Somerset Public Health’s forum on rural opioid crisis held in Palmyra

photo credit: Palmyra Community Center

by Jeanne Marquis

Somerset Public Health hosted a forum on Rural Communities Opioid Response on February 5, at the Palmyra Community Center. One of the early questions from their audience of concerned citizens summed up the obstacles to addiction recovery in rural Maine: “By the time somebody realizes they need help, they’ve probably lost their job, their friends, the ability to drive and their insurance – so how do they get help?”

The panel of professionals was on hand to field these questions and gather community input. The panel included Kristen Plummer, an outreach coordinator at KVCAP; Carla Stockdale, LCSW, Clinical Director at Kennebec Behavioral Health; Dr. Ann Dorney, family physician at Redington Fairview General Hospital; Sheriff Dale Lancaster and Chief Deputy Michael Mitchell of the Somerset County Sheriff Office; Matt L’Italien, Director of Somerset Health and William Mathias, a community member in recovery.

The following themes were reinforced by the community discussion with the panel:

  • There are community members who want to help users and their families. Affected family members are also seeking support for themselves to cope with the stress of addicted loved ones.
  • The disease of addiction is multi-faceted and has many components to it that need to be addressed.
  • There is misinformation and social stigma that needs to be corrected by community education.
  • Community members may not know where to go to get help, and treatment is limited in the rural communities.

The public input from the panel discussion will be used in forming future solutions to ease the local opioid crisis. The forum was made possible with The Rural Communities Opioid Response Planning Grant, which is a one-year federal grant. As part of the grant, a rural communities needs assessment was created that can be found at the Somerset Public Health website at www.somersetpublichealth.org/oud.

Dr. Ann Dorney is part of Gordon Smith’s statewide opioid task force and continues to provide the Somerset Public Health group with feedback from the state level.

SOLON & BEYOND: Chili & chowder at East Madison

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

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

This will be a short column this week as I am recovering from surgery on my eyes. I am sure many of you have noticed my red eyelids for many months, but were kind, and didn’t mention it. Last week I had surgery to correct it, and have been quite miserable ever since!

But I do have a little bit of news to share that needs to be in so you can know about it. Chili and Chowder Supper: The East Madison Historical Association will be celebrating Maine Restaurant Week by hosting a Chill and Chowder supper on Saturday, March 7, from 4:30 – 6 p.m., at the East Madison fire station, 1108 East Madison. My many thanks to Sue Lahti for sharing this news.

Would also like to thank Donna Bishop from the bottom of my heart for delivering The Town Lines for me last week! It was very much appreciated.

And now for Percy’s memoir taken from the book, Don’t Worry be Happy. Slow down. Cheer up! Life gets pretty hectic and unbalanced these days. Who doesn’t want to call: time-out from this fast-paced world of ours? Maybe the answer isn’t so complicated. Maybe it’s simply “Don’t Worry be happy – a message that pieces our cynical hearts.”

This is one of the statements in this little book…”In every life we have some trouble. But when you worry you make it DOUBLE!”

OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 5, 2020

NORIKO DILLENBECK

WINSLOW – Noriko (Nori) Dillenbeck passed away on Friday, January 10, 2020, at Durgin Pines Care Center, in Kittery. She was born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1932.

She survived a cerebral hemorrage in 2009.

In Japan, she became a translator and interpreter for missionaries and ministers from America. She met Henry Dillenbeck, in Tokyo, in 1953 when he was on a brief leave from combat in the ongoing Korean War. Noriko came to America in 1992 when she and Henry married.

She became a member of the South China Community Church and was known for her kind engaging smile and warm heart. She is sorely missed.

A graveside commital will take place in Waterville in June.

DR. H. ALAN HUME

SIDNEY – H. Alan Hume, M.D., 93, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2020, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born on September 25, 1926, in Lynchburg, Virginia, the son of Dr. Harry and Elizabeth Hume.

