Waterville Author Jeanine Deas Helps Children Learn Their ABCs . . . One Duck at a Time!

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Jeanine Deas reading her new children’s book, ABC Ducks of Deering Oaks Park, to her littlest fan. (photo courtesy of Jeanine Deas)

In her new children’s book, ABC Ducks of Deering Oaks Park ($12.95, softcover; $2.95, ebook; 12 Willows Press), Waterville-based children’s book author Jeanine Deas splashes down into one of her favorite Maine parks to help young readers learn their ABCs … one delightful duck at a time!

Featuring whimsical, rib-tickling illustrations by Andrew Bourassa, ABC Ducks of Deering Oaks Park has already been hailed by long-time Dish magazine writer Rachel Gladstone as “a charming book for kiddos who get to learn their ABCs with help from their fine-feathered friends!”

Book Summary

Designed for children aged 4 to 7 and those who teach and care for them, ABC Ducks of Deering Oaks Park is a playful alphabet book set in one of Portland, Maine’s most beloved green spaces. From waddling and quacking to splashing and zigzagging, 26 lively ducks introduce young readers to the alphabet through simple actions and engaging scenes.

This charming early reader supports letter recognition, vocabulary building, and early reading skills. Set around the actual Deering Oaks Pond in Portland, Maine, the book also gently affirms curiosity, individuality, and community.

With expressive illustrations from Andrew Bourassa and a warm sense of place, ABC Ducks of Deering Oaks Park is perfect for shared reading at home, for classroom use, and for young readers just beginning their reading journey.

ABC Ducks of Deering Oaks Park is available at Oliver & Friends Bookshop in Waterville, on Amazon, and from 12 Willows Press.

#12WillowsPress
#ABCDucksBook

For more information, please visit: https://12willowspress.com/home/books/abc-ducks/.

L.C. Bates Museum summer exhibition to open May 9

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Good Will-Hinckley’s L.C. Bates Natural History Museum (photo credit: https://www.gwh.org/)

The L.C. Bates Museum’s summer 2026 exhibition, Light, will open on May 9, 2026. Curated by Colby College students Lucy Preston ’26 and Winnie Ulland ’28 under the supervision of Professor Véronique Plesch, the exhibition will feature a wide range of media and styles by contemporary Maine artists responding to the theme of light. A public reception will be held on Saturday, May 9 from 4 – 6 p.m., at the museum, to celebrate the exhibition. Refreshments will be served, and the curators will introduce the exhibition, followed by short remarks from select participating artists.

An early twentieth-century cabinet of curiosities, the L.C. Bates Museum is an encyclopedic museum whose collections focus on the natural world while also including cultural artifacts. Nestled among the trails, fields, and grounds of Good Will-Hinckley, it was conceived as an integral part of the educational vision of its founder. Each year, the museum’s annual summer exhibition brings contemporary art into dialogue with this distinctive setting.

Ice Out winner for 2026

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The winner of the ice out contest for 2026 is Brenda Wilson, of South China. According to our judge, the ice went out on China Lake on Friday, April 3, 2026. Her guess of April 2, 2026, was the closest to the actual date.

Vintage stained glass windows restoration in Vassalboro

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Vassalboro United Methodist Church

by Dale Potter-Clark

The stained glass window named in honor of Louis Metcalf Kitchin was removed on March 23 by workers from Vintage Glass Works and will be reinstalled later this spring. (contributed photo)

The repair and restoration of seven circa 1906 stained glass windows at Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) has begun. The windows came from the old North Vassalboro Methodist Church on Priest Hill Road when it closed in the 1980s. At the same time the Methodist Church on Pope Ave., in East Vassalboro, closed and the two congregations combined in 1988 at the newly built Vassalboro United Methodist Church at 614 Main Street.

VUMC matriarch, Theresa White, age 95, was a member of the North Vassalboro church when it closed and explained how they brought the two congregations together in part by moving pews, some furnishings and the stained glass windows from both buildings and reinstalling them in the new structure. VUMC longtime member and Financial Secretary, Nancy Adams, of North Vassalboro, related how important this project is to the history of the Methodist church and to the town as well. Project coordinator, Harvey Boatman agreed saying, “Each window was donated in honor or memory of a person or organization. Their frames encase much Vassalboro history as well as the town’s Methodist tradition.”

About a year ago Boatman noticed daylight coming through some joints between pieces of lead and glass in one window causing him concern. His discovery led to the administrative board’s decision to get an estimate and their ultimate vote to save the artifacts. Matt Kendall, of Vintage Glass Works, in Gardiner, inspected the windows noting some sagging and cracks in the glass on the south wall where the most sun and heat hits. He explained that windows of that sort generally require attention every 30 years so work was well overdue. He provided a quote of $22,700 to repair and restore all seven windows and identified two windows in need of immediate attention for which $10,000 was raised. Work began on the “Rose Window” and the Lois Metcalf Kitchin windows (see below) on March 23. The Rose window is in the peek over the front entrance on the exterior wall and came from the North Vassalboro Methodist Church, where it was located behind the pulpit.

