.m., by Ryan Michaud, grab lunch at Hero’s On Wheels Food Truck from 2:30 to 5 p.m., and stay for a free Elvis In Concert with Don Boudreau from 3 to 5 p.m., all overlooking beautiful Messalonskee Lake.

Oakfest is proudly sponsored by the Town of Oakland, Oakland American Legion, Oakland Lions Club, Kingdom Life Church, First Park, Kennebec Valley Federal Credit Union, Hometown Auto, Bri By Designs, Valley Beverage, Oakland Waterfront Park Summer Concert Series and the ShineOnCass Foundation.

Oakfest is pleased to partner with the ShineOnCass Foundation to provide an annual community support project to the summer festival. This year Oakfest will “Shine a Light on Literacy” by providing free books to children who attend ShineOn Oakland Day on Saturday. For more information about the project, visit shineoncass.org.

“We are excited to welcome back hundreds of attendees to Oakfest 2024, offering food, music and family-friendly activities for all ages. Oakfest is the place to be this summer in Maine,” says Oakfest Committee Chairman Kathy Paradis, who along with a committee of volunteers, coordinates the annual community festival.

For more information about Oakfest 2024, call Kathy Paradis at 207-465-7357, visit the Town of Oakland Facebook Page or oaklandmaine.us.