40th Egg Festival plans shaping up

  PITTSFIELD – The Central Maine Egg Festival Committee led by President Stephen McCarron, Vice-President Wendy Thibodeau, Secretary Jim Cianchette and Treasurer Eva Charity, are now meeting in earnest to plan out the 40th anniversary of the annual event.

  This year's theme is the 40th “Egg”stravaganza.

  Egg Festival Committee meetings are now taking place on the second and fourth Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Pittsfield town council chambers. The next meetings are scheduled for May 24 and June 14.

  The festival will be held Tuesday, July 17 through Saturday, July 21 with events each day leading up to the big parade and a day of fun at Manson Park on Saturday.

Lake George will celebrate 20th birthday all year

   SKOWHEGAN – Lake George is marking its 20th birthday this spring, first by working with local Eagle Scout candidate Brandon Baker of Canaan to install a new kiosk with a new park map at the boat launch. “We are working hard to tie all pieces of the park together, and displaying our new map is one more way,” said Park Director Jeff McCabe.

   The new kiosk stands 7 feet tall and was built by Canaan, Skowhegan and Cornville Scouts, parents, park staff, volunteers and with donations from many area businesses.

   “People using the boat launch so far this year were very excited and several commented they did not realize how many trails we had,” McCabe said.

  This year the park is inviting friends and supporters to celebrate 20 years of Lake George Regional Park on Sunday, June 3 at the Lakewood Inn. “We are looking to celebrate this milestone with those who have made it happen,” the director said.

   Tickets are available by calling 474-1292 or at Skowhegan Chamber of Commerce office.  A handful of auction items will be sold at the event.

Donations wanted for Hospice yard sale

  SKOWHEGAN – Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County, Inc. will be holding a yard sale on June 8-9 at 37 Main St. in Skowhegan from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

   They are also seeking donated items for the sale. They can be dropped off at their office at 41 Main St. in Skowhegan or you can call Marcia at 858-6384 or Linda at 474-7775.

  Proceeds from this event will help Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County to fulfill its mission to care for people with life limiting illness, provide support and solace to the grieving, and educate the community.

ADT

SVH honored with WALCOA award



Pictured (left to right) SVH President/CEO Victoria Alexander-Lane, Vice President of Human Relations Liisa Janelle, Willow Sherwood, and Education Coordinator Laurie Alexander

  PITTSFIELD – Sebasticook Valley Health (SVH) recently received confirmation that the Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA) has granted SVH with its highest designation, the Platinum Well Workplace Award, for excellence in employee wellness initiatives. The WELCOA Platinum Well Workplace Award recognizes organizations for their commitment to employee health and well-being. SVH is the fifth platinum winner in the state to receive a platinum designation from WELCOA.

   “What was initially a mechanism to reduce health insurance claims has become a robust employee health and wellness program that permeates the culture of our organization,” said Victoria Alexander-Lane, SVH President and CEO. “For SVH to achieve this level of excellence in employee workplace health shows that wellness is attainable for any business: if we can do it, any company can.”

MCI Spring Concert May 15

  PITTSFIELD – MCI’s annual Spring Concert, featuring the MCI Concert Band, Concert Choir and special guest, MCI parent Felipe Arias, will take place on Tuesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. in Parks Gymnasium. This event is open to the public.  Admission is free, but the donation of shoes for the MCI Kindness Shoe Drive is requested.  For more information contact the MCI Advancement Office at 487-5915.

Maine Old Cemetery Association meets in Skowhegan

  SKOWHEGAN – The Maine Old Cemetery Association (MOCA) will hold its first program day on Saturday, May 19 at the American Legion Post in Skowhegan.

  Featured speakers will be John Doucette, Skowhegan Town Manager, and Carl McKenney, a member of the Skowhegan Cemetery Committee who will share information about Skowhegan cemeteries in an illustrated talk “Buried in Skowhegan.”

  The American Legion Auxiliary is the hosting group.  From 8:30 a.m. on, there will be exhibits and displays and attendees are invited to bring in information about cemetery-related projects. In the afternoon there will be a brief tour of some of the Skowhegan cemeteries.  Registration cost is $3 at the door.  Lunch reservations deadline is Wednesday, May 9 and those who want to order lunch should mail a check for $7 to Jane M. Macomber, 114 North Shore Road, Blanchard Twp. ME. 04406-3829. Please include the names of the people the lunches will be ordered for.

   Questions about the program day should be directed to Jane M. Macomber at janem@mainestream.us or 876-4125.

   Additional information is available at www.rootweb.ancestry.com.

