Newport Fosters' grand re-opening

Last week, the Sebasticook Chamber of Commerce was on hand for the grand re-opening of the Newport Foster’s at 81 Elm St. Store manager Jennifer Boyd cut the ribbon as Chamber members and Foster’s employees joined in. The Newport Foster’s convenience store, gas station and its Freshies Deli is the newest member of SVCC.  (SVCC Photo by Brenda Seekins)

Skowhegan Savings announces plans for Augusta branch

  SKOWHEGAN – Skowhegan Savings has announced plans for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art branch located along Civic Center Drive (Route 27) in Augusta. The proposed branch is sited on a parcel of land, south of the Commerce Drive Augusta Business Park. The bank’s plans are subject to local planning board and regulatory approval.

  Skowhegan Savings Augusta branch will be accessible from both sides of the road. The branch will feature convenient drive-up banking services as well as an open dialogue concept to promote better customer communication. It will be the first branch in Greater Augusta to utilize this state-of-the-art service format.

McCabe presses LePage for Livermore Falls funding info

  AUGUSTA – Rep. Jeff McCabe a third letter to Gov. Paul LePage on Tuesday (July 31) requesting answers on how the town of Livermore Falls received voter-approved funds the governor is withholding from 10 other towns.

  LePage put the brakes on downtown redevelopment projects, including projects in Skowhegan and Livermore Falls, when he announced last month that he would delay authorizing the $3.5 million in funds from the Communities for Maine's Future bond, which was passed by the Legislature in 2009 and approved by a majority of voters in Nov. 2010. Recently, the Livermore Falls Advertiser reported that the governor would move ahead with funding the Livermore Falls Lamb block project.  The money would come from “rural development funds” and a state offered “bridge loan.”

   “It just doesn’t make sense,” said McCabe, a Skowhegan Democrat.  “The Governor is willing to help Livermore Falls but he’s leaving the rest of us in the dark.  All I want to know is how Livermore Falls got help and what we need to do to get the same support.”

MCI HOF and Distinguished Achievement Ceremony

  PITTSFIELD – Maine Central Institute will hold its annual Hall of Fame and Distinguished Achievement Award induction ceremony during Reunion Weekend on Friday, Aug. 3 at 4 p.m. in MCI’s Trustee Memorial Student Center.

  Hall of Fame honorees this year are David Fortin and Joseph Veilleux, both of Pittsfield.  The Distinguished Achievement Award recipient is Dr. Allen Dyer (MCI Class of 1963) of Washington, DC.    Maine Central Institute’s Hall of Fame was developed in 1983 for the purpose of honoring alumni and friends of MCI who, by their accomplishments, service and/or support, have made extraordinary contributions to the school.

  The Distinguished Achievement Award was developed in 2002 for the purpose of honoring alumni and friends (faculty/staff) of Maine Central Institute who either achieved excellence while at MCI or who went on to achieve excellence after graduating or departing MCI.

  The induction ceremony is free of charge.  Immediately following the ceremony, there will be a barbecue on the front campus and the cost is $20 per person.

  To register for either event, visit www.mci-school.org/reunion or contact the MCI Advancement Office at 487-5915.

New Hope Women's Shelter expansion on track

  SOLON – A Project Planning Meeting was held recently at the New Hope Church in Solon with several of the contractors that will be instrumental in building the facility that will house the new Women’s Shelter.  “It was a good meeting where we got a lot accomplished,” Pastor Tim Hunt said. “The paperwork is all done and the light is green for us to move ahead and get this project accomplished.”

  At the meeting were (seated, left to right), Jeff Lloyd of Merle L Lloyd & Sons of Anson who will do the earthwork; Mike Thebarge,  Shelter board member; Randy Goodwin of Goodwin Builders Inc. in Rangeley, the Project Coordinator; Chuck Gibson, master plumber of Solon; and Keith Ewing, an engineer with Plymouth Engineering Inc. in Plymouth.  Standing (from left) Tristan Hotham, Larry Hotham, and Dan Ellis of Hotham Concrete of Winslow; Pastor Tim Hunt, and Stan Prior, builder-contractor and site manager.  Also present but not pictured was Rebecca Philpot, Director of the Shelter.

Paper Klip collecting for Skowhegan Food Cupboard

  SKOWHEGAN - The Paper Klip on Water Street in Skowhegan will collect food and cash contributions for the Skowhegan Food Cupboard during the month of August.  The Greater Somerset Public Health Collaborative and United Way of Mid-Maine are offering the program which connects local businesses and area food cupboards in an effort to provide nutritional support to those who live in our area.  Main Street Skowhegan, Skowhegan Rotary, Madison Business Alliance and Norridgewock Chamber of Commerce have endorsed the project.

New pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church

  MADISON – Cornerstone Baptist Church in Madison now has a new pastor. Pastor Bill Lloyd and his wife, Joyce, are Maine natives; they both are graduates of Livermore Falls High School. Pastor Lloyd received his Bible training at Baptist Bible College in Clark Summit, Pa. He and his wife have served in churches in Maine and Pennsylvania. They have four grown children and eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

   Cornerstone Sunday services are: SS (all ages) 9:30 a.m., morning worship 10:45 a.m. and evening service 6 p.m. On Wednesday at 6 p.m., there is Bible study and Prayer along with Children’s ministry.

