Week of December 21, 2017

The Town Line Christmas Schedule

The Town Line will not publish an issue on Thursday, December 28, 2017. The staff will be enjoying its annual vacation. The office will be closed during the week of December 25. We will re-open on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.

May you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

— from The Town Line staff, Board of Directors and all contributors   

Save the Olde Mill fundraiser reaches preliminary goal

Vassalboro’s “SAVE THE MILL” Campaign and Ray Breton thank all of who were involved in hard work and donations towards repair of the roof of the Olde Mill in downtown North Vassalboro! The $7,000 mark has been reached, and they still have a long way to go!  As many of you know, The Olde Mill, in downtown North Vassalboro, sustained significant roof damage as a result of the storm of October 28 – 29, 2017. The estimate for repairs is $250,000…. [read more…]

Your Local News

China Board to review Varney application, hold public hearing

CHINA — At their Dec. 12 meeting, China Planning Board members heard pieces of two applications that will be before them again in January 2018 and later. One they have already reviewed at length, Parris and Catherine Varney’s controversial application to use their barn at 701 Neck Road for weddings and other private, community and public events….

Vass. Selectmen plan ahead; set holiday schedule, and town meeting date for June 4

VASSALBORO — Vassalboro selectmen spent most of their Dec. 14 meeting planning ahead, including proposing multiple events in which town voters will – or should – take part. One of the longer discussions was over the Christmas holiday schedule. State employees have been given holiday time from Friday, Dec. 22, through Tuesday, Dec. 26, and some municipalities follow the state schedule….

Guitar concert benefit foundation

FAIRFIELD — The 16th Annual ‘Warming Up for Christmas’ benefit Guitar Concert honoring Cassidy Charette brought more than 600 people to the Williamson Auditorium, in Fairfield, on December 2 and raised over $12,300 for the ShineOnCass Foundation…..

Leyna Tobey graduates from Merrimack College

AUGUSTA — Leyna Tobey, of Augusta, recently graduated from Merrimack College, in North Andover, Massachusetts, during the 67th commencement exercises on May 21….

King named to NEWMAC All Sportsmanship team

FAIRFIELD — Abby King, of Fairfield, a student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in Worcester, Massachusetts, was one of seven fall WPI student-athletes to earn a spot on their respective sports All-Sportsmanship team….

Give Us Your Best Shot!

Winnie Merrill, daughter of Helen Mosher, of China, and Pat Clark, of Palermo, share some pictures of Maine!

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Obituaries – week of December 21, 2017

WATERVILLE – Joan Bouchard, 71, passed away December 1, 2017 at her home in Waterville. She was born November 25, 1946 in St Francis, the daughter of Alphonse and Mary (Hutchison) Bouchard….. and 9 others…

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Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS: December, Christmas, Santa Claus and flying reindeer

by Roland D. Hallee | While driving down the interstate recently, I noticed signs along the way that read, “Slow down, only reindeer can fly.” Well, that made me think that Christmas is quickly sneaking up on us, and as everyone knows, it is the day that Santa Claus comes down the chimney bearing gifts. And, we also know, Santa arrives at your house in a sleigh powered by eight flying “reindeer.” So, what are reindeer?…
December, Christmas, Santa Claus and flying reindeer

ERIC’S TECH TALK: Net Neutrality goes nuclear

by Eric W. Austin | Do you like your cable TV service? I hope so, because your internet service is about to get a whole lot more like it! On Thursday last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), headed up by Trump appointee and former Verizon employee Ajit Pai, voted 3-2, along party lines, to repeal Obama-era rules that prevented internet providers from favoring some internet traffic over others….
Net Neutrality goes nuclear

Emily Cates

GARDEN WORKS: Making the best of a thaw + great tips for the die-hard greenthumb in winter

by Emily Cates | Freeze and thaw, freeze and thaw. Such is the character of the ground this time of year. While the thought of gardening is iffy at best (without season extenders, that is), a determined gardener can still work in the dirt if the opportunity presents itself between freezes. Outrageous?….
Making the best of a thaw + great tips for the die-hard greenthumb in winter

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI – Movie: Dark Mountain; Composer: Beethoven

by Peter Cates | My first experience of Mozart came with the beautiful set of his 40th Symphony, three Columbia 78s recorded in 1937, that were given to me in seventh grade – I remember to this day the captivating, rolling rhythms of the opening movement. The conductor, Sir Thomas Beecham (1879-1961), had a knack, at his best, for making music heavenly sounding and he had a greater number of recordings than any other conductor, during the ‘30s and ‘40s, that were first class in both performance and sound….
Movie: Dark Mountain; Composer: Beethoven

Marilyn Rogers-Bull & PercySolon & Beyond

by Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy | Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

The Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club met on Saturday, December 9, for their annual Christmas Party with all 12 members, three leaders and five visitors in attendance. Items were collected for the Somerset Human Society as one of the clubs community projects….
SOLON & BEYOND

Katie Ouilette WallsIf Walls Could Talk

by Katie Ouilette | We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years! WALLS, yes, it is the day all of us have been looking forward to, but let us hope that our faithful readers know that the promise of Christmas is really with us until next December 2018….
IF WALLS COULD TALK

I’m Just Curious: Christmas Memory

by Debbie Walker | I had it all figured out, what I would do for my column this week. In fact it is about half typed and waiting its turn, but it won’t be this week. I don’t even remember what was said that sent me back in time for a blast of the past, but I’m happy it did. Great Grammie Smith lived across the road from us in a little bitty trailer, probably 30 feet of snug. I loved that tiny little home….
Christmas Memory

For Your Health: Top Five Tips To Stay Fit This Holiday Season

(NAPSI)—While visions of sugarplums may be dancing in your head, don’t let your fitness and diet goals get pushed to the side during the holidays. For many, it is the season of overindulgence—from holiday parties complete with decadent sweets and cocktails, to unexpected dinners out with friends and family. However, treats should be balanced with nutritious options and a healthy fitness routine. Don’t let short-term temptation derail you from achieving your long-term health goals in 2018….