BHBT to hold open house at So. China branch

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust invites customers, friends and neighbors to their holiday open house events, held between Thanksgiving and Christmas at most branch locations. Please join these local community celebrations as our guest, held on the following dates from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., to welcome the holiday season and enjoy refreshments.

An open house will be held at the South China branch, located on Rte. 3 next to the South China Post Office, on Friday, December 9.

Maine Children’s Home lacking donations for program

The Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers is lacking the donation items needed to support the agency’s Christmas Program. Each year, the program provides new clothing, books and gifts to more than 1,700 financially disadvantaged children across Maine.

page111pict1Last week, the Waterville-based nonprofit was forced to postpone Christmas box packing by volunteers until their inventory of donation needs is replenished. The most urgent needs include popular boys and girls toys, warm pajamas and outfits sizes 2 through 12, craft sets and books for all levels up to age 12.

For a full list of Christmas Program donation needs, visit mainechildrenshome.org/christmas-program-needs-list.php.

“The Christmas Program is a year-long effort,” said Cristen Sawyer, Christmas Program coordinator at The Maine Children’s Home. “It’s never too early to donate, and we look to our supportive community to help more than 1,700 Maine children wake up to a Christmas they’ll always remember.”

For more information about The Maine Children’s Home, please visit MaineChildrensHome.org.

Vassalboro News: Spirit of Christmas calendar released

The Vassalboro Community Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on Friday, December 2, at 6 p.m., at the Olde Mill, in North Vassalboro.

Join Santa as he lights the tree, sings a few carol favorites, and enjoys cookies made by Heavenly Delights Bakery, and hot chocolate. The Girls and Boys Scouting delegations will serve.

Santa would love to hear directly from children about what they need. Parents, bring your camera for that perfect moment! Sponsored by Ray Breton, the Vassalboro Business Association, and Maine Savings FCU.
Spirit of Christmas Craft, Food, & Vendor Fair

Foods, Crafts, Slightly Used Items, Children’s Craft Area & Lunch! At the Vassalboro Grange Hall, Saturday, December 3, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 923-3412 for more info. Sponsored by Friend’s Meeting of Vassalboro.

Breakfast with Santa!

Vassalboro Community School is hosting a “Breakfast with Santa”on Saturday December 3, from 8 – 10 a.m. The cost is $5 per person and includes breakfast, crafts, and a picture with Santa!

There will also be an opportunity for children to purchase and wrap small gifts for loved ones in the “Santa’s Workshop!” This event is sponsored by the VCS PTO.

The Polar Express, The Movie

December 9 at 6 p.m., at VCS. Free Admission.

Pajamas and robes welcome.

For added fun purchase a golden ticket and silver bell while having your picture taken then enjoy a hot cocoa and cookie all for $3. Other drinks and snacks will also be for sale. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Sponsored by the VCS PTO.

The Big Christmas Craft Show

December 10 & 11 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the Olde Mill. This fair benefits local needs. Call 649-9397 for more information. Organized by Linda Ellis.

Hemphill’s Holiday Parade

Sunday, December 18, at noon. Come enjoy the fun! Call 872-7964 for more info.

China Middle School first quarter honor roll

GRADE 8

Dean’s list: Trevor Brockway, Ian Oliphant and Courtney Paine. High honors: Nick Barber, Melana Huard, Madyx Kennedy, Haley Laird, Hailey Mayo, Trevor Norton, Annaliese Patterson and Acadia Senkbeil. Honors: Brooke Allen, Keith Knowles, Jonathan Martinez, Aiden Pettengill and Hunter St. Jarre.

GRADE 7

Dean’s list: Sarah Praul and Mackenzie Roderick. High honor: Cailee Elsasser and Emma Jefferson. Honors: Julia Barber, Emily Clark, Colby Cunningham, Josette Gilman, Larissa Haskell, Lili Lefebvre, Madison Lully, Wes McGlew and Jacob Seigars.

GRADE 6

Dean’s list: Breckon Davidson, Reiana Gonzalez, Elizabeth Hardy, Beck Jorgensen, Lily Matthews, Kayla Peaslee, Gabriel Pelletier, Alexis Rancourt, Noah Rushing and Sophie Steeves. High honors: Macelino Chavez, Alivia Gower, Alexia Leigh, Hannah Patterson, Samantha Reynolds and Lauren Tyler. Honor: Nicole DeMerchant, Danilo DosSantos, Kolby Maxim, Kaden Soto and Sammantha Stafford.

