TEAM PHOTO: Waterville Purple Majors

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Waterville Purple Majors won over Messo Red Majors, 5-3, at Mini Fenway, in Oakland, on June 17. Front row, left to right, Evan Karter, Cooper McKenna, Landon Hart, Connor Jones, Kyle O’Brien, Avery McKenna, and Harrison Timmons. Second row, Mikeeridan Sheets, Stephen Dyer, Max Poulin, Nic Karagiannes, Maxwell Cornforth, William Owens, Joseph Alix, and Alex Pelotte. Back, Coach Jeremy Jones, Coach CJ McKenna, Coach Chris Hart. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)

Thomas College announces honors list (2024)

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Thomas College, in Waterville, has announced undergraduate students named to the Spring 2024 honors list.

Local students named to the list are Emily Lowther, of China; Lydia Bussell, Brittney Cayford, Lindsay Given, and Eleanor King,

KICK FOR CASS (2024): Annual 11-Hour continuous soccer game planned for July 13

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Cassidy Charette, right, with then-teammate Katie Mercier. (contributed photo)

Over 500 players, including 17 high school soccer teams from around the state, will join the 11-hour, continuous soccer game “Kick For Cass” on Saturday, July 13, at Thomas College, in Waterville. The annual event is held in memory of Cassidy Charette, former midfielder for Messalonskee High School Girls Soccer who wore the #11 jersey before her passing in a tragic hayride accident on October 11, 2014.

Cassidy Charette

Kick For Cass will welcome back high school soccer teams, playing from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., in a round-robin play day. From 3 to 7 p.m., community teams of club soccer, adult leagues, local organizations, Cassidy’s friends and neighbors, and her former soccer teammates will round out the final hours.

Kick for Cass is presented by Golden Pond Wealth Management, Central Maine Motors Auto Group, Kennebec Savings Bank, Hammond Lumber, Surette Real Estate, Central Maine United Soccer, and host, Thomas College. The event is also supported by Field Sponsors Camden National Bank and Darci and Dana Michaud. Proceeds from the event will support the CMU ShineOnCass Soccer Scholarship.

The final hour of Kick for Cass will have a walk-out ceremony and a friendly competition between Cassidy’s former soccer teammates from Messalonskee High School vs. her Central Maine United Premiere Soccer team, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Spectators are welcome all day. Hero’s On Wheels Food Truck will sell food from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Messalonskee Robotics Club will provide concessions throughout the event. Inclement weather date is Sunday, July 14. For more information visit shineoncass.org, or email shineoncass@gmail.com.

Lily Ker named to WPI dean’s list

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Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), in Worcester, Massachusetts, has announced that Lily Ker, of Waterville, a member of the class of 2027, majoring in interactive media and game development, was named to the university’s dean’s list for academic excellence for the spring 2024 semester.

Bridge construction update

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Please find below the anticipated traffic impacts and bridge closures for the week of June 24.

Note: the info published has been provided to the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and is accurate to the best of our knowledge. It is subject to sudden change based on staffing, weather, supply chain, etc.

Cianbro, of Pittsfield, the contractor, anticipates continuing eastbound left lane closures on the Ticonic Bridge project on various Monday-Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. depending on conditions.

Drivers are encouraged to drive cautiously, observe signage in the work zone, and reduce speed inside the work zone. Westbound travelers should continue to utilize the posted westbound detour.

Cianbro also reminds the traveling public of the following:

– ALL sidewalks on the Ticonic Bridge are closed for the safety of the public.
– Pedestrians should continue to use the pedestrian detour across the Two Cent Bridge. Pedestrians should not be walking around barricades, down the active lanes, in lane closures, or inside the work zone.
– Portable message boards and construction signing will continue to be used to provide advance warning and directions for the westbound detour route.

URGENT SAFETY REMINDER:

It is unlawful and unsafe to traverse the river via the rail bridge. Pedestrians have been observed doing so and are reminded of the dangers of such activity. Pedestrians must utilize the Two Cent Bridge for foot traffic.

Information provided by Mike Rocque – Consolidated Communications.

