WINDSOR: Shoulder work complete on all roads; assessors grant abatements

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Compiled by The Town Line staff

The September 29 meeting of the Windsor Board of Selectmen opened with the board voting to adopt the MMA Model Ordinance GA Appendices (A-H) for the period of October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021.

Public Works director Keith Hall reported that all shoulder work in the town has been completed, with the roads still needing to be marked so the center line can be painted. It was also suggested that the electronic speed sign be placed on Coopers Mills Road, Griffin Rod, Weeks Mills Road or even at the Windsor School area, as these areas typically experience high traffic with excessive speeds. It was believed that the state Department of Transportation may need to be contacted for any state road.

Hall also reported that public works hours have gone back to Monday through Friday, eight hours a day.

Transfer Station director Timothy Coston said the compactor was scheduled for servicing on October 14. All fluids to be drained and filters and screens checked.

Reporting on the cemetery, Sexton Joyce Perry indicated that 61 stones in North, three in Resthaven and nine others in the cemeteries need to be raised and cleaned, at an estimated cost of $1,870. The selectmen approved the expenditure. The cemeteries will be closed on October 30. Money, from the cemetery maintenance account was also unanimously approved for four to six inches of loam to be spread to help the grass grow.

Three junkyard permits were unanimously approved to Allen Rogers, Stanley Pelletier and Millard Nicker III.

The board then suspended its meeting and convened as the board of assessors.

The assessors unanimously accepted tax abatement requests by Oxford Property Management for $244.48, and to Scott Thibodeau for $128.

A tree growth penalty was assessed to Donna and Paul Pinkham in the amount of $1,420 by a unanimous vote.

The board of selectmen then reconvened and adjourned. All members of the board of selectmen were present for the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Windsor Board of Selectmen took place on October 13.

China planning board approves two requests after more detailed explanations

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by Mary Grow

Both items on the China Planning Board’s Oct. 20 agenda needed some explaining, but once the situations were clear board members quickly agreed on unanimous approvals.

The first issue dealt with a subdivision on Fire Road 51, off Lakeview Drive (Route 202), originally established by Rick Fischer’s parents and, Board Chairman Tom Miragliuolo said, approved in 1971. Fischer believes it might have been the first subdivision in China.

Over the years, he explained, part of the subdivision was developed and planned interior roads were built. In the part left undeveloped, the roads were not built and became what he referred to as “paper streets.”

During a 2014 transaction, ownership of the paper streets was mistakenly assigned to abutting landowners. They should belong to the Fischer family, Fischer explained. To eliminate future confusion, he needed – and received – approval of an Oct. 14, 2020, revised plan that made no changes in anyone’s land ownerships or access rights, but restored the streets to their previous situation.

The second permit request was for repair work on Fire Road 11, off Neck Road, in shoreland and resource protection zones. The China Region Lakes Alliance (CRLA) is supporting the work under its Gravel Roads Rehabilitation Program (GRRP). Fire Road 11 Association President Danny Boivin and member Mickey Wing explained the plans via speaker-phone.

The work includes improving ditches and other run-off controls, Wing said. It is supported by all members of the road association, whether or not their property will be affected, and residents on nearby Fire Road 10 have been consulted. The desired end result is a road that is environmentally improved, easier to keep passable year-round and narrower (because material that has been graded out to the sides will be turned into a grass buffer).

Wing expected work to begin promptly after planning board approval. Board members approved with one condition, putting up appropriate signs to warn and direct delivery-truck drivers during construction.

The next China Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, Nov. 10.

China residents discuss Causeway improvements at hearing

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Work continues on the Causeway at the head of China Lake. Phase 2 of the project is scheduled to be completed in mid-November. (photo by Roland Hallee)

Causeway construction in China to last through mid-November

by Jeanne Marquis

The completion of the Phase II Causeway Road bridge will provide a more walkable, accessible and family friendly area for residents and visitors. As with any renovation project, this one comes with a degree of inconvenience and mess, but this project also has generated a good deal of anticipation.

Photo depicts the type of guardrail to be installed in Phase II. (provided by Mark McCluskey of A.E. Hodsdon Engineers)

Mark McCluskey, of A.E. Hodsdon Engineers, of Waterville, provided a schematic and photo for a preview of the completed project. The new guardrails will be placed further away from the roadway to allow for wider shoulders. A walkway will be added for pedestrians and a platform added for fishing. Erosion barriers will be added to protect from the wear and tear from the natural elements.

The photo that McCluskey provided shows the new guardrails which will replace the temporary rails placed during Phase I. These wooden rails will be more aesthetically pleasing and easier for parents to get their young children over to access their favorite fishing spots.

