SOLON & BEYOND: More Solon school news

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

Good morning my friends.

Didn’t have room for all the Solon Elementary School news last week, so I’m finishing the Solon School News email I received. This fall students have received a colored pom-pon each time they did a good job meeting school expectations, displaying positive behaviors, or being helpful and/or cooperative as part of the new Positive Behavioral Intervention Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. Students put these pom-pons in a jar on the counter behind Mrs. Weese’s desk. The students were told that there would be a schoolwide celebration when the jar was full.

Right before Christmas the pom-pon jar was filled. Fifth grader Fisher Tewksbury suggested that for the pupils reward they all play a winter version of the Hearts game they play every Valentine’s Day. So they did! K-5 students were divided into multiage teams to play this game, which is similar to Yahtzee, on December 19.

They also had a contest to see which male student, female student, and staff member could come closest to guessing the number of pom-pons in the jar. There were 709 pom-pons, each one representing a positive action by one of the students. winners were Stuart Hamblen, Katelyn DeLeonardis, and Mrs. Campbell.

Winners of the Hearts Drawing was Hunter Pouliot and Kaitlyn Soucle.

Superintendent of schools, Mike Tracy, joined the kindergarten class for Thanksgiving dinner on November 15. The class enjoyed his visit!

My many thanks for sending me this information to share.

Received the following e-mail from Angie Stockwell from the Margaret Chase Smith Library, in Skowhegan.

Dear Readers,

It’s difficult to imagine that a new year has begun and the first of our newsletters is ready for your reading enjoyment. Our front cover news is the election of Maine’s first woman governor and her connection to Senator Smith. A new exhibit on the 19th Amendment is near completion. Interestingly, the California fires bring back memories of Maine’s forest fires in 1947. National History Day in Maine is always in the works, as is our annual essay contest for high school seniors. The passing of President George H. W. Bush recalls the friendship of the Bush family. And our heartfelt thanks to all our donors who responded to our annual fund drive. It promises to be busy year and we’re grateful for our continued support. Best wishes for 2019.

The following email is from Happyknits. We’re thumbing our noses at winter with another Wine and Twine. Come join us at the Miller’s Table (just downstairs from Happyknits) on Saturday, January 19, from 4 – 6 p.m. Bring your project and a friend while we laugh, sip and nosh. Don’t feel like “wining”? Don’t feel like “twining?” That’s ok – just come anyway! We promise you’ll have a good time!

Do you know about Knit Night at Happyknits? It’s held every Tuesday night from 5 – 8 p.m. It’s free and open to everyone. Does that not work into your schedule? Happyknits has open knitting/crocheting every day of the week, so bring your project, a friend ( or two or three) and sit by our cozy fire. We have set aside Thursday afternoons (anytime) and Friday afternoons, from 2 – 4 p.m., if you want to gather with a group, but you are welcome to relax in our shop anytime we’re here. It’s cheaper than psychotherapy, and a whole lot more fun!

And now for Percy’s memoir: Hold fast your dreams! Within your heart Keep one still, secret spot Where dreams may go, And, sheltered so, May thrive and grow Where doubt and fear are not. O keep a place apart, Within your heart, For little dreams to grow! We see so many ugly things – Deceits and wrongs and quarrelings: We know alas! we know How quickly fade The color in the west, The bloom upon the flower. The bloom upon the breast And youth’s blind hour. Yet keep within your heart A place apart Where little dreams may go, May thrive and grow. Hold fast— hold fast your dreams! (words by Louise Driscoll.)

Whitefield Lions induct two members

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David, right, and Julie Rand, center, both of Jefferson, and First Vice President Lion Donna Brooks, left. (Contributed photo)

Two new members were inducted into the Whitefield Lions club at their regular meeting January 10. David and Julie Rand, both of Jefferson, are sponsored by First Vice President Lion Donna Brooks. Past President Lion Pam Moody performed the induction ceremony at the Whitefield Lions clubhouse, in Coopers Mills.

