The Messalonskee High School homecoming parade was held on September 25. Messalonskee Youth Football players, from left to right, Dawson Dube, Sawyer Bearce and Andrew Proctor riding in the parade. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)
Carrabec High School
Carrabec High School is planning a big homecoming this year starting on October 10, with classes having competitions throughout the week. On Friday, October 13, they will be having a pep rally and parade with homecoming games under the lights. The middle school will start with a soccer game at 4 p.m., and then the high school games begin at 5:30 p.m., vs. Temple Academy, of Waterville. They will have a DJ, Karaoke, classes selling baked goods, Cobra spirit items, coffee and hot cocoa, face painting, to name a few. They will conclude the evening after the boys soccer game with a bonfire. Saturday night will be the homecoming dance.
Kaylee Wolfe
This September, staff at Belgrade Regional Health Center are happy to welcome Kaylee Wolfe, Family Nurse Practitioner, to the team.
Kaylee earned her master’s degree, Family Nurse Practitioner, from the University of Southern Maine. Previously, she earned her dual-major bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Spanish from Bowdoin College, in Brunswick. Wolfe has a wealth of experience from across the field of Nursing – including experience in both Emergency Nursing and specialty medical work with the LGBTQI+ community. Wolfe most recently graduated from the Keith Haring Nurse Practitioner Fellowship in LGBTQI+ Health.
Wolfe shares, “My philosophy of care is centered around creating a safe and comfortable environment where my patients can be their authentic selves. Primary care is a partnership based on mutual respect and understanding, and I work hard to earn the trust and confidence of my patients in every interaction. I am thrilled to be joining an organization like HealthReach – one that shares my belief that all people deserve access to high-quality and affordable healthcare. I look forward to offering new services, including HIV prevention and treatment, as well as gender-affirming care.”
Wolfe joins Belgrade Regional Health Center’s existing team of healthcare professionals, including Doctor Amy Madden; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Leslie Rita Alfonso LaBarbera; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Theresa Rush; and Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) Abigail Dalzell, Katie Gillihan, and Andrew Twaite. Our clinicians offer care for patients of all ages and from all walks of life.
Belgrade Regional Health Center, founded in 1977, is a part of HealthReach Community Health Centers – a Federally Qualified Health Center consisting of twelve community health centers located across Central and Western Maine.
Griffin Brown, of Oakland, will attend the Honors College at the College of Charleston, in Charleston, South Carolina, starting this fall.
Brown joins a community of highly motivated Honors students who live and learn together while pursuing their own unique interests. Honors students at the College of Charleston benefit from personalized mentorship, access to specialized opportunities, and small, seminar-style classes. Students also participate in high impact experiences like faculty-led research, internships, and community engagement to help them maximize their time at college.
Brown is a graduate of Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, and plans to major in systems engineering at the College of Charleston.
PALERMO – Jack Steve Giguere, 77, of Palermo, passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Jack was born in Oberlin, Ohio on October 21, 1945, to Bernard and Evelyn (Greszler) Giguere.
In his earlier years, Jack was enlisted in the United States Army. He served as a paratrooper in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, of which he was most proud.
Jack was an incredibly capable man. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t build, modify, or repair if he put his mind to it. He spent the last 30 years (or so) of his life as a produce farmer where he perfected his art of growing all things edible at his Good Earth Farm.
Jack was a man with a story to tell, one who would talk for hours about any topic that would come about. He entertained many with the stories of his life. Anyone who knew Jack knew he was a man with opinions, a man that had strong beliefs and believed “if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything”.
Jack was a beloved father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved spending time with his family, being outdoors, fishing, going up to camp, farming and working on vehicles and other mechanical things. Jack would never show up somewhere empty handed, whether he was bringing a quart of raspberries, a basket of produce or even a can of Cheez-Whiz for the great-grandchildren, Jack was always giving to those that he loved.