He attended school in suburban Pennsylvania and graduated from The Episcopal Academy, Merion, Pennsylvania,, in 1944. After graduation he served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946. Upon discharge he enrolled at Haverford College, graduating in 1949, and was admitted to the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, earning his medical degree in 1953. After completing an internship and surgical residency at Presbyterian-University of Pennsylvania Medical Center and a surgical fellowship at The Lahey Clinic, he joined the surgical practice of two of his mentors to form a three-man surgical group in Philadelphia.

During the ‘60s, in addition to his private surgical practice, he held various positions such as Chief of Surgical Services, Presbyterian-University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, and Chief of Staff at two hospitals in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

In 1969, Alan married his wife, Dorothy, and they raised his three children. Over the years he proclaimed many times that their wedding day was “the proudest moment of his life.”

In the mid-’70s, Alan and Dorothy moved to Maine where he took a position as Director, Emergency Medical Services, State of Maine from 1975-1979. He resumed his surgical practice in Maine from 1980-1990, where he served a tenure as Chief of Staff at Mid-Maine Medical Center, in Waterville. It was during this time that he became associated with Colby College pre-med students who spent the summers with him and Dorothy, dividing the students’ time between his surgical practice and working on what would later become the Colby-Hume Center at his home, in Sidney. Alan became an Overseer at Colby, and then following his retirement from the practice of surgery, he worked as Director and Attending Physician in the Colby Student Health Center for ten years.

During his time at Colby, as a result of his love of teaching young people, he created a Furniture Making Course and a Blacksmithing Course on his property, for under-graduates to use each year in the month of January, the concept being to create an off-campus site accessible to Colby students year-round. Alan was then approached by a student who requested permission to store a crew shell on his property – thus was born the Colbv varsity sport. A boathouse was soon constructed for the teams to store their shells at the Colby-Hume Center, and practice rowing on beautiful Lake Messalonskee, in Oakland.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of 50 years, his brother John and Natalie of Pennsylvania; son, Alan of California; daughter, Alison DiCarlo and husband, Robert, of Maine; daughter, Barbara, of New Jersey; grandchildren Nicholas Bolduc and wife, and Jeffrey Baird and wife, of Maine, and Heather Small, of New Jersey, along with several nieces and nephews.

Alan was predeceased by his parents and his sister.

At Alan’s request there will be no service.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Dr Hume’s memory to Colby Friends of Crew by going to colby.edu/give or by mailing a check to Colby College, 173 Main Street, Waterville, Maine 04901.

Arrangements are in the care of Dan & Scott Cremation Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Me., 04976

SANDY Y. MATHIESON

PALERMO – Sandy Yates Mathieson, died on Friday, February 21, 2020, at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, in New Hampshire. Sandy came into the world on July 13, 1947, the child of Jules David Yates and Natalie Weisberg Yates.

An Army brat, she lived in California, Germany, and Massachusetts while growing up. She and her husband Peter have made their home in Palermo for more than three decades. The great themes of Sandy’s life have been loving, learning, and persevering. Her son Christopher, his wife Megan, and her grandchildren Nala and Damian were the lights of her life. She was a sister to her siblings Jennifer Levy-Peck and Jonathan Yates, and his wife Anne Yates. Sandy had heartfelt connections with a wide circle of friends from Hawaii to Maine, a loving connection with her in-laws and extended family, and she considered her friend Gale Marie and her children to be part of her family.

A lifelong learner, Sandy returned to college to complete her bachelor’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University of Maine at Farmington in her 40s. She worked at a variety of jobs, including tutoring homebound students and working with people with disabilities. She was ordained as a Spiritualist minister, gave readings that were comforting to many people, and even officiated at her sister’s wedding. An accomplished Reiki Master, she also had a creative side and made beautiful beaded jewelry. She and her husband participated in historical Rendezvous reenactments for many years. She continued her own studies to increase her knowledge of various forms of healing, the properties of gems, and a variety of other topics. Sandy was always willing to offer a prayer for others and shared a daily meditation with her Facebook friends.

Her indomitable spirit shone through in the past few years as serious health challenges resulted in multiple hospitalizations and increasing disability. Sandy was a fierce advocate for herself as well as others, and wove together a support network that allowed her to stay at home. The family is grateful to the many friends, neighbors, and service providers who helped her in her times of need.