To learn more about the Whitefield Lions club or receive information about becoming a member, please visit http://www.whitefieldlionsclub.com/ or contact the president of Whitefield Lions club, Lion Kim Haskell at 446-2545.
Contributed photo

Fairfield Cops Care For Kids Program experiences another great year

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Fairfield Police Department personnel, front row, from left to right, Capt. Paul St.Amand, Officer Casey Dugas, Officer Shanna Blodgett, Dispatcher Jeanne Kempers, Officer Jordan Brooks and Officer Joseph Pelletier. Back, Officer Patrick Mank, Sgt. Matthew Bard, Officer Nemiah Nattress, Chief Thomas Gould, Officer Blake Wilder, Officer Timothy MacArthur and Sgt. Matthew Wilcox. Photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff

by Mark Huard

Once again Fairfield Police Officers carry out their annual Cops Care For Kids, where they bring wrapped presents in their cruisers wearing Santa hats. This is a tradition started by Kingston Paul in 2006. At its inception, Kingston purchased all of the gifts and wrapped them himself to ensure that more of the children in the community were able to have enjoyable Christmas memories with their families without worrying about financial stress. The program has grown over the years. This is a heartfelt occasion for all those involved and something that all of the law enforcement employees take pride. This year was another success, as the officers delivered presents to 226 kids in 108 Fairfield households on December 20. Officers had met earlier in the month and spent a long evening in the town office basement wrapping presents for the event.

The program has developed into an application process that is sent out through the school systems. It is no longer limited to struggling households and has been expanded to reach any Fairfield child. The officers focus on giving back to the community they love and spend so many hours protecting. It is now more about giving back to the community that they love and spend so much time protecting.

Community Outreach is something that the officers recognize as a critical part of their job. They want children and adults to be able to join together, and there is nothing like magic of the holiday season to inspire good will among everyone. It’s carrying on the heartfelt sentiment of their fellow officer, Kingston Paul, who has since passed away. Officer Paul donated $20,000 to the program, which has assisted in creating a stable program with longevity. Despite the large donation, officers still donate weekly to the cause out of their own pockets.

The Fairfield Police Department has a vision of eventually expanding the program in hopes of focusing on community togetherness. They hope to hold an event at the community center which will allow officers and families to have more direct interactions with each other for a longer period of time. These positive experiences are life changing for children in regards to having positive memories and positive interactions with law enforcement. The vision is one of holiday treats, officer elves, a holiday movie and whatever else will bring a smile to the face of children. The officers will not retire their sleighs though, as they will still do home deliveries to those not willing or able to attend the event.

BBBS recruiting new volunteers

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Husson University student and Big Sister Mikhaila Necevski, left, and her Little Sister Savannah Dube enjoy coloring, making clay sculptures and playing jump rope as part of their new match through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine.

January is National Mentoring Month, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine is celebrating its mentors (Bigs) and recruiting new volunteers to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters to over 100 children waiting to be matched.

Every January, the news is full of the same stories of people trying to eat healthier or hit the gym more often. This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBSMM) is changing that story by asking: What if this year, you could resolve to do something more important, more impactful? What if you could make a resolution worth keeping, one that inspires more resolutions? In 2019, the agency is asking people to resolve to become a Big Brother or Big Sister.

“Bettering yourself in the new year is a great goal,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine Executive Director Gwendolyn Hudson, “and we know people are also thinking about how to better their community and how to make sure that when they reflect on the past year, they know they made a difference.”

According to Hudson, more than 100 youth in the agency’s 7-county service area from eastern and central Maine to the midcoast and Androscoggin County, are waiting to be matched with a mentor. “The only way to ensure they have someone to inspire them to reach their potential is for more adults to step up and volunteer to become Bigs,” she said, adding that becoming a mentor means committing to spending a couple of hours a week with a young person doing things that you love to do, like playing basketball, visiting the library, taking a walk or learning how to cook. “A small investment of time can have a big impact on a child.”

