No one knows for sure the exact date of the birth of Jesus, but it’s still Christmas

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by Gary Kennedy

No one knows for sure the exact date and time that Christ was born. However, there are several interesting things I have run across during my research of Christmas and the birth of Christ. I will share some with you in case you might have more definitive interaction to share with us.

Our history shows December 25 as the date of the birth of Jesus. Some aren’t aware that there was already a pagan holiday on that date and the two events were conveniently joined together. If we looked at (Luke 2:7-8) the Bible tells us that the shepherds were in the fields tending their flocks. Jesus was born as most of us know in sheep country. Shepherds would not be in the fields tending sheep during the cold season (December). At this time of year the shepherds would shelter their flocks for warmth. This would suggest very late summer or perhaps early fall.

It is an historical fact that Jesus’ parents traveled to Bethlehem to register in the Roman Census. This census was not taken during the winter months. We think of this part of the world as being extremely hot. However, winter nights could succumb to below freezing temperatures. Obviously, this census would lose a lot because of this, so, it is highly unlikely to be taken at this time. Also if you look at Luke (2:1-4) it leads us to believe this to be true. Also, if you read the book The Story of Santa Klaus it will become clearer

There are only six months between John’s mother, who was in her sixth month of pregnancy, when Jesus was born. Luke (1:24-36) also Luke (1:8-13). This gives us an approximate month of the birth of Jesus. The Bible is the most phenomenal book ever written. The answers are there if one only learns how to read it.

So, John’s father was Zacharias who was performing temple service when he traveled home to his wife. His wife, Elizabeth, then conceived. Luke (1:23-24). We have to assume John was born near the end of June, allowing nine months giving us the math needed to figure this out. So, we find ourselves at the end of March as the most likely time of John’s birth. Then if you add another six months, the difference in ages between John and Jesus puts us somewhere near the end of September as the most likely time of the birth of Jesus. Sounds complicated but you can blame that on the view point of the writer.

It is guesstimated that the first time the 25th of December was used as Christmas was during the 4th century. So the date of December 25 for Christmas was a compromise between Christianity and paganism. None the less, it has been allowed by the one we celebrate or he certainly would have done something about it. Some faiths have different dates yet they still use the same date, December 25.

After you read William Walsh’s book, which I referred to earlier, you will be able to see some of the tie. Coupled with the scripture of Luke and some also in Mathew, you will see all more clearly. Sounds like I am trying to get you to pull out your Bible. That may not be a bad idea.

All of this being said and done we have to decide, does the exact date really matter? Some things are lost in, and by, the history, yet what they stand for still remains. Christmas is obviously a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Christ. Some celebrate for the fun of it and some of us take it a little more seriously. All in all it is a time for family and friends to join together in thanksgiving for the thankfulness of the one who gave his life so that we might have a chance for everlasting life, through his sacrifice. His life is known to us and forever lives on as an example for us to follow.

It is said by some that the Christmas celebration should be of his death, not his birth, but we aren’t condemned for recognizing both as part of the Christmas season. You couldn’t have one without the other. Most importantly remember the scripture, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son.” The point is in the remembering how and why he did this for us.

So, in conclusion, while we are enjoying family and friends, remember the true reason for the holiday. We are celebrating the life of the one in which all Christians believe. We need to remember his example and realize, by any standard all that he taught was based upon the foundation of love and charity. Even if the entire thing was just a story, what a wonderful story it is. It is one worth teaching and living irrespective of the reward or lack thereof.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and don’t forget to share with those who are less fortunate. Remember, always, the father of us all reads the heart. So, it is not what you give it’s the why and how of it. My prayer for you is that you make it a daily event not a dated one.

God Bless us all!

The views of the author in the this article are not necessarily those of The Town Line newspaper, its staff and board of directors.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, December 17, 2020

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MARY L. WEEKS

WATERVILLE – Mary Louise (Bernard) Weeks, 88, passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. She was born in Falmouth on June 25, 1932, the daughter of Harry and Louise Bernard.

Mary was an avid dancer. Anytime there was music playing she would dance to the rhythm. This is how she gained the nickname March Two. She was a graduate of Waterville High School exceling and receiving awards for her typing skills.

Mary married her sweetheart, Harland, on April 5, 1952, at the age of 19, right before he was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. Mary was a Catholic and Harland a Protestant, so marrying the two religions was very rare in those days. Mary’s brother would mock his sister when Harland would go see her in Falmouth in his best teenage girl voice, “Oh, Harland how’ve missed you.” Little did he know they would be married 68 years! They stayed forever in love which is such a rare occurrence today.

Mary worked for the telephone company as an operator for many years before becoming a housewife and mother to the couple’s three children. In later years, she worked along side Harland at their family business, A.L. Weeks and Sons, on Kennedy Memorial Drive, as the bookkeeper for many years before they both retired in 1998.

After retirement, she devoted her time to her love of cooking, crafting and her faith. She was on several boards at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church. She volunteered endless hours crafting, baking and running the church’s annual rummage and bake sale.

In their free time Harland and Mary would frequent their camp on Great Pond, and later on Lake Hebron. They enjoyed making fond memories with their grandchildren, taking yearly trips to the coast for lobster or having sleep overs at their camps, always supplied with cookies and cream ice cream. A trip to camp was never complete without a visit from Smokey in the peppermint room.

