PALERMO: Help grow a seed money grant

The Palermo Community Garden gave almost 350 pounds of fresh greens, veggies, and herbs to the Palermo Food Pantry this growing season, and it was all done with volunteer labor and a grant from SeedMoney.org, a Maine nonprofit. This is a crowd funding challenge grant that the Living Communities Foundation applies for every fall. The challenge period is from November 15 to December 15, and your support would be highly appreciated. They are attempting to win a grant of $900 this year.

But you can help, and your support will help provide food security for many of our neighbors. In addition to using 100 percent of the funds raised from businesses and individuals like you, they have a chance to win a challenge grant of up to $1,000 from SeedMoney.org based on how much is raised over the course of the 30-day challenge period. Please support the campaign here:

https://donate.seedmoney.org/8834/palermo-community-garden

You are welcome to stop by during the growing season to enjoy the beautiful plants and their community of pollinators.

Here is a picture of the Community Garden in full bloom. Thank you for your support!

The Palermo Community Garden in full bloom

OBITUARIES for Thursday, November 23, 2023

ALLEN R. HIGGINS

ALBION – Allen R. Higgins, 89, of Albion, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. He was born December 9, 1933, the son of Muriel and Roland Higgins.

He grew up on a farm in Albion and raised chickens and daughters in his younger days. When he gave up chickens (but not daughters), he worked at Yeaton’s Sales and Service, in Albion. He eventually moved on and retired from the railroad after 30 years where he was known as The Jolly Green Giant (but mostly as Jolly).

He loved gardening, hunting, fishing, tinkering, traveling and people in general. His deep laughter was always present. His sense of humor was legendary to the end. Allen was well loved by all he touched.

He was predeceased by his wife Mary, brother and sister-in-law Milton and Patricia Higgins, parents Muriel and Roland Higgins.

He is survived by daughters Kathy Tobey, Elizabeth Grant, Deborah Ames; grandchildren Jennifer Verville and family, Matthew Moen and family, Shilo Coleman and family, Jeff Rogers and family, Amy Rhoda and family; great-grandchildren Joseph, Cooper, Sophia, Sean, Elliott; nieces, nephew; and many extended cousins and family.

A Celebration of life will be at the Besse Building, in Albion, Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 1 – 3 p.m.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Albion Public Library or Albion Historical Society.

BEVERLY J. DIXON

NORRIDGEWOCK – Beverly J. (Fish) Dixon, 80, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Redington-Fairview General Hospital, in Skowhegan. Beverly was born in Waterville on August 22, 1943. She was raised in Albion where she met and married the love of her life Alphonso Dixon.

Beverly was a very hard worker, devoted mother, and as many of you know, she was always in charge. For many years Beverly and her husband owned and operated Estes Market,in Madison, worked for Solon Manufacturing, and completed her working career at Fonzo’s, in Norridgewock, as “the boss” before she finally retired. She loved playing cribbage and many other card games as well as her computer games.

She was predeceased by her husband of 60 Years Alphonso (Buster) Dixon Sr., her son James R. Dixon, her daughter Karen J. Reay, and grandson Joshua Reay.

Beverly is survived by her sons Aaron Dixon with wife Shannon, of Waterville, and Alphonso Dixon Jr. with fiancée Zelma, of Norridgewock; grandchildren, Melissa, Aaron II, Valerie, Zachariah, Sadie, Jay, Troy, AJ, Savannah, and Shawna; as well as many great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the Best Western Plus, in Waterville, on Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 1 – 4 p.m.

Please visit Beverly’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/beverly-dixon-2023 to share condolences, photos, and special memories.

JAMES E. KNIGHT II

PALERMO – James E. Knight, II, 69, of Palermo, passed away peacefully at the Gray Birch Long Term Care facility, in Augusta, on Monday, November 13, 2023.

Jim grew up in Bath and went to the local schools, graduating from Morse High School in 1972.

He worked in the printing industry, before computers, working his way up from printing assistant to his most recent position with The University of Maine at Augusta as a senior graphic designer. He also taught several semesters of graphic design at UMA which he really enjoyed.

Jim took some college classes but was mostly self-taught, being an artist and having a great eye for all design types.

He also enjoyed music, playing several instruments himself and listening to many hours of music discs and vinyl records. He made music discs for friends as well as background sound for several videos that people produced.

