The moose is loose!
Katie Esancy, of Vassalboro, sent in this photo of a moose crossing the pavement on the Hannaford Hill Road, in Vassalboro.
SCORES & OUTDOORS: What are crazy worms and where did they come from?
The common earthworm, top, and the crazy worm, below. Note the difference in the clitellum (a raised band encircling the body of worms, made up of reproductive segments), and its location on the two species. (photo courtesy of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)
by Roland D. Hallee
Did you know there are no native earthworms in Maine? Here in the Northeast where glaciers scrubbed our bedrock bare a few years back we have no native earthworms. Non-native earthworms from Europe (such as nightcrawlers) have become well established here through early colonial trading. Though they are beneficial to our gardens, earthworms can have destructive effects on our forests.
Are you tired of hearing about new invasive species. Yeah – right there with you. Aside from the fact that there’s too much bad news around as it is, we’re still working on a solution for those good old-fashioned pests that rival the common cold in terms of eluding conquest. Japanese beetles, European chafers, buckthorn, wild parsnip, Japanese knotweed – enough already.
And now, there is another species of worms out there that are not so welcome.
Crazy worms are a type of earthworm native to East Asia. (Here we go with Asian invaders, again. It seems every invasive species, of any kind, originates in Asia). They are smaller than nightcrawlers, reproduce rapidly, are much more active, and have a more voracious appetite. This rapid life cycle and ability to reproduce asexually gives them a competitive edge over native organisms, and even over nightcrawlers. They mature twice as fast as European earthworms, completing two generations per season instead of just one. And their population density gets higher than other worms. And they can get to be eight inches in length, longer than a nightcrawler. When disturbed, crazy worms jump and thrash about, behaving like a threatened snake.
Crazy worms are known and sold for bait and composting under a variety of names including snake worms, Alabama jumper, jumping worms, Asian crazy worm. They are in the genus Amynthas, and distinguishing between the several species in the genus can be difficult. All species in this genus are considered invasive in Maine. It is illegal to import them into Maine (or to propagate or possess them) without a wildlife importation permit from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW). For more information, visit MDIFW’s Fish & Wildlife in Captivity webpage.
crazy worm
Crazy worms are native to Korea and Japan, and are now found in the United States from Maine to South Carolina and west to Wisconsin. Crazy worms were first collected from a Maine greenhouse in 1899, though an established population of this active and damaging pest was not discovered here until about 2014 when two populations were discovered in Augusta (one at the Viles Arboretum) and two populations were found in Portland. They have also been found in a rhododendron display at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, in Boothbay. It is believed that crazy worms are not yet widespread in Maine, but they have been discovered in some new locations since 2014, including nursery settings. If allowed to spread, crazy worms could cause serious damage to horticultural crops and the forest ecosystem in Maine.
So, why are crazy worms a problem? Crazy worms change the soil by accelerating the decomposition of leaf litter on the forest floor. They turn good soil into grainy, dry worm castings (a/k/a poop) that cannot support the native understory plants of our forests. Other native plants, fungi, invertebrates, and vertebrates may decline because the forest and its soils can no longer support them. As native species decline, invasive plants may take their place and further exacerbate the loss of species diversity.
In nurseries and greenhouses, crazy worms reduce the functionality of soils and planting media and cause severe drought symptoms. After irrigating or rains, you may find these worms under pots. These worms may be inadvertently moved to new areas with nursery stock, or in soil, mulch, or compost.
Many of Maine’s forests are already under pressure from invasive insect pests, invasive plants, pathogens, and diseases. Crazy worms could cause long-term effects on our forests.
When handled, these worms act crazy, jump and thrash about, behaving more like a threatened snake than a nightcrawler. They may even shed their tail when handled. Annual species, tiny cocoons overwinter in the soil, and the best time to find them is late June to mid-October. In nurseries, they can often be found underneath pots that are sitting on the ground or on landscape fabric. In forests, they tend to be near the surface, just under accumulations of slash or duff.
There are precautions you can take.