Mark McCluskey said, “We are extremely excited about getting the work done and feel it will be a substantial improvement to the shoreline stabilization, safety for the public and will provide much needed improvements.”

The planning for the Causeway Road bridge renovation project began when the Maine Department of Transportation had determined the bridge, built in the 1930s, would only last for another five or 10 years. Phase I work began in the Fall of 2018 when the old bridge was demolished. During Phase I, the remaining foundation was reinforced by stone, the culvert was raised, the new road was laid and a temporary guardrail was installed. Phase II is projected to be completed by mid-November 2020.

Schematics for the work at the Causeway. (provided by Mark McCluskey of A.E. Hodsdon Engineers)

According to China Town Manager Becky Hapgood, the work is being done by McGee Construction, of Gardiner. They will be installing a redi-rock retaining wall, rip-rap, a sidewalk on the lake side with improved guardrails and lighting, and improving the boat launch. There was a slight delay with the redi-rock retaining wall, but the redi-rock is now being delivered at a cost below budget. Hapgood said, “Residents can expect a boat launch that is safer and easier to navigate with a pleasant area to walk along the Causeway.”

Hapgood went on to say that she is not aware of any more that will be done but there has been some mention of a Phase 3.

LETTERS: A calm, measured approach to life and politics

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To the editor:

It is not often that I can unequivocally endorse a person with impeccable qualifications such as Hilary Koch, who is running for the Maine State Senate, representing Waterville and several other towns in central Maine.

Hilary is a candidate who is gifted with a yearning for the common good. Unlike many ideologies who go overboard with their mission, Hilary, first, has an open mind and is known for her keen sense of active listening. She harvests all of the facts and ruminates over them prior to making a decision.

Common sense is an attribute that colors her inordinate sense of fairness and justice for all. Two areas that come to mind are her fierce endorsement of education and the unacceptable high prices for prescription drugs.

Hilary will not be distracted by ideologies and high priced lobbyists who represent corporations and the donor class whose efforts are often contrary to the needs of the middle class.

Hilary is recognized as a strong, resilient candidate whose only allegiance will be to the people she represents.

I look forward to applaud Hilary’s rational and responsible leadership in Augusta.

Lawrence Griffin
Waterville

VETERANS CORNER: Election, SSI and COLA time

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by Gary Kennedy

This is election time and also an SSI and Veteran COLA time. (Cost of Living Adjustment). The veterans historically receive the same as SSI recipients. This is usually what occurs in the fiscal year, October 1. As it stands now the percentage relied upon is using the Consumer Price Index and as it stands at this time it looks like the increase will only be 1.6 percent which is not a whole heck of a lot. Defined, this is an increase in Social Security benefits to counteract inflation. This automatic annual COLA began in 1975.

The largest COLA was in 1980 at 14.3 percent. The new COLA will affect 69 million Americans. I personally believe this COLA is based on a better quarter than we are in. In any case veterans will receive the same. So the way I figure it veterans will receive approximately an additional $38.80. Not a thrilling amount and that is based on 100 percent service connection. If your check is less, then, of course, that amount will go down. Just multiply your check by 1.6 percent and that will be your increase. The origin of this was basically a grocery issue. Not news I like to share but that is the way of it.

Bernie Sanders in 2015 found that the cost of living amount if any was outrageous; I have addressed this issue with Sen. Susan Collins and with President Donald Trump. We’ll have to see what the outcome is. I believe someone should take issue with this as in regards to our elderly, disabled and veterans. The amount given to SSI recipients is based on an average of approximately $1,500 monthly, with an increase of $24. The maximum base is fixed for SSI at this figure. Most Vietnam era disabled veterans also receive SSI so they receive both.

Other issues which veterans have discussed with me regard the political theater in this election year. I advocate for veterans to help them get health care as well as monetary benefits. I do a lot of that, and I have for 47 years. I have always used senatorial offices to aid my veterans. I was very impressed with our first female senator Margaret Chase Smith. She was the first female senator and she didn’t play games. There were several things that impressed me but the one that started my relationship with that office was, she was given the designation of “Mother of the Waves” for her efforts to advance women in the military (Navy).

I started using that office when Sen. Olympia Snowe who was the second woman and of Greek origin, become senator. She was easy to deal with and didn’t care about my political stand. I don’t believe in all the years I dealt with John Cummings, her right hand man, I was ever asked about my political views. I went there only for veteran issues, with much success.

Now we have Senator Susan Collins who likewise has aided me and veterans that I have sent there with very good success at dealing with our issues. She gave her blessing to the homeless housing and the hospitality house at Togus V.A. I have never found others to be as accessible.

