GARDEN WORKS: Is spring really here? Tips for a productive garden this time of year

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Emily Catesby Emily Cates

Well, lookie here! Could it be? Why, yes, I think it is! Finally, the moment where I can actually go out to my garden and really feel like I can do something other than twiddle my green thumbs while looking at seed catalogs. The snow has melted in most parts of my lawn, and well-drained areas and raised beds are ready to be worked. And I figure it’s good to get going before the going gets good for the pesky black flies. I’m sure all of us who love to be outdoors can appreciate that, so let’s take a look at a few activities we can do to welcome Springtime. We’ll make sure the soil is ready to work with, and things we can do whether it is or not.

How do we know if the ground is ready to be worked? The soil should have the consistency of a wrung-out sponge when squeezed. If it forms a sticky ball, be patient and wait for the ground to dry out – or you’ll run the risk of damaging the soil structure.

Raised beds have a great advantage this time of year, as they are usually well-drained and ready to be worked before lower-lying areas of the garden. (I dug one up the other day and could’ve planted it if I had time!) I prefer to mulch my raised beds heavily if I get around to it in the fall so that when I dig them up in the spring, they are much easier to work. However, since mulch can hold in the cold, it might be a good idea to move it to the side in early spring until the soil has warmed, and then replace after the bed is planted.

quackgrass

The plots in my garden that I care for are dug exclusively by hand with a spading fork. Of course it would be easier to till with motorized equipment, but I do have weeds like quackgrass that spread by rhizomes.

To chop them into the soil would simply multiply them beyond my management capabilities – more work for me than just digging by hand and meticulously removing as many weeds and roots as I can while preparing a bed. I’ve found that over the years, I have less and less of a quackgrass problem when I carefully dig by hand and mulch – either with living mulches and cover crops such as oats – or straw, cardboard, old wood chips, or black plastic mulch. Now if only my aching back was as pristine….

The best plants for cold weather include kale, spinach, peas, carrots, leeks and other alliums. And don’t forget that trees, shrubs, and vines should be planted while they are still dormant – a ways before most garden plants are ready to plant. As soon as you can dig a hole, you can plant a tree! Don’t wait for it to warm up to do this if at all possible. (See details for the FEDCO Tree Sale below!)

Cold frames, hoop houses, high-tunnels, row covers, and similar items combined with cold-loving plants can really jump-start the season. Be sure to make good use of them if you have them handy.

Oftentimes there is no getting around areas that are slow to warm. North-facing places, especially, are the last to be ready for action. At times, this can cause considerable delay, though there might be a couple of things we can do. Some folks cover the area with a layer of clear plastic to help it heat up. Another possibility is container gardens: just fill large tubs with the planting mix of choice and go from there. Black containers will heat up their contents quicker.

If working the soil and planting is just not an option, it might be good to put some time into preparation, such as building up a compost pile and a mulch heap in a handy place near the garden. Stocking up on soil amendments is never a waste of time, as is clean-up of plant residues from the previous season. Without a doubt, we can find something to do!

Few things get me in the mood for Springtime more than the annual FEDCO Tree Sale. Located on the Hinckley Road, in Clinton, the sale runs Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5. Be there if you can, you won’t regret checking out their vast assortment of everything you can imagine growing in your garden and the supplies to help you. It’s a lot of fun and a perfect trip to take with family and friends. See you there!

China Democratic Committee observes Earth Day Sunday, April 22, 2018

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Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Earth Day locally? Join the China Democratic Committee on Sunday, April 22, at 1 p.m., in the public parking lot next to the Causeway on the north end of China Lake. Bring work gloves and wear sturdy shoes. They’ll tidy up the shore and boat launch area just in time to greet the beginning of the lake season and commemorate Earth Day 2018.