Jack is survived by his sons Brett Giguere and wife Susan, Bradd Giguere and wife Rebecca, and Stephen Giguere and wife Tanya; stepchildren James Mayo and wife Hannah, Desiree Mayo, Jessica Mayo and significant other Jared and their son Calihan, and Joseph Mayo; grandchildren; Bradd Giguere and his wife Angela and their two children; great-granddaughter Madison Giguere and great-grandchildren Bennett Giguere, Jake Giguere and his significant other Tori Fraser, Elyssa Giguere, Emily Giguere, Garrett Giguere, and Luke Giguere; siblings Joan Cowing, Jim Giguere and wife Karen, Jon Giguere and wife Betty, Melanie Giguere, and Carolyn Arline; several nieces and nephews.
Jack will be missed by everybody that knew him, but will be remembered in our hearts through his sense of humor, strength, and the knowledge he shared.
A celebration of Jack’s life is being planned and will be announced when details are available.
WATERVILLE – Florence E. Eames, 77, Waterville, died peacefully on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Marshwood Center, in Lewiston. She was born in Portland on January 19, 1946, the daughter of Ora R. Eastman and Ella I. Eastman.
Florence graduated from Waterville High School in 1964, and attended the Northern Conservatory of Music where she was a Music Education Major. She worked at the Mammoth Mart, in Bangor, as a service desk clerk and cashier while attending college and eventually became a bookkeeping secretary at the W.T. Grant Company, where she met her future husband, Chester Eames Jr., known as “Chet”.
Florence and Chet married in Brewer in 1972 and loved and cared for one another for 48 years until Chet passed in 2020. Florence worked as a Head Start teacher in South Paris and as a secretary/receptionist for the Penquis Community Action Child Development Office, in Bangor, when they were first married.
Florence and Chet moved to Greenville, South Carolina, in 1978, where she first worked in the Emergency Room for the Greenville Hospital System in admissions and billing. Eventually, Florence and Chet owned and operated a laundromat called “Soap and Suds” while Chet studied theology, at Bob Jones University, to become an ordained minister. Their Christian faith remained strong and central throughout their lives. To be nearer to family, they moved back to Maine and settled in Waterville in 1984. Florence went to work for K-Mart, in Waterville, where she worked in the office and could often be found at the service desk until she retired.
Florence will be remembered by her family for her beautiful voice and musical talents, her love of family, and her Christian faith.
Florence was predeceased by her husband, Chester Eames, Jr.; her parents, Ora and Ella Eastman, her in-laws, Chester and Clara Eames; her sisters, Rose Micue, and husband Theron Micue, Jr.; and Wilma Eastman.
She is survived by her sisters, Phyllis Corey and her husband George, of Sidney; and Roberta Brown and her husband Fremont, of Terryville, Connecticut; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
At Florence’s request, there will be no service.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at DirectCremationofMaine.com.
In Florence’s memory, donations may be made payable to “Amedisys Foundation” and sent to Beacon Hospice, 245 Center St., Suite 10A, Auburn, ME 04210.
WINDSOR – Herbert Smith Crommett, 75, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 21, 2023. He was born July 21, 1948, a son of Theda (Tompkins) and Leslie Crommett Sr.
He married the love of his life, Candace Hall, in 1967, until she passed March 26, 1998, from cancer. Herb went on to spend 23 years with his life partner, Pam Powell, aka “The Cook”.
Herb worked at Central Maine Railroad for 20 years, then Local Union #320 as a millwright, retiring in 2005. In retirement, he spent 21 years working alongside his son Shane, at 15 Mile Stream Lodge & Outfitters, in West Forks.
He loved his family and being outside was his favorite place to be, especially playing softball, hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, and snowmobiling. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR and tinkering in his garage everyday.
Herb was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Candace Crommett; and his siblings, Leslie Crommett Jr., Myrtie Nowlin, Joanne Shorey, and Mary Davis.
