Springfield College recognizes dean’s list students

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Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts, has named William Banks, from Jefferson, to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2025 spring semester. Banks has a primary major of physical education.

Kyle Ingraham, from Unity, Springfield College was named to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2025 spring semester. Ingraham has a primary major of Sport Management.

Springfield College Kaitlin Morrison, from Winslow, was named to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2025 spring semester. Morrison has a primary major of Communication Sci & Disorders.

Winslow High School fourth quarter honors (2025)

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Winslow High School

Seniors:

High Honors: Emma Barlow, Adeline Blackstone, Emily-Lynn Carlson, Cameron Lavallee, Kyri Meak, Katherine Nichols, Ki Opacki, Tucker Pomerleau, Ava Prickett, Kalia Reffett, Liam Scandore, Adelinn Sillanpaa, Sophia Sullivan, Maya Veilleux, and Dillon Whitney.

Honors: Madyson Achorn, Richard April, Seth Bard, Kiley Barron, Malyn Beaster, Kaylynn Beaulieu, Stella Brunelle, Abigail Chartrand, Leia Cleaves, Jessi Dunn, Tyler Folsom, Amy Jones, Crowe MacQuarrie, Connor Mahoney, Kylie McCafferty, Abigail McCaslin, Ethan McCaslin, Paige Owen, Riley Palmer, Kaelyn Pappas, Brady Poulin, Braden Rodrigue, Maximilian Spicer, Micah Waldie, Tealah Ward, Tayia Ware, and Brody Willette.

Honorable Mention: Kyrah Denis, Meghan Mahoney, Liam McPherson, Sierra Sharp, and Emma Waterhouse.

Juniors:

High Honors: Raneen Ali, Addison Benavente, Charles Byers, Brody Davidson, Awsten Jordan, Shawna Martin, Sakura Page, Mylee Petela, Amara Rioux, and Kathryn Wahl.

Honors: Tabetha Ahlgren, Moria Bevan, Andrew Bryant, Isabella Carrero, Mikaylah Carter, Emily Daigneault, Ashton Darrell, Mary Grace Day, Aspen Dearborn, Abby Doughty, Makayla Ellis, Zane Erickson, Lucas Fisher, Liem Fortin, Jenna Furchak, Isabelle Giguere, Morgan Haywood, Hassan Hobbi, Jacob Humphrey, Bretton Lambert, Colby Leathers, Dylan Letourneau, Paige Littlefield, Jocelyn Lizzotte, Karleigh Marcoux, Aubrey Moors, Tyler Palmer, Madisyn Pendexter, Bryanna Prentiss, Ethan Rancourt, Lexi Reynolds, Jolie Snipe, Kamrin St. Amand, Lillian Stafford, and Briana Veilleux.

Honorable Mention: Ibrahim Al Subaihawi, Nolan Barbeau, Astra Cutten, Hannah Delile, Jaimeah Derosier, Kennedy Dumond, Addison Duplessie, Katelyn Gibbs, Liliana Parsons, Alexandria Raymond, Angeline Steeves, and Rachel Stone.

Sophomores:

High Honors: Minx Erickson, Delana Ferran, Ava Fortuna, Abigail Harrington, Kaydence McKenney, Mirra Meak, Renton O’Toole, Kelty Pooler, Reese Siodla, and Max Willigar.

Honors: Evan Barlow, Taylor Bellows, Kera Bilodeau, Meadow Bradbury, Carter Calvo, Breana Castagnetto, Madison Cochran, Jameson Delile, Peyton Dowe, Dawson Dutil, Caden Giroux, Donovan Hamlin, Nevaeh LaCroix, Myah Latham, Isabella Loubier, Quincy Morin, Henry Olson, Julia Ortins, Elaina Rioux, Chassidy Shorty, Eliott Stepp, Benjamin Thomas, Ethan Ward, and Stella Wynne.

Honorable Mention: Sophie Bernardini, Zoe Brann, Emma Charleston, Landon Davis, Olivia Giroux, Davanee Kimball, Harley McEachern, Tenley Nadeau, and Camdyn Turmelle.

