SOLON & BEYOND: Solon town meeting one of shortest in memory

Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

The Annual Solon town meeting was held at the Solon Elementary School on March 3, with voting for candidates for officers in the morning. One hundred residents got out to vote and those returned to their positions were Leslie Giroux, Town Clerk/Tax Collector and Robert Lindblom, RSU #74 Director. Gary Bishop was elected Road Commissioner and Keith Gallagher as the new selectman, taking Mary Lou Ridley’s position, (she was retiring). Mike Foster has also retired as road commissioner, after doing a good job for six years.

Elaine Aloes, first selectman, presented Foster with a plaque for his six years of service to the town. Elaine also presented a plaque to Mary Lou for her many years in the position of selectman. The Solon Fire Department was presented with the Spirit of America Award by Mary Lou.

Was unable to find out how many attended the meeting in the afternoon which started at 1:30 p.m., with Peter Mills as the moderator.

The 27 articles on the town meeting warrant were voted on and approved in one hour, with very little discussion. It was the shortest town meeting I have ever attended.

Eleanor Pooler thanks all those who purchased food and attended the 4-H sponsored dinner on town meeting day. She said $208 was taken in on the food sale and will be given to the food cupboard. She was very pleased that more people attended the dinner this year, there were 32 in attendance.

There will be an open installation of Keystone Chapter #78 Order of the Eastern Star of Solon, Installation of Officers on Friday, March 16, at the Masonic Hall in Solon.

Beginning on Tuesday, March 6, and continuing all the way through May, Mary Lou Ridley will be hosting Knit Night from 5-8 p.m., at Happynits. Grab that UFO and come on in for a fun time. Oh, and of course, there’s no charge!

That is all the real news I could gather up this week, with this privacy thing no one wants their names and activities in print anymore. I have some of the old, old clippings from when I was writing years ago and there were many very long accounts of who visited who and where they had been. The times, they have changed! Had been writing about some of the things Lief and I have been doing, but didn’t want to bore you this week. But… I can’t help stating that I would love to hear from you with what has been going on in your lives!

And so, for Percy’s memoir I’m going to write some more of the Ten Commandments for good manners. Thou shalt not criticize: A person with good manners is above criticzing others or complaining about circumstances. Negativity in any form is to be avoided. If you hear gossip, don’t join in, be indifferent to it.

If you disagree with others, do so respectfully. Don’t verbally attack or condemn them. You may win the argument, but lose a valued friend.

Thou shalt be punctual: Appreciate the value of time, yours and others. If you make an appointment, arrive on time. If you must be late, call first.

Never arrive early for a social engagement: your host may still be getting dressed!

Don’t overstay your welcome. Lingering good-byes merely cause frustration and can ruin an otherwise good time. A quick, simple exit at the proper time is usually appreciated.

Thou shalt not embarrass others: Treat others as you would like to be treated, and think of how you can put them at ease. The feelings of other people can be as fragile as fine crystal. Never demean anyone with rude jokes or an unwelcome nickname. Be considerate. In conversation, never ask embarrassing questions such as how much was paid for a new item or about matters of the heart. It’s always good manners to think of others first. (there are still a few more that I may be able to get in another time).

And now for Percy’s memoir for this week called, “Your Own Version.”

You are writing a Gospel,
A chapter each day,
By deeds that you do,
By words that you say.
Men read what you write,
Whether faithless or true;
Say, what is the Gospel According to You?

(words by Paul Gilbert.)

Messalonskee Middle School students visit State House

Contributed photo

Kendall Arbour and Grace Stocco, both students at Messalonskee Middle School, in Oakland, visited the State House on February 20. During their visit they served as honorary pages in the Maine Senate and met with Senator Roger Katz (R-Kennebec).

The honorary page program, which is open for students from third grade through high school, gives students an opportunity to participate in the legislative process for one day’s session in either the House or Senate. For more information, please contact Senator Katz’ office at 207-287-1505.

GARDEN WORKS – Doctoring Trees: How to help them after a harsh winter

Has winter caused damage to your fruit trees?

Emily Catesby Emily Cates

Are you feeling a little beat up from this winter? I sure am! And from the looks of it, so are a few of my fruit trees and a few more in the woods. While the promise of springtime is certain, it may be a while until it arrives. Until those glorious days arrive, we simply must endure.