Mary’s family was the focus of her life. She loved hosting every holiday, always with a buffet of every food and pastry you could think. She enjoyed decorating for Christmas. She was famously known for her peanut butter fudge. Anytime someone was sick they knew to call her for some piping hot homemade chicken noodle soup.

She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Bobby, Joe and George William.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Harland L. Weeks; daughter Julie, husband Bob, children Tiffany and Danielle and great-grandchildren Avery, Brooklyn, Cole, Landon and Connor; son Chris and wife Janet, their children Amanda and Christopher, great-grandchildren Wyatt and Mikaela; daughter Tammy, husband Roger, their children Timothy and Jonathan, great-grandchildren Hannah, Samuel and Harland; her sister, Elizabeth Jensen; a niece, Dorothy Towle; brother-in-law Marynard Weeks and wife Cheryl; many nieces and nephews.

There will be a spring service and burial. Funeral services are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com

In lieu of flowers the family asks that if you wish to donate to The Pleasant Street United Methodist Church Soup Kitchen, 61 Pleasant St., Waterville, ME 04901.

DR. MARILYN S. MAVRINAC

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin – Dr. Marilyn Sweeney Mavrinac, 93, long-time resident of Water­ville, died on Sunday, November 29, 2020. While she passed away in Wisconsin, where she had been living for the past 10 years, Dr. Mavrinac maintained strong ties to Waterville.

Dr. Mavrinac is described by her children as a scholar, world traveler, adventurer, athlete, and wife and mother extraordinaire. Always interested, always involved, Dr. Mavrinac, a European historian, was determined to discover the world, its people, its places, and its history.

From the time she was a young girl, Dr. Mavrinac was devoted to learning. She began her higher education at Wellesley College, continuing her studies at Columbia University, where she earned her master’s degree, then proceeded to Harvard University, where in 1953 she began her doctoral studies in history. Over the course of her career, she taught at Hathaway Brown School, Columbia, Wellesley, the American University in Cairo, and later Colby College.

In 1957, Dr. Mavrinac temporarily set aside her scholarly pursuits to build her family with her great love, her husband, Albert Mavrinac, whom she met at Harvard. The pair traveled extensively, moving the family for periods of work and study from the home base in Maine to Africa, Asia, and Europe.

While raising her children in Waterville and overseas, Dr. Mavrinac was always involved in a mix of professional and community service activities. After teaching at Colby for a number of years, she was appointed chairman of its education department, where she built the student-teacher practicum program. At Colby, Dr. Mavrinac also developed her scholarly studies of the education of French women and the history of French Canadian settlers in Waterville, interviewing a number of local residents in Waterville as part of her research.

In her mid-60s, after her children had grown, she resumed her doctoral research, much of it undertaken in France, receiving her doctorate from Harvard University in the early 1990s.

In between their travel and study, Marilyn and Albert also made time for community involvement. After her husband passed away in 2006, Marilyn maintained her volunteer work and an active research agenda. She volunteered in a variety of organizations in Waterville, in the local Democratic Party, and in church and civic groups. She was proud to be among those organizing the first local celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. day, in Waterville.

Marilyn and Albert were also avid tennis players, and were fixtures on the indoor and outdoor courts at Colby. Into her 70s, Dr. Mavrinac played in numerous tournaments, at times defeating opponents half her age.

Dr. Mavrinac is survived by her five children, Georgia (Mike), Susan (Tom), Sarah (Neil), Emily (Paul) and Tony (Yvette); 12 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and myriad friends and colleagues in Maine and throughout the world.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, 19 Colby St., Waterville, ME 04901, http://www.shelterme.org.

MARION B. JACKINS

WATERVILLE – Marion B. Jackins, 102, a.k.a. ReRe passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, in Waterville. Marion was born on April 8, 1918, in Houlton,to Alden and Bessie Bradbury Jackins.

The family moved to Waterville when she was three-years-old. She graduated from Waterville High School, class of 1935, and attended Colby College for one year. After this she was employed by Woolworth Department Store, in Waterville, as clerk, detective, and office manager for 10 years. Also, during that time, she served in the Red Cross Motor Corps from 1941-1942. She worked at Preble Studio, in Waterville, from 1945 to 1973. She then worked for Butler’s Department Store, on Main St., in Waterville, serving as office manager from 1973 to 1982, and then at Peter Webber Sporting Goods, on the Concourse, in Waterville, part time as their bookkeeper before retiring. She also served as an election clerk at the Ward 6 voting location, at the Pleasant Street Elementary School, in Waterville, with her sister, Myrtle Weigelt, for many years.

She enjoyed hosting her family every Sunday afternoon for dinner and card games. She was an excellent baker, noted for her delicious desserts. She enjoyed mountain climbing, camping, traveling, knitting, crossword puzzles and watching Fox News.

Marion attended church all her life. First affiliated with the United Methodist Church in Waterville and later attended the Blessed Hope Advent Christian Church in Waterville.

Her philosophy of life, in her words was, “It isn’t how much money you make. It is how happy you are. What counts is our relationships and being content with small things.”

Marion is survived by her nephews, Robert Weigelt and his wife, Helen, of Jackman, and Alden Weigelt and his wife, Debora, of Winslow; several great-nephews and -nieces and great-grand-nephews and -nieces.