A worker from Vintage Glass Works, of Gardiner, repairing the “Rose Window” at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church earlier this month. (contributed photo)

“We will have the rest restored as funds become available,” related Boatman. “We are grateful for any financial support folks can give towards the project.” Donations can be made by credit card via the link to “my vanco” on the VUMC facebook page; or mail to VUMC attn: Nancy Adams 614 Main Street Vassalboro, ME 04989. Include a notation that the donation is for the stained glass windows project.

Free booklets are available at VUMC with some history and photos of the old churches in North and East Vassalboro and significant details about the people and organizations these six large stained glass windows were originally given to honor:

R. W. MULLEN POST #33 window was donated by the Vassalboro Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a fraternal organization of Civil War veterans. Richard Wright Mullen of Vassalboro was 30 years old when he enlisted in the 14th Maine on Dec. 30, 1861, and commissioned as Captain. He was wounded and disabled at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1862, and discharged in 1864. He died 11 years later and is buried in the North Vassalboro Village Cemetery.

Junior Epworth League was founded in 1889 as a Methodist young adult association for young adults and within 10 years grew to more than 1.75 million members in 19,500 chapters worldwide. In the 1930s, the Epworth League was renamed the Methodist Youth Fellowship.

Emma F. (Gray) Clark (1839-1902) was born in Vassalboro and married to Emery D. Clark, of China. They had five children: 1. Susan Emma Ayer; 2. Celia M. Hawes; 3. Mary Melville Webber; 4. Edward M. Clark; 5. Emery R. Clark. Emma, her husband and their children are buried in Nichols Cemetery on Oak Grove Rd.

THOMAS & NAOMI (NELSON) REYNOLDS lived on South Reynolds Road. They had six children: 1. Charles (1849-1910); 2. Eugene (1851-1862); 3. Constant (1854-1935); 4. Sanford (1856-1925); 5. Wellington (1862-1927); 6. Rossie (1864-1949).

LOUIS (DUE) METCALF KITCHIN first marriage was to John O. Metcalf in 1849, in Washington, New Hampshire. By 1876 she was living in North Vassalboro with her second husband, James Martin Kitchin, who died in 1892. He was a shoemaker who had moved there from China, Maine, a few years before. James had also been married before and had nine children with his first wife. No children are found for Louise (also spelled as Lois and Louis depending on the record). She is buried in the North Vassalboro Village Cemetery.

HON. RUEL C. BURGESS (1840-1902) was born in China, ME, and living in Vassalboro when he enlisted in the Civil War on August 1, 1863 as a Private in the 11th Maine Infantry. He married Jennie A. Mullen in 1866, a lifelong resident of North Vassalboro and the youngest sister of the previously mentioned, Capt. Richard Wright Mullen. Ruel Burgess was a retail merchant in North Vassalboro, active in civic affairs and served in the Maine State Legislature. He and his wife are buried in the North Vassalboro Village Cemetery as are their only two children, Gardner and Ford.

FMI about Vassalboro United Methodist Church and their Sunday services, activities and programs phone (207) 873-5564 or follow the Vassalboro United Methodist Church on Facebook.

Madison post observes Legion birthday

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The celebration was attended by several distinguished members. Those present, listed from left to right, included Linwood Cowan, Keith Fancy, Justin Kitchen, Karl Price, Ted Brown, Bob Washburn, Steve Ireland, and Eric Fluet. (contributed photo)

On March 16, 2026, members of the American Legion Tardiff-Belanger Post #39, in Madison, gathered to commemorate the Legion’s birthday. The celebration featured a special cake and presentation, held just before the Installation of Officers for the 2026-2027 term. President Robin Turek, representing American Legion Auxiliary Unit #39, presented Commander Karl Price with both a donation for the building fund and a certificate, highlighting the ongoing commitment to supporting the organization and its facilities.

March 15 marked the American Legion’s 107th birthday, honoring its founding in 1919. This annual event serves as a reminder of the Legion’s longstanding tradition of service and dedication to veterans and their communities.

From left to right, Post Commander Karl Price and Auxiliary President Robin Turek. (contributed photo)

Palermo Food Pantry needs donations

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Palermo Community Foundation (photo by Connie Bellet)

submitted by Connie Bellet

The Palermo Food Pantry is in urgent need of donated non-perishable food, as well as a delivery van in working condition. Also, since it is not supported by federal, state, or municipal funding, it needs money. Your tax-deductible check may be sent to: Palermo Food Pantry, c/o LCF, P.O. Box 151, Palermo,. ME 04354. Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated.

