Make the world brighter for patients by giving blood

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Type O blood donors especially urged to give

As the busy Fourth of July holiday week gets closer, the American Red Cross asks donors to celebrate by making a blood or platelet donation appointment to help power the blood supply through mid-summer. While all blood types are needed, donors with type O blood are most urgently needed.

Making and keeping donation appointments now is critical to ensuring blood products are available for all patients – including those in trauma situations that may require several lifesaving transfusions – in the weeks to come. Type O negative blood is often reached for in emergencies when there isn’t time to match a patient’s blood type. Type O positive is the most common blood type, so it’s important to keep type O blood and all blood types on hand at hospitals for people facing both chronic illness and sudden, life-threatening conditions.

Don’t wait – add a blood or platelet donation appointment to your summer calendar today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Red Cross and goodr are joining forces in July to remind donors they’re just the type patients can count on. All who come to give July 1-14, 2025, will get an exclusive pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses, while supplies last. Donors can personalize their one-of-a-kind shades with a blood type sticker! For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/ goodr.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 24-July 14

Kennebec County:

Augusta

Friday, July 11: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., MaineGeneral Health, 35 Medical Center Parkway.
Friday, July 11: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., MaineGeneral Health, 35 Medical Center Parkwa.y
Monday, July 14: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Augusta Elks, 397 Civic Center Drive, P.O. Box 2206.

Waterville

Friday, July 11: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., O’Brien’s Event Center, 375 Main St.,

Winslow

Wednesday, July 9: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Winslow VFW, 175 Veterans Drive.

Local students named to University of Rhode Island dean’s list

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KINGSTON, RI (06/05/2025)– The University of Rhode Island, in Kingston, Rhode Island, announces that several area students have been named to its Spring 2025 dean’s list. Among them are:
Gavin Murphy, of Winslow, Tucker Pieh, of Rome, Danica Serdjenian, and Maddie Yakimchick, both of Waterville.

Gregory Bard earns high rank of Eagle Scout

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Gregory Bard’s mother, Mary, pins the Eagle Scout medal on his uniform. (contributed photo)

by Dan Allarie

Fewer than one of every youth who dons a Scout uniform will attain the Eagle Scout rank. Gregory Bard, of Troop# 401, in Sidney, managed to soar to that height and a ceremony was held in his honor at the former St John Catholic School, in Winslow, where he was presented this significant recognition.

Family and friends and fellow Scouts gathered on June 7 to celebrate all Greg had achieved in Scouting. After reviewing his accomplishments and highlighting some of his experiences, Troop #401 Scoutmaster spoke directly to Greg and with great solemnity said, “Be a leader but lead only toward the best. Lift every task you do and every office you hold to the high level of service to God and to your fellow man. So, live and serve, that those who know you will be inspired to finer living. We have too many who use their strength and their brains to exploit others and to gain selfish ends.”

Gregory’s mother Mary pinned the Eagle Scout medal onto his uniform and in turn he presented parent pins to his mother and his father Ryan.

Local leaders, such as Tom Purtell, of the Marine Corps League, and State Representative Alicia Collin,s of Sidney, presented Greg with testimonials and certificates. National leaders also added their praise of his accomplishments.

“The Eagle Scout award represents a great deal of hard work and dedication on your part. The improvements you made at the Sidney Athletic Association will be used and enjoyed for many years. You should be justly proud,” noted U.S. Senator Susan Collins. Greg’s Eagle Scout project saw him lead in the extension of the association’s storage shed and construct a new roof. The shed was not sufficient for all of the maintenance tools and grounds equipment. More than 100 hours of service was given to make this project happen and all of it was under the direction of Greg Bard.

“It is clear that you have developed a natural and effective leadership style- one built on leading by example, following direction when needed, and guiding others towards a shared goal,” Congressman Jared Golden wrote in his congratulatory letter. “That’s a rare combination, and one that will serve you well throughout life.”

Scoutmaster Handley gave one last piece of advice: “As an Eagle Scout, you become a guide to other Scouts of lower rank. You become an example in your community. Remember that your actions are now a little more conspicuous and people will expect more of you.”

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.