Square dancers engage in workshops

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Included in the picture are couples from New Sharon (Friendship Square Dance Club, of Farmington), Newport and Fairfield (Central Maine Square Dance Club, of Waterville), Monmouth (Squire Town Squares, of Winthrop), Oxford (Swinging Bears Square Dance Club, of South Paris), Richmond and Ellsworth. (Contributed photo)

Local square dancers were able to participate in two separate weekends of square dancing in the month of March. The weekend of March 2 – 3, saw the dancers heading to South Burlington, Vermont, for the annual Maple Sugar Dance Festival. There were many workshops for the various levels of square dancing along with different workshops for Round Dancing. They had a hall for class/mainstream, plus, A-1, A-2, and C, with round dancing in the plus hall. There were approximately 200 dancers in attendance.

On the weekend of March 16 – 18, they had the opportunity to attend the St. Patrick’s Day festival put on by the Sage Square Dance Club, of Brunswick. This event was held in Old Orchard Beach in an area called Ocean Park. With workshops Saturday morning and afternoon and a full dance Saturday night, it was a full day of dancing pleasure. Then on Sunday morning they got together for two more hours of fun dancing before leaving for home. They had almost 100 dancers gathered for this annual event.

CHINA: Thurston Park committee to sponsor photo contest

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Hikers in Thurston Park (Photo courtesy: Town of China)

by Mary Grow

China’s Thurston Park Committee is sponsoring a photo contest, with winning pictures to be turned into a 2019 calendar featuring “photos that best illustrate the beauty, history, and character of China’s amazing recreational destination.”

All pictures entered must be taken in the park in northeastern China. Photographers are welcome to submit pictures of flowers, trees, seasonal phenomena, historic artifacts and other natural and man-made features, wildlife and people engaged in recreational activities. Photos cannot be touched up or have filters added. They must be horizontally oriented.

Photos should be in the form of high-resolution images digitally sent to thurstonpark@gmail.com or on a CD that can be left at the China town office on Lakeview Drive. Accompanying each entry should be the photographer’s name, address and phone number; the date the picture was taken; what category it is entered in (landscapes, flora/fauna, people/pets, activities); and the names of any people shown with proof they have given permission for use of the photo.

The deadline for submissions is May 31. Photos will not be returned. By submitting his or her photo(s), the photographer gives the Thurston Park Committee “full and exclusive rights to print the photo in Thurston Park literature and electronic media and without further obligation to the photographer or those people who have their persons, property or items pictured.”

In addition to a calendar appearance, the committee offers a grand prize for the best photo, which becomes the cover picture, and prizes for the best photo in each of the four categories.

Winners will be announced, prizes awarded and calendars on sale at the 2018 China Community Days celebration.

People who need more information about the contest are invited to call Thurston Park Committee Chairman Jeanette Smith at 968-5016 or email thurstonpark@gmail.com.

I’m Just Curious: What were you doing?

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by Debbie Walker

What were you doing Monday night at 5 p.m.? Well, Humpfree and I were getting our 2.8 minutes of fame on WABI.TV, 5 o’clock news; actually we were on at 5:08 p.m.

Humpfree, if I haven’t already told you, is a stuffed moose. We found him in a box at the thrift store. His head was sticking out. Since our theme for the classroom is Maine Animals, the stuffed moose Patsy found was perfect! Perfect, even better, when we noticed he is a bag. The rest is history, he became my pocketbook!

Humpfree has put smiles on an unbelievable number of faces, however, most important is the reactions of the kids at school. Sometimes they just run their hands over the soft fur. If they need to they can hug him. Sometimes Humpfree just makes the day go easier.

As I said we were at WABI. TV, what a treat. The people who run the news are just wonderful. Jim and Emily, and even the producer just wanted to help us be at ease.

Mary-Ann (my area supervisor) and I were being interviewed for the Foster Grandparent Program. It is through the Penquis office in Bangor. Mary-Ann is the project coordinator for the administrative office. Marsha and I (in our school) are “Professional Volunteers” (Sounds good, huh) And, no, we are not taking in foster children in our homes as a lot of folks believe when they see or hear this title Foster Grandparents Program.

