REVIEW POTPOURRI – Book: The Fifties by David Halberstam

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

David Halberstam

The Fifties
Villard Press, 1993, 733 pages

A maxim that underscored journalist David Halberstam’s work ethic was that being a professional meant doing the work one loved on the days one didn’t feel like doing it; this combination of passion and painstaking self-discipline resulted in roughly 22 books and countless articles.

David Halberstam

Born on April 10, 1934, in New York City and raised in Connecticut, he was a classmate of consumer advocate Ralph Nader. In 1955, he graduated from Harvard in the bottom third of his class and was hired as a reporter by newspapers in Mississippi and Tennessee, being the only one to cover the Nashville sit-ins. On a lighter note, I remember reading his liner notes for an LP of country pianist Floyd Cramer.

Beginning in the early ‘60s, Halberstam’s books on Vietnam, the media, big business and sports occupied him for over four decades. His gifts for story telling characterized the 1979 The Powers That Be, a riveting study of Time magazine’s Henry Luce, CBS’s William Paley and the Washington Post’s Phil Graham. The Post chapters contained one very good account of Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein’s news investigation leading to the Watergate trial.

The Fifties is a massive-sized narrative panorama of a continually fascinating decade. Halberstam’s mastery of the character sketch shines in his portraits of Presidents Truman and Eisenhower; Red-baiting Wisconsin Democratic Senator Joseph McCarthy,”shrewd, insecure and defensive,” as tellingly and understatedly described by the author; mystery writer Mickey Spillane, creator of the vigilante lone detective Mike Hammer who went after Communists instead of gangsters and the politicians; the McDonald brothers, whose hamburger stand was transformed by Ray Kroc into a multi-billion dollar empire; Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Milton Berle, and Sid Caesar, who brought low-brow slapstick comedy to the mass television audiences, who clamored for more; nuclear scientist Edward Teller and his hydrogen bomb; Elvis Presley; sex researcher Alfred Kinsey and publisher Hugh Hefner, with their launching of the insidious sexual revolution; and a huge range of other personalities in as many spheres of influence who contributed so much to the decade’s perpetual interest. For me, the quiet seamstress Rosa Parks is arguably the central figure of monumental interest – her refusal to move to the back of the bus was a significant contribution to spurring the long-needed and awaited Civil Rights movement.

David Halberstam was killed in an automobile crash near San Francisco en route to interview football legend Y.A. Tittle for one of two books he had in preparation. He was 73 years old.

Four new CNAs ready for area nursing home staffing

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Recent CNA course graduates received their pins after successfully completing the state board exams. From left to right, Kayla McKenney, Amanda Sproul, clinical instructor Isabelle Markley RN, Tristin Bean, and Mary Barker. (Contributed photo)

Augusta Adult & Community Education announced July 30, that all members of the Spring 2018 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course passed the State of Maine CNA certificate exam. The four area students graduated July 17, after completing the State of Maine prescribed CNA curriculum. The 200 hours of study included nursing theory, personal care skills and 90 hours of clinical experience.

Students completing the 12-week course included: Mary Barker, Belfast; Tristin Bean, Augusta; Kayla McKenney, Vassalboro, and Amanda Sproul, Pittston.

The Tuesday evening graduation ceremony held in Augusta’s Capital Area Tech Center was attended by family members and friends. Zane Clement, Director of Augusta Adult & Community Education, welcomed guests and moderated the celebration. Isabelle Markley, RN, and clinical instructor, with the assistance of Helen Emery, presented CNA pins and flowers to each student. CNA graduate Mary Barker received the highest grade award and also gave the student address to the audience.

Applications are now being accepted for the fall CNA course. Contact Augusta Adult & Community Education at 33 Union Street, Suite 2, Augusta, ME 04330 or by telephone at (207) 626-2470.

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY: Where is SLA getting their information?

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by Frank Richards
President, Webber Pond Assn.

Recently, representatives of the Sheepscot Lake Association have referred to Webber Pond in articles about alewives submitted to The Town Line. I am writing to respond. I am the president of the Webber Pond Association.

