Over 200 captivated by Mr. Drew’s animals

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Mr. Drew and His Animals, Too, drew the largest crowd ever to the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library. Over 200 children, parents and grandparents were in attendance. (photo courtesy of Carla Gade)

by Carla Gade

Mr. Drew and His Animals Too visited the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, in China Village, earlier this month, captivating an audience of over 200 children and their parents, grandparents, and others of all ages, being the largest turn out ever for the library.

Mr. Drew tours around the state with his educational show of rehabilitated reptiles from his educational outreach and rescue center in Lewiston. This event was a kick-off for the library’s Summer Reading Program, Tales & Tales, which runs until August 27, and can be joined at any time throughout the summer.

Mr. Drew shows off his python. (photo courtesy of Carla Gade)

Beneath a large tent and overflowing onto the lawn, gathered dozens of eager children and many adults, all eagerly awaiting Mr. Drew to reveal his first creature. They gasped when Mr. Drew held up a giant Tarantula. As Mr. Drew showed the intimidating spider, he shared how delicate they are and that they, too, are easily scared. Mr. Drew entertained with giant cockroaches climbing over his face, and showed off a small lizard, a turtle and large tortoise. With the split tongue of his black and white Tegu lizard slipping in and out of its mouth, Mr. Drew told how the lizard uses its tongue for breathing.

He delighted with interesting facts and stories about how his animals came to his facility. One by one, Mr. Drew retrieved more creatures from a large woven basket. You guessed it. Snakes! An albino snake and what appeared to be a snake but was really a long legless lizard fascinated the crowd. At last, all were awed when Mr. Drew pulled up a huge Python, which proceeded to slither over and around his shoulders. After the presentation the children were able to look at the reptiles up close and pet some of them. The tortoise and iguana were of particular interest as well as the Python, whom my own grandson was able to hold.

Coming up next, children’s author, Tamra Wight, will visit the library during Storytime on Saturday, August 13, at 11 a.m.. Wight is the author of the suspenseful eco-mystery series Cooper & Pack Rat (Ilandport Press), inspired by her time owning and operating Poland Spring Campground for near three decades. The guest author will share about her books and experiences and show her wildlife photography. She will also have books on hand to sell and autograph. For children of all ages.

On Sunday, September 18, at 2 p.m., the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library will host another Maine author in an event for all ages. Stephen Constanza, of Belfast, is an author, illustrator, and musician who will feature his book King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott Joplin. Constanza has appeared at the Camden Opera House and other large venues, so the library is delighted to have him visit China Village. He will also offer his books for sale and to be autographed.

Please RSVP for events on Facebook @chinalibrary, email, or in person, although all are welcome to come even as walk-ins.

The Albert Church Brown Memorial Library is located at 37 Main Street, in China Village, and is open on Tuesday and Thursday, from 2 – 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information is available at chinalibrary.org.

LETTERS: Are solar panels a blight?

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To the editor:

An observation…am I the only one who finds the acres of solar panels a blight on our beautiful Maine landscape? Is it asking too much to leave a border of trees to hide these fields of plastic…I haven’t heard anyone else commenting on this and our town voted down giving the select board time to develop a new ordinance to regulate them…so am I alone in my distaste for these unsightly fields that are, in my view, an eyesore?

If they are a necessity, can we at least create a buffer to hide them from view?

Linda Morrell
China

Planning well underway for China Community Days festivities

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by Eric W. Austin

Local residents of China are hard at work organizing the activities and festivities for the China Community Days celebration planned for the weekend of August 5-7.

The events kick off on Friday evening with a free barbecue dinner, lawn games and a movie hosted at Central Church, on Route 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Those looking to work off the pounds instead of putting them on can participate in (or watch) a softball game on Friday evening, organized by Martha Wentworth and the China Rec Committee, starting at 8 p.m., at the China Ballfields, between the Middle and Primary schools. Potential players should call the Town Office (445-2014, extension 3) to reserve their spot on the team.

Saturday will feature a host of events and sights to see starting at 10 a.m. at the China Ballfields, including booths from local organizations and vendors, fun kids’ activities and games for all ages. (Vendors looking to participate should contact Neil Farrington at peachclassof68@gmail.com, 462-4321, or Ashli Hussey at 692-3210.)