Do not buy or use crazy worms for composting, vermicomposting, gardening, or bait. Do not discard live worms in the wild, but rather dispose of them (preferably dead) in the trash. Check your plantings – know what you are purchasing and look at the soil. Buy bare root stock when possible. Be careful when sharing or moving plantings, cocoons may be in the soil.
What ever happened to just having regular nightcrawlers or “trout worms”?
Roland’s trivia question of the week:
In 2008, which Boston Red Sox rookie stole 50 bases?
Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, May 21, 2020
In 2008, which Boston Red Sox rookie stole 50 bases?
Answer:
Jacoby Ellsbury.
Unity College receives grant
photo: Unity College
Joel Crabtree
Associate Director of Media Relations
As the Unity College Wood Turtle Project approaches its five-year mark, Dr. Matthew Chatfield, Unity College Assistant Professor of Conservation Biology, his students, and Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Cheryl Frederick can rest assured their research to help protect the species will continue well into the future, thanks to generous grants from five organizations.
Students at Unity College.
The Dorr Foundation, The William P. Wharton Trust, the Davis Conservation Foundation, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, and the Wildlife Division of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, which has also served as a partner in the research, are supporting the project this year through grants totaling nearly $47,000.
“It is truly humbling and an honor to receive these grants and to know that these organizations are taking note of the important work that Dr. Chatfield and his students are conducting at Unity College,” said Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. “I, myself, have been impressed by the research our students have conducted in the Wood Turtle Project ”
The wood turtle has seen widespread decline through much of its range, and is listed as a species of special concern, vulnerable, threatened or endangered in 14 of the 17 states and provinces in which it inhabits. In Maine, the species is currently listed as a species of special concern.
Students with the project capture, mark, release, and recapture wood turtles using radio-telemetry to map and monitor their movement within their habitat. Each turtle found is tracked with a number, using the same system as the state of Maine because all of the gathered data is shared and used by The Wildlife Division of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
At least once a week, in fall and spring, students put on their waders and search for tagged and untagged turtles to collect that data.
Unity College has also recently taken a wounded wood turtle into its Animal Room, where students can learn how to care for the species, observe its behaviors, develop forms of stimulus and enrichment, and prepare educational presentations about it.
“My collaborators and I are grateful to the granting organizations for their support of the Wood Turtle Project and their interest in conservation, research and education,” said Dr. Chatfield. “Funds awarded through these recent grants are a huge step forward for the project as we will be able to continue foundational work we’ve initiated over the past few years and expand in new and exciting directions. Perhaps most importantly, however, we’re able to provide authentic research experiences to students interested in conservation, wildlife biology, and the protection of endangered species.”
SOLON & BEYOND: There’s a new business in town
photo: Simply Rustic Facebook page
by Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979
Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!
I am so excited and happy to tell you about a wonderful, new shop that has opened in Solon. It is named Simply Rustic, at 1654 River Road, on Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The phone number is 431-0028.
I was very impressed with all the many items for sale in the house where Gary and Cindy Rogers and their family lived in years ago. It was very welcoming as I went in the door, and I immediately spied something I couldn’t live without! Here is a list of some of her wares: Lamps, small furniture, signs, candles, jewelry, pip berry garlands, Boot jacks, jams, jellies, pickles, dilly Beans, New and used wraths by Wanda Blanchett.
Much USA-made large wooden sunflowers for outside, granite cheese boards, local honey, local maple syrup, stands from live edge wood, and Goats milk soaps and lotions.
Hope you will all support Cindy with her new and unusual shop!
I received an e-mail from Happy Knits in Skowhegan that says Happyknits is now open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., for phone orders and curbside pickup. Whether its yarn, needles, accessories or patterns, they will be happy to bag it up or mail it out to you. Give them a call, or contact us by email or on Facebook.
Came across an old The Carney Brook Chronicle, dated April 17, 1998, paper that I wrote for back in those days, when I was looking for things to write about now, in a world that has changed. That paper was owned by Terry Drummond and he was very good about putting in whatever I wrote.