Unofficial results of contested races in China, Vassalboro, Fairfield & Waterville (June 2024)

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by Mary Grow

CHINA

At the polls on June 11, China voters approved all articles on the warrant for the annual town business meeting. A few more than 500 votes were cast; the majority of the articles received more than 350 affirmative votes.

The three least popular articles were the request for $1,184,525 for town administration, which was approved by a vote of 349 to 162; the revised sections of the Land Development Code incorporating new state laws, approved 346 to 145; and the much-discussed new Solar Energy Systems Ordinance, approved 331 to 163.

The revised Planning Board Ordinance got 396 favorable votes, with 106 voters opposed.

On a separate ballot, the RSU #18 school budget validation referendum, supporting the 2024-25 budget that RSU voters approved in May, received 328 votes, to 181 opposed (with seven blank ballots).

China’s local elections will be held Nov. 5.

VASSALBORO

Vassalboro voters voted on June 11 in local elections; on two proposed ordinance amendments; and to validate the 2024-25 school budget they had approved at their open town meeting on June 3. Town Clerk Cathy Coyne reported results as follows.

In uncontested local elections, Christopher French was re-elected to the select board with 289 votes, and Jolene Gamage was re-elected to the school board with 257 votes.

The revised solid waste ordinance was approved by a vote of 202 in favor to 88 opposed.

The revised Marijuana Business Ordinance was approved by a vote of 193 in favor to 100 opposed.

The school budget was re-approved by a vote of 217 yes to 79 no.

In the only contest on the three state primary ballots, between First District Republicans Andrew Piantidosi and Ronald Russell, Piantidosi got 104 votes and Russell 167 votes.

Coyne said 296 of Vassalboro’s more than 3,100 registered voters participated in the June 11 voting.

FAIRFIELD

by Roland D. Hallee

U.S. House of Representatives – Republican

Austin Theriualt, 189
Michael Soboleski, 96

Maine Senate District #16 – Republican

Scott Cyrway, 188
Michael D. Perkins, 115

M.S.A.D. #49 School Budget

Yes – 291
No – 199

M.S.A.D #49 School Board (2)

Maxwell N. Kenney, 370
Ryan T. Warren, 327

WATERVILLE

by Roland D. Hallee

Representative to Legislature District #64 – Democrat

Flavia M. DeBrito, 185
Andrew S. Dent, 92

Representative to Legislature District #65 – Democrat

Cassie L. Julia, 490
Bruce A.White, 280

State Senate District #16 – Republican

Scott W. Cyrway, 178
Michael D. Perkins, 136

Representative to Congress, Distcit #1 – Republican

Ronald C. Russell, 166
Andrew Piantidosi, 101

EVENTS: Rotary District Conference coming to Waterville June 21–23, 2024

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This year Rotary District #7790 will host the three-day district conference in Waterville. The conference will bring many first-time visitors to the city, all to support District Governor Tina Chapman. Waterville supports two Rotary clubs, the Waterville Sunrise Club and the Waterville Noon Club, which is Tina’s home club.

The conference will highlight many of the community projects that local Rotary clubs and Rotary International support while highlighting all Waterville and the surrounding area has to offer. The clubs that are a part of District #7790 range from Augusta to Presque Isle, and even reaches up into Québec. The district is one of the few in the country to be bi-lingual and covers area in more than one country.

Two cultures, two languages, two countries, one Rotary District. Highlights of the conference include interactive activities that highlight our local region, tastings of a few favorite restaurants, and speakers on multiple subjects focusing mostly on mental health. Other activities include a Summer Garden party, at Colby College, a House of Friendship to meet members of other clubs, and a featured film at the Maine Film Center. This year’s theme is Hope in Action.

The keynote speaker is filmmaker and motivational speaker, Kevin Hines. Hines is a bestselling author, global public speaker, and award-winning documentary filmmaker. In the year 2000, Kevin attempted to take his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Many factors contributed to his miraculous survival including a sea lion which kept him afloat until the Coast Guard arrived. Kevin now travels the world sharing his story of hope, healing, and recovery while teaching people of all ages the art of wellness and the ability to survive pain with true resilience.