Proceeds raised from the Dunk Tank on Saturday (three balls for $1) will go to help Steve Arsenault and his family, who has recently received a heart transplant.

Mr. Drew and His Animals Too! will be on hand with a menagerie of exotic pets to wow the kids and adults alike.

The Cornhole Tournament, under the supervision of Tom Michaud, kicks off at 1 p.m. Participants can sign up ahead of time at the Town Office or on the day of the event. For more information contact Tom Michaud at 242-0318 or Alyssa Michaud at 692-8813.

Bob Hall is putting together a “Cruize-In Car Show” for Saturday at the China Primary School. There’s no entry fee and anyone entering their vehicle will receive 11 tickets for a chance at some fantastic prizes.

All weekend there will be town-wide yard sales. Anyone wanting to get in on the action by having their sale included on the “Yard Sale Trail” map being put together by the Town Office should contact them at 445-2014 or email info@chinamaine.org with their location and time information. A map of the yard sale locations will be published on the Facebook pages for China Community Days and the Town of China and available at the Town Office.

Saturday afternoon, the festivities continue with a Cardboard Boat Regatta hosted by the China Lake Association. Contestants should gather at the China Baptist Church Park on Causeway Road at the north end of the lake. Races begin at 4:45 p.m. and registration opens at 4 p.m. For more information and to find a copy of the registration form, go to the Town of China website, china.govoffice.com, or the China Community Days Facebook page. For any questions, contact Elaine Philbrook at 968-1037 or Bill Powell at 441-3514.

There’s also a Boat Parade for decorated boats (those not built of cardboard) starting at 5 p.m. in front of the China Lake Conference Center. The parade will travel down the lake to the Causeway at 5:30 p.m. for judging, with prizes going to the best decorated boats. Register your boat by sending an email to boatparade22@gmail.com.

Get your boogie on Saturday evening at the Street Dance in the China Baptist parking lot from 6 – 9:30 p.m., featuring the live band, The Veggies!. Food will be available for sale from the China Baptist hamburger booth. The China 4 Seasons Club will also be selling glow sticks for all the neon-lovers out there.

The celebrations on Saturday will end with a bang — literally! — with a fireworks show, beginning at 9 p.m. ,from Judi Gilman’s property at the north end of the lake.

On Sunday, a Youth Fishing Derby is being held from 9 – 11 a.m. for ages 15 and under on the Causeway. For more information or to register your child, contact Kelly Grotten at 445-2014, extension 6, or 462-0301.

The final event of the weekend is also one of the most popular: the China Community Days Scavenger Hunt. After registering (promptly!) at noon in the China Baptist Church parking lot, teams will have two hours to find 100 items.

All of the events, except for fireworks, will be held rain or shine. The rain date for fireworks is Sunday.

The China Community Days Committee is still looking for volunteers to help with the planned activities, so please contact the Town Office if you are available.

PHOTO: China Community Food Pantry Saturday crew

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The Saturday crew at the China Food Pantry. From left to right, Peter Caldwell, Larry Lemieux, Carl McKeil, Cindi Orlando, Donna Loveland, Ann Austin, Cathy Bourque, Nancy Lemieux, Bunny Caldwell, Jodi Blackinton and Kimberly Goneau. (photo by Eric W. Austin)

Volunteers needed for Window Dressers workshop

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Volunteers prepare window inserts at a previous WindowDressers workshop, in Vassalboro. (photo courtesy of Vassalboro Historical Society)

by Eric W. Austin

The China for a Lifetime Committee is planning a Window Dressers workshop this November 7-13, at the China Lake Camp, off the Neck Road, on the west side of the lake. The initiative is a volunteer-led, barn-raising effort to construct low-cost “window inserts” that can significantly reduce residential energy costs. Orders for inserts need to be submitted to the China Town Office or through the Window Dressers’ website by September for the November workshop.

The insulated window inserts are constructed of pine wood frames, and can be ordered in natural wood or painted white. There is a maximum order limit of 10 frames, and no minimum. Orders are open to all residents of China, Vassalboro, Palermo, Albion and Windsor.

