FISHY PHOTOS: Good day on the ice!

Hunter Hallee, 14, of Rome, had a successful day ice fishing a few weeks ago. Here, he shows off the smallmouth bass he caught while fishing with his maternal grandfather.

Hunter displays a rather large yellow perch he also caught that day, at some undisclosed location in Belgrade. His father, Ryan Hallee, of Rome, exclaimed, “that is the biggest tiger trout I’ve ever seen. Even his trash fish are big.”

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Signs of spring continue to be around us

common house fly

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

We all know, of course, that spring has arrived, at least according to the calendar. But there are many signs all around us. I have noticed some bushes, and even trees, have begun to bud.

But, this weekend, I saw my first house fly of the season.

The house fly, Musca domestica Linnaeus, is a well-known cosmopolitan pest of both farm and home. This species is always found in association with humans or the activities of humans. It is the most common species found on hog and poultry farms, horse stables and ranches. Not only are house flies a nuisance, but they can also transport disease-causing organisms. Excessive fly populations are not only an irritant to farm workers but, when there are nearby human habitations, a public health problem could occur.

This common fly originated on the steppes of central Asia – there’s Asia-borne pests in the news, again – but now occurs on all inhabited continents, in all climates from tropical to temperate, and in a variety of environments ranging from rural to urban. It is commonly associated with animal feces, but has adapted well to feeding on garbage, so it is abundant almost anywhere people live.

The house fly has a complete metamorphosis with distinct egg, larval or maggot, pupal and adult stages. The house fly overwinters in either the larval or pupal stage under manure piles or in other protected locations. Warm summer conditions are generally optimum for the development of the house fly, and it can complete its life cycle in as little as seven to ten days. However, under some conditions the life cycle may require up to two months. As many as 10 to 12 generations may occur annually in temperate regions, while more than 20 generations may occur in subtropical and tropical regions.

The house fly is about a quarter of an inch long, with the female usually larger than the male. The female can be distinguished from the male by the relatively wide space between the eyes (in males, the eyes almost touch).

Adults usually live 15 to 25 days, but may live up to two months. Without food, they survive only about two to three days. Longevity is enhanced by availability of suitable food, especially sugar. Access to animal manure does not lengthen adult life and they live longer at cooler temperatures.

The potential reproductive capacity of flies is tremendous, but fortunately can never be realized. Scientists have calculated that a pair of flies beginning reproduction in April may be responsible, under optimal conditions and if all were to live, for the production of 191,010,000,000,000,000,000 flies by August.

The flies are inactive at night, with ceilings, beams and overhead wires within buildings, trees, and shrubs, various kinds of outdoor wires, and grasses reported as overnight resting sites. In poultry ranches, the nighttime, outdoor aggregations of flies are found mainly in the branches, and shrubs, whereas almost all of the indoor populations generally aggregated in the ceiling area of poultry houses.

According to a study conducted in Texas, breeding site suitability (in descending order), was horse manure, human excrement, cow manure, fermenting vegetable matter, and kitchen waste. However, another study found that structures containing swine, horse, sheep, cattle, and poultry varied in fly abundance, with swine facilities containing the most and poultry the least. Fruit and vegetable cull piles, partially incinerated garbage, and incompletely composted manure also are highly favored sites for breeding.

Of particular concern is the movement of flies from animal or human feces to food that will be eaten uncooked by humans. Also, when consumed by flies, some pathogens can be harbored in the mouthparts for several days, and then be transmitted when flies defecate or regurgitate. In situations where plumbing is lacking, such as open latrines, serious health problems can develop, especially if there are outdoor food markets, hospitals, or slaughter houses nearby. One of the pathogens commonly transmitted by house flies is Salmonella. These flies are most commonly linked to outbreaks of diarrhea and shigellosis, but also are implicated in transmission of food poisoning, typhoid fever, dysentery, tuberculosis, anthrax, ophthalmia, and parasitic worms.

The threshold density for determining when to control flies depends on the area where the control measures will be taken. In general, in homes the threshold is very low and control actions are taken with few flies. Tolerance of flies depends greatly on circumstances. In sensitive environments such as food preparation and packing facilities, restaurants, and hospitals, even small numbers of flies cannot be tolerated.

The more commonly used control measures for house flies are sanitation, use of traps, and insecticides, but in some instances integrated fly control has been implemented. The use of biological control in fly management is still at a relatively early stage.