Community residents can learn more about local Littles waiting and how to become a mentor by following BBBS of Mid-Maine’s weekly “Waiting Wednesday” Facebook posts, sponsored by Hannaford Supermarkets. Throughout the month, BBBS is encouraging followers to tag a friend who would be a great Big Brother or Big Sister, using the hashtag #TheBigResolution. To learn more about becoming a Big or other volunteer opportunities, visit bbbsmidmaine.org, email info@bbbsmidmaine.org or call 207-236-BBBS.

Vassalboro town manager new MMA president

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Vassalboro town manager Mary Sabins, new MMA president

Mary Sabins, town manager in Vassalboro, recently ascended to the position of president of the Maine Municipal Association’s Executive Committee. Christine Landes, city manager in Gardiner, is MMA’s new vice president.

Sabins took over her duties of MMA president effective Dec. 3, 2018, leading the 12-member committee that steers MMA on operational and budgeting priorities.

Upon her swearing in, Sabins reaffirmed MMA’s commitments to restoring the Municipal Revenue Sharing Program, increasing education funding from the state and improving local and state infrastructure, from roads, highways and bridges to broadband Internet capability.

Sabins noted that a new governor and Legislature in Maine provide an opportunity to cement a positive municipal-state partnership.

“We hope that eventually leads to the re-establishment of the Municipal Advisory Council,” which could work closely with Gov. Janet Mills and her administration, Sabins said. “The council will give a voice to the needs of Maine municipalities of all sizes.”

Sabins, of Vassalboro, previously served as MMA vice president. In that role, she led MMA’s 70-member Legislative Policy Committee, which directs the organization on legislative issues and priorities. As a matter of succession, Landes, of Gardiner, will lead the LPC this year. Landes is scheduled to become MMA’s president in January 2020.

Sabins’ municipal experience is extensive. Before taking the position of town manager with Vassalboro in 2008, Sabins previously held various municipal positions in the towns of Chelsea, Windsor, Union and Hope. She also worked as facilities and food director with the former Maine School Administrative District #40 in Warren. Sabins is a University of Maine graduate with a degree in business administration.

Landes was first appointed to the MMA Executive Committee in 2016.

She became the city manager in Gardiner in August 2018, having previously served as Bethel’s town manager from 2014-2018. She previously was a deputy city clerk in Brewer, deputy town clerk in Veazie, deputy tax collector in Orange Park, Florida, and town clerk in Warren.

Landes recently earned a master’s of business administration degree from Southern New Hampshire University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Maine at Augusta.

Obituaries, Week of January 17, 2019

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JAMES R. HORNER

VASSALBORO – James R. Horner, 95, passed away at home on Wednesday, December 26, 2018. He was born September 20, 1923, in Manchester, New Hampshire, the son of James R. Horner Jr. and Helen (Anthony) Horner.

Jim grew up in Ohio and New Hampshire, graduating from Concord High School in 1941. After a year at Wake Forest University, in North Carolina, Jim enlisted in World War II where he was Navy Midshipman (Quartermaster 1st Class) on the USS Wenatchee as part of the Third Fleet in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.

He returned and finished college in business administration at Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Jim married Barbara (Nedeau) Horner, his wife of 70 years, in 1948. He was a private school administrator for over 35 years, working at St. Paul School in Concord, New Hampshire, Western Reserve Academy, in Hudson, Ohio, Hinckley School, in Hinckley, and finally retiring in 1988 from Durham Academy, in Durham, North Carolina. His dedication to the education of youth was deep. He was a loyal Rotarian with perfect attendance for 30 years, and a Master Mason at the Blazing Star Eureka Masonic Lodge #11, in Concord, New Hampshire.

