Emma Concaugh, of Oakland, a member of the class of 2024, was named to the College of the Holy Cross dean’s list, in Worcester, Massachusetts.
From left to right, Lynn Woodard, Director Megan Bragdon, Nick Leavitt, Road Captain Dawn Brasil, Treasurer Brad Wing, and Assistant Director Mark Spence. (photo by Sharon Roode)
On March 16 the American Legion Riders of Decker-Simmons Post #51, Oakland, along with other groups from the area gathered at the boat launch in Oakland for the Polar plunge to raise money to help fight food insecurity at the Alfond Youth and Community Center. They raised $1,986 with a grand total over all of $30,000.
Director Lynn Woodard was quoted saying “Motorcyclists sometimes, we don’t get a good reputation. So we’re here for the community. Our group, we’re not like a motorcycle club, we’re just riders, we represent the American Legion. A lot of our activity is just for the veterans, but today it was for the children.”
“That’s what life’s all about, helping everybody else,” added Assistant Director Mark Spence.
The group is taking the plunge to help fight food insecurity at the Alfond Youth and Community Center. (photo by Sharon Roode)
From left to right, Karla Talpey and Alan Duplessis, of Jackman, Sherwood Hilt, of Union, and John Wood, of Hope, receiving the Ray “Papa Bear” Kimball Award of Service. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)
Congratulations to John Wood, Alan Duplessis, Sherwood Hilt, and Karla Talpey on receiving the Ray “Papa Bear” Kimball Award of Service at the Kennebec Valley District Annual Scouting Recognition Dinner, held on Sunday, March 24, at the Winslow Parks & Recreation Department Hall. Talpey and Duplessis are both active in Jackman Troop #497 and are members of the Kennebec Valley District committee.
Hilt, of Union, and Wood, of Hope, have been active as district members of both Kennebec Valley District and the former Downeast Districts of Scouting. Wood currently provides Commissioner Service to more scouting units than any other volunteer in the district.
The award is the highest award that an adult leader, committee member or adult volunteer can be nominated for within a unit. The award consideration should be given based on outstanding service to youth within a unit above and beyond that of what is required of an adult. Also his or her ability to exemplify the Scout Oath and Law. The award is given to those who work in support of Scouting without seeking anything for themselves.
Ray “Papa Bear” Kimball was a long time Scoutmaster of Troop #443, in Winslow. He was also highly involved in Kennebec Valley District of Scouting as a district volunteer and a Unit Commissioner. He also spent all of his summers performing the duty of Camp Commissioner for Camp Bomazeen, in Belgrade. Ray also had several sons who were Boy Scouts. Ray was an active member of his community and church. Ray always went above and beyond the call of duty wherever it was. Ray stayed active until he became ill and had to retire from scouting. Raymond Kimball died on November 25, 2007.
ALBION – Rick True Fuller, 54, passed away Friday, March 22, 2024, at Androscoggin Hospice House, following a brief battle with cancer. Rick was born in Waterville on July 18, 1969, to parents Percy Ralph and Viola M. Fuller.
Rick graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1988. He later went on to get his steam engineers license from KVCC. Rick was employed as a boiler operator at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Campus until he was hired by Huhtamaki, in March 1995, where he currently worked.
Rick was one of the friendliest helpful individuals you would ever meet. He was everyone’s “Mr. Fix It”. Rick enjoyed boating and fishing with his wife and family and friends along with his grand dog Tuukka. He also spent many weekends 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, or motorcycling depending on the season with friends and family. When he was not on any of the above, he was doing burnouts with his Camero. Rick was also an avid hunter and had a few deer heads to show for it.
Rick was predeceased by his father Percy Ralph Fuller and his father-in-law Bernard “Bunny” Linnell.
Rick is survived by his wife of 34 years Tammy Linnell Fuller; his son Gaige Fuller and his girlfriend Kaitlin Overlock; his mother Viola Fuller; his brothers Rocky Fuller and his wife Deedra, Russell Fuller and his girlfriend Lisa Giguere, all of Albion; his mother-in-law Wyone Linnell; many brothers- and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and -nephews.