That week it happened to be, Memories of a Lost Art, by Marilyn Rogers. The end of an era took place 22 years ago and log driving has become a lost art. It is my belief that history should be remembered as it was before progress set in with the constant rumble and roar of the big trucks now on our highways. Twelve years later I wrote a similar article for the Somerset Reporter. Perhaps there aren’t too many log drivers left in this area that will recall fond memories from these words, but it is my hope that some in the younger generation will find it interesting. The words of the wonderful book Salt say it so well: “If somebody don’t go after things like that – it’s an art that will be lost forever. There will be no remaking of it.
This story will center on river driving in the Dead River area. It started every year as soon as the ice was out, usually in late April. The drive would start on the south branch of the Dead River and it took about two weeks to put in a landing. Large cranes were used to pile the river banks high with pulp, which often extended out into the stream where the pulp wood froze together.
There were two boatmen and a dynamite man to each bateau, a small boat used in river drives, and they would have to open the stream so the pulp could begin its only one journey to the mills drown stream. This was done by poling the bateau upstream where the dynamite man would place charges of dynamite on a long pole, light the fuse and place it under the pile of wood and then get down stream quickly before it blew. It usually took two days of using dynamite before the stream was clear and what was left on land was bulldozed into the stream and then the “rear” started.
Men in the bateaus picked off the center jams and others waded in the cold water clearing pulp from the bushes along the banks . It took about three weeks to drive the south branch – this was eleven hours a day, seven days a week. The men had to work while they had water.
The south branch was all rapids with one set of rips after another except for five miles of quick, deep water and then more rapids. The north branch was also driven but it didn’t have as many rapids. Different companies did each drive. For many years there wasn’t any drive on big Spencer Stream but in the years 1957 through 1959 it was driven again. Ten thousand cords of pulp was taken out each year and two men worked every day breaking up jams when the water was low. I interviewed my stepfather, Clarence Jones, for the information in this story. (Will continue the story next week, but must leave enough room for Percy’s memoir, and here it is…:
“The more you read, the more you know, The more you know, the smarter you grow. The smarter you grow the stronger your voice, when speaking your mind or making your choice.”
OBITUARIES for Thursday, May 21, 2020
BARBARA C. DOWE
SOUTH CHINA – Barbara C. Dowe, 88, of South China, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at the Alzheimers’s Care Center, in Gardiner. She was born the only child to Ralph and Madeline Cushman, in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 15,1931, the same year the Empire State Building was completed and opened.
She was an innocent, petit, blue-eyed beauty. As an infant she didn’t know the great challenges ahead: The U.S. was in the midst of the Dust Bowl Years, The Great Depression was worsening, and food prices and unemployment were going through the roof. She was sheltered living in Westwood, outside Boston, until her family moved to China.
During her childhood she inherited a true love of music. Her father, Ralph Cushman, had been a union musician in the Boston area and played drums for some of the big-name bands of the times, and her mother, Madeline Sampson Cushman, had “barnstormed” throughout New England with him before Barbara was born. Barbara never took up an instrument, but she was an accomplished singer performing at local minstrel shows, weddings, and her church choir. Musicals were her love!
On July 22,1951, she married Richard E. Dowe, of South China, and was instantly welcomed into the larger family that she had always wished for with five “sisters” and three “brothers”! Their support was so important when Richard left for military duty in Korea six months later because Barbara was pregnant with their daughter, Linda. When Richard returned home, the family headed to Tennessee for two years before returning to Maine in 1954 where they would settle down, buy a house and raise four children: Linda, Sherri, Rhonda and Rick.
A good many of the “Mom Years” were a time of struggle but also of a defined character. After all, she was a child of the depression. People remembered the hardship of the 1930s and the rationing of the war years, and she grew up to be “thrifty” and resourceful often adding to the family income by helping in Richard’s electronics business, raising dogs to sell, gardening, sewing and whatever else she could think of. That’s what it took to get by in China, in the 1950s with four kids, a mortgage and self-employment that provided a service and relied on people paying their bills.
