Waterville resident, Weldon Black, has opened his heart and home to Alvin, age 13, of Brooklyn, New York, through The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program since 2016. Weldon first learned about The Fund when a local volunteer leader, Lynne Dailey, came to speak in his town. Weldon has been hosting for seven years and is looking forward to spending his second summer with Alvin later this month.

The brightest parts of Weldon’s summers are when his Fresh Air son comes to visit. During last summer’s visit, Alvin joined Weldon in mini golfing, building campfires, and kayaking on Lake Androscoggin. “I hope I’ve been able to show him everything that Maine has to offer,” Weldon said. “It’s a different way of life here.” Weldon loves being able to rediscover his home state by showing Alvin all the fun to be had outdoors.

Weldon says that being a host parent has taught him a lot. “I’ve learned to be more open and accepting of other people’s experiences and ways of life,” Weldon explained. His time with The Fresh Air Fund has been “fulfilling and fun,” and he hopes that Alvin has learned as much as he has from the experience.

Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free, enriching summer experiences and academic programs for more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income neighborhoods. Each summer, thousands of Fresh Air children visit suburban, rural, and small town communities across the East Coast and Southern Canada through The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program.

To learn more about how to become a host family in North Central Maine, please call Susan Brooks at 207-453-2762 or visit www.freshair.org.

New Dimensions FCU hosts its 4th Annual Cruisin’ For A Cure Car Show to benefit The Maine Children’s Cancer Program

Saturday, June 3, started out a bit cold and rainy and certainly wasn’t looking like a great day to host a car show. You can imagine our surprise and excitement as the flow of participants began showing up one-by-one for the 4th Annual Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Show at the Faith Evangelical Free Church parking lot in Waterville. There were nearly 100 participants who had the option to enter into one of 22 classes, which included various makes and models ranging from antiques to Mustangs; special interest to street rods – just to name a few. Once the sun came out, the parking lot quickly filled with spectators who came to see the spectacular automobiles and to enjoy lunch with friends and family.

The annual fundraiser benefits the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, which is based in Scarborough. The program provides state-of-the-art medical care to children with cancer and blood disorders. Similarly, they provide support for the patient and family members who are experiencing the impact of childhood cancer. With the help of the participants, local sponsors, residents and spectators, as well as the many donations that were received, a total of $8,071.64 was raised.

Additionally, the Co-Op Financial Services donated an additional $3,960.67 to benefit the MCCP, bringing the total amount raised to $12,032.31. The $1 million annual Miracle Match program matches contributions raised by credit unions for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Although, 66 trophies would be awarded to different classes, everyone was vying to take home the title of Best of Show or The People’s Choice. Once all votes were cast and tallied, Best of Show as well as The People’s Choice trophies were awarded to Lincoln Nye, of Rome, for his 1960 Chevy Impala Convertible.

Next year’s 5th Annual Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Show will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at the same location.

Sydney A. Kahl, of Waterville, was inducted into the St. Lawrence University chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society.

Kahl is a member of the class of 2018 at St. Lawrence University, in Canton, New York, and is majoring in environmental studies. Kahl attended Plymouth Regional High School.