A Celebration of life at the Waterville Elks Lodge will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Arrangements are under the care of Lawry Brother Funeral Home, Main St., Fairfield..
ALBION – Myrna Hamm, 76, passed away Saturday, March 23, 2024. Myrna was born September 15, 1947, in Bartow, Florida, the daughter of William Sasser and Rosemary Webber.
She moved to Clinton in 1958 and attended Clinton Elementary and High schools and graduated in 1965. After graduation, she enrolled in UNA’s Academy of Hair Design, in Skowhegan, and graduated in 1966.
At Clinton High School she fell in love with her childhood sweetheart, Russell, in 1965. Russell enlisted in the United States Air Force, and after graduating and returning home from basic training, they were married in Clinton in 1967.
Myrna loved being a hair stylist and all things to do with beauty and hair care. Under the teaching of Billy Dangler, of People’s Hair Design, she became more proficient in her career towards hair styling. After working with other salons, she opened a salon in her home, where she catered to a small, devoted clientele until the onset of dementia which forced her to end that part of her career.
Myrna will be missed most because of her loving spirit and smile and her love for those in need.
As a Christian, she was devoted to follow her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to serve others in need. She desired to start a food pantry in Albion upon learning that families were going to another town for food. She decided that as a ministry for God to start a pantry in Albion and accomplished this on January 7, 2007, by opening the Albion Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry with the help of her husband Russell and many other enthusiastic volunteers. The Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry is still going today after 17 years.
Myrna was predeceased by her parents, William Sasser and Rosemary Webber; a stepbrother Jack Webber and a sister India Cruz.
Myrna is survived by her husband Russell of 57 years; son Jason and his wife Amy, of Waterville; a brother Robert Webber, of Cannan; sister-in-law Wanda and Ernest Hawes, of Albion; along with many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are under the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home in Fairfield Maine. There will be a private committal service at a later date.
Memorial donations can be made in Myrna’s memory to Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, P.O. Box 354, Albion, ME 04910.
WATERVILLE – Claranne Hume Lilly, 88, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024. She was born in Millinocket the daughter of Andrew P. and Harriet (Page) Hume on October 9, 1935.
She was a graduate of Stearns High School, in Millinocket, attended Oak Grove School, in Vassalboro, and is a graduate of Gorham State Teachers College. Claranne spent her career as an educator teaching K-3 in South Paris and Eliot before spending the rest of her career in Waterville.
She was nominated in 1972 for membership to the State of Maine chapter of Delta Kappa Gama, a professional society for woman educators where she served on a number of committees. As an active educator she was also a member of the Waterville Teachers Association, Maine Education Association and was involved in the initiation of the Title I Reading Program.
She was predeceased by her parents and her husband Kenneth Lilly Jr.
Claranne is survived by her brother Andrew P. Hume Jr. and his wife Barbara; nephews Mark Hume and his wife Lisa, Eric Hume, Jon Hume, Scott Hume and his wife Ylva; step-son Kenneth Lilly III and his wife Jayne; step-daughter Kathy Dutkiewic and her husband David; sister-in-law Alice Tobey; grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and several great-nieces and -nephews; .
A graveside service will take place in Eliot at Brooks Memorial Cemetery in June.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.
In remembrance of her, memorial contributions may be made to Delta Kappa Gamma Int’l 43 Woodland Rd. Ellsworth Me. 04605.
WHITEFIELD – Mae Belle Mayo, 66, of Whitefield, died suddenly following a brief illness, at home, on Monday, March 25, 2024. She was born in Augusta on June 8, 1957, the daughter of Sherlock and Donna (Larrabee) Truman.
Mae was known for her loud voice, but with that loud voice was love. Mae was known for her hard work in all aspects of her life. She was very independent but was always willing to help others when it was needed.