She could stretch a dollar! Mom lived by JFK’s, “ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” She – as so many others of her generation – believed in commitment to country, church, and community. There was Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary, China Food Pantry, South China Community Church, the list goes on. Even the hardware business that Richard and she started – Dowe’s True Value Hardware – was to fill a need for the community. It was a thriving business up until they retired.
Always at Richard’s side at American Legion events, Memorial Day parades, and numerous patriotic causes, she was committed to service for others. Whatever Barbara was involved in, she gave 110 percent to the cause.
As cruel as Alzheimer’s is, the lost loves of her life never vanished in the mist of the disease. During her final years she always waited for the arrival of daughter Rhonda, who had died in 2002, her husband Richard, who passed in 2016, her mother and best friend, Madeline, and her beloved pet, Kodi. She left a legacy of love and a challenge to others to continue helping those in need. Barbara was predeceased by her two parents, Madeline and Ralph Cushman; her youngest daughter, Rhonda Dowe; and her husband of 64 years, Richard E. Dowe.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Poulin and her husband, Don; her daughter, Sherri Glidden and her fiancé, Bill Gamble; her son, Rick Dowe and his wife, Mary; her four grandchildren, Stacy Westfall, Jesse Glidden, Tiffany Ranalla and Chelsea Dowe; and her eight great-grandchildren, Caleb Westfall, Joshua Westfall, Nathan Westfall, Nevaeh Ranalla, Peyton Dowe, Aubrey Ranalla, Liam Dowe, and Adaleigh Glidden.
Due to Covid-19 and the current health restrictions, a date for the service will be determined later.
Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine, in Belfast.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.directcremationofmaine.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Barbara’s church, South China Community Church, South China Community Church, and mail to Ronald Emery, 267 Alder Park Road, South China, ME 04358.
FRED CURTIS
CHINA – Fred Curtis, 71, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 3, 2020.
Fred lived a full and happy life and his legacy will forever endure in the hearts of family.
He had a special way of making anyone who came into his life feel like his family, particularly within the China community and in his church community. Fred was one in a million – a man who poured so much love into this world.
Fred bravely served our country in the Vietnam War, and further served the Pan Am Railroad, in Waterville, from which he proudly retired. Upon retirement, Fred faithfully attended to a service that was needed within the China community. He was a local businessman for many years, lovingly referred to as the “Trash Man.” Fred also served the Lord by, and through, the Winslow Baptist Church, where he helped with the youth group. His former Pastor described Fred as follows, “God used Fred in a wonderfully unique and amazing way. Every teen who entered that ministry knew that Fred cared for them. Fred was the most faithful servant in the youth ministry. He loved the Lord and he loved seeing kids step into faith and grow their walk with God.”
Most often, you could spot Fred driving around with his wife spending quality time together laughing; he always had such a witty sense of humor. They loved to drive around all day, enjoying each other and all the beautiful sights that Maine has to offer. Fred Curtis was first and foremost a family man, the glue that held it all together. He was kind and loving, but most importantly, he was a man of faith. He will forever live on in our hearts.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always preservers. Love never fails.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
Fred is survived by his wife of 49 years, Terry Curtis; his children, Larry Curtis, Tony Curtis, Chris Curtis and Fred Curtis; two sisters, a brother, many grandchildren, cousins, nephews and nieces. He will be greatly missed by all.
KIM P. BUCKLEY
CHINA – Kim Pamela Buckley, 63, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at her home on China Lake.
She was the wife of John Knizeski. Kim was born on December 1, 1956, in Albany, New York, to her loving parents, Julia (Norma) Townley and William Buckley. She graduated from Enrico Fermi High School in 1974, where she participated in several activities such as chorus and theater to the ski club. Kim was an accomplished life underwriter and pioneered telecommuting (working from home) for several companies.Kim will be missed by the China Village community. She was a valued and active member of the China Baptist Church. She was a beautiful alto as a choir member. In addition, Kim served on the Board of Trustees of the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library. She was also an animal lover for all creatures big and small.Kim will be remembered by her family and friends as the most generous and caring woman you could ever meet and the greatest wife and mother anyone could ask for.