Of course, we need not wait idly for springtime; there is plenty to do! And, the more we stay busy, the quicker it will seem to arrive. Look on the bright side: no bugs, scorching heat, or weeds to deal with! Also, the pace is much more relaxed and many activities can be done without as much competition from other chores. In this article, let’s look at something healing we can do in the meantime – giving attention to trees that need some help. After the windstorm last fall and other storms since, we’re sure to find something in our yards that needs TLC.

Sometimes it’s clear how to fix a broken tree, and sometimes it’s not. However you decide to care for them, use clean, sharp tools. Try to resist the urge to use a chainsaw when you can use hand tools, as that rips through branches as opposed to a clean cut. (Can you blame a tree for faring better with precision tools? Would you prefer a surgeon with a chainsaw or a scalpel?) Lop or saw damaged branches neatly to the “collar” from which they grew. When sawing, be sure to cut deeply from the bottom first a bit, then remove the saw and start again from the top side, sawing downward through the limb to eventually meet the cut made underneath. This will prevent tearing of the bark under the limb and damage to the good part of the tree when the limb falls off.

Oh no! What if the trunk of the tree is cracked or split? Some folks have had success from rather heroic efforts involving splinting, tying, cabling, and even duct taping. The sooner a damaged tree is repaired, the better a chance it has of healing. Don’t wait if you can help it. Your peach trees will thank you. Remember, though, not to leave on any items that could hinder the tree after it has healed, such as wire, rods, boards, rope and the like. If a tree is prone to damage, perhaps it needs to be pruned, supported, and fruits thinned. Or maybe it needs a better location, or a different tree altogether….

What if it’s not possible, despite our best efforts and intentions, to save a damaged tree? Well, maybe then it’s time for the chainsaw. Oftentimes a cut tree will sprout up and save itself with a little help. In grafted specimens, cut above the graft if possible and keep only sprouts that are growing above the graft. If this is not feasible, cut down to the part that is least damaged. Some folks insist in coating the wound with Treekote or something similar, but I don’t usually bother and let the tree heal itself. If all that is left is a stump and the tree decides to send up sprouts from the roots or base of the tree, select the most vigorous sprout and remove the rest. This sprout can be used as a rootstock onto which a desired variety can be grafted.

Well, I hope these activities help lessen the sting of a harsh winter and usher in the spirit of springtime. Enjoy the increasing sunshine as much as you can!

Heather Kervin named to Castleton University dean’s list

Heather Kervin of Winslow, was recently named to the Castleton University dean’s list, in Castleton, Vermont, for the fall semester of the 2017-18 academic year.

To qualify for this academic honor, the student must maintain full-time status and a semester grade point average of 3.5.

Taylar Lamontagne named to president’s list

Taylar Lamontagne, of Waterville, has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s fall 2017 president’s list, in Manchsester, New Hampshire. Eligibility for the President’s List requires that a student accumulate an academic grade point average (GPA) of 3.7-4.0 and earn 12 credits for the semester.

Winslow girls win state Class B title

Kneeling, Seniors, from left to right, Alexa Petrovic, Broghan Gagnon, Haley Ward, Madison Roy and Sarah Guimond. Standing Coach Lindsey Withee, Coach Josh Withee, Olivia McCaslin, Jennifer Ferry, Jenna Veilleux, Lauren Roy, Silver Clukey, Justice Picard, Emily Glidden, Hailey Grenier, Weslee Littlefield, Bodhi Littlefield, Paige Trask, Maeghan Bernard, Coach Mariah Chenard and Coach Bob Chenard. Photo courtesy of Central Maine Photography

The Winslow High School girls basketball team won the Class B state championship on Friday, March 2, at the Cross Insurance Center, in Bangor, by defeating the Southern Maine champions from Lake Region by a score of 43-29. The sixth seeded Winslow team beat the second, third and fifth seeded teams in the North to ultimately reign as state champions. This was the first gold ball since 2005.

Hart-to-Hart to host Easter egg hunt for charity

The late Cassidy Charette with one of her little friends from Hart-to-Hart Farm, in Albion. (Contributed photo)

Hart-to-Hart Farm & Education Center will host its 2nd Annual ShineOnCass Easter Egg Hunt, free to the community on Sunday, March 25, from 2 to 4 pm at 16 Duck Pond Lane in Albion.