A Celebration of Life in Sandy’s honor will be held at the Temple Heights Spiritualist Camp in Northport, Maine this summer.

For details, see www.forevermissed.com/sandy-yates-mathieson/about. You can also share photos, condolences, and memories on this website.

Contributions in Sandy’s memory may be made to the Palermo Food Pantry or the Palermo Volunteer Fire Department. Donate to the food pantry via LCF, P.O. Box 151, Palermo, ME 04354 (mark “Food Pantry – in memory of Sandy Mathieson” on memo line of check). The address for the Palermo Volunteer Fire Department is P.O. Box 7, Palermo, ME 04354. Please indicate that this is a memorial contribution.

PETER R. THERIAULT

WATERVILLE – Peter R. Theriault, 91, died Friday, February 28, 2020, at a local nursing home, in Waterville.

Arrangements by Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

BARBARA C. MONK

BENTON – Barbara “Jean” (Clukey) Monk, 85, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2020, at Mount Saint Joseph Residence and Rehabilitation, in Waterville. She was born December 24, 1934, in Clinton, the daughter of Guy and Amalia (Steves) Clukey.

She attended schools in Clinton. On June 23, 1956, she married Lauris Monk, in Clinton. She was employed for many years as a clerk at Grant’s, K-Mart, both in Waterville, and local establishments as a customer service and food service representative. Jean spent many weekends and vacations with Lauris and her grandchildren at local race tracks and race tracks from Maine to Florida; they both were avid race fans. She also enjoyed going to grandchildren’s basketball games, watching the Celtics games and college basketball. She enjoyed going to local stores to chat with the customers and employees.

Jean is survived by son, Brian Monk and wife Melanie, of Skowhegan; daughter, Laurie McLellan and husband David, of Benton; two grandsons, Brian Monk II, of Benton, David Monk, of China; two granddaughters, Ashely Bouwkamp and husband David, of Virginia, Christina Monk, of Topsham; two great-granddaughters, Alana Monk, of Waterville, Bellamie Monk, of Clinton; two great-grandsons, Aiden and Kamden Bouwkamp, of Virginia.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lauris Monk.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Jean’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association Maine, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.

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

ROGER J. MARTIN

ANACOCO, La. – Roger J. Martin, 64, passed away peacefully on Monday, Februry 24, 2020, in Anacoco, Louisiana. He was born September 17, 1955, in Fort Kent, to O’Neil Martin and Jeanne (Clavette) Martin,

Roger was an Air Force veteran and proudly served the Waterville Police Department for over 20 years. He was also an excellent carpenter and enjoyed making furniture and small projects. He enjoyed camping in the Maine woods and was a member of the NRA and American Legion.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, O’Neil and Jeanne Martin.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Edwards, of Anacoco, Louisiana; son Sean R. Kilpatrick, of Anacoco; brother Joseph Martin ,of Schertz, Texas; sisters Lorraine Lessard, of China, and Gisele Carey, of Fairfield Center.

Funeral services will be held April 10, 2020, at 1 p.m., at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt Vernon Rd, Augusta.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.jeanesfs.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, Virginia 22215, www.diabetes.org/donate or, or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, Massachusetts, 02241-7005, www2.hearrt.org.

ROBERTA C. TOBEY

CHINA – Roberta Caroline (Glidden) Tobey, 92, passed away Monday, February 24, 2020, at her home in China, where she had lived for the past 52 years. She was born July 11, 1927, in Palermo, daughter of Beatrice Worthing Glidden and Howard Ansel Glidden.

Roberta was the valedictorian of the Erskine Academy, class of 1945, in South China.

Roberta married James Kempton Tobey on June 8, 1947, and they spent the next 65 years together until his passing in 2012. For many years, in addition to being a farm wife, Roberta was the secretary for Kempton Tobey & Son. After getting her license at 32, she made many trips for parts for the business as well as driving softball and basketball teams to games long before buses were provided.