The price of the window inserts varies depending on the size of the frame requested, but generally range from $30-$70 per frame for natural pine, with an additional $5-$10 if painted white. Discounts and financial help are available for those who qualify.

As the workshop will take place during the second week of November, orders should be placed by September. Volunteers will need to visit your home to take window measurements which will then be sent to the Window Dressers organization, who will cut the wood for the frames and deliver them in time for the workshop. All volunteers visiting customer homes to measure windows are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and wear a mask.

There is a great need for local community volunteers to make this a successful Window Dressers workshop. It is requested (but not required) that anyone ordering frames also commit to a four-hour shift on one of the workshop days. The committee is also looking for anyone who can supply food to the teams participating in the workshop.

To submit an order for window inserts, or to volunteer, please call the China Town Office at 445-2014, send an email to chinaforalifetime@gmail.com, or visit the Window Dressers website and fill out the request form at windowdressers.org/sign-up-for-inserts.

For more information about the China for a Lifetime Committee, please visit their website at chinaforalifetime.com.

China TIF committee discusses pending project at China Village boat launch

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by Mary Grow

Members of China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee approved a funding application, discussed a pending project and heard updates on on-going ones at their June 29 meeting.

The committee’s job is to make recommendations to the select board and voters for spending revenue in the TIF Fund. The money comes from taxes on Central Maine Power Company’s north-south line through town and the company’s substation in South China. Recommendations are within the limits set in the TIF plan, approved by town voters and by state regulators.

China Community Days asked for $10,000 for fireworks and other purposes for this summer’s celebration, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 7. TIF Committee members unanimously approved.

The pending project is doing something about the China Lake boat landing in South China Village, which has limited access, shallow water, erosion problems and undefined lot boundaries. The first step is to define the lot lines; new committee chair Brent Chesley said Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood is seeking a surveyor.

Depending on how much land the town owns, options include providing more parking and maintaining a full-service boat landing; limiting parking and allowing hand-carry (canoes and kayaks) launches only; or discontinuing use as recreational lake access. If the area were no longer a boat landing, committee members discussed ongoing access by town firefighters.

Resident Scott Pierz, executive director of the China Region Lakes Alliance, reported briefly on four major programs, partly TIF-funded, aimed at improving water quality in China Lake and other area water bodies:

  • The Courtesy Boat Inspection program is intended to keep invasive plants out of local waters by inspecting boats before they are launched. The program currently has too few employees to cover all boat landings, Pierz said.
  • The Gravel Roads Rehabilitation Program helps road associations make environmentally sound improvements to camp roads.
  • The LakeSmart Program, run in cooperation with the Maine Lakes Society and the local China Lake Association, helps shoreland property owners minimize runoff into water bodies.
  • The Youth Conservation Corps employs local young people to work on environmental improvement projects.

Four Seasons Club President Tom Rumpf reported on work done on trails in town and on plans for continued work. He discussed state grant possibilities and revised state regulations and oversight. Misuse of ATV trails, including incidents like the recent vandalism to bee hives in Albion (which had nothing to do with Four Seasons Club trails, Rumpf said), discourages landowners from allowing trails on their property and increases state involvement.

After electing Chesley TIF Committee chairman, succeeding Tom Michaud who declined to continue in the position, committee members elected James “J. J.” Wentworth vice-chairman.

The next committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday evening, Aug. 24.

China select board agrees to pave parking area on Causeway Rd.

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by Mary Grow

At a short special meeting June 30, China select board members paid end-of-fiscal-year bills, agreed on paving parking areas on both sides of the Causeway Road bridge at the head of China Lake’s east basin and made three appointments.

When the causeway project, funded mostly through China’s TIF (Tax Increment Financing) fund (taxes collected from Central Maine Power Company), was finished, the parking areas on the north side of Causeway Road were left gravel. The theory then was that paving them could increase run-off into the swamp at the head of the lake, known locally as the muldoon.

