Successful food drive

From left to right, Director Ann Austin, Caley Pillow and John Burns. (Contributed photo)

The volunteers at the China Food Pantry show their thanks to all who generously donated to the annual United States Postal Service food drive.

MaineGeneral receives “A” safety grade

MaineGeneral Medical Center has received the top grade of “A” in the recently released Spring 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades. MaineGeneral also earned a 2019 Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience, according to MaineGeneral Health President and CEO Chuck Hays.

The “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group is the hospital’s third top grade in the past five Leapfrog grading reports. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses national performance measures from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Leapfrog Hospital Survey and other supplemental data sources to establish a single letter grade representing a hospital’s overall performance in keeping patients safe from preventable harm and medical errors.

“All MaineGeneral employees strive to give patients the best experience,” Hays said. “We’ve made great strides and will continue to seek to provide the highest level of care, safety and experience.”

MaineGeneral was the only hospital in Maine to receive the 2019 Women’s Choice Award® as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience. The Women’s Choice Award reviews the performance of more than 5,000 hospitals based on what matters most to women when selecting a hospital for herself and her family. Hospitals are rated the best in the nation for patient experience, meaning they excel in the patient’s willingness to recommend, doctor communications, staff help, cleanliness, providing recovery information, explanation of medications, communication by nurses and peacefulness of room at night. The Women’s Choice Award reporting is completely objective and uniform.

The hospital also earned a 2019 Women’s Choice Award® for America’s Best Hospitals for Cancer Care and for America’s Best Hospitals for Orthopedics.

Hays also announced that MaineGeneral is a recipient of the Healthgrades 2019 Outstanding Patient Experience Award, which is given to the top 10 percent of hospitals in the nation for patient satisfaction. MaineGeneral was also named with five-star ratings by Healthgrades for outcomes “Better than Expected” in Treatment of Heart Attack, Treatment of Pneumonia, Treatment of Pancreatitis, Treatment of Sepsis and Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism.

“We know when you need quality health care, you want to receive it right here in the Kennebec Valley,” Hays said. “Most of the health care services you and your family will need in a lifetime are found here in our region of the state. Our MaineGeneral team is part of the community and we take great pride in providing high-quality health services to our community members.”

Full results for each award program can be found at:

Healthgrades: http://www.healthgrades.com
Leapfrog: http://www.hospitalsafetygrade.org
Women’s Choice: https://www.womenschoiceaward.com/best-hospitals/.

Vassalboro speed limits, transfer station redesign topics of selectmen’s meeting

by Mary Grow

At their May 16 meeting, Vassalboro selectmen talked again about the speed limit on South Stanley Hill Road and about redesigning the transfer station, coming to no conclusion on either issue.

State, not municipal, officials set local speed limits. Town Manager Mary Sabins said she had an email from David Allen of the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) presenting two options for the South Stanley Hill Road:

  • Leave the speed limit as it is, 30 miles an hour driving east and north from the curve close to Route 32 (Main Street) and 45 miles an hour from the field beyond the Blumberg property; or
  • Lower the speed limit to 25 miles per hour from the Route 32 intersection to the Friends Church and raise it to 35 miles an hour from there to the 45-mile zone.

Sabins said Allen, who was at a conflicting meeting that evening, recommends leaving the limits as they are. Residents who signed a petition bringing the request to selectmen and those who spoke May 16 want a longer 25-mile-an-hour zone, citing housing density and the number of blind driveways. Several also mentioned that the signs separating the 30 and 45 zones are not opposite each other, leaving a stretch with two different limits depending on which way a vehicle is traveling.

Selectmen postponed further discussion until Allen can join them.

Board member John Melrose presented a sketch of a possible new traffic pattern at the transfer station that would maximize one-way traffic and minimize the need to back up to drop off recyclables and trash.

Board Chairman Lauchlin Titus proposed a revision that Melrose thought sounded good. “I think anything is better than the way it is,” Titus commented.

Plans include a second entrance east of the present one. Melrose said Allen approved it as meeting state requirements for sight distance. His idea is that big trucks hauling trash would use one entrance, private cars and small trucks the other.

