Week of April 2, 2020
The bird man of South China: 100 birdhouses or bust!
“More than a billion birds have disappeared in recent years,” says South China resident Clinton Hayward, a local conservation activist who has established five chapters of Ducks Unlimited across Maine and has spent 70 years birdwatching and following the research on bird populations in North America.
Hayward’s latest project is to build and install 100 birdhouses across the expansive property owned by his daughter and step-son on Three Mile Pond. So far, Hayward has finished 30, but hopes to reach his goal of 100, working mostly on rainy days over the next year… [800 words] by Eric W. Austin
Local Coronavirus Updates
China Town Office COVID-19 Update (April 2, 2020)
CHINA — In light of the Governor’s latest order, I am informing you of actions we are taking to comply. I have discussed this with our department heads first thing this morning, coordinated with the Chairman of the Select Board, then informed the entire staff via a Zoom meeting… from Dennis Heath, Town Manager
Vassalboro Town Office COVID-19 Update (April 2, 2020)
VASSALBORO — Effective, Thursday, April 2, 2020 and due to Governor Mills’ recent Stay at Home Order, the Vassalboro Town Office will be closed and unmanned through the end of April. Every few days, staff will monitor messages on the Town Office answering machine and return calls as needed. Call the town office at 872-2826 with questions…
China Food Pantry to implement new procedures for safety
CHINA — When you arrive, please form a line on the shoulder of the road starting at the rock wall and extending back toward The Landing. It is important that you stay in your car to avoid contact with others…
New procedures at Vassalboro Food Pantry
VASSALBORO — The Vassalboro Food Pantry will remain open on Thursdays with the following changes to procedures. These procedures will remain in effect until further notice…
Your Local News
Michigan group plans high-rise housing in China
CHINA — DeMiHuGi Developers, of Detroit, Michigan, filed permit applications with the Maine environmental protection and transportation departments on April 1, for a 28-story luxury housing complex, to be built on an artificial island at the Narrows on China Lake…
China residents seem to be doing fine during crisis
CHINA — China selectmen held their first virtual meeting March 30, with three members joining Town Manager Dennis Heath at the town office and two calling in. The main purpose of the meeting was to pay the usual two weeks’ worth of bills…
Manager: virtual meetings considered public & legal
CHINA — At China’s March 26 Broadband Committee’s virtual meeting, Town Manager Dennis Heath and committee members explained how virtual meetings are temporarily considered public and therefore legal…
China Transfer Station enacts social distancing policy
CHINA — The China Transfer Station will continue to operate with these limitations… Please note this is only a temporary change…
School board members briefly discuss first draft of 2020-21 budget
VASSALBORO — In addition to review of plans for operating during shutdown, Vassalboro School Board members at their March 24 meeting briefly discussed the first draft of the 2020-21 school budget…
Fairfield postpones meetings, pushes back budget hearing, closes public buildings
FAIRFIELD — According to Fairfield Town Manager Michelle Flewelling, all previously posted measures will remain in effect until April 30, 2020, unless otherwise noted. If circumstances warrant, this time period will be adjusted…
Take our weekly survey!
LAST WEEK: Do you see yourself buying an electric vehicle in the next five years?