The Kneading Conference returns to Skowhegan

  SKOWHEGAN – The Skowhegan State Fairgrounds will again become an international village of bakers, millers, maltsters and farmers on July 26-27 as presenters and participants arrive from near and far to exchange ideas and skills geared toward restoring and supporting local and regional sustainable grain production.

  Participants will choose from a variety of workshops, demonstrations, panel discussions and lectures.  The 2012 schedule includes how to grow a small plot of grains in your backyard, bake breads and desserts in a wood-fired oven, handcraft the best pizza, design and build a successful small bakery, build a wood-fired oven, make croissants and other traditional pastries using whole grain flour, and much more.

Pittsfield gets second chance at business-friendly award

  AUGUSTA – The applications are in and the work is underway to determine the next round of cities and towns earning business-friendly status, according to the Maine Department of Economic Development (DECD).

  There are many communities across Maine promoting job creation, reducing red tape and being open for business. In an effort to acknowledge each for their continued commitment to becoming business-friendly, Gov. Paul LePage is recognizing those cities and towns.

  “The goal of the program is to encourage a business-friendly climate in municipalities throughout the State and better position Maine for economic prosperity,” said LePage.

  Seven cities and towns will be considered in the second round of the Certified Business-Friendly Community Program: Auburn, Cumberland, Ellsworth, Lewiston, Pittsfield, Richmond and Westbrook.

Lemonade sales benefit Pittsfield Food Pantry

Alahna McCarron, Hallee Brunette, Kate McCarron and Abigail McCarron.

  PITTSFIELD – Three youngsters from Pittsfield recently participated in Lemonade Day activities sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank, and the proceeds from the sale went to the Pittsfield Food Pantry.

   The three girls' refreshment stand, known as HAT’s Lemonade (named after Hallee Brunette, Alahna McCarron and Travis Brunette), was set up at Bud’s Shop in Save in Somerset Plaza where they sold lemonade, cookies and brownies.

  At the other end of the parking lot where Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union employees were holding Youth Day in conjunction with the Ending Hunger Program, the credit union staff invited the youngsters to sell lemonade at that event as well. Even though there were two different financial institutions supporting two different causes, they were able to pull together for the betterment of the community.

  On Friday, July 6, the youngsters presented a $50 check to the Pittsfield Food Pantry.

  Organizers wish to thank Kelley Carter, vice president of the Pittsfield branch of SVFCU, and Robin Chase, branch manager of Bangor Savings Bank, for their help and support.

Athens logger, N.H. landowner fined by MFS

  AUGUSTA – The Maine Forest Service (MFS), under the Maine Department of Conservation, has reached a settlement regarding Forest Practices Act clear cutting violations on land owned by Janey Barnard of Merrimack, N.H., according to MFS officials.

  The violations resulted from harvesting by Gerhard Grignon of Athens on a parcel of land in Palmyra.

  Harvest operations on the 128-acre parcel resulted in an unplanned, 30-acre clearcut that did not have a harvest plan prepared by a licensed forester prior to harvest as required by the state’s Forest Practices Act.

IF&W public meeting in Jackman Aug. 9

  JACKMAN – Fisheries biologists from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife from the Moosehead Lake Region will hold a public informational meeting in Jackman at Forest Hills Consolidated School on Thursday, Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m.  This is not a formal regulations hearing but an informal meeting to answer questions and hear about the fishing in the area from the anglers.

  The staff will give a brief presentation on recent work completed at Crocker Pond in Dennistown and gather public input on future management options.

Pound elected chair of State Board of Education

 AUGUSTA – The State Board of Education elected Steven M. Pound, PhD., to be the new chair and Nancy S. Perkins to be the new vice chair at its June meeting. Both were elected to one-year terms in the leadership roles beginning July 1.   Pound, born in Millinocket and a resident of Greenville, has served on the board since 2009 and replaces James Banks, Sr. He has over 30 years’ experience in education, including early childhood, K-12, technical college, adult education and university. Pound is also known as a successful fundraiser. His recent education positions include superintendent of schools in School Union 60 for Greenville and the surrounding area, as well as director of Adult and Community Education for the Greenville School Department.

NRHS awards $3,300 to Pittsfield railroad depot

  PHILADELPHIA – The National Railway Historical Society (NRHS), America’s largest rail preservation organization, has announced the 2012 recipients of its annual National Railway Heritage Grants Program. NRHS will award $50,000 to support 21 non-profit organizations from 14 states and the District of Columbia which include NRHS chapters, historical societies, museums and municipalities.

  Locally, the town of Pittsfield received $3,300 to replace the roof of the historic Pittsfield railroad station, one of Maine’s only original publicly accessible train stations. The building, constructed in 1880, also serves as the headquarters for the Pittsfield Historical Society and houses artifacts of the town's history.  The depot was placed on the National Register of Historic Buildings in 1980.