Children are asked to bring their own basket to collect hidden eggs on the farm. The event includes special treats and prizes for kids, an animal petting area, face painting, spring crafts, games and a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt will start at 2:30 pm for children ages 6 years and younger, followed by a separate hunt for ages 7 to 13. All are encouraged to wear boots and warm clothing to the event.

Hart-to-Hart Farm is a family owned and operated organic dairy farm that offers a variety of educational programs for children, adults and families. Cassidy Charette, an Oakland teen who died in a hayride accident in 2014, was a long-time summer camper there. In 2015, farm owners Linda and Doug Hartkopf and the community helped build Cassidy’s Kitchen — an outdoor, three-season kitchen for educational programs.

Families are asked to bring pet items that will be donated in Cassidy’s memory to the Humane Society Waterville Area, where she was a volunteer. The Humane society has a wish list which includes most needed items: wood pellets for cat/kitty litter, dye free at foods (such as Purina Naturals) and canned food for kittens and cats, paté style, no fish please.

ShineOnCass Egg Hunt is sponsored by Hart-to-Hart Farm, Organic Valley and the ShineOnCass Foundation. For more information, please call 437-2441, email info@hart2hartfarm.org or visit www.hart2hartfarm.org.

UPDATE: This event has been rescheduled! Please see our update on the event here: Easter Egg Hunt Rescheduled.

 

Obituaries, Week of March 8, 2018

SAMANTHA BROWN

WATERVILLE – Samantha Brown Marra, 80, passed away February 5, 2018, at Inland Hospital, in Waterville. She was born March 14, 1937, in Madison, the daughter of Norman R. and Hilda H (Hinton) Brown.

She was educated in the schools of Winslow and graduated from Winslow High School in 1955. Then she continued her education at Boston University graduating in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree and in 1965 she graduated from New York University with a master’s degree. She was employed for many years as a real estate broker.

She was predeceased by her parents.

She is survived by granddaughters, Ashley and Courtney Marra, both of Ohio; two brothers, John C. Brown and wife Frances, of Waterville, and Richard Brown and wife Kathy, of Norridgewock; four nephews, Robert J. Brown and wife Lisa, of Oakland, Patrick J. Brown and wife Gail, of Old Orchard Beach, Michael J. Brown, of Winslow, and Peter J. Brown, of Waterville; three great-nephews and three great-nieces, Chad R. Brown, of Oakland, Cody Brown and wife Issie, of Oakland, Branden Exner Brown, of Hallowell, Morgan Brown, of Old Orchard Beach, Priscilla Brown, and Rita Brown and companion Tom Vintinner, all of Waterville;

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

CLARENCE H. POISSONNIER

FAIRFIELD––Clarence H. Poissonnier, 77, of Fairfield, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, February 17, 2018, at Inland Hospital, in Waterville. He was born in Waterville on October 6, 1940, the son of Hilaire and Laura (Roy) Fisher.

He worked as a weaver in local textile mills.

Clarence is survived by two sons, Jeffrey, of Skowhegan, and Joseph, of North Anson; one daughter, Lori Mooers, of Athens; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

An online guest book may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com.

MICHAEL E. POULIN

WINSLOW––Michael Poulin, 18, passed away due to a seizure, in Benton at his girlfriend’s home, on Tuesday, February 20, 2018.

He lived his teenage years with his father, Jason Poulin, in Belgrade and Winslow.

Michael was a senior at Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, where he was enrolled in an auto body shop class through Mid Maine Technical Center, in Waterville. He had a lot of support from the staff at Messalonskee, especially Scott Talcove and Angela McMahon.

Michael was an avid fisherman of spring, summer and ice fishing. His latest hobby was building and running several different size fish tanks with all sorts of different fish in them. He had a great love of wrestling, with his all-time favorite wrestle being John Cena. He also followed Roman Regins as a wrestler. He enjoyed the sport of car racing. He went camping with his father, Jason Poulin, to Loudon to watch NASCAR live every year. Michael enjoyed working on his father’s race car and was always in the pits at Unity Raceway to support his dad and The Robinson racing team. He was always doing a project of some sorts.