I think it’s important for the public to know that in the last 20 years, sea run alewives have been restored to Webber, Sebasticook, Three Mile, and Togus ponds. People living on those lakes are generally happy with the result.

Sea run alewives are anadromous. The adults live in the ocean and, like salmon, spawn in fresh water. They need passage to get to their spawning grounds.

Afterwards, the adults go back to the ocean, get eaten, or die. The juveniles live in the lake during the summer and then egress back to the ocean in the fall. It’s not unusual to see them leave Webber Pond in August. It’s not unusual to see them leave Webber Pond in November.

Again, they need passage to make the journey. It is possible (but rare) for them to become entrapped and die – if egress is obstructed or insufficient.

There is another species of alewife, the landlocked alewife, which is common in New York. However, sea run alewives do not become “landlocked” in the sense of ever adapting to living in a pond year round.

Sea run alewives are the way nature exchanges nutrients between the marine and inland ecosystems. They were substantially extirpated by the building of dams during the 1800s. Twenty years ago, the Maine Department of Marine Resources began to restore these useful fish.

Additional spawning areas mean that more adult alewives are in the ocean to support the marine fishery; by serving as forage for haddock, cod, stripers, and other ocean fish.

They are harvested during the spawning run and have already created a multi-million dollar lobster bait industry.

Alewives also benefit inland lakes. As the juveniles grow during the summer, they sequester phosphorus in their tissues. Because there are tons of little alewives, there is less phosphorus in the water to fuel algae blooms. They take it away in the fall when they leave.

Locally, Webber Pond, Sheepscot Lake, Three Mile, and Togus Pond all substantially cleared following the restoration of sea run alewives. However, the little fish are not magic. All those lakes still experience blooms from time to time.

Twenty years ago, alewife restoration was controversial. The Webber Pond Association assented to it somewhat reluctantly.

Because of successful restorations on a number of lakes, alewives are more positively received today – except in Palermo, where the Sheepscot Lake Association is engaged in a political campaign to block returning them to Sheepscot Lake.

I have been following a recent series of articles from representatives of SLA and 2 critical responses, by people I do not know. In my opinion, the objections to “slippery facts” are justified.

For example, [in the September 14, 2017], issue of The Town Line, an article by Roland Hallee is cited to promote the idea that alewives are adding to the nutrient load of Webber Pond. Roland is the editor of The Town Line and also a member of the Webber Pond Association.

This was not a science article. It was a summary of last year’s meeting of the Webber Pond Association, where a discussion occurred about a complex, mathematical, nutrient import/export model.

The officers and directors of the Webber Pond Association have questions about how many is too many. At a minimum, we believe we have way more than we need and support increasing the harvest.

Last year, our vice president made comments about the run increasing so much that we might be getting to the point where spawning adults were bringing in more nutrients than the juveniles were taking out. He spoke in good faith and used appropriate caveats.

It’s a fact that he raised the issue. It’s not a fact that a nutrient imbalance actually occurred. For that you would need measurements and an assessment by a qualified person.

Our vice president also attended the recent Sheepscot Lake Association meeting. He was the one who asked, “If you don’t mind my asking where did you hear something like that?’ when someone referred to mass die offs on Webber and problems with the fishery.

He advised that he’d lived on the pond for 30 years and there had been no mass die offs. Similarly fishing was good. Funny, nobody thanked him for setting the record straight.

It isn’t clear where the Sheepscot Lake Association is getting its information. They haven’t reached out to any of the nearby lake associations.

Similarly, it isn’t clear who they are using as their science advisor, or even if any specific person with appropriate credentials is working with them. I know that they have not consulted with the Department of Marine Resource, which with 20 years of restorations behind it now, is one of the leading agencies in the country with respect to alewife restoration.

I can confidently assert that it would be difficult to find an appropriately credentialed person who would back up many of the claims SLA is making in The Town Line. If there is one, maybe SLA can get them to step forward and write an article. I am all but certain that Roland will print it.