Freshman:

High Honors: Olivia Coldwell, Emma Fales, Belen Farnham, Frank Farnham, Jack Flaherty, Kayla Giroux, Natalie Lagasse, Katherine Martin, and Quincey Nesbitt.

Honors: Piper Banda, Haleigh Blackstone, Gabriel Bovee, Cassidy Chartrand, Liam Darrell, Kolby Gibbs, Cruz Hamilton, Noah Harding, Livia Hayden, Natalie Hussey, Jacob Jordan, Jonathan Kesaris, Jaxon Lizotte, Caleb Marden, Brooklyn Michaud, Maria Moumouris, Brinlyn O’Toole, Silver Picard, Bentley Pooler, Aiden Powell, Benjamin Powell, Abigail Prickett, Nixon Souviney, Alana Wade, and Noah Whitman.

Honorable Mention: Mikayla Achorn, Maryuri Avila Cruz, Leah Bates, Melody Beaulieu, Abigail Bertone, Juliet Boivin, Brody Brockway, Jason Burrow, Bode Carlson, Hunter Ferran, Giovanni Garcia, Zachary Kinrade, Cooper Lajoie, Scott LeClair, Adrianna Lombardi, Aria Markes, Eva Nadeau, Oliver Olson, Kayden Renna, Aiden Reny, Bailey Richard, Cody St, Pierre, and RaeLeigh Starkey.

EVENTS: Winslow library hosts summer kick-off event

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Winslow Public Library

The Winslow Public Library will host its first summer reading kick-off party since 2019, as it launches a slew of new engaging programming for children, teens and adults, headed by its new programming staff.

The library kicked off this year’s summer reading program, on June 16. This summer’s theme, Level Up at Your Library, is all about play for both kids and adults – think games, puzzles, mazes, scavenger hunts, and more. On the 16th, patrons can sign up for the reading programs and participate in a variety of games and activities, include pieces from the Children’s Discovery Museum Mobile Museum, and enjoy snacks.

Children’s Area patrons can look forward to steady and regular programming, including a regular weekly Littles Story Time started earlier this month on Wednesdays at 10 am.

For older kids looking for more to do this summer, they’ll have the Big Kids Summer Club, running as a drop-in session on Mondays from 4 – 5:30 p.m., starting June 23 with rotating games and activities.

Kids will learn about the aerodynamics of flight by creating their own paper airplanes and testing their designs on June 25, part of a new STEAM series for school-aged kids, led by one of our amazing volunteers.

The talented Mr. Gene, a retired science teacher and children’s librarian, leads a monthly story time throughout the summer, with engaging hands-on learning about topics like light and color, magnetism and seed germination.

With the hiring of two new staff members, this is the first time the library has had designated staff for all-ages programming.

“The library staff is excited to welcome Catie and Matthew to the library,” Library Director Lisa Auriemma said. “Having staff whose primary focus is programming is important for a small library. Our patrons have already started to see the benefit of our new staff’s creativity and work ethic.”

Adult and Teen Services Coordinator Matthew Gregoire was hired in April. He studied writing, publishing, and history at Saint Joseph’s College and brings experience working as both a freelance writer and a personal care assistant.

“Ever since childhood, I’ve loved exploring stories and the ways they can bring us together and help us to grow. The public library has an essential role in supporting and facilitating this process, and I’m so glad to be a part of it in Winslow,” said Gregoire. “It’s been a joy to meet our patrons, and I’m excited to start hosting programs which give the community a space to gather, share, and learn.”

Children’s Services Coordinator, Catie Joyce-Bulay was hired in May and brings nearly two decades of experience working with children of all ages as a speech therapist. She has also worked for the Children’s Discovery Museum and as a freelance writer.

“Working as Winslow’s children’s librarian feels like a dream job,” said Joyce-Bulay, who moved to the area shortly before the pandemic. “It’s been so wonderful meeting the kids, and I’ve already got a bunch of fun ideas for the fall I can’t wait to share.”

Winslow’s children’s summer reading program works a little differently than most. When children, ages 3-18 come in to sign up, they are given an activity tracker with a list of 15 activities ranging from reading, to crafting, to a family walk. Once they complete it, they can turn it in for their first prize bag. Kids can complete up to four trackers for a total of four prize bags loaded with fun goodies.