Michael touched many lives with his smile, big hugs and loving personality. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

He is survived by his parents, Jason Poulin and Dawn Lebourdais; their son, Anthony Poulin; a half-sister, Sivanna, on Maternal side; and a half-brother, JR, on maternal side. Michael is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Dorothy and Paul McDonald; paternal grandparents, Richard and Emily Poulin; paternal grandmother, Shirley Poulin; aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

A special Mass at Notre Dame church in Waterville will be on Friday, March 9, 2018, at 11 a.m., with a Celebration of Life immediately following in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to defray funeral expenses to: Jason Poulin, c/o Denise Robinson, KSW FCU, Waterville.

PATRICIA D. SWEET

WHITEFIELD––Patricia Diane Sweet, 74, of Whitefield, died at home on Saturday, February 24, 2018. She had been in declining health since October. She was born on December 1, 1943, in New London, Connecticut, a daughter of Don and Helen Jarvin.

She graduated from Waterford High School in 1961. Pat married her husband of 54 years, C. Thomas Sweet, on May 11, 1963. They lived in Connecticut, Florida and Mississippi before settling in Maine. Her most recent employment was at Bath Iron Works as a C.A.D. designer in the H.A.V.C. department until retiring in 1995. She and Tom were fortunate enough to have retired in their early 50s and enjoyed a trip out west for three months. They enjoyed spending their winters in Florida.

Pat became an avid golfer after retirement and made many friends at the Sheepscott Links Golf Club, where she was a member. She was the 2017 Women’s Club Champion. She also enjoyed gardening, knitting, reading, and, of course, spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Pat is survived by her husband Tom; her son Curtis Sweet and wife Chinnessa, her son Cameron Sweet, daughter Laura Atwood and husband Mark; and ten grandchildren, Ashley Sweet, Britney Sweet, Acadia Sweet, Cayman Sweet, Asia Sweet, Charlotte Sweet, Amanda Sullivan, Gregory Holly, Matthew Atwood and Stephen Atwood.

EDWIN D. MULLEN

OAKLAND––Edwin Daniel Mullen, 74, died on Sunday, February 25, 2018, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, following a long illness. Edwin was born February 14, 1944, in Oakland, and attended Oakland schools.

Edwin served in the U.S. Army in Germany and was a veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of the American Legion Post #51, of Oakland.

Edwin was predeceased by his son Aaron Lee Mullen; his parents Muriel Perkins and Herbert E. Mullen, Sr.; his brother Herbert E. Mullen, Jr. and his wife Sandra Shaw Mullen; several aunts and uncles.

Edwin is survived by his wife Angela M. (Hinck) Mullen of 53 years; two sons, Shawn E. Mullen and significant other, Karen Lock, Dale H. Mullen and wife Deborah (Beckwith); daughter Tammy M. Phillips and husband Daniel; sister Lisa E. Levine and fiancé Matt Wilcox; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.lawrybrothers.com.

ZACHARY M. TULLEY

FAIRFIELD––Zachary M. Tulley, 28, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 25, 2018. Zack was born in Waterville on October 16, 1989, the son of Heidi (Littlefield) White and Matthew Tulley.

He attended Lawrence High School. Zack had previously worked in the asbestos removal field, worked as a laborer at Nitram, and acquired his CDL license and drove commercially over the road.

Zack was a big fan of all sports. Football was his first love and he was a loyal Lawrence Bulldogs and New England Patriots fan. He grew up playing football for the Fairfield PAL league and continued through high school. He also enjoyed basketball and baseball. Zack loved children and enjoyed spending time with his boys, nieces and nephews. He enjoyed playing video games and competing with family and friends. In his younger years he was uncle Harrison’s shadow and helper. Zack loved to socialize and enjoyed telling a good story.

Zack was predeceased by his grandfather, Reginald Fortin.

He is survived by his mother Heidi White and spouse Daren White; father Matthew Tulley and partner Sara Goodridge; his fiancé Sarah Pelletier; his soons Landon Tulley, Bentley Tulley, Jonah Chase and stepson Anthony Dyer; brothers Nathan Withee and fiancé Elisabeth Welch; Nicholas Withee, Shawn Withee Jr., Michael Tulley and spouse Chelsea; sister Mackenzee (Tulley) Cannon and spouse David Cannon; step-brother Michael White and step-sister Madison White; maternal grandmother Shirley K. Littlefield and grandfather Kenneth Littlefield; fraternal grandmother Carol Trask and grandfather Michael Tulley; uncles and aunts, Jeffrey D. Littlefield and partner Kathy Butler, Rodney and Katrina Corson, Harrison and Kym Littlefield, Brian and Megan Littlefield, Mark Tulley, Joni and Alan Smith, and Kelly (Tulley) Frazee; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com.

