In rebuttal: Paul Baribault: Slavery factored into Electoral College creation

In his rebuttal letter of Jan. 29 regarding my urging eliminating the Electoral College, in part on the basis of its racial legacy, Robert Casimiro wrote: [in the formation of the Electoral College] “There was no mention of slavery, as asserted by the writer…” Yet there was de facto if not overt discussion of it, […]

Neighbors Driving Neighbors has new ride coordinator

MT. VERNON — Neighbors Driving Neighbors has welcomed Misty Beck as its new ride coordinator. The nonprofit organization provides rides for people in Belgrade, Fayette, Mt. Vernon, Rome and Vienna. Beck will work part time while continuing to teach at the University of Farmington. She comes with many years of volunteer leadership and community involvement. […]

Workshops to teach intervention techniques

LEWISTON — Green Dot workshops teach safe and proven-effective bystander intervention techniques that every member of a community can use, proactively to change culture for the better and reactively to minimize harm. Green Dot Lewiston-Auburn is offering two-hour bystander intervention training using Zoom. Each interactive session lasts about two hours and is limited to 15 […]

Androscoggin sites lauded for helping kids make healthy choices

PORTLAND — Let’s Go! has honored four schools, 27 school cafeterias, eight out-of-school programs, 25 early care and education programs and seven health care practices in Androscoggin County for making a positive impact on children’s health. Forty-three sites are implementing the program’s five evidence-based strategies to increase healthy eating and active living. This is a […]

Well done news for Saturday, Jan. 30

University of New Hampshire announces dean’s list DURHAM, N.H. — The following area students have been named to the dean’s list at the University of New Hampshire for the fall 2020 semester: Faye Taylor of Brownfield, honors; Kaia Staples of Brownfield, highest honors; Jasmine Taudvin of Gray, highest honors; Olivia Toole of Naples, high honors; […]

Bob Neal: The Countryman: A new religious divide 

Mainline and fundamentalist Protestants have differed for decades over how to get to heaven. Mainline Protestants and Catholics believe we are judged on how we live our lives. Whence the social gospel, by which Christians such as St. Francis of Assisi and Mother Teresa dedicate their lives to serving others.

Cartoon for Saturday, Jan. 30

Jay man follows father’s tradition, wins Christmas contest

FARMINGTON — Dave Poulin of Jay won the best overall category in the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area’s “Deck the Halls” contest this year. He donated his $100 prize back to United Way, saying he didn’t enter for the prize money. An employee of Androscoggin Mill, Poulin said Christmas decorating is his passion. Participants […]

Jamie Beaulieu: Tax cuts, ‘military adventurism,’ haven’t helped

Despite promising to better the lives of Americans through tax reforms and military adventurism, the legislators responsible have in fact made life in America less comfortable for the majority of us. They have committed more than $14 trillion in debt spending to these initiatives since 2002,  leaving us with little to show for it. The […]

West Paris church announces February services

WEST PARIS — The First Universalist Church of West Paris has announced its February services. Worship begins at 9 a.m., and all are welcome. The church is following COVID-19 safety practices of wearing masks and social distancing. Members are not singing during the hymns, but Tom Coolidge is providing music. The schedule is as follows: […]