She was predeceased by a brother, Prescott Jackins, and a sister, Myrtle Weigelt, niece, Dorothy Vrabic and nephew, David Jackins.

A private graveside service and burial is scheduled for the spring in Pine Grove Cemetery, in Waterville.

Arrangement are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

IAN W. LADD

OAKLAND – Ian William Ladd, 28, passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. Ian was born in Waterville, on December 16, 1991, to parents Jonathan and Catherine (Kivlin) Ladd.

Ian always had such appreciation and love for animals and the outdoors. Even as a young boy, Ian would collect all the insects he could find in the yard. He did this so often that his mother started calling him the family entomologist. Later in his adolescence Ian would find solace in playing video games, collecting as many consoles as he could throughout the years. Ian was known for making others laugh. He loved producing parodies for his family and friends to enjoy. His friends and family will miss his wit and unique sense of humor.

Ian was predeceased by his father, Jonathan Ladd, and his brother-in-law, Gary Lee.

Ian is survived by his mother, Catherine Ladd; his sisters, Erin (Ladd) Lee and Caitlin Ladd; his nieces, Abby Lee, Katie Lee, Catarina Hellman, and Isabella Hellman; his girlfriend, Andi Hatake; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be held at Fairfield United Methodist Church, 37 Skowhegan Road, Fairfield, Maine 04937, on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, from 4 – 7 p.m. Masks and social distancing are required as you pay your respects.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.

Condolences and memories can be shared by visiting Ian’s guestbook at http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

RINA A. DAIGNEAULT

OAKLAND – Rina Alice (Albert) Daigneault, 77, of Oakland, passed way on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, following a long battle with dementia. Rina was born in New Brunswick, Canada, on December 14, 1942, the daughter of John and Rita Albert.

She attended St. Basile elementary and high schools, in Canada, and Notre-Dame D’Acadie, in Moncton, New Brunswick. Rina worked at Pine Acres restaurant as a waitress and then moved on to Key Bank, in Oakland, for 17 years. She started as a teller and then became a CD and loan specialist.

Rina became a citizen of the United States on March 24, 1995. Rina loved to travel with her husband of 57 years and being with her family. She will always be remembered for her great sense of humor, loving, caring, and giving ways. Her faith was exceptionally strong. She lived her life doing for others and lived by the words, “whatever you give you get back 10-fold.”

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Rita Albert.

Rina is survived by her husband, Roland Daigneault, of Oakland; her daughters, Michelle Gilbert and husband Douglas, of Fayette, Karen Daigneault, of Florida, Pauline Morin, of Waterboro; her grandchildren, Brian McCutcheon, Sean McCutcheon, Anthony Romano, Niki Romano, Justine Boss, and Kristen Boss;her; sisters, Pauline Cyr and husband Jimmy, of Florida, Gisele Cyr, of Youngsville, Louisiana; her brothers, Robert Albert, of Florida, Jerry Albert and wife Nancy, of Ohio; and many nephews and nieces.

Due to Covid-19, services at this time are being delayed until further notice.

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

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

RICHARD E. WILLETTE

WATERVILLE – Richard E. Willette, of China, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December. 2, 2020, at Maine General. in Waterville. Richard was born in Augusta on April 19, 1945.

He attended Augusta schools and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1962, where he served in Korea.

He was an avid hunter and was very proud of his trophies he would hang on his walls. Richard was a lifetime member of Forrest J. Pare VFW Post #1285, in Waterville, where he served as commander for three years.

Richard owned and operated the South End Cafe, in Waterville, with his wife. He also owned a construction company and a trucking company. Richard was a man of many talents and will be missed by many.

CORRECTION

ROYCE B. NELSON

A graveside service for Royce B. Nelson, 87, who passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020, at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta, will be held in the spring 2021 at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta. The original service was postponed due to Covid-19 complications.

Vassalboro resident seeks to change marijuana ordinance

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro selectmen entertained three requests from residents of the Sherwood Lane subdivision at their Dec. 10 YouTube meeting, moving two forward without any final action.

Leo and Andrew Barnett have spent the fall seeking town approval to build two large buildings to lease to medical marijuana growers on land beyond the end of Sherwood Lane, the road off Riverside Drive that serves the subdivision. Residents consider the proposed commercial development inappropriate so close to, and accessed through, a residential subdivision.

The Planning Board approved the project Dec. 8 (see related story, p. )

Jessica Reed, speaking for others concerned, asked selectmen to consider three actions: amending Vassalboro’s local marijuana ordinance to limit the number of growing facilities in town; prohibiting commercial marijuana projects in subdivisions; and perhaps monitoring existing facilities.

“We never expected a situation like this,” and with town support would like to protect residents of other subdivisions from similar surprises, Reed said.

Selectmen agreed that since they developed the original marijuana ordinance, they should discuss amending it. Town Manager Mary Sabins said town attorney Kristin Collins pointed out the ordinance no longer matches revised language in state law. Selectmen asked Sabins, working with Collins and interested Sherwood Lane residents, to recommend changes.

Board Chairman John Melrose would like to see a revised draft when the selectmen meet next on Jan. 7, 2021. Sabins said she would try to have one ready by then.

