Chamber leadership luncheon set for Sept. 30

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Zachary Fowler (photo credit: www.fowlersmakeryandmischief.com)

Enjoy a fabulous lunch and share an entertaining and informative presentation by outdoor enthusiast Zachary Fowler. Zach will share the survival skills he utilized to maintain an 87-day existence in the deep woods of Patagonia, alone, with only a dozen tools and supplies at his disposal. He will share tips and anectdotes, detailing his month’s-long adventure.

Outdoorsman and YouTube Creator Zachary Fowler is a Vermont native who moved to Maine to become a wooden boat builder. Although building classic wooden boats was a passion and a skill, Zach’s real love was always for the outdoors. This would be expressed by his years of providing for his family, occupying an off-grid Yurt -style home, and living a self-sufficient lifestyle.

Fowler’s enthusiasm for the outdoors and strong work ethic was proven when he applied for, participated in and won, History Channel’s challenge show Alone, where he survived for 87 days in Patagonia, eating only 63 fish and 2 birds. After winning the show, Fowler chose to start his own YouTube channel, Fowler’s Makery and Mischief, where he could reach an expanded audience and share his appreciation and knowledge of the great outdoors.

To register for this event please email Cindy@midmainechamber.com or call 873.3315.

Cost for the Leadership Luncheon is $20 per person for members; $25 at the door and for non-members. Lunch is included with the reservation.

Out of concern for the safety of attendees, registration at this indoor event will be limited to a maximum of 50 persons. Tables and seating will also be spaced out, and a plated lunch will be served. Masks are requested to be worn for registration, and until seated; hand sanitizer will be provided.

The Leadership Luncheons are sponsored by Kennebec Savings Bank.

Mid-Maine Chamber golf winners announced

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photo: Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce

Central Maine’s most prize-laden golf tournament fundraiser was held safely and under clear skies on August 18 at the Waterville Country Club. Thirty-four teams took part in the shotgun start scramble.

Nearly 50 businesses provided sponsorships or in-kind donations for the tournament.

“We were overwhelmed with the participation in this year’s event – one of only a few of our major fundraisers we have been able to hold, due to gathering restrictions,” said Kim Lindlof, president & CEO of Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce. “We were also happy that the weather cooperated, with a beautiful day of sunshine and an enjoyable day for all involved.”

Prize Winners:

Summer Sizzler BBQ Package: Chuck Thomas, Standard Waterproofing.
50/50 Winner: Patty MacDougall and Terry Townsend, Northern Light Health.
First Place Gross Team Score: Pepsi Co. – Tony Dessent, Derek Footman, Chris Low, Roger Williams.
Second Place Gross Team Score: Goodwill Hinckley/Mid-Maine Marine – Garret Prelgovisk, Toby Labun, Scott McManaman, Rob Moody.
Third Place Gross Team Score: Sodexo – Evan Avasthi, TJ Whalen, Eli Spaulding.
First Place Net Team Score: Northern Light Health – Patty MacDougall, Marie Dickinson, Sandra Gould, Jeanne Paradis.
Second Place Net Team Score: Legacy Home Improvements – Richard Sutter Jr., Robbie Sutter, Eric Allen, Jared Miler.
Third Place Net Team Score: AT&T – Owen Smith, Tom Moutinho, Jay Nutting, Jeremy Payne.
Closest to the Pin – Hole #2: Male: Roger Williams – Pepsi Co.; Female: Sandy Gould – Northern Light Health.
Closest to the Pin – Hole #6: Male: Scott Nielsen – Sheridan; Female: Sarah Dexter -The Warehouse.
Closest to the Pin – Hole #13: Male: Chris Low – Pepsi Co.; Female: No winner.
Closest to the Pin – Hole #16: Male: Matt Loubier – Central Maine Motors; Female: Sara Barry – Northern Light Inland Hospital.
Longest Drive Winners: Male: Steve Hayden – Seacoast Security; Female: Sawyer Boulette – Alfond Youth & Community Center.
Straightest Drive Winners: Male: John Jabar II – The Warehouse; Females: Brenda Peatfield – Fred’s Coffee; Marie Dickinson – Northern Light Health.
Highest Team Score: Nicholson, Michaud & Co.: Derek Gervais, Jessica Giandrea, Marcus Hall, Karl Foss.
Chairman of the Chamber Golf Classic Committee, Rick Whalen added, “We would like to thank all of the area businesses for their participation – whether with posting a team, providing volunteers or in-kind donations, or being a sponsor. Your support makes this a successful fundraiser.”

