PHOTO: Summer beauty
Emily and James Poulin, of South China, photographed this female black swallowtail butterfly.
China Historical Society Museum open to public Saturday during China Community Days
The interior of the China History Museum.
To help promote this year’s China Days celebration, the China Historical Society’s Museum will be open for exploration on Saturday, August 3, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This facility, located in the old town hall, on Lakeview Drive, contains for the present time the society’s collection of artifacts, documents and memorabilia, and is a vast treasure of the town’s history. Any and all are welcome to visit and they will be pleased to show you the space and its contents. You may even discover a part of your own family’s past. Hope to see you there!
CHINA: Town revaluation puts property values near 100 percent
by Mary Grow
China select board members heard information at their July 29 meeting that they hope will let them set the 2024-25 local tax rate at their Aug. 12 meeting.
Assessor William Van Tuinen said state officials had approved his revaluation of China property. By increasing land values by 10 percent and building values by 20 percent across the board, he brought China’s valuation close enough to actual prices to count as the 100 percent valuation the state wants.
Mobile homes Van Tuinen said he treated differently. Since they had not been revalued for some time, he increased their valuations more, though he kept in mind the lower value of older mobile homes.
With this work done and approved, Van Tuinen said he probably can give selectmen the information and tax rate options they need before their next meeting.
The valuation adjustments do not mean that tax bills will increase by 10 and 20 percent; higher valuations allow a lower tax rate. However, increased expenditures this fiscal year over last year will raise local taxes.
Nomination papers now available
Nomination papers for China local elective offices became available Monday, July 29. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood presented a list of those whose terms expire this year:
— On the select board: Brent Chesley, Blane Casey and Janet Preston;
— On the budget committee: secretary (vacant), District 2 (Taryn Hotham), District 4 (Timothy Basham) and at large (Elizabeth Curtis); and
— RSU #18 Director: T. James Bachinski.Signed nomination papers must be returned to the town office by Friday, Sept. 6, for candidates’ names to be on the Nov. 5 local ballot.
On another topic, a petition presented at the July 29 meeting asked for a public meeting to discuss and vote on a moratorium on high-voltage transmission lines or corridors passing through the town. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said the petition was started in October 2023 and recently received the required number of signatures.
The three board members present, Jeanne Marquis, Brent Chesley and chairman Wayne Chadwick, discussed whether to schedule a special town meeting, hoping the required 100 voters would show up, or whether to put a transmission line/corridor moratorium ordinance on a Nov. 5 local ballot. On Chadwick’s recommendation, they postponed action until a full board is present.
Hapgood said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved one of China’s three requests for storm damage reimbursement, authorizing a grant of more than $48,000 to cover costs of cleaning up roadside brush and debris. State officials are reviewing the grant, she said. There has been no action yet on the other grant applications.
She presented a brief report on a violation of China’s solid waste ordinance: a seasonal resident entered the transfer station on a Monday, a day it is closed, to leave trash before returning to his year-round
home.
The man self-reported, Hapgood said, perhaps because an attendant saw and recorded him.
The maximum penalty could have been a $700 fine, Hapgood said. Board members considered that it was a first offense and self-reported and imposed a $100 fine.
Board members unanimously approved a renewal license for Wildwood Pawn, Inc., on Gunshop Road north of China Village.
They approved more end-of-fiscal year business, allocating money unspent before June 30 to 2024-25 accounts or reserve funds. They approved contracts for town functions, as Hapgood recommended.
Hapgood reported that Julia Gagnon, Maine’s American Idol contestant earlier this year, will sing at the barbecue that is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2, at the ballfields by China Middle School, on Lakeview Drive. Barbecue tickets were almost sold out by July 29.
The Aug. 1 – 3 China Community Days schedule is available on line on the China Community Days Facebook page and on the town website, chinamaine.org.
August China select board meetings are scheduled for Monday evening, Aug. 12, and Monday evening, Aug. 26.
Celebrating 75 Years: China Historical Society annual meeting and China Elementary School Anniversary
A large crowd gathered at the China Middle School for a nostalgic journey by the China Historical Society (photo by Eric Austin)
by Eric W. Austin
The annual meeting of the China Historical Society, held on Thursday, July 18, was a delightful blend of business and nostalgia. This year, the meeting doubled as a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the China Elementary School, a cornerstone of our community since 1949. The event, hosted in the gymnasium of what is now the China Middle School, saw about three dozen attendees come together to reminisce and reflect.