Public Works Director Eugene Field said adding an entrance might require relocating a drain pipe.

Selectmen postponed a decision until they have more information, including the location of the drain pipe and how often trash-hauling trucks come in during regular hours when they would overlap with residents’ vehicles.

Melrose also continued discussion of his proposal to revive Vassalboro’s Trails Committee. He presented a list of five conservation and sanctuary properties in town.

In other business, selectmen decided to meet only once a month in July and August, as in past years. They chose July 18 and August 15 as meeting dates.

Their next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, May 30. Vassalboro’s annual town meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 3, at Vassalboro Community School, and continues with written-ballot voting Tuesday, June 11.

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY: China selectmen explain their position on the fire department stipend controversy

The China Board of Selectmen

At the May 13, 2019, selectboard meeting, Palermo attorney Matt Evans appeared as spokesman on behalf of the three independently incorporated fire associations. Most recently, he confirmed to the town manager that he is representing them as their legal counsel. Mr. Evans and the fire associations are concerned that the $40,000 in volunteer stipend funds approved for the fiscal year 2019/2020 budget year will not be lawfully provided by the town. The selectboard made clear at the meeting that the funds will be provided, but they will be provided lawfully.

At issue is the interpretation of the laws governing the payment of volunteer stipends and whether the town can require the fire and rescue services provide how the volunteer stipends are calculated before funds are disbursed to them. Existing Maine law requires that the municipal treasurer “shall not” pay accounts or claims made against the municipality unless they are itemized. The law does not define “itemized”; therefore, it is up to the treasurer to determine what is a satisfactory definition of “itemized.”

When it was discovered by the town manager that the calculation of stipends was in violation of federal regulations and threatened the volunteer status of firefighters and rescue personnel, he informed the fire and rescue services chiefs and provided an analysis that showed the total amount that should have been paid out using the data supplied by the fire and rescue chiefs and following the federal regulations. That amount should have been less than $14,000 in total for all four organizations over the 18 months the data covered, but more than $63,000 was provided for the current and last fiscal years.

At the last town meeting voters approved to raise and/or appropriate another $40,000 for volunteer stipends, bringing the total now to $110,000. At that meeting a voter asked if the payment of the stipend amount budgeted would be a violation of law, and the town manager affirmed that it would not be a violation as long as the calculation of the stipends was done in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations.

Twice it was suggested by the China Village chief that requiring such calculation of volunteer stipends is unnecessary, since it is unlikely any enforcement action would be taken. It was mentioned by the South China chief at the town meeting that the fire associations do not have sufficient information with which to determine what the stipends should be, so the funds should just be given them and they will figure it out on their own. These remarks alone help to understand why we are requiring the fire and rescue associations, and any other organization that requests volunteer stipend funds (none others currently do) to provide the evidence for how those stipends are calculated.

The selectboard has consistently supported the fire and rescue services, and it was the selectboard that initiated the provision of stipends to acknowledge and encourage volunteer service. Having learned that the method of calculating stipends was being done incorrectly, we intend to see that it is done correctly and legally. The most important considerations for our position is to protect the volunteer status of firefighters and rescue personnel, and to ensure the public tax dollars entrusted to our care are lawfully spent.

See these related articles:

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY: “The way I see it” from a 60-year firefighter and former chief

Selectmen, fire chiefs engage in heated debate over town funding

China selectmen respond to fire chiefs’ letter

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY: An open letter to China residents from the town’s fire chiefs

2019 China town meeting: Selectmen, firemen get approval on stipend increases

Obituaries for Thursday, May 23, 2019

LAWRENCE YOUNG

OAKLAND – On December 7, 2018, Larry Young, passed away following a lengthy illness, at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta. Larry was born in Concord, to Florence (Garland) and the late Denman Young.

He graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland, in 1946, and married the former Lucille (Belanger) in 1949.

After working a variety of jobs, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951. His career as a meteorologist technician led to postings across the U.S., including Missouri, Oklahoma and New York, and in countries such as Korea and Turkey. It was while serving in Vietnam, in 1969, that Larry earned a Bronze Star for Meritorious Service and achieved the rank of MSgt. before his retirement in 1972. Larry then began working on his second career as a teacher, earning his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Maine. He taught remedial math at Williams Junior High School, in Oakland, until his second retirement in 1989.