Good sanitation is the basic step in any fly management program. Food and materials on which the flies can lay eggs must be removed, destroyed as a breeding medium, or isolated from the egg-laying adult. Since the house fly can complete its life cycle in as little as seven days, removal of wet manure at least twice a week is necessary to break the breeding cycle. Wet straw should not be allowed to pile up in or near buildings. Since straw is one of the best fly breeding materials, it is not recommended as bedding. Killing adult flies may reduce the infestation, but elimination of breeding areas is necessary for good management. Garbage cans and dumpsters should have tight-fitting lids and be cleaned regularly. Dry garbage and trash should be placed in plastic garbage bags and sealed. All garbage receptacles should be located as far from building entrances as possible.

Around homes and businesses, screening or covering of windows, doors or air doors, and trash containers proves useful in denying access of flies to breeding sites. Packaging household trash in plastic bags also helps to eliminate breeding.

The house fly is a nuisance. They just seem to have this knack of annoying you until you can’t stand it any more. That’s why, at camp in the summer, there is an ample supply of fly swatters available.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Outside of the New York Yankees, who have won 27 World Series, which MLB team has won the second most?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, March 25, 2021

Trivia QuestionsOutside of the New York Yankees, who have won 27 World Series, which MLB team has won the second most?

Answer:

St. Louis Cardinals with 11. (The Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia/Oakland A’s have 9 each.)

VETERANS CORNER: Phase3 at Togus should have more hands-on and face-to-face communication with veterans

Veterans Affairs Regional Benefit Office Togus, ME

by Gary Kennedy

Well, here it is my fellow veterans. We are starting into the first of spring. Emotionally, many of us are sighing with relief. Winter is always a hardship for most of us, both veteran and non-veteran. When you’re sick, sore and sorry, a breath of spring does a lot for the emotional side. Also those of us with physical problems suffer from those cold, damp and dark days of winter. The days are short and even nature becomes a strange, unpredictable state of affairs. Attitudes tend to change with the seasons.

As I write this for you, I am looking out my bay window and marveling over the number of birds and other wildlife which have come to visit our feeders. There are so many birds that I am unfamiliar with. However, they are all beautiful and sing and play for my entertainment.

It is really worth the price of the feed. For you newcomers the animals and birds appreciate the food and grow to depend on it. So once you begin this in the fall you need to remember that many of them have remained because you have cared for them. I have seen four Canada Geese land at Togus pond, beside the new hospitality house. We crossed paths with one very eager groundhog and a skunk that sprayed my yard, so now we must pray for rain. Soon we will plant our garden on paper, rotate all and prepare for seed. The hope is we will be able to get some of the time sensitive plants as soon as after the last frost, which may be very early this year. Maine, however, is a tricky state and I have jumped the gun before. That always requires a rethink.

Veterans’ cases are extremely slow and the process and accessibility to VA becomes ever exceedingly difficult. Almost all employees have been vaccinated. I heard there was a slight slow down due to the lack of the supply of vaccine. According to Togus official’s phase three will begin next month and that should speed up the solution of some pending cases which have gone beyond nine months. If it does not, then there are some of us who are prepared to put pressure on the powers that be.

At Togus, for those who don’t know, we have Tracy Davis and hidden in the back ground, Ryan Lilly. With a new president we are handicapped as he says one thing and does another on most issues. He claims to be 100 percent for the veterans and claims great respect for them. However, from a veteran’s point of view we are suffering greatly. All that had been achieved was removed in the first 30 days. We need to worry about this state of affairs.

We all watch the news and depression is beginning to settle in nationally. The world is watching and many of us feel ashamed and worry about all vets and the greatest country in the world. It didn’t take us long to get this terrible feeling of helplessness. We have never been challenged until recently and now Russia wants to debate our president and China stated, on international news the other night that we weren’t in any position in any way shape or manner to be giving orders to anyone. China’s spokesperson told our spokesperson at the Alaska Accords to just mind our own business. China never had the courage to speak to us in that manner since I’ve been alive. My time on this earth is getting very short and I give 150 percent even in a very disabled condition to our veterans. However, the problems we face are going beyond the individual. Many veterans need our help but our country as a whole even more so. I am too old to learn Mandarin. It’s now time for all of us to be paying attention and speak to our officials about our concerns. We need to stand strong and resolute in order to hold what we have together. Our government is at war with itself. Russia and China are just licking their chops. Remember this is a country of “we the people.”

