Week of December 12, 2019

Celebrating 31 years of local news

Unsung heroes: our amazing school librarians

Each school is staffed by dedicated professionals who give so much to the students

If you go into any school in RSU #18, it doesn’t take long to find the hub of the action. There are a few common telltale signs: the space is always welcoming, it’s full of books, and each one is staffed by dedicated professionals who give so much to our students. Our librarians and library assistants across the district do a wonderful job providing classroom support and bringing educational opportunities to everyone from our pre-k students to our community members. They are there for our students in so many ways, and we cannot say enough about all the good they do… [1105 words] by Mandi Favreau

Your Local News

Selectmen get updates from town departments

CHINA — Town Manager Dennis Heath said concerns about privacy with the original RFID system, which linked identification tags to people’s names, led him to consult the Maine Municipal Association’s legal department. He learned that files with names and tag numbers would be public records; as a result, the system is changed and the tags are registered by number only. There will no longer be any personal information connected to an RFID tag available for public inspection…

Selectmen decide on a temporary fix to the town’s public works refueling needs

WINDSOR — During the November 26 meeting, Windsor selectmen decided the town will purchase a trailer and 100 gallon fuel tank with a pump, which will enable the public’s work department the ability to refuel the trucks after hours and during plowing season…

Census meeting in Albion

ALBION — The Albion Public Library will host a Census Day on Monday evening December 23. Albion Public Library will have a member of the census bureau available onsite to help people fill out an application, or to answer any questions about these local job opportunities. The session will be held at the Library, 18 Main Street, on December 23 from 5 to 7 p.m…

Jefferson calendars ready for ordering

JEFFERSON — This historical photo is one of almost 50 vintage photos in the 2020 calendar showing people having fun in ‘the good old days.’ The calendar also has important contact numbers for residents. They cost $10 and may be ordered by calling 549-5258 or 549-5592…

Maine politics: A conversation with five local legislators

by Eric W. Austin — In my research for this series of articles, I sat down with five Maine state legislators, including Senator Matt Pouliot, and representatives Catherine Nadeau, Bruce White, Justin Fecteau, and Richard Bradstreet. This first article will look at some of the accomplishments of the last legislative session, with subsequent articles focusing on other issues that came up in our discussions… [2139 words]

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Sumo wrestling champion

MADISON — Huard’s Martial Arts student Preston Schneider, of Madison, captured the eight-year-old sumo wrestling championship title at the Maine Skirmish Grappling Tournament held on November 10, at Winslow High School (photo)…

Showing of force

WINSLOW — Some of the many youth competitors showing the force before the competiton. (photo)…

“Winterim” semester program announced

BELFAST — On Thursdays beginning January 16th Belfast Senior College will commence it’s 4 Week “Winterim” Session with a choice of fifteen 2 hour morning and afternoon classes…

Sew For A Cause returns in January

VASSALBORO — The ladies at the Vassalboro charity group Sew for a Cause are at it again: saving the world one thread at a time. They will meet again on January 9 and 23, weather permitting, at St. Bridget Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some of their recent accomplishments include…

Give Us Your Best Shot!

The best recent photos from our readers!

LETTERS: Thank you for good thoughts

from Sheldon Goodine (South China) — Re: Letter of Rev. Jim Ferrone: Thank you for your thoughts on a very timely topic. It’s true that the universities are only teaching one way to think. Thank you for a good job and well done. Also, keep the good thoughts coming. I, too, miss that America…

LETTERS: Do the teenagers of today know what it is meant to be of service?

from Sandy Yates Mathieson (Palermo) — The elderly and people with disabilities could and would benefit from a helping hand. We aren’t asking for free service, we are willing to pay. The problem, as I see it, is that we don’t know where to look. Boy Scouts, 4-H clubs or students from high school do not appear to be making the effort…

SCHOOL NEWS

Vassalboro Community School first quarter honor roll

VASSALBORO — Honor roll for VCS for first quarter 2019…

Carrabec High School first quarter honor roll

CARRABEC — First quarter honor roll for Carrabec High School…

2019 Real Estate Tax Due Dates

Due dates for 2019 Real Estate taxes for Albion, China, Palermo, Vassalboro, Waterville and Windsor…

Webber’s Pond

Webber’s Pond is a comic drawn by an anonymous central Maine resident…

Obituaries

WEEKS MILLS – Roscoe “Ross” Pelton Jr., 82, passed away at his home on Saturday, November 23, 2019, following a long illness. He was born in Waterville on May 5, 1937, the son of Roscoe Sr. and Bertha (Brooks) Pelton… and remembering 9 others.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Winslow Public Library is bringing “a different kind of holiday experience” to Winslow! It’s the “Winter Workshop” Holiday Crafts-Making Fair, planned for Tues., Dec. 17, from 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.!… (…and many other local events!)

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | Over the last several months, I have received many inquiries about what appears to be a shortage of gray squirrels in central Maine. Time and time again I have received emails asking what has happened…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | Decades before the term came into use, Bing Crosby (1903-1977) was a true ‘multimedia star’ with his very many successful records, radio shows and films. His major talent was being one of the finest singers who ever lived and who influenced so many other major singers who came after him…

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS

by Dan Beaulieu | This time of the year is a perfect time to show your customers how much you appreciate their business; and especially their loyalty throughout the year. It’s provides an excellent opportunity to connect with your customers a bit more personally…

CRITTER CHATTER returns!

by Jayne Winters — In light of Donald Cote’s recent recognition by the Natural Resources Council of Maine for his decades of wildlife rehab work, the Critter Chatter column is being brought back to readers! As the new writer for this venture, I thought a good place to start would be to talk to Don about how he and his late wife Carleen met and started the Wildlife Care Center…

I’M JUST CURIOUS

by Debbie Walker | As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods – merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different…

Marilyn Rogers-Bull & PercySOLON & BEYOND

by Marilyn Rogers-Bull | The Solon Congregational Church will be having a Christmas Concert at 4 p.m., at the Solon Congregational Church on North Main Street, on Saturday, December 14. Entertainment will be Voices of Hope, all male quartet, and the Liberty String Band. Refreshments will be served, and admission is a donation at the door…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

(NAPSI)—When a child or youth is placed into foster care, their safety and well-being become the shared responsibility of the community. Organizations such as the nonprofit Treehouse are an important part of the solution…