Being a volunteer in a school is not something I saw myself doing at this point in my life. I too brought up my child and enjoyed my grandkids (still do!) but never thought I would willingly go into a classroom once my kids were out.

I can’t tell you how glad I am that I did. Yes, we are there to give attention to the children. I give them that extra reading time needed to increase their skill and confidence. I support whatever concept the teacher, Mrs. Cloonan, is teaching them.

Whatever attention you might think I give these children, you can’t imagine the love I get back. When I go in the mornings I volunteer I am greeted by an excitement for my just being there! It takes a little while for the excitement to quiet down a bit, but that’s okay because Mrs. Cloonan is glad to see me too!

We could talk about it but you would get the best information about becoming a FGP and the benefits (yes benefits!) by calling Mary Ann or Maria at Penquis, 1-800-215-4942 and ask for Foster Grandparent Program.

Recently a family friend passed away. He had all but lost his complete memory. I came across this saying that I would like to share with those who have lived a similar situation: “What the mind can’t remember the heart never forgets.” I thought it was beautiful.

As usual, I’M JUST CURIOUS if you might be a wonderful addition to any classroom. Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com . Thank you for reading.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Jermaine Jackson, Sibelius 5th Symphony No. 5, and TV series Father Brown

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Jermaine Jackson

Frontiers
Motown M7-898R1, LP, recorded 1978.

Jermaine Jackson

Older brother of Janet, the late Michael and six other siblings and former member of the Jackson 5, Jermaine Jackson has reached a pinnacle of success as singer, songwriter, reality TV star and Jackson family spokesman at the nice young age of 63. The above LP, Frontiers, is a solid, very listenable example of late seventies Motown soul. My personal favorite among the eight tracks is the vibrant, charming Castles of Sands, the instrumentation alone worth the price of admission.

A few tidbits – like the rest of the family, he was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness but converted to Islam in 1989. He’s the father of seven children from three wives and a girlfriend.

Finally in 2015, his third wife was arrested and charged with physically abusing her husband and would file for divorce citing irreconcilable differences!

Most of the album can be heard on YouTube.

Sibelius 5th Symphony No. 5

Night Ride and Sunrise
Georges Pretre conducting the New Philharmonia; RCA Victor LSC-2996, stereo LP, recorded 1968.

Jean Sibelius

Conductor Georges Pretre (1924-2017) gave performances of these two works of the great Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) that are a bit more refined than the roaring, majestic, almost savage ones of the other notable conductors of the past – and a few of today. But the unique power and beauty of both works does reveal itself gradually.

Georges Pretres

The record’s producer, Richard Mohr, wrote an essay for this album that provided insight into Pretre’s working methods and revealed the relentless, sweating studying and rehearsing over and over again before a tape machine is even turned on. Pretre knew perfection for this record was impossible but he was determined to come veryyyyyyyyyyyyy close !

Sibelius wrote about his own feelings when he finished composing the 5th Symphony. “I already begin to see dimly the mountain that I shall certainly ascend. God opens His door for a moment and His orchestra plays the Fifth Symphony.”

Since I have been listening to this piece for more than 40 years, I totally agree with the composer on this one!

Father Brown

starring Mark Williams, etc., BBC TV series, six seasons since 2013.

Mark Williams

I just started watching 10 days ago, and am on episode 6. I read some of the stories over 30 years ago and enjoyed the plots, perky characters and the moral and spiritual edification of them, the reasons why I like the show as well. I have not seen the ‘70s BBC version with the late Kenneth More!