Yes: 16.2% (13) – No: 83.8% (67) – 80 respondents
Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Winslow, Benton, Clinton
CENTRAL ME — Winslow is the next town north of Vassalboro along the east shore of the Kennebec River. According to Henry Kingsbury’s History of Kennebec County, its location was determined by the junction of the Kennebec with the smaller Sebasticook River… [1385 words] by Mary Grow
Local Town Meetings Schedule 2020
Local town meetings schedule for 2020 for Albion, China, Fairfield, Vassalboro and Solon. To add your town to this list, email us at townline@townline.org…
Maine French Heritage Language program to hold fundraiser
CENTRAL ME — The Maine French Heritage Language Program (MFHLP) sixth annual Springtime in Paris fundraising soirée is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, at Le Club Calumet, in Augusta, from 5 – 9:30 p.m…
Maine native’s latest music wins more recognition
by Tim Forsman — Ellis Paul recently received notification that a song from his latest album, his 20th, The Storyteller’s Suitcase, had received two awards at the 16th Annual International Acoustic Music Awards…
Diocese of Portland announces directives for Holy Week observances
CENTRAL ME — The Diocese of Portland has informed Maine parishes of the protocols that will be in place for the celebration of the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter…
Camp Bomazeen to break out new logo for 75th season
BELGRADE — Camp Bomazeen this summer will have special patches designed by local Scouts to help commemorate its 75th season. Eagle Scout Dalton Curtis, of Skowhegan, and Second Class Scout Zachary LeHay, of Sidney, drew the two patch designs…
New Dimensions FCU donates over $11K during The COVID-19 pandemic
CENTRAL ME — When faced with unprecedented times, we all want to know that there is help available in times of need. Unfortunately, the resources we have are limited and it is the responsibility of the community to ensure underserved people are able to utilize them when needed…
No awards from Oak Grove Foundation this year
CENTRAL ME — Oak Grove School Foundation will not be sending grant awards this Spring due to the Covid-19 virus and the stressed condition of our financial resources…
School News
Erskine Academy second trimester honor roll
CHINA — List of students at Erskine Academy who made the honor roll for the second trimester for the 2019-20 school year…
Obituaries
FAIRFIELD – Diana Louise (Goodno) Carr, 76, passed away at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, on Friday, March 20, 2020. Diana was born in Fairfield Center, on August 12, 1943, the oldest daughter of Edward Goodno, Sr. and Doris “Murray” Goodno… and remembering 8 others.
Common Ground – Round 15: Win a $10 gift certificate!
DEADLINE: Friday, April 10, 2020
Identify the people in these three photos, and tell us what they have in common. You could win a $10 gift certificate to Retail Therapy Boutique in Waterville! Email your answer to townline@townline.org or through our Contact page. Include your name and address with your answer. Use “Common Ground” in the subject!
Previous winner: Paige Richardson, of So. China.
Town Line Original Columnists
SCORES & OUTDOORS
by Roland D. Hallee | While at our granddaughter’s home on Sunday, I noticed many lady bugs in the window on the north side of the house. Unusual, in a way. They like warmth. That made me think: Ladybug, ladybug, fly away home…
GARDEN WORKS
by Emily Cates | A long winter leaves me weary, longing for the promise of the heady warmth of Springtime. As the snow melts and gives way to mud, my senses are rejuvenated, along with ambition and hopes for a productive season…
THE MONEY MINUTE
by Jac M. Arbour | It’s an interesting business that I’m in and there is an interesting perspective amongst the public about what we do as wealth managers. Most people think our careers have to do only with money. The truth is, our duties stretch far beyond the realm of money; at least here at J.M. Arbour they do…
GROWING YOUR BUSINESS
by Dan Beaulieu | There is an old story I have heard many times, and I am old enough to have to admit that I have told and retold it many times myself. Charles Wentworth III (name changed to protect the great salesperson) was the most successful salesperson in the history of the Acme Hardware Company…
REVIEW POTPOURRI
by Peter Cates | Writer Nathaniel Parker Willis (1806-1867) was born in Portland where his father had moved the family from Boston to take a job as editor of a Maine publication, The Eastern Argus, before returning to Boston when Nathaniel was ten…
I’M JUST CURIOUS
by Debbie Walker | It finally happened. I got a little too curious! No, I am not trying out a new recipe that just won’t happen. However, I did decide to try something I have written about, without personal experience!…
SOLON & BEYOND
by Marilyn Rogers-Bull | Here I sit again this morning with no good news to share, everything seems to have been canceled. Received this e-mail from Jeremy Lehan from RSU #54: Dear Enrichment Instructors, As you have undoubtedly heard by now, RSU #54 has extended the school closure through April 26…
FOR YOUR HEALTH
(NAPSI) — Registered dietitian for California Strawberries, Colleen Wysocki, explains what factors play a role in immunity, eating for health, and how to boost immune systems naturally…