Community Commentary is a forum The Town Line makes available for citizens to express their opinions on subjects of interest to our readers. The Town Line welcomes, and encourages, differing opinions, counterpoints or opposing views. Keep the rebuttals positive, and informative, as submissions containing personal attacks will be rejected.

Bryant University celebrates class of 2018

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Inspired to excel, 788 members of Bryant University’s class of 2018 were awarded a Bryant degree at the University’s 155th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18.

Area graduates included:

Brandon Smith, of Sidney, graduated with a bachelor of science business administration degree in finance.

Bethany Winkin, of Winslow, graduated with a bachelor of science business administration degree in marketing.

Erskine Academy bus route schedule for 2018-19 school year

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Students should be at their pick-up points 5-10 minutes before the stated pick-up times for the first few days of school. Bus fare is $10 per week. Parents of freshmen are advised to check the bus schedule at New Student Orientation.

Pat Vigue – Bus 13
(Palermo Area)

6:25 – Palermo School
6:30 – Turner Ridge Road
6:35 – Banton Road
6:40 – Level Hill Road
6:45 – North Palermo Road
7:00 – Weston Ridge
7:15 – Tobey’s
7:20 – Frontier Village
7:25 – Leave Frontier Village
7:30 – Arrive at Erskine Academy

Sheila Wescott – Bus 11
(Chelsea/Windsor Area)

6:12 – Leave Erskine to Tyler Road
6:17 – Weeks Mills Road
6:20 – Legion Park Road/Lamson Road (turn-a-round)
6:23 – Barton Road
6:25 – 105 to Spring Road
6:50 – Chelsea School
6:53 – Wellman Road
6:55 – Route 17 to Windsor
7:00 – Hunts Meadow Road
7:10 – Route 126
7:15 – Vigue Road
7:20 – Route 17 to Route 32 Windsor
7:25 – Route 32 (Rideout’s Store)
7:35 – Arrive at Erskine Academy

Wayne Lacey – Bus 1
(Whitefield-Jefferson Area)

6:25 – Leave Country Corners Store
6:30 – Travel down Route 215
6:35 – Route 126 to Jefferson
6:40 – Jefferson Post Office
7:00 – Intersection of Route 32 & 17
7:10 – Intersection of Route 17 & 206
7:20 – Intersection of Route 105 & 32
7:23 – Choate Road
7:25 – Windsor Neck Road/South Road
7:30 – Kidder Road
7:30 – Arrive at Erskine Academy

Janice Cook – Bus 16
(Windsor/Whitefield/Coopers Mills Area)

6:18 – Leave Erskine- Rte 32 South
6:26 – Maxcy’s Mills Rd
6:28 – Griffin Road
6:33 – Vigue Road
6:37 – Townhouse Road
6:44 – 218N/194N
6:46 – Heath Road
6:50 – Hilton Road
6:52 – 218N //Mills Road
6:59 – Coopers Mills Main Street
7:00 – Windsor Road/Coopers Mills
7:02 – Erskine Road
7:04 – Wingood Road
7:08 – Erskine Road
7:09 – Windsor Road/Coopers Mills
7:15 – Route 105 to Rte 32
7:18 – Route 32 to Erskine Academy
7:30 – Arrive at Erskine Academy

Routes, drivers and bus numbers subject to change.

Obituaries, Week of August 16, 2018

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PARKER M. STEVENS

OAKLAND – Parker Millard Stevens, 8, tragically passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Parker Millard Stevens was born September 30, 2009, to Wade and Sara Stevens.

Parker was a big brother to three younger siblings, Hunter, Denver and Tayler. He loved everyone and was loved by all. His smile would light up a room and his laugh was contagious.

Parker attended RSU#18 school district. He was well known for his kindness, love and compassion for all. He was involved in Big Brothers & Big Sisters, where he met his “Big Sister” Emily. They bonded right off, and Parker considered her his real sister. Parker enjoyed playing with his siblings, swimming, going to camp, playing Minecraft, and making videos. His dream was to have his own You Tube channel one day.