Food items may be dropped off at the Palermo Community Center, which is just off Turner Ridge Rd, at 22 Veterans Way. Please leave the food just inside the door or on the covered porch on the east side of the building. The Food Pantry is open between 11 a.m. and noon, on Tuesdays, so at that time, the parking lots and Veterans Way will be jammed with vehicles due to increased need in the greater community. However, donations are welcomed between 8:30 and 10 a.m. Dry foods include: rice, beans, cereal, flour, sugar, and soup mixes. Canned goods include baked beans, creamed corn, tomatoes in any form, soups, fruit, and vegetables.

The Living Communities Foundation hosts the Food Pantry, and has a Charitable Foundation status, so donation of a delivery van can result in a substantial tax break for the donor. A used fleet van is welcomed. It just needs to be in good running condition and well-maintained. This is also an urgent need. For 14 years, the Food Pantry has been using personal vehicles to pick up and deliver food, causing undue wear and sometimes, failure. This is not fair to our volunteers, so the Community Foundation is seeking a reliable van or panel truck. If you would like to make a donation or donate a van, please contact Connie Bellet at (207) 993-2294. Thank you very much!

AARP Greater Augusta chapter donates $1,000 to support Meals on Wheels

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The AARP Greater Augusta Chapter #511, a fully volunteer-led organization, presented a $1,000 donation to the Meals on Wheels program run by Spectrum Generations at the Cohen Center, in Hallowell, strengthening efforts to provide nutritious meals and vital wellness support to homebound older adults throughout central and midcoast Maine. Chapter president Paul Armstrong presented the contribution to Jason Stockmar, Nutrition Coordinator for the Meals on Wheels program.

Spectrum Generations’ dedicated teams and volunteers prepare and deliver nutritionally balanced meals throughout Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Somerset, and Waldo counties, as well as the towns of Harpswell and Brunswick, ensuring that older and disabled adults who cannot shop or cook for themselves receive regular nourishment and a friendly wellness check with each delivery. Meals are planned and approved by registered dietitians and include protein, vegetables, fruit, dairy, and bread, with efforts to source Maine-made products whenever possible. Donations help sustain and expand service, and no one is denied meals due to inability to pay.

“Meals on Wheels is about so much more than food, it is about connection, dignity, and helping members of our community remain independent in their homes,” said Paul Armstrong, President of the AARP Greater Augusta Chapter #511. “We know every dollar helps keep this essential program running and makes a real difference in people’s lives.”

This donation reflects AARP’s broader mission to support healthy, engaged, and independent lives for older adults and aligns with ongoing community efforts to address food access, reduce isolation, and foster well‑being for aging neighbors.

For more information about the Meals on Wheels program and how to support or enroll, learn more here.

For more information about AARP Maine, visit www.aarp.org/me and follow us on social media @aarpmaine.

China Primary School students have busy month of March

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St. Patrick’s Day in Third Grade: Students in Miss Belanger’s third grade classroom enjoyed festive St. Patrick’s Day activities. The day was filled with fun, learning, and a touch of holiday spirit.

Winter Olympics in PE: Students in kindergarten through fourth grade learned about and competed in Winter Olympic sports during physical education. Activities included curling, bobsled racing, winter triathlon, hockey, and speed skating, giving students a fun and active way to experience these exciting events.

Snowshoeing in the China School Forest: Team Maxim enjoyed a wonderful day snowshoeing in the China School Forest. Students explored the trails, took in the fresh winter air, and worked together as a team. It was a fun and active way to learn outside the classroom while appreciating nature in the winter.

A Week of Whimsy: Third Grade Celebrates Read Across America: Third grade had an incredible week celebrating reading during Read Across America Week. Each day brought a new theme, plenty of laughter, and a shared love of books. Wacky Wednesday brought mismatched outfits and gravity-defying hairstyles, showcasing amazing creativity.

Spring greetings from Symmatree Arborists

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by Galen Lichterfeld

What we’re UP to…

After a cold winter with boots – mostly – on snowy ground, we are happy to be getting back into the trees! Late-winter fruit tree pruning is an annual time to service home orchards on the mainland and islands. If you have apples or other fruit-bearing trees that need a little TLC, please reach out or text a photo to Galen! Apple and pear trees love to produce suckering water sprouts that stick straight up towards the sky. This growth is pruned annually or bi-annually so energy can be directed to the fruit, rather than creation of new branches. Traditionally suckers are pruned mid to late winter, but they can also be removed in the warm season.