Each week during the 10-week program, kids can also pick up a new take-home craft bag and discover a new self-serve activity.

The teen and adult summer reading programs require participants to read 10 books total. Adults must read at least two books from the Maine Humanities Council reading list, all of which can be found at the library.

Prizes were generously donated by 23 area businesses.

The Winslow Public Library is located at 136 Halifax Street. Library summer hours are M-Th, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and, starting in July, also Fridays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. As always, library programs are free. For details, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or sign up on our website for our newsletter.

For more information contact Library Director Lisa Auriemma at 207-872-1978.

Winslow Jr. High fourth quarter honors (2025)

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8th Grade

High Honors: Lilliana Byers, Savannah Calvo, Emma Dameron, Parker Gagne, Emma Gallagher, Clareese Jones, Tylee Latham, Luna Meak, Rex Morin, Kam Overlock, Weston Pappas, Callen Pooler, Cooper Routhier-Starkey, Fallyn Soucy, and Kaiser Stewart.

Honors: Jakob Burrow, Emma Clifford, Audrey Delile, Claire Dunton, Luna Erickson, Layne Ferran, Sophie Fortin, Addilyne Gallagher, Evan Goss, Camryn Gosselin, Abigail Kidli, Nevaeh Knight, Maddox Lambert, Adyson Lessard, Madalynn Loubier, Avery Marshall, Liam McKenney, Elizabeth Morrison, Frederick Ouellette, Sumire Page, Hanna Small, Layla Stanford, Jenicka Stetson, Mara Tyler, Ella Vigue, Tucker Waldie, and Addisyn Willette.

Honorable Mention: Eban Barbeau, Isaac Bulger, Zachary Burnham, Joshua Burns, Anthony Clark, Emma Duplessie, Piper Gilbert, Noah Jenkins, Owen Laqualia, Aurora Phillips, Jorga Sharp, and Sophie Willette.

7th Grade

High Honors: Preston Bailey, Cooper Hachey, Kallan Oakes, Saylor Pierce, Nathan Rossignol, Emelia Severy, Sadie Snell, Amaya Tantoco, and Ava Tantoco.

Honors: Cameron Beaster, Candace Davidson, Shelby Eley, Kayla Fales, Benjamin Fisher, Sophia Giroux, Aidyn Haver, Xavier Huerta-Martinez, Ashleigh Hussey, Emma McCaslin, Eli Nadeau, Anderson O’Brien, Bailee Poland Harford, Chase Rancourt, and Autumn Veilleux.

Honorable Mention: Cameron Akoa, Jovi Bimpson,Shannon Eley, Leah Fate, Braydin Galouch, Jordan Gorneau, Layton Lagasse, Holly LeClair, Makenna McCafferty, Lilly Moody, Bronsen Nelson, Evander Nelson, Ezilo Orsini, Trinity Pelletier, Jace Poulin, Emmaley Raymond, Cohen Severance, Coralie Spencer, Ariana Tompkins-Rodrigues, Braydon Ward, and Owen Watrous.

PHOTO: Third degree brown belts

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Six students from Huard’s Martial Arts Dojo, in Winslow, recently earned Third Degree Brown Belt rank levels, on Saturday May 31. Left to right, Lane Irish, Aiden Robichaud, Jude Randazza, Kayla Joseph, Elsei Dumont and Addilyne Gallagher. (photo courtesy of Mark Huard)

Memorial Day: A remembrance of why freedom is not free

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Flag Placing Day, left to right, Assistant Scoutmaster Millard Davis, Russell Lawler, Ashish Dabas, Parker Small, Violet Haigis, Falyn Soucy, Ashlin McDermmott, Senior Patrol Leader Allison Dorr, Ryder Small Jr., Assistant Scoutmaster Addison Poulin, Scoutmaster Chris Bernier. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Scouting America teaches young boys and girls many great values. One of the more important lessons in Scouting is Duty to God and country. The youth of Troop #433 and Cub Scout Pack #445- both from Winslow- certainly fulfilled that lesson on Friday May 23rd as they helped American Legion Post 5 in Waterville place just under 1000 US Flags at St. Francis and Oak Grove Cemetery in Waterville Maine upon the graves of veterans.

(photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

The day was heavy overcast with off and on drips of rain. Troop #433 and Pack #445 arrived at 4 p.m. Commander Craig Bailey of American Legion Post #5 was waiting with several totes of American flags to be placed out at the graves of deceased veterans. The Scouts eagerly took handfuls of flags and set out to various parts of the cemetery. They worked each row looking for foot markers showing military service time. “It’s unfortunate, we know there are several hundred more veterans in this cemetery who do not have military foot makers. This makes finding every single service member hard, but we do the best we can to find them all,” said Commander Craig Bailey.

The Scouts worked until 6:30 p.m., when they ran out of US flags. The Scouts then gathered for a brief photograph before departing. “We teach citizenship as one of the more important life lessons in Troop #433,” said Chris Bernier, Scoutmaster for Troop #433. “I personally believe that Memorial Day and Veterans Day are two of the more important days to remember. Showing our Scouts that we must remember and reflect on why they live in a free country is very important to me as it was taught to me by my Scoutmasters when I was a Scout.”

On May 26, Memorial Day, Troop #433 and Pack #445 returned to St. Francis Cemetery to participate in the Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by American Legion Post #5. In attendance were members of the Waterville Fire Department, the Knights of Columbus, the Waterville VFW post #1285, the Winslow VFW Post #8835. The ceremony commenced at 9:00 a.m., led by Commander Craig Bailey. The ceremony spoke of the sacrifices of all veterans during times of war. Commander Brandon Curtis of the Winslow VFW spoke about how our freedom is not free noting that there were thousands of soldiers who did not come back from war but instead paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms so we could live in a world where can vote for whom we wish in our elections; we can speak freely when we wish; we can also have differences of opinions and beliefs but still be neighbors. All of these freedoms have been protected by those who served in times of war.

The ceremony concluded with the sound of “Taps” being played by Nathanael Batson, a trumpet player and Eagle Scout from Fairfield, Maine. Shortly afterwars Commander Craig had a short departing prayer and everyone dispersed quietly.
Veterans. If you wish to join the American legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars please go to www.legion.org , www.vfw.org

Youth can join Scouting at www.beascout.scouting.org Or contact Chris Bernier at circleofone555@hotmail.com.

(photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Launching trilogy at 91 years old

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Jean Ann Pollard

Launching a trilogy of mystery novels at the age of 91 would be too daring for many authors. But for Winslow resident Jean Ann Pollard, it’s just the latest in a lifetime of artistic and authorial adventures.

Crone’s Class, released in March, is the first in a series of whodunits that Pollard is writing: The Crone Chronicles. The main character who’s solving those mysteries? A self-described “old lady” who goes by the nickname “Crone.”

Pollard has written nonfiction books, children’s books, cookbooks, dozens of short stories and hundreds of poems and nonfiction articles in her lifetime, including publishing her first book in 1973. She’s also an accomplished artist, perhaps best known for her series of paintings, Earth: Love It or Lose It, focusing on environmental conservation and climate action.

Pollard was born in Waterville and raised in Winslow, but as an adult she trotted the globe, living in California, Bermuda and Libya (plus visiting — and misadventuring in — several other countries) before returning to Winslow with husband Peter Garrett. She earned a degree at Boston University, took courses in biology and geology at Colby College, raised two children, taught art and writing classes for all ages, and held numerous gallery showings of her art. All of those life experiences now help her create the fictional world of Crone’s Cottage, including the decision to center the story around a woman close to her own age.

Pollard continues to write full time and has plans for several more novels aside from the Crone Chronicles trilogy. At 91, she believes age is no reason to stop creating and exploring in life. Her “Crone” feels much the same way.

“She’s thumbing her nose at anyone who believes that being old and female means being ‘weird and witchlike,'” Pollard said of her main character.

Joined by a cast of colorful characters, Crone must solve two murders at her local college, set in Maine, and make sure that her friend doesn’t get framed for the crimes. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow the investigation to its shocking conclusion.

Crone’s Class is published by Page Publishing. Readers can purchase the novel and future books in the Crone Chronicles trilogy through their local booksellers or online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble or on the iTunes or Google Play stores.