He loved spending time at home with his six cats whether sitting watching them play or playing with them. He enjoyed taking drives up roads he hadn’t been on to find out where they went to and going to his mother-in-law’s camp on Prince Edward Island when he could.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, James E. Knight and Ethel P. Knight of Richmond, Maine.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lori; his sister Lynne and her husband Jim of Palatka, Florida; brothers Jonathan and his wife Susannah, of Orr’s Island, and Jason and his wife Pat, of Bingham; several nephews and a niece.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family at http://www.stetsonsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local animal shelter.

LILLIAN G. QUIMBY

WINSLOW – Lillian Grace Quimby, 91, passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Lillian was born to Maurice and Grace Prentiss on June 4, 1932.

She was the ninth of their 10 children. She graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1950.

She married Erving “Duke” Quimby Jr. on February 14 1951. In 1959 they moved into their home on the Abbott Road, in Winslow, where they raised their nine children. It was her desire to remain on the farm until God called her home. Mission accomplished!

She did not have much during her life; her family was her life. She provided for her family by growing large gardens, picking potatoes, cleaning out hen houses, picking berries and fruits, cooking and canning to get through the winters. In addition to raising nine children, she worked alongside her husband in the woods and in the barn. She was a demonstrator of Friendly Home Toys, hosting parties for years to make ends meet. She worked for Murdoch’s Chicken Farm, in Unity, packing eggs. Later, she worked ten years as a final inspector at the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville. She retired, at the age of 77, from her last job as a personal support specialist with Home Care for Maine.

She was a faithful member of the Church of the Nazarene, in Fairfield, where she was a Sunday school teacher for 22 years. In addition to her own children, she transported many kids to church. At times making two trips, to be sure any kid who wanted to go to church, got there. She had many friends in the church throughout the years and many pastors, including John Evans Sr. His son, John Evans Jr., will be officiating her funeral service.

She was predeceased by all nine of her siblings and her husband of 61 years who died on June 29, 2012.

She leaves behind all nine of her children Kay Penney, of Winslow, David (Debbie) Quimby, of Troy, Erving Quimby III, of Clinton, Linda Ramsdell, of St. Albans, Wanda (James Dufour) McDonald, of Jay, Debra (Gene) Thomas, of Baldwin, Dawn Lorom, of Winslow, Tammy (Shawn Casey) Morneau, of Clinton, and Robin (David) Folsom, of Winslow; 30 grandchildren; 89 great-grandchildren; and 46 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Near and dear to her heart are Skip Prentiss and John Bickford who stopped by often, an amazing friend Linda Anderson, her sister-in-law Shirley Tibbetts and her niece Sally Pooler who called daily to check on how she was doing.

A service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday November 25, at the Church of the Nazarene, on Main Street, in Fairfield, to celebrate her life. She, along with her husband will be laid to rest at the McClintock Cemetery, on the Nowell Road, in Winslow, where honorary family member Duchess (their last dog) will keep watch.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to the Fairfield Church of the Nazarene, 81 Main Street, PO Box 146, Fairfield ME 04937.

VELORUS GILMAN

WINDSOR – Velorus Gilman, 70, of Windsor, died on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, following a year of declining health. He was born August 15, 1953.

Sonny attended schools in Readfield and Winthrop as a child and was a self-employed farmer and woodcutter throughout his adult life. He enjoyed a simple and quiet life raising his children alongside his wife. They also raised golden retrievers and golden doodles together.

Sonny’s hobbies included reading the Uncle Henry’s weekly, watching all the old western TV shows, all things related to old trucks and tractors. He will be remembered for his great smile and for how his eyes lit up when around his family.

Sonny is survived by his wife of 50 years, Becky; his daughter, Jessica Fike and husband Brandon; his son, Joshua Gilman and wife Samantha; his three grandchildren, Samantha, Spencer, and Allyson; his mother, Kay Gilman; and sisters Norma Gilman, Josie Gilman, and Barbara Rich and their respective families; and a large extended family.

He was predeceased by his father Pete Gilman.

At Sonny’s request, a private burial and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363. Condolences, stories or photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

MILLARD E. NICKERSON III

WINDSOR – Millard E. “Nicky” Nickerson III, 74, died unexpectedly Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at his hunting camp, in Waldo. He was born in Portland on June 15, 1949, a son of the late Millard E. Nickerson, Jr. and Claire E. (Strout) Nickerson.