New Service

Symmetree is now offering Spring & Fall cleanup services! Think: trimmed hedges, blown leaves, invasive removals and raked up fallen branches. We can also chip large debris piles. Whatever it takes to get your yard clear and ready for summer growing & mowing. Please reach out to get on a list for Spring Cleanup of your property!

Sad News: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) presence in Central Maine

It is with heavy hearts that we bear witness to the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer beetle in Waterville and surrounding areas. Some of our frequented roads are already showing telltale signs of EAB. Trees showing significant signs of EAB are already compromised and may need to have removal scheduled soon, as they can be very hazardous when left too long. Healthy ash trees can be preventatively treated. Check out this resource on identifying EAB if you’re curious or concerned it might be on your property. You can also text a photo of the tree in question if you’re needing assistance identifying the species!

If you want to learn more about EAB in Maine, here are a few resources: Maine Audobon, Maine Public Article, Dept. of Ag. & Forestry.

Happy News, an Apology, and a Promise!

Last season was a busy year with the new addition of a baby, Silas born in June, and continued growth of the business (YAY!). Due to these wonderful factors, our standard of communication unfortunately declined. We are so appreciative to our loyal customers, and want to THANK YOU for being understanding and patient with us! We are in the process of streamlining communication to improve both timeliness and thoroughness.

** If you are concerned we have forgotten about planned work, not heard from us in a while, or have experienced other lapses in communication, we ask for forgiveness, and encourage you to please reach out.

Schedule an estimate!

Now’s a great time to get a quote for work you’ve been considering having done at your home or business property. Estimates are free! Just text or call and we’ll schedule a time for Galen to come look at the work. We are currently building our summer schedule, so now is a great time to get on the calendar. This is especially helpful if you have a seasonal property with limited winter access.

America is heading into a probate storm

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by Cory Krueger

The American Bar Association has issued a stark warning : America is entering an era of unprecedented probate conflict and, with it, years of estate planning can be undone in a single ruling. Driven by a massive wealth transfer, aging populations, and the rise of blended families, the “Probate Storm” is no longer a forecast – it is here. The ABA underscores a variety of primary drivers fueling inheritance litigation.

With comprehensive perspective as an estate litigator, strategist and transactional field authority, Cory Krueger can uniquely explain the “how and why” estate plans break down in court and what the average American needs to know to protect their legacy. Krueger is available to offer expert commentary on the national trends reshaping how we inherit as well as key citations in the ABA report:

1. The Core Thesis: A “Perfect Storm”

The Great Wealth Transfer: Trillions of dollars are passing from Boomers to Gen X and Millennials.

Complexity of Modern Families: The rise of “blended families” (step-parents, half-siblings, and multiple marriages) creates natural friction points that traditional estate law often struggles to resolve.

Aging in Place: Boomers are staying in their homes longer, often tying up their primary asset while their mental or physical health declines, leading to “shadow” guardianship and capacity issues before they even pass away.

2. The Concept of “Capacity” as a Battlefield

Mental capacity is the most misunderstood and contested area of probate law today.
The Sliding Scale: The article notes that the capacity required to sign a will is generally lower than the capacity needed to sign a contract or sell a house. This creates “grey areas” where a person might be legally competent to draft a will on Monday but not competent to manage their bank account on Tuesday.

The Emotional Terrain: Disputes often arise because children interpret signs of aging differently—one sees “eccentricity” while the other sees “dementia.” This leads to “courtroom clashes over facts and values: autonomy versus protection.”

3. The Impact of DIY and Ambiguous Paperwork

“Ambiguous legal paperwork” and “mismatched expectations” are fueling litigation.
Execution Errors: When people use online tools without professional oversight, they often miss state-specific requirements (like the number of witnesses or specific “magic words” required in Texas law), rendering the entire document void.

Voided Plans: The article warns that a single ruling on lack of capacity or undue influence can undo years of planning, essentially “deleting” trust amendments and powers of attorney in one fell swoop.

4. Real Estate and “Heir Resentment”

The Housing Strain: Because many estates are “house-rich but cash-poor,” heirs often fight over the sale of the family home.

Years of Resentment: The article points out that by the time a property transfers, heirs often carry “years of resentment” regarding who cared for the parent, who lived in the house for free, and who was “promised” the property.

5. The Fragility of DIY Planning:

How a “one-size-fits-all” digital will can lead to a total collapse of an estate plan under judicial scrutiny.

6. Autonomy vs. Protection:

Navigating the “grey area” of mental capacity as Boomers age in place.

7. The New Heir Resentment

Why the modern family structure is leading to a sharp increase in claims of “undue influence” and “caregiver interference.”

Cory Krueger is an estate litigator, strategist and transactional field authority.