GRADE 5

Dean’s list: Isabella Boudreau. High honor: Braylin Bilodeau and Grayson Podey. Honors: Lacey Arp, Duncan Bailey, Simon Clark, Brielle Crommett, Gavin Cunningham, Kaylee Fyfe, Stephanie Kumnick, Andrew Perry, Remy Pettengill, Ryan Tyler and Ava Wedge.

China News: Board plans public hearing on medical marijuana facility

by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members have scheduled a Tuesday, Dec. 13 public hearing on the first application for a medical marijuana facility in town.

Nathan White applied for the marijuana-growing facility in the building that formerly housed Thadius Barber’s dollar store on Route 3. White said he is a licensed caregiver, allowed to grow a state-specified number of plants for himself and up to five clients approved for medical use of the plant.

Planning Board members had many questions about state regulations and White’s plans. They decided to hold the hearing in case other local residents would like to have questions answered.

Security was one concern. White said he has security cameras and door sensors; landlord Barber said the door sensors can be set to call police or White. The separate house behind the commercial building is occupied and the householder will be attentive, White said.

New Planning Board Chairman James Wilkens emphasized that White’s application is for medical marijuana. The proposal has nothing to do with the recreational marijuana referendum apparently approved by Maine voters Nov. 8, pending a ballot recount.

The Dec. 13 planning board meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the town office. Public hearings are usually the first business item. Wilkens was unanimously elected board chairman after Frank Soares said he did not have time to continue in the position. Soares was elected vice-chairman.

On another topic, Codes Enforcement Officer Paul Mitnik said as of Nov. 22, he had not been notified that Parris and Catherine Varney are appealing the planning board’s denial of their permit to use a barn on their Neck Road property commercially for weddings and similar functions. However, he said, a board of appeals meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, Dec. 15.

Asked by a Neck Road resident whether interested members of the public would be allowed to speak during the board of appeals hearing, Mitnik referred the questioner to board chairman Spencer Aitel.

 

Memorial service set for China resident

Leroy W. Austin

Leroy W. Austin

Leroy “Lee” Winslow Austin, 75, of China, founder of the China Food Pantry, former selectman and longtime volunteer technical adviser to The Town Line newspaper, passed away Monday, November 28, 2016. He was blessed with a wife of nearly 50 years, a sister, four children, seven grandchildren, and a myriad of friends from all walks of life.

Lee believed in the power of individuals to affect change in the community and the active presence of God in all things.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 3, at 2 p.m., at the China Baptist Church, Causeway Road, in China. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the China Community Food Pantry in memory of Lee.

Erskine named school spirit champion for fighting hunger

Erskine Academy, in South China, was among seven Maine high schools to participate in WGME 13/Fox 23’s School Spirit Challenge to benefit Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine and area food pantries.

The School Spirit Challenge is a friendly competition among high schools to show school pride and spirit while helping communities address a shared, pressing problem—hunger in Maine—through an eight week long food and fund drive.

In addition to a School Spirit Challenge kick-off rally and appeals to the community, a “Fill the Bus” bottle drive was initiated, prompting many donations that yielded over $1,000. The Spirit Challenge committee came up with other creative ideas to raise money as well, including a school-wide dodge ball tournament, virtual food drive campaign, and raffles.

Erskine Academy students

Above, Erskine Academy students who participated in the School Spirit Challenge included, front row, from left to right, Morgan Presby, Nicole Taylor and Dylan Keller. Middle row, Matt Stultz, Russ Sugg, Jake Peavey, Liz Sugg and Parker King. Back, Scott Christainsen, Cody Daignault, Brady Studley and Chris Wight.

The Challenge culminated with the Headmaster Michael McQuarrie, Student Council Advisor Mary MacFarland, and the four class presidents visiting the WGME 13 studio in Portland on November 4, where they were presented with the winning trophy for collecting the most pounds of food—84, 474—the equivalent of 70, 395 meals, exceeding by several thousand pounds the amount raised by the second and third place schools combined.

McQuarrie stated, “The School Spirit Challenge was for a great cause and through it, our community engaged in collective creative problem-solving: we put a significant dent in the problem of hunger in Maine. Through this important initiative, we put Erskine’s values for stewardship, leadership, and relationships to work in a substantial way. I am overwhelmed by our result, and proud of the work, inspiration, and idealism of our young people.”

class presidents

Left, The four class presidents who accepted the award on behalf of the Erskine students are, from left to right, Russ Sugg, Jake Peavey, Liz Sugg and Parker King.
Contributed photos

Erskine Academy students and staff thanks the many individuals, including alumni from across the country, businesses, and organizations for their generosity and good will that supported the School Spirit Challenge with donations of food and money so that many Maine people will receive much needed food.