Gifford's May 19 Mini-Golf to benefit Relay for Life

   SKOWHEGAN – Gifford’s Ice Cream is hosting their First Annual Mini Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 19 at 9 a.m. They are looking for tournament sponsors for this event to help their team raise money for the Relay for Life Walk on June 16 at the Skowhegan State Fairgrounds to benefit the American Cancer Society.

   Any business that donates $50 or more will be advertised as a sponsor for one of the mini golf holes.  Additionally, they will need players as it will be $20 for a foursome or $5 per player.

   For information on how to sponsor contact the Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce for a sponsorship form or get in touch with Sadie Bowden at sadieb04@hotmail.com. She is also the contact person for team registration.

Flags being placed on St. Albans vet graves

  ST. ALBANS – The Town of St. Albans will be placing American flags on the graves of our deceased veterans.  If you know of a veteran's grave that did not have an American flag last year or has passed away in the last year, please contact the town office at 938-4568 so that we may add their name to the list.

May blood donors get Burger King coupons

   One Red Cross blood donation could help save up to three lives. As a thank you for donating during the month of May, all presenting donors will receive a coupon for a free small Whopper combo meal or garden fresh salad.

  Area blood drives this month include:

• Thursday, May 24, First Church of the Nazarene, Skowhegan, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For an appointment, call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Hospice Remembrance Ceremony May 23

  SKOWHEGAN – Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County, Inc. cordially invites community members to attend the Annual Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday, May 23 at 6 p.m.  This event will be held at the Hospice Memorial Garden in Coburn Park in Skowhegan.  The Tourmaline Singers, a Hospice a cappella group, will be providing musical selections and several readings will also be part of the ceremony.  Anyone wishing to have a plant planted in memory of a loved one or to have a name read should contact the Hospice office at 474-7775.

  The mission of Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County is to care for people with life limiting illness, provide support and solace to the grieving, and educate the community.

Skowhegan selectmen's agenda for May 22

  SKOWHEGAN – The Skowhegan Board of Selectmen will meet Tuesday, May 22 at 5:30 p.m. The town office has released the following agenda:

1. Selectmen’s Items

2. Town Manager’s Report

Public Hearing:

1. Discussion and decision to approve the renewals for the attached victualer’s licenses.

2. Discussion regarding the CSO Plan.
3. Discussion regarding the CDBG Public facilities Grant for the Skowhegan Free Public Library.

U.S. Senate candidates at May 20 Somerset Democrat meeting

   SKOWHEGAN – All four Democrat candidates for U.S. Senate are scheduled to appear at the Somerset County Democrat Committee meeting Sunday, May 20 at 6 p.m. at the Poulin-Turner/PACE Union Hall.

   According to County Chair Colby Seams, doors will open at 6 p.m. and all attendees will have a chance to submit questions in writing to the four candidates. The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. Once all the written questions are answered, there may be some follow-up queries from the floor if time permits, Seams said.

   The candidates are State Sen. Cynthia Dill, State Rep. John Hinck, former Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap and businessman-home builder Benjamin Pollard.

   For more information, contact Program Committee members Joan Bradley, Carol Cupples or Trudy Ferland.

Somerset County Spirit of America awards May 17

  SKOWHEGAN – The Maine Spirit of America Foundation will honor several civic, fraternal and veterans’ organizations as well as individual volunteers at a ceremony Thursday, May 17 at the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge.

   The reception starts at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public at no charge.

   The Somerset County honorees are Athens Elementary School Advocates, Joseph Bourque of Bingham, Cambridge Fire Department, Cornville-Athens Food Cupboard, Detroit Volunteer Fire Department, Embden Historical Society, Rick and Dorothy Fayen of Starks, the Fairfield Interfaith Food Pantry, Harmony Patriarch’s Club, Jackman-Moose River Historical Society, Mercer Community Emergency Response Team, Moose River Valley Center, Moscow Elementary School, New Portland Lion’s Club, Herbert Pearl of Skowhegan, People Who Care Food Cupboard of Madison, Ripley Celebration Committee, Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge, Smithfield Moonshines Snowmobile Club, St. Albans Summerfest Committee, Albert and Lois Starbird of Solon and the Canaan Farmer’s Hall.

Mother's Day at Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge

  SKOWHEGAN – The Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge will host its annual Mother’s Day ceremony and Mother of the Year award today, May 13 at 1 p.m. The observance is open to the public and light refreshments will be served afterwards.

  The fraternal organization has selected a Mother of the Year from the community every year since it was chartered in 1975. Last year’s honoree was Barbara Provost of Skowhegan, a veteran teacher in School Administrative District 54 and the lodge’s Drug Awareness Prevention Program chairperson.

  The Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge is at 21 Silver St. in Skowhegan.