Mr. Nickerson was a graduate of Hall-Dale High School, in Farmingdale, and earned his associate degree in business from University of Maine in Augusta.

He was an entrepreneur, having owned and operated many businesses throughout the years including: Nickerson Construction & Foundations, Building Movers, and Nickerson Transport.

Mr. Nickerson was a veteran who served two tours in the Vietnam War in the United States Army. He had many life-long friendships originating from his time in the service, including his dear friend, “Doc”. He was a member of Bethlehem Masonic Lodge and the American Legion, Post #2, in Augusta.

He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Linda L. (Beane) Nickerson, and a brother, Michael E. Nickerson.

Mr. Nickerson is survived by a son, Richard A. Nickerson and his wife Gretchen, of Augusta; two daughters: Lori N. Tungseth and her husband Nathan, of Katy, Texas, and Lisa N. Taylor and her husband John, of Lawrenceville, Georgia; a brother, Mark E. Nickerson and his partner Debra Violette, of Unity; nine grandchildren, Austin, Owen, Myla, Knox, Addison, Emily, Zachary, Abby and Brooke; two great-grandchildren, Mary Frances and Chip; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends may visit on Tuesday, November 21, from 10 a.m. – noon, at Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Rt. 32, Windsor. Burial will be at a later date in the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

The family requests that donations in Nicky’s memory be made to Travis Mills Foundation, 647 Castle Island Rd., Mt. Vernon, ME, 04352.

GILBERT J. MASON SR.

WEEKS MILLS – Gilbert James Mason Sr., 87, died on Friday, October 27, 2023, in Silver Springs, Florida. He was born son of Harvey Mason, Sr. and Harriet Ketchum Mason, in Gardiner.

Gilbert was a longtime resident of Weeks Mills,and was a Maine National Guard in the early ‘60s. He was a truck driver for Lipman Poultry, in Augusta, and then he went to Oyes Steel Company, in Augusta, where he worked for nearly 40 years helping build the company from the ground up.

He was very proud of his Native American heritage. He was a member of the Penobscot Nation of Old Town. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing and golf. Moose hunting was one of his favorite things to do at his camp on Tribal Land, Alder Stream.

Gilbert was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth A. Mason (Baker), in 2018, his brothers Brian, Dewayne and Howard, his sisters Phyllis, Beulah, Joan, Rose, and Doris.

Gilbert is survived by sons, Gilbert James Mason Jr., of Arkansas, James Anthony Mason and partner Deidra Hoague, of Weeks Mills, and Jay Darren Mason and wife Kyong Mason, of North Carolina; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one brother Harvey Mason Jr., of Silver Springs, Florida; sisters, Brenda Bonsant, of Windsor, and Nancy Godbout, of Farmingdale;

A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2024.

LETTERS: What’s so wrong? Work it out.

To the editor:

When I speak with my friends and ask them if they heard the latest news from China ? They say did President Xi order the invasion of Taiwan? I say it’s worse, the town of Palermo has received notice that the town of China, Maine, has given notice to terminate the contract for Palermo residents to utilize the China Transfer Station!

What’s so wrong? Are Palermo residents not paying their fair share of the cost? Will a few rude individuals ruin the capability for all the residents?

While I’m just a part time resident of Maine, I find bringing my trash, recyclables, and swap shop gems to the China transfer station to be a great solution. It’s the next town over so it’s convenient…. I don’t mind buying Blue Palermo bags at Tobey’s … the employees at the transfer station are always pleasant and friendly to me. When I visit the transfer station it’s not crowded or overwhelmed.

So what’s so wrong? It’s a business and, of course, Palermo residents should pay their fair share of the cost to include not only the disposal but operating and capital depreciation. Everyone including Palermo residents need to follow the rules in the disposal of their trash. So what’s the issue?

I would hope that a workable solution could be found to allow Palermo residents the privilege to continue to use the China Transfer Station. Thank you!

Gary Mazoki
Palermo

EVENTS: Rotary Club launches charity auction

The 60th annual Waterville Rotary Auction with hundreds of gifts, services and unique items will once again be held online through BiddingOwl.com.