As I understand it, phase3 at Togus should have more hands-on and face-to-face communication with veterans. Veterans have noticed the security barriers at all entrances which were temporary at first but now have taken on the aura of permanency. What is the purpose for this? For my 47 years in and around Togus all worked fine without this new security measure and its expense. It doesn’t feel like home to many vets. It seems to be a lock out which was conveniently placed during the pandemic. There are so many things that VA needs such as operating rooms and equipment.

On the VBA side there should be more case movement and outreach, just to name a few. Also, what about physical therapy? There was some great need and things getting done in the gym and swimming pool. These places almost take care of themselves. I was in the middle of therapy there when it was shutdown. I don’t know if my and other vets losses can be made up. I will wait until the next phase to see if these things are available. If not I will start writing to the Secretary of VA and beyond if necessary.

Those who are taking these things away are not Wounded Warriors so they don’t feel as we disabled vets feel. The Togus VA is very unique being it’s the first VA, so of course, the oldest going back to 1866, and it has a gym and an Olympic sized pool. Our VA has a lot to offer. We just have to make it available.

An accounting of funding is also something we need to watch. With 500 acres we should be able to be the largest VA Hospital/Admin facility in the nation. Also another pet peeve that some of us have is turning the nature of the VA system into a homeless habitat. That hasn’t worked at other facilities so Mr. Lilly’s so-called idea is not unique. There are plenty of places to shelter homeless vets without interfering with the true VA mission.

May God be with those of us who remain to face tomorrow and God bless this unique country and the way of life it has allowed.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 25, 2021

FRANCES ROY

WINSLOW – Frances (Rafferty) Roy, 84, passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2020, at her home. Fran was born in Bangor in 1926, the only daughter of Francis Xavier Rafferty and Emma (Nina) L. Rafferty.

Fran was very proud of her French-Irish Catholic heritage. Fran attended schools in Bangor before moving to Fairfield where she attended Lawrence High School. She remained active on committees for class reunions over the years.

After graduation, she began her nursing career and training via a World War II program, enrolling in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps, at Sisters Hospital, in Waterville. Part of Fran’s training occurred at other sites, including Children’s Hospital, in Portland, Brady Maternity Hospital, in Albany, New York, and hospitals in Baltimore, Maryland, that covered psychiatry and pediatrics. Upon graduating as a Registered Nurse, Fran became the lead nurse for various companies in Maine and Connecticut, including C.F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, and G. Fox Department Store; and then as an I.V. Team nurse and nurse supervisor at Hartford Hospital.

Fran returned to Maine and to Sisters Hospital as the 1960s approached and became the assistant head nurse of the Medical-Surgical Unit. She worked in the vaccine clinic when the new polio vaccine was developed. Fran quickly became head nurse on the Obstetrical Unit and assisted on many committees. She was chairman of the Employee Campaign to Raise Funds for the new Seton Hospital and arranged many fundraisers. For several years, Fran helped coordinate the hospital Christmas parties that were held for all employees and physicians, and she later became chairman of the Auxiliary Charity Balls.

Fran worked in all areas of the hospital over the course of her outstanding career, overseeing various departments as the hospital went through its many changes. She was deeply involved when Seton and Thayer hospitals merged to become Mid-Maine Medical Center. She oversaw the Emergency Department for many years. She was very perceptive and one always knew where he or she stood as Fran did not often “mince words.” She was highly organized and strove for excellence and perfection in both her work and home lives.

In the early 1980s, Fran was promoted to vice president of nursing for MMMC until her retirement at the end of the decade. During that span, she was honored many times for her insight and hard work throughout the hospital and for her commitment to the highest standards, successfully leading the hospital through three Joint Commission Surveys.

Always active, in her retirement years, Fran engaged with the Muskie Community Center and ran monthly blood pressure clinics. She received many awards, among them the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Fran joined the Waterville and Fairfield bridge clubs and became an avid and formidable player, winning a few championships for fun. Continuing to learn constantly, she was unrelenting in her grasp for knowledge. She was also an ardent believer in living healthy with exercise and a proper diet.

Fran continued to share her nursing and hospital management knowledge, consulting at Kennebec Valley Technical College, in Fairfield, and Penn Bay Medical Center, in Rockport.

Fran was blessed with a keen eye for style which she claimed was from her mother’s influence as a buyer for high-end stores wherein she traveled frequently to Boston and New York. Fran was a “classy dame” with confidence and a sense of fearlessness about her. She loved the Coast of Maine, any beach she could lay on, and lobster of any kind. Her biggest enjoyments were watching and talking sports, especially basketball, football and tennis; and her trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas and Walt Disney World, which she enjoyed with her family and friends.