In addition to John, Kim leaves behind two daughters, Tess and Heather, and a grandson, Alexander; her mother; and a sister, Gail Warnok and her family, from Enfield, Connecticut.
Due to the current circumstances, there will be a service at a later date.
An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral and Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.
CHRISTOPHER J. KINNEY
FAIRFIELD – Christopher James Kinney, 48, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2020, following a long, courageous battle with terminal cancer. He was born October 1, 1971, in Calais, the son of James E. and Elizabeth M. (Davies) Kinney.
He graduated from Averill High School in 1990. He was employed for many years as a welder and has worked for the Morning Sentinel from 1991-2001, Cives Steel from 2005 to the present, Quick Lube, in Augusta, from 2000 to 2002, Jay’s Garage, in Oakland, from 1998 to present and Live Action Garage from 2014 to the present.
Christopher was a member of the Grace Bible Church, in Oakland, South Gardiner Baptist Church, and the Maine Mud Bog Association. He enjoyed mechanics, woodworking, ATV riding and helping others.
He is survived by Linda Hewey; two daughters, Gloria Kinney, Seairha Badger and husband Paul, two sons, Jason Works, Derek Todd; son-in-law, Mark Prosper; mother, Elizabeth Kinney; grandchildren, Brittney Works, Kristina Prosper, Lincoln Prosper, Mark Badger, Tyson Badger, Hailey Badger, Keairha Badger, Brandon Badger; daughter-in-law, Delani Bannett; adopted mother, Diane Bickford; brother, Jon Loisell; uncle, Jay Boulette; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Due to the coronavirus restrictions, a celebration of life and burial will be postponed until further notice.
Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Christopher’s memory to the Restoration of “Big Red,” c/o Jason Works, P.O. Box 24, Hinckley ME 04944O, or Gloria Kinney,34 Summit Street, Fairfield, ME 04937.
JOHN J. JACKSON
OAKLAND – John “Jack” Joseph Jackson, 58, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2020, following a brief stay at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation at Gray Birch Drive, in Augusta. He was born in Camden June 14, 1961, the son of John Hollis Jackson and Yvonne Mary (Bellmore) Jackson, who both predeceased him.
Jack had many friends who were very dear to him as they were able to look beyond his disability and see him as the person he was. Having been born into the world with the challenge of Cerebral Palsy, Jack lived his life with courage and a stubborn determination to never let his handicap get in the way of living life to the fullest, making his own decisions and always having as much fun as possible. Jack was a life-long fan of the Boston Red Sox, WWE and all things Star Trek.
He is survived by his brothers Jeffery Bellmore and wife Laurie, of Owls Head, Scott W. Jackson, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and his sister Rhonda Lilly, of Vassalboro; his nephew and nieces John Scott Lacasse and wife Crystal, Abby Garrison and husband Kelly, Kate Bellmore and Emily Philbrook and husband Justin; as well as many extended family members including four great-nieces and a great-nephew.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be scheduled at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, Maine.
Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, we ask donations to be made to: The United Cerebral Palsy Association.
RONALD W. CHRISTIAN
WINSLOW – Ronald “Ron” Wayne Christian, 38, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2020, due to medical complications. He was born July 29, 1981, in Waterville, the son of Yvonne Christian and Ronald W. Safford.
Ron graduated from Winslow High School. He had a care-free outlook on life and always willing to help a friend. Those who knew Ron got to hear some of his fabulous, unique stories, and inventions. Putting a smile on your face and some that made you go hmmmm….Ron was a great brother and friend to many. His big smile, big laugh, and outlook will be forever missed.
He is survived by his sisters, Sharon Christian (who he had a special relationship with, that will be forever missed) and Rachael Washburn.
MILTON F. HUNTINGTON
HALLOWELL – Milton F. Huntington, 88, of Stickney Terrace, died Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Long Term Care at Glenridge Drive following an extended illness. He was born in Belfast on February 11, 1932, the son of Arthur Huntington and Josephine (Mansfield) Huntington.
Huntington graduated from Augusta’s Cony High School in 1950, and he attended the University of Maine at Orono following two years of active duty in Korea with the U.S. Army as a Military Police officer and regimental honor guard.
Prior to his retirement in 1992, he had served for 28 years as lead representative for the American Petroleum Institute. He was previously employed in Maine government as executive director of the Maine Highway Safety Committee and as a publicist for the Maine Department of Economic Development. Prior to state government employment, he served as a reporter and photographer for Augusta’s Daily Kennebec Journal and the Waterville Morning Sentinel.
A longtime resident of Augusta, he was the author of A Lifetime of Laughter and Things That Make You Grin (And Maybe Tick You Off). The books were based partially on his “Milt’s Musings” columns that appeared in Augusta’s Capital Weekly newspaper over a five-year period. He was also a long-time, regular contributor to the Pages in Time section of The Town Line newspaper, in South China, during his later years.
In addition, he recently published Celebrities, Politicians, and Me (Plus Korean Capers) and a book of poetry for children titled Poems with a Plot.
Milt was a past president of the Maine Publicity Bureau and the former secretary-treasurer of the Maine Highway Users Conference.
His community activities include service as scoutmaster and deacon for Augusta’s South Parish Congregational Church, and as a fundraiser for the Kennebec Valley United Way, Kennebec Valley YMCA and MaineGeneral Medical Center, where he also served as a reception desk volunteer for four years. He was president of the Augusta Kiwanis Club in 1965, and he is a former president and current Secretary Emeritus of the Kiwanis Past Presidents Club. In 2011, he was named Augusta Kiwanian of the Year.
In April 2019 the Maine Health Care Association selected him as one of the 35 Mainers honored in the annual Remember ME photography exhibit and recognition ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center.
Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Lillian M. (Munn) Huntington, of Hallowell; two sons, Charles Huntington, of Newcastle, and Thomas Huntington, of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania; and daughter Susan Harley, of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania; four grandchildren.
There are no public visiting hours and no public service planned. Burial will be in Wilton at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, Maine.
Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.
Maine-Japan printmaking exchange celebrates 5 years
Image Credit: Michiko Kusakabe, Grape Hunting, 2019, Woodblock print
Common Street Arts, in Waterville, will host a collection of prints by artists from Maine and Aomori, Japan, beginning May 18 through July 18, at the Hathaway Creative Center, in downtown Waterville. The traveling exhibition is part of MAPS (Maine-Aomori Printmaking Society), a cultural exchange program sharing art and artists between Maine and Aomori. The MAPS initiative is celebrating five years of collaborative exhibitions and artist exchanges. MAPS will be on view virtually through Common Street Arts’ social media channels including Facebook and Instagram. Common Street Arts will provide associated virtual programming through its Afterschool Art Club Facebook series and provide additional video content to share the exhibition with viewers. There will also be opportunities to purchase prints through the Maine Aomori Printmaking Society.
Since 2015, curators Jeff Badger and Jiro Ono have coordinated the exchange of ten prints each year from artists in Maine and Aomori. The prints have been exhibited in Maine and Japan and now the collection numbers over a hundred works. The prints exchanged in 2019-2020 will be exhibited at Common Street Arts in Waterville from May 18 through July 18. The same collection was shown at the Aomori Arts Pavilion in Japan during the Citizen Culture Days in October 2019. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with MAPS and look forward to showcasing this beautiful collection of prints. It’s a wonderful partnership and we are so pleased to be able to serve as a virtual venue,” says Patricia King, Vice President of Waterville Creates.