Jim enjoyed traveling, attending college football and basketball games, summer vacations on the lakes of Maine and New Hampshire, and golfing at Natanis Golf Course, in Vassalboro, when he retired. He was an exercise enthusiast, swimmer, and jogger long before it became popular. He like to share jokes and was friendly to all who crossed his path.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Stewart and his wife, Cindy, of Waterville’ and daughter, Peggy and her husband, Ted May, of Columbia, Missouri; granddaughter, Heather Provost and her husband, Lucas, of Albion; and grandson Travis Horner and friend Josh Rideout, of Portland; great-grandchildren, Madalyn, Ryder, and Miles Provost; his sister, Ann Melvin, of Barrington, New Hampshire and sister-in-law, Suzanne Horner, of North Port, Florida; and six nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, William (Bill) Horner, of Portland and brother, Robert (Bob) Horner, of North Port, Florida.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m., January 19, 2019, at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville.

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

Those who wish, may honor Jim’s life by making a gift in his memory to the Vassalboro United Methodist Church, 614 Main St., Vassalboro ME 04989 or the Vassalboro Food Pantry, 26 Ferland Lane, Vassalboro ME 04989.

ROBERT “BOBBY” EDWARD RAVEN

UNITY – Robert “Bobby” Edward Raven, 81, passed away on Monday, December 31, 2018, at Glenridge Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care Center, in Augusta. He was born June 29, 1937, to Lawrence and Lillian (Stevens) Raven in Knox.

As his mom died when he was one year old, he was raised by Lawrence “Bug” and Beatrice “Bea” Raven.

Bobby graduated from Freedom Academy, in Freedom. He worked in several jobs over the years, from Pratt & Whitney, in Connecticut, to their own chicken farm in Burnham, Ethan Allen, Keyes Fibre Co. in Waterville, and Pride Manufacturing, in Burnham, where he retired in 2004.

His hobbies included camping with family and friends, playing horseshoes, beanbag toss, fishing, especially ice fishing, but most of all he loved to give a hand to anyone who needed it. He was affectionately called “Bob, the Builder” while at Glenridge the last two years.

Bob was predeceased by his wife, Sandrea (Siebert) Raven; his parents; his sister Janice Gardner; and granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn Mitchell.

He is survived by Patricia R. Smith and boyfriend Thomas Armsworthy; Michael L. Raven and fiancé Nancy Morrell, and son Timothy W. Raven, all of Unity; grandchildren Karen Mitchell and Silas Reynolds, Robert Mitchell, Matthew Raven and wife Tracey, Zachary Raven and fiancé Chelsea, Jordan Raven, Jared Raven and fiancé Brianna; great-grandchildren, Silas and Lydia Reynolds, Mason, Owen and Evan Raven; brothers, Melvin “Mickey” and wife Carol, Arnold “Chet,” Algene “Ike,” and Roger and wife Joan; sisters Barbara Raven and Myrna Raven; brother-in-law, Joel Gardner and sister and brother-in-law Sheila and Christopher Chiarizio; brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Maria Seibert; many nieces and nephews.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ripostafh.com.

LIONEL CAYER

FAIRFIELD – Lionel Cayer, 98, died Wednesday morning, January 2, 2019.

He was born in Quebec, Canada, and moved to the states where he honorably served in the Army Air Corp in World War II from 1941 to 1945 in Italy, Sicily, and North Africa. He talked about the Italian women crushing grapes and the wine, but rarely anything about the combat.

Returning from his military service, he married the former Kathleen Dorothy Chard. He was a devoted husband for 72 years and what a legacy they left. Dad’s passion was providing for his family with love, big gardens and lots of hard work. He was an avid reader all his life on many different subjects. His trade was a self-made engineer and tinkerer. He would fix anything.

He loved the little ones so much, as they came along, and had nicknames for many; and no one will forget the “gunks on the noggin.”

He is survived by two siblings; 10 of his 11 children; 21 of his 23 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in the spring.

Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view a video collage.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Food for the Poor at www.foodforthepoor.org. , one of Lionel’s favorite charities.