Amending the subdivision ordinance should be a planning board task, selectmen agreed. They voted unanimously to ask the planning board to take it on, in cooperation with Collins and Sherwood Lane residents.

Selectmen did not discuss monitoring existing facilities.

Reed thanked selectmen for hearing residents’ concerns and sought advice on the procedure for appealing the Dec. 8 planning board decision. Sabins referred her to Codes Officer Paul Mitnik.

Sherwood Lane resident Dan Belyea commented that the Nov. 10 and Dec. 8 planning board meetings had been frustrating for residents trying to comment. It was difficult to hear what was going on at the Nov. 10 hearing, held in St. Bridget’s Center, and he was unable to connect in to the virtual Dec. 8 meeting, he said.

Following up on an earlier discussion about use of the town ballfields in East Vassalboro during a declared public health emergency, board members approved a short Covid-19 Recreation Field Closure Policy. It applies to town parks and fields, not to school recreational facilities. It says:

• Sabins is to monitor pandemic reports and may, in consultation with the recreation director and school superintendent, declare parks and fields open to unrestricted public use, open to limited public use or closed to the public. She is to notify selectmen of any action.
• Posted town policies are to coordinate with school policies “when practical.”
• If a “group or gathering” is on a town park or field posted as closed, town officials may ask local police or sheriff’s deputies to order them to leave.

Other actions selectmen took at the Dec. 10 meeting included appointing Kevin Reed to the Board of Appeals and Paul Oxley to the Trails Committee, and amending the town personnel policy to incorporate the new state Earned Paid Leave Law.

At Melrose’s suggestion, board members, Road Commissioner Eugene Field and Vassalboro Community School technology specialist David Trask discussed improving the driveway at the recreation field. Melrose had considered recommending pavement, but he and Field thought crushed stone would be adequate, and less expensive. Trask agreed crushed stone would pack down to make a good surface.

Melrose led a discussion of repairs to the Civil War statue in East Vassalboro (see The Town Line, Dec. 3, p. 1). If the town paid some of the cost, the Vassalboro Historical Society might contribute, he said. Board members will wait to see what Historical Society directors decide.

As of Dec. 10, the driveway and the statue are left for continued discussion as the 2021-2022 budget takes shape early next year.

Melrose is exploring a 250th anniversary fireworks display based on the Criminal Justice Academy grounds. Academy officials are not opposed, but want more details, he reported. Semiquincentennial anniversary expenses are likely to be another 2021-2022 budget item.

Melrose further reported that bids for work on the Gray Road culvert are due Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021. He proposes reviewing them at the Jan. 7, 2021, selectmen’s meeting, which will also be via YouTube.

Vassalboro selectmen unanimously approved Town Manager Mary Sabins’ request to give all town employees a paid holiday on Dec. 24 and authorize closing town facilities at 2 p.m. on Dec. 31. The exception, of course, will be the public works crew if a snowstorm requires them to work over either or both holidays.

Sabins thanked the board for giving employees a holiday gift; they deserve it, she said.

The transfer station will be open regular hours, 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturday, Dec. 26.

Vassalboro planners approve two site review applications

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by Mary Grow

In a four-hour all-remote meeting Dec. 8, four Vassalboro Planning Board members reviewed and unanimously approved two major site review applications.

Jeremy Soucy has town approval to open a used car business at 24 Webber Pond Road, on the premises of a previous similar business at the Riverside Drive intersection. Leo and Andrew Barnett are permitted to build two large buildings and a small storage building at the end of Sherwood Lane, off Riverside Drive, and lease space in the large buildings to caregivers to grow medical marijuana.

Soucy still needs a used car dealer’s license from the state, he said. Once operating, he plans to have no more than 30 cars on site at a time, probably fewer.

He plans to do minor repairs, working indoors and not making unusual noise. He does not plan to run a state inspection station. Maximum hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and he is likely to shorten them.

Soucy said he is on good terms with his neighbor to the north and intends to do nothing that will bother area residents. The original property-owner designed the lot well for a used-car business, he said.

Soucy’s application was approved with two conditions and one understanding. The conditions are that he will not park vehicles where they will block the view of motorists turning out of Webber Pond Road onto Riverside Drive; and any waste stored outdoors, like scrap metal, or indoors, like waste oil, will be in secure containers.

The informal understanding is that if Soucy restores power to the lighted identifying sign installed by the previous owner, he will, if necessary, change the sign or the light source so it will not illuminate the whole neighborhood, as planning board member Douglas Phillips said the previous one did.

The Barnetts’ application had already been the subject of a long public hearing on Nov. 10. Afterward, board members found the application incomplete and asked for additional information before they compared it to town ordinance requirements.

Sherwood Lane residents and their attorney, Brandon J. Mazer, of Perkins Thompson, in Portland, sent Codes Officer Paul Mitnik and the planning board a letter setting forth reasons they agreed the application was incomplete and believed the Barnetts’ proposal failed to meet town standards. Mazer participated in the Dec. 8 meeting, as did Vassalboro town attorney Kristin Collins, of Preti-Flaherty, in Augusta.

After the hearing, Mitnik visited the property (with the Barnetts’ permission, as it is posted against trespassing) and reported to the board on drainage issues and wooded buffers.