The official relationship between Maine and Aomori has been in place for over 20 years, but the fascinating connection between the two states goes back to the wreck of a ship from Bath off the Japanese coast in 1889, resulting in a daring rescue of American sailors by Japanese villagers. In addition to MAPS, Friends of Aomori – the all-volunteer non-profit that supports the partnership – also supports high-school exchange programs, educational workshops and events, and economic development opportunities. “The MAPS print collection has grown into a beautiful representation of the diversity and excellence in printmaking that can be found in both Maine and Aomori. Our goal is to exhibit this dynamic and growing collection all over the State of Maine. We are proud to partner with Common Street Arts to share the work with the people of Waterville and neighboring communities,” says Badger.
h MAPS is presented by Friends of Aomori and made possible by the generous support of the Rines-Thomspon fund of the Maine Community Foundation and Ocean House Gallery and Frame.
Mid-Maine Chamber leads the way during downtown reconstruction
Waterville Works is a construction update and comprehensive marketing plan for downtown Waterville, developed by Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce with input and involvement from downtown business owners and geared to provide continued growth and vitality during the coming months. Downtown partners will include the City of Waterville, Waterville Public Library, Small Business Waterville and Waterville Creates! – each sharing coordinated messaging to reinforce a thriving downtown.
This program is being introduced as construction work began on April 20 on water main installation, beginning at the intersection of Main, Front and Spring Streets then heading north on Main Street past the new Lockwood Hotel. Once it reaches Common Street, it will relocate to the northern part of Main Street downtown where Main and College Avenue intersect and then head south. Throughout the project there will always be one lane of traffic open on Main Street. Kennebec Water District is responsible for the new water project and has contracted with Ranger Contracting, of Fairfield, to replace the water mains.
One of the goals of Waterville Works is to keep downtown businesses informed so they may communicate to employees and customers regarding changing traffic patterns, minimizing disruptions to productivity and business. Secondly, the Chamber wants to engage the entire business community and consumers in efforts to bolster sales, assure continuation of foot traffic, build excitement over cross-promotion capabilities, and offer valid solutions to parking and other concerns for the duration of the project.
When Waterville Works, everyone wins. Mid-Maine Chamber has some exciting and positive ways to assure residents and visitors that the city will remain very much open for business, and open to success. Plans include communications of construction timelines, coordination of marketing programs and constructive dialogue among the various organizations involved in the promotion of Waterville.
Specific traffic-building promotions may include creation of frequent-buyer cards, cross-promotion among businesses, scavenger hunts, a display window contest and more. Mid-Maine Chamber will develop the framework for this plan working with Mix 107.9 and Townsquare Media, along with the Morning Sentinel and The Town Line newspaper, – in addition to utilizing various social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. With anticipated involvement from downtown businesses this plan can assure that Waterville Works, for everyone.
To provide input or ideas, please reach out to Chamber CEO Kimberly Lindlof – kimberly@midmainechamber.com, or call 873-3315.
VASSALBORO: Open town meeting planned for June 22
by Mary Grow
Vassalboro officials plan to hold an open town meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 22, at Vassalboro Community School (VCS), believing they can do so safely and within state guidelines.
Town Manager Mary Sabins said consensus was reached after many email and personal discussions among selectmen, town office staff, VCS technology coordinator David Trask, School Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer and two attorneys with whom Sabins consulted. Selectmen unanimously approved at their May 14 meeting.
Written-ballot local elections are scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at the same time as state primaries and referenda. Vassalboro polls will be at VCS, not in the town office as usual.
Discussion of the open meeting focused on conforming to state safety regulations to protect everyone involved. The current plan has the meeting moderator at one end of the VCS gymnasium flanked by socially-distanced staff and officials, facing spaced chairs, with no more than 50 people in the room.
The cafeteria would be set up to accommodate a separate gathering of up to 50 more people. Trask said setting up a two-room sound system would be no problem. Various ways to convey messages from people in the cafeteria to the moderator were proposed.
What if 101 people show up, Trask asked. “That’s gonna be a problem,” Sabins replied.
No one wants to discourage voters from attending the meeting. Selectmen think some residents may be hesitant about joining a crowd; and Sabins said she believes there is only one potentially controversial agenda item, the proposal to buy a new fire truck.