Winslow Junior High and High School honor roll (2025)

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Winslow High School (photo source: jmg.org)

Winslow High School Third Qtr. honors

Seniors

High Honors: Seth Bard, Malyn Beaster, Adeline Blackstone, Emily-Lynn Carlson, Cameron Lavallee, Keith Opacki, Brady Poulin, Ava Prickett, Kalia Reffett, Maximilian Spicer, Sophie Sullivan, Maya Veilleux, and Dillon Whitney.

Honors: Madyson Achorn, Emma Barlow, Kiley Barron, Kaylynn Beaulieu, Abigail Chartrand, Kyrah Denis, Jessi Dunn, Kyran Kinrade, Meghan Mahoney, Ethan McCaslin, Kyri Meak, Katherine Nichols, Paige Owen, Kaelyn Pappas, Tucker Pomerleau, Braden Rodrigue, Liam Scandore, Sierra Sharp, Adelinn Sillanpaa, Jacqueline Soucy, Tealah Ward, Emma Waterhouse, and Brody Willette.

Honorable Mention: Richard April, Connor Mahoney, Kylie McCafferty, Abigail McCaslin, Liam McPherson, Elijah Overlock, Alison Timberlake, and Micah Waldie.

Juniors

High Honors: Isabella Carerro, Brody Davidson, Hannah Delile, Abby Doughty, Shawna Martin, Aubrey Moors, Sakura Page, Mylee Petela, Amara Rioux, and Briana Veilleux.

Honors: Ibrahim Al Subaihawi, Addison Benavente, Moira Bevan, Charles Byers, Emily Daigneault, Ashton Darrell, Mary Grace Day, Aspen Dearborn, Makayla Ellis, Lucas Fisher, Liem Fortin, Jenna Furchak, Katelyn Gibbs, Isabelle Giguere, Hassan Hobbi, Jacob Humphrey, Awsten Jordan, Dylan Letourneau , Avery Lowell, Karleigh Marcoux, Eijah Mason, Grace Melvin, Liliana Parsons, Bryanna Prentiss, Ethan Rancourt, Lexi Reynolds, Jolie Snipe, Rachel Stone, and Kathryn Wahl.

Honorable Mention: Broddik Bimpson, Andrew Bryant, Mikaylah Carter, Astra Cutten, Kennedy Dumond, Bretton Lambert, Paige Littlefield, Jocelyn Lizzotte, Tyler Palmer, Madisyn Pendexter, Kyle Petrovic, Kamrin St. Amand, Jade St. Claire, and Lillian Stafford.

Sophomores

High Honors: Breana Castagnetto, Minx Erickson, Delana Ferran, Ava Fortuna, Abigail Harrington, Kayence McKenney, Mirra Meak, Renton O’Toole, Kelty Pooler, and Eliot Stepp.

Honors: Evan Barlow, Kera Bilodeau, Meadow Bradbury, Carter Calvo, Madison Cochran, Dawson Dutil, Caden Giroux, Donovan Hamlin, Nevaeh LaCroix, Myah Latham, Isabella Loubier, Quincy Morin, Henry Olson, Julia Ortins, Elaina Rioux, Reese Siodla, Benjamin Thomas, Camdyn Turmelle, and Max Willigar.

Honorable Mention: Malak Al Subaihawi, Jameson Delile, Samuel Gagne, Davanee Kimball, Trevor Lavallee, Sophie Prosper, and Stella Wynne.

Freshman

High Honors: Oliva Coldwell, Emma Fales, Belen Farnham, Katherine Martin, Brooklyn Michaue, Brinlyn O’Toole, and Cody St. Pierre.

Honors: Mikayla Achorn, Maryuri Avila Cruz, Piper Banda, Abigail Bertone, Gabriel Bovee, Cassidy Chartrand, Frank Farnham, Jack Flaherty, Kolby Gibbs, Livia Hayden, Natalie Hussey, Natalie Lagasse, Hayden Little, Caleb Marden, Maria Moumouris, Quincy Nesbitt, Oliver Olson, Silver Picard, Bentley Pooler, Aiden Powell, Benjamin Powell, Abigail Prickett, Kayden Renna, Nixon Souviney, and Isabella Veilleux.