If you would like more information about the online auction Saturday, November 25, through Friday, December 1, 2023, please see our webpage for details: https://watervillerotary.com/. You may also actively bid and participate in the auction simply by visiting: www.biddingowl.com/auctions.cfmon. Bidding opens on November 25.

The Waterville Rotary Club hosts an 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 supported Rotary’s efforts to make a difference in our community.

Proceeds from the 2023 Online Auction will again go to benefit many important community programs.

This year, Waterville Rotary’s initiative focuses on the community’s greatest asset-children and youth. Among the many service projects that the club assists with, Waterville Rotary will support Kennebec Valley Community Action Program’s South End Teen Center.

One of the area’s critically important needs is providing safe and secure community spaces for youth and providing programming to develop skills, create healthy aspirations, and combat the current mental health and substance abuse crisis. The South End Teen Center offers these types of activities and helps young people develop leadership, self-esteem, and decision-making skills.

Rotary Club of Waterville thanks the business community for its support and contribution to the local community.

For more information about cash and/or item donations please call 649-2745.

For more information about the Rotary, visit the website at watervillerotary.com.

Vassalboro planners discover omission in solar ordinance

by Mary Grow

In the course of exploring two applications for solar power developments at their Nov. 14 meeting, Vassalboro planning board members found what most of them consider an omission in the town’s new solar ordinance.

The application that raised the issue was from ReVision Energy for a small array on Route 32 (Main Street) to provide power to several apartment buildings in the same ownership (see the Oct. 12 issue of The Town Line, p. 3). Board members decided the project was not commercial, because no power will be sold.

Therefore it does not need board approval; and it does not need a decommissioning plan to describe how it will be dismantled and its components removed when its useful life ends.

The project is proposed to have 176 solar panels. Board members asked what will happen to them – and for that matter, what will happen to the hundreds of individual residential rooftop and ground-mounted solar panels already in place in Vassalboro.

Two planning board members have solar installations, one with 20 panels and one with 32. No one knew where no-longer-needed panels are supposed to go. Board members said the State of Maine has no disposal regulations.

Whether Vassalboro should amend its ordinance to add decommissioning provisions to non-commercial projects was left undecided. Several board members advised waiting for more examples, not acting on the basis of a single application.

The new application on the Nov. 14 agenda was a preliminary discussion of another project by ReVision Energy. It is intended to be commercial, with power sold to area residents (a community solar farm, or CSF) or to small businesses.

The site is on land owned by Eileen M. Flanagan, at 1026 Webber Pond Road, south of Vassalboro Community School. It is not far from a previously-approved solar project by SunVest that meeting participants said is under construction.

ReVision project developer Alex Roberts-Pierel described the property as an agricultural field along the road with a wooded area to the back boundary. The landowners want the solar development in the wooded area, away from the road and neighbors along the road.

To make space for a commercially viable operation Roberts-Pierel asked for a waiver of the 150-foot setback requirement from the rear boundary, reducing the setback to 50 feet. Board members consulted ordinance requirements for a waiver, leading to a discussion of what hardship the developer would suffer if it were denied and what alternatives were available (like reducing the size of the project or using part of the field).

Roberts-Pierel intends to ask the two abutting landowners for their input on the buffer. He pointed out that he cannot prepare detailed engineering plans until he knows whether the waiver is granted.

Preliminary plans, he said, call for using about five acres for fixed (non-tracking) solar panels 10 to 12 feet tall, enclosed in an agricultural-type fence the state Department of Environmental Protection recommends. The application will include a decommissioning plan and funding for it.

He said Vassalboro’s requirement for monitoring wells is unusual, and asked what ReVision was supposed to monitor for. Board members explained the requirement was a response to concerns about possible leaching from damaged panels (cracked by hail or fallen trees, for example).

The next regular Vassalboro planning board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Vassalboro select board discusses many issues; no decisions

by Mary Grow

At their Nov. 16 meeting, Vassalboro select board members talked again about the fire station roof, a generator for the town office and recording board meetings (theirs and other town boards), and revived a topic not discussed for years, membership in Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG).

They made no final decisions.

KVCOG executive director Matthew Underwood said of the 62 municipalities in the area his organization covers, 55 are members. Vassalboro used to be; no one could remember when or why membership was dropped.