Earth Day was the brainchild of Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, who felt it was time for a national day of awareness for the importance of environmental protection. The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970. More than 20 Americans took part in the events scheduled from coast-to-coast to demonstrate their support for a healthier, sustainable environment. Earth Day 1970 received rare political collaboration from groups who weren’t always in alignment: Republicans and Democrats, urbanites and farmers, business leaders and labor leaders. At the time, these groups suddenly realized we do share some common values because we share the same planet. Earth Day is now observed in 184 countries by hundreds of millions of people.

China Police Log for February 2018

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The China Police Log is provided to The Town Line by Detective Sergeant Tracey Frost of the Oakland Police Department

Due to the heightened concerns following the Parkland, Florida, incident, the China Police attempted to concentrate on school areas in February.

Officers responded to the following:

11 traffic stops.
1 assistance to motorist.
14 business checks.
1 fireworks detail.
1 school safety presentation.
2 school zone traffic details.
1 traffic complaint.
1 welfare check.

Erskine to hold benefit concert

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Erskine Academy’s music department will host its annual benefit concert on Friday, April 27, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the James V. Nelson gymnasium. The concert will feature most of the ensembles with a special Erskine alumnus guest artist. Students will be showcasing their original compositions and performing solos and traditional ensemble pieces. Donations will be accepted.

CHINA: Hortons’ teen camp gets go ahead; Dollar General application judged incomplete

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by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members had a long meeting April 10, starting with a public hearing on Susan and Wesley Horton’s proposed leadership development camp on Three Mile Pond and going on to approve the camp and hear preliminary plans for a new Dollar General Store just outside South China Village.

After testimony from a dozen of the close to 20 neighbors and other interested parties who attended the Hortons’ hearing or sent written comments, board members voted unanimously that the project met all criteria in China’s land use ordinance.

At their next meeting they need to review written findings of fact that justify their decision and sign formal approval. (ep)

Neighbors had three main concerns: the appearance that the Hortons had started their camp before getting a town permit, traffic on Pond Hill Road and the degree of supervision that would be exercised over the young clients.

The Hortons bought the almost-45-acre property last fall planning to use it as a transition from their Ironwood Maine facility, in Morrill, where troubled teens are treated for up to a year, to the youngsters’ homes, colleges or other settings. Since then, they said, they have had young adults staying there – a use they consider similar to the property’s prior use by Maersk as a corporate retreat, and not the same as their proposed future use.

The incoming clients will come voluntarily and will normally stay three months, Susan Horton said. The Hortons plan to have no more than 10 clients on site at a time, with two and frequently during the day three staff members. The clientele does not include criminals or recovering drug addicts.

Several nearby residents mentioned increased traffic, sometimes well into the evening. The evening vehicles might be night staffers coming to work, the Hortons suggested. One of the current residents does have a car; none of the future 16- and 17-year-old residents will, they said.

Asked by planning board member Ronald Breton if they followed up on a neighbor’s complaint about an offensive snow sculpture, Wesley Horton said that evening he brought a letter from the offender, who has apologized, to the neighbor.

Three members of the French family, who helped take care of the property when it was a corporate retreat, believe the new use will be good for the neighborhood. Gary French said current “very respectful” residents had invited them for a meal. Marsha French commented that Maersk used to have up to 20 guests at a time, “very heavy partiers, [making] a lot of noise that echoed across that lake.

The Dollar General store is proposed for a one-acre lot on the southwest corner of the intersection of Route 3 and Windsor Road. Todd Hamula, Senior Development Manager for the Zaremba Group leading the project, and engineer Chris Nadeau of Nobis Engineering brought an array of maps and plans.

The planned entrance to the store parking lot will be off Windsor Road, on the south side of the property. The sight distance does not quite meet the state Department of Transportation’s required 125 feet, but DOT has granted a waiver allowing the driveway, Nadeau said.

Board members were unhappy with traffic issues, phosphorus control on such a small lot and the septic system. Audience members questioned the need for another dollar store in South China.

The board asked for more information to support the DOT waiver. Members are especially concerned about drivers turning south from Route 3 onto Windsor Road colliding with vehicles entering or exiting the store parking area.