Honorable Mention: Leah Bates, Juliet Boivin, Bode Carlson, Gianna Duke, Emilee Feyler, Kayla Giroux, Michael Guptill, Cruz Hamilton, Scott LeClair, Andrianna Lombardi, Aria Markes, Eva Nadeau, Brooke Reny, Bailey Richard, Alana Wade, and Noah Whitman.

Winslow J.H. School Third Qtr. honors

8th Grade

High Honors: Lilliana Byers, Emma Dameron, Parker Gagne, Evan Goss, Abigail Kiidli, Tylee Latham, Luna Meak, Callen Pooler, and Cooper Routhier-Starkey.
Honors: Savannah Calvo, Emma Clifford, Audrey Delile, Claire Dunton, Luna Erickson, Sophie Fortin, Addilyne Gallagher, Camryn Gosselin, Clareese Jones, Adyson Lessard, Madalynn Loubier, Avery Marshall, Rex Morin, Elizabeth Morrison, Kam Overlock, Sumire Page, Weston Pappas, Hanna Small, Fallyn Soucy, Ryder Southern, Layla Stanford, Mara Tyler, Ella Vigue, Tucker Waldie, Sophie Willette, and Addisyn Willette.
Honorable Mention: Eban Barbeau, Isaac Bulger, Emma Duplessie, Noah Jenkins, Maddox Lambert, Owen Laqualia, Liam McKenney, Jackson Powell, Jorga Sharp, and Kaiser Stewart.

7th Grade

High Honors: Cooper Hachey, Sophia LaChance, Kallen Oakes, Saylor Pierce, Emelia Severy, Amaya Tantoco, Ava Tantoco, and Autumn Veilleux.
Honors: Preston Bailey, Shannon Eley, Shelby Eley, Kayla Fales, Deegan Grenier, Aidyn Haver, Ashleigh Hussey, Emma McCaslin, Ashlyn McDermott, Eli Nadeau, Anderson O’Brien, Bailee Poland Harford, Jace Poulin, Chase Rancourt, Emmaley Raymond, Nathan Rossignol, Cohen Severance, Saide Snell, and Riley Tozier.
Honorable Mention: Helen Ali, Cameron Beaster, Candace Davidson, Leah Fate, Benjamin Fisher, Sophia Giroux, Jordan Gorneau, Kaitlyn Gray, Zach Gray, Matthew Harrington, Layton Lagasse, Holly LeClair, Lucian Merrill, Keegan Myatt, and Coralie Spencer.

Area food pantries negatively impacted by USDA cuts

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The China Food Pantry at 1320 Lakeview Drive in China. (photo by Eric Austin)

by Eric W. Austin
Dave Carew
Roland Hallee

Due to budget cuts by the Trump Administration, Good Shepherd Food Bank, which distributes food to more than 600 partner-organizations including Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry, and China Food Pantry, is receiving, effective April 1, 2025, a 50 percent reduction in the amount of food it usually receives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd, called the 50 percent cut an “almost insurmountable” amount, and said it will make it significantly more difficult to address the needs of the growing number of food-insecure Mainers.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program, (TEFAP) was created to help supplement the diets of lower-income Americans through emergency food assistance.

Local community food banks and pantries serve as lifelines for thousands of Mainers facing food insecurity. These crucial organizations now enter perhaps their most challenging period in recent memory as federal funding cuts threaten their operations. Despite these obstacles, central Maine’s food assistance network remains determined to fulfill its mission – though they need community support now more than ever.

Maine faces one of the highest rates of food insecurity in New England, with approximately 180,000 residents, including 45,000 children, struggling to access adequate nutrition. Good Shepherd Food Bank, Maine’s sole Feeding America-affiliated food bank, distributes roughly 40 million meals annually across the state, serving as the backbone of the food security network that smaller local pantries rely upon.

“We were told by Good Shepherd [on Friday, March 28] there would be a 20 percent cut in produce, starting in April.”
– Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry Operations Manager Bruce Bottiglierie –

Asked how the USDA cuts will specifically impact Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry, Operations Manager Bruce Bottiglierie said, “We were told by Good Shepherd [on Friday, March 28] there would be a 20 percent cut in produce, starting in April. And because Winslow Community Cupboard is a hub for other area food pantries, this will negatively impact about 25 other food pantries in Kennebec, Waldo, and Somerset counties.”