Maine-ly Harmony elects officers

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Left to right: LouAnn Mossler, Candace Pepin, Cathy Anderson and BJ Sylvester-Pellett. Janet Dunham and Barbara Combs are absent from photo. (Contributed photo)

Maine-ly Harmony women’s barbershop chorus recently installed its officers. Serving the chorus are president Cathy Anderson, of Jefferson; vice president BJ Sylvester-Pellett, of Winthrop; secretary Candace Pepin, of Augusta; treasurer Janet Dunham, of Belgrade; and members at large, Barbara Combs, of Topsham, and LouAnn Mossler, of South China. Directed by Kathy Greason of Brunswick, the chorus member welcome singers to their Wednesday 6:30 p.m. rehearsals at the Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church, 209 Eastern Ave in Augusta. Anyone interested in visiting a rehearsal or scheduling the chorus to sing for their event should contact Nancie Hugenbruch at 293-4779 or email hugabook4@yahoo.com.

IF WALLS COULD TALK: Long ago, president of N.H. college was Madison native; school now bears his name

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

WALLS, I know how much our faithful readers enjoy you, as, just last Wednesday morning, I had several women tell me how much they missed you when they didn’t have you to read for a couple weeks. Well, many thanks to The Town Line’s managing editor Roland Hallee for choosing your column to print for you faithful readers.

This week, we do have a surprise for folks, don’t we? Maybe our faithful readers have never known what the The Town Line has done so much for young folks and all the wonderful things they have done or are doing for their schools, their communities and themselves, but I guess that I am taking advantage of bragging rights.

Yes, yes, I’m about to talk about my ‘much younger’ years and the much, much younger years of a great man.

Walls, you know that I graduated from Colby Junior College, in New London, New Hampshire, but not even I knew that the man who ran from his home across from the college to welcome my folks and I, because, he said, he was so happy to see a Maine license plate! Well, in my high school mind, I thought that was strange. Oh, in conversation, I learned that we were talking with H. Leslie Sawyer, the man who, also in conversation, let us Maine folks know that, anyone who had the high marks and leadership qualities in high school would never be refused acceptance. Wow! Then, I found out that we were talking to the president of Colby Junior. Another WOW!

Well, WALLS, fast forward now, when I learned, when a student, that Dr. H. Leslie Sawyer was truly an incredible man who, after receiving his many degrees, began as a leader of a Woman’s Finishing School in that town. Then the girls ended up going to Colby Junior College, but Colby College, in Waterville, decided to sue the New London College, as Colby in Maine was not a Junior College. So the name was changed. Yes, a young man who lived in New London came
home from World War II and, unfortunately, needed home care, and that was the beginning of Colby Junior’s becoming a four-year college and, now co-educational, it is named Colby-Sawyer College.

Now, for your real news of the day by WALLS, faithful readers. Dr. H. Leslie Sawyer was born and grew up in Madison! His dad was a highly-respected physician and, surely, we of Madison, are very proud, as there are few small towns in Maine that can say that a college bares the name of a Madison “kid.”

SOLON & BEYOND: Solon to get new town treasurer; Remembering an attempt at producing own paper

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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!

Just stopped in to the Solon Town Office to get an update about the position of treasurer because the present treasurer, Sharon Begin, is moving. The position is for a deputy treasurer, which will lead to the treasurer position. The deadline for applying is May 30.

The Steve and the Good Old Boys Band will be playing at the Embden Community Center from 7 – 11 p.m., on Saturday, May 19.

Received an update about the events that go on at the Embden Community Center. Neighbor to Neighbor Thrift Shop/Lending Library, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m./Wed., Fri. and Sat. Suppers: 5 p.m./ second Saturday each month, except December. Country Sunday: 1 – 4 p.m./second and fourth Sunday. By donation. Sewing class: 10 a.m.- noon/Wednesday.Weight Watchers: 5 – 6 p.m., Wednesday. New members accepted. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 10:30-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays. Community Center meetings: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, prior to the second Saturday supper. Yoga: 6:30 p.m., (one hour) Bring your mat, Thursday starting September 14; weekly, by donation. If you have any questions, contact Wayne at 474-1065.

In my on-going attempt to organize my writing material, I came across one of the newspapers I had published on February 11, 2005, in the little paper I started when I got through writing for The Town Line for a short time. I am going to dedicate it to my deceased partner who helped me entertain the many friends we made back then.