Stationary and postage stamps were among her most cherished gifts because she greatly enjoyed writing letters and cards. She had an outstanding memory for birthdays and anniversaries and always acknowledged them with a handwritten note. Her favorite singers were Patsy Cline and Eddy Arnold and she loved to sing along with them, and, oh, yes, she could yodel! She loved to cook and always served her visitors a sweet treat. Grandchildren fondly remember the favorite pies she baked for them. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren spent many hours listening to the ‘teachable moments’ from Berenstein Bear books.

Roberta is survived by her children, Noreen Golden and husband Peter, Letricia Sears and husband, Jack, Robin Tobey and former wife Barbara, Jill Tobey and husband Bill McFarland; 11 grandchildren, Tobey Farrington (Karen) and Andrew Golden (Debra), Brett Sears (Katie), Ethan Tobey, Nolan Tobey (Beth), and Deidre Tobey (Chris Jordan), Benjamin Willoughby (Robin) and Brandy Sarian (John), Chad McFarland (Heather), Scott McFarland (Rene), and Michael McFarland (Elizabeth); 14 great-grandchildren, Andrew, Ashley, Jillian, Priscilla, Lydia, Kempton, Levon, Sophia, Grace, Ethan, Mason, Finn, Harper and Bailey; brother, Sherwood Glidden and wife Betty, sisters-in-law, Polly Tobey and Pauline Glidden; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Roberta was predeceased by husband, Kempton; granddaughter, Janna Sears; and brothers, Elberton Glidden and Atwood Glidden.

At Roberta’s request, there will be no public visiting hours or funeral services. A springtime graveside service is planned at the Branch Mills Cemetery, in China.

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.

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

PETER STEVENS

Peter was born in Waterville to of Dana and Judy Stevens. He lived in North Belgrade growing up and resided on Main Street, in Oakland, in his later years. He was a kind-hearted man who had overcome many hardships in life, but he always seemed to handle what life gave him with a smile.

A quote from a childhood friend on Facebook truly spoke the truth and simply stated “REST IN PEACE Peter Stevens. You had more than your fair share of struggles in this life and I think you were blessed with a heart larger than most to be able to cope with your added burden. The world is a lesser place today without you in it.”

That being said, he was a rare kind in today’s world: he would have given his shirt off his back and gone without for himself. Peter was a proud graduate of Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, class of 1984, and enjoyed getting together with a group of his friends from school. He always looked forward to spending time with family and friends, whether it be just sitting, having a cup of coffee, going out to eat, going for a ride. He was a proud member of Team Hallowell, a team on The Dempsey Challenge.

He was fortunate he got to travel quite a bit. He would go to visit his cousin Barbie McEachern, in Florida, and traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, and to California a few times at his spiritual mom’s, Donna Weising.

He lived a simple life and was very content, didn’t really ever asked for much. He loved Jesus with all his heart and had a very strong faith, He could quote his Scripture from memory. He loved music and watching his favorite TV shows. Everyone that knew Peter will always remember his infectious smile and laughter, He loved to read by the hour, and loved animals. But truly nothing was more important to Peter than his family, his sister Stacy and husband Willy Morton, and his niece Harley and nephew Dakota Morton.

Peter was predeceased by his brother David Stevens, mother Judy Stevens, his father Dana Stevens, cousin Sue Eller.

Survivors include his sister, Stacy Stevens and her husband Willy Morton, Harley Morton, Dakota Morton, all of Oakland, Uncle Hardy Taylor, Aunt Jeanette Fletcher, Uncle Bobby Furbush, Aunt Juanita Bickford, several cousins.

There will be a celebration of life in the spring and burial at Pine Grove Cemetery, in Waterville, will follow.

In lieu of flowers friends and family may make a donation in his memory to help with cost of funeral expenses, to his sister, Stacy Stevens, 21 North Alpine Street, Oakland Maine 04963.

Arrangements by Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

March 3, 2020 election results for Vassalboro & Fairfield

VASSALBORO

Unofficial election results from the town of Vassalboro, according to town clerk Catherine Coyne:

President – Democrats

Joe Biden, 167; Bernie Sanders, 148; Mike Bloomberg, 81; Elizabeth Warren, 68; Pete Buttigieg, 9; Amy Klobuchar, 8; Tulsi Gabbard, 7; Andrew Yang, 2; Cory Booker, Deval Patrick, Thomas Steyer and Marianne Williamson, all with 0.