Town office to re-open
Town Manager Mary Sabins said at the May 14 selectmen’s meeting that the Vassalboro Town Office is scheduled to reopen to the public on Monday, June 1, with appropriate protective measures for staff and members of the public.
The May 14 discussion covered how to check voters in safely – perhaps by setting up plastic-shielded check-in desks outdoors, Trask suggested – and how to let them out at the end of the meeting while observing distancing. With four separate doors, the exodus from the gym would be comparatively easy, Trask said.
The other main topic May 14 was the planned fishway at the China Lake Outlet Dam in East Vassalboro. Matt Streeter, Manager of Maine Rivers’ Alewife Restoration Project (ARI), displayed on-screen detailed plans for the project that will let alewives complete their annual migration from the Sebasticook River into China Lake.
The fishway that lets the small fish swim upstream in the spring will be along the east bank of the stream, with access for construction over the Cates property, Streeter said. In the fall, out-migrating fish will exit through a tilting weir close to the west bank.
The fishway will not interfere with the town’s managing the dam to control China Lake water levels in accord with state regulations, Streeter said.
Streeter’s presentation covered the fishway itself and related topics like run-off control during construction and protection of archaeological resources if any are found.
Sabins and selectmen were concerned about the town’s responsibility to maintain the fishway. Streeter said the wooden baffles that are its main feature should last 10 years or so; replacing them is a simple and inexpensive bit of construction. He offered to provide spare baffles the town could store until needed.
The Department of Marine Resources has primary responsibility for opening and closing the gates that control entrance to the fishway and the weir, depending on water and fish flows, Streeter said. He agreed it would be helpful if town public works staff were also knowledgeable.
The Outlet Dam is not intended to host people watching alewives; the viewing area will be at Box Mills dam in North Vassalboro. Streeter and selectmen talked about at least a sign, and if necessary a fence, to keep people away from the stream.
ARI spokespeople have said they intend to have the Outlet Dam fishway built in the summer of 2021.
Vassalboro selectmen have cancelled their regular May 28 meeting due to lack of agenda items. Their next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, June 11.
UPDATE: This article has been updated from the print version to show the May 28 meeting has been cancelled.
Local municipal offices set to re-open
Vassalboro town office
ALBION
The Albion Town Office is open regular business hours. Monday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Thursday 12 p.m – 6 p.m. Limit 2 customers in the building.
BENTON
The Benton Town Office is currently open to the public Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Limit two customers in office at a time.
CHINA
The China Town Office is currently open for walk-up service Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
FAIRFIELD
The Fairfield Town Office will be re-opening to the public on Tuesday, May 26. We will be limiting members of the public allowed in the building to no more than two at a time. The hours will be shortened to 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Masks, gloves and own pens required. Residents may call for an appointment or curb side service if they are unable to meet the PPE requirements. The Lawrence Public Library is working on a plan to re-open on June 1. This plan is still being finalized but may entail no public in the building, pre-ordered books, shortened times to sign out new releases, curbside pick-up, and seven-day quarantine of returned materials.
PALERMO
The Town of Palermo is discussing plans to re-open but nothing has been finalized.
VASSALBORO
The Vassalboro Town Office will re-open to the public on Monday, June 1, at 8 a.m., with a few restrictions.
All town office visitors will be asked to wear a face mask and that no more than two customers enter the lobby at the same time, all while practicing social distancing. If possible, do not bring friends or family members with you. It is understood that some will need to have children with them. Hand sanitizers have been installed and residents are encouraged to use them when entering the building. Plexiglas has been installed at work stations and people are asked to bring their own pens.
Remember that most transactions can be done online by visiting Vassalboro.net, scroll to the bottom and click on the purple house. The public restroom will be closed until further notice.
WATERVILLE
All departments at City Hall, in Waterville, will re-open on Monday, June 1, at 8 a.m., with social distancing requirements in place.
UPDATE: This story has been updated for additional town office information.