The front page shows a beautiful picture of my partner, looking very intelligent (which he was!) It states: Perseverance (Percy) Rogers co-owner of SOLON and BEYOND. And continues with a story about how I got him, etc.

“Would like to introduce you to my partner and supporter, Perseverance (alias Percy). On bad days he is right there to cuddle with me, with one paw as far as he can get it around my neck.

Percy started out as a frightened stray kitten and was rescued by a family on Route 43. They called and told me about this sweet little kitten that needed a home, and it was love at first sight. I named her Faith, but as luck would have it, on the first trip to the vet, I found out that a boys name was needed, instead. After a short time this little kitten started his true personality and hence Perseverance, or Percy for short.

Percy has many talents besides being a good cuddler, he is always at the door to welcome me home, loves to sing, (Amazing Grace is his favorite song!) He has become famous and much loved for his good advice in the columns I have written. As you can see from his picture, he is very intelligent and he’s promoting this book of meditations-for-cat-lovers. Oh yes, he thinks he is a mighty hunter and is still looking for the mouse that got away! (For those of you who didn’t get the January 21, 2005, issue of this paper, I told of his letting a live mouse loose at my feet and how upset I got at him.)I must confess, there is a slight power struggle between us as to who is really the ‘Boss!’”

And so it was how Percy got started in the newspaper world! Don’t remember just how long I published my own little paper but it didn’t take long to find out that it was a “full time job!” Now for a few more words from the same paper. ” One day this week someone said to me, ” What are you trying to do? You’re giving this paper away!” True…and had hoped for a miracle of some kind, but when the miracle doesn’t materialize immediately, you compensate. Some times you have to eat your words, as in this case, never say ‘never’! I had tried to sell ads for another paper and failed. I remember saying the words, “I’ll never sell ads again, ever!” Well, you will notice that I have started selling ads again and my many, many thanks for those who responded so graciously. (And you know, I did receive a miracle, never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined your wonderful response to this little paper, my heartfelt thanks.)

A short memoir from Percy; “To love abundantly is to live abundantly, and to love forever is to live forever. Anonymous.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute announces fall 2017 dean’s list

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The following local residents were among 1,608 students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), in Worcester Massachusetts, named to the university’s dean’s list for academic excellence for the fall 2017 semester.

McKenzie Brunelle, of Sidney, is a member of the class of 2018 majoring in biomedical engineering.

Madison Michaud, of Vassalboro, is a member of the class of 2019 majoring in biomedical engineering.

Molly Silsby, of Augusta, is a member of the class of 2021 majoring in mechanical engineering.

Cpl. Eugene Cole’s wife leads a charge for community

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Some of the hundreds of placards along the motorcade route to Cpl. Eugene Cole’s funeral at the Cross Insurance Center, in Bangor. (Photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff)

by Mark Huard

On April 25, there was literally a shot fired in the heart of Somerset County. Corporal Eugene Cole is a 13-year veteran of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, and on that date his life was viciously taken from him, his family and his “Brothers in Brown.”

This county is used to its share of tragedy, but this hit like none other. Corporal Cole was a real person that epitomized country life and honest living. He was professional and kind to all those he came into contact with.

In many ways, this act took an icon in the county and brought the residents to their proverbial knees. What happened next is a charge, a charge led by those seemingly the most impacted. The wife of Cpl. Cole, and Sheriff Dale Lancaster stood up, and with a battered heart they found the courage to lead a charge. Mrs. Cole picked herself up and she brought a community together by speaking calmly and with the wisdom and benevolence that her husband lived each day of his career.

At this point, something magical began to happen. The people of Somerset County stood up, grabbed a hold of their emotions and followed the lead of Mrs. Cole and Sheriff Lancaster until the capture of the man that took Cpl. Cole from us all occurred. Community members brought food, gifts, supplies and whatever else was needed. The law enforcement officers worked tirelessly and selflessly to continue to protect the community. Law enforcement from all over New England and the state came to assist.