The Mid-Maine Chamber Golf Classic is made possible by major sponsors Central Maine Power and Maine State Credit Union.

Lions Club launches community enhancement project

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photo: Waterville Lions Rock Facebook page

The Waterville Lions Club launched a community enhancement project in September with the goal of lifting spirits and inspiring others during this difficult time.

Called “Waterville Lions Rock,” club members gathered together and painted rocks with inspirational messages or smile inducing artwork. A message was written on the back of each rock, “Post a pic and rehide #watervillelionsrock”. Club members then placed the rocks throughout the community on nature trails, near public buildings and in other locations where the general public were sure to see them.

A Facebook page and Instagram account were created for Waterville Lions Rock where everyone can follow the adventures of each rock as they are found and rehidden. “We really wanted to do something for the community that stayed within the current guidelines and yet still helped people,” said Club President Jill Huard. “We hope these little rocks will provide inspiration to people as well as something fun for individuals and families.”

Currently there are nine rocks placed in the Waterville/Winslow/Fairfield area. The club intends to paint and place more rocks in the coming weeks.

Where will you find a Watervillle Lions Rock?

PHOTO: Taking the hand off

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Isaac Chase, 6, takes a hand off from coach Matt Perry during the recent Waterville Youth Football clinic. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)

Northern Light Women’s Health welcomes Dr. Doucette

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Stephanye Doucette

Northern Light Women’s Health welcomes Stephanye Doucette, DO. Dr. Doucette joins their practice located at 180 Kennedy Memorial Drive, in Waterville.

She is a Lewiston native and earned her medical degree from the University of New England of Osteopathic Medicine, in Biddeford. She completed her residency in OB/GYN at St. Luke’s University Health Network, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

“It’s exciting for me to be back home in Maine and become part of the wonderful OB/GYN team at Inland. I look forward to helping women achieve their best health,” said Dr. Doucette.

Dr. Doucette offers the following services: OB/GYN care for women of all ages, contraception and family planning, and Laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery. Call to make an appointment today at 872-5529.

Local restaurant provides support for law enforcement

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Photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography

by Mark Huard

Multiple law enforcement agencies and emergency personal were on scene on Tuesday, August 25, in Waterville, after a shots fired incident was reported around 4:15 p.m

Several roads were closed as special tactics teams and negotiators tried to reach and make an arrest on an unidentified person whom police say was discharging a weapon.

Jay Coelho and Desiree Sirois, owners of GRUB, in Waterville, kept the business open until 4 a.m. to help provide law enforcement and first responders with coffee, water, food and restrooms during the emergency.

Waterville Police Chief Joe Massey said, “Grub staying open and feeding first responders was a very nice gesture which allowed us to focus on the task at hand while staying fed and hydrated. ”

Lt. Dave Tripp (Special Services Commander at Maine State Police) sent a card to Grubs saying, “Your support to our teams during the incident is greatly appreciated.”

Grub is a considered a small business in Waterville Maine, and their acts of kindness are big and noteworthy. They have often been known for their down to earth atmosphere, attempting to be creative to meet the needs of their consumers. It’s acts like these that separate them from the pack.

Youth football in Waterville

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Coach Matt Vaughan and team member Dylan Devlin practicing during a recent Waterville Youth Football Clinc. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff)

Waterville Youth Football Player Isaac Chase, practicing with Coach Matt Perry during a recent clinic. The season begins next month. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff)

Northern Light named to best maternity care list

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photo: Newsweek: www.newsweek.com/best-maternity-care-hospitals-2020

Northern Light Inland Hospital has been named to Newsweek’s 2020 list of Best Maternity Care Hospitals. The distinction recognizes facilities that have excelled in providing care to mothers, newborns and their families, as verified by the 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Survey. Best Maternity Care Hospitals is part of Newsweek’s Best Health Care series, powered by data from The Leapfrog Group. Inland Hospital is one of only five in Maine and fewer than 250 hospitals nationwide to receive the prestigious accolade

“We are very proud to be named to such an impressive list,” said Terri Vieira, president of Inland Hospital. “Inland’s Birthing Center is known for its excellent, safe care and for its skilled and caring providers and staff. We are a healthcare family that loves to take care of other families.”