President – Republican

Donald Trump 385.

Referendum, People’s Veto:

No, 749; Yes, 422.

FAIRFIELD

Unofficial election results from the town of Fairfield, according to town clerk Christine Keller.

President – Democrats

Joe Biden, 203; Bernie Sanders, 184; Mike Bloomberg, 89; Elizabeth Warren, 55; Pete Buttigeig, 17; Amy Klobuchar, 9; Tulsi Gabbard, 8; Andrew Yang, 3; Tom Steyer, 2; Marianne Williamson, 1; Cory Booker and Deval Patrick, 0 each.

President – Republican

Donald Trump, 409.

Referendum – People’s Veto

No, 826; Yes, 478.

China voting results from March 3 presidential primary

by Mary Grow

Two of the three candidates for the vacant seat on the China Board of Selectmen were separated by a single vote at the end of March 3 voting.

Town Clerk Becky Hapgood reported Janet Preston got 415 votes, Christopher Hahn 414 votes and Kevin Rhoades 299 votes. The votes were counted repeatedly, Hapgood said, to confirm the close result. If there is a recount, she hopes it can be done by March 6.

The new selectman will fill out Jeffrey LaVerdiere’s unexpired term, until China’s November local elections.

In other voting, Hapgood reported:

  • In the state-wide people’s veto referendum on the new state law limiting exemptions from vaccination requirements, 407 people voted yes (to repeal the law) and 851 voted no (to keep the law).
  • In the Democratic primary election, Joe Biden received 196 votes, Bernie Sanders 150, Elizabeth Warren 78, Michael Bloomberg 60, and Pete Buttigieg 11 (though he has ended his candidacy). Five other people on the ballot got fewer than 10 votes each, and two got no votes. Tulsi Gabbard is the only one of the seven still in the race.
  • In the Republican primary election, Donald Trump, unopposed on the ballot, received 425 votes.

Hapgood had not had time Tuesday evening to figure total turnout; it was more than 1,260, she said, and high enough so China ran out of some ballots and had to get approval from the Secretary of State’s office to make photocopies. About 30 new voters registered and about 100 enrolled in a party during polling hours, she said.

In China, first of two solar projects gets approval

by Mary Grow

After a Feb. 25 public hearing that lasted only a minute because no one in the audience asked to testify, China Planning Board members approved the first of two solar projects near Route 3, with three conditions.

SunRaise Development LLC may place 17,800 3-by-5-foot solar panels on about 23 acres of Michael Willette’s 51-acre lot that includes his gravel pit. The land is off Windsor Road and Arnold Lane. (See The Town Line, Feb. 20)

SunRaise intends to apply for a second project farther east on Route 3. The application is likely to be submitted to either the March 10 or the March 24 Planning Board meeting.

Codes Officer Bill Butler said one other project is scheduled for each March meeting: on March 10, continued review of Jamie Nichols’ application for self-storage buildings on Vassalboro Road (see The Town Line, Feb. 6, here and here) and on March 24 consideration of an application for Phase Two of the causeway project at the head of China Lake’s east basin.

The Feb. 25 discussion of the solar project concluded that there will not be significant run-off from the site as long as the ground under the bottom edges of the solar panels is undisturbed and can retain water.

Project Manager Lisa Vickers and other SunRaise representatives said the panels will be near the ground, will face south and will have a non-glare coating to reduce visual impact. The property will be fenced; local firefighters will have the means to open the locked gate if necessary.

Once construction is done there should be no noise, dust or other disturbance from the panels. Construction is currently planned to start in November 2020 and finish in April 2021. Board member Toni Wall asked that construction truck drivers be made aware of hours when students at nearby Erskine Academy arrive and leave.

The solar panels will generate no solid waste or wastewater. The only potential hazard on the property will be the lithium ion batteries in small structures in the northeast corner. Because the field is partly over an aquifer, the application includes a spill control plan.