As the capture of the suspect occurred, the community didn’t stop. They began working on the next task at hand, which was to honor Cpl. Eugene Cole. This charge was again led by his wife, who pledged to forever remain his wife and never be called a widow. She showed more courage and grace than imagineable and she rallied her family together. She ensured they held their heads high as the patriarch of the family would have wanted, because after all if you hang your head then you better be praying.

Cpl. Eugene Cole

The day of the funeral was a day of closure for many closest to Cpl. Cole. The streets of the county were lined with officers, firemen, security guards, business owners, students and concerned citizens. A flag hung in the center of town and evoked through this sadness a sense of pride. Pride to be a member of this county, built on hard work and a genuine desire to be better today than yesterday.

So while this was a day of closure for Cpl. Eugene Cole’s family, perhaps it was a day of new beginnings for the community. This county came together in a way that was virtually gone in recent days. It’s apparent that Cpl. Cole’s work was not done, it was just done here on earth. His last call on earth, but certainly not his last call. His family and the close to 4,000 people in attendance at his funeral paid their respects to a law enforcement officer that gave his life to protect others. His family conducted themselves with dignity and respect and again led the charge for the rest of community to follow.

Dennis Heath named new China town manager

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Selectmen Neil Farrington (left) and Bob MacFarland (right) shake hands with China’s new town manager Dennis Heath (middle).

by Mary Grow

China selectmen have chosen as the new town manager Dennis Heath, an Oklahoman who will be moving to China.

Heath is expected to start appearing at the town office late in May, for a month’s training before current Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux retires June 30.

Selectmen made the announcement at the end of their May 14 meeting, which included another long discussion of the already much-discussed fire pond on Neck Road and varied other items.

Repeating their finding that the fire pond was dug incorrectly, with too-steep sides, selectmen decided they need to wait for a plan from an A. E. Hodson engineer before talking about additional costs.

Meanwhile, however, they authorized spending up to $1,000 from their contingency fund to spread the pile of clay dug up to make the pond that is obstructing planting a field. Tom Michaud, on whose land the pond was dug, offered to use his bulldozer at no charge to assist the contractor with the work.

Abutting landowner Leo Panda attended the meeting and supported the pond as valuable protection for the neighborhood, as long as he’s not asked for funds and his water supply is not affected.

Board Chairman Robert MacFarland blamed “ill-advisement” for the steep-sided pond. The to-be-engineered revised version is tentatively planned to have sloping sides plus a shelf about three feet below the water line as a safety measure in case a person or animal falls in.

Meanwhile, Michaud said, someone who did fall in could get into Panda’s side of the hole and get out from there.

The fire pond has already cost the entire $8,500 voters approved in November 2017. Additional funding will require voter approval; since a November vote would be late to start construction, MacFarland mentioned the possibility of calling a special town meeting.

Selectman and Bicentennial Coordinator Neil Farrington is pictured with the time capsule that will be buried beneath an obelisk near the town office, to be opened in 2118. (Contributed photo)

In other business May 14, selectman and Bicentennial Coordinator Neil Farrington showed plans for a granite obelisk to be put up near the old town house beside the town office, with a time capsule to be buried under it and opened the first day of summer 2118.

Farrington is planning a ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at the obelisk site. If Heath is available, he would like to follow it with an informal welcome party for the new manager.

Selectmen appointed Jean Conway and George Weber to the Comprehensive Plan Committee and Conway also to the China for a Lifetime and Tax Increment Finance committees.

Selectman Irene Belanger reminded those present of the Regional School Unit (RSU) #18 budget vote scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at the Performing Arts Center at Messalonskee High School, in Oakland. Selectmen signed China’s warrant for the June 12 referendum at which local voters in the five RSU towns will accept or reject the budget approved May 17.

Because the next regular selectmen’s meeting date would be Memorial Day, board members rescheduled the meeting. As of May 14, it is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 29.