Mae had a special passion for birds, domestic and wild. Along with a love for all animals, especially for her current dog companion Shadow. Mae enjoyed living in the country where she spent most of her life living. She enjoyed camping, country fairs, music, dancing in her younger days and attending or hosting gatherings with family and friends. She took delight in watching and being a part of her grandchildren’s childhood and upbringing. Mae took pride in being a part of a very large family where most members attempted to stay in touch.
Mae had accomplished a lot of goals throughout her adulthood independently such as getting her GED while having five children at home and the youngest being only in Head Start.
Mae also was very well known for, not just by family, but by her community wherever she resigned at for her cooking and baking. No one cooked or baked like she could. She could make such wonderful foods without a recipe. All she needed was a list of things available and she would whip up something yummy and amazing which would always be requested to be made again.
In Mae’s young adulthood she was known for her crafts and her famous crocheted blankets that she made. Mae loved holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween. Christmas allowed her to enjoy the company of family and friends, while Halloween allowed her to enjoy for many years of fun by dressing up in costumes of her own to enjoying the sight of children and young adults wearing costumes while handing out candy to trick-or-treaters.
Mae will be missed by all who have had the experience of meeting and or knowing her. She knew how to make everyone laugh and smile without trying. Mae was a very honest and blunt woman which allowed her to be a realist. What you saw and heard, is what you got. People never had to second guess the type of person she was.
She was predeceased by her parents Sherlock and Donna Truman; brothers John and Steven Truman; husband Sheridan Mayo; daughters Betty Ann Thornton and Brandy Lilly-Bizier, stepson Jeff Mayo; and a granddaughter Jadika Lilly.
Mae is survived by her fiancé Eugene Monroe; her son Greg Thornton and his fiancée Erika Thibeault; daughter Sarah Thornton and her two daughters Samantha Cunningham and Helena Ferland; daughter Billiejo (Lilly) Cushing and her daughter Nevaeh Cushing; stepdaughters Vicki (Mayo) and her husband Doug Cram and their two sons Derrick and Daniel; Valerie (Mayo) and her husband Josh and their two children John and Jillian; brothers Randall Truman and Richard Truman and his wife Linda; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service was held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner. A spring committal service will take place at the Maine Avenue Cemetery, in Farmingdale.
Arrangements and guidance are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.
AUGUSTA – Linda L. Ames, 78, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. She was born in Washington, Maine, on November 2, 1945. Linda was a daughter of the late Louise (Lincoln) and George Ames, Sr.
After attending Ricca College, she dedicated her life to raising her children. Linda was a talented baker, friends and family always looked forward to her homemade donuts and fudge.
Linda is survived by her three children, son, Daniel Ames and daughter-in-law Monique Gilbert of Gardiner, daughters Tina Veilleux and husband Ronald, of Augusta, and Tania Patterson and husband Keith, of Chelsea; her grandchildren, Sarah Sinclair and husband James, Jessica Reeve and husband Tyler, and Benjamin Ames; her great-grandchildren, Autumn Veilleux, Jacob Sinclair and Grace Sinclair.
She was predeceased by her siblings, Marjorie Goff, Anita Curtis, Benjamin Ames, Robert Ames, and George Ames Jr.
A period of visitation will be held on Friday, April 5, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at a later date.
Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Linda’s name may be made to Maine Children’s Home, 93 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901.
WATERVILLE – William “Bill” Dellert,76, died peacefully Thursday March, 28, 2024, at Mount Joseph’s Nursing Home, in Waterville, where he had been a resident since January. William was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, November 15, 1947, to W. David Jr. and Jean (Traquair) Dellert, moved to Southington, Connecticut, until the age of six, then spent the rest of his life in either Gardiner or Augusta.
Bill attended Gardiner Public schools and graduated Gardiner Area High School in 1965 where he was a member of the track and cross-country teams. As a boy, he delivered the Kennebec Journal door to door for many years. He shared a route of 90 papers with his brother that once relinquished had to be broken into two separate routes because it was so large and demanding. He spent his childhood summers fishing and swimming on Lake Cobbosseecontee at the Y Camp where his father was director for two decades.