After voting the application was complete, planning board members evaluated it against the criteria in China’s Land Use Ordinance and found it fulfilled all requirements. They added the following conditions:

  • A surety bond to cover decommissioning costs, should SunRaise be unable to, is to be made watertight before the town permit is issued, with SunRaise to pay legal costs involved.
  • Butler needs a letter from South China Fire Chief Dick Morse saying he is satisfied department members are adequately trained and have access to the property.
  • In order to protect ground-nesting birds, the first of the two annual mowings cannot be done before July 15.

After the board decision, Chairman Tom Miragliuolo issued the usual reminder that there is a 30-day window during which the decision can be appealed.

Butler briefed board members on two other issues, one pending and one, he believes, resolved.

The first is a request from Ryan Willette, owner of Zippy’s Car Wash, on Vassalboro Road, to pave a small additional piece of the driveway and to install more outside lights. Board members agreed they should review the proposed lights for possible impacts on neighbors.

The second issue was maintenance of the porous pavers required to reduce runoff from the parking lot at the Route 3 Family Dollar store. Butler said after state environmental officials questioned whether the pavers really absorb water, he talked with store management and expects annual maintenance and regular reports.

CHINA SELECTBOARD: Study to be conducted on broadband availability

by Mary Grow

Of the various decisions China selectmen made at their March 2 meeting, they hope one will affect every household in town.

That one is the unanimous vote to contract with Mission Broadband, a telecommunications advisory company with a goal of bringing broadband service to unserved and underserved areas. Company representative John Daugherty and China Broadband Committee spokesman Bob O’Connor explained that Mission Broadband will help China’s Broadband Committee develop and conduct a census of China residents.

“Census,” rather than survey, Town Manager Dennis Heath said, because he hopes to get answers from most town residents, not just a sample. The census will ask people what they know about broadband; whether they have it; whether they want it; and if they want it but don’t have it, whether the problem is cost, lack of access or something else.

Heath said the resulting information will be the basis for evaluating town needs and applying for grants to help expand broadband coverage. He plans to conduct the survey both by mail and on line, and hopes for many responses.

No timetable was set. Heath said developing the survey will take “a few months.” The cost of Mission Broadband’s services, he said, will be $1,900, with town office staff doing the mailing.

Another project that will affect many residents is planned Maine Department of Transportation work on Routes 32 and 137. Selectmen unanimously approved an overlimit permit for trucks working on the roads in case it is needed.

Information on planned road work can be found here: Area roads earmarked for improvements in 2020-21.

Now that the warrant for the April 4 annual town business meeting is in final form, Heath said the next voting opportunity will be June 6. Anyone who wants to propose a local ballot question needs to deliver it to selectmen before their March 16 meeting, he said.

Selectmen reviewed and approved a five-year plan for updates at the transfer station, presented by Transfer Station Committee Chairman Larry Sikora, with the understanding that it can be amended and that expenditures will be approved annually by selectmen and voters.

They questioned the need to heat the Free-for-the-Taking building, but supported adding electricity for lights and so people picking up electrical appliances can test them.

The plan proposes $28,500 in facilities improvements for the fiscal year 2020-21, less than the $50,000 in the recommended transfer station budget, Heath said.

Looking at a more immediate expenditure, selectmen approved taking $7,737.40 from the fire department reserve fund to pay Yankee Communications to install the radio repeater bought with grant money.

They unanimously approved the following appointments:

  • Karen Hatch as a member of the Transfer Station Committee; and
  • Ann Austin, Eric Austin, Barry Blackinton, Jodi Blackinton and Jeanne Marquis as members of the China for a Lifetime Committee.

Heath believes he has found a way to reduce town buildings’ electricity costs slightly. Selectmen authorized him to continue negotiations and sign a contract if results are satisfactory.

A recommendation from Codes Officer Bill Butler to authorize third-party inspectors for major projects (instead of leaving the responsibility with him) generated several questions. Selectmen decided they need a planning board recommendation, and they need to know whether the authorization would be a policy boards can approve or an ordinance needing voters’ action.

The March 16 China selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the town office.