Fran lived a long and fulfilling life, leaving behind many old friends with whom she remained in contact and new friends she met along the way in her busy life. She especially enjoyed her nursing school classmates with whom she kept in contact as often as possible along with those who called to check on her. She had fond memories of all the “hospital family” with whom she worked, especially Rose Caporale and Norma Nivison.

Fran is survived by her daughters Deborah Benton, of Nevada, and Jane Roy, of New York, New York; granddaughter Joy Beckerman, of Seattle, Washington; two great-grandsons, Phoenix and Spiral Horn, both of Seattle, Washington; and niece Janis Pollitt, of Virginia.

Fran was predeceased by her parents and by her brother Andrew “Red” Rafferty.

In keeping with Fran’s wishes, no services will be held.

Those who wish may donate to the Muskie Community Center at: Spectrum Generations Muskie Community Center, P.O. Box 2074, Waterville, ME, 04901 or by calling (207) 873-4745. Checks should be made payable to “Spectrum Generations” with “Donation to Muskie Community Center” in the check memo line.

BRIGITTE WOOD

WATERVILLE – Brigitte Wood, 84, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, March 12, 2021, following a long, nine-year battle with cancer. Brigitte was born in Oppau, Germany, on October 18, 1936, the daughter of Freidrich and Lina (Wick) Walter.

Brigitte was the love of Robert’s life. She became a U.S. citizen and was a true patriot. She was Catholic and worked for the sisters of St. Joseph at their center, in Winslow. Prior to that, she worked for 20 years at Keyes Fibre Co. (Huhtamaki), in Waterville, and ended her employment there as an inspector.

Her favorite place in all of Maine was Pemaquid Point. She was the strongest, yet most gentle, person. She was loving and caring of everyone. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her husband of 19 years, Robert M. Wood “Woody”, the love of her life; three children, Michael Bouchard, of Gorham, Sonja (Bouchard) Boyle, of Norway, and Kristine (Lanphier) Rush, of Oklahoma; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

Let it be known that she loved all of her children and grandchildren alike. That said, Brigitte and Robert raised her grandson, Nason Lanphier, of Waterville. He was like another child to her and needs special mention.

She was predeceased by a grandchild, Stephen Bouchard.

There will be no funeral service.

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

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society, New England Division, One Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086-1240, or the Alfond Center for Cancer Care, MaineGeneral Health, Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828.

SAMUEL J. WRIGHT III

CLINTON – Samuel Judd Wright III, “Joe,”78, passed away on Friday, March 12, 2021, at his home in Clinton. Joe was born on September 17, 1942, in Middletown, Connecticut, the oldest child of Samuel J. and Elizabeth (Faulkingham) Wright II.

His family lived in all six New England states before their final move to Clinton, in the early ’50s, living for a year in the town of Poland, then settling in Clinton, at the old Gerald Farm, known from then on as The Wright Place. As a youngster Joe helped his parents with the care and management of 6,000 laying hens and a small herd of Jersey cows. It was here that he learned his work ethic and stewardship for the land and livestock.

Joe was a graduate from Clinton High School and the University of Maine. While he was attending U. Maine, he rekindled a friendship with Nancy Torrey who he met in the sixth grade while living in Poland, Maine.

Joe and Nancy were married in Poland, Maine, in 1963. They settled on the Horseback Road, in Clinton, with a picture-perfect view of The Wright Place. Together they raised their four children there and watched the sunset over the family farm, where Joe was a partner with his parents and his brother Thomas. They grew the farm from a dozen Jersey cows to 600-plus milking Holsteins, raising each one from birth there on the farm. Joe was very proud of the success of the farm, but the pride he felt for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren topped it all.

Joe and Nancy raised their children with their farmer work ethic and strong sense of community. Joe belonged to many community organizations, including the Clinton Jaycees, he was the Cub Scout Pack Master of Pack #408. He joined the Clinton Lions club in 1980 and was a member the rest of his life. Joe served as the Agricultural Superintendent for the Clinton Lions Agricultural Fair Association for many years and could always be found within a stone’s throw of the livestock barn during the fair. Joe was awarded Outstanding Young Farmer for Maine, earning him a trip to Kansas for the national convention.