MIRIAM M. BROWN

ALBION – Miriam M. Brown, 97, of Albion, passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2019, at Glenridge Nursing Home, in Augusta. Miriam was born in Winslow on November 8, 1921, the daughter of Arthur and Hattie (Decker) Marr.

Miriam attended the Goodwill School in Hinckley, and was employed by Norrwock Shoe Company, until her retirement in 1984. She taught Sunday school for over 25 years at various churches and regularly attended Pentecostal churches since she was in her 20s. She recently attended the Riverside Assembly Church, in Fairfield.

Miriam liked knitting, crocheting, tatting, needlepoint, cross stitching and needlework of all kinds. She made a lot of her own patterns. At 95 years old she knitted 87 pairs of hats and mittens that were given to children at Christmas time. She also enjoyed doing puzzles.

Miriam is survived by her son John Stevens and his wife Kathy, of Albion; her daughter Edith Frost and her husband Floyd, of Oakland; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; two nieces; and a nephew.

Arrangements were under the direction and care of Aable Cremation Service, of Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Riverside Assembly Church, 32 Water St., Fairfield ME 04937.

GERRY E. POTTLE

FAIRFIELD – Gerry Ernest Pottle passed away on Friday, January 4, 2019, in Portland. He was born in Albion on June 11, 1949.

Earlier in life he was a woodsman, laborer in the union, and he also worked for Kirschner. Gerry loved fishing and hunting.

He was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Hester Pottle; sister Valerie Costain; and brother Donald Pottle.

He is survived by daughter Noelle and husband Mark Dodd, of Orange, California; son Ryan Pottle, of Clearwater, Florida; grandchildren, Tyler Colford, Gregory and Ashlinn Dodd; siblings, Lawrence Pottle Jr. and wife Audrey, Janice Harmon, Allan Pottle, Linda Douglas and husband Steve; brother-in-law Robert Costain; aunts, Thelma Seaman, Julia Raven, Faye Pottle; and uncle, Bill Peavey; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside service in the spring at Brown Cemetery in Benton.

Arrangements are being made by Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service Skowhegan.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his memory to help with burial expenses mailed to: Crystal Pottle, 308 East Benton Rd., Benton ME 04901.

JEFFREY A. HOSEA

OAKLAND – Jeffrey Alan Hosea, 54, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Northern Light Inland Hospital, in Waterville. Jeff was born in Waterville on December 8, 1964, the son of Lowell and Harriet (Sawtelle) Hosea.

He attended Clinton Elementary and Tapley School, in Oakland, through the eighth grade, and graduated from Temple Academy, in Waterville, in 1983. He earned his associate’s degree in automotive technology from Eastern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, in Bangor, in 1986.

Jeff was a successful and thriving auto technician at Nault’s Honda, in Manchester, New Hampshire, during which he met his future wife. He continued his career at Paul Blouin’s Honda, in Augusta, before transitioning to his employer, Central Maine Toyota, in Waterville. He strived for excellency in all he did, which was shown through his Master Technician Certification and Automotive Service Excellence awards, among many other performance awards. Jeff was a man of God, and attended Faith Evangelical Free Church and Kennebec Valley Baptist Church, both in Waterville.

For many years Jeff’s hobbies included cycling, hiking, camping, and enjoying quality time with friends and family. He was known for big spreads at barbecues, lobster bakes, fireworks displays on the 4th of July, and his weekend breakfast buffets.

On June 12, 1993, Jeff married Angela Buice at Calvary Temple Chapel, which his father helped build.

He was predeceased by his father, Lowell Hosea; his paternal grandfather, Frank Hosea; and his maternal grandfather, Arthur Sawtelle.