Underwood provided information on KVCOG’s services to members. Many involve drafting documents, like new or revised comprehensive plans and ordinances. For example, he said, a new state law requires Maine municipalities to update their housing ordinances; KVCOG staff can help.

His organization assists non-member towns, too, he said, but at a much higher cost, like twice the hourly rate for work done for member towns.

Underwood estimated Vassalboro’s annual dues would be around $6,000. Some members make up for the dues in savings, he said, for example by joining KVCOG’s collective buying programs for things like road salt.

Board members want to find out why Vassalboro left KVCOG and consider what town needs the organization can help meet before they make a decision.

The fire station roof question was, again, whether to repaint (the initial plan, until it turned out to be expensive), replace or repair. Town Manager Aaron Miller said he had a roofing company representative inspect it; the main problem seems to be the chimney and immediate surrounding area.

Board member Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., thought chimney repairs would suffice. The roof has places where the paint has peeled, but aerial photos show no rust or pitting, he pointed out.

Miller will talk with fire chief Walker Thompson about the chimney and funding for repairs, and will try to find out whether the roof leaks.

Turning to the generator issue, Miller said the two bids received in February are still valid. After almost half an hour’s discussion of how and how often the generator would be used, board members asked Miller to seek price quotes from the same companies for a smaller generator.

The Nov. 16 meeting was recorded, like the Nov. 2 one (see the Nov. 9 issue of The Town Line, p. 3). Miller is still acquiring equipment for putting meetings on line. Denico described a “frame-grabber” that will make it possible to display documents as they’re discussed.

Board chairman Chris French reminded his colleagues of the need for a policy to regulate on-line public participation. The topic was proposed for the board’s Dec. 7 meeting.

There was a brief discussion of the pending bridge posting on Mill Hill Road, but none of other topics in what Miller labels the “Parking Lot” at the bottom of the agenda: review of Vassalboro’s marijuana and Tax Increment Financing ordinances, the recreation committee bylaws and the town personnel handbook.

The next Vassalboro select board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 30. It will begin with a 6:30 p.m. public hearing on seven applications for 2024 auto graveyard and junkyard permits and one for an auto hobbyist permit. They are shown in the graphic below.

China planners hold rescheduled meeting on solar farm

by Mary Grow

On Nov. 14, China planning board members held their rescheduled public hearing on Novel Energy Systems’ proposed community solar farm on Parmenter Hill Road, the section locally known as Moe’s Mountain.

Attendees included nearby landowners who attended the Sept. 26 preliminary discussion and Novel representatives. Main issues were those already raised Sept. 26 – possible contamination, effects on property values and decommissioning at the end of the facility’s useful life (see the Oct. 5 issue of The Town Line, p. 2).

In the interim, codes officer Zachary Gosselin had provided a copy of Novel’s information at the China town office for interested parties to read.

Novel permitting specialist Scott Tempel repeated information he offered Sept. 26, for example that there are no known cases of aluminum or other metals leaching from solar panels – or from widely-used aluminum siding, he added – into soil or groundwater. His assurances were again met with skepticism.

Novel plans soil testing to establish a baseline as part of project construction.

Abutter Jennifer Whitney asked if there would be battery storage on site. The answer was no; there is on some projects, but none is planned here, and adding it at a later date would require another planning board permit.

Tempel again said there will be erosion control measures in place during construction, and that maintenance of the facility will involve planting native grasses and plants that attract pollinators, with occasional mowing. No chemical herbicides will be used.

After the three-quarter hour hearing, board members indicated they will review Novel’s application again at their next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday evening, Nov. 28. A decision is possible if they find the application complete.

They briefly discussed another set of amendments to China’s Planning Board Ordinance, in preparation for a presentation to China select board members at that board’s Nov. 20 meeting.