He is survived by his sons, Chad Crommett, and Shane Crommett and his wife Rachel; his partner, Pam Powell; stepsons, Troy Cunningham and his wife Tammy, and Wade Cunningham and his wife Jody; seven grandchildren, Patrick, Kelley, Sarah, Meagan, Katie, Kara, and Brittany; ten great-grandchildren, Braiden, Tarynn, Wyatt, Walker, Lilah, Mason, Zakk, Autumn, Chloe, and Levi; and siblings, Clayton Crommett, Vincent Crommett, Darrell Crommett, Grace Davis, Barbara Mayberry, Vicki McPhee, Dianne DeMerchant, Beverly Smith, and Marietta Field; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Hall Family Farm Cemetery, 330 Quimby Road, Albion, ME 04910.
A celebration of life followed at the Albion Town Hall, Besse Building, 22 Main St., in Albion.
Condolences, stories, or photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Herb’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.
CLINTON – MaryAnne Parker, 82, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023, following a long battle with cancer. She was born in Waterville, on April 12, 1941, to Robert and Virginia (Crommett) Nash.
MaryAnne worked in Radiology in the Farmington and Skowhegan areas. After her retirement her passion was quilt making and genealogy.
Maryanne was predeceased by her husband Jeffrey Parker, of Farmington.
She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Steeves; sons, Robert Steeves, Chris Shibley, and James Shibley; as well as four great-grandchildren.
The family invites you to visit MaryAnne’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/maryanne-parker to send condolences, share photos, and special memories.
WATERVILLE – Gerard “Gerry” J. Talbot, 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 26, 2023.
He was born to the late Cyrille and Rose M. (Morency) Talbot, June 9, 1929, in Winslow.
Gerard graduated from St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, in Waterville. After completing eighth grade, he went to work at a local supermarket to help support his family. That first job as a teenager would prove to be the beginning of a long career in local grocery and retail stores. He worked for many years in the produce department of the First National Store, first at the Main Street location, and later at the Elm Plaza, in Waterville.
When the store went on strike in 1968, and with a young family to support, Gerry was thankful to be offered a job at Stern’s Department Store, in Waterville, where he would become a fixture in the boys’ and men’s departments for many years. When Stern’s closed, he went to work for Furniture Farm, in Fairfield, and in his final years for Shaw’s, in Waterville. Along with his full-time day jobs, Gerry always worked one or more part-time jobs in the evening. He worked hard his entire life to make sure his family was well provided.
Gerry served stateside in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was very proud of his time in the service and was rarely seen without his Korean War cap.
Gerry had an easy-going personality and a quick wit, which served him well while working in the community. He was always a gentleman, polite, kind, and respectful to everyone he met. Besides his family, practicing his faith was extremely important to him. He was a member of Corpus Christi Parish and attended Mass faithfully and prayed the rosary daily.
With all the jobs he worked, Gerry’s “spare” time passions included preparing meals and baking, especially during the holidays, when he would make several tourtière pies as gifts for family and friends. He also enjoyed listening to music, playing his harmonica and guitar, as well as refinishing furniture and chair caning.
He noticed Lucille, the love of his life, in the late 1940s when she would walk by the grocery store where he was working. After a two-year courtship, they were married at 7 a.m., on July 4, 1951. Their last anniversary before her passing earlier this year marked 71 years of marriage. He was proud of the fact that in all the years they were married, he never removed his wedding band after she slipped it on his finger on their wedding day.
Gerard is survived by his three children, Donald G. and his spouse, Edward J. Bell, of Lisbon Falls, Angela and her husband, Jerry Bickford, of Sidney, Brenda and her husband, Mark Gosline, of Waterville; and by his one and only grandchild, Hannah Gosline; his brother, Roland J. Talbot and his sister, Mary Jane (Talbot) Paquet; his sister-in-law, Suzanne (Veilleux) Talbot, and his brother-in-law, John Viens, of Vassalboro; cousin, Doug Mathieu; along with several nieces and nephews.
Gerry will also be deeply missed by Theresa Hunnewell, her daughter Amanda Kimball and her sons Ryan and Travis, whose visits brought him great joy. He will also be missed by longtime family friend Carl Parker.
He was predeceased by his brothers Joseph Robert, Donald J (Brother Roger Paul, F.I.C.P.), and Roger P., and by his sister Orita M., and her husband Reginald Couture, his sisters-in-law, Jean (Dostie), Jeannine Viens, Bonnie Viens, and his brothers-in-law, J. Lawrence Paquet, Wilfrid Viens, and Joseph Viens.