In his spare time, Larry enjoyed reading during the winter and spending as much time as he could outdoors in the warmer months. He was an avid angler and hunter and found great pleasure in sharing the bounty of his beautiful vegetable gardens with friends and neighbors. He loved the community of Oakland and proudly served as a member and president of the Lion’s Club for many years, helping with events like fishing derbies and the annual Christmas tree sale.

His wife, Lucille; parents; several brothers and a sister, predeceased Larry.

He is survived by his daughters and their partners, Laurie and Arnold Emerson, of Biloxi, Mississippi, Amy and Philip Kuns, of Nashua, New Hampshire, and Beth Bowden and Alick Andreades, of Augusta; sisters, Joyce Murray, of Smithfield, and Mavis Brown, of Fairfield; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services and interment will be at Lewis Cemetery in Oakland at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 18.

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

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Maine Veterans Home at mainevets.org or the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

LIANE M. GILLCASH

WINSLOW – Liane M. Gillcash, 90, of Winslow, passed away of natural causes, at MaineGeneral Hospital, Augusta, on Tuesday, April 23, 2019. She was born in Waterville on June 10, 1928, the daughter of Arthur and Dama Veilleux.

She was a graduate of Waterville High School and worked as a bookkeeper for many years at the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, and later at several Winslow offices.

She attended and was a choir participant at St. John Catholic Church, Winslow, and later attended Notre Dame Catholic Church, Waterville.

She was predeceased by her husband, Elwood L. Gillcash; so, Steve Gillcash; and two sisters, Lettie Ferland and Betty Jane Jolin.

She is survived by her son and his wife, Mark R. and Debbie Gillcash, of China, and their children Darci (Nate) Campbellton, Amy L. Gillcash, Casey M. Gillcash; sister, Sandra (Bruce) Haley; and several nieces and nephews.

At Liane’s request, there will be no visiting hours. A graveside service and burial will be held on Saturday, May 18, 9:30 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.

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

Liane requested no flowers and friends who wish may make memorial donations to: Bedside Manor Music Fund, P.O. Box 603, Oakland ME 04963.

LARRY HUGHES

OAKLAND – Larry Hughes, 80, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. He was born in Waterville, on August 2, 1938, to Joseph and Pauline Hughes.

After graduating from Waterville High School in 1957, he spent two years in the Navy

On November 11, 1961, he married Gloria Therrien, of Skowhegan. They were married 57 years and blessed with two children, a son Jeffrey and a daughter JoAnna.

He was a member of the Rotary Club as well as the Elks.

For 35 years Larry enjoyed summers at his camp on McGrath Pond with family and friends who visited often. He also enjoyed ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter. For the last 25 years he and his wife were blessed to have a winter home in Punta Gorda, Florida. He also was a member of the Augusta Country Club and the Punta Gorda Deep Creek Club, in Florida, which brought him many hours of enjoyment and some frustration.

His greatest joy was spending time with his wife, Gloria and children Jeffrey and JoAnna.

In later years, he was one of the “ Old Geezers” that met for coffee at Tim Horton’s or McDonald’s where they solved the world’s problems.

Larry is survived by his wife Gloria; soon Jeffrey and daughter-in-law Laura, of Bradenton, Florida; his daughter JoAnna, of Waterville and partner Amadeo (Mayo); grandchildren Joey and wife Kaitlyn, of Florida, Katie and partner Bernard, of Florida, Krysta and partner Elbert, of Waterville, Calvin, of Waterville; sisters Shirleiy Hughes, of Clark Fork, Idaho, Charlotte Lalime, of Winslow, Lois Anne Crawford, of Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.

Larry was predeceased by his father Joseph; his mother Pauline; and second mother Marita.

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

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

ROBERT G. FOTTER

OAKLAND­­ – Robert (Bob) G. Fotter, 88, died Friday, May 3, 2019, at his home in Oakland. He was born in Anson on June 17, 1930, the son of Glenwood and Marion (Pullen) Fotter.