At the Dec. 8 meeting, planning board members reviewed the revised Barnett application and voted unanimously that it was complete. Changes from the original plan include adding the turn-around for emergency vehicles requested by volunteer fire department members.

After a short break for comments from the viewing public (attorney Mazer spoke), board members compared the plan to ordinance standards and voted, again unanimously, to issue a permit for the proposed buildings and their use. They attached four conditions to the approval.

• A state Department of Environmental Protection staff member is to determine the location of a forested wetland on the property. A map shows it close to the proposed development, but Mitnik questioned the accuracy of the map; he thinks it is farther away.
• The growing buildings are to have odor control measures “to the satisfaction of the codes officer and meeting industry standards” – attorney Collins’ wording.
• Each caregiver who leases space to grow marijuana must show proof of registration with the state.
• The codes officer is to inspect the interior of the growing buildings to make sure growing facilities do not block exits.

The Barnetts said that once growing starts, outsiders are not allowed into the climate-controlled buildings. Mitnik said he would be satisfied to inspect when the growing areas are set up, before seeds are planted.

The review included discussion of objections raised by Sherwood Lane residents. Collins clarified state law concerning medical marijuana, as distinct from adult use marijuana, and the relationship between Vassalboro’s marijuana ordinance and state laws and regulations.

Board member Marianne Stevens repeatedly expressed concern about the location at the end of a residential street, for example, worrying about children and traffic. Leo Barnett said he does not expect a lot of traffic. He reminded board members that his similar facility on Old Meadow Lane, which the planning board, on Nov. 10, allowed him to double, has more residents along its access road.

Discussion of planning board business did not begin for some minutes after Chairman Virginia Brackett opened the meeting, because Vassalboro Community School technology expert David Trask needed to get participants connected via YouTube so that everyone could hear and be heard.

The Vassalboro Planning Board normally meets the first Tuesday evening of the month, so the next meeting should be Tuesday evening, Jan. 5, 2021.

SOLON & BEYOND: Embden Historical Society releases schedule for 2021

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

Am very happy to have some recent news to share with you as I sit here at this computer early this morning. As always, my many thanks go out to Carol Dolan for faithfully keeping us informed.

Embden Historical Society, Inc. 2021 Program. All meetings are on the second of the month. The meetings are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. with program at 7 p.m.

There will no meetings in January, February, March and April.

May 6, 2021, at 9, Rain date May 7. Clean Town House and Grounds. May 10, 2021, Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m. Program: Properties, Trails, & History of Somerset Woods. Carol Dolan (slide presentation) by Jack Gibson, Location: Embden Town House, 751 Cross Town Road, Embden. Refreshments: Lois Erickson and Sara Donovan. Open building: Larry Witham.

June 14, 2021: Car Pool from Town House 6:30 p.m.; 7p.m., History and Tour; Brief business meeting following program: History and Tour of the South Solon Meeting House, Chairman: Andy Davis. Meet at: Embden Town House, 751 Cross Town Road, Embden, Car Pool to South Solon Meeting House Rd. Solon. July 12, 2021, Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m. Program: The 1947 Fires in Maine, Could it Happen Again? Two old short films; Questions by Kent Nelson, Forest Ranger Specialist. Refreshments: Greg Scribner and Carol Dolan. Open, Air, & Clean Building. August 9, Program following the meeting, “Winter Walk” in Maine and Labrador, by Alexandra Conover-Bennett. Refreshment Committee: Jeanne Moore and Rita Tripp. September 13, 2021. Social Time: 4:30 p.m., Meal 5 p.m. Annual Potluck Meal. Drinks, plastic ware and plates provided. Members to bring your choice of: Casserole/Salad /Bread /Pickles or Dessert. Location: Jim/Jenny Lightbody, 133 Kennebec River Rd., Embden. Tour the Lightbody’s Museum. Annual meeting and Election of officers. Committee: Lois Erickson, Charlie and Mary Frear.

September 20, at 7 p.m. Program: Executive Committee Meeting to plan 2022’s Program. Location: Jim/Jenny Lightbody’s home, 133 Kennebeck River Rd., Embden.

October 11, Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Program. Embden’s Changes Over the Last 200 Years: Chairman: Bob Donovan, by Bob Dononovan. November 8 ( Meal: 5:30: Meeting 6:30: Yankee Swap follows) Program: Harvest Fest ( Pot Luck) / Yankie Swap: Jim Lightbory, Sr. Meal Chairpersons: Lois Erickson, Larry Witham & Elaine Jillson. Lois Ericson (pies) Mary Hatch (rolls) . There won’t be any meeting in December.

Another welcome bit of news is from Hailey Dellarma with 4-H news. Solon Pine Tree met on Saturday, December 12, at the Solon Fire Station. In attendance there were Kaitlin Dellarma, Devyn and Katelyn DeLeonardis, Desmond and Jillian Robinson, Isabella Atwood, and Autumn Ladd.

Craft projects were making Gromes from cardboard triangles, fabric, ribbon yarn and miniature Christmas bulbs for the nose.

The club purchased a Christmas dinner for a family of four. The dinner will be delivered next week. They collected items at the meeting to be donated to the Somerset Animal Shelter. They also read theThank You card from Tim Curtis for raking at the church.

The next meeting will be on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., at the Solon Fire Station.