At the select board’s regular meeting June 21, Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood proposed having the areas paved (see The Town Line, June 30, p. 3). Divided opinion on environmental effects led to an inspection of the area the afternoon of June 30, with Amanda Pratt, from the state Department of Environmental Protection, Eric Lind, from the China Lake Association, Scott Pierz from the China Region Lakes Alliance and China’s Director of Public Services Shawn Reed joining Hapgood.

Hapgood and Pierz told select board members the natural buffers between the gravel and the parking areas are adequate. They proposed minor changes – a short stretch of curbing to deflect run-off, additional mulch between the parking area and the vegetation in one place, perhaps designing pavement striping to keep boat trailers from being backed into the grass – plus on ongoing monitoring and maintenance.

With that information, select board members unanimously authorized Hapgood to contract with All States Paving to have the areas paved.

The appointments were David Savage, as China’s Licensed Plumbing Inspector; Nicholas French, as assistant Codes Enforcement Officer (Hapgood is China’s current Codes Enforcement Officer); and select board member Janet Preston, as China’s representative to the Kennebec Regional Development Authority’s General Assembly. KRDA oversees First Park, the business park, in Oakland, supported by China and other area municipalities.

After the July 5 China select board meeting, the next regular meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 18.

CHINA: Town and Direct Communications, Unitel to work on broadband expansion

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At their July 5 meeting, China select board members recognized Tim Grotton, center, for his years of service at the transfer station. Board Chairman Ronald Breton, left, and Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood, right, praised his management, crediting him with keeping the facility clean and setting an example for the rest of the staff with his polite and helpful attitude. Not just the transfer station, Hapgood added; Grotton would fill in when the public works department needed an extra man for anything from cutting a tree to controling traffic, and he always responded to her call of “Hey, Tim, I need….”

by Mary Grow

China select board members have taken under advisement a memorandum of understanding with Direct Communications of Rockland, Idaho, represented locally by subsidiary UniTel, of Unity, to expand broadband service to town residents.

Members of China’s Broadband Committee (CBC) discussed a cooperative arrangement at several meetings, the most recent an hour and a half before the July 5 select board meeting. UniTel representatives had just received the proposed memorandum from Idaho; CBC members reviewed it and handed it on to select board members.

As they expected, select board chair Ronald Breton postponed action until board members and the town attorney have given the document full review. The proposed agreement is tentatively on the July 18 select board agenda.

In summary, it says the town and the companies will work cooperatively on an expansion of China’s broadband service, starting with offering service to houses that currently are unserved or underserved (have no broadband connection, or have service that is slow, unreliable or otherwise unsatisfactory).

Total project cost is estimated at around $1.2 million. China will be asked to contribute $370,000, $100,000 up front and the remainder over nine years.

Direct Communications and UniTel will match the town amount; other funds, especially a state grant aimed at underserved and unserved areas, will provide the rest of the money. Direct Communications will build and maintain the broadband network, which will belong to the company. Users will be charged locally competitive fees.

If the project fails to receive a state grant, participants in the July 5 discussions said reluctantly that it would not go forward.

Assessor William Van Tuinen attended the July 5 select board meeting to conclude the discussion about property valuations he started at the June 6 meeting (see The Town Line, June 16, p. 3).

Van Tuinen proposed, and select board members unanimously accepted, several changes applicable to different building types, lot locations and specific neighborhoods. He based his recommendations on sales data from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, disregarding 2022 price increases, an approach he called first “reasonably conservative” and later in the discussion “very conservative.”

The goal of the changes is to keep China’s land and building valuations close enough to state valuations to avoid penalties. Van Tuinen expects to achieve this goal; and, he said, being conservative means that if property prices start falling, China should be able to avoid or minimize downward valuation adjustments.

In other business July 5, Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood shared a handout showing that China has received $454,887.08 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Voters at the June 14 town business meeting approved uses for $132,200, leaving a balance of $322,687.08.

One of CBC Chairman Robert O’Connor’s suggestions is that China’s $370,000 contribution to broadband expansion come partly from ARPA money.

Breton, responding to a complaint from a resident, said he intends to pursue a new town ordinance that would limit hours for fireworks. State law allows them from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on weekends, he said.

Breton agreed with both concerns the resident expressed: fireworks in general are hard on veterans and other people with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and late-night fireworks are hard on people who have to go to work the next morning.