Codes Officer Paul Mitnik said with a small lot more than half covered by a building and pavement, meeting China’s Phosphorus Control Ordinance requirements is probably impossible. He said state rules, which he thinks the planning board could use but is not required to use, allow a developer to compensate with a payment that would be used to control phosphorus run-off somewhere else.

No one present could remember China’s using the payment provision. Planning Board Chairman Tom Miragliuolo said his initial reaction is that payment would be “morally wrong,” though he is willing to hear more about the idea.

Mitnik said the proposed septic system is inadequate. Nadeau agreed, saying the design is wrong and has been sent back to the designer.

Hamula said he talked with the neighbor to the south about the type of boundary she would like between the parking lot and her property; they agreed on evergreens, probably arborvitae, instead of a fence.

The result of the planning board discussion was a unanimous vote that Dollar General’s application is not complete and needs changes before the board can begin review. Miragliuolo said the decision is not a rejection of the application, and board members will continue informal discussions as necessary.

When a complete application is submitted the planning board is likely to schedule a public hearing. At the April 10 meeting, no date was set for further discussion.

See previous stories about teen camp: 

China public hearing planned on proposed teen camp
China planners set to hear proposal on camp for teens
China planners hear application on camp for teens

SOLON & BEYOND: Somerset County 4-H Leaders Association to hold auction, activities on May 5

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

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

Was very pleased to receive the following very interesting news about Somerset County 4-H Leader’s Association 2018. Officers for this are Eleanor Pooler, president; Sherry Grunder, vice president; Lori Swenson, secretary and Karen Cornell, treasurer.

Ted Blum 4-H Center

The Somerset County 4-H Leaders Association is holding a fundraising effort: a “Luck of the Draw” Auction on May 5, in Skowhegan.

4-H is the largest youth organization in the world. Our 13 local Somerset County 4-H clubs and independent project volunteers/ members learn life skills and participate in community service activities. Research studies document that 4-H youth are more likely to go on to college than youth engaged in other out-of-school programs. We provide funds to enable youth to participate in programs like Engineering Day, the 4-H @ UMaine Conference, summer camps and various county educational activities along with awarding county scholarships to youth who attend college. In an effort to reach more youth, we are coordinating with local schools and teachers to establish afterschool programs.

Would you be so kind as to help by donating an item or gift card? Many people love gift certificates for services or fun events. We are collecting new items or gently used things; no used clothing please. Your cash donations may also be used to purchase gas cards, a popular item in the auction for much needed help to many local residents. Items may be dropped at the Skowhegan Cooperative Extension Office.

Your donation will help further the leadership skills developed and demonstrated by many youths participating in our county. We would love to acknowledge your contribution by listing your name or organization. The above letter was signed by Lori B. Swenson, Secretary, Somerset County Leaders Association, UMaine Extension Office, 7 County Drive, Skowhegan, Maine 04976. (207) 474-9622

Now for the monthly news from Solon’s Pine Tree 4-H Club from leader, Eleanor Pooler: The Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club met at the Solon Fire Station with three leaders, nine members and seven visitors in attendance.

Plans are being made for the club to do flowers for Mothers Day at the Solon Congregational Church. Several members are planning to attend to pass out the flowers.

The Somerset County Leaders Association is planning to have a “Luck of the Draw” auction on May 5 at the American Legion Hall, on Route 201, in Skowhegan. Anyone wanting more information can contact Eleanor Pooler at 643-2305.

Five members gave their demonstrations. This is something that members are asked to do each year.

After the meeting the members enjoyed doing a craft project. The next meeting will be on Saturday, May 12 at 9:30 a.m., at the Solon Fire Station.

Several columns ago, I shared a letter I received from the Somerset Woods Trustees. This is just a reminder that they would appreciate volunteers to help clear the Kennebec Banks Rest Area on April 22. Please bring whatever tools you may have to dig, cut, and trim. We should dig out the Japanese knotweed and honeysuckle. Please bring your gloves. We’ll supply the doughnuts and hot chocolates.