He is survived by his parents, Wade and Sara Stevens, of Oakland; siblings, Hunter, Denver and Tayler; grandparents, Deborah and Joe Stevens, of Oakland, Grace and Richard Doyon, of Oakland; Keith and Kim Easton, of Gardiner, and Julie Doyon, of Waterville; his Uncle Brandon, of Oakland; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Online condolences may be offered and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

JANET M. DAVIS

SOUTH CHINA – Janet Mae Davis,76, passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at MaineGeneral Hospital. She was born February 17, 1942, the daughter of William Fletcher and Minnie Fletcher, of Albion.

She grew up in Albion and lived in New Boston, New Hampshire for many years before returning to Maine in 2010. She had many talents, including tole painting and had a very green thumb. She loved her flower gardens, and anything green.

She was the main caregiver too her daughter Dallas and devoted her life to her health and happiness.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister Elaine Dionne, of Maine.

She is survived by her long-time companion Daniel McCormack, of South China; daughters Kim Hadley, of California, Kelly Drew, of Epping, New Hampshire, Dallas Davis, of South China; son Chuck Hadley, of Mont Vernon, New Hapshire; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters Nancy Fletcher, Betty Fletcher, Margaret Lahey, Marion Ewin, Penny Fletcher; brothers William Fletcher, Mike Fletcher, Todd Fletcher and Mark Fletcher, all of Maine; and many nieces and nephews.

MILLARD A. HOWARD

PALERMO – Millard A. Howard, 82, passed away Friday, July 27, 2018, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born December 1, 1935 to Forrest and Malvina Howard.

He spent nearly his entire life living in Palermo leaving only for brief periods to attend school. Millard loved to read and developed a thirst for knowledge at a very young age. He graduated as valedictorian from Erskine Academy, continuing on to become the first in his family to attend college. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Clark University, again graduating with highest honors. He went on to attent a year at Harvard receiving a master of arts degree. While attending to his studies he began working for the state of Maine, taking a support position at a location known as “the farm” adjacent to the Augusta State Hospital, later AMHI. Upon graduation from Harvard, he began a career in mental health and public service with the Augusta State Hospital, holding several positions and moving the hospital forward until his retirement in the early 1990s.

He was also very active locally, serving as a selectman, a trustee at Erskine Academy, and being involved with numerous local organizations. He had a passion for history and genealogy. He was involved extensively with the Palermo Historical Society as well as having written, An Introduction to the Early History of Palermo, Maine, Second Edition.

While his health allowed, Millard enjoyed traveling, taking several trips to Europe. He was proud of where he came from and loved to serve his coounity in any way he could. Over his many years of travel he amassed an extensive library, occupying nearly all of his 3500 square foot barm. Although never married and having no children, Millard was exceptionally proud of his family and was ever involved in their lives.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Maurice and Milton.

He is survived by his nephew Mitchell Howard, of Yarmouth; and his great-nephews Vincent, Christian, and Charles Ireland.

Memorial donations may be made to: Smith Cemetery Preservation Fund, c/o Norma Swift, 2591 Level Hill Rd., Palermo ME 04345.

B. JOAN GENEST

ALBION – B. Joan Genest, 80, of Albion, passed away at her home Saturday, July 28, 2018. She was born on December 10, 1937, the daughter of William A. and Phyllis (Graf) Morrison.

Joan grew up in Anson and went to school in Skowhegan. She graduated from Waterville High School.

Joan worked at C.F. Hathaway, Keyes Fibre and finally retired from Walmart, all in Waterville.

Joan enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors from gardening to feeding and watching her birds. She enjoyed spending time with her family and loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and other activities.

Joan is survived by her husband of 30 years, Donald (Dale); a son Darryl (Skip) Prentiss and wife Brenda; brother William Morrison; stepchildren, Paula Locke and husband Tim, Dawn Marin, Karen Hilton, Todd Genest and wife Sherry; brothers-in-law, Mervin Green, Bob (Jeaninne), Mike (Peggy) Genest; sisters-in-law, Paula (Don) Carter and Cheryl (Steve) Mitchell; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed, memories shared and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com.