Hapgood said she will look for ordinances from other Maine towns as possible models.

The manager encouraged select board members to volunteer for China Community Days activities. The annual celebration, scheduled for Aug. 5 through Aug. 8 this year, is a chance for officials to meet their constituents informally, she said.

Hapgood again reminded those present that nomination papers for local elective office will be available at the town office Aug. 1. On Nov. 8, China voters will choose three select board members, three planning board members, four members of the budget committee and one representative to the Regional School Unit #16 board of directors.

The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 18, in the town office meeting room.

Lake Association Annual Meetings 2022

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Image Credit: chinalakeassociation.org

2022 Lake Association Annual Meetings

*   *   *

SHEEPSCOT LAKE ASSN.
THURSDAY, JULY 21
7 p.m.
Palermo Consolidated School
Route 3

CHINA LAKE
SATURDAY, JULY 30
9 – 10:30 a.m.
China Middle School
Lakeview Drive

WEBBER POND
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13
10 a.m.
Vassalboro Community School
Webber Pond Road

*   *   *

To be included in this list, contact The Town Line at townline@fairpoint.net.

China mother raises awareness for postpartum mood disorders

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Courtney with her son. (contributed photo)

Family-friendly event to take place at China Community Forest, July 23

by Gillian Lalime

“You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help you will be well.” This is the encouragement offered at every step by volunteers from Postpartum Support International or PSI, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness around postpartum mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, psychosis and bi-polar conditions. PSI’s mission is “to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide.”

In 2017 Courtney, a lifelong resident of central Maine, gave birth to her son. A momentous occasion, she welcomed this significant life event with open arms and an open heart. However, soon she realized something was out of whack: her emotions. Not long after the birth, Courtney began struggling with depression and psychosis – the former more commonly known, the latter less known and much more severe. This diagnosis led to hospitalization and Courtney’s journey to become well was jump-started when she got involved with a PSI group. In October 2021, Courtney became a PSI coordinator, and now works as a volunteer connecting postpartum Mainers in need of help to local resources through a hotline.

One in seven women develop a postpartum disorder. Lesser known, perhaps, is that one in ten fathers or birth partners will experience anxiety or depression after the birth of a child. Postpartum by definition, is considered the period just after childbirth to the first year after birth. Symptoms can appear as early as during pregnancy and can include depression, PTSD anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, or postpartum psychosis. Navigating these conditions as a brand new parent can be overwhelming to say the least. Maintaining relationships and taking care of yourself can feel out of reach, especially living in a rural area where it can be hard to stay connected to your community. Feelings of depression, isolation, anxiety, or other postpartum conditions exacerbate the difficulties of new parenthood and can sometimes lead to increased disconnection from both your immediate family and wider community.

Courtney’s own experience with postpartum depression and psychosis motivated her to help others going through what she did. She says, “The important thing to remember is that these feelings are not your fault.” After giving birth, Courtney blamed herself for the feelings she had. To any new parents in a similar situation, Courtney knows exactly what it feels like to go through all of this and yet, “It made me a stronger person overall.” In 2020, she attended an online PSI “Climb”. This year Courtney and two friends, Rebekah and Amanda, are organizing an event in China for local families.

“Climb Out of Darkness” announcement poster.

Team Central Maine’s “Climb out of the Darkness” is a family friendly event that will be held at the China Community Forest on Saturday, July 23, beginning at 2 p.m. The Climb is PSI’s biggest fundraiser for the year and all money goes towards training for professionals, perinatal mental health certificates, and educational webinars. The event itself provides a platform for connection and strength in the community. Folks looking to get involved, give donations, share through social media, look up the event on Facebook (search Team Central Maine), and local businesses can become a sponsor. There will be a photo booth, cornhole, fun giveaways, and other activities for kids (snacks will be provided) in addition to a resource table for anyone seeking information about postpartum mood disorders, what they are, and how to help those experiencing it. The route is stroller friendly and available to walkers of all abilities. “You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help you will be well.” This PSI mantra is a lifeline for many and a deep reminder that help and wellness is within reach.