Kevin’s documentary Suicide: The Ripple Effect will be shown at the Maine Film Center, 93 Main Street, in Waterville, and is open to the public as well as his Keynote Presentation. Tickets for the film and presentation are available now on the district’s website at https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50110/clubdirectory.

For more information on the Waterville Rotary clubs, the conference, or the keynote presentation visit watervillerotary.com.

Charles Haberstock an award winner at Hamilton College

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photo credit: Hamilton College

Charles Haberstock, of Waterville, was named the recipient of The Sidney and Eleanor Wertimer Prize Scholarship in Economics at Hamilton College’s annual Class & Charter Day, held on May 7, in Clinton, New York. Established in 1950, the event combines the traditional Class Day celebrating the end of classes with a commemoration of the granting of the College’s charter on May 26, 1812.

The Sidney and Eleanor Wertimer Prize Scholarships in Economics are awarded to up to five juniors who have excelled in the study of economics.

Haberstock, a junior majoring in economics and geosciences, is a graduate of Waterville High School.

SNHU announces winter 2024 honors

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Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), in Manchester, New Hampshire,  announces the following students being named to the Winter 2024 President’s List.
Justin Drescher, of Augusta,  Ivette Hernandez Cortez, of Augusta, Grant Brown, of Augusta,  Matthew Bandyk, of Jefferson, Jennifer Anastasio, of Jefferson, Talon Mosher, of Winslow,  Quincy Giustra, of Winslow,  Candice Eaton, of Waterville, Sierra Winson, of Winslow, Andre Coachman, of Waterville, Carrielee Harvey, of Waterville, Heather Hall, of Canaan, Stormy Wentworth, of Fairfield, Misty Ray, of Montville, Zachary Eggen, of Liberty, Christopher Beaman, of Madison, Emily Hernandez, of Embden, Blake Laweryson, of North Anson, and Van Boardman, of Oakland.
The following students were named to the Winter 2024 dean’s list:
Brandon Stinson, of Augusta, Nicholas Stutler, of Sidney, Jaimie Thomas, of Sidney, Grace Marshall, of Waterville, and Ashley Parks, of Anson.

MaineGeneral’s comprehensive spine program

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MaineGeneral Medical Center comprehensive spine team. (contributed photo)

Mary Beth Ranger, nurse navigator for spine and osteoporosis, is several months into her role helping patients with back issues find the right care, with the right clinician, as part of MaineGeneral Orthopaedics’ Comprehensive Spine Program. Not long ago, Mary Beth was sitting in the chair as a patient.

“I had chronic low back pain that was radiating down my legs. My doctor referred me to Stephen Clark, MD. I had tried non-operative interventions and ended up needing lumbar surgery. I had full confidence in Dr. Clark, and had a fabulous experience from beginning to end.”

Mary Beth is grateful to be in this role navigating and supporting patients to achieve the best possible outcome, like she did. MaineGeneral Orthopaedics’ Comprehensive Spine Program connects people with back issues to the care they need. The care team evaluates and diagnoses spine problems, and designs and carries out a treatment plan tailored to each individual’s needs and lifestyle.

Depending on their treatment plan, patients have the following care team members from the comprehensive spine program available to them:

• Nurses
• Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon
• Physiatrists
• Physical Therapists
• Counselor
• Advanced Practice Practitioners (nurse practitioner, physician assistant)
• Medical Assistants

“Some patients are surprised to learn that we don’t automatically recommend surgery,” she says. “We believe a multifaceted approach works best to help you get back to living as actively and pain-free as possible. Spine surgery can be an effective treatment for some patients’ spinal problems. However, we know it is not the solution for many patients, and we nearly always attempt conservative management before surgical consideration.”

The Comprehensive Spine Program welcomes referrals from both medical professionals as well as directly from patients self-referring. “Many people feel fear because it’s their spine,” Mary Beth says. “I tell people it’s worth a discussion to see what your options are. Call to discuss next steps or learn more about the program.”

To learn more about MaineGeneral’s Comprehensive Spine Program, call (207) 621-8700 or visit www.mainegeneral.org/medical-services/ ortho/spinal-surgery.