This is to inform you that the Embden Community Center Thrift Shop will be closed until further notice. It’s a “wait and see” approach after the first of the year.

And now for Percy’s memoir called, “Don’t Quit!” When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, when the road you’re trudging seems all up hill, when the funds are low, and the debts are high, and you want to smile, but you have to sigh, when care is pressing you down a bit, rest if you must, but don’t you quit. Life is odd with its twists and turns, as everyone of us sometimes learns and many a failure turns about, when he might have won had he stuck it out. Don’t give up though the pace seems slow, you may succeed with another blow. Success is failure turned inside out. The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are it may be near when it seems so far, So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit. It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

China TIF committee looks to re-allocate funds among projects

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by Mary Grow

China’s Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Committee members met virtually Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 to begin discussion of a proposed Amendment 2 to China’s TIF document. Progress was so slow that they scheduled another meeting for Dec. 15.

The Dec. 1 meeting was a budget workshop to consider reallocating funds among TIF projects. Committee members said the causeway project at the head of China Lake’s east basin is over budget, but no money has been spent from other accounts, like one to promote the town “as a business location” and one for job training.

On Dec. 8 committee members started discussing revising the list of projects, including adding new items eligible for TIF funding. Two proposed additions are expanded broadband service, made legal under revised state TIF regulations, and water quality.

Committee members can also recommend deleting project accounts.

The first item discussed Dec. 8 deals with improvements at the causeway at the north end of China Lake and the South China boat landing at the south end. The TIF plan estimates a $650,000 total cost for both. Pitney and Town Manager Becky Hapgood, who is treasurer for the town and for TIF, expect the causeway project alone to cost close to $1 million.

Committee Chairman Tom Michaud reported the project should be done within a week, weather permitting, except for paving that will be postponed to spring because paving plants have closed for the winter. The first phase involved building a new bridge across the head of the lake. The current phase includes installing sidewalks, more appropriate guardrails and shoreline riprap and improving the boat landing east of the bridge.

No money has been spent on the South China boat landing. Part of the Dec. 8 discussion was whether any should be, with non-committee-members Ronald Breton, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and Scott Pierz, president of the China Lake Association (CLA) and China Region Lakes Alliance (CRLA), joining.

Breton and Pitney recommend deleting funding for the landing. The town owns only a 50-foot-wide roadway to the water and cannot acquire adjoining property; access is steep, with little or no room for maneuvering or parking vehicles; and the water is shallow for a good distance from the shore, they said.

Pierz said whether or not the landing is maintained, erosion control measures are urgently needed.

New TIF Committee member Michael “Mickey” Wing proposed a compromise, maintaining the area as a carry-in launch for canoes and kayaks.

The second, very specific, item on the current project list calls for using town property, and buying adjoining property if needed, on Fire Road 44 to develop a commercial site for either a “research/laboratory and/or facility developing products or services related to improving water quality and fisheries to inland waters.”

Fire Road 44 goes to the east shore of China Lake opposite Alder Park Road, just south of the town office complex. The TIF plan says the town owns the road; Pierz said the town discontinued the road, maintaining a public right of way. The plan further says town-owned land there is already used “for summer conservation programs performing water quality projects.”

This project is funded for $550,000 in the TIF document. Committee members agreed it should be either deleted or reworded more broadly, but postponed a decision on which alternative to recommend.

There was general agreement, too, on recommending that projects that promote water quality be made eligible for TIF funding. The Dec. 8 discussion focused on whether TIF money could and should be used to assist the CRLA with its Youth Conservation Corps run-off control work and its Courtesy Boat Inspection program, and to support the Alewife Restoration Project (ARI). ARI’s goal is to allow alewives access to China Lake by removing or modifying dams on Outlet Stream in Vassalboro.

One issue was whether TIF money should fund ongoing operations, like supporting a salary for the China Region Lakes Alliance director. If it did, Pitney asked, what would happen when the TIF ends in 2044?

Another issue was whether the Alewife Restoration Project (ARI) is a legitimate beneficiary. Not only is the work outside China’s boundaries, but, Pitney said, although the work has environmental benefits, its supporters do not guarantee China Lake water quality improvements.

The list of TIF-eligible projects under the current plan is on the town website, china.govoffice.com, under Tax Increment Finance Committee, sub-heading 2017 TIF First Amendment, pages 4 and 5.

Committee members still have to discuss projects under the heading of Community-Wide Municipal Investments. The larger ones are money for “The Town of China Community and Development Economic Development Department” ($55,000 a year); for events like China Days ($20,000 a year); for the revolving loan program for new and expanding businesses ($30,000 a year); for recreational trails “with significant potential to promote economic development” ($38,000 a year); and to provide matching funds for grants that help achieve TIF goals ($100,000 a year).

Committee members are also considering trying to add wording that would let China’s Board of Selectmen reassign funds from one project to another without voter approval. They do not know whether state officials would accept such a provision.

The TIF Committee will mee at 6 p.m.,Thurs., Dec. 17, to continue discussion of changes to China’s TIF document. The meeting will be virtual.

The China Planning Board will meet at 6:30 p.m., Tues., Dec. 22. The meeting, rescheduled from Dec. 8 to technology limitations, will be virtual.