He worked for many years at the Bates Mill Edwards Division, in Augusta, until its closing in 1985. He then worked in the kitchen for the Augusta House of Pancakes where he is remembered by a formal portrait painted of him which still hangs in the restaurant.
He was an avid sports fan and supported all things Boston, most recently the Bruins.
Earlier in his life he was keen to take himself to Boston, stay at the Y, and attend Celtics and Red Sox games.
He read voraciously, and was something of a Civil War historian and expert. He often read two newspapers a day, a habit he continued even while in the nursing home.
He is survived by his brother Peter and a sister-in-law Motoko Inoue, of Holyoke, Massachusetts; nieces Laura Raskin, of Brooklyn, New York, and Rebecca Raskin, of Burlington, Vermont; and cousins in Maine, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C.
His sister Annie Raskin died in 2020.
A memorial celebration will be scheduled in the future in Gardiner.
Arrangements and guidance are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory should be made to the YMCA Camp of Maine in Winthrop, Maine, or to the Boys and Girls Club of Kennebec Valley.
WOOD BRIDGE, Connecticut – William Albert Cooper, 99, passed away at Charter Senior Living, Woodbridge, Connecticut, on February 20, 2024. He was born on March 7, 1924 in Caribou, Maine to Gretchen Maud Cox and William Albert Cooper.
He graduated from Caribou High School, served in World War II on the USS Philadelphia and also served in the Korean War.
He was an accountant for Maine Potato Growers, Presque Isle, held a position in management at C.F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, retiring 30 years later. He established his own accounting and tax business in Naples, New York, where he later retired.
Bill is survived by his wife, Katharine “Kitty” Corti; his children, Kathleen (Paul) Bard, of Winslow, William (Cynthia) Cooper, of Nokomis, Florida, Michael (Pam) Cooper of Naperville, Illinois, and Corti (Carlos Esteves) Cooper, of Stratford, Connecticut; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; his sister Marianne Ruth Cooper Magner; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 26 years, Patricia Marino Cooper.
There will be a celebration of life at a later date in Naples, New York, and Maine.
In remembrance of him, memorial contributions to support education for all may be made to the Naples NY Rotary Club, PO Box 173, Naples, NY 14512 or the Friends of Naples Library, P.O. Box 157, Naples, NY 14512.
by Mary GrowChina road committee members met March 26 and prepared a preliminary list of roads to be repaved in 2024, money permitting. The proposed work, according to committee member and China deputy clerk Jennifer Chamberlain, totals 5.27 miles.
The three longest stretches are 1.3 miles on Deer Hill Rd., from South Road to Lane Road; the 0.89-mile-long Kidder Road, between Route 32 (Windsor Road) and Weeks Mills Road; and 0.79 miles on Dirigo Road, approximately from McClellan Road to Tobey Road.
The rest of the list includes Achorn Lane, Morrill Drive, Shuman Road, West Tobey Road, Mayflower Lane, Pond Hill Road, Smith Road, Bradford Lane, Chadwick Hill Drive, Golfers Xing and Horseback Road.
Director of Public Services Shawn Reed said some of the short, dead-end roads are in such poor condition that they are difficult to plow.
Committee members discussed trying to reclaim some of the worst areas, a process that involves digging up the road and redoing it. Reed was doubtful; not many companies do the work, he said, and it is expensive.
Reed has no firm figure yet on 2024 paving mix prices. The prices will determine how many miles China can afford to do this year.
Committee members discussed paving options – where, if anywhere, less expensive chip-seal can be used, and what depth of material will be needed on different roads.
They did not disagree with Reed’s proposal to resume the crack sealing program for older paved roads, to prolong the life of the paving. He recommended inspecting roads last paved in 2021 and deciding which most need the treatment.
Reed explained to committee members that the speed limit signs the public works crew has been removing were posted by local order, before the present town manager took the position. However, he said, speed limits are set by the state Department of Transportation (MDOT), not by local officials.