Pittsfield Area Kiwanis Bike Rodeo set for May 12

  PITTSFIELD – Once again, the Greater Pittsfield Area Kiwanis Club will be hosting their Bike Safety event in conjunction with Bud’s Shop ‘n Save Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

   Other participants will include Sebasticook Valley Health, the Healthy SV Partnership, School Administrative District 53, the Pittsfield Police Department and Relay for Life.

    The Kiwanis Club has made this one of their major activities to support the youth in the greater Pittsfield area. Bike helmets are given away to the youths who bring their bikes to the Rodeo for a check-up and two bikes are raffled off that day.

Diabetes support group meets May 10

  PITTSFIELD – Jill Leach, customer service representative for Spectrum Generations, at will be the guest speaker at the Thursday, May 10 Diabetes Support Group meeting.

    She will present information on community resources that are available through Spectrum Generations and information on the Senior Farm Share program. The public is welcome to attend the meeting, which begins at 4 p.m. at the SVH Conference Room at 130 Leighton Street in Pittsfield.

   The SVH Diabetes Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month from 4-6 p.m. For more information, contact the SVH Community Education Department at 487-3890 ext. 2731 (TTY: 487-4590).

Regional Job Fair returns to Pittsfield May 9

  PITTSFIELD – For people seeking jobs or employers looking to hire, the Pittsfield Regional Job Fair is the ideal place to be today (May 9.) The event takes place at Warsaw Middle School from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. and admission is free.

   Job hunters who are either out of work or want to change careers will have an opportunity to meet representatives of companies and agencies in an informal setting. Plus, there are free workshops throughout the exhibit:

Dry dog food recall expanded to Maine

   AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Agriculture reported Wednesday (May 9) that a recall of dry dog food linked to a multi-state outbreak of salmonella infantis has been expanded to include products shipped to Maine.

   The United States Food and Drug Administration reported that a total of 14 individuals from nine different states have been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella. No cases have been reported in Maine at this time.

  “Links to FDA advice are the most significant source of timely updates. The Maine Department of Agriculture has monitored recalls in other states since the initial outbreak in early April. Products sold in Maine were in included in the expanded recall issued on May 7, 2012,” said Steve Giguere, Acting Director of the Division of Quality Assurance & Regulations. Salmonella is potentially a very serious illness to pets and pet owners.

Maine Elks Convention May 4-5-6 at Sugarloaf

  CARRABASSET VALLEY – More than 250 lodge members and guests are expected to convene at the 83rd Annual Maine Elks Association (MEA) Convention at Sugarloaf USA May 4-6.

  The festivities begin Friday night with the presentation of individual lodge awards for various achievements including their service to youth programs, veterans, the Elks National Foundation – the fraternal organization's major charity fund – and the MEA's major project - the Maine Children's Cancer Program (MCCP).

  There will also be a special recognition and toast Friday night as the Elks celebrate having given $3 million dollars in donations to MCCP. The program, chaired for many years by Past State President Don Richard of the Rumford Lodge, was created to provide comprehensive services to Maine's children with cancer and their families. The program is based in Scarborough, but serves infants, children, and adolescents from across the state.

Dinner at Vittles and ballet at MCI May 6

   PITTSFIELD – Bossov Ballet Theater, Maine Central Institute and Vittles Restaurant are combining forces for the first-ever family dinner and ballet show at Wright's Gymnasium on the MCI campus Sunday, May 6.

   Patrons can have dinner as early as 4 p.m., the show begins at 7 p.m. and is scheduled to last about one hour.

Slim Clark Memorial Scholarship Show May 5

   HARTLAND – The 12^th Annual Slim Clark Memorial Scholarship Show gets underway Saturday, May 5 at the Irving Tanning Community Center in Hartland starting at 7 p.m.

   Scheduled performers are Jewel Clark, Blistered Fingers and the Misty Mountaineers.

   Master of ceremonies for the evening is Ron Fowle, refreshments will be served by the Hartland Elementary School Boosters and admission is $8 for adults, $4 for students and free for children under age 12.

   The concert is sponsored by Muffler King and Brewer country music station WQCB (Q-106.5)

Sign-ups brisk for SVCC Trade Show

  DEXTER – Calls are still coming in and there is still time to register for the 16th Annual Trade Show & Community Fair, hosted by Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by the Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union.

   The event will be held at the Ridge View Community School on Fern Road in Dexter, off Route 94, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 5.

4-H Luck of the Draw in Skowhegan

  SKOWHEGAN – Want something fun to do this weekend? On Saturday, May 5 at the American Legion Hall in Skowhegan, the Somerset County 4-H Leaders Association is presenting a “Luck of the Draw” auction and plant sale starting at 9 a.m.

    Come early and buy raffle tickets for the best items for gifts for friends and family. There will be around 150 different items including tickets and passes for family fun and food. One is worth over $600.