Sen. Collins said in the beginning she would only serve two terms but has served 23 years, to date. Veterans and S.S.I. recipients have benefited from this. Many veterans fear they might lose this support as this will be the second time she has stepped away from her party. The race for the Senate looks like a dead heat between her and Sarah Gideon. Whoever wins, I promise I will remain loyal to my commitment to veterans and will seek the aid of whomever to benefit them and SSI.

Since veterans also receive SSI, I have asked the proper questions regarding this and Medical Stands. Nothing will change to harm you. Unfortunately, politics can be a nasty business as we have seen in both state and federal elections. Just because we are retired we should not live in fear. There are many good politicians out there that have elderly family members. I am very active with all of this and more and I see no negative changes on our horizon. I, like you, depend on my check and Medicare. Veterans, I hope this gives you information and answers your questions. Don’t worry Maine, all will work out. God bless you and God bless America.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Save a little money

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by Debbie Walker

I don’t know where this quote came from, however, I am using it here, “With prices of most necessities rising, I’m glad there’s a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner.” I haven’t tried most of these, but I will put notes on things I have tried. I hope you enjoy reading the possibilities and trying a few.

Car wax: After your car has been waxed there is still a little wax left over, even on the wax pad. Here are a couple of ideas for leftovers:

Do you have bird feeders on a pole? Rub that pole with the wax pad. Slippery going for the little devils.

Rub some wax on dog’s tags to prevent rust. Or do you have a sticky drawer, a little wax will fix that.

Rubbing alcohol: Rubbing alcohol, for all the work it can do, is a very inexpensive purchase.

Got an ink mark on your leather pocketbook? Dip a cotton swab in alcohol, rub it back and forth ‘til mark is gone. Then dry with hair dryer.

Get rid of musty clothes odors. Fill spray bottle with equal parts alcohol and water, mist garment.

Equal parts 90 percent rubbing alcohol and water. Spray on your iced over car windows and windshield. This works. I would do my windshield first, walk around the car doing windows, get back to driver’s door and windshield was free of ice!

Unclog spray paint nozzle – Aggravating!

Turn can upside down, dip nozzle in a small bowl of alcohol. Wait one minute and rinse under hot water.

Lemon Juice: Lift tarnish off your holiday silverware. 1 tsp. baking soda, 4 tsp. lemon juice, makes a paste. Rub on, rinse off.

Keep cats from bothering plants. Soak a cotton ball in lemon juice and rub it around the rim of planter. Cats dislike citrus scent.

Clumpy rice. If you cook it and get sticky rice add a few drops of lemon juice to boiling water.

Stiff paint brushes. 3 parts lemon juice, 1-part water to boil. Soak brushes for 15 minutes.

Keep ants out. Saturate a few cotton balls with juice and place where ants and other bugs appear. Odor disrupts scent trails.

Petroleum Jelly: Kitty got a hair ball problem? Use your finger and dab it on the cat’s nose. She licks it off. It helps her digestive system.

Candlesticks often get covered with candle wax attached, before lighting rub on jelly. Cooled wax comes right off.

Milk: Take large, difficult pills with milk. Coats and slides easier.

Dry damaged hair. Spray bottle to spritz whole milk onto hair. Wait 30 minutes then shampoo and condition as usual.

Dog smells. Give him a bath, add 1 cup milk to water before putting him in. Massage and then rinse as usual. Smell is much better.

Mouth burn. Ease pain quickly, swish a bit of cold milk around in mouth.

Charcoal: Eliminate static from a radio. Place a piece of charcoal on top of it. It attracts the waves you don’t want to hear. It is supposed to make it static free. I have to try this!

I am just curious about that charcoal business. Contact me with comments or questions at DebbieWalker@townline.org. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week.

REVIEW POTPOURRI – Maine poet: Isaac McLellan

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Isaac McLellan

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Isaac McLellan

Maine poet Isaac McLellan (1806-1899) was born in Portland but grew up in Boston. He went to Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, where he was friends with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and made the acquaintance of Nathaniel Hawthorne.

McLellan practiced law during his 20s, but soon grew bored and devoted himself to writing, hunting and fishing. His poetry and essays began appearing in newspapers and magazines and were collected in several volumes.

McLellan traveled in Europe, Egypt, and Syria and wrote about his experiences in an extensive series of Foreign Travels for the long gone Boston Daily Courier. He was interested in agriculture, hunting and fishing and had a spacious farm in the then peaceful countryside of Dorchester.

McLellan’s poem Autumn has verses that sum up the mixed blessings and beauties of the season; he also prefaces it with a verse by Longfellow which will be quoted first before his own stanzas:

Longfellow – ”‘Round Autumn’s mouldering urn,
Loud mourns the chill and cheerless gale,
When nightfall shades the quiet vale,
The stars in beauty burn.”