Friends and family are invited to attend visiting hours that will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., on Thursday, October 5, at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 6, at 10 a.m., at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, followed by a committal at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.
An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.
CLINTON – Tenley R. Campbell, 70, passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023. She was born in Waterville on March 28, 1953, the daughter of Claris A. Johnson and Maurice E. Penney.
A loving mother and partner, Tenley always put others first. She was a caretaker and lived with a true sense of service to friends and family. For the past 24 years Tenley worked as a newspaper carrier for the Waterville Morning Sentinel. She absolutely loved her job and always felt at peace out on the roads at night. The last several years Tenley also ran Sunday Bingo, held at the American Legion, in Madison. When Tenley wasn’t working, she enjoyed being home with her partner of over 20 years, Bill. She also very much enjoyed spending time with her daughters and granddaughter.
Tenley was incredibly passionate about her horse, Buddy. Working with Buddy in his pasture and taking care of him was something that was very important to her. Tenley’s compassion for others and willingness to look after her friends and family will surely be missed.
Tenley was predeceased by her mother and her brother Brent Tweedie.
She is survived by her longtime companion Bill Parent, of Clinton; daughters Kari Ferrenbach, of Clinton, and Heather Ferrenbach; granddaughter Ashley Sanderson, of Brunswick; sister Anne Wing, of Rockland; two brothers, Theron Tweedie, of Spruce Head, and Eric Tweedie, of Thomaston.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service being held for Tenley on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Viewing hours will be from 1 – 2 p.m., with the service beginning at 2 p.m., at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield.
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, the family asks donations be made, in Tenley’s name, to Double B Equine Rescue, 997 W Mills Rd, Industry, ME 04938, (207) 778- 6479.
BENTON – Bernadette Rodrigue, 73, of Benton, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Oak Grove Nursing Home, in Waterville. She was born in Fort Kent, on March 16, 1950, the daughter of (deceased) Fred Plourde and Anna Beaulieu) Plourde.
Bernadette married John Rodrigue in 1967. She was the mother of Michael Rodrigue (son), and grandmother of Marshall (grandson) and MacKenzie (granddaughter).
Bernadette was employed at C.F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, Hawaiian Paradise Restaurant, Dorr’s Bakery, and was then the owner of Mémère’s Baked Goods.
Bernadette loved to bake, her gardening, sitting on the swing with a cup of coffee listening to the birds, making puzzles, and playing cards with family.
Bernadette was predeceased by her brothers, Louis, Edmund, Wilfrid, and Normand Plourde, as well as her sisters, Theresa Voisine and Jacqueline Lajoie.
Bernadette is survived by her siblings, Leopaul Plourde and his wife Dora, of New Britain, Mary Oakes, of Newington, and brother Elmer Plourde, of Winslow; nieces and nephews; daughter-in-law Casey.
There will be no funeral services at the funeral home or church. A private burial will be held at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Jude’s Research Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
ROME – Wendall “Wayne” Wheeler, 52, of Rome, died unexpectedly while helping his brother with a job on Saturday, September 30, 2023. He was born in Lewiston, on June 4, 1971, the son of Wendall and Carol (Yates) Wheeler.
Wendall grew up in Pittston and graduated from Gardiner Area High School, class of 1990. After graduation he went on to work at various jobs, AG of Maine, Bancroft Construction, Bower Construction and many more. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed classic cars, spending time with his family, friends, and was always willing to help anyone in need. Wendall was a member of the American Legion and the Steel Workers Union.
Wendall is survived by his parents Wendall and Carol Wheeler; a brother Willam F. Wheeler; two nieces Eliza and Vivian Wheeler; significant other Anne Marie Stewart; and her sons William and Anthony, all of Dresden, several aunts, and uncles.
Wendall’s visiting hours will be held on Saturday, October 7, from 3 – 5 p.m., at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick, Avenue, Gardiner.
Arrangements 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.