Joe enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors with his children, taking them camping, snowmobiling, fishing and hiking. One of his favorite hikes was Borestone Mountain. Joe was always up for a road trip. In his younger years he and Nancy traveled to the Gaspé Peninsula, in Canada, on his Harley Sportster. He had visited his good friend, Jake, in Hawaii, taken Amtrack to the west coast to visit family and friends in California. He hauled his camper to Florida and tried the life of a snowbird on a couple of occasions. He liked taking the backroads and finding out “where does this road go?”

Joe retired from the family farm in 1993. He worked many jobs after leaving the farm including salesman for Kramer’s Tractor, and mowed the interstate in the Bangor area for Steve Roach Excavation. He drove tractor trailer, and hauled milk for Harding’s Milk Transport. While living one winter in Sebring, Florida, he worked at Tractor Supply. Joe enjoyed mowing the fields “on the hill” for the Clinton Lions Club, along with mowing his own lawn with his 1950 Gravely tractor.

Joe is survived by Nancy, his wife of 57 years; his sons, Brian Barney (Bridget) Wright, Stephen (Tina) Wright, all of Clinton; his daughter Bethany Wright, his son-in-law Andy Hodgins, of Kingfield; four granddaughters Tasha (Josh) Crowell, Caleigh (Andrew Miller) Wright, all of Clinton, Chelsea Wright, of Hartland, and Penelope Hodgins, of Kingfield; our greatgrandchildren Teagan and Mason Crowell, and Torrey and Henry Miller, all of Clinton; his brother William (Polly) Wright, of Detroit; and his sister Janet (Val) Bard, of Fairfield; brother-in-law John (Muriel) Torrey; and his sisters-in-laws Cindy (Robert) Whiting and Glenna (Max) Bermann; many nieces and nephews.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, his daughter Samantha Jo, and his brothers Thomas and Raymond Wright.

Celebrations of Joe’s life will be held at a later time yet to be determined.

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

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Clinton Lions Agricultural Fair Association care of Coleen Bean, P.O. Box 522, Clinton, ME 04927 or to Maine Mountain Children’s House, in Kingfield, in care of Beth Wright, 667 W. Kingfield Rd., Kingfield, ME 04947.

ROBERT J. VIOLETTE

WINSLOW – Robert James Violette, of Winslow and Fairfield, passed away on March 15, 2021. He was born in Belmont, Massachusetts, to Louis N. and Eva Brilliant Violette.

The family soon returned to Fairfield, where Bob would reside for the next 54 years. He attended Lawrence High School, where he excelled at athletics and was the captain of the football team.

Upon graduation in 1945 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While in boot camp, World War II came to an end. Bob was assigned to a transport ship that brought supplies to the troops in now occupied Japan.

Upon his discharge, he joined his father and brothers in the family business, L.N. Violette Co., in Fairfield, where he learned the ropes building numerous homes, streets and subdivisions; all of which were built for returning GIs. These streets include Military Avenue, Cottage, Crosby and Weeks streets in Fairfield, and Violette Avenue and Mathews Avenue, in Waterville. In the 1960s and 1970s, Bob was instrumental in the growth of the business; commercial construction became its mainstay. Numerous schools, churches and banks built in the greater Waterville area and beyond, were constructed under his direction and as a result of his ingenuity and tenacity. Often times engineering firms would call upon him for advice, his knowledge and practical experience.

Bob was also very civic minded, and was an active member of the Fairfield School Board and Kiwanis Club. He served on the Board of Directors of Goodwill Hinckley School, in Hinckley, and the Waterville Homeless Shelter. He supported the Lawrence High School football program, in Fairfield, for many years, and later was honored to be a recipient of the Bulldog Award.

To Bob nothing was more important than his family. He gave his unconditional love and support to his seven children; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Many fond memories remain of time spent together at the Sugarloaf chalet and at his beloved camp on China Lake, and vacationing in the Bahamas.

Bob leaves behind a son, David (Sandy), of Winslow, Gary, of Norridgewock, Kevin (Kathy), of Fairfield, Joel (Patty), of Fairfield, Peter (Jean), of Clinton, Todd (Lisa), of Winslow, and daughter Donna (Pat), of Falmouth.

He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Ethel McBeth Violette.

A private family Mass will be held in Bob’s honor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the Children’s Home for Little Wanderers Christmas fund, or a local food bank of your choosing.

CHRIS A. KILLAM SR.

BENTON – Chris A. Killam Sr., 70, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. He was born on April 8, 1950, the son of Francis Killam and Shirley (Peavey) Inman, and was the oldest of 10 siblings.