JEAN A. POULIN

VASSALBORO––Jean A. (Young) Poulin, 69, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, February 26, 2018. She was born in Waterville on November 23, 1948, the daughter of Raymond and Joan (Quirion) Young.

A graduate of Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, she was employed by Keyes Fibre (now Huhtamaki) for more than 30 years.

A dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, she always put her family first. She loved to travel, was very involved with youth hockey, and enjoyed gardening. An extremely strong woman, she had been fighting cancer and renal failure for many years.

She was predeceased by her mother; and a brother Raymond.

She is survived by her father Raymond Young; her husband Robert; her daughter Stephanie Lockhart and husband Justin; her son Chad Poulin and wife Jodi; and her son Brent Poulin; five grandchildren, Joshua and Tyler Wilde, Trent, Cole and Caitlin Poulin; and one great-grandchild Leo, three siblings Paula Fundaro, Bernard Young, and Carole Klaiber; and many nieces and nephews.

Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with Jean’s family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to: St. John Regional Catholic School, 15 South Garand St., Winslow ME 04901.

JANICE DORVAL

VASSALBORO––Janice Dorval, 82, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at Lakewood Rehabilitation Center, in Waterville. Janice was born September 16, 1935, in Oakland, the daughter of Earl and Bessie (Knox) Bickford.

Janice married Armand Dorval on October 10, 1953, in Vassalboro. In 1967, Janice and Armand bought an egg farm in Vassalboro and began raising laying hens. Janice was a proud farmer, known for her ingenuity and “can-do” attitude, both of which she regularly employed to resolve issues on the farm.

On January 4, 1975, Janice lost her husband Armand when he was killed in a snowmobile accident. Janice continued to operate the business on her own for years following his death. Janice was an extremely capable and selfless person, addressing whatever needed to be done for her family with out complaint. Whether she was tending the farm, redecorating her home, chopping wood, plowing snow or tending the vegetable garden, she was focused on getting the job done.

Whether she was sewing new outfits for her children and grandchildren, or tirelessly crocheting doilies in later years, Janice was dedicated to bringing joy and happiness to her family. When her grandchildren went off to college, she began a new tradition, sending “Gram’s Care Packages” that were anxiously awaited by her grandchildren and their college friends. Her great-grandchildren looked forward to her special birthday cards and singing cards at Christmas.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Neil Bickford.

Janice is survived by her children, spouses and grandchildren: Alan and Trudy Dorval, of Brooksville, Florida; Donna and Robert Goodrich, of Winslow; Jill and Michael Pleau, of Vassalboro; 12 grandchildren and their families: Alan and Leah Dorval, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and their children Lily, Sophie, and Levi; Robert Goodrich and Kat DeGroat, of Salem, Oregon, and their children Caleb, Elisabeth, Noah, Philip Goodrich, Corbin and Carson DeGroat; Brett and Katherine Goodrich, of Waterville, and their children, Emma and Ethan; Julie and Kenneth Morse, of Hampden, and their children, KJ, David, Sean, Daniel; Jodie and Eric Bither, of Chepachet, Rhode Island, and their children Julian, Beatrice, and Preston; Denylle and Steven Bouchard, of Lisbon Falls, and their children Kierra and Deven; Shelly and Travis Wheeler, of Sabattus, and their children, Curtis, Alana, and Silas; Tyler Goodrich, of Winslow; Douglas Dorval and Megan LeMay, of Wiscasset, and their daughter, Fern, Diana and Jeremy Verrill, of Windham, Ryan Pleau, of Vassalboro, Michael and Chelsie Pleau, of Livermore Falls; her sister, Elaine Collier, of Oakland; two brothers and their spouses: Earl and Alice Bickford, of Moultonboro, New Hampshire; Jack and Dot Bickford, of Sidney; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Vassalboro Community Food Pantry, c/o Cynthia Ferland, 26 Ferland Ln., Vassalboro ME 04989.