Mark M. Reynolds, 70, of China, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023. He was born February 4, 1953.
WATERVILLE – Linda L. Mattson, 66, of Waterville, passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023. She was born on May 17, 1957, in Waterville.
There will be a graveside service held in her honor on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 10 a.m., at the Lakeview Cemetery, in Wilton.
Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service 488 Farmington Falls Road Farmington. Maine, where memories may be shared at
dsfuneral.com.
Lehigh University, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, welcomes the Class of 2027, which includes Logan McDonald, of Bingham.
Many local dignitaries, family and friends attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at the helipad, which was built as a project by Eagle Scout Kaleb Brown, left. (photo by Roberta Barnes)
Eagle Scout Kaleb Brown, left. (photo by Roberta Barnes)
The ribbon cutting ceremony held on September 23, 2023, in Palermo, was for a lifesaving resource added into the Recreational Field, on the Turner Ridge Rd. Family, friends, fellow scouts, first responders and law enforcement officers from Palermo and neighboring towns were present to celebrate this vital resource.
This resource that is beneficial for all surrounding communities is the result of the completion of an Eagle Scout project. An Eagle Scout Project is a community service effort that comes at the end of a scout’s career and must be completed to attain scouting’s highest rank.
The Eagle Scout project Kaleb Brown completed is evidence that one person’s idea can result in creating a resource that can save lives. The project that Brown, senior Patrol Leader of Palermo Boy Scout Troop #222, and high school senior, presented to the Scout Council was for a permanent LifeFlight helicopter pad to be built in an area where it is needed.
Transportation and time are essential factors when critical care is needed. In Maine over 37,000 patients have been airlifted to receive critical medical care by LifeFlight since it was founded in 1998. Just in the past year over 2,000 patients were airlifted. Each airlift requires a safe landing site.
What inspired Brown to take on this project was an event that happened when he and his best friend were each 15 years old. His friend was critically injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver and died on route to the hospital. The only permanent concrete pads for airlifting close to Palermo were in Augusta and Belfast. His mother, Barbara Files-Lucier, assistant scoutmaster who had been a paramedic for 14 years, also served as an inspiration for his project.
When Brown met a woman at a hospital whose daughter had died, it let him know he had chosen the right project. At the ribbon cutting ceremony instead of him cutting the ribbon he asked the woman whose daughter had died if she would like to cut it. She lives close by and had enjoyed watching as the pad was being built.
As with all Eagle Scout projects, Brown’s project required determination, discipline, and hours of hard work to coordinate everything required to complete the project. His first step after the Scout council had approved his project was to get permission to use a sizable portion of the field from the youth association owning that field. After that he went door to door asking businesses for donations.
(photo by Roberta Barnes)
Brown going door to door resulted in generous donations by local businesses, and individuals that covered the entire $20,000 cost. Once enough donations had been received, he still had to be available to keep the construction of the pad smoothly on track. Eagle Scouts are allowed mentors and community support, but the responsibility of the completion of their project is on their shoulders.
An example of the community coming together and people volunteering time was Brown and family members painting the pad. The painting was after all the steps required for the pad’s construction pad had been completed by businesses and individuals donating their time and materials.
Brown’s project required 500 hours of his time and dedicated work to complete a resource that can save lives. Now first responders in all areas surrounding Palermo have this site keyed into their systems to use when needed. If other landing areas used in the past are not available at a needed time, this pad can now be used.
Prior to the ribbon cutting along with speakers from associations and various levels of government, Kaleb Brown, and his mother each spoke.
While Brown and his mother outlined all that had gone into the project they each gave a heartfelt thank you to all the people who had donated funds, materials, and their time at various stages of the project. They expressed how each person’s donation was important in making this life saving resource a reality.
As Brown’s mother spoke, stepping stones for the commitment required to complete his Eagle scout project were explained, including the discipline required for school grades and his martial arts training.
Kaleb Brown’ s words that summed up this project were, “Hard things are right things.”