Local Town Meetings Schedule 2020

Town meetings 2020

ALBION

Town Meeting
Sat., June 27, 10:00 am
Albion Fire Station

Those attending the Town Meeting should park in the field behind the Besse Building or in the Besse Building parking lot. No one will be allowed to park at the Fire Station. Attendees should also practice social distancing and we ask that you wear a face mask.

Copy of the Town Meeting Warrant is on the Town web page under Government – Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

CHELSEA

Election
Tues., June 9, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Chelsea Elementary School
Town Meeting
Thurs., June 11, 6:30 p.m.
Chelsea Elementary School

CHINA

Town meeting
Tuesday, July 14, 9 a.m.
Written ballot only
Former portable classroom near town office.
7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

FAIRFIELD

Annual town budget meeting
Mon., June 15, 7 p.m.
Fairfield Community Ctr.
61 Water St.

SOLON

Town Meeting
Saturday, March 7, 1:30 p.m.
Solon Elementary School.

VASSALBORO

Town Meeting
Mon., June 22, 6:30 p.m.
Vassalboro Community School
1116 Webber Pond Road
Municipal Election
Tues., June 23, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Town Office
682 Main St.

*   *   *

To be included in this list, visit our Contact Us page or send an email to The Town Line at townline@townline.org.

Area roads earmarked for improvements in 2020-21

by Roland D. Hallee

The Maine Department of Transportation has announced plans for road improvements in the China – Vassalboro – Winslow area, in 2020-2021.

For 2020, the work will include Rte. 137, from China to Winslow, with the work to begin at Rte. 202 and extending west 6.14 miles to Rte. 137B, then extend north 1.04 miles to Rte. 201. This will include overlay.

From China to Vassalboro, along the Neck Rd., Webber Pond Rd., Bog Rd., and Stanley Hill Road. That will begin 1.39 miles north of Village Street and extend north 5.65 miles to 1.14 miles north of the Gray Road. And beginning 0.21 of a mile north of Preble Hill Rd. and extending north 2.4 miles to Timber Oaks Dr. This will include highway rehabilitation.

In China, Rte. 202, a large culvert improvement located .17 of a mile north of the south intersection of Pond Rd.

Vassalboro, Rte. 32, beginning 1.14 miles north of Gray Road and extending north .73 of a mile. Includes highway rehabilitation.

In 2021, the Stanley Hill Rd., in China and Vassalboro, beginning .02 of a mile from Rte. 32 and extending east 6.21 miles. This will include a light capital paving.

Oak Grove Rd., Vassalboro, beginning at Rte. 201 and extending northeast 3.12 miles to Rte. 32, light capital paving.

In Vassalboro, Webber Pond and Bog roads, beginning at Rte. 201 and extending northeast 8.03 miles to Rte. 32.

Stanley Hill Road, beginning .02 of a mile from Rte. 32 and extending east 6.21 miles, light capital paving.

The local roads assistance in China for fiscal year 2020 will be $54,896.

The department reported maintenance accomplishments in 2019, specifically recorded to China, that included six drainage structures cleaned; 4.6 miles of shoulder repair; 81.7 miles of shoulder mowing; one bridge washed; 1,449 linear feet of backhoe ditching; 205 miles of striping applied; 92.9 miles of shoulder herbicide applied; 13.8 tons of patch applied; five tons of shim applied.

Also, 13 trees removed; one emergency event response; 154 linear feet of guardrail or fence maintained; 1,722.6 tons of hot mix paving; two drainage structures intalled or replaced; 21.4 miles of litter and debris removed; 12.9 miles of shoulder graded; 452 square feet of pavement legend applied; one underwater inspection performed; 896 linear feet of shoulder rebuilt; 54.3 miles of shoulder sweeping; and six person hours of traffic signal maintenance.

Local road assistance to Vassalboro for fiscal year 2020 is $66,916.

Maintenance accomplishments specific to Vassalboro in 2019 included: 34.8 miles of shoulder litter and debris removal; one emergency event response; 32 linear feet of bridge joints repaired or replaced; 25.1 miles of striping applied; 4,292 linear feet of shoulder rebuilt; 58.5 shoulder miles of sweeping; 205 linear feet of backhoe ditching; seven drainage structures installed or replaced; 57 miles of shoulder mowing; four bridges washed; 22 trees removed.