Legislation is pending that might change the state’s procedure, Reed said.
Road committee members set no date for an inspection tour or next meeting.
by Mary GrowAt their March 26 meeting, China planning board members unanimously endorsed three proposed ordinance changes that select board members are considering presenting to voters at the June 11 annual town business meeting.
They are:
— A new Planning Board Ordinance;
— Amendments to chapters 2, 3 and 11 of China’s Land Development Code; and
— A new Chapter 8 for the Land Development Code, titled “Solar Energy Systems Ordinance.”
Planning board and select board members have worked on versions of an ordinance to regulate commercial solar development in China for years. As of March 28, the latest draft is available for review on the town website, china.govoffice.com, under the Elections tab on the left side of the home page.
Besides the addition of Chapter 8, the other amendments to the Land Development Code are intended to implement the new state law promoting affordable housing by allowing higher housing density. The proposed revised ordinance is on the website twice, under Elections and under the planning board, which is under the title Officials, Boards and Committees on the right side of the home page.
The changes are comprehensive, adjusting several sections of the ordinance to encourage more residential units. They include addition of a South China Development District along Route 3 and Route 32 south as far as Weeks Mills Road.
An explanation at the beginning of the draft reminds readers that China’s 2020 comprehensive plan recommended such a district, “for additional housing and development.”
The new Planning Board Ordinance is available under Elections on the town website.
In other business March 26, planning board members unanimously approved Chris Harris’s four-lot subdivision on the south side of Route 3 not far east of South China Village, after finding that it meets all criteria in the town subdivision ordinance.
Harris presented his initial application at the board’s Oct. 24, 2023, meeting, where board chairman Toni Wall summarized the process of applying for a subdivision.
The March 26 meeting began with public hearings on the Land Development Code changes, scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and on Harris’s subdivision, scheduled for 7 p.m. The anticipated interest in the ordinance amendments did not appear; no one attended the hearing.
Wall therefore moved directly to Harris’s hearing, which likewise brought no comments. When an abutter to Harris’s land arrived at 7 p.m., Wall invited comments, and received no objections to the subdivision plan.
The next regular China Planning Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9. Codes Officer Nicholas French said as of March 26, he had no applications pending.
by Mary GrowThe China Board of Appeals has granted Carrol White’s application for a variance from lot size requirements to allow him to seek planning board approval to convert the former Silver Lake Grange Hall in China Village to apartments.
The action still needs two more steps: under China’s Appeals Ordinance (Chapter 9 of the Land Development Code), the board must meet again within 14 days to approve the written decision. Once finally approved, the variance must be recorded at the Kennebec County Registry of Deeds within 90 days.
White presented an application for the conversion to the China Planning Board at its Jan. 23 meeting, and a more complete application at the Feb. 13 meeting. On Feb. 13, board members voted that White’s project meets all ordinance criteria except for lot size; the Main Street lot is too small for the planned four-unit apartment building.
White therefore applied for the variance from the lot size requirement. He explained that he had obtained variances in the 1990s, but for various reasons, none was properly recorded and accepted (see articles on p. 3 of the Feb. 1 and Feb. 22 issues of The Town Line).
White wants a current, valid variance so that, when the planning board grants a permit for the conversion, he can sell the property to Daniel Coleman.
Coleman, who lives farther south on Main Street, said he has experience as a landlord. He intends to create four two-bedroom apartments in the 4,600-square-foot building, two on the ground floor and two on the second floor.
He said he likes China Village, appreciates the need for housing in Maine and plans to seek tenants who will contribute to the area.
Ronald Morrell, who lives farther north on Main Street and owns the empty lot across from the Grange Hall, supported the project. He hopes Coleman will preserve the historic appearance of the building, which dates from 1908.
Linda Morrell asked about parking. White said it will be behind the building.
White and Coleman said they have not yet done final plans for either the interior or the septic system. An architect has sketched a four-apartment plan, and test pits have been dug out back where the septic system will go.