And so for Percy’s memoir entitled, “Life’s Adventure”:

Life is a great adventure,
Each day a new surprise,
So sweep the cobwebs from your heart,
And open up your eyes.
Sorrow flees the sunlight,
So throw the windows wide,
And watch the brightness flooding in,
Warm everything inside.
Life is a great adventure,
For those who would explore
The road winds upward and the wind
Taps lightly at the door.
And should the day be cloudy,
No reason to complain,
When trees along the avenue,
Are singing in the rain.
Life is a great adventure,
Each day that passes by.
A dazzling panorama
As broad as it is high.
Beyond all comprehension,
The wonder of the spheres,
When one by one the hours make
A ladder of the years.

(words by Grace E. Easley.)

Obituaries, Week of April 19, 2018

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LANCE J. ANDERSON

WINSLOW––Lance John Anderson, 71, of Winslow, passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, in Powell, Tenne­ssee. Lance was on vacation with his wife, when he succumbed to pneumonia due to respiratory ailments that had been challenging him for years. Lance was born on February 18, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Alverne Stanley Anderson and Winifred (Beckett) Anderson.

His family moved to Maine in 1952 eventually settling in East Vassalboro. Lance graduated from Waterville High School, in 1967, and graduated from Maine Maritime Academy in 1971. He worked in the Merchant Marines for over 30 years ultimately becoming a chief engineer. For several years he worked in paper mills in Berlin, New Hampshire and Lincoln and Rumford

Lance had a great love for animals, duck and bird hunting, R. C. planes, photography, and music. He also enjoyed driving up North to camp and boating on China Lake. On weekend mornings, for many years, he could be found drinking coffee down at Freddie’s Garage, in East Vassalboro. He had a life-long admiration for aviation that he inherited from his father. Upon retirement, he achieved his dream of building an airplane and obtaining his pilot’s license-an accomplishment that brought him great pride when he was able to filmy his wife and children over the great state of Maine. Lance was a member of Vassalboro Lodge No. 0054 AFT & AM.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Diane; one daughter Lisa and husband John Costanza, of Bolton, Massachusetts; one son, Eric Anderson and his wife Julia Page, of Brooklyn, New York; one sister Karen and her husband James Dunbar, of Winslow; two grandsons Nicholas and Garrison Constanzo; on granddaughter Sadie Page; brothers-in-law Ronald Michaud and wife Geraldine, of Waterville, Reginald Michaud and wife Marilyn, of Smithfield, and James Michaud and wife Cheryl, of Westbrook; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to Lance’s graveside service and celebration of life, Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Saint Francis Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville, at 11:30 a.m. All are invited to the reception immediately following at Centerpoint Community Church, 155 West River Rd., Waterville. In the event of rain, the service will be at Centerpoint Community Church.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions please consider making a donation to the Humane Society Waterville Area.

JAMES D. THOMSON

OAKLAND – James D. Thomson died suddenly on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at Florida Hospital, in Zephyrhills, Florida. James was born April 7, 1943, to Shirley L (Brann) and James A. Thomson Jr. in Waterville.

Jim was raised in Winslow and graduated from Winslow High School in 1962. He and Mary Ann married in 1963. He was a man of many trades. Jim worked for Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, for 27 years. He had worked his way up to the materials and supplies supervisor by the time he retired. Jim and Mary Ann then bought The Blueberry Shop, in Brooks. They made hand-painted blueberry ceramic ware which was sold in many shops in Maine, including L.L.Bean, especially along the coast. After selling the business, Jim went to work for Waterville Window Co., in Winslow, for five years.

In 1976, the Thomson’s family started making outdoor adventures in Rangeley, from a camp on Dodge Pond. For the next 20 years, the family spent many hours downhill skiing at Saddleback; fishing on all the lakes and streams; and, once a year, spending a weekend fly fishing on ponds only reachable by plane. Many vacations, holidays and a few honeymoons were spent in that incredible four-season wonderland.