Donations in Joan’s memory may be sent to: MaineGeneral Hospice, 10 Water St., Waterville ME 04901.

LOUIS F. PELLETIER

FAIRFIELD – Louis F. Pelletier, 90, passed away in his home on Sunday, July 29, 2019. He was born in Winterville on March 31, 1928, the son of Joseph and Rose (Raymond) Pelletier.

He served 20 plus years in the Army, serving during the Korean War and twice during the Vietnam war. He was very proud of his military career.

He returned to Maine in 1971, and worked as an auto mechanic, owning his own business, Pelletier’s Garage, for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to camp, socializing and being outside in nature.

He was predeceased by his parents; four brothers and five sisters; infant daughter, Sheryl Lyn; and son, Terry Pelletier.

He is survived by Mary Pelletier, his wife of 68 years, of Fairfield; his children, Mary Jo Foster and husband Lawrence, of Jackman, and  Debra Rossignol and husband Wayne, of Oakland; his grandchildren, Jacob Foster, of Clinton, Derek Foster and wife Kerri, ofVassalboro, Christopher Pelletier and wife Carolyn, of Pittsfield, Deann Michaud, of Fairfield, and Westley Rossignol, of Oakland; his great-grandchildren, Hannah Pelletier, of Pittsfield, Ellie Foster, of Randolph, Michael Pelletier, of Canaan, Rebecca Michaud, of Fairfield, Gage Michaud, of Fairfield, and Camden Foster, of Vassalboro; and several nephews and nieces.

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

Arrangements were by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

RAYMOND P. GAY SR.

VASSALBORO – Raymond P. Gay, Sr., 79, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 29, 2018. Raymond was born in Augusta on January 15, 1939, son of the late Raymond and Edith (Anderson) Gay.

Raymond and Elizabeth were married January 31, 1959, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Augusta.

Raymond had a great deal of love for the outdoors, including fishing in his boat, hunting up north, and camping with his family and friends. He’d often talk about his beloved fishing trips in Jackman and hunting caribou in Labrador. But, what Raymond loved the most in his life were his wife, his children and grandchildren. A true family man, Raymond devoted himself as a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a step-in dad anytime he could. His heart was large and tender and many felt his fatherly love as if they were his own children. He was the kind of man that left a lasting impression and the little ones he leaves behind were truly the apple of his eye.

Raymond was employed by Statler Tissue, in Augusta, for 29 years after which he was employed by Michael Cayouette Flooring in Rockland before going to work for Mike taking care of the family farm in Vassalboro. Mr. Gay was predeceased by his son, Raymond P. Gay, Jr. on September 7, 2012; and two sisters, Margaret Gregoire and Sandra Pelletier.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; and three daughters, Brenda Cayouette and her husband Mike, Linda Collinson and her husband Bob, and Marilyn Poulin and her partner Brad Stover.

Arrangements were under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home webwsite at www.plummergh.com.

JEFFREY L. POOLER

FAIRFIELD – Jeffrey Lee Pooler, 56, passed away on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, following a cardiac event. Jeffrey was born September 7, 1962.

Jeff graduated from Lawrence High School in June 1981, where he excelled in basketball. He continued his education at Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, earning a degree in machine tooling.

Following his graduation, he began a long, successful career as a CNC machinist working at Mid State Machine, Kennebec Tool and Die, and B&B Precise Products.

He had many passions; first among them his children and grandchildren. If you ask his family, friends, and neighbors what was most notable about him as a man, you’re likely to hear about his selfless generosity and steadfast willingness to help anyone in need. The remainder of Jeff’s heart was on China Lake at his grandparents’ camp; a place where so many priceless memories were made. From his youth patrolling the shores in his yellow one-man sailboat, to cherished times as a grown man fishing with his grandsons; he always fed a stream of joy and laughter to all lucky enough to be within earshot.