Background on China’s Tax Increment Financing Program

China’s original TIF document was approved at the March 21, 2015, town business meeting, with funding to come from taxes on Central Maine Power Company’s north-south transmission line through China. Amendment 1 was approved two years later. It extended the TIF from 30 to 40 years and added taxes on the CMP substation in South China as a second revenue source.

Revenues come in as CMP pays taxes over the years, so the total amount appropriated for a category is not available immediately. New committee member Jamie Pitney pointed out that funding varies slightly from year to year as the tax rate changes, and would decline drastically if, for example, CMP discontinued the power line.

Any TIF Committee recommendations to change the TIF program are made to selectmen, who decide whether to present them to voters and hold a public hearing if they do so decide. To take effect, changes need voter approval, perhaps at the planned May 18 town business meeting, and acceptance by the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Many Older Americans Heading Into The Holidays Feeling Depressed

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The isolation of the pandemic can cause some older Americans to feel depressed—but doctors can help.

Nearly Two-Thirds Of Seniors Who Feel Depressed Won’t Seek Treatment

(NAPSI)—Many older Americans say they feel depressed—yet the majority of them are not planning to get help, according to a new national survey—though it could make a tremendous difference in their health and well-being.

With the onset of colder weather, fewer daylight hours, and the effect of the pandemic on holiday celebrations and traditions, more seniors than ever could be struggling with depression.

The GeneSight Mental Health Monitor reported that about two-thirds of adults 65 and older who are concerned they may be suffering from depression say they won’t seek treatment. That’s compared to fewer than half of adults over age 18. In addition, three in 10 of these older adults think “they can just snap out of it.”

“The ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ mindset and reluctance to talk about mental health may be preventing seniors from getting the help they need,” said Dr. Mark Pollack, chief medical officer of Myriad Neuroscience, makers of the GeneSight test, a genetic measure that identifies potential gene-drug interactions for depression medication. “People seek treatment for conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. Depression is no different. It is an illness that can and should be treated.”

One GeneSight patient, Carmala Walgren, a 74-year-old resident of New York, agrees that depression should be treated regardless of age.

“There is such a stigma about depression among people my age,” said Walgren. “It is worth it to find treatment that helps you.”

Canceling Holiday Celebrations and The Effect on Mental Health

The pandemic is taking a toll on the mental health of older Americans. Nearly one in four people over age 65 said that the news about the pandemic has left them “feeling consumed with sadness.” For those seniors who think they might have depression, the number climbs to nearly 4 in 10. Concerns about COVID are also why more than one in three seniors worried about being depressed say they are “somewhat” or “very likely” to cancel holiday celebrations such as Thanksgiving.

Even as some consider canceling holiday festivities, isolation from friends and family remains a concern. Just under half of these seniors say they feel “isolated and disconnected from family,” compared with 28% of all respondents over age 65, and 24% of respondents over age 18.

Connecting Can Help with Depression

Parikshit Deshmukh, M.D., CEO and medical director at Balanced Wellbeing, LLC, specializes in geriatric psychiatry. According to Dr. Deshmukh, families should make plans to connect virtually if they don’t feel comfortable about getting together in person. Further, caregivers should be vigilant in looking for the signs of depression in their older loved ones.

“It’s more important than ever to let each other know we care and that we are not alone—even if it feels that way,” said Dr. Deshmukh. “Video calls might not be for everyone. Yet, if that’s the only way to stay in touch, we need to do it.”

And Dr. Deshmukh reminds seniors to talk to their doctors. “If your clinician recommends treatment, ask about the GeneSight test. The results can help them make decisions about medications to treat your depression.”

That’s just what Carmala Walgren’s doctor did. “The results I got from this personalized genetic test helped my doctor and me to finally find the medication that worked for my depression.

He told me that because I was covered by Medicare, there would be no cost for me to take the test.

“The GeneSight test made such a difference in my life,” added Walgren. “I don’t know where I would be without it, especially now.”

Learn More

For further information on older adults and depression, visit www.genesight.com/olderadult.

Vassalboro sestercentennial calendars available

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Vassalboro Historical Society

In preparation for Vassalboro’s Sestercentennial (250 years) celebration next year, Donald Breton, Vassalboro resident, has created a calendar that contains 47 copies of postcards from Vassalboro’s past. The cover and reverse side of the calendar contain a map of Vassalboro from 1879.

Some of the proceeds from the sale of the calendar will be used for Vassalboro Sestercentennial Scavenger Hunt next year along with supporting some other local nonprofit organizations.

They are $15 each, or $20 if you would like one mailed. Add $1 for each additional calendar. They are available at the Vassalboro Town Office, Vassalboro Public Library, and the Olde Mill Place Gift Store. Make checks payable to Donald Breton, PO Box 12, North Vassalboro, ME 04962.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: The holiday season 2020

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by Debbie Walker

Okay, so the holiday season of 2020 has begun. It is sure to have some differences for just about everyone. I hope you all had a great turkey day, enjoying good food and loving family and friends.

Included in my family’s celebration was our new little one to introduce to the holiday season. Thanksgiving was a small group of family: grandparents, aunts, and uncles, all looking forward to spending time with six-month-old Addison Grace. She is full of curiosity and two new teeth. Every day is an adventure to her.