Bob was a lifelong resident of Oakland, graduating from Williams High School, class of 1948.

Bob began his military career in the U.S. Navy in 1950. He was a member of the Seabees, retiring at the rank of Senior Chief in 1969. His service included being called back to active duty where he was stationed in Chu Lai, Vietnam, during the war.

He worked for many years as an suto mechanic and had specialty for working on Saabs. Bob worked for 21 at the Oakland Post Office, retiring in 1990.

Bob began his love of auto racing in 1960. He was an avid ice racer as well as a local track champ at Unity Raceway. He raced his last official ice race at the age of 75. His car #9 was always a threat to the competition.

A skilled craftsman, he created many pieces of furniture for his family (always in multiples of six) as well as designing and building their A-frame cottage in northern Maine. The “Camp” was a place where family and friends gathered for over 25 years. His other hobbies and interests included dancing with Vi, hunting, four wheeling, cribbage and providing sound advice to his children, grandchildren and others regarding how life should be lived, (but only when asked). Bob also volunteered his services to the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen for 13 years.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sister Dorothy Miner; his first wife Joan (Sanders) Fotter; and his son Wade Fotter.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Vivian “Vi” (Bouchard) Fotter; daughters Cheryl Beach and husband Clay, Donna Goodrow and husband James; sons Glenwood “Sandy” Fotter, Kevin O’Leary and wife Emily, Darryll Fotter and wife Maryanne; nieces Daphne LeMay, Jody Workman; sister-in-law Anita White; brother-in-law Dick Bouchard and wife Mary; sister-in-law Jan Deblois; brother-in-law George Bouchard; sister-in-law Patricia Murphy and husband David, sister-in-law Maxine Bouchard; numerous nieces and nephews; grandchildren, Dara Gaul and husband Nathan, Justin Beach and wife Susan, Jason Goodrow and Lauren Christina, Shelby Hondo and husband Daniel, Megan Flagg and husband David, Rebecca Potter, Ashley Libbrecht and husband Josh, Mallory Charles and husband Julius, Katie O’Leary and fiancé Jason Henriquez, Robert W. Fotter, Nathaniel Fotter, Geoffrey Fotter.

Great-grandchildren Asher Gaul, Axel Gaul, Penelope Beach, Olivia Beach, Braedon Goodrow, Dominic Hondo, Isabelle Hondo, Colton Flagg, Kaeden Libbrecht, Sienna Libbrecht, Kalya Charles, and Naomi Charles.

A graveside committal service (with military honors) will be held at the Lakeview Cemetery in Oakland, on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at 1 p.m.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: Northern Light Hoe Care and Hospice, 325 “C” Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville ME 04901; or Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen, 68 Pleasant St., Waterville ME 04901

OTHERS DEPARTED

BARBARA W. MORSE, 84, of Waterville, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. Locally, she is survived a daughter, Beverly Busque and her husband André, of Fairfield.

WILLIAM W. NUTTING, 80, of Augusta, passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2019, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, following a brief illness. Locally, he is survived by a daughter Lisa Lapointe, of Vassalboro.

LORRAINE R. CHIPMAN, 87, of Waterville, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2019. Locally, she is survived by her daughters Donna Dionne and her significant other John Fisher, of Vassalboro, and Pamela Dudley, of Waterville.

WINIFRED L. EDGECOMB, 93, of Waterville, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Woodland, in Waterville. Locally, she is survived by a brother, Leroy Gower, of China.

ROBERT P. BLOUNT, 70, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2019, in Ft. Lauderdale, following a battle with cancer. Locally, he is survived by a daughters Loralei Burbank and husband Jeremy, Melissa Wall and husband Dan, and Crysten Blount, all of Vassalboro.

China residents gather to discuss comprehensive plan

China residents discuss the town’s comprehensive plan on Saturday at Erskine Academy. (photo by Eric Austin)

by Eric W. Austin

Approximately 25 residents of China gathered in the cafeteria at Erskine Academy on Saturday, May 18, to discuss the town’s comprehensive plan, which is formulated every ten years to help guide the direction of town policy. Town Manager Dennis Heath and Selectman Irene Belanger were also in attendance. The planning session was moderated by Joel Greenwood, from the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments.