In 2006, Jim and Mary Ann bought a camper and a GMC Yukon and hit the road. Jim was predeceased by his parents.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (Miller), of Oakland; his daughter and her husband, Kathy and Kevin Gray, of Oakland; granddaughter, Alison Gray; and great-grandchildren, Trapper Jay and Savannah Delia Bellavance, all of Oakland; grandson, James J. Gray, of Oakland; and great-granddaughter, Morgan Elizabeth Chloe Gray; brothers, David and wife, Lisa Thomson, of Sidney; and Robert Thomson, of Hensley, Arkansas; his sisters, Valerie Conaway, of Casselberry, Florida; Jesse Rowe, of Virginia; and Judy and Mike (husband) Achorn, of Benton; nephew and godson, Eddie Rowe Jr. (“E.J.”); many nieces and nephews.

He also loved dogs and raised several over the years.

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

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

EVELYN E. GIGUERE

OAKLAND – Evelyn Elizabeth Giguere, 95, passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at her home. She was born on July 18, 1922, to Anna Elizabeth Szabo Grezsler and Stephen Joseph Greszler who were both immigrants from Hungary.

Evelyn was born and attended school in Henrietta Township, Ohio, and did not learn to speak English until her first year at school. She loved school and placed 17th in Latin on an exam administered state-wide. She attended Elyria Business College in Ohio.

Evelyn met her husband, Bernard, through her brother who was stationed in Panama with him. They exchanged letters and finally met in Ohio where they became engaged, married, and started their family. Shortly after they moved to Bernard’s home state of Maine where Evelyn fell in love with the Pine Tree state, Bernard built their first home, which was a log cabin. Throughout their 64 years of marriage, they resided in several different homes in Maine, Ohio, and Florida. Evelyn worked side-by-side in life with Bernard, including working in the woods, and was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother.

One of Evelyn’s favorite pastimes was being with her family, whether it was camping, fishing, holiday gatherings, weddings, or just sitting around the kitchen table. She loved the outdoors and was passionate about gardening, harvesting, canning, and preparing wonderful home-cooked meals. Evelyn loved to dance with her husband and one of her happiest memories was her re-marriage to Bernard on their 60th anniversary and the festivities that followed. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and devotedly prayed for her loved ones. Evelyn touched many lives with her smile and loving personality and will be fondly remembered my many.

Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Bernard Giguere; siblings, Peter, Joe, Frank, Ann, Deszo, Agatha, Alex, and Margaret; grandchildren, Aymie and Mariah; and a great- grandson, Fred.

She is survived by her children, Jack and Daisy Giguere, Joan Cowing, Jim and Karen Giguere, Jon and Betty Giguere, Melanie Giguere, and Carolyn Arline; grandchildren, Brett, Brad, Stephen, Tracey, Wayne, Adam, Robert, Nathan, Ben, Elijah, Lilah, Aydah, Dana Alex, Denise Lucy, Liz, Kate, Sophia, James, Desiree, Jessica, and Joe; numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren; and many cherished extended family, nieces, nephews.

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

VERNAL E. HIGHT JR.

OAKLAND – Vernal Edward Hight, Jr., 72, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at his home. He was born May 11, 1945, in Hartland, the son of Vernal Edward Sr. and Shirley Elaine (Farmer) Davis, stepson of Elwin Davis.

Vernal “Jr.” was a graduate of Solon High School, class of 1963, and graduated from Skowhegan Business School in 1965. On April 2, 1966, he married Barbara Burns at the Baptist Church, in Madison. He was employed for over 30 years at Downeast Energy. Vernal, Jr. cherished time spent with his family and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His grandchildren were his biggest interest.