He is survived by his mother, Harriet Hosea; his wife, Angela Hosea; his two children, Jessica and Travis Hosea; his siblings, Julie Gee, Lowell Hosea Jr., Tim Hosea, and Dennis Hosea; his nieces and nephews, Paul Gee, Heather Mclewin, Joshua Hosea, Christopher Hosea, Susan Brown,l Megan Roy, Shannon Williford, Kayla Hosea, Dawna Sargent, and Debbie Sheridan; his second son, Daniel Turner.

A celebration of his life will follow later in the spring.

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

Arrangements by Lawry Brothers-Wheeler Funeral & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

RICHARD C. POTTER

SOMERVILLE & LIBERTY – Richard C. “RCP the Great” Potter, 63, passed away on Wednes­day, January 2, 2019. He was born in Augusta on December 11, 1955, a son of Rich­ard L. and Ramona A. (Bessey) Potter.

Richard attended Erskine Academy, in South China. He began his working career at the Haskell Horse farm in Palermo. He extended his career into the logging industry, working in the woods and driving a pulp truck. Recently, he worked as a cross country truck driver.

Richard was an avid outdoorsman. He could be found anywhere scouting, trapping or hunting. The greatest hunts were with his family. Hunts that included deer, turkey, moose and most recently bobcat. Richard also enjoyed his fruit trees, beekeeping, gardening, coloring, watching western movies and especially socializing. Family was very important to Richard. Becoming a grandfather was one of his proudest accomplishments.

Richard was predeceased by a daughter, Tarasa Potter; his father, Richard L. Potter and his sister Bonnie Vannah.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Anne Potter, of Liberty; two daughters: Angimarie and her husband Lewie, Karrianne and her husband Jason; two sons: Zeb and his wife Danica, Smitty and his wife Kim; his mother, Ramona; brother, Bryan Potter and his wife Darlene; five grandchildren: Connor, Logan, Audrey, Bradley and Matthew; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

At his request, there will be no public visiting hours. Following cremation, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 19, at 1 p.m., at the Palermo Christian Church, 322 Branch Mills Rd, Palermo, ME.

Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

Should contributions be desired, friends and family can follow up with Richard’s children.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Rte. 32, Windsor, ME.

OTHERS DEPARTED

ANGELINA L. BITTUES, 67, of Winthrop, passed away on Sunday, December 9, 2018. Locally, she is survived by sisters marvel A. Hutchings and Basil Barnes, of Albion, and Berta Estes and her spouse, Terrence, of Winslow.

ANGELA BUKER, 73, of Waterville, passed away on Thursday, December 20, 2018, following a long fight with heart disease. Locally, she is survived by a two daughters, Tina King and husband Greg, of Clinton, and Tammy Harmon and her fiancé Hubert Clair, of South China; siblings Linda Fortin and husband Dick, of Oakland.

ANNIE C. TRASK, 71, of Augusta, passed away on Friday, December 21, 2018, at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home, in Waterville. Locally, she is survived by brothers Kenneth Rideout Sr. and wife Priscilla, of Sidney, and Ralph Rideout and wife Karalyn, of Windsor, and sister Evelyn French, of Somerville.

VALERIE N. TILLEY, 77, of Augusta, passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2018, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. Locally, she is survived by a granddaughter, Maeghan Robinson and husband Robbie, of South China.

CHARLES A. BOWDEN, 66, of Jefferson, passed away on Monday, December 24, 2018. Locally, he is survived by a daughter Crystal G. Armstrong and husband Aaron, of Windsor, and ex-wife Kathy Williams, of Windsor.

LINDA S. HEIL/DECKER, 64, of Augusta, passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2018, at Capitl City Manor, in Augusta. Locally, she is survived by her sister Catherine Heil-LaPointe and her spouse, Frances LaPointe, of South China.

PHILIP L. BICKFORD, 89, of Manchester, passed away on Monday, December 31, 2018, at his home. Locally, he is survived by sons Chris Bickford and wife Tina, and Craig Bickford and wife Carlotta, all of Chelsea, and daughters Linda Foss and husband Richard, of Vassalboro, and Sherrie Kramer and husband Shawn, of Belgrade.