Founded in 1974, the China Historical Society has been dedicated to preserving the rich history of our town. The society is always looking for new members, with annual dues set at a modest $10 to support the cause. Prospective members can sign up at the town office. The society is also working on launching a website and a Facebook page to keep everyone updated on upcoming events.
This event was video recorded and will eventually be made available to the public, likely on the (soon to be set up) YouTube channel for CHS.
Scott McCormac
The annual meeting kicked off with the usual business, including the approval of last year’s minutes and the election of new officers, with Robin Adams Sabattus stepping in as the newest board member. Scott McCormac, current President of the Historical Society, underscored the importance of their mission, and highlighted the challenges of consolidating historical information in one place.
The event then shifted gears to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the China Elementary School. Built in 1949, the school replaced numerous small “one-room” schoolhouses scattered across town. These smaller schools were essential before the days of a bus system, ensuring that every child had a school within walking distance. When the new elementary school opened, all the small schools closed simultaneously, leading to initial overcrowding in the new building.
Historical tidbits from the original dedication bulletin reveal that the town appropriated $10,000 for the new school’s construction over three years, with master builder Louis Z. Masse overseeing the project. Letha Wilson served as the first principal, and G. Wayland Jones was the Master of Ceremonies at the dedication.
The highlight of the celebration was hearing from former students like Richard Dillenbeck and Shirley Fitzgerald, members of the first eighth-grade class to graduate from the new school in 1949. Dillenbeck shared a humorous memory about the excitement of having running water and indoor bathrooms, recalling the uncomfortable “three-hole” outhouses they used before. Fitzgerald reminisced about playing games like hopscotch and tag during recess and noted that only four of the original 23 classmates are still alive today.
Richard Dillenbeck, left, and Shirley Fitzgerald reminisce about their days at China Elementary School. (photo by Eric Austin)
Former teacher Wayne Bengtson, who taught at the school from 1968 to 2008, also shared some of his memories. He recalled the influx of students in the 1980s after China students scored well on the first Maine State Educational Assessment standardized tests.
After the reminiscences, long-time custodian Tim Roddy led a tour of the school, including a visit to the basement, which once served as the school cafeteria during its early days. The tour was a hit, offering a trip down memory lane for many attendees.
The China Historical Society continues to engage the community with projects like an upcoming display at the Albert Church Brown Memorial (China Village) Library about the narrow-gauge railroad. Bob Bennett is also working on organizing a tour of the railroad for later in the summer, promising more opportunities for residents to connect with their local history.
The anniversary celebration was a heartwarming reminder of the strong community bonds that exist in the town of China, Maine. The Historical Society’s efforts to preserve and share local history ensure that future generations will also know the stories that shaped their town. Residents are encouraged to join the society and participate in future events, contributing to the rich tapestry of China’s history.
Palermo Library holds annual meeting
(Photo courtesy of Palermo Community Library)
by Mary Grow
The Palermo Library Board held its 22nd annual meeting at the library on Sunday, July 14. In addition to accepting annual reports, the board re-elected Chris Diesch chairman; Pam Swift secretary; and Diane Bent, treasurer. Diesch thanked the volunteers who keep the library open.
The library has an ongoing book sale and other events for adults and children. During the annual Palermo Days celebration in August, library volunteers will raffle off a large quilt, on display in the meeting room.
Diesch said the 3D printer is now working. She recommended anyone wanting to use it schedule an appointment, as not all volunteers are equally familiar with it.
The Palermo library is at 2789 Route 3, in Palermo; the telephone number is (207) 993-6088. Its website, Palermo.me.lib.us, lists hours and other useful information.
EVENTS: Learn more about loons and loon restoration at Sheepscot Lake Assn. annual meeting
The Sheepscot Lake Association will be hosting Maine Audubon Biologist Ethan Daly at their annual meeting Thursday, July 25, to discuss the Audubon’s Loon Restoration Project. Ethan Daly will be discussing Loon Restoration. Ethan grew up in New Hampshire and moved to Maine in 2024. He attended Boston College where he studied environmental science. He’s been working with Maine Audubon’s Loon Restoration Project since March and thoroughly enjoys monitoring loons and working with volunteers. Outside of work he enjoys hiking, cycling, and his guitar.
Please bring a dessert to share at the potluck dessert table. The meeting will be held July 25, at 6:30, starting with a dessert potluck social. It will be held at the Palermo Consolidated School, on Route 3.
Planners begin discussions on two new proposed town ordinances
by Mary Grow
China Planning Board members began discussion of two proposed new town ordinances at their July 9 meeting. Chairman Toni Wall expressed the hope that they would be ready for submission to town voters by the Nov. 5 state and federal election day.