McLellan – “Now, in the fading woods, the Autumn blast
Chants its old hymn, – a melancholy sound!
And look! the yellow leaves are dripping fast,
And earth looks bleak and desolate around.

The flowers have lost their glorious scent and bloom,
And shiver now as flies the tempest by;
To some far clime hath flown the wild bird’s plume,
To greener woods, and some serener sky.”

McLellan’s favorite hunting grounds were in Cohasset, Plymouth and Marsh­field, Massa­chusetts, the last area being the farm of Daniel Webster, who frequently visited with McLellan (Webster’s favorite breakfasts consisted of roasted mutton, apple pie and Scotch.).

SOLON & BEYOND: Good to see 4-H Club still active

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

The following is about the first meeting of the Solon 4-H Club meeting since March:

Saturday, October 10, the club met at the Solon Fire Station. In attendance were Cooper and Kaitlin De Lardis, Lindsey and Charlotte Hamilton, Desmond and Jillian Robinson, Sarah Craig, Isabella Atwood and Autumn Ladd.

The craft project was: Making and decorating pumpkins from sweater sleeves. Members were also given craft items to be used at home to create an additional project.

The club received a $300 donation from the Solon Alumni over the summer. They are excited to start their meetings again after such a long break. At this time they plan to meet monthly unless school is shut down.

The club will utilize To-Go Bags with art projects if they are unable to meet or meet virtually.

The club elected officers: Cooper Dellarma, president; Lindsay Hamilton, Vice President; Desmond Robinson, secretary; Jillian Robinson, assistant secretary; Devyon DeLeonardis, treasurer; Isabella Atwood, assistant treasurer; Sarah Craig, Reporter; Kaitlin Dellarma, Flag 1; Katelyn Deleonardis, Flag 2.

The next meeting will be Saturday, November 14, at 9:30 a.m., at the Solon Fire Station.

And now for page two about how to dismantle a barn, by Jeff McAllister: (Hope everyone enjoyed the first page last week!)

In a barn with rafters and partitions the boards run from ridge poll to eaves. With this type of roof your rafters are spaced 810 feet to 12 feet apart with partitions running horizontal between rafters. Partitions are usually spruce or fur, small trees equal to 4 inches x 4 inches to 5 inches x 5″ inches, and hewed flat on one side for roof boards. With this type of roof another peg is needed. The rafters are pegged to the girders. You then have to cut into the ends of rafter to expose the pinion. This lets the rafter free for the pull. Also removes the peg. Once the roof is flat I unhook a section and pull it off to dismantle it on the ground. After roof has been done I go back to the end dropping section. I de-pin all beams before I drop a section. Otherwise, your pegs are backwards. You can’t drive them out next to the ground.

My controlled pull goes like this. As the first rafter pulls of the plate the chain now goes to the next rafter. As that one pops off plate now the other side of roof is also free. Gravity takes over. I gun my pull, all roof rafters collapse, the back side pushes, all roof rafters collapse, the back side pushes, the pull side six feet out over the plate. It’s not a big barn anymore.

Jeff writes: I refer to myself as a lumber salvage engineer. I have to devize a plan not only to save useable lumber but more importantly to do it SAFELY! Remember 80 percent of a barn of any size is higher than a man’s head. No barn beam is worth a man’s head! This brings into mind a few safety rules I use on any building. #1 Any wasted, damaged, split wood should always be laid down flat so as not fall on it. #2 Don’t pry off any lumber above your head. I use a chain controlled pull down not in the pinch point. #3 Barns with damage due to neglect are dangerous. Things to look out for are #1: is the roof safe to be under? #2 is the barn spreading? #3 is the floor safe to walk on?

I’m running out of space, so please don’t try to tear any barns down until after next week…. I’ll try to get the rest of the information in!

And now, Percy’s memoir, it’s a short one: Friendship is love with understanding.

LEGAL NOTICES for Thursday, October 22, 2020

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STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
COURT ST.,
SKOWHEGAN, ME
SOMERSET, ss
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
18-A MRSA sec. 3-801

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the estates noted. The first publication date of this notice October 15, 2020. If you are a creditor of an estate listed below, you must present your claim within four months of the first publication date of this Notice to Creditors by filing a written statement of your claim on a proper form with the Register of Probate of this Court or by delivering or mailing to the Personal Representative listed below at the address published by his name, a written statement of the claim indicating the basis therefore, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed or in such other manner as the law may provide. See 18-C M.R.S.A. §3-804.