Our weather here in central west coast Florida was a bit warmer than yours, we were able to still spend a good part of the gathering time outside without freezing. Now, that being said, I want to tell you that tonight is a reminder for me. A reminder of the cold in Maine. At 9:51 p.m., in Lecanto, Florida, on December 1, it is 36 degrees! I know that doesn’t sound like a big deal to you, however… Just the other day it was in the 80s! Day before yesterday it was 60+ degrees at 7 a.m. This 36 is not acceptable! Good thing it is only supposed to last two days.

OK, I am finished with the latest weather update, I am including a few jokes I found in a book from Reader’s Digest. Laughter, The Best Medicine – Holidays. Published in 2012

“One of the great unsolved mysteries of life is how you can get 24 pounds of leftovers from an 18-pound turkey,” by Robert Green.

“A three-year old’s report on Thanksgiving, ‘I didn’t like the turkey, but I liked the bread he ate.”’ by Art Linkletter.

“Bless oh Lord, these delectable vittles. May they add to thy glory and not to our middles.” By Yvonne Wright.

When my mother began teaching, she was known as Miss Smeed to her grade one students – or so she thought. She found out differently when she met one of the dads the following January.

“I’m so glad to meet you, he said warmly. Do you know it was Christmas before I found out your name wasn’t Mincemeat!”

So writing this column has taken a couple of days of putting together. I have been at Nana Dee’s (Wandering Nanas) for the past couple of weeks during her recuperation from open heart surgery. She had a mass they had to get rid of (like my medical terminology?!) and thankfully it is a total success. That means we will be wandering still!

The follow-up to our weather was this morning’s numbers. Sandy, Nana Dee’s dog, doesn’t care what the temperatures are, she still expects to be walked. Today that was my job. You will have no sympathy for me, I understand. Roxie’s and my time outside was in 28 DEGREES!

I found an article in our local Seniors paper about Surviving the Holidays and the writer was Beverly Thomassian.

One thing she pointed out was Sleep is particularly important. You need about seven hours of sleep. It helps you make better decisions.

Keep active. Try for 30 minutes of activity. Could be exercise, it could just be playing music and dancing or even playing cards.

Keep hydrated by enjoying plenty of water.

Limit alcohol to one drink a day for women and two for men. Do I know why the difference? Of course, I don’t, that kind of stuff irritates me.

You are already sweet enough. Limit sugar.

List the things for which you are grateful. This would be a great thing to do every day just to help create perspective.

I’m just curious what you might add to this. Contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org with any questions or comments. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great week!

REVIEW POTPOURRI: A Down-Home Country Christmas

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

A Down-Home Country Christmas

Sea Shell
P 14992, LP, anthology released 1981.

The above anthology featured selections from the Columbia/Epic Special Products catalog of artists. It was one of dozens of such Christmas anthologies released during the decades of LP availability and these records were usually priced at $1 under the auspices of Goodyear’s, B.F. Goodrich, Grant’s or other outlets.

Ray Price

Ray Price (1926-2013) sang Jingle Bells with commendable persuasiveness via his rich effusive baritone, although my favorite version of this song is still Peggy Lee’s with a children’s chorus.

Initially, Price had considered majoring in veterinary science after high school graduation but had second thoughts, because of his small size, working around large steers and horses in his native Texas. Having already shown talent as a singer and guitarist during his teenage years, he began performing on local radio, made some recordings for small labels and, by perseverance, and sheer luck, achieved fame and fortune.

In 1999, Price made headlines when he was arrested for possession of marijuana. When Willie Nelson, being no stranger to pot smoking himself, heard about Price’s arrest, he hailed it as good news for his friend, claiming that the arrest would give Price $5 million worth of free publicity.

Johnny Cash (1932-2003) narrated the seasonal Spirit of Christmas to the tune of Little Town of Bethlehem.

Jim Nabors (1930-2017) poured on his richly syrupy baritone in singing Come All Ye Faithful.

Jimmy Dean (1928-2010) intoned Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, a song introduced by Judy Garland in the 1944 movie, Meet Me in Saint Louis; who could forget Jimmy’s 1961 megahit, Big Bad John, his appearance in the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever and his breakfast sausage.

Lynn Anderson (1947-2015) was the daughter of singer/songwriter Liz Anderson (1930-2011) and began her career as a regular on the Lawrence Welk Show for two years before heading to Nashville. A few years ago, I wrote a column about one of her Columbia albums, which was co-produced by her ex-husband, Glenn Sutton. She, like her mother had a sweet voice and her Soon It Will Be Christmas Day, not to be confused with Silver Bells, is quite lovely.

Marty Robbins (1925-1982) charted in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s with four very captivating classics, White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation, Story of My Life, Seventeen, and Devil Woman. He died very early just after heart surgery. His Hark the Herald Angels Sing is good but not his best.

Now 62, Tanya Tucker did a very good Silver Bells during her teenage years after achieving fame and fortune at 14 years old with What’s Your Mama’s Name? and Delta Dawn. She had romances with singers Merle Haggard, Andy Gibbs and Glen Campbell, and actor Don Johnson.

The three remaining tracks are as follows:

Charlie Rich (1932-1995) – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

Jody Miller , now 79, What Child Is This.

And the last selection, an absolute gem, is the Chuck Wagon Gang’s a cappella Joy to the World.

A solid recommendation for Christmas music.