One ordinance is tentatively titled a Mass Gathering Ordinance. The purpose is to regulate events that draw large crowds, to maximize safety and minimize risks and annoyances.
Board members had as a model an ordinance that Vassalboro voters rejected by a narrow margin in November 2021. Vassalboro officials prepared it because a resident had proposed hosting a country music show. It covers two types of topics, external effects and attendees’ health, safety and comfort.
The former includes things like requirements for notice to neighbors, not necessarily only direct abutters; traffic and parking management; and noise limits. The latter covers such issues as water supply, portable toilets and emergency response plans.
The second ordinance is a site review ordinance that Wall said would be the basis for reviewing non-residential development applications. Codes Officer Nicholas French said it would provide more specific definitions of criteria in current town ordinances.
Board members intend to continue discussion at their next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday evening, July 30 (postponed from the usual second Tuesday of the month).
China select board pays bills at abbreviated meeting
Over half a million dollars in miscellaneous payments
by Mary Grow
China select board members met for barely over a quarter of an hour July 15, using the time to hear reports from town employees and spend more than half a million dollars.
The spending came first, when they approved two weeks’ worth of bills: more than $520,000 in miscellaneous payments plus over $42,000 for the town payroll.
Deputy Town Manager Jennifer Chamberlain shared five other employees’ reports.
— Kelly Grotton, assistant to the assessing agent, said select board members might have the figures they need to set the 2024-25 tax rate by their Aug. 12 meeting. Once board members approve a rate, office staff can mail out local tax bills. The first half payment is due by the close of business Monday, Sept. 30 (by town meeting vote).
— Director of Public Services Shawn Reed said the town public works crew has been repairing road shoulders washed out by heavy rains and preparing for summer paving. He announced that transfer station staff will inspect every vehicle at the entrance during the week of July 23, part of an effort to evaluate and improve enforcement of regulations.
— Codes Officer Nicholas French reported as of mid-year, he had issued 22 permits for new residences in China, compared to 30 for all of 2023. He plans to move back to China the end of July, and thanked Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood and Deputy Clerk Tammy Bailey for their help as he worked long-distance for the last several months.
— Summer intern Gracie Stagnito reported on economic development activities and plans for the annual China Days celebration, which begins Thursday evening, Aug. 1, with a walk in the China School Forest and ends Sunday afternoon, Aug. 4. Select board member Jeanne Marquis asked that Aug. 3 field events include a booth for board members to talk with residents, with a display on which to record comments and questions for public viewing.
— Town Clerk Angela Nelson said nomination papers for local elective offices will be available Monday, July 29. Signed papers must be returned by the close of business Friday, Sept. 6, for candidates’ names to appear on the Nov. 5 local ballot.
Nelson said the following incumbents’ terms end this year: on the select board, Blane Casey, Brent Chesley and Janet Preston; on the budget committee, Taryn Hotham (District 2), Timothy Basham (District 4) and Elizabeth Curtis, at-large member, and there is a vacancy for the secretary’s position, also elected from the town at large; and for one of China’s two Regional School Unit #18 board positions, T. James Bachinski.
In addition, Nelson said, there are vacancies on appointed boards: the planning board, board of appeals, board of assessment review, recreation committee and comprehensive plan implementation committee.
Residents interested in more information about any of these positions are invited to call or email the town office.
The July 15 select board discussion included one item not on the agenda. Before the meeting began, board chairman Wayne Chadwick displayed the diagram of the South China boat landing prepared for the state Department of Environmental Protection as part of an application to improve the access road (see the July 11 issue of The Town Line, p. 2). During the meeting, Blane Casey reported he had visited the landing two weekend afternoons recently and found it deserted.
The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, July 29.
Mr. Drew and His Animals, Too come to Albert Church Brown Memorial Library
Saturday, July 13, snakes, spiders, and a crowd of 125 children and adults descended on Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, in China. Mr. Drew started small with how insects fill important roles in pollination and cleaning up. The fun especially started as he pulled many large snakes, turtles and large spiders from his many boxes. He emphasized responsible ownership and offered to serve as technical support before buying animals. For example, a family bought their child a “fairy frog.” Turns out they grow to six pounds and require a diet of rats. Now he showed that frog, as he has it. At four pounds it’s not full grown. Beware of what you buy. Everyone very much enjoyed interacting with the animals at the end of the show. China Village library is very busy this summer. Come check out the monthly art exhibits. https://www.chinalibrary.org, reading program, and booksale at China Days.