Board of Appeals members had to rule on four criteria for granting a variance. The first, and most discussed, was that the property “cannot yield a reasonable return” without a variance.
White said the former Grange Hall has been for sale for years and no one has even asked to inspect it, though it could legally be a single-family home or an appropriate business. Several people commented that people wanting a 4,600-square-foot house would probably want more spacious grounds.
Appeals board member Robert Fischer dissented on the vote on that criterion. It was approved 4-1-1, with newly re-elected board chairman Spencer Aitel abstaining, as he always does unless his vote is needed to break a tie.
The other criteria, approved by 5-0-1 votes, are:
— The need for the variance is due to the property’s “unique circumstances,” not to “the general conditions in the neighborhood”;
— Granting the variance will not “alter the essential character of the locality”; and
— The need for a variance is not “the result of action taken by the applicant or a prior owner.”
Aitel commented that the final criterion always gives him pause, because obviously many years ago a prior owner did something that did not meet 2024 regulations.
The Grange Hall fails to meet another contemporary requirement: it is seven feet from the north line of the property, instead of the required minimum 10 feet. Codes Officer Nicholas French said the building is “grandfathered” for this requirement, comparing it to buildings around China Lake closer to the water than would be allowed for a new building. Aitel added that such buildings can be modified as long as changes do not increase the non-conformity.
After Aitel was re-elected board chairman, member Michael Gee volunteered to be secretary and was promptly chosen.
Board members did not schedule their next meeting.
by Mary GrowVassalboro budget committee members reviewed the select board’s draft 2024-25 municipal budget at two lengthy meetings March 19 and March 26.
Both boards’ members are aware that many taxpayers cannot afford a large local property tax increase. They are also aware that the town is facing unavoidable higher costs in many areas. A theme of the meetings was what should be done immediately, what can be postponed and what can be considered unnecessary.
Town Manager Aaron Miller summarized major budget aspects in a hand-out at the March 19 meeting. At that time, he wrote, the select board’s proposed budget of just over $3.9 million was $358,393 higher than the current year’s. At the March 26 meeting, Miller said that increase would raise local property taxes by under one mil ($1 for each $1,000 of valuation).
However, the draft did not include the Kennebec County budget; Miller’s estimated figure represented a 10 percent increase. When the budget was presented at a March 27 county meeting in Augusta, the proposed overall increase in taxes to municipalities was 44 percent (varying by municipality).
County officials did not approve the budget March 27. Another meeting is scheduled for April 9, according to the report in the Central Maine newspapers.
Vassalboro discussions have not yet included the 2024-25 school budget. Local taxpayers funded almost $1.4 million of the current year’s $9 million school budget.
Miller’s summary named four areas with the largest proposed increases: the request from Delta Ambulance; setting aside funds in the assessing account to prepare for a town-wide revaluation; adding to the capital improvements budget; and adding one new employee, to be shared between the public works department and the transfer station.
The last two were discussed at length. Budget committee members made no final recommendations, but straw polls indicated a lack of support for either, as presented.
The substantially increased Delta Ambulance bill for 2024-25 drew brief comments at both meetings. The 2024-25 request is for $110,475. For the current year, the service requested and voters approved $66,285.
Select board chairman Chris French sees no reasonable alternative to Delta. Neither the Augusta nor the Waterville-Winslow ambulance service will add Vassalboro, and a town service would cost $700,000 just for labor costs, he said.
Miller does not expect a revaluation for another four or five years, but recommends setting aside money in preparation.
Proposed capital additions include new and replacement equipment, building maintenance and a new building.
Equipment that select board members recommend includes a new skid-steer, with bucket and snowblower attachments and a trailer to move it, and a replacement loader.
Select board members recommend the skid-steer in 2024-25 because they expect the state will build the promised new North Vassalboro sidewalks this summer; the town is obligated to plow the sidewalks; the loader now used for plowing sidewalks does a poor job and is too big to work on the new walkways without damaging them; and hiring someone to do the work would cost more than buying a machine.