2020-015 – Estate of SALLY S. BARNEY, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Gail H. Demmons, 13 Maple Street, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-239 – Estate of LINDA C. DUMAS, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. John W. Dumas, 628 Canaan Road, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-242 – Estate of JOSEPH J. TROMBI, late of Brewster, MA deceased. Sandra A. Trombi, 171 Commons Way, Brewster, MA 02631 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-243 – Estate of RUSSELL G. MOREY, late of New Portland, Me deceased. Sharon A. Richardson, PO Box 533, Anson, Me 04911 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-248 – Estate of BETTY J. HASTINGS, late of Canaan, Me deceased. Erica Spaulding, 761 Hinckley Road, Clinton, Me 04927 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-249 – Estate of MARY J. HUGHGILL, late of Solon, Me deceased. Robert C. Hughgill, Sr., 277 Locke Hill Road, Starks, Me 04911 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-250 – Estate of RONALD E. KRENISKY, late of Canaan, Me deceased. Belle A. Krenisky, 9 Krenisky Lane, Canaan, Me 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-252 – Estate of CARL L. RAMBERG, late of Hartland, Me deceased. Cindy Tice, PO Box 83, Athens, Me 04912 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-253 – Estate of ARTHUR A. PRINGLE, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Katharine A. Pringle, 183 Mitchell Road, Nottingham, NH 03290 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-256 – Estate of CHESTER ROSS PERKINS, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Ruth Perkins, 908 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 and Ann-Marie Lynn Towle, 26 Gem Street, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 appointed Personal Representative,

2020-265 – Estate of ROBERT J. CRAWFORD, late of Madison, Me deceased. Doreen DeRosa, 15 Cowette Street, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-266 – Estate of RAY F. ACHORN, late of Smithfield, Me deceased. Dawn Marie Leavitt, 146 Quaker Lane, Smithfield, ME 04978 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-267 – Estate of KATHLEEN W. HARTLEY, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Kevin T. Hartley, 432 Barker Road, New Vineyard, Maine 04956 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-268 – Estate of GRACE G. ROBERTS, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Lynda N. Quinn, PO Box 36, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-271 – Estate of CLARENCE M. DAVIS, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Pierre A. Quirion, 134 Back Road, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-272 – Estate of EVIE P. NORTON, late of Madison, Me deceased. Clifford M. Norton, Sr., PO Box 96, Kingfield, Me 04947 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-273 – Estate of ANNETTE M. CHAMPAGNE, late of Jackman, Me deceased. Diane M. Begin, 329 Neck Road, Benton, Me 04901 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-276 – Estate of THOMAS W. KNOWLES, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Donald Knowles, 69 Airport Road, Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-278 – Estate of CLYDE V. LAMBERT, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Debra J. Sylvain, 100 Ten Lots Road, Fairfield, Me 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on October 15, 2020 & October 22, 2020.
Dated: October 9, 2020 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(10/22)

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Family Caregivers Of Veterans Eligible For Free Professional Help

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Veterans and their families can get help at home to make daily living easier.

(NAPSI)—The Elizabeth Dole Foundation and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have launched an emergency respite care fund for the family caregivers of wounded, ill, and injured veterans. The program, Respite Relief for Military and Veteran Caregivers, will provide non-medical, no-cost, professional home care to veteran caregivers who are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. CareLinx, a nationwide professional home care network,  helped launch the fund with a donation of $1 million worth of services. Wounded Warrior Project then contributed an additional $1 million to expand the program. The Foundation expects to provide 75,000 hours of care to more than 3,000 veteran caregivers.

“The lack of affordable, convenient, professional respite care has always taken a significant toll on the emotional and physical well-being of veteran caregivers,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “Now, due to the increased health risks and limitations created by the pandemic, we are seeing a spike in the need for short-term relief.”

Even as states re-open, some of the most critically wounded or ill veterans and their caregivers will have a long journey back to the pre-pandemic world. These veterans often have vulnerable immune systems that require their caregivers to take every precaution against exposure. By asking family and friends to keep their distance, they are losing a vital source of daily support.

“We are grateful to CareLinx and Wounded Warrior Project for helping us respond to this urgent need,” Schwab continued. “We hope other organizations also step up, so we can ensure every veteran caregiver suffering during COVID-19 receives the help they need.”

The program is rolling out in select regions and will expand nationwide over time. Eligible caregivers can request services that include companionship, grocery shopping, cooking, mobility assistance, transportation, bathing, and other activities of daily living. AARP and Bob Woodruff Foundation have also joined as key collaborators for this effort to help spread the word to military and veteran caregivers.

To learn more and apply, visit www.hiddenheroes.org/respite.