Vernal, “Jr.” is predeceased by his mother, father, and stepfather.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara (Burns) Hight, of Oakland; three daughters, Chandra Hight, of Waterville, Sandra Hight, of Fairfield, and Helen Hart (Erik Hart), of Virginia Beach, Virginia; two sons, Michael Hight (Ami-Lyn Robinson), of Waterville, Matthew Hight (Margaret Lee), of Waterville; brother, Frances “Jimmy” Hight (Nancy Hight), of Corinna; two sisters, Betty Wing, of Oakland, Joyce Perkins (Richard Perkins), of Waterville; three grandchildren, Sydney Grandmaison, of Fairfield, Mackenzie and Jackson Hart, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and six step-grandchildren, Zachary and Matthew Gardner, of Waterville, Patrick and Isabel-Lyn Robinson, of Waterville, Cody Ouellette, of Oakland, and Allee Larochelle, of Waterville, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Vernal, Jr.’s memory to the American Cancer Society, New England Division, One Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, Maine 04086-1240.

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

OTHERS DEPARTED

DESIREE J. YORK, 36, of Knox, passed away on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Bangor. She was born May 21, 1981, in Waterville. Locally, she is survived by brothers Donald York Jr., of Benton, Jason York, Lance York and wife Nikki, and Jeffrey Richards and wife Michelle, all of Vassalboro; sister Danyelle Willette, and grandfather Warren York, both of Waterville, and aunt and uncle Richard and Paulette Carter, of Albion.

NOELLA S. NOWLAND, 90, of Augusta, passed away on Friday, April 6, 2018, at the MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center at Glenridge Dr., following a long illness. Locallyt, she is survived a a niece, Lucille Suitter, of Palermo.

GEORGE A. BRETON, 65, of Chelsea, passed away on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following a long illness. Locally, he is survived by a son, Daniel Marceau and fiancée Tiffany, of Vassalboro.

KVCAP in need of volunteer drivers

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KVCAP provides transportation services to low income, elderly and disadvantaged people throughout Kennebec and Somerset counties. They provide rides to medical services, work programs, programs for people with special needs, children’s services and a variety of other services that provide valuable assistance to people.

While they have a number of buses and vans that help to meet the demand for these services, they also rely heavily on the services of volunteer drivers to provide transportation to people in rural areas and to provide off-hour services such as evenings and weekends. Volunteer drivers provided over 110,000 trips and three million miles of dedicated service to their passengers last year.

The demand for transportation services continues to grow at a steady pace and they are looking for compassionate, civic-minded people to help volunteer to provide transportation to some of our more vulnerable citizens. KVCAP provides training and a mileage reimbursement for volunteer drivers. Volunteers must have a safe, reliable vehicle and pass state background checks to protect their passengers.

If you are interested in learning more about or becoming a KVCAP volunteer driver, please contact Steve at 859-1631 or steves@kvcap.org. KVCAP is dedicated to helping people in need and together we can make a difference!

For more information about the services, please visit www.kvcap.org.

New Dimension, Taconnet credit unions merge

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WATERVILLE/WINSLOW — On April 1, 2018, New Dimensions Federal Credit Union welcomed the members of Taconnet Federal Credit Union. With the merger complete, they will continue to grow living by the “People Helping People” mentality that their members have come to know over the years.

Though there is always a transition period when merging two great financial institutions, they have always been committed to exceptional member service. NDFCU has been working tirelessly to ensure as seamless a transition as possible for their members because they want member’s complete trust in knowing their financial environment will not be disrupted. The NDFCU promise and commitment is that members will experience an even stronger financial partnership with the expansion of products and services, access to four branch locations located in Waterville, Winslow, Augusta, and Skowhegan, additional free ATM’s, and knowledgeable, caring staff who put their members first. Additionally, they are now able to offer more competitive rates and fees; which over time will allow operational efficiencies. A great accomplishment that they have worked hard to gain for their members.

Ryan Poulin, CEO of New Dimensions Federal Credit Union states, “The merger will enable us to offer the most innovative technology through the products and services we provide. Our focus is to keep up with the always increasing demand our members continually state is a necessity in today’s online financial environment. By providing what they have asked for we are also ensuring convenience, stability, and reliability—while maintaining that courteous customer service standard they have come to know and expect from us.”

The mission statement of New Dimensions Federal Credit Union is “Educate. Empower. Evolve.” These three simple words sum up what they provide to their members and the communities in which they live. Over the past year, they were able to expand their financial literacy program by providing their members with free financial tools and resources by offering seminars and one-on-one consultations.