The agenda for the public planning session included three topics of discussion: Water quality for China Lake and Three Mile Pond; Housing availability; and Growth, Land Use and Zoning.

Discussion began with an affirmation of the importance of China Lake to the economic health of the town. “I don’t have lake property,” said Mark Davis, a resident from the north end of town, “but I understand the value of the lake to the town, and the more we can do for water quality, the better it’s going to be [for the town].” Scott Pierz, president of the China Lake Association, agreed with this sentiment. “The lake is connected to all of us, in one way or another,” he said.

Joel Greenwood, from the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, moderated the discussion. (photo by Eric Austin)

It was also mentioned that if water quality degrades, property values of lakefront homes will decrease, shifting more of the tax burden onto homeowners living away from the lake.

Bob O’Connor suggested that the town ban the use of gas boats on China Lake, and only allow boats with electric motors.

There was also discussion of the importance of finding a balance between creating policy to insure continued lake quality and placing burdensome and expensive requirements on home owners and new construction projects. Ron Morrell, pastor of China Baptist at the north end of the lake, pointed out that controlling phosphorous runoff into the lake increases the cost of construction and may prohibit some people from moving into the community.

It was reported that China Lake is currently experiencing the best water quality it has seen in 30 years, but this is mostly due to the dry weather and lack of severe storms in the past year.

There was some discussion of the proposed purchase of lakefront property next to the Four Seasons Club for public access to the lake, with some residents questioning whether it was a good investment, and whether a public beach would have a detrimental effect on water quality. Town Manager Heath said, “This is a target of opportunity to acquire the land. We know a plan [still] needs to be developed.” He went on to say, “I anticipate that it will be two or three years before we can actually do anything on that property. We need to take the time to develop a plan and get it before the people – because I am a believer in the public approving of what you do. So, we need to put something together, put it in front of people, and get them to agree to it.”

Tom Rumpf, president of the China Four Seasons Club, reminded everyone, “You are welcome, any time you want, to come down and check out our beach, and with a $25 membership, you can jump in the lake anytime you want.” He also reported that China is becoming known across the state for its excellently maintained trails, which have become popular for both snowmobilers and ATV enthusiasts from all over central Maine.

The discussion then moved to housing availability in China. Town Manager Heath spoke about the need for senior housing in the town. “China needs affordable senior housing,” he said. “It’s part of the China for a Lifetime Committee’s goals, and so we’re marching down that road. I anticipate that we will have some movement [on that soon].” Greenwood then asked whether those in attendance were in favor of the town pursuing an initiative to bring affordable senior housing to China. A majority of those present raised their hands in favor of the proposal.

Several residents expressed resistance to adding more Section 8 (subsidized) housing for low income people in China.

Selectman Irene Belanger spoke about the possibility of instituting a public water and septic system in China, and suggested that new developers may steer clear of development projects in towns which require the installation of a private well and septic for every property. Dennis Heath warned that such a public system would likely cost in excess of $35 million.

Following a short break, discussion shifted to the final topic of the planning session: Growth, Land Use and Zoning.

Some residents expressed the need for careful planning of new development and the desire to avoid “suburban sprawl.” A resident also brought up the online rental service, Airbnb, and the impact that it has had in other communities like Portland. Tod Detre, a member of the Broadband Committee, mentioned the situation in Toronto, Canada, where companies have bought up residential properties for the purpose of renting them through Airbnb, which has driven up property values to astronomical levels.

Several residents mentioned the importance of protecting the town’s farmers, at a time when many farms in Maine are closing down.

A number of residents expressed a desire to make new building requirements simple and straightforward. The group agreed that building codes should aim to be “quantifiable and measurable, with specific and easy to understand criteria.”

There was some discussion about where new development should take place, and it was agreed that careful planning should be done to decide the best placement of future residential and commercial construction projects.

Finally, the group considered the 2008 China Vision Statement, and it was generally agreed that it was still a good representation of town values, although a suggestion was made to add language to “encourage and facilitate volunteerism and community involvement.”