I-95 paving starts July 8

 WATERVILLE – A paving project will begin on Sunday evening, July 8 on Interstate 95 northbound starting at the Webb Road Bridge in Waterville (Mile marker 125) and extend north to Pittsfield. (Mile marker 147)

  This night work will start on Sunday evening at 7 p.m., lasting through Friday mornings at 7 a.m. This will include ramp closures for the overnight.

Pittsfield Public Library 'Star Party' July 12

  PITTSFIELD – The Pittsfield Public Library is hosting a “Star Party” on the library lawn on Thursday, July 12.  The library telescope will be set up for viewing at 8:30 p.m.

  Astronomy experts David Kenney and Ron Thompson from Southern Maine Astronomers will demonstrate how to look through the telescope and see what’s in the sky above.

  For the best viewing experience, bring bug spray, binoculars, flashlights and/or lawn chairs. The telescope is available for check-out from the library. For more information on checking out the telescope, contact the Pittsfield Library at 487-5880.

  The most recent winners for the 2012 Summer Reading Program are Trent Creasy and Emma McGary, who each earned a pass to Funtown Splashtown for their participation in the “Dream Big: Read” program.

40th Anniversary Egg Festival: Entertainment and more!

  PITTSFIELD – For anyone who likes music, the 40th Annual Central Maine Egg Festival “Egg”stravaganza” is packed with exciting events for everyone.

  The annual street dance will be held on Tuesday, July 17 from 7 – 10 p.m. in the municipal parking lot with music by DJ Paul Lord of Good Lord Entertainment.

  The Concert in the Park will be held on Wednesday, July 18.   Riff Johnson will play from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. and the Bill Thibodeau Band will entertain from 7:30 – 9:30 .pm.  Bring your lawn chair and relax at the historic Hathorn Park.  Plenty of parking is available.

Maine Central Institute Reunion Weekend Aug. 3-4

  PITTSFIELD – Maine Central Institute will celebrate Alumni Reunion Weekend on Friday, Aug. 3 and Saturday, Aug. 4.  Highlights of the weekend include the Hall of Fame and Distinguished Achievement ceremony, Friday night BBQ, 5k Fun Run, the reunion luncheon, reunion class parties and reunion dinner and gala event.

  For more information and/or to register, please call MCI’s Advancement Office at 487-5915 or visit www.mci-school.org/reunion.

Elks’ indoor yard sale Saturday, July 7

  SKOWHEGAN – The Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge will hold an indoor yard sale on Saturday, July 7 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Table rentals are $10 each or 3 for $25 and payable on the day of the sale

   All tables are 8-feet long and a limited number of electrical outlets are available. There is plenty of parking and rest rooms available.

  The Skowhegan-Madison Elks is located at 21 Silver St. in Skowhegan, one block off Madison Avenue.

  To reserve a table, call the lodge at 474-3111 or Bobbi Alley at 474-2463.

Hospice volunteer training in Madison starts July 10

  MADISON – Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County, Inc. will be offering training for volunteers beginning Tuesday, July 10 at the United Baptist Church in Madison.  The training will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. for four weeks.  The last class is scheduled for August 2.

  This free training is open to any adult willing to offer in-home support to neighbors in their community, visit people at a nursing home, become a grief group co-facilitator and/or assist in our office.

  Volunteers enable 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.

  To learn more about hospice services or to find out more about becoming a volunteer, please call 474-7775.

St. Albans gets ready for Summerfest 2012

  ST. ALBANS – The annual St. Albans Summerfest takes place from Friday, July 20 through Sunday, July 22 in this lakeside community.

  The three-day celebration will feature a concert by Wilf Clark and the Misty Mountaineers on Friday and Saturday evening at the St. Albans town hall starting at 7 p.m. each night.

   The Skowhegan Community Band will play at noon Saturday and the Sebasticook Community Band will perform at 4:30 p.m., both at the upper dam.

   There will be suppers at the St. Albans Grange both nights, a breakfast on Saturday morning at St. Albans Union Church, hosted by the Youth Group; a horseshoe tournament at Indian Stream Hardware and a parade Saturday morning starting at the elementary school at 8:30 a.m.

EAA Chapter 736 Fly-In highlights Egg Fest

Contributed Article
   PITTSFIELD – In addition to the traditional games, contests, music, fireworks and parade, the 40th Annual Central Maine Egg Festival has an extra added attraction this year.
   The Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 736 will hold their Annual Fly-in named “The Great Central Maine Everything That Flies Fly In” at the Pittsfield Municipal Airport on Saturday, July 21. The Pittsfield Municipal Airport is owned by the Town of Pittsfield and operated by Curtis Air.
   There will be events all day starting with the arrival of the Texas Flying Legends Museum with their B-25 bomber and five WWII Fighters between 6 and 9 a.m.
A pancake breakfast hosted by the EAA Chapter 736 and Curtis Air will take place from 7 – 10:30 a.m.