He is survived by his parents, John and Bette Pooler; his two brothers, Keith and wife, Sophia Pooler, and Chad and wife, Joselin Pooler; his three children, Jessica Pooler, Christopher Pooler and fiancé Courtney, and Sarah (Pooler) and husband, Zachary Lemieux; five grandchildren, Brayden Davidson, Caelyn Pooler, and Maddox, Lincoln and Juliet Lemieux; and his sweetheart, Danielle Doyon; also several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

For those who so desire, donations in Jeffrey’s memory can be made to: The Maine Home for Little Wanderers, ATTN: Development Office, 93 Silver Street, Waterville ME 04901

OTHERS DEPARTED

MARY J. VEILLEUX, 79, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Unit, in Waterville. Locally, she is survived by her husband Donald Veilleux, of Waterville, children Richard Veilleux and wife Cathy, of Oakland, and Candis Veilleux and partner, Ed Papsis, of Winslow; four grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; two step-granddaughters; and sister Barbara LeClair and husband Roger, of Fairfield.

NOREEN M. ROBINSON, 98, of Gardiner, passed away on Friday, August 10, 2018, at the Hillside Terrace, in Hallowell. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Judith Robinson, of Palermo

FORMER RESIDENTS

JOHN McALEER, 95, of Oldsmar, Florida, passed away on Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Oldsmar, Florida. John was born in Waterville on July 25, 1923, to Joseph and Tilly (MacAskill) McAleer. He was educated in Waterville schools. They spent their summers at Snow Pond (Messalonskee Lake), in Oakland. He retired from Maine Central Railroad, where he was a machinist and crane operator.

Mobile home replacement initiative now ongoing

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The Maine State Housing Authority has implemented a Mobile Home Replacement Initiative, effective June 15, 2018. The program provides the combination of an amortizing, interest bearing Maine Housing Mortgage Loan and a $30,000 Maine Housing grant. The initiative is designed to assist income eligible Maine residents seeking to replace their pre-1976 mobile home with a new Energy Star certified manufactured home on the same site.

The borrowers must execute a deferred, forgivable note and mortgage to ensure compliance with the 15-year occupancy requirement.

Those eligible for this new limited-time opportunity are applicants who own and occupy a pre-1976 mobile home, defined as being built before June 15, 1976, and must qualify for a MaineHousing First Home or Salute ME mortgage in a first-lien position. The first-time home buyers requirement is waived.

The optional $30,000 grant requires a 15-year occupancy compliance period. All the funds can be applied to dismantle and remove the existing mobile home unit and install, on the original site, a new Energy Star certified manufactured home. Funds can be used to pay off an existing mortage loan, to pay for borrower closing costs, to pay for outstanding assessments, and site development costs.

The new units must be Energy Star certified manufactured homes which are permanently connected to water, sewer, electric and other utilities. The home must be anchored to a permanent foundation in accordance with provisions set forth by the Maine Manufactured Housing Board with the wheels, axles, towing hitch and tongue removed. The land on which the home is located can be owned by the applicants, private leased land or in an approved park.

Under the new initiative, borrowers must be credit qualified for a Home Mortgage Program payable loan.

Income qualifications are: in Kennebec, Somerset, Knox and Lincoln counties, $54,480 for 1-2 persons, and $62,640 for three persons or more.

A sample transaction would be $65,000 for a new Energy Star home, $35,000 project costs, to include site preparation, slab, utility hook-ups, removal of the existing home, paying off an existing mortgage and closing costs, for a total of $100,000. Subtracting the credit for the grant brings the mortgage total to $70,000, which, with 4.5 percent interest (APR of 5.11 percent), would equal a monthly payment of $354.68. Costs will vary by case, with interest rates subject to change. The payments are based on a 30-year term.

For more information, visit www.mainehousing.org or www.MaineHousing.org/HomeLoan; or telephone 207-626-4663 or 800-452-4668.

Report from the transfer station

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by Irene Belanger

So many things to talk about. Again many big thank yous for recycling clean items. Thanks to all and to our grand transfer station staff. We have a good reputation out in the “wonderful world of trash.” Many thanks also go out to those who pick up roadside trash while out for your daily walks. Special thank you to the lady who cares for the South China Village area.