Local scouts honor veterans at parade

Vassalboro Scouts at the Waterville Veterans Day Parade. Front row, from left to right, Tiger Scout Kasen Maroon, Wolf Scout Beckett Metcalf, Tiger Scout Greyson Malloy, Wolf Scout John Gray, and Wolf Scout Lux Reynolds. Second row, Tiger Den Leader Shane Maroon, Dragon Scout Lila Reynolds, Asst. Cubmaster/Wolf Den Leader Chris Reynolds, Webelos Scout Anthony Malloy, Arrow of Light Scout Christopher Santiago, Arrow of Light Scout William Vincent, Webelos Scout Henry Gray, Asst. Scoutmaster/Cubmaster Christopher Santiago. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Anthony Fortin of Augusta

In Waterville, Scouts from Vassalboro, Winslow, Windsor and Augusta marched in the Veterans Day Parade with some of the Cub Scouts from Windsor leading the pledge of allegiance at City Hall. Windsor Pack #609 Cubmaster Shawn McFarland said, “This was our first parade and first community event. I am so proud of these Littles! Thank you everyone.” The pack, which became official this month after several years of non-operation, is also going to be marching in the Gardiner Parade of Lights. Christopher Santiago is a leader for both Scout Troop and Cub Pack #410, in Vassalboro, and said, “Vassalboro Scouting came out to thank our veterans and marched in the Waterville Veterans Day Parade alongside its Charter Organization, American Legion Post #126. A great job by our scouts and their families who braved the cold on this important day. Thank you Veterans!”

In Augusta, members of Scout Troop #431 served lunch to veterans at American Legion Post #2 and in Litchfield, Scout Troop #672 took part in a flag retirement ceremony with members of American Legion William R Bold Post #181, Litchfield.

Augusta Troop 631

Pack 609 Tiger Cub Brody Dyer holding a handmade sign

Issue for November 16, 2023

Issue for November 16, 2023

Celebrating 35 years of local news

Alfond Youth Center hosted its 99th annual holiday community dinner

The Alfond Youth & Community Center, serving the Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA of Greater Waterville, hosted its 99th Annual Holiday Community Dinner on Thursday, November 9, 2023. This traditional sit-down holiday dinner with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, rolls, gravy, vegetables, beverages, pies and all the trimmings was amazing. The event served over 1,000 community members… by Mark Huard

Town News

Committee re-explains fees at transfer station

CHINA – At their Nov. 14 meeting, China transfer station committee members re-explained that facility users should expect to be charged for many items they donate to the free-for-the-taking building…

TIF committee hears reports

CHINA – Members of China’s Tax Increment Finance (TIF) committee met Oct. 30 to receive progress reports on town projects funded with TIF money…

Two positions filled with write-ins

CHINA – Two positions on China boards have been filled, after Nov. 7 write-in votes were counted and winners informed…

Submit a name to The Remembrance Tree

CENTRAL ME – Help The Town Line decorate the tree and at the same time remember loved ones. For only $10 a ball, you can commemorate loved ones who have passed. Deadline is Friday, December 16, 2023. The completed tree will be published in the December 21 issue…

Construction Updates: China Road Construction – Winslow; Ongoing Work

CENTRAL ME – Eastwood Contractors will continue a $2.4 million stormwater contract on the China Road. Work will continue in front of Cumberland Farms, tying into a large box culvert with a 48-inch storm drain that will proceed east on the China Road to the Cushman Road and continue down the Cushman Road…

Waterville-Winslow Ticonic Bridge Construction Look Ahead

CENTRAL ME – The bridge will be closed from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., from Sunday, November 19 -Thursday, November 23, for work requiring access to the entire bridge. During this time, all vehicles will be required to follow the posted detour route. Message boards will be used to warn drivers. Pedestrians should continue to utilize the posted detour route during these times…

Name that film!

Identify the film in which this famous line originated and qualify to win FREE passes to The Maine Film Center, in Waterville: “Then dynamite, not faith, will move that mountain into this pass.” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is December 7, 2023…

Webber’s Pond

Webber’s Pond is a comic drawn by an anonymous central Maine resident (click thumbnail to enlarge)…

Love is Louder rally held at Mill Park

AUGUSTA – Well over 200 demonstrators gathered at Mill Park, in Augusta, on Sunday, November 12, to take part in the Love is Louder rally organized by State Representative Regan La Rochelle and the Greater Augusta Unity Committee… by Jonathan Strieff

Volunteers at The Mill help with basic needs

VASSALBORO – We all need a little help at various times. For the past year, people have been receiving food as needed at The Mill, in Vassalboro. Food is the fuel needed to keep our bodies functioning and proper nutrition matters… by Roberta Barnes

PHOTO: Youth action on the gridiron

OAKLAND – Messalonskee Youth Football 5/6 Red team member, Peter McLaughlin (33), running down field while Augusta Jr. Rams Liam Ferran (48) goes for the tackle, in football action earlier this fall. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