Chris worked many years as an auto body mechanic and loved spending time with his many siblings. He was a jack of all trades and any time someone needed advice on something, they went to him. His advice was always honest, whether they liked it or not.

He loved playing old country songs on his guitar and working in his gardens. He held such pride with how nice his yard and gardens always looked.

He was predeceased by his parents, Francis and wife Joan, and Shirley and husband Charlie; siblings, Barry, Mike, Kevin, Pat, Gary, John, and Bruce.

Chris is survived by his wife of 48 years, Beverly; sons, Chris Mattson and partner Candy, Raymond Killam, and Chris Killam Jr. and wife Mindy; grandchildren, Taylor, CJ, Alissa, Dominic, Miranda, Natalie, Abigail, Brianna, Hannah and Ryan; great-grandchildren, Kenna, Kinley, Callan and Alexis; siblings, Steve Killam and wife Robin, Lindy Killam, and Paul Killam Sr; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service in the spring at Benton Falls Cemetery with a celebration of life to follow.

Arrangements are in the care of the Lawry Brother’s Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield, where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

China youth baseball, softball, T-ball registrations being taken

Internet photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/brendan-c/5722220187

The China T-ball and coach pitch baseball, for children ages eight and under has returned. For more information contact chinarecsports@gmail.com.

Also, through the Dirigo Softball League, they are able to offer softball for youths in first grade and up. For more information, email dirigosoftballleague@gmail.com.

Little League baseball will be offered through the Augusta Little League, for ages eight years old and up. For more information, visit the Augusta Little League webpage. Deadline is March 31.

T-Mobile has a grant program available to help with registration costs. The T-Mobile Little League Call Up Grant Program is dedicated to helping families in need by covering registration fees associated with their local Little League programs.

Dates to remember: March 31, registration closes; April 7, last payment receipt date; April 6, coaches meeting and selection; April 17, field clean up; May 1, bottle drive; May 15, picture day and pitch, hit and run.

China broadband committee not yet committed to Axiom; discussions amicable

by Mary Grow

China Broadband Committee (CBC) members had an amicable March 18 zoom discussion with Mark Ouellette, president of Machias-based Axiom Technologies, their currently preferred choice for improved broadband service in China.

Committee members reviewed proposals from Axiom and two other companies before deciding to talk first with Axiom. They made it clear that they are not yet committed to contracting with Axiom.

Their goal is broadband service that will serve every household and business in town, including those not currently served; that will be stronger and more reliable at all times than services now available; that will easily adapt to future technologies; and that will cover the estimated $6 to $7 million installation cost, plus maintenance, without enormous bills for either subscribers or taxpayers.

Ouellette thinks his company can deliver. He thinks reliability is more important than price, within reason: “People want to be sure they can do what they want to do 24/7.” Axiom would provide bandwidth to cover maximum use at any time, and would hire a local service representative for prompt customer service.

He also promised adaptability, “generational service that’d serve your kids and your grandkids,” and keep China attractive to businesses needing top-grade internet.

Ouellette reminded committee members that they need to strike a balance between maximum service and minimum cost. Axiom is a profit-making business, and he expects to make money in the long run.

For now, Ouellette is satisfied to work with CBC members and the rest of the town on a handshake agreement. He told CBC members, “I’ll get my payment when I start to serve [China] customers with the best internet you can get in the world.”

Committee members agreed their next step is to publicize what they are doing and why they are doing it. They began planning an education campaign to discuss with town voters the advantages of superior broadband service for residents and for the local economy.

Ouellette and committee members cited several advantages: every resident’s ability to work from home, whether required by the pandemic or not; extras for local businesspeople, like the auto mechanic who could have Axiom help him install and maintain free WiFi in his waiting room; and the potential to attract a major institution, like a research laboratory, that would provide jobs and pay taxes.

One suggestion was to prepare a question-and-answer document to cover anticipated questions about services, costs and anything else they can think of. Another was to hold a series of community meetings, in person if conditions permit. Ouellette is willing to help, including joining committee members in an informational work session with the selectboard if one is scheduled.

CBC members also intend to draft a letter of intent or similar document with Axiom, an agreement that gives both parties increased certainty, though either party can withdraw if negotiations fail.

The next CBC meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 25, and the one after that for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 1. Ouellette is unable to zoom in on March 25 but is expected again on April 1.

Vassalboro school leaders give cautious, optimistic report

Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

At their March 16 meeting, Vassalboro School Board members heard cautious optimism from three administrators. All three expect a gradual return to something closer to normalcy before the end of the school year.

For Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer, the state emphasis on vaccinating school staff is “a game-changer.” For Principal Megan Allen, the revised national CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guideline allowing students’ desks to be three feet apart, instead of six feet apart, will allow more in-school instruction.

Saying Vassalboro Community School (VCS) will “reopen” is the wrong wording, Pfeiffer said, because the school hasn’t closed completely, except for a few brief intervals. However, more students will spend more time in the same room with their classmates and teachers.

The CDC requires students and adults to be masked. The new rule does not apply where masking is impossible, as in lunchrooms, where six-foot separation is still required; and adults are expected to continue to stay six feet apart.

Allen said how many students return for how long will depend on class and classroom sizes. About 55 students have chosen to learn fully remotely, she said, and one of her goals is to make sure they do not lose out as classroom education is re-emphasized. She hopes there will be space for them to rejoin their classmates for the last few days of the school year, if they want to.

Assistant Principal Greg Hughes said winter sports, basketball and cheerleading, will continue through March. He expects to start baseball and softball indoors with students remaining in their cohorts, to mingle groups when play moves outdoors and perhaps to resume games against other schools.

Pfeiffer will not be surprised if there are more federal and state policy changes before the semester ends.

The superintendent expects more than $500,000 in new stimulus funds. Part of the money will be used for “learning recovery,” additional time and additional staff to help students make up for what they were unable to learn under pandemic conditions.

Looking to the 2021-22 school year, Allen said if there is enough interest, a second pre-kindergarten class will be added. The class would need a teacher and an aide, increasing personnel costs; but, Finance Director Paula Pooler added, the state subsidy would also increase.

School board members reviewed the regular education section of the proposed 2021-22 school budget, which is projected to increase as it does every year with salary increases, new equipment and program adjustments. They did not review the proposed special education budget. Because their budget review was unfinished, the planned March 23 meeting with the town budget committee was canceled.

The next regular Vassalboro School Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 13, a second Tuesday rather than the usual third Tuesday to avoid meeting during school vacation week.

Vassalboro budget committee focuses on transfer station, public works

by Mary Grow

Meeting on March 18 right after that evening’s selectmen’s meeting, Vassalboro Budget Committee members focused on the transfer station and the public works department.

A majority of the selectmen had just agreed on two transfer station priorities, replacing the aging compactor and upgrading the electrical system. Budget committee members talked about other elements of engineer Al Hodsdon’s recommendations, which include adjusting the compactor site to make room for a second one and to make the traffic pattern safer, roofing disposal containers and building a second driveway off Lombard Dam Road.

Their reactions ranged widely. William Browne asked, “Why fix it if nothing’s wrong?” Committee Chairman Rick Denico asked if someone should direct traffic during peak hours; Michael Poulin advised consulting the town attorney about liability if the suggestion was adopted. Douglas Phillips thinks that, “The selectmen ought to look long-range.”

Selectmen chimed in on the argument over whether the current traffic pattern, which requires backing up to disposal containers, is dangerous. Board Chairman John Melrose said station Manager George Hamar could talk about close calls and damaged cars. Rob Browne retorted that no rearrangement would be 100 percent safe, because “You can’t eliminate danger with people involved.”

Many of the questions budget committee members prepared in advance of the March 18 meeting dealt with public works, and Town Manager Mary Sabins shared information from Road Foreman Eugene Field.

Field’s budget for asphalt for summer road work is based on an expected price of $70 to $80 per ton of paving material, but he fears the estimate could be low. He and China Public Works Director Shawn Reed intend to seek bids for both towns together, as they have done in past years, Sabins said.

In reply to a specific question about “the road ruts in the Lombard Dam Road,” Field intends to repave it, with a shim coat to fill in the low places and a layer of asphalt, but not to tear it up and rebuild it.

Given the two major culvert replacements required recently, there was a question about bridges and culverts. Sabins said Field and state employees inspect them regularly, but no formal risk assessment is done. Phillips recommended an inventory.

Melrose informed budget committee members of minor adjustments in the selectmen’s draft 2021-22 budget since the two group last met.

Budget committee and school board members had planned a March 23 joint meeting, but it was cancelled because the school budget is not ready. Budget committee members left the question of a March 25 meeting unresolved, after Phillips said he wanted to see the school budget before making decisions on the municipal budget.