The Comprehensive Planning Committee will take the feedback gained from this public workshop to develop China’s Comprehensive Plan to present to voters next year at the town business meeting. The committee will meet monthly throughout the summer and fall. Anyone interested in participating on the planning committee should contact the town office at 445-2014.

Contact the author at ericwaustin@gmail.com.

Construction begins for alewives restoration at Ladd Dam in North Vassalboro

The Ladd Dam in North Vassalboro. (Photo by Roland D. Hallee)

by Landis Hudson

The Ladd Dam, in North Vassalboro, will soon have a technical fishway installed to allow alewives to move past it to their spawning ground. It’s not the final step in the overall project, but a critical one, and scheduled to start this summer following plans developed by the Department of Marine Resources, and US Fish and Wildlife Service, working with local engineers and dam owner Ray Breton. Maintaining the Ladd Dam impoundment will keep the swimming area, a favorite spot on hot summer days.

The work is an important step in the Alewife Restoration Initiative which will re-establish passage from the ocean to China Lake. The goal of the project is to restore an annual migratory run of 800,000 – 950,000 adult alewives (river herring). Two dams have been removed to date, the Masse and Lombard Dams. The Ladd, Box Mill and Outlet Dams will be fitted with technical fishways. The Ladd Dam is located just upstream from the Box Mill Dam. The work is part of a greater Kennebec restoration effort that dates back to the 1980s. It builds on the success at Benton where alewife numbers were estimated at just 400,000 in 2008, but jumped to a record 5.7 million last year.

In March, Town of China voters approved $25,000 to support fish passage work at the Outlet Dam which controls the China Lake water level but does not allow alewives to make their way into or safely out of the lake. Fish have been stocked in China Lake by the Department of Marine Resources and can be seen schooling in the lake in large numbers through the late summer and into the autumn. Some fish are able to make their way out of the lake but the remaining dams lack fish passage to ensure their survival as they make their way downstream to the ocean.

Voters from the Town of Vassalboro will be asked to support the project as well by approving the transfer of revenue received by the town from the current alewife harvest at Webber Pond to support the work at Outlet Stream.

Restoring alewife runs contributes to the health of the entire Gulf of Maine because alewives are forage fish for the larger species including cod, haddock, tuna, striped bass — and food for eagles, ospreys, otters, and raccoons.

The nonprofit organization Maine Rivers has been coordinating the project. Chuck Verrill, president of Maine Rivers, sees long-term value in river and stream restoration. “It’s our hope that this work will provide benefits to future generations who will grow up seeing the stream come alive with an annual migration of fish.” Locally, community members are hopeful that the restoration work will help improve the water quality of China Lake that has suffered from algae blooms. The historical presence of alewives was reconfirmed with the discovery of letters and documents in the Massachusetts Archives.

The restoration of alewives to China Lake has been a priority for the Maine Department of Marine Resources for many years, based on agency goals to restore historic runs of this native species. This past spring, the Department stocked 25,000 native alewives directly into China Lake to jump-start restoration efforts. “We know this kind of work takes long-term vision and great attention to detail over several seasons. We are pleased to see this progress,” said Patrick Keliher, Com­mis­sioner, Maine Depart­ment of Marine Re­sources.

The project relies on partnerships and is supported by the Sebasticook Regional Land Trust, the China Region Lakes Alliance, the China Lake Association, Maine Rivers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maine Department of Marine Resources and the Towns of China and Vassalboro.

Funding has come from sources including: Patagonia, Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, The Nature Conservancy in Maine, MNRCP, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Davis Conservation Foundation, and the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation.

Common Ground Round 5: Win a $10 Gift Certificate

DEADLINE: Friday, June 20, 2019

Identify the people in these three photos, and tell us what they have in common. You could win a $10 gift certificate to Retail Therapy boutique, 11 KMD Plaza, Kennedy Memorial Dr., Waterville, next to the Dairy Queen!* Email your answer to townline@fairpoint.net or through our Contact page.

You may also mail your answer to The Town Line, PO Box 89, South China, ME 04358. (To be eligible for the drawing, you must email or snail mail your answer to us.)