Roberta Barnes is a freelance contributor to The Town Line.
by Jonathan StrieffDoctors from Redington-Fairview General Hospital, in Skowhegan, and the MaineHealth Institute for Research, in Portland, hosted six research session over three weeks in Waterville and Thorndike in an effort to collect data regarding PFAS exposure in central Maine.
PFAS refers to a family more than 4,000 chemicals present in a wide variety of consumer products, from non-stick cook wear and food packaging to water resistant clothing and stain resistant home goods. Since the 1970s, evidence of negative health outcomes associated with increased PFAS exposure has steadily grown, including decreased antibody response in adults and children, thyroid disease and dysfunction in adults, and increased risks of kidney, breast, and testicular cancers, but the evidence has primarily targeted water pollution associated with close proximity to chemical manufacturing plants and sites with heavy use of fire retardant foam, like military training bases. The high level exposure identified in central Maine in recent years is unique as the contamination has come from the application of sewage and industrial waste as fertilizer on farm fields, entering the food chain and watershed less directly.
When Dr. Rachel Criswell and Dr. Abby Fleish began seeing the impacts of PFAS exposure in their clinical patients, they sought to understand what ways this form of exposure differed from those that have been better researched. Criswell and Fleish applied for grant funding from the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences to conduct a Time-Sensitive Environmental Health Study. Time-Sensitive Studies are typically carried out following natural disasters and other anomalous events, but the doctors convincingly argued that the degree of PFAS exposure in central Maine constituted a “slow-moving environmental disaster.”
The study they designed holds three distinct goals: to describe the extent and impacts of PFAS contamination among the diverse cohort; to clearly identify all possible exposure pathways (food, water, soil dust, other); and to quantify the mental health affects resulting from the stress of mitigating the contamination. To do this, Criswell and Fleish contacted by mail every individual in the three surrounding counties who had well water tested for PFAS by the Department of Environmental Protection, asking for participants to take part in their study.
At the September 19 event, held at the Waterville Elks lodge, more than two dozen respondents attended to participate. Following a brief overview of the study by Dr. Criswell, each participant was individually walked through an informed consent form and then asked to complete a short questionnaire that asked about personal diet and lifestyle habits before and after learning of PFAS exposure. Participants were then asked to provide a blood sample and those willing also had the option to provide hair samples, human milk samples, and stool samples.
Prior to the two events scheduled in Thorndike the following week, Dr. Criswell anticipated falling far short of the 300 participants they hoped to enlist, but was already making arrangements to extend enrollment in the study. Anyone interested in participating can contact Skowhegan Family Medicine at 207-474-6201.
Jonathan Strieff is a freelance contributor to The Town Line.
by Mary GrowThe topic at the Sept. 26 China planning board meeting was the proposed community solar garden on the west side of the section of Parmenter Hill Road locally called Moe’s Mountain.
Minnesota-based Novel Energy Systems has begun the application process, planning to lease 13.73 acres of the southern part of Maurice Haskell, Jr.’s land and use 6.87 acres for a fence-enclosed array of about 2,300 solar panels. The lease is for 25 years, with a five-year extension possible.
Scott Tempel, permitting specialist for Novel Energy Systems, zoomed in for what was announced as a presentation but turned into a question-and answer session.
After Tempel’s initial description, four audience members, including abutting property-owners, had many questions, mostly about effects on nearby residents and the natural environment.
Tempel explained a community solar garden signs up area customers, residential and commercial, who are rewarded with a 10 percent discount on electricity bills. Who is allowed to join depends on state regulations; Minnesota allows anyone in the same or an abutting county, but he does not yet know Maine rules.
The proposed China project would generate 975 kilowatts, power enough to support from 50 to 75 subscribers, depending on usage, Tempel estimated. The plan calls for panels that would tilt to follow the sun, maximizing daily production time.
The power generated will go into the grid. The connection with Central Maine Power Company’s line will be mostly underground; there will be five utility poles at the beginning of the access road, Tempel said.
He expects most of the power generated will stay in Maine, he told one audience member, but he cannot guarantee that CMP will not send a single electron out of state.