PHOTO: Class B North champions

FAIRFIELD – The Lawrence Bulldogs defeated Cony, 27-7, in the Northern Maine Class B Championship game played in Winthrop, on November 11. The Lawrence Bulldogs now hold the 2023 Northern Maine Class B title, and will be playing in the state championship game on Saturday, November, 18, at Fitzpatrick Stadium, in Portland. Game time is 2:30 p.m. (photo by Ramey Stevens/Central Maine Photography)

Vassalboro Historical Society on-line collection now available

VASSALBORO – The Vassalboro Historical Society’s online collection, showing pictures of items from the society’s collection, is now available for viewing by computer at vassalborohistoricalsociety.org. People can see on line photos of items in the society’s collection, showing people, a great variety of documents, clothing, household objects and furniture, tools and other historic items…

Tell us about your family Christmas tradition. Send it to townline@townline.org

Local happenings

EVENTS: Festival of Wreaths to benefit Winslow Community Cupboard Food Pantry

WINSLOW – The Festival of Wreaths – a raffle-benefit for Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry – will be held on Friday, November 24, from noon to 8 p.m., and on Saturday, November 25, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow. Admission to the event will be a $1 donation; raffle tickets will be 50 cents each. Food and beverages will be available for sale and there will be a very special appearance by Santa Claus!… by Dave Carew

EVENTS: Recycled Shakespeare announces auditions

CENTRAL ME – Recycled Shakespeare Company (RSC) will hold auditions for their upcoming play Richard III on Sunday, November 26, 5 to 7 p.m., at South Parish Congregational Church, in Augusta, and Monday, November 27, 5 to 7 p.m., at Fairfield House of Pizza, in Fairfield…

EVENTS: Family Festival of Trees scheduled for Elks Lodge

WATERVILLE – Alfond Youth & Community Center and Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce combine efforts to present Festival of Trees this holiday season, continuing a proud tradition reinvigorated last season, with a change of venue to the Waterville Elks Lodge…

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Cookie Walk at Vassalboro church

VASSALBORO — The Vassalboro United Methodist Church invites you to their annual Cookie Walk from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, November 18. Food and Crafts will also be available. Remember, “Cookies Make You Sweeter”…. and many other local events!

Obituaries

BENTON – Sandra Tuttle, of Benton, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023. She was born in Man­chester, New Hamps­hire, to Clarence and Denise Bean… and remembering 12 others.

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Starrett family of China (new)

CHINA HISTORY — Two weeks ago, this series featured China-born inventor Laroy Sunderland Starrett. As suggested in that story, he was a member of a large family with generations of China connections. This article will provide information about Laroy Starrett’s family… by Mary Grow

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Inventors – Part 3

ME HISTORY — Here is Earl H. Smith’s introduction to Martin Keyes in Smith’s Downeast Genius, beginning with a comparison to the inventor profiled in this series two weeks ago. “Like Alvin Lombard, Martin Keyes (1850–1914) was blessed with an inquisitive and clever mind, but unlike his burly tractor-making neighbor, Keyes was a diminutive and fastidious man…” by Mary Grow

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Agriculture & Inventions – Part 2

ME HISTORY — Colby College historian Earl H. Smith found four more local inventors besides Hanson Barrows and Alvin Lombard, whose work was last week’s topic. They were William Kendall, of Fairfield, and Waterville; Laroy Starrett, of China and Newburyport, Massachusetts; and in the 20th century, Martin Keyes and Frank Bunker Gilbreth… by Mary Grow

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Inventions, agriculture & others

ME HISTORY — Previous articles have talked about how agricultural work changed from the 1700s through the 1800s, as manpower was replaced by animal-power and then machines. Other changes, too, helped farmers produce more or expend less effort or both… by Mary Grow

Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!

DEADLINE: Wednesday, November 16, 2023

Identify the people in these three photos, and tell us what they have in common. You could win a $10 gift certificate to Hannaford Supermarket! Email your answer to townline@townline.org or through our Contact page. Include your name and address with your answer. Use “Common Ground” in the subject!