A chart Melrose prepared for the March 4 budget committee meeting shows that 80 percent of 2021-22 property taxes are projected to go to the school budget. The municipal budget uses 12 percent and the Kennebec County budget the remaining eight percent.

VASSALBORO: Advisor assures selectmen investments are in good shape

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro selectmen heard a report on town finances and continued town meeting plans at their March 18 meeting.

Investment advisor Matt Weaver, senior vice-president at First National Wealth Management’s Damariscotta branch, assured board members their investments are in good shape. The portfolio’s value continued to increase over the past year, he said, and he is moderately optimistic about the future, despite continuing uncertainty.

Weaver recommended no changes in Vassalboro’s investment policy. Selectmen unanimously renewed the policy.

Selectmen continued to make final adjustments to their budget recommendations and to the warrant for the annual town meeting.

Main topics March 18 were a decision on hiring a wage consultant and continued discussion of proposed changes at the transfer station.

Town Manager Mary Sabins sought approval to contract with LBouchard and Associates, Human Resources Consultants, based in Jefferson, to develop a wage and salary plan for town employees. Company owner Laurie Bouchard was recommended by two unrelated sources, she said.

Sabins wanted to have Bouchard develop a plan to be implemented in the coming fiscal year. She proposed a town meeting warrant article authorizing up to $3,800 from surplus for Bouchard’s work, plus a to-be-determined figure to increase wages in fiscal year 2021-22, if needed. She plans no pay decreases, even if Bouchard finds that some Vassalboro employees earn more than their peers in similar towns.

Selectmen voted unanimously to authorize Sabins to contract with Bouchard, to have the study done in the fall of 2021 and to implement results in fiscal year 2022-23, funding the process as part of the administration budget.

Additional consideration of the much-discussed transfer station project led to a consensus that at a minimum, two things should be done promptly: the electrical system needs a complete upgrade, and Vassalboro needs either a new compactor or major repairs to the current one.

Other components of the plan developed by Al Hodsdon, of A. E. Hodsdon Engineers, of Waterville, include siting a new compactor at an angle, to allow adding a second compactor and to improve the traffic pattern; putting trash containers under cover so the town will no longer pay to have rainwater hauled with its trash; and adding a second transfer station driveway off Lombard Dam Road.

Selectboard members Robert Browne and Barbara Redmond leaned toward a new compactor and an electrical upgrade for the coming year, with the possibility of a second phase of improvements later. Browne thinks a roof to keep the rain out is a good investment

Board Chairman John Melrose proposed Sabins ask Hodsdon for an estimated price for a new compactor and an adequate electrical system.

Selectmen have limited time to agree on what they want done if they are to ask town meeting voters to fund the work in 2021-22.

In other business March 18:

  • Sabins said China has offered to let Vassalboro share its April 24 on-site paper shredding program, for $100. Selectmen did not object. On April 24, Vassalboro residents may bring confidential documents that should be shredded to the China transfer station between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Selectmen authorized Road Foreman Eugene Field to buy a new generator for the town garage from Augusta Fuel for $11,050, installed. Funds will come from appropriations voters approved in March 2019 and March 2020.
  • Melrose reported briefly on on-going discussions about a land swap with the Kennebec Water District.
  • Sabins said she has been asked to rejoin the Maine Municipal Association Board of Directors, to fill the past president position after the incumbent resigned, and wanted to make sure selectmen did not object. They did not.

The next regular Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, April 1, at Vassalboro Community School.

Town meeting set for June 7

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro’s 2021 town meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at 6:30 p.m. It will be in person at the Vassalboro Community School gymnasium, as it was last year.

On Tuesday, June 8, polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the school for written-ballot voting: annual municipal elections and decisions on three referendum questions.

To be elected this year for three-year terms are one selectman (John Melrose’s term ends) and one school board member (Jolene Clark Gamage’s term ends).

Candidates must submit nomination papers signed by at least 25 registered Vassalboro voters to the town office by noon Friday, April 9, to have their names on the ballot. As of the morning of Monday, March 22, Town Clerk Cathy Coyne said the following people were circulating nomination papers: for the Board of Selectmen, Michael C. Poulin; and for the School Board, Chris French, incumbent Gamage and Poulin.

The June 8 referendum questions ask voters if they want to:

  • Adopt the new “Town of Vassalboro Marijuana Business Ordinance,” which would replace the 2017 “Ordinance Prohibiting Retail Marijuana Establishments”;
  • Affirm the 2021-2022 school budget approved the previous evening; and
  • Continue the school budget validation referendum process for three more years.