JANICE E. McGOWAN, 77, of Pittsfield, passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2019, following a courageous battle with lung cancer. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Rhonda Kennedy and companion, Martin Harris, of Oakland.

FORMER RESIDENT

JOHN J. BOLES, 97, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away on Friday, November 9, 2018, in Scottsdale. He was born in Waterville on June 3, 1921, the son of Thomas and Mary (Saad) Boles.

AREA NOTABLE

JON. T. MISNER, 53, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, January 4, 2019, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta.

Jon was executive director of the Waterville Opera House from 1998 to 2005. He was responsible for bringing Missoula Children’s Theater to the Opera Houae, a program that continues today. He was also a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

Locally, he is survived by his wife Renae, and a son Alex, both of Waterville.

WGN back

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Charter Communications director of government affairs Shelley Winchenbach, locally known as Spectrum, has reported that they have reached an agreement with Tribune Broadcasting to provide WGN America and multiple local ABC, CBS, FOX and CW, and digital multicast channel affiliate stations to customers. They announced that they have reached a fair agreement and appreciated subscribers’ support and patience.

Board denies reduced valuation to ReVision Energy

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The solar farm located on Rte. 32 North, in China. (Photo by Roland Hallee)

by Mary Grow

On a 2-1 vote, the China Board of Assessment Review denied a request to reduce the valuation on ReVision Energy’s community solar farm at Three Level Farm on Route 32 North.

Four board members heard three hours of argument on the subject at a Dec. 18 meeting (see this article from Jan. 3). Three met again Jan. 10 to make a decision (the fourth person was out of state).

Chairman Dale Peabody began by establishing that no board member had a conflict of interest in acting on the project. He then reviewed the criteria for a successful appeal: the burden of proof is on the appellant (ReVision Energy in this case), who must prove the assessment was “manifestly wrong” in that it was either completely unreasonable or fraudulent, dishonest or illegal.

In addition, Peabody said, the appellant is required to provide an alternative valuation supported by credible evidence.

Peabody and fellow board member Harold Charles did not believe ReVision Energy met either requirement. They questioned the company’s figures on depreciation and on the end-date for the project and its final value; and they found the company’s belief that taxes should equal to no more than five percent of income unsupported.

Peabody added that the local board’s task was difficult, because there are not yet established criteria for making decisions about the value of community solar farms. He recommended companies and assessors get together and try to agree on some basic elements.

Meanwhile, he said, he found no evidence in ReVision’s presentation that assessor William Van Tuinen’s valuation was manifestly wrong.

Board member Sheri Wilkens voted against rejecting the appeal. She agreed that ReVision’s proposed cap on taxes was not adequately supported, but wanted a scientific basis for the varying figures presented on depreciation and final value.

Van Tuinen had never before valued a community solar farm, she pointed out, while ReVision brought an expert to the December meeting to defend its figures, Chief Counsel and Director of Development Steve Hinchman.

Expert, Charles agreed, but also “the guy who’s selling the thing.”

The difference in valuation is significant: Van Tuinen valued the community solar farm at about $275,000, while working backwards from ReVision’s five percent tax rate gives a valuation of less than $91,000.

Kristin Collins, ReVision’s attorney, said at the end of the Jan. 10 meeting that her client would wait to see the written document denying the appeal, with its statement of facts, before deciding whether to continue to court.

Manager presents proposed 2019 budget at meeting

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by Mary Grow

At a Jan. 11 meeting, China Town Manager Dennis Heath presented selectmen and budget committee members with proposed municipal budget articles for the April 6 town business meeting.

The manager’s draft rearranges expenditure requests into what he sees as logical categories. One result is fewer articles.

For example, instead of a warrant article asking voters to appropriate funds for insurance (Art. 15 in the 2018 warrant), insurance costs are listed as part of each department’s expenses, as a line item in requests for the police department, public works, fire and rescue services and transfer station.