Previous winner: Maylou Ripley, Oakland

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | A little while back, I went to a friend’s house at the lake to help bring in his dock. But before we did that, he had to go to Hannaford to pick up his weekly issue of the Boston Sunday Globe – he wouldn’t read anything else. I stayed back to start getting things ready…

VETERANS CORNER

by Gary Kennedy | I hope everyone had a very enjoyable Veterans weekend holiday. It’s always great to have three days off in a row to share time with family and friends. Some vets and I see each other every week. Often on Tuesday mornings we will meet in the rear section of the cafeteria and share information. Perhaps one day we will see you there. The coffee is not bad and the company is enjoyable and enlightening…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | Poet Samuel French Morse (1916-1985) taught English at Northeastern University and summered in Hancock. His A Poem About the Red Paint People is a rumination on a long lost Native-American tribe and can be read in its entirety in the anthology Maine Speaks

I’M JUST CURIOUS

by Debbie Walker | At least I hope you find them interesting…. It’s not fun digging around in the dark when you realize you forgot to plug your cell phone into a charger. You might try putting a strip of Velcro on your charger to hold it in place where you can easily find it. Mine is on the head of my bed. It has saved me some time, don’t have to hunt anymore…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

(NAPSI)—November is National Diabetes Month, when communities across the country spread awareness about diabetes. Did you know that at least 1 in 10 Americans has diabetes? That’s 37 million adults and children…

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Take Charge of Tomorrow: Preventing Diabetes Health Problems

(NAPSI)—November is National Diabetes Month, when communities across the country spread awareness about diabetes. 

Did you know that at least 1 in 10 Americans has diabetes? That’s 37 million adults and children.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Diabetes can raise your risk of health problems such as heart attack, stroke, cancer and diseases that affect your kidneys, eyes, teeth or feet. The good news is that managing diabetes as early as possible after diagnosis may help you prevent these health problems.

“Managing diabetes is a daily responsibility that can make a huge impact on staying healthy and preventing complications down the road,” said Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers, director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). “I encourage everyone with diabetes to work with their health care team to learn how they can best manage their condition to maintain an active life and delay or avoid diabetes-related problems.”

Here are tips to help you manage your diabetes today to prevent health problems. You can start by managing your diabetes ABCs, building healthy habits and working closely with your health care team.

Manage Your Diabetes ABCs

Managing your diabetes ABCs is an essential first step in preventing diabetes health problems. The diabetes ABCs are your:

• A1C blood glucose level.

• Blood pressure.

• Cholesterol.

Health care professionals give the A1C test to measure your average blood glucose level over the last three months. Some people with diabetes also use devices to track their blood glucose throughout the day and night.

Research shows that keeping your diabetes ABCs in a healthy range can help prevent blood vessel damage and health problems from diabetes. Ask your health care team what blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure levels are healthy for you.

Make Lifestyle Changes To Build Healthy Habits

You can manage your diabetes ABCs by building healthy habits and taking steps to:

• Plan healthy meals and snacks that are lower in calories, sugar, saturated fat and salt.

• Be physically active most days of the week.

• Reach or maintain a healthy weight.

• Stop smoking, vaping or using other tobacco products.

• Get enough sleep and take care of your mental health.

When planning meals, try to choose more fruits, nonstarchy vegetables, whole grains, lean protein foods, and low-fat or nonfat dairy products or dairy alternatives. Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Walking is a simple way to be active. Invite a loved one or a friend to make walking a social activity. If you’re not active now or a health condition prevents you from being active, ask your health care professional about physical activities that are best for you.

Making lifestyle changes can be hard. You don’t have to do it all at once. Start slow and build healthier habits from there. Ask for help from your family, friends and health care team.

Work With Your Health Care Team

Managing diabetes takes a team. Your diabetes care team may include a:

• Primary care provider or diabetes specialist.

• Nurse.

• Diabetes educator or nutritionist.

• Dentist.

• Pharmacist.

• Mental health counselor.

• Specialist in health problems affecting your heart, kidneys, eyes or feet.

Your health care team may recommend medicines or devices to help manage your diabetes ABCs. Taking your medicines, even if you feel healthy, can help you prevent diabetes health problems. Talk with your health care team if you have trouble affording medicines or taking your medicines on time.

To learn more about preventing or delaying diabetes health problems this National Diabetes Month, visit the NIDDK website at www.niddk.nih.gov and follow on social media @NIDDKgov.