The application will include a maintenance plan. Tempel explained the site will be planted with native grasses and plants attractive to pollinators, and mowed minimally. He told board member Michael Brown, a farmer by profession, that sheep could be allowed to graze inside the fence, as in Minnesota, but not goats, because goats would eat the wiring and climb on the panels.
By state law, the application will include an approved decommissioning plan. Tempel said Novel has submitted one to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and is awaiting a response. He told Brown decommissioning includes removing everything, including underground wires.
Audience members were concerned about contamination, especially metals, affecting soil and groundwater. Tempel said there is little chance of the solar panels spreading invasive elements. There are not yet studies of long-term – 25-year or more – impacts.
One woman asked about electromagnetic effects. Tempel said the issue, if there is one, is not electromagnetics, but voltage; and because solar arrays are well-grounded, the usual effect is to reduce any stray voltage in the area. He offered to look up studies.
Audience members seemed skeptical of his reassurances, sometimes shaking their heads in apparent disbelief. When he said a solar farm seldom affects adjoining property values and if it does, it might enhance them, there were disbelieving snickers. Planning board co-chairman Wall asked Tempel to provide studies.
Wall said she and codes officer Zachary Gosselin will have a complete copy of the application available for review at the China town office as soon as possible. The office, at 571 Lakeview Drive, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on Wednesdays), and the first and last Saturday of each month from 8 to 11 a.m.
Wall said the next opportunity for questions will be at the board’s public hearing on Novel’s application. It is currently scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 10, probably in the China town office meeting room (if not, in the nearby portable building where the board met Sept. 26).
After the hearing, Wall said, the board will review the application for completeness and conformity with town requirements for a commercial development. China does not have an ordinance specifically for solar developments.
If the board approves the application, there is a 30-day window during which an appeal may be made to the China board of appeals.
Tempel said Novel currently plans to start construction in the spring of 2025 and finish by that fall. The active construction work usually takes from six to eight weeks, but the timetable depends on weather and availability of materials and supplies.
Front row, from left to right, Arrow of Light William Vincent, of Vassalboro, Life Scout Nathan Polley, of Vassalboro Troop and Webelos Cub Scout Eli Richmond, all of Pack #410, in Vassalboro. second row, Cub Pack #604 Tiger Cubs Jeffrey Blais and Jett Jordan. Third row, Troop #410 Scoutmaster Stephen Polley. Fourth row, Wolf Scout Lux Reynolds, Wolf Scout Connor Millett, Dragon Scout Lila Reynolds, all Pack #410. Fifth row, Star Scout Michael Dellinger and Life Scout Cole Fortin, both Troop #410; the third scout carrying the American flag is Life Scout Macgyver Blundon, Troop #604 and the fourth scout carrying Scout flag is Tenderfoot Scout Ricky Phillips, of Winthrop Troop #604). All those in Vassalboro Pack and Troop #410, are from Vassalboro. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)
Scouts from Vassalboro and the Winthrop area were on hand to welcome home the 24 veterans when they returned home after visiting Washington, D.C. as part of Honor Flight’s third “mission” of 2023.
“The event was a wonderful opportunity to teach scouts about both the Duty to God and Duty to Country, as well as the importance of using some of their personal time to honor those who have sacrificed for the life opportunities we all have living in this great country,” said Christopher Santiago, of Vassalboro, Pack #410 Cubmaster and Troop #410 Asst. Scoutmaster.
The veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War, were able to tour, experience, and reflect at the memorials erected in their honor and memory through the efforts of Honor Flight. The scouts were part of the group welcoming back home these heroes from past conflicts.
Amanda Jordan said, “I’m so very proud of my two sons Jeffrey and Jett in their Cub Scout adventure today for Honor Guard and welcoming home the Veterans!”
Samantha Doody-Remington, Scoutmaster of Troop #604, said, “It is so important to teach each generation the valor of the generations that came before them. These scouts got to talk to and welcome home a man who stood up and served his country during the Vietnam War. When he got home, Arthur Wells probably didn’t get the best welcome and we wanted to make sure he knows how important he is to so many people. America is grateful not only for Arthur’s service but all of those who served. Welcoming them home is the least we can do.