BARBARA A. TOUNGE

SOUTH CHINA – Barbara Ann Sutter Drouin Tounge, 69, died Saturday, March 3, 2018, at her home, following a brief struggle with liver and lung cancer. She was born on August 8, 1948, in Augusta, at Augusta General Hospital and moved to Windsor on July 4, 1969, where she raised her four children and now resided in South China.

She loved to do crafts, play bingo, playing cards, doing extreme couponing and being around family and friends.

She worked at Health-Tex, Inc., for many years and retired after 25 years at Augusta Mental Health Institute (AMHI) and continued the remaining nine years at Riverview Psychiatric Center, in Augusta.

She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #179 for 31 years and the Augusta Elks Lodge #964 for 18 years.

She was predeceased by her husband; Gregory C. Tounge and previous husband, Emile L. Drouin; her parents: Bertram J. Sutter, Sr. and Virgie Mae (Hysom) Sutter; her brothers: Bertram J. Sutter, Jr. and his wife Sherril Sutter and Richard A. Sutter, Sr.; and her sister, Gloria J. (Sutter) Nimon Grant.

She is survived by her four children: Tammy Cunningham and her husband Troy, of China, Timothy Drouin, Sr. and wife Dawn, of Windsor, Thomas Drouin, of South China, and Theresa Haskell and companion Ronald Brann, of Windsor; eight grandchildren: Meghan Sears, Felicia Durgin, Timothy Drouin, Jr., Barbarajean Drouin, Meagan Cunningham, Ashley Haskell, Katie Cunningham and Abby Haskell; 13 great-grandchildren: James Drouin, Aidan Durgin, Jackson Drouin, Keegan Sears, Aurora Durgin, Carter Durgin, Jayden Drouin, Peytynn and Paisley Sears, Thea Haskell, Chase Durgin, Emma Haskell and new arrival any day of Isabelle Emilia Durgin; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Barbara has also left behind her beloved dog “Princess.”

Condolences, photos and stories may be shared through the funeral home website at: www.plummerfh.com.

Relatives and friends may visit on Thursday, March 8, from 2 – and 6 – 8 p.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor where a funeral service will be held on Friday, March 9, at 3 p.m. Spring burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery, Windsor.

A benefit supper will be held on Saturday, March 10, at the American Legion Hall, Route 3, South China from 4 – 6 p.m.

Author’s Tea with K.F. Griffin at Grace Academy in South China

K.E. Griffin

Come one and all to visit with Maine Author, K. F. Griffin, as she talks about her book, Wreck of the Essex, and how children can further develop their writing skills on Monday, March 12, from 10: to 11:30 a.m., at Grace Academy Learning Center, on Route 3, in South China. This is a free event. Call to register 445-8239. Books will be available for sale and signing.

K.F. Griffin was born in Boston and earned a master’s degree from Boston College. In 1981 she read a newspaper article on the discovery of Thomas Nickerson’s eyewitness account of the Essex tragedy. In 1820, a whaling ship was attacked and sunk by an enraged sperm whale. This tragedy inspired Herman Melville to write Moby Dick.

She has lectured at libraries and historical societies on this incident, considered one of the of greatest sea stories of all time.

She lives on a gentleman’s farm, in Rome, where she enjoys writing children’s books and spending time with her family.

China Planners prep for comp plan update and possible proposed land use amendments

by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members used their Feb. 27 meeting to continue preparations for updating China’s comprehensive plan and to work on possible amendments to the town’s land use ordinance.

An article in the warrant for the March 24 town business meeting asks voters to appropriate up to $22,000 from either unassigned fund balance (formerly called surplus) or the Tax Increment Financing fund, if appropriate, to develop and implement a revised town comprehensive plan. The money would be spent mostly for a professional consultant’s services.

The budget committee unanimously endorsed the expenditure.

China’s present plan is valid through the summer of 2020. Planning Board Chairman Tom Miragliuolo said at earlier meetings that an update is not required, but municipalities without valid plans are disadvantaged in various ways, including losing points on applications for state grants.

There are already a small number of applicants to serve on a new Comprehensive Planning Committee. Board members hope to recruit more at town meeting. Volunteers should call the town office.

Reviewing a section of the definitions in the land use ordinance, board members found that most seem satisfactory; a few clarifications were recommended.

Any changes in the ordinance will need voters’ approval. There are no proposed ordinance amendments on the March 24 meeting warrant.

The next regular planning board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, March 13.