Bottiglierie said he is trying to “take this with a grain of salt” and not panic, because so many “threats” from the Trump administration have been later retracted.

Recent USDA funding cuts have delivered a significant blow to this system. Starting April 1, Good Shepherd expects a 50 percent reduction in food received through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), dropping from 500,000 pounds to just 250,000 pounds monthly. This represents about 20 percent of all food they distribute. Compounding the problem, the USDA has ended the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA), which helped Good Shepherd purchase produce from approximately 100 Maine farmers. This cancellation results in a projected loss of 500,000 to 600,000 pounds of fresh, local produce.

These cuts couldn’t come at a worse time, as grocery prices remain stubbornly high and food insecurity continues to rise. Central Maine food pantries, which depend heavily on Good Shepherd for supplies, now face increased strain on their operations and resources.

Alarmed by the sudden announcement of the food-delivery reduction, a group of 25 U.S. Senators, including Sen. Angus King, called for USDA distributions to be reinstated, and that “concrete reasoning” be provided as to why deliveries are being reduced. Sen. King told the Portland Press Herald that the delivery-reduction “takes food away from hungry Maine people already facing high grocery prices, and hurts Maine farmers who are already squeezed by tariffs and other cuts to domestic markets.”

According to the national nonprofit Feeding America, one in eight Mainers – or about 180,000 people – faces hunger, which is the highest food-insecurity rate in New England. That number includes approximately 45,000 Maine children.

Local pantry directors, however, remain resolute. “Our pantry survives on small donations and grants,” explains Allison Brooks of the Jefferson Community Food Pantry. “The best way to help a food pantry is by donating directly to them. That gives them the ability to purchase goods needed. In all, I have faith that our pantry will survive this bump if it comes with the help of our amazing community.”

Tom Parent, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the China Community Food Pantry, shares this determined outlook. “The pantry will continue to do its best to support those in need in our area with the continued support of the Good Shepherd Food Bank, the generous donations from the area Hannaford stores, and the invaluable food and financial contributions from our local community members,” he affirms.

At the state level, Maine legislators are considering measures to support local food initiatives, such as expanding investment in the Mainers Feeding Mainers program, to help mitigate the impact of these federal cuts. These efforts recognize the critical importance of maintaining food access across the state, particularly in rural central Maine communities.

Despite the significant challenges ahead, local food pantries express cautious optimism about their future, drawing strength from the communities they serve. Many report seeing increased local donations as news of the federal cuts spreads, demonstrating Maine’s strong tradition of neighbors helping neighbors.

Food pantry directors across central Maine emphasize that monetary donations provide the most flexibility, allowing them to purchase exactly what their clients need most. They also welcome food donations, volunteer time, and advocacy efforts to support long-term food security solutions.

As this situation continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: central Maine’s food pantries may face unprecedented challenges, but with community support, they remain committed to ensuring no neighbor goes hungry. The resilience of these organizations – and the communities that sustain them – will be tested in the months ahead, but the spirit of mutual aid continues to offer hope amid uncertainty.

How You Can Help

The reduction in food will mean the food bank has to rely more heavily on other sources of food and funding, including donations from businesses and individual monetary donations.

Last Thursday, Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry served 270 food-insecure families, Bruce Bottiglierie said. Those who would like to donate to Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry may do so by sending a check payable to “Winslow Community Cupboard”, to 12 Lithgow St., Winslow, ME 04901, or by visiting WCCPantry.com.

For more information, please call (207) 616-0076 or email WinslowCupboard@Gmail.com.

Endicott College announces local dean’s list students

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Endicott College, in Beverly, Massachusetts, has announced its Fall 2024 dean’s list students.

The following students have met the requirements:

Augusta

Oliver Parker, English, Katherine Parker and Walter Parker;

China

Emily Clark, Nursing, Stacy Clark and Christopher Clark;

China Village

Hailey Hobart, Education, Deborah Hobart and Daniel Hobart

Jefferson

Elizabeth Greenleaf, Liberal Studies;

Winslow

Alexi ONeil, English, Michelle O’Neil.