Remember to check the upcoming issue of The Town Line for the dates, times and places for drug drop off, hazardous waste/electronics and paper shredder events. The library corner in the free-for-taking building has become very popular. Books for everyone to enjoy. Books are meant to be shared.

Clean, bagged good clothes, shoes and handbags in the apparel box are benefiting others. Good participation, thank you. Also shop the free-for-taking building locally. Let me know if you think a bulletin board would be a good idea. Maybe someone is looking for a specific item for a craft or other project. Call me, Irene at 445-2349 or Neil Farrington with other ideas to recycle-reuse good items. Want to volunteer to help at the China Transfer Station? I need names and info for those who are now helping as the station’s open schedule will soon be changing.

Think you’d like to volunteer? Thurston Park needs workers for several projects. Contact Jen. We meet the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m., at the town office campus.

Want to form a group to renew the search for waterfront property for all of our town residents to use? Call Irene at 445-2349.

How about a group to develop one or two ice rinks? Call Irene 445-2349. Enthusiasm needed.

A gardening group to work on various town properties and look at redoing the sign coming into China on Rte. 3?

Speaking of volunteerism, I thank you Kelly Grotton and Lucas Adams along with many others for all of the work going into a project so grand as planning the China Community Days, which was a success despite rain and gray skies. Thank you to staff who assisted. The children had a ball all throughout the day with the fire tanker truck “spraying” them. It was a joy to watch and I wish I was a kid again. Thank you everyone including vendors, police, fire departments.

Thank you to former Town Manager Dan L’Heureux and new Town Manager Dennis Heath.

Thank you to all who attended China Community Days – China 200-year celebration. Thanks to Bicentennial chairman Neil Farrington.

Selectmen set tax rate at 0.01545 mils

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by Mary Grow

As anticipated, Vassalboro selectmen have set the 2018-19 tax rate at 0.01545 mils, or $15.45 for each $1,000 of valuation. The new rate is an increase of 90 cents per $1,000 of valuation over the 2017-18 rate. At the Aug. 6 special selectmen’s meeting, Town Manager Mary Sabins said she expects tax bills will go out in mid-August, probably around Aug. 16. By town meeting vote, the first quarterly payment is due Monday, Sept. 24.

The next regular Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting is Thursday evening, Aug. 23, beginning with a 6:30 p.m. public hearing on conditions at Brock’s Mobile Home Park, as required by dangerous buildings regulations.

Planners approve town’s first medical marijuana storefront

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Planning Board members have approved the town’s first medical marijuana storefront, in one end of the ABC storage building on Route 3.

Board members also had two shoreland applications on their Aug. 7 agenda. They approved one and tabled the other for more information.
Bryan Moore and Wendy Ostrow explained their plan to rent the apartment area in the former motel building and turn it into a two-room shop where people with prescriptions for medical marijuana can get them filled.

They described in detail the paperwork required to qualify just to enter the medical marijuana area and the limits on their practice as caregivers.
They will not grow or process marijuana, so the store should not produce odors or unusual waste products. There will be no on-premises consumption. Security will be extensive.

They run a similar operation in Trenton, they said. On Aug. 7, Moore said, 55 customers had stopped; he did not say whether the number was low, high or typical.

Planning board members expressed surprise that no neighbors attended the meeting. Given the apparent lack of concern, they decided informally that no public hearing was needed.

After reviewing criteria for a commercial business, they unanimously approved the permit.

Ostrow said no opening date has been set. One shoreland zoning application was from Michael and Lisa Smart to remove and replace a camp at 12 Cote Road in the Webber Pond shoreland. Board members voted unanimously to allow the change.

The second was from Ryan and Jessica Gallant, who applied to relocate a camper and convert it to a camp at 107 McQuarrie Road, also in the Webber Pond shoreland. The Gallants were not at the Aug. 7 meeting, and board members found they needed more information before they could reach a decision. They therefore tabled the application. In an Aug. 14 email, Codes Officer Richard Dolby said the applicants had withdrawn their application.