In response to that growth, they have purchased a piece of land on Silver Street, in Waterville, on which they will begin constructing a new facility for their members that will provide better visibility and access to the community. The new bilding will be slightly smaller than their current Grove Street location as it will house the teller line and loan departments. Their current location will remain as an operation center for back office functions.

Vassalboro committee continues work on town budget

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source: http://www.vassalboro.net/

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Budget Committee members ran out of time to finish their work at their April 12 meeting, so they will meet again at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 19, in the town office. Selectmen have consequently moved their meeting time to 6 instead of 6:30 that evening.

Budget committee members continued discussion of municipal budget requests April 12, taking one vote and one straw poll and reaching informal consensus on other items. They still need to make recommendations on spending requests in warrant articles for the June 4 town meeting. Selectmen have made their recommendations, but board member Robert Browne said they could be changed.

Selectmen are scheduled to review a draft of the warrant April 19. The preliminary version Town Manager Mary Sabins prepared for the April 12 meeting has 68 articles. Two more articles, confirmation or denial of the school budget approved June 4 and local elections, are be decided by written ballot on June 12.

The one vote was to recommend voters appropriate $10,000 from the alewife reserve fund (money gained from selling alewives each spring) for the China Region Lakes Alliance, currently Art. 51 in the warrant. The vote was 5-2, with Donald Breton, Elizabeth Reuthe, Douglas Phillips, Dick Phippen and Peggy Shaffer in favor, William Browne and Phillip Landry opposed and Chairman Rick Denico abstaining.

The selectmen recommended $5,000; the organization asked for $15,000.

The straw poll was on whether to recommend no funding for a Vassalboro police department, relying instead on state and county law enforcement officers. If committee members so recommend when they make final decisions, Selectman Lauchlin Titus said a separate police department warrant article would be appropriate to clarify the issue for voters. In the preliminary draft warrant, Art. 11 asks for $69,797 for police, animal control and emergency dispatching services.

A majority tentatively favored recommending no funding, at least to create a separate article and give voters a chance to discuss the issue separately.

Committee members revisited requests from Public Works Foreman Eugene Field, First Responders and the volunteer fire department, whose members want a replacement roof on the Riverside fire station.

Public works issues include paving roads and the public works dooryard; equipment rental, especially an excavator for roadside ditching; and Field’s requests for a new generator and a new power washer. Committee members also questioned estimated future fuel costs. A majority favored not recommending $30,000 that would either do the garage area or allow additional road paving. When committee Chairman Rick Denico asked Field what he would cut, Field replied, “It depends on what the board [of selectmen] and residents want for service.” First Responders Chief Dan Mayotte explained what supplies his volunteers need to buy. Committee members reached informal preliminary consensus to support the group’s $13,250 budget request.

Fire department officers had quotes averaging $25,000 for a new metal roof for the Riverside fire station. At the budget committee’s request, they got an estimate of around $12,500 for asphalt shingles, the current roofing material.

Budget committee members talked about recommending $12,500 in 2018-19 and postponing the other half.

Firefighter and budget committee member Donald Breton said the department’s board of directors do not want to redo asphalt shingles; if voters approve $12,500, they will either reroof half the building with metal or hold the money hoping for more in 2019.

Several people said the price of metal is rising rapidly, because of national tariffs. Titus gave an example of the price of steel doubling since February and wondered whether the companies would be able to honor the quotes they gave the fire department.

The prolonged discussions are part of budget committee members’ effort to limit the 2018-19 tax increase. They also met with the school board on April 10, but did not have final school budget figures.

As the meeting wound down, Denico proposed future meetings after “the pre-town meeting crunch” that would give committee members time to consider major money-saving changes, like limiting school choice. Other committee members seemed to approve. Selectman Browne reminded them, as Titus had done during discussion of the police department, that setting policy was the selectmen’s responsibility, not the budget committee’s.