Town boards and committees are together in one proposed article. It includes a new parks committee, based on Heath’s recommendation to rename the Thurston Park II Committee and give it jurisdiction over both Thurston Park and the school forest behind China Primary School.

Out-of-town social services are combined in one article, in-town “Community support organizations” in another.

Street signs and street lights, which had a separate article in past years (Art. 20 in 2018), are listed under public works. Heath said a proposed increase in street light expenses from $7,200 to $10,000 is in anticipation of additional lights on the causeway at the head of China Lake’s east basin and in “other parts of town where appropriate.” Heath also advises changes in both the use of TIF (Tax Increment Finance) money and the presentation of TIF warrant articles. One article deleted after many years is the request to give part of the snowmobile registration tax refund from the state to the China Four Seasons Club (Art. 21 in 2018). Heath said since town money is not being appropriated, he thinks the article is unnecessary.

In an introduction to the budget document, Heath explained that he asked heads of town departments to help develop it.

He predicted the effect of the proposed municipal budget on the tax rate will be a small increase, about 35 cents for each $1,000 of valuation, but quickly added that until the school and county requests are known, no accurate prediction is possible. The town meeting warrant is also likely to include proposed ordinance amendments presented by the planning board. A public hearing on the changes is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29.

Future budget discussions include a selectmen’s workshop at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, and a budget committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23. The next regular selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22.

Selectmen and budget committee members discussed two other changes in the town meeting warrant.

They agreed the selectmen’s and budget committee recommendations that follow articles will give the number of votes in each group – instead of saying simply “Select Board recommends yes,” the line will add the number of board members voting yes and no.

They are considering eliminating or moving to the end of the warrant the speeches and presentations that delay the start of voting and often duplicate information in the annual town report.

Selectmen discuss public works, transfer station at length

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by Mary Grow

Much of the China selectmen’s Jan. 7 meeting was devoted to discussion of public works and the transfer station.

Town Manager Dennis Heath and public works employee Shawn Reed announced that Gary Cummings is leaving this week after 18 years of service to the town. Heath showed selectmen the certificate of appreciation to be presented to Cummings.

Board members unanimously authorized purchase of a new roll-up door for the lower level of the transfer station hopper building, replacing a 25-year-old door Reed said is beyond further repair. The cost is just under $7,000.

They authorized Heath to get a second price quote on a new generator for the town garage on Alder Park Road to power the diesel pump, lights and doors during power outages, and to buy the lower-priced.

Reed asked for a plug in the sand shed so the town’s portable generator could be used to power that door when needed.

He told selectmen the new Ventrax tractor is here and “looks good.”

Board members and Reed held a lively discussion of the relative merits of salt and sand for winter road maintenance. Reed said the town crew uses salt; the contractor responsible for one route uses sand, because his trucks are not calibrated to measure salt distribution.

Salt is expensive to buy, hard on vehicles and potentially damaging to China Lake, selectmen said. But, Reed said, money is saved in the spring when sand doesn’t have to be swept off roads and dug out of ditches. He believes salt makes safer roads, too, except when the temperature is too low for it to take effect.

In other business, selectmen postponed action on Heath’s proposal to change the Thurston Park II Committee to the Parks Committee and give it jurisdiction over the town forest behind China Primary School, as well as over Thurston Park. Selectman Irene Belanger wanted the current committee to consider the change.

Heath said China’s 2019 town business meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 6. Voters will be asked to approve the municipal budget for 2019-2020.

The manager was dismayed to learn from RSU (Regional School Unit) #18 Superintendent (and China resident) Carl Gartley that school officials cannot begin budget work until the state legislature sets state funding in April or perhaps later. The manager suggested selectmen ask China voters to move post-2019 town business meetings to June.

According to the China website, the next selectmen’s meeting is Monday evening, Jan. 21. The town office will be closed that day for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.