PHOTOS: Youth football action in Oakland
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)
Scouts spend weekend at wildlife refuge
Troop #433 Winslow participated as the first unit to spread gravel on the trail to the new Moosehorn photo blind built for visitors to take photos of wildlife without being seen by the wildlife. Front row, from left to right, Ashish DeBas, Parker LeHay, Zack LeHay, Ashlyn McDermott, Fallyn Soucy, and Addison Poulin(SPL). Middle row, Millard Davis(SM for the weekend), Wyatt Smith, Wyatt Collins, and Allison Dorr. Back, Gerard Fortin, Ryan Poulin, and Garth Smith. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)
by Chuck Mahaleris
The Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge in Barring, is a 30,000-acre treasure that is home to over 225 species of birds, endangered species, resident wildlife and for one weekend in September it was also home to Gods and Demigods and nearly two hundred Scouts and leaders.
Scouts from both Canada and the United States camped on the refuge’s rolling hills and competed in activities near her streams and bogs and marshes during the event that took place on the weekend September 27-29.
“This was an absolutely fabulous weekend,” said Christopher Bernier, of Winslow, who served as Campmaster for the 62nd annual Moosehorn/Cobscook International Camporee. “The kids all had a great time and so many people from the Moosehorn Ranger staff to the Scouting volunteers from two countries made this incredible weekend possible.”
Scouts not only competed in fun activities during the camporee, they also had to set up their tents, cook their meals, and help with other chores in the campsite. Joshua Gilpin prepares breakfast for eager fellow Troop #485 scouts Thomas Gage (left) and Derek Dubois (back wearing hat). All are from Skowhegan. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)
As part of the activities, all of the Scouts took part in trail maintenance projects at the refuge as their “Good Deed” for nature.
The theme, which was selected by Scouts who attended last year’s event at Cobscook State Park, put Scouts in the role of hero to complete the challenges set before them by Gods and Demigods from myths of old.
These included, among others, Dagda’s Challenge from Celtic mythology to help nature; Artemis Archery Ace from Greek mythology where archery talent was needed to defeat the Trojans; Thor’s Hammer where Scouts see if they are worthy; Scouts stormed the Temple of Ra to find treasure but then they had to get out, too; and Zhu Rong’s Light where the Scouts had to prove they were worthy of the Chinese diety’s blessings three times.
Many Scouts chose to get into the spirit by wearing costumes for the event. The top-scoring patrol overall was 3rd and 4th Fredrericton, New Brunswich, Canada, followed by the Scouts who formed a Provisional unit because their troops did not attend, 1st Gondola New Brunswick, Troop #433 Winslow, and 1st Westfield.
Activities were not just for the Scouts. Adults competed in the “Epic One Pot Stew Competition”. Clinton’s Millard Davis’venison stew was the overall fan favorite.
Scouts who attended the camporee met before it was over to pick a theme for the 63rd annual international camporee – Zombie Apocalypse.
The program also included a campfire where each troop provided a song, skit, cheer, story or dance approved by their leader.
(photo by Chuck Mahaleris)
Waterville construction update: Webb Rd. bridge now open Ticonic Bridge update
Webb Road: Construction on the Webb Road Bridge, in Waterville, is complete and open to traffic. The Webb Road intersects with the West River Road, and travels west towards Pond Road, in Oakland.
Ticonic Bridge, Waterville/Winslow: Starting on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the project will be closing the Ticonic Bridge to all traffic between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. for construction activities requiring access to the entire bridge.
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 Corp. reminds the traveling public all sidewalks on the Ticonic Bridge are closed for the public’s safety. Pedestrians should continue to use the pedestrian detour across the Two Cent Bridge. Pedestrians should not walk around barricades, down the active lanes, in lane closures, or inside the work zone.
Also, 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.
EVENTS: Veterans urged to take part in Veterans Day parade
All veterans and community members are invited to participate in the Waterville Veterans Day parade on Monday, November 11, 2024. Lineup begins at 10 a.m., at The Elm, 21 College Ave. Waterville. A ceremony will be held at Castonguay Square, on Main St., at 11 a.m. It will be followed by lunch at MacCrillis-Rousseau Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8835, on Veterans Drive, in Winslow.