Phillips is concerned that in much of North Vassalboro, houses are so close to the sidewalk that snow would need to be blown into the roadway.
The skid-steer would be used year-round, Miller and select board members said. It would help with town recreational trail maintenance and with shoulder work on roads, for example.
The loader would replace a machine that is almost 25 years old with more than 12,000 hours on it, French said at the March 26 meeting. Miller explained why it is needed and why the proposed skid-steer could not do its work.
Miller’s introductory letter said the town has been offered “a three-year zero percent interest rate plan for both pieces of equipment.” Select board members have discussed asking voters for $79,000 a year for three years.
The new trailer is estimated to cost $12,000.
Also needing more discussion is how soon the town needs a replacement truck for public works and what size it should be.
The two boards continued the discussion select board members have conducted for months about heating and other equipment at the town office. French’s goal is to have the office continue to function through a major storm.
Heat pumps are installed, and generators have been purchased but not installed. Questions remaining include whether to replace the 23-year-old boiler (as a back-up), whether to add another fuel tank and related issues.
Proposed building reserves include adding to the fund for an additional equipment storage building at the public works lot, and starting a maintenance fund for the town-owned former East Vassalboro schoolhouse, which the town leases to the Vassalboro Historical Society.
Schaffer asked whether the “huge” sand and salt building could be used for storage, since Vassalboro uses less road sand than in the past. Discussion included whether a building that contains salt is suitable for machinery and whether better ventilation would help.
Two other pending projects are major transfer station renovations and replacing the culvert on Mill Hill Road, tentatively with a bridge. The transfer station work has a reserve fund; select board members propose starting one for the road. They hope grants will help pay for both.
The main reason for considering adding an employee is safety, French said. An additional plow-truck driver would let road crew members work shorter, less exhausting shifts in snowstorms; and when one of the two transfer station staffers was out, the other would not work alone.
To French’s additional suggestion that taxpayers would save money if winter overtime were reduced, budget committee member Dallas Smedberg suggested plow drivers might appreciate their overtime pay.
Earlier in the year, select board members considered adding a part-time town office employee. They have scrapped that idea, at least for 2024-25.
Discussion of pay increases for town employees was inconclusive. Miller and the select board recommend a 3.2 percent cost of living (COLA) adjustment, plus two percent merit increases (except for two employees who have been with the town so long they are at the top of the pay scale; for them, an equivalent stipend is proposed).
Smedberg commented March 26 that in his experience, it is unusual for people at the top of a pay scale to get anything more than an annual COLA.
On another pay issue, Smedberg asked why the fire chief gets a $10,000 annual stipend, more than any of the select board members, even if French’s proposed $500 extra for the chairman is approved.
Board member Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., replied, “We don’t get called out at night or weekends much.”
A Fortin Road resident came to the March 26 meeting to ask that her dirt road be paved, as a safety measure. It has been impassable in recent storms, she said, leaving three households without emergency access.
Budget committee members discussed whether and, if so, when the town could pave all remaining dirt roads, another issue select board members have considered.
The next Vassalboro budget committee meeting was scheduled for Wednesday evening, April 3, unless the forecasted snowstorm led to a change.
Jefferson Navicky (left), Dawn Potter (right)
Gibbs Library presents a National Poetry Month event Saturday, April 20, at 3 p.m., in the Bryant Room, Gibbs Library, 40 Old Union Road, Washington,. Celebrated and award-winning Maine poets Jefferson Navicky and Dawn Potter will read their poems and discuss their craft. A brief Q&A and book signing will follow the reading. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Jefferson Navicky is the author of four books, including Antique Densities: Modern Parables & Other Experiments in Short Prose (2021), which won the 2022 Maine Literary Award for Poetry. He is the archivist for the Maine Women Writers Collection.
Dawn Potter’s most recent book is the poetry collection Accidental Hymn. A finalist for the National Poetry Series, she has also won a Maine Literary Award in nonfiction. Her poems and essays appear in Beloit Poetry Journal, Sewanee Review, Threepenny Review, and many other journals. Dawn directs poetry and teaching programs at Monson Arts and lives in Portland.
