Stormwater solution highlights power of collaboration for China Lake

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stormwater runoff before

Submitted by Jennifer Syer

A serious runoff problem that was dumping phosphorus-laden water into China Lake has been resolved, thanks to teamwork that saw private landowners, nonprofits, and government agencies joining forces with the goal of protecting the lake’s water quality.

The issue originated with a culvert that drained runoff under Lakeview Drive from 40 acres of woodland east of the road. In 2015, new owners of what would become The Cottages at China Lake installed an additional culvert to direct runoff from the roadside into a plunge pool near the shoreline. Over time, the pool filled with sediment and vegetation. “The water would rush straight into the lake, untreated and uncontrolled,” said John Perron, a Cottages owner and member of the property’s buildings and grounds committee.

stormwater runoff after

Recognizing the problem, Perron and Cottages’ association president Mike Stillman contacted Scott Pierz – then head of the China Region Lakes Alliance (CRLA), and former president of China Lake Association – who they knew had previously been involved in shoreline protection at the property. “It was really time to take up the task,” Pierz said.

He brought in CLA, which then reached out to the state Department of Environmental Protection and Kennebec County Soil and Water Conservation District for additional help.

“This was a highly collaborative effort,” said CLA President Stephen Greene. “Everyone had the lake’s best interest in mind.”

Eventually, Boyd Snowden, of Snowden Consulting Engineers, was brought into the fold to design a site plan, which was developed over a year’s worth of visits, planning and permit approvals. The final design included a plunge pool, catch basin and vegetated buffer to trap sediment and slow runoff before it reached the lake.

“We didn’t just stop at the basics,” said Snowden, who has been designing storm-water containment systems for more than 30 years. “We added a meadow buffer to provide the best treatment possible.”

Funding came from multiple sources. Maine DEP authorized KCSWCD to allocate $14,000 through a federal grant* aimed at reducing phosphorus in China Lake. CLA contributed $9,321, matched by the Cottages’ 20 owners, while CRLA provided $5,000.

Construction began in October 2024 after permits were secured. Over the course of a week, W.D. Chadwick Construction installed the multi-tiered system, which now filters the runoff, trapping sediment from running into the lake – and fueling algae growth and harming water quality. Fieldstone Gardens, of Vassalboro, supplied plants for the buffer area.

Pierz expressed confidence that the Cottages’ association will maintain the system and continue improving shoreline protections. Greene praised the project as a model for collaboration between private owners, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and contractors.

“This project shows how teamwork and a shared goal can solve complex problems,” Greene said. “The China Lake Association is proud to have been a part of a solution that will benefit the lake for decades to come.”

  * Funding for this project, in part, was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The funding is administered by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection in partnership with EPA. EPA does not endorse any commercial products or services mentioned.

Four Seasons of Giving: Local event brings joy to families in need

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On Monday, December 16, China Four Seasons Club President Tom Rumpf, left, presented the Town of China with a check for $1,400, proceeds from the Four Season of Trees event. Accepting the check was Sydney Laird, Deputy Clerk for the Town of China. (photo courtesy of Tom Rumpf)

by Sandra Isaac

The China Four Seasons Club recently held its annual “Four Seasons of Trees” event. The event, held over three weekends in late November and early December, showcased more than 13 beautifully decorated trees with unique themes – including all four seasons, which inspired the event’s name – and over 23 gift baskets, all generously donated by local businesses and community members. The community came out in full force, purchasing raffle tickets for a chance to win these festive items. Winners were announced during a live Facebook event, adding an exciting twist to the proceedings.

What many people may not know is the remarkable impact this event had on the local community. Thanks to the overwhelming support and participation, the China Four Seasons Club raised enough funds to donate $1,400 to the Town of China’s Christmas Assistance Program. This program, managed by town employees, plays a vital role in brightening the holidays for local children whose families may be facing financial difficulties, ensuring that every child has something special to open during the holiday season.

The China Four Seasons Club extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this year’s success. From those who donated trees and baskets to the volunteers who worked tirelessly to organize the event, and of course, to the community members who purchased raffle tickets – your support made a difference. These collective efforts will undoubtedly bring joy to local children and their families this holiday season.

Concerns about proposed Pine Tree subdivision in Palermo

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Hank Holden, Palermo resident

by Jeanne Marquis

James Boyle, former Maine State House Representative, presented preliminary plans at the Palermo Planning Board November 13 meeting for a 27-acre subdivision on Hostile Valley Road (Tax Map R11, lot 27C) in a sparsely developed Sheepcot River watershed area in Palermo. The Pine Hill subdivision would include 15 buildable lots of varying sizes with each lot required to have separate wells and septic systems.

Serious concerns were raised by abutting neighbors and attendees at the meeting as to whether the location, eco-system, and current town facilities could accommodate the density of this proposed development.

When asked by the planning board as to why he opted to develop this particular property, Boyle replied that it was primarily the location, almost equi-distant between Belfast and Augusta. He will not actually be overseeing or developing individual properties himself.

Boyle said, “There is a dire housing shortage in Maine. This project is in its early planning stages. We have a long way to go, and we’ll work with the planning board.” He stated he will plan for a buffer to protect the stream bordering the property. Boyle cited a recent study to support housing shortage in Maine that stated 84,000 homes will be needed by 2030. (https://www.mainepublic.org/business-and-economy/2024-02-12/maine-needs-84-000-new-homes-by-2030-this-affordable-housing-project-shows-why-that-will-be-difficult).

Surveying work on the property is being completed by K & K Land Surveying Inc., of Oakland, and soil testing on all lots was conducted by Jamie Marple.

At the planning board meeting, Pam St. Denis expressed concern for the wear and tear on Log Cabin Lane, a boundary road, with the additional traffic. Other concerns brought up by attendees included the need for sufficient allowance in road design to accommodate full-size fire trucks and since proposed lot 5 is in a Limited Residential area it would require residences to be set back from the edge of the wet area at least 75 feet. Planning Board President Dale McKenney and Codes Enforcement Officer Darryl McKenney stressed the importance of requiring a road maintenance agreement to be included in each land owner’s deed to these proposed lots.

In an interview, Amanda Brieger pointed out the housing density of the proposed subdivision goes against the existing Comprehensive Plan and could be too dense to be supported by the water table of the particular location. Section 1.C.1 of the Palermo plan from 2002 states as an objective of the plan “To preserve and enhance the rural character of the community.”

Brieger calculated, “There were 975 housing units and 25,987 acres of land in Palermo, resulting in a housing density of one housing unit per 26 acres. The proposed subdivision is 27 acres with a proposal of 15 housing units, which is a housing density of one housing unit per 1.8 acres, or an increase in housing density of 1,344.00 percent. This hardly seems in line with the objective of preserving and enhancing the rural character of the community.”

Brieger also pointed out that recent home sales along the Hostile Valley Road corridor went to out-of-state buyers. She said, “Building housing along Hostile Valley Road does not ensure Maine residents will purchase the properties. In fact, increasing the housing offering in an area that clearly appeals to out-of-state buyers may very well have the opposite effect and attract more out of state buyers, thereby confounding the current Maine housing crisis.

In questioning whether the ecosystem could sustain the housing density, Brieger said, “There have been multiple wells in the Hostile Valley Road which have recently run dry, causing concern about the water table being able to support an additional 15 household draw on water which is already a scarce resource in the area.”

Hank Holden and his wife have owned property abutting to the site of the proposed subdivision for 25 years and are also highly concerned. Holden worries about losing the character of the wooden location, the stress of the added traffic on Hostile Valley Road and the phosphate runoff into Belden Brook which runs into Sheepscot River.

According to the Maine Rivers website, the Sheepscot River is one of the last remaining rivers with populations of native Atlantic salmon, which are nearly extinct. Ongoing efforts from conservation groups are working toward keeping this region relatively pristine to protect the salmon population that exists.

Holden explains, “There is a ridge of ledge running northeast to southwest through this parcel with a sharper grade running to Belden Brook. There may be serious consequences of potential pollution from runoff and septic discharge into Belden Brook, part of the headwaters of the Sheepscot River.” Holden expressed concern that a former representative who had a strong record for environmental votes would propose a subdivision in a sensitive location.

Holden continued to explain how the locals feel, ” A lot of us moved into this area, and I’ve been here for a quarter of a century, because it was quiet. It was out in the woods, so we can commiserate with nature.”

Hank Holden is actively gathering signatures on a petition against the approval of the proposed Pine Tree subdivision. To participate in the petition, contact Holden at heholden@fairpoint.net.

Albion dairy farmer honored for 60th straight Christmas milking

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Chuck Noyes holds letters from Senator Angus King and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. (Photo by Holly Noyes)

by Gillian Lalime

The Noyes Family Dairy farm, in Albion, is a true family farm. Three generations live on one dead-end road with their family’s surname. Cornfields and barns that store equipment and house animals surround the milk parlor, which is a stone’s throw away from a farmhouse where generations of members from the Noyes Family have been born, lived, and died. Each Christmas Chuck Noyes’ four children and their kids await their grandfather’s return from the cowbarn. There are no days off in dairy farming. Daily the bovines must be fed, milked, and have their spaces cleaned.

Gifts, photos, letters, and stories compiled for Chuck on Christmas morning by his children. These items recognize and celebrate Chuck’s 60 years of farming. (Photo by Holly Noyes)

Chuck Noyes is the family patriarch and owner of Noyes Family Farm. Every day, morning and evening, seven days per week, Chuck milks the herd of 90 holsteins with help from family members and hired farm hands. Morning milking happens at 5:30 a.m., and evening milking at 4:30 p.m., 365 days/year. Without fail, Chuck wakes at 4:30 a.m., each day. A milk truck comes every day or two to deliver the Noyes dairy milk down to Oakhurst Dairy, in Portland.

Chuck’s great-grandfather purchased the family farm in the late 1920s. He was a traveling carpenter. His son, Chuck’s grandpa, worked on the railroad, in Waterville. When the Depression hit and the railroad shut down, their family leaned on their land as a subsistence farm and his grandfather came home from the railroad to grow crops.

His father, Keith, was born in the main farmhouse in 1933 and died in the very same house in 2015. It was Keith Noyes, who started raising a few calves in the late 1950s. Back then the milk from those cows went to a local dairy right in Albion town center called United Dairy. As this grew into a viable financial aspect of the farm, Chuck’s father increased herd numbers, eventually signing a contract with Oakhurst Dairy. Like his father before him, Keith was a hardworking Mainer. When the time came for him to marry, Keith took a handful of days off while he and his bride celebrated their honeymoon. Upon returning home, Keith Noyes didn’t miss a single milking – morning or evening – for 17 years straight. After that streak the man allowed himself a few days here and there for hunting and fishing trips with his buddies. It was for those occasions he decided his son was ready to take on more responsibility with the farm. At age 13, Chuck was milking the dairy herd by himself.

Starting at age eight he was given the task of feeding the calves. “By the time I was nine or ten I was making five dollars per week.” Chuck did his share of daily chores and went to school. At eight years old, Keith gave him the option of not working on Christmas Day. However, they’d still have to wait until all chores were done and his father was home and fed before the children were able to start opening presents. “This got me thinking,” Chuck remembers “If I help out with chores, doesn’t that mean my dad will be in sooner and we can all open Christmas presents earlier?” Thus began Chuck’s first Christmas of working with the family cows. Now, six decades later, the man realized he hasn’t missed a single one since.

Growing up, Chuck Noyes never had any intention of taking over his family farm. After working on the farm all through high school, Chuck went to further his education at the University of Maine in Orono and graduated with no inclination of farming. At his college graduation, Chuck received a handful of job offers, all of which were postponed due to the summer farming season. Thinking he’d just work one summer more on the farm and accept one of the jobs come winter. A smile crinkles to the corners of Chuck’s eyes as he remembers this time “The rest is history”. Chuck never did end up taking one of those jobs; he’s stayed working on his family farm ever since.

“There are days that are good and days that aren’t so good. I worked with my father seven days a week for 50 years.” When asked about his favorite part of the job, Chuck states: “Being your own boss. I tell my kids that the only sh*t I take is from the cows”.

Chuck’s own four children were raised on this land, and grew up working the farm. “I remarried 13 years ago,” says Chuck. It was around eight years ago Chuck’s wife asked if he’d ever not worked on Christmas. “See that got me thinking. It was nothing I ever planned…” but Chuck Noyes has milked every Christmas day since he was eight years old.

What does this generational dairy farmer have to comment on the matter? “I consider myself lucky to have had the health and ability to do it. I consider myself fortunate.”

And so began another cycle of family Christmases on the farm. Chuck’s own children would have to wait for him to get home from milking and chores on the holiday before they ate a traditional Christmas brunch together and finally opened presents. One memorably cold Christmas, the motor on the feed arm of their old concrete vertical silo stopped working. Chuck had to climb up the old silo and hand-shovel feed to the dairy herd. That definitely delayed their family present opening!

So, if holidays and weekends are just as work-filled as any other day, when do dairy farmers relax, reflect, and celebrate? Christmas is one of the few days of the year their family always makes sure to be together. It is a rarity that they actually make time to kick-back, rest, and eat together. The only other time this happens is in the heat of the summer, on their days making hay. Once the day’s hay is cut, dried, baled, and stacked in the barn, this dairying family and hay crew has a tradition of eating a farm-fresh meal together. “It doesn’t matter what time of day we’re finished, it could be 9 p.m., we all sit down at the picnic table together,” says Holly Noyes, one of Chuck’s daughters.

One of the two collapsed barns from December 18, 2023. (photo by Chuck Noyes)

According to Holly, the theme of this year is resilience. Challenges from the past year resulting from the storm last December that collapsed two barns on the Noyes Farm. “Before the December storm last year, our barns withstood two hurricanes. Last December 18 I watched those two barns collapse. It was a different storm than I’d ever seen.” Remarks Chuck. Building a new barn to replace what collapsed in the storm has been much harder than it would have been in the past due to cost of materials and limited availability of building materials and help. Holly had to apply for grants for the farm to receive funds to rebuild their lost structures.

When asked about the future of the farm, Chuck says, “I don’t ever want to see this land sold, and I have no desire to sell it.” When asked about his own future full-time farming at 68 years young, Chuck remarks “As long as I can climb on a tractor and cut hay, I’ll keep farming.” To that he adds, “There’s always a market for hay”.

This Christmas, Chuck’s children planned a special surprise for their father. Over the last month they’ve reached out to friends, neighbors, employees, and community members who have been involved with the Noyes farm over the last many years. They requested a memento such as photos, stories, or favorite memories of Chuck and the farm. Responses poured in! The Noyes children set up a display of these items to surprise Chuck on Christmas morning. Even Senator Angus King and Congresswoman Chillie Pingrie wrote personal letters recognizing and celebrating his achievement! Holly wrote: This 60-year milestone is one Chuck holds close to his heart, feeling incredibly fortunate to have spent these years doing what he loves on Christmas Day.

This year’s recognition certainly caught Chuck by surprise, “I feel very humbled by all the attention I’ve received from everywhere. I definitely did not expect any of this.”

Chuck Noyes on the tractor. (photo by Holly Noyes)

Malcolm Glidden American Legion Post members place wreaths on veterans’ graves

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Pictured, left to right, Duane Alexander, Post Commander Paul Hunter, and Joe LaMacchia, lay a wreath at a veteran’s grave. (Contributed photo)

Malcolm Glidden Post #163 and Auxiliary, of Palermo, spent Saturday, December 14, putting wreaths at veterans’ headstones at local cemeteries. The wreaths came from Wreaths Across America. They were honored to do this service for the veterans at Christmas. They placed wreaths for veterans from the War of 1812, Civil War, WWI, WWII, and all the way to veterans who stood guard during times of peace.

Malcolm Glidden American Legion Post #163 Auxiliary President Chelsea Hunter, left, and Commander Paul Hunter, place a wreath. (Contributed photo)

Erskine announces Renaissance awards

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Staff of the Trimester award recipient Gilberto Ortiz, left, and Faculty of the Trimester award recipient Tyler Belanger. (Contributed photo)

On Friday, December 13, 2024, Erskine Academy students and staff attended a Renaissance Assembly to honor their peers with Renaissance Awards.

Tenure awards were presented to eleven faculty members: David Farady for 15 years of service; Jon Jorgensen, Jenny Sutter, Jennifer Tibbetts, and Brian Dutil for 20 years of service; Susan Beckwith, Deann Porter, and Jamie Soule for 25 years of service; Deidre Dail and Cheryl York for 30 years of service; and David Barden for 40 years of service.

Renaissance Recognition Awards were presented to the following students:

Audrey Tibbetts, Mason LaGasse, Oryanna Winchenbach, Donovan Thompson, Kammie Thompson, Walker Jean, and Olivia Brann.

In addition to Recognition Awards, Senior of the Trimester Awards were also presented to seven members of the senior class: Octavia Berto, daughter Catherine and Jonathan Berto, of China; Elsa Redmond, daughter of Christopher and Laurie Grassi Redmond, of China; Ava Kelso, daughter of Storm and Bradley Kelso, of Vassalboro; John Edwards, son of Melissa and James Edwards, of Palermo; Gabrielle Daggett, daughter of Amber and Christopher Daggett, of Chelsea; Kaylene Glidden, daughter of Kim and Rob Picard, of Vassalboro; and Emmett Appel, son of William Appel and Suzanne Brown, of Windsor. Seniors of the Trimester are recognized as individuals who have gone above and beyond in all aspects of their high school careers.

In appreciation of their dedication and service to Erskine Academy, a Staff of the Trimester award was presented to Gilberto Ortiz, Custodian; and a Faculty of the Trimester award was presented to Tyler Belanger, Special Education Instructor.

Congratulations to all award recipients!

Senior of the Trimester award recipients, front row, from left to right, Ava Kelso, Elsa Redmond, and John Edwards. Back, Kaylene Glidden, Octavia Berto, Emmett Appel, and Gabrielle Daggett. (Contributed photo)

Waterville’s finest battle for community programs

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Waterville youth cheerleaders and the Unified Champions Club with the Waterville Police Department and Waterville Fire Department. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

On December 8, Watervilles bravest and finest laced up their sneakers for the Battle of the Badges basketball game. This thrilling showdown between the Waterville Police and Fire departments brought lots of excitement to the court but also helped raise vital funds for two transformative community programs: the Unified Champion Club and the Pay-What-You-Can Program at the AYCC.

The Unified Champion Club promotes social inclusion through sports, fostering a supportive environment where individuals of all abilities can thrive, while the Pay-What-You-Can Program ensures youth athletics remain accessible to all families, regardless of financial constraints.

** 50/50 winner took home $132
** Raised over $3,000 on Sunday
** Special Olympics of ME granted $10K

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support this year’s Battle of the Badges! From the intense competition to the incredible community spirit, it was a day to remember.

Our local heroes – Waterville Police Department vs. Firefighters – brought their A-game, and the crowd energy was unmatched. Congratulations to Waterville Fire – Rescue for taking home the bragging rights this year!

But the real winners? Our community – our Unified Champion Club, and youth athletes! We’re still compiling data, from the event, but congrats to all the mini-game winners, too.

For more information or to donate, visit https://www.clubaycc.org/battle-of-the-badges/ or contact the AYCC at 207-873-0684.

Sponsors were Central Maine Motors Auto Group, and the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation.

Vassalboro community garden project moves on to next step

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Karen Hatch, Vassalboro’s Community Program Director, is excited to announce the completion of AARP Community Gardens Project, Part of the 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grant Program.

This first year four raised beds were built with the help of several volunteers, mostly older adults. Four more will be built in the Spring 2025. These beds are handicapped accessible and are tall enough that one doesn’t have to bend over to tend the garden. The garden beds are located at the Vassalboro Town Office.

Steve Jones, owner of Fieldstone Gardens, in Vassalboro, provided help in determining where to place the garden boxes and also arranged purchasing the soil for the boxes and having the boxes filled. He also donated plants for the boxes.

Two garden benches are placed by the garden area for folks to be able to sit and rest or just enjoy being outside!

The goal of this community garden is to improve the health of the town residents by offering fresh garden produce, combat social isolation of older adults by having them come and socialize with other folks who are gardening here, relieve food insecurities and enhance community connectedness.

Additional garden space will be made for all ages to be able to use to help forge connections and bonds across generations, incomes, races and cultures. In the spring of 2025, more information will be made available as to how to sign up for a garden spot. Priority for the taller raised beds will be given to older adults.

Area combat veterans to benefit from sisters’ handi-work

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Thirty-five combat veterans and their families will enjoy the efforts from talented sisters Angeline LeHay, of Albion, and Nancy Lessard, of Jackman, shown here with Travis Mills. Each week, nearly every week of the year, combat veterans and their families enjoy a break at the retreat in Mount Vernon set up by the Travis Mills Foundation. (contributed photo)

Thirty-five combat veterans and their families will enjoy the efforts from talented sisters Angeline LeHay, of Albion, and Nancy Lessard, of Jackman.

The Travis Mills Foundation provides an environment for post-9/11 recalibrated veterans and their families to enjoy peace and tranquility amidst some of the most incredible scenery that Maine has to offer. They have provided this respite for approximately 2,000 families from across the nation with no cost to the veteran or their family.

Meanwhile, Nancy and her sister Angeline have been busy throughout the year crocheting beautiful afghans that fit most twin-sized beds. This year, the 35 afghans they made will be given by the Travis Mills Foundation to the families and veterans who visit the retreat.

On December 2, they were given a tour of the foundation by Volunteer Coordinator John Romac and were thanked for their efforts by Travis himself. Born and raised in Vassar, Michigan, United States Army Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Travis Mills, of the 82nd Airborne, is a recalibrated veteran, motivational speaker, actor, author and an advocate for veterans and amputees. In addition to being the founder of the Travis Mills Foundation, Travis also serves as the president of the board of directors.

Romac said the afghans would make a wonderful gift to the veterans and families who take part in programs at the Mount Vernon retreat.

Inaugural Thanksgiving dinner at SCCC well attended

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South China Community Church (SCCC) served about 55 people at its first free Community Thanksgiving Dinner on November 28. Photo by Jayne Winters

by Jayne Winters

South China Community Church (SCCC) served about 55 people at its first free Community Thanksgiving Dinner on November 28. While SCCC is known for its monthly Blessed Breakfasts and various dinner and soup fundraisers throughout the year, this was the first time its members provided a holiday meal.

The idea was discussed at the September Church Council meeting after a new Sunday service attendee asked if SCCC offered Thanksgiving dinner for people who are alone on the holiday, away from family or simply don’t have the energy or means to make dinner for their small families. Council members voted unanimously to do it and with Debbie Stowe taking the lead, church members enthusiastically got busy!

Dining room set-up and food preparations began Wednesday morning; kitchen workers returned early Thursday to finish cooking, carving, setting tables, slicing pies, etc. Following Pastor Paul Harwath’s opening prayer, folks thoroughly enjoyed their meal. The menu included turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, mashed potato, squash, pearl onions and other veggies, as well as cranberry sauces, homemade rolls, ambrosia, cucumber salad, corn bread, homemade pies and beverages. In addition to the wonderful cooks, there were food and beverage servers, clean-up crews, and, of course, dishwashers!

Many thanks to everyone who helped make this dinner such a success. Donations of food and gift certificates came from Hannaford, Tobey’s, Sam’s Club, Shaw’s, Walmart, and countless church and community members. A free will offering that totaled $236 will be used to help purchase gifts for three families SCCC is sponsoring this Christmas – thank you so much for your generosity!

SCCC’s first Thanks­giving dinner went very well and the church plans to do it again next year. Leftovers were taken to the Bread of Life Ministries, in Augusta, for distribution to two local food pantries. We have much to be thankful for, indeed.