Also, five tons of shim applied; two drainage structures cleaned; 16 miles of shoulder graded; 265 linear feet of bridge rail repaired or replaced; 13.6 tons of patch applied; and 34.8 shoulder miles of herbicide applied.

ICE OUT 2020? Take a guess. Win a prize!

SEND US YOUR BEST ICE OUT GUESS FOR 2020

Write down your best guess (one per person) and send it to The Town Line, PO Box 89, South China, ME 04358, or email us at townline@townline.org with the subject “ICE OUT 2020“. If more than one person guesses the correct date, a drawing will be held to determine the winner. Get your guess to The Town Line office by noon, Friday, April 10, 2020.

Email: townline@townline.org. Or use our Contact Us page!

PRIZE: To be determined

Ice Out winner for 2020 is Jeremy Gray.

The records below, of ice out dates on China Lake, were provided by China residents Bill Foster, Captain James Allen and Theresa Plaisted.

Bill Foster brought in the ice out dates from 1874 to 1883. They came from a 215-page log/diary. In the log/diary are recorded the comings and goings from 1870 to 1883 of the F. O. Brainard Store, as well as personal notations of special and everyday events.

Captain James Allen brought in the ice out dates from 1901 to 1948. They had been recorded on the outhouse wall of the old Farnsworth house, also located in China Village.

Theresa Plaisted brought in the ice out dates from 1949 to 1991. She explained to us that a friend and neighbor, Ben Dillenbeck, had kept the record on his cellarway wall until his death on December 12, 1987.

Theresa transcribed Mr. Dillenbeck’s record and has kept the record up to date ever since.

This year, we will be checking China Lake to determine the official date for “Ice Out” in 2020. We will not be looking in hard-to-access areas for that very last crystal to melt, so the definition of “Ice Out,” for the purpose of this contest, is: “When, to the best judgment of the assigned viewer, the surface of the lake appears to be free of ice.” The judge’s decision is final.

Can you guess the day The Town Line declares China Lake free of ice?

Ice Out dates for the last 145 years!

1874 – April 22
1875 – May 6
1876 – April 30
1877 – April 16
1878 – April 12
1879 – May 3
1880 – April 21
1881 – April 19
1883 – April 29
1901 – March 27
1921 – March 28
1932 – April 27
1933 – April 20
1934 – April 19
1935 – April 25
1936 – April 4
1937 – April 20
1938 – April 20
1939 – May 4
1941 – April 16
1945 – April 2
1947 – April 12
1948 – April 8
1949 – April 6
1950 – April 14
1951 – April 9
1952 – April 19
1953 – March 19
1954 – April 19
1955 – April 13
1956 – April 27
1957 – April 10
1958 – April 16
1959 – April 22
1960 – April 21
1961 – April 30
1962 – April 20
1963 – April 22
1964 – April 21
1965 – April 18
1966 – April 18
1967 – April 29
1968 – April 13
1969 – April 23
1970 – April 23
1971 – April 30
1972 – May 1
1973 – April 8
1974 – April 2
1975 – April 23
1976 – April 11
1977 – April 18
1978 – April 21
1979 – April 12
1980 – April 10
1981 – March 18
1982 – April 22
1983 – April 1
1984 – April 17
1985 – April 6
1986 – April 8
1987 – April 6
1988 – April 6
1989 – April 22
1990 – April 11
1991 – April 8
1992 – April 15
1993 – April 21
1994 – April 20
1995 – April 9
1996 – April 5
1997 – April 23
1998 – April 9
1999 – April 2
2000 – April 4
2001 – April 27
2002 – April 6
2003 – April 21
2004 – April 14
2005 – April 16
2006 – March 26
2007 – April 23
2008 – April 17
2009 – April 11
2010 – March 19
2011 – April 17
2012 – March 21
2013 – April 6
2014 – April 19
2015 – April 22
2016 – March 15
2017 – April 17
2018 – April 23
2019 – April 12
2020 – ?????