Concerns about proposed Pine Tree subdivision in Palermo

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Hank Holden, Palermo resident

by Jeanne Marquis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OBITUARIES for Thursday, January 2, 2025

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JUDITH GRIFFIN

OAKLAND – Judith Griffin, 78, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024. Judy was born on April 8, 1946, in Portland, to Roger and Patricia Langille.

Judy met the love of her life Tom Griffin, in eighth grade while attending school in York. It had to be fate because they stayed together through high school, college, and 54 years of marriage.

Judy was known for her love of the outdoors, her springer spaniels, and her gardens. She loved being on the water. Whether it was water skiing up and down the York River when they were in high school, or cruising on their pontoon boat with their dogs at her home of almost 52 years on McGrath Pond, in Oakland, she was never one to miss an opportunity to get outside.

She was predeceased by her mother and father, Roger and Patricia Langille; and a sister, Janice Walsh.

Judy will be laid to rest in her former hometown of York, in the First Parish Cemetery this coming spring.

Services are under the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, Oakland Maine.

RUBY M. KELLY

OAKLAND – Ruby Melina Kelly, 95, of Oakland died Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Ruby was born December 2, 1929, in Waterville, to Perley Abbott and Marie Collins-Abbott.

She attended school in Waterville and worked at Biddeford Textile Mill for 18 years.

Ruby was predeceased by her husband Lewis Kelly and her children Michelle, David, Billy, Linda, and Victor.

She is survived by three children, Paula Panneck, Donna Webb and Michael Kelly; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at noon, in Augusta. Burial will follow immediately after.

Services are in the care of Veilleux Redington Lawry Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine.

DANIEL M. LIZZOTTE

WINSLOW – Daniel M. Lizzotte, 73, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024, following a long illness. He was born on May 17, 1951, to his parents, Jeannine Bolduc Lizzotte and Frank Lizzotte Jr.

He grew up in Waterville with his nine siblings, Steven Lizzotte and wife Judy, Francesca Lizzotte, Marie Ellis and husband Gary, George Lizzotte and wife LeeAnn, Jessica Reny and husband Brian, Jeffrey Lizzotte, Paula Grenier, Marc Lizzotte and Timothy