Legal Notices, Week of November 24, 2016

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
Court St., Skowhegan, ME
Somerset, SS
Location of Court
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
18-A MRSA sec. 3-801

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the estates noted. The first publication date of this notice is November 17, 2016

If you are a creditor of an estate listed below, you must present your claim within four months of the first publication date of this Notice to Creditors by filing a written statement of your claim on a proper form with the Register of Probate of this Court or by delivering or mailing to the Personal Representative listed below at the address published by his name, a written statement of the claim indicating the basis therefore, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed or in such other manner as the law may provide. See 18-A MRSA 3-804.

2016-277 – Estate of GISELE T. MATHIEU, late of Moscow, Me deceased. Michael Mathieu, 100 Allagash Drive, Oakland, Me 04963 appointed Personal Representative.

2016-278 – Estate of DAVID H. CHADBOURNE, late of Harmony, Me deceased. Nancy A. Chadbourne, 254 Chadbourne Road, Harmony, Me 04942 appointed Personal Representative.

2016-279 – Estate of JOHN A. LOW, late of Madison, Me deceased. Jill A. Low, PO Box 337, Madison, Me 04950 appointed Personal Representative.

2016-280 – Estate of BRUCE M. RODDEN, late of Madison, Me deceased. Elizabeth A. Jablonski, 54 Cascade Road, Wilmot, NH 03287 appointed Personal Representative.

2016-285 – Estate of CAROL M. HUBBELL, late of Palmyra, Me deceased. Calah Tenney, 251 Saddle Drive, Port Townsend, WA 98368 appointed Personal Representative.

2016-286 – Estate of SHIRLEY I. SALINARDI, late of Embden, Me deceased. Marria M. Hoffman, 344 Dunbar Hill Road, Embden, Me 04958 appointed Personal Representative.

2016-252 – Estate of MARILYN A. THOMAS, late of Harmony, Me deceased. William Thomas, 47 County Road, Scarborough, Me 04074 appointed Personal Representative.

2016-289 – Estate of ROBERT E. ADAMS, II, late of Hartland, Me deceased. Tina Seymour, 663 N French Street, Bangor, Me 04401 appointed Personal Representative.

2016-292 – Estate of NAJLA A. JOSEPH, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Paula Eustis, 117 Mayflower Hill Drive, Waterville, Me 04901 and Tenley Baxter, 1064 Majella Road, Pebble Beach, CA 93953 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2016-294 – Estate of ADAM DAVID HARVILLE, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. David A. Harville, 14 Chandler Street, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2016-297 – Estate of JOHN J. FRASER, late of Ripley, Me deceased. Dorothy E. Marshall, 28 Nutmeg Lane, North Windham, CT 06256 appointed Personal Representative.

2016-300 – Estate of MARIAH ANNE PACKARD, late of Madison, Me deceased. Richard D. Packard, 156 Chesterville Road, Jay, Me 04239 appointed Personal Representative.

2016-304 – Estate of BRADY P. SCOTT, late of Pittsfield, Me deceased. Emily L. Scott, 181 Library Street, Pittsfield, Me

04967 and Michael B. Scott, 61 Taylor Road, Athens, Me 04912 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2016-306 – Estate of MARK ALAN MYERS, late of Anson, Me deceased. Vicki Myers, PO Box 117, North Anson, Me 04958 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on November 17 & November 24, 2016

Dated: November 14, 2016
/s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(11/24)

PAL Junior League champions

PAL Junior League champions

The Fairfield VFW-sponsored team was the 2016 Junior League champions. Front row, left right, Bradyn Arbour, Noah Taylor, Cash Downs, Anthony Almeida, Brady Richards, Stephen Peabody and Brayden Roy. Back, Dawson Clark, Gavin Yeomans, Connor Letourneau, Keenan McLain, Daniel Bickford, Davin Bolduc, Lucas Proctor, Michael Hamlin, Hayden Pierce, Jacob Frazee, Connor Mayo. Not pictured, coaches Joe Higgins Jay Bolduc, Allan Richards, Dan Doray, Zouph Downs and Dylan Bailey.
Photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff

PAL Senior League season champions

Yankee Trophy-sponsored team

The Yankee Trophy-sponsored team was the 2016 PAL Senior League season champions. Front row, left to right, Izeck Spaulding, Gavin Lunt, Vinny Fielder, Garrett Murphy, Noah Spieldenner and Aidin Meader. Middle row, Devin Stewart, Benny Ryder, Aaron Craig, Zeb Hannah, James Smith, Dom Jewell, Dom Lancaster and Conner Nutting. Back, Coach Jeremy Clement, Coach Jason Clement, Cooper Blaisdell, Coach Paul Quirion, Zachary Strickland and Coach Cory Nutting.
Photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff