Compost for a better future

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With the holidays upon us, now is the perfect time to begin composting. Food waste is a major issue in the United States and composting is a great way to combat this. According to the Maine Organic Farmer and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), composting “recycles and converts nutrients and provides a product that improves the soil.” Particularly in our area, where many people have their own gardens, compost can be used to fertilize. This both saves money and keeps the gardening process at an even more local level. Composting is also a great way to educate children about biological processes during this time of online learning.

There are two ways in which to compost: individual and large scale. Individual composting requires no outside help and can be done relatively easily from the comfort of your own home. In order to compost at an individual level, you just have to save your food scraps, dump it into a compost bin, lay twigs or straw on the pile, and mix around often. EcoMaine has a great video of the step-by-step process on their website. According to EcoMaine, this form of composting (which they call “backyard composting”) is the simplest way to compost. They highlight the cost-saving benefits at both an individual and local level.

Individuals save money on trash bags and towns save money on trash collection and hauling. A win-win situation! My family has a compost bin and we have discovered that it makes us more self-conscious about how much food we’re throwing out. Rather than dumping food straight into the trash can, seeing all of our food piled up in the compost bin helps us visualize our waste. And composting isn’t limited to just food waste. We also compost sawdust and brush, which is a great way to revitalize waste from any yard cleanup project. My father is particularly excited that he can use low-impact forestry practices when cutting firewood by leaving branches and small treetops in small sections, composting the debris back into the soil.

While backyard composting is a way to provide small scale solutions to food waste and soil nutrient issues, large scale composting provides even greater benefits. Like backyard composting, large scale composting is an easy way to get rid of food waste and other debris. This type of composting allows you to get rid of your waste in a sustainable way without needing to use the compost yourself. According to the EcoMaine website, EcoMaine has drop off locations in southern Maine. The compost from these drop-off locations goes directly to Stonyvale Farm, in Exeter. (Editor’s note: Large scale composting is available at the town of China transfer station.)

Composting not only has individual benefits, as I’ve described, but is a way to create more sustainable practices in our area and has benefits beyond the individual level. In the context of climate change, we need to do more to protect the planet. Composting creates more self- sufficiency, cuts carbon emissions by limiting the amount of waste that needs to be transported, and encourages environmental consciousness. If you’re looking for a way to create a more sustainable planet for the future, composting is a great place to start.

by Sarah Corkum, Chelsea resident and Bowdoin College student.

China TIF committee revisits allowable expenditures

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by Mary Grow

China Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee members spent the first hour of their Dec. 29 meeting re-discussing lists of allowable TIF expenditures they had voted on at their Dec. 17 meeting (see The Town Line, Dec. 31). Committee member Brent Chesley then reminded them of the two items left undecided Dec. 17, and they acted on those.

By state law, TIF money can be spent only for economic development. The term is broad enough to encompass, in China, measures that encourage businesses to relocate to town and to assist with business expansion; job creation programs; town activities that promote China as a business, recreational and tourist center; and protection of the environmental qualities that attract visitors.

China’s TIF is funded from taxes Central Maine Power Company pays on its north-south line through town and its South China substation.

The document committee members worked with is found on the town website, china.govoffice.com, in a pdf file named 2017 TIF First Amendment. The pdf is under the Tax Increment Financing Committee, which is under Boards and Committees. Committee members reviewed the items in boxes on pages 4 and 5, plus two new items discussed at the previous meeting.

They unanimously reaffirmed their Dec. 17 decisions to include both new items. The first, relating to fisheries, wildlife and water quality, was re-discussed at length and reworded to clarify what water bodies and activities it is intended to cover.

The second, allowing TIF funds to help with broadband service improvements, was re-included by a unanimous vote, after a short discussion about its relationship to other development programs.

After a discussion of correct terms for and possible rearrangements among economic development projects, committee members voted again, this time with three abstentions, to delete references to supporting a research laboratory on Fire Road 44 and to the non-existent economic development department, and to support other development projects and programs as listed, with minor rewording.

Chesley then reminded the others that the items deferred Dec. 17 were using TIF funds for matching funds for grants and to support projects outside China’s TIF district, specifically removal of dams in Vassalboro that prevent alewife migration into China Lake.

The first was approved 7-1 with Jamie Pitney opposed, because he considers it double-dipping. The second was approved unanimously.

The next two steps are to prepare and print an updated TIF document, referred to as the Second Amendment (because China’s 2015 TIF was amended for the first time in 2017), and to reallocate TIF funds among the revised categories.

Pitney volunteered to rewrite the recommendations to include the changes, with help from Chairman Tom Michaud and his wife Marie, who took notes in the absence of committee secretary Trishea Story.

Pitney moved that the committee ask selectmen’s approval to hire a Portland attorney who is an expert on TIFs to assist with the final document. Committee members approved, with Daniel Boivin and Michael “Mickey” Wing abstaining because they would like an hourly rate and an estimate of the hours needed before supporting the proposal.

At the beginning of the meeting, Michaud welcomed newly appointed committee member James “J.J.” Wentworth.

The next TIF Committee meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 14. Michaud plans to begin the process of allocating TIF money among the programs and projects.

The committee’s final document will be a recommendation to China selectmen. If they find it satisfactory, they will submit it to voters for approval or rejection.

Many kids waiting for big brothers, big sisters in 2021

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Big Brother Chris Paradis, left, and his Little Brother Evan Jones, enjoy playing cribbage, watching movies and, shown here two years ago, shooting pool. Chris and Evan were matched three years ago as part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, which is actively recruiting adults in the community, as well as college and high school students, to become Bigs to one of 100 kids waiting to be matched. (contributed photo)

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBSMM) kicks off the New Year with a recruitment effort to match 30 waiting Littles with adult mentors and train another 70 college and high school students to serve as “Virtual Bigs” to mentor area youth, with hopes of returning to in-person programming this year. The BBBSMM campaign, “One to One in 2021” is part of National Mentoring Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the agency’s current Bigs, and share their stories to help recruit new mentors from throughout midcoast, eastern and central Maine.

Community-based matches meet a few hours each week either virtually or in person following Covid safety guidelines. School-based matches are communicating via the agency’s online virtual messaging program “MentorNet” and keeping in touch through pen pal writing, with hopes of returning to one-hour, weekly meetings at after-school programs when it is safe to return. Both community and school/site-based Bigs are screened, trained, matched and supported by professional program staff. All volunteers commit to mentoring a child for a minimum of one year, which supports the development of stronger and longer lasting relationships.

Big Brother Chris Paradis, who has a busy personal and professional life, says mentoring is about finding time for things that matter most.

“This experience has been an eye opener and has made me realize the importance of giving back,” Paradis says about his three-year friendship with Little Brother Evan Jones, who is now 16 years old. “It’s pretty powerful to be able to watch someone grow, mature, and know you are making a difference in their lives.”

BBBSMM Executive Director Gwendolyn Hudson said there has never been a more critical time for volunteers to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

“As we all do our part to isolate for the health of our community, the connection between Bigs and Littles is more important than ever,” Hudson said. Community Bigs, she shared, are finding creative ways to stay connected through virtual cooking classes, online games and arts and crafts, and doing outside activities together. MentorNet, the agency’s new online communication program, is making it safe and easy for college and high school Bigs to stay connected with local youth.

“The New Year is a great time to make a personal commitment to give back in your community. All you need is a desire to make a difference by igniting a child’s greatest potential,” Hudson said. “Many people think they don’t have the time or are not sure if they would be a good mentor,” Hudson said. “Bigs tell us all the time that spending a few hours just being a friend not only significantly impacts their Little’s life, but changes their own for the better. It is very rewarding.”

Interested volunteers can learn more about local Littles waiting and how to become a mentor by calling 207-236-BBBS or emailing info@bbbsmidmaine.org. Additional information can be found at bbbsmidmaine.org.

Thelma Bulger presented with Vassalboro’s Boston Post Cane

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Thelma Bulger with the Boston Post Cane presented to her by the Vassalboro Historical Society proclaiming her the oldest resident in town. Below, right, the knob of the cane. (photo by Elizabeth Bulger Bourgoin)

Symbolic of the town’s oldest resident

Submitted by Janice Clowes

The Vassalboro Historical Society has announced the honorary ownership of the Boston Post cane to Mrs T. Lois Bulger. The tradition of the cane began in 1909, when the Boston Post distributed 431 of the canes to towns throughout New England with instructions that each should be presented to the oldest living citizen of the town.

The cane is made from Gabon ebony from the Congo. Each cane took approximately one year to make. The cane’s head is finished with a 14-carat gold top and is elaborately sculpted. Vassalboro’s cane was missing for many years, until purchased in 1988 from an antique dealer in California and given to the Historical Society by Betty Taylor, one of the Society’s founders. The honorary ownership of the cane was given to Louise Charlotte Seehagen Eastman in September, 2016. Mrs. Eastman passed away at 101 years of age in January 2020.

The new recipient, Thelma Lois Wood was born on April 24,1922, to parents Eva and Norman Wood in Oakland, Maine. Always known as Lois, she attended Oakland schools, where she met her future husband, Harold Bulger. She continued her education and completed a Special Secretarial Course at Thomas Business College. Harold and Lois were married on December 24, 1940, in Oakland.

Mr. and Mrs. Bulger moved to Vassalboro where they raised their four children, Mayella, Gregory, Linda, and Elizabeth. They also opened their own business, and ran Pine Tree Stables, Home of Fine Horses for 30 years. In 1982 the Bulgers opened Pine Tree Stables Antiques and Collectibles. Mrs. Bulger continues to run the antique business which now includes Ebay sales. Mrs. Bulger also worked for the Adjudication Division of the Veteran’s Administration at Togus as a Claims Examiner for 34 years.

Mrs. Bulger was a member of Adams Memorial Church until it closed. She taught Sunday School and was a member of the Womens’ Fellowship. She loves reading mysteries, gardening, and quilting. Her family has grown and she is the proud grammie to 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and great-great grammie to four.

Mrs. Bulger received a walking stick carved by Raymond Breton, of Vassalboro, and a certificate in recognition of her status as Vassalboro’s Oldest Resident.

Shane Savage named CMGC developer of the year

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Shane Savage (contributed photo)

Central Maine Growth Council has presented its 2020 Developer of the Year award to Shane Savage, R.Ph., co-owner of Savage’s Drug. The award was presented at Central Maine Growth Council’s Annual Meeting, sponsored by Central Maine Motors, Kennebec Savings Bank, MaineGeneral Health, and New Dimensions Federal Credit Union.

Shane has always had a passion for serving his community. Beginning his career as a pharmacy technician at the age of 16 at LaVerdiere’s drug, he worked for LaVerdiere’s through both college and high school. Savage is a graduate of Lawrence High School in Fairfield and Northeastern University’s College of Pharmacy, where he graduated with a B.S in Pharmacy. In 2012 he completed the Comprehensive Compounding Course at the Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) in Texas.

Savage has opened pharmacies in Fairfield, Oakland, Winslow and Unity. Beginning in 2004, Shane and his father purchased Unity Pharmacy and opened Fairfield Pharmacy later that same year. In 2005, Savage’s Drug opened their Oakland location, formerly True’s pharmacy, which followed with the Winslow location being built in 2009. Within the span of 5 years, Savage’s drug was able to expand into four locations throughout mid-Maine.

A second-generation pharmacist, Shane works alongside his father, John “Bud” Savage in their Fairfield store. Today, Savage’s Drug employs over 40 employees and provides a variety of local services, including vaccinations and on-site flu clinics, online prescription refill services, and local prescription delivery. In their Fairfield pharmacy, Savage’s Drug is home to a state-of-the-art compounding lab, where it has the ability to produce custom medications and doses for both pets and people.

More recently, Savage’s Drug has acquired Buddie’s Grocery, on Main Street, in Oakland. By opening their new location in Oakland, Savage’s Drug is expanding its operation and offerings on Main Street during an exciting time for the town. The downtown district welcomes heightened interest and investment, including undergoing a revitalization process that necklaces Main Street. In turn, Savage’s newest business operation is already making contributions to the downtown and will serve an additional draw for residences, visitors, and businesses.

Shane hopes to expand upon the custom medication aspect of his business, giving Savage’s Drug the ability to advocate for more customers from different medical backgrounds or needs. Savage’s Drug services Colby College through their Winslow location, including over-the-counter medications and prescription medications. His commitment to his community and customer service earned him the title of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce’s Business Person of the Year in 2014. Shane’s dedication to helping those in need is exemplified through his passion for expanding his service locations and consistently working to improve the lives of those around him.

“We are delighted to acknowledge Shane’s business expansion, impact on local and regional public health, and recent investments in Oakland’s downtown”, said Garvan Donegan, director of planning, innovation, and economic development at the Central Maine Growth Council. “Shane’s tireless work has proven to be a powerful engine for community health and revitalization by continuing to spark the importance of healthy and vibrant communities while preserving the character of an iconic downtown Oakland location. During these challenging times, Shane’s operation is a model for the dual commitments of community and economic health, which will be key to sustaining economic vitality in our commercial districts and improving quality of life during the pandemic recovery process”.

Central Maine Growth Council thanks Shane Savage for his contributions and looks forward to further expansion of Savage’s Drug from the region’s 2020 developer of the year.

Scouts collect food for needy

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Augusta Pack 684 and Troop 631

Area Scouts have been busy helping feed the hungry and honor our deceased veterans. Scouts from Jackman to Camden took part in the Scouting for Food Drive which collected hundreds of pounds of food to help fill shelves in local food pantries. Pittsfield Troop #428 hosted a Senior Dinner to Go program on December 9 at the Sebasticook Valley Elks serving up hot dogs, baked beans, corn and cornbread in Covid-compliant meals to go kits. Scouts from Winthrop, Augusta, and West Gardiner placed wreaths on the graves of those who served our nation. This was as part of the nationwide Wreaths Across America Day. Some Scouts helped place wreaths at the cemeteries at Togus, others helped at the Veterans Cemeteries in Augusta and at the veterans’ burial spots in West Gardiner. In all, Scouts helped honor hundreds of veterans this holiday season.

Text and photo by Chuck Mahaleris

Waterville Rotary Club wraps up successful auction

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Rotary Club of Waterville president, Jeff Jolicoeur, right, and Erin Merrill, Educare Central Maine director of development, pose with the check representing the amount raised during the auction. (contributed photo)

The 57th annual Waterville Rotary Auction with hundreds of gifts, services and discount items was held in late November as a part of the Waterville Rotary Club’s commitment to support of area programs and initiatives highlighting childhood literacy.

This year, Rotary Club of Waterville identified Educare Central Maine’s Lab School and Learning Hub as the beneficiary of proceeds from the 2020 Rotary Auction. Total auction proceeds, supplemented by a Rotary divisional grant allowed for a $13,500 donation to this program.

Educare is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, having served more than 1,300 children from more than 1,000 families. It is a platform for change, working to provide support as they accomplish their goals to advance their schooling and employment opportunities. Children will be ready to thrive when they enter kindergarten and parents will be equipped to support their family’s needs.

For more about Educare’s Lab School & Learning Hub, go to https://www.educarecentralmaine.org/lab-school-learning-hub/).

Educare Central Maine Director of Development Erin Merrill explains that “Educare is launching the Lab School and Learning Hub in our second decade of service as a way to help train more professionals wanting to get into the early education field.  Educare is partnering with KVCC and Thomas to offer field placement sites and badging qualifications for students who want to graduate and go into the early childhood field.  The Learning Hub will also help community providers create and elevate their own early childhood programs with professional development assistance from Educare staff.  This is truly an Educare Beyond the Walls model that will help to create more quality providers in Central Maine and beyond.  Those providers will then have the tools needed to assist families and children in meeting their goals for a better, healthier, more prosperous future.”

The Waterville Rotary Club hosts the auction each year in late November to benefit what Rotarians determine to be among the worthiest causes of the region. Every year, for more than half a century, this important community event has raised money to meet area needs. Projects from multiple disciplines and organizations are all included in Rotary’s efforts to make a difference in the communities in which we all live and work.
Rotary Club of Waterville would like to thank the community for its support and contribution to area businesses and to the promotion of literacy in central Maine and beyond.

For more information about the Rotary, visit the website at http://www.watervillerotary.com.

Waterville’s Light Up the Town winners announced

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Santa and Mrs. Claus, right, arrived in Waterville, Maine, USA, on Thanksgiving afternoon. Linanne and Chris Gaunce, left, owners of Central Maine Motors Auto Group, a major sponsor of the event, pose for a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Friday, November 27, to kick off the event. (photo by Mark Huard/ Central Maine Photography)

by Amarinda Keys
Director, Children’s Discovery Museum

This holiday season, the Children’s Discovery Museum hosted a city-wide light celebration! Light displays moved outside of just Main Street this year, as businesses and individuals decorated their properties with lights to celebrate the holidays. The registered parties were then compiled into a city-wide map available for members of the community so they can drive by and admire the decorations!

The event kicked off on Friday, November 27, 2020, and Santa made a loop around to visit many of the properties, waving to the participants as he went by. The properties were also visited by a panel of judges who carefully selected the winner: Chris Griswold’s World, at 12 Woodlawn Drive, in Winslow. Runners up include A Whale of a Holiday, at 585 Clinton Ave., in Winslow, A Merry FrankLin Christmas, at 39 Franklin St., in Waterville, 75% off, at 45 Roosevelt Ave., in Waterville, Frosty’s Corner, at 310 Cemetery Street, in Vassalboro, and Forest of Trees, at 451 Cushman Rd., in Winslow.

St. Michael School students donated over 2,400 food items to Augusta Food Bank

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Students and staff at St. Michael School, in Augusta, donated over 2,400 items to the Augusta Food Pantry. (photo courtesy of St. Michael School)

Students and staff at St. Michael School, in Augusta, donated over 2,400 items to the Augusta Food Pantry. (photo courtesy of St. Michael School)

Students at St. Michael School, in Augusta, participated in a “Week of Giving” food drive that generated not only a massive collection of food (four pictures below) for people in need, but reinforced the importance of giving back to the community that has given them so much.

“The drive began on Monday, December 7, and went through Friday, December 11,” said Denise Levesque, marketing director at St. Michael. “Each day was dedicated to a different food item, including canned pasta, canned vegetables and fruit, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, and canned beans.”

Initial calculations show a donation of over 2,400 food items, or four truckloads, to the Augusta Food Bank, which was established in 1981 to provide food to local individuals and families in need.

“Bob Moore, the director of the food bank, estimated that this is the second largest food drive they had in 2020,” said Kevin Cullen, principal of St. Michael.

For every item that a student donated, their name will go into a drawing for three gift card prizes.

“We could not be prouder of our students and the generosity of our school families for all the donations that seemed to keep pouring in each day,” said Levesque. “We are so thankful that they supported this cause as so many people in our community are struggling with food insecurity.”

Students and staff at St. Michael School, in Augusta, donated over 2,400 items to the Augusta Food Pantry. (photo courtesy of St. Michael School)

Fairfield Cops Care For Kids goes on COVID style

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Members of the Fairfield Police Department, from left to right, Officer Shanna Blodgett, Officer Casey Dugas, Sgt. Matthew Wilcox, Sgt. Patrick Mank, Chief Tom Gould, The Grinch, Det. Capt. Paul St. Amand, Officer Dakota Willhoite, Officer Jerico Champagne and Officer Nolan Allen. (photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff.)

Text by Mark Huard

Even though the Cops Care for Kids program looked slightly different this year, the officers from the Fairfield Police Department didn’t let that stop them from making sure the boys and girls of the Fairfield Community got their annual delivery of toys. The Fairfield Police Department carries on the memory of Kingston Paul and delivered presents on December 23 to the smiling faces of all the great children of their community. They look forward to this event all year long and feel blessed to be part of this program.