Hospitals named as a Best Maternity Care Hospital have fully met The Leapfrog Group’s standards for maternity care on evidence-based, nationally standardized metrics. This includes lower rates of early elective delivery, primary C-section rates, and episiotomy, as well as compliance with process measures including newborn bilirubin screening prior to discharge and blood clot prevention techniques for mothers delivering via C-section.

“We take the safety of our moms and babies very seriously,” noted William Bradfield, MD, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Inland Hospital. “We are very excited about this award because it recognizes that safety is our top priority. We hope it gives expecting families confidence in us to see that we are doing everything possible to keep them safe and healthy.”

Courtney Cook, RN, birthing director explains that, “We also provide valuable services to make sure moms and babies are healthy beyond the birth experience, such as our In Touch program that connects moms to a nurse 24/7 so they can ask questions or raise concerns after they get home. In addition, our lactation program, breastfeeding support group, and our postpartum support group (called Tree of Hope) all help keep moms healthy and empowered as their bodies change after their labor of love.”

“Best Maternity Care Hospitals showcases an elite group of hospitals from across the country,” said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief of Newsweek. “These facilities stand out for the care they provide to women and families, and for giving babies a strong start to life. Particularly in these uncertain times, we are honored to share this list of top-ranked facilities with Newsweek’s readership.”

The full list of recipients is available at newsweek.com/best-maternity-care-hospitals-2020.

For more information about the Birthing Center at Inland Hospital, please call 861-3100 or visit northernlighthealth.org/Inland-Hospital.

B2B Showcase canceled for 2020

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Board member Emily Cates and Editor Roland Hallee sit at The Town Line’s booth at the Business-to-Business Showcase in 2019. (photo by Eric Austin)

Due to the closing of the Colby campus through the end of the year and the large gathering restrictions currently in place, it became necessary for the Mid-Maine Chamber to postpone the Business-to-Business Showcase to 2021.

According to Cindy Stevens, program director at the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, the showcase will be rescheduled, most likely to the usual late March date, assuming gathering restrictions are lifted by that time. In the event that Colby’s fieldhouse is not available an alternate venue is under consideration.

While no exact date has been announced at this time, all booth reservations will be honored, and all pre-paid deposits or payments applied to that event.

Once a date has been determined, the chamber will re-communicate to all participants with additional details.

Stevens concluded, “while we regret having to cancel this event for 2020, it is out of an abundance of concern for the health and well-being of everyone.”

Parochial vicar named to Corpus Christi Parish

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Fr. André-Joseph LaCasse

Bishop Robert Deeley has announced a new priest assignment for Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville and Winslow.

Effective September 1, 2020, Fr. André-Joseph LaCasse, O.P., has been appointed a parochial vicar at Corpus Christi Parish (Notre Dame Church, Waterville; St. John the Baptist Church, Winslow; St. Helena Church, Belgrade Lakes).

A native of Lewiston, Fr. LaCasse is a member of the Dominican Order, formerly known as the Order of Preachers (O.P.). For over 800 years, the mission of the order has been “to proclaim the Gospel to every corner of the world” so that every soul may come to know and love Jesus Christ.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Maine at Orono. In 1986, he entered the novitiate of the Dominican Province of St. Joseph, attending the Dominican House of Studies and receiving his S.T.B./M.Div. degree in 1992, when he was ordained to the priesthood. Since his ordination, Fr. LaCasse has served as a parochial vicar at St. Dominic Church, in Youngstown, Ohio; pastor of St. Patrick Church, in Columbus, Ohio; and, for the last ten years, pastor of St. Gertrude Church, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Fr. LaCasse also holds a master’s degree in spirituality from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas (Angelicum), in Rome, Italy.