Scouts drive provides scouting uniforms for 23 scouts; also helps food bank
From left to right, Christopher Bernier, of Waterville, the Goodwill mascot, and Millard Davis, of Clinton, at the annual Scouting uniform drive at Goodwill, in Waterville. Photo by Chuck Mahaleris
by Chuck Mahaleris
From left, Millard Davis, of Clinton, Christopher Bernier, of Winslow, and new Cub Scout Kenneth Murray Bryar, of Fairfield, who recently joined Winslow Pack #445. Photo by Chuck Mahaleris
Kennebec Valley District Scouting volunteers, under the leadership of Christopher Bernier, of Winslow, held two uniform drives this month providing Scout uniforms to 23 children. The first uniform drive took place at the Waterville Goodwill of Northern New England location, on Wednesday afternoon, on September 8. The second drive took place on September 19 at the Winslow Parks and Recreation Building, at 114 Benton Ave.
Those scouts, who just joined Scouting, could receive an experienced uniform including the patches they would need for their program. Returning Scouts who had outgrown their uniform, could get one new to them by returning their old one for someone else. Christopher Bernier, who is Scoutmaster of the troop, in Winslow, also encouraged scouts to bring in a food item for the needy or something for an animal at the Humane Society Waterville Area.
“Scouting gives kids an opportunity to help other people – or animals – at all times,” Bernier said. Every youth who brought a food item for the Pleasant Street United Methodist Food Bank or for the animal shelter received a “Scouting for Food” patch to display on their new to them uniform. If you need a uniform, contact Chris at circleofone555@hotmail.com.
Window Dressers create affordable window inserts
Volunteers hard at work assembling insulated window inserts. (photo by Roberta Barnes)
by Roberta Barnes
Our nights becoming chilly is a reminder to begin preparing for winter.
One of the first places to focus on is your windows.
While replacement energy efficient windows might not fit into your budget, insulating window inserts are affordable and assembling them with others can be enjoyable.
Last November I was one of the people who, after having windows measured by volunteers from WindowDressers, joined others like me, and volunteers, from China, Vassalboro, Windsor and Albion at the Vassalboro Mill to assemble insulating window inserts.
Together we securely assembled wooden frames, covered each side of the frame with strong clear plastic, and added foam edges.
The strong plastic securely sealed on all sides of the frame forms the pocket of insulating air that can help to keep your home warm.
While completing each insulating window insert requires the correct equipment, materials, instruction, and time, the atmosphere was so enjoyable that people volunteered for extra shifts.
This year the location in Vassalboro has changed and there is also a location in Waterville which can be seen on the WindowDressers website.
Today you can either request window inserts by filling out the form online on the website https://windowdressers.org/ or sign up to volunteer.
In Maine you can also call (207) 596-3073. The deadline for signing up for inserts is September 15, 2024.
The cost for these insulting window inserts is kept affordable by the donations and volunteers helping to assemble the inserts.
You can estimate the cost of the inserts on the windowdressers.org website. There is also a low or no-pay Special Rate Program where you pay what you can afford.
You can discuss paying for your inserts with the person or people from WindowDressers when they come out to measure the windows.
There may be a limit of 10 inserts for this Special Rate Program.
The deadline for signing up to receive the window inserts for this winter 2024/2025 is September 15, 2024.
It is best if you go online today at https://windowdressers.org/, or call (207) 596-3073. Doing this can help you keep the chilly air outside your windows and enjoy being one of the people assembling the inserts in a friendly upbeat atmosphere.
(photo by Roberta Barnes)
EVENTS: Spectacular laser show & concert to benefit Winslow Community Cupboard Food Pantry
photo from: foodpantries.org
The Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry – which serves thousands of food-insecure children, seniors, and other adults from Winslow, Waterville, Skowhegan, Fairfield, and 20 other surrounding towns – will benefit from a spectacular Drive-in Laser Show & Concert coming to the Clinton Fairgrounds, 1450 Bangor Rd., Clinton, Friday and Saturday, August 23 and 24, with gates opening at 5 p.m. Cost is $39 per vehicle. To assure admission, ordering tickets in advance is strongly suggested.
Order Tickets at: https://www.freshtix.com/events/clintonlasers2, or call (608) 701-6114.
This summer’s event will be a double-feature. The pop laser show, which features top 40 hits from the ’70s through today, will start at 7:30 p.m., on Friday and Saturday. Following a short intermission, the classic rock show will start at 9 p.m. The classic rock show will feature some of the biggest rock hits of the ’70s and ’80s.
Vendors and food will be on the fairgrounds, and there will be an exclusive infield seating area. (Please bring your own chairs and blankets.)
Can’t attend? Those who may not be able to attend a Laser Show & Concert, but who would still like to donate to Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry, are invited to do so by sending a check payable to “Winslow Community Cupboard”, to 12 Lithgow St., Winslow, ME 04901, or by visiting WCCPantry.com and clicking on the yellow “Donate” button.
For more information, please contact Winslow Community Cupboard at WinslowCupboard@Gmail.com.