* Should there be more than one correct answer, a random drawing will be held to determine the winner.

Previous winner: Diana Gardner, Windsor

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Benefits Of CBD Products

(NAPSI)—One of the best and most effective ways to benefit from nonpsychoactive, THC-free CBD is to use it on the largest organ of your body: your skin. CBD oil is the nonpsychotropic component of marijuana and hemp, well-known for relieving aches and pains when applied topically. Now, it’s found in skin care products such as the luxury line from Mermaid Wizdom—and with good reasons.

Here are three:

  1. Acne: CBD oil is an anti-inflammatory with the ability to help calm skin. Because acne is an inflammatory condition, research indicates CBD’s soothing properties can help diminish breakouts and reduce redness. Recent studies show that CBD may also decrease excessive oil production.
  2. Aging and Wrinkles: CBD oil’s antioxidant properties can help lessen the visible signs of aging. It’s rich in vitamins A, C and E. Vitamin A stimulates the cells responsible for producing tissue that keeps skin firm. Vitamin C stimulates collagen production. Vitamin E blocks free radicals from the body, to help slow down the aging process.
  3. Sensitive Skin: CBD oil has been found to sooth sensitive skin and studies indicate that it helps inhibit triggers of disorders such as psoriasis and eczema.

For more information, visit www.MermaidWizdom.com.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Different answers

by Debbie Walker

Tonight, I am going to pass on some ‘different answers’ of questions you may not even know to ask yet. Use of coconut oil is all new to me. It had never been in my house, say nothing about my kitchen. But… I found a few situations that it is useful. I am including a few things I read about Coconut oil and a few other things:

Coconut oil uses: Ladies – Run out of shaving gel? Use coconut oil.

Use it to lift crayon marks the little ones are bound to leave.

Use it to remove a price tag. It works.

Use it to soak some cotton balls and throw them on a few sparks for a quicker way to get a campfire growing.

Use it to calm a sunburn. Take a shower, apply coconut oil, it will soothe the burn. It will also moisturize the dehydrated skin.

Use to soothe insect bites. Rub the oil over the bites. It will reduce swelling and ease discomfort.

Mineral oil uses: I don’t ever remember seeing this in my parents or my home. and I never had any. I am not even sure what its original purpose was.

Use it to recondition leather footwear. A few drops of mineral oil on a soft cloth and rub in.

Use it to remove a bandage. A few drops, a minute and bandages peel off.

Use it to preserve your wooden cutting board.

Whitening toothpaste (not gel): This will clean the nasty grout while you sleep! In the morning wipe the area with a damp towel.

Distilled white vinegar: Use it to clean your bathroom. A half cup of white vinegar in your toilet bowl overnight will do the trick.

Use white vinegar in your bathroom sink. Put the stopper in and fill it with hot water and a half cup of vinegar, let it sit overnight. Drain and wipe clean.

Sponge and vinegar: Use them to clean your microwave. I have done this, works like a charm. Soak your sponge in equal parts of water and white vinegar. Microwave for 30 seconds. Don’t open your nuker till the next morning and then just wipe clean.

Baking soda and water: Erase oven grime with baking soda, In a bowl mix a half cup of baking soda and enough water to make paste. Apply to interior walls, let sit overnight. In the A.M., just wipe clean.

Borax laundry soap: Use to deodorize your carpet (plus a surprise.). Mix a half cup and half baking soda, sprinkle on rugs and upholstery, let sit all night. Vac in the morning. Okay, that is good, BUT if you have pets who might have fleas that Borax is a miracle worker! Sprinkle Borax on your carpets, anywhere you might find fleas. Leave overnight. Vac in morning. In two days do this again and your fleas should be gone. (The second sprinkle kills fleas that were in eggs). It was amazing when I needed it.

After completing this column, I will be packing, going on an adventure for a few days. These are the points I found for packing:

Lay down or roll pants and tops. Place heavy items at base of suitcase. Shoes, books, heavy things. End with what you will wear first. Don’t under pack is part of the description I found but I am over packed! And I put my night gown on top because I will get in just in time for bed.

I’m just curious what other tidbits you could share in “different answers”. I’ll be waiting! Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com.