FMI: 207-845-2663 / info@gibbslibrary.org / www.gibbslibrary.org and check us out on Instagram and Facebook.
Snuggling with a couple of the goats. (photo by Jeanne Marquis)
A local goat farm, in Windsor, is offering non-clinical therapy activities with their goats for people with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The farm, called ” Anchor-ME Farm,” owned by Cara and Brian Cribb, is home to goats, ducks, geese and dogs. The goats are all friendly and well-socialized, and they love to interact with people of all ages.
The Anchor-ME farm, located at 584 Ridge Road, Windsor, offers a variety of non-clinical therapy activities, including:
• Goat yoga: Goat yoga will be returning soon. The first class will take place on Thursday, May 9, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Jessica will be teaching and the goats will be cuddly and hysterical as usual. Get your tickets through Eventbrite or email – info@anchormefarm.com.
• Every Sunday Support Group: Starts April 7, and continues every Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
• Goat walks: Participants take a leisurely walk around the farm with the goats. The goats provide companionship and help to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Goat cuddles: Participants can cuddle with the goats in a quiet and relaxing setting. The goats provide comfort and help to promote relaxation.
• Special Events: The next one is PAINT AND PET, Saturday April 27, from 1 – 3 p.m. A chance to paint under a tent in the company of animals featuring the talents of WickedIllustrations Studio & Gallery. Please sign up at WickedIllustrations.com. Cost is $40. $5 of the cost goes to The Anchor ME Farm.
Cara Cribb explains how the farm came to be: “I had an idea about this amazing place that has cuddly animals or just intriguing animals, where people could come to forget their troubles for an hour or two. I was at my breaking point, stuck in Rhode Island, literally nothing except dwelling on my trauma and reliving it every second. Once I convinced my husband that this could be a thing, we started the process of moving again.”
Goats at the Anchor ME Farm, in Windsor. (photo by Jeanne Marquis)
As the couple began its search for a farm, the pandemic struck and Brian Cribb’s job went remote, which opened up the possibility of locating their farm in Maine. Before long, they found a home that has seen at least a century in Windsor and through a journey of sweat-equity, restoration and building formed a home for themselves and a happy herd of goats.
The Cribbs want the public to know they are not therapists, the goats do the therapy. Goats are highly adaptable creatures who are often used in therapy because they are playful, gentle and have the unique ability to recognize human emotions and react as needed. If a person needs a hug, they are there for a quick nudge and a long cuddle. If a child needs to play, goats love to romp and are famous for their zig zag jumps from side to side, which will generate some laughter from most humans. Interactions with animals, especially goats, can positively affect brain chemistry by reducing cortisol levels and increasing dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins – the brain chemicals that provide humans the feelings of security and well-being.
The need for all types of therapies, even non-clinical goat therapy, has been increasing in the last few years. According to the February 2024 Forbes Mental Health Statistics Report, the number of people with mental health conditions has increased in the United States, with 23.1 percent of adults experiencing one in 2022. The number of anxiety and depressive disorders has also increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, with 28 percent more people experiencing depressive symptoms and 25 percent more experiencing anxiety disorders.
Anchor ME farm also has a licensed bakery on site called the Anchor ME Gluten Free Bakehouse. Everything is made to order from requests on their website. They generally need two days for an order and will confirm when you will pick it up at their farm stand. Ingredients are listed online but If you’re trying to avoid an ingredient, send an email so they can try to accommodate. Some of their diverse offerings include cookies, doughnuts, bagels, pumpkin bread, apple fritters, brioche, focaccia, challah, naan, brownies and crackers.
The Anchor-ME Farm is nonprofit, 501(c)(3), that provides a safe place for people who are dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety with the help of animals.
Located at 584 Ridge Road, Windsor. For more information, call (207) 445-8192 or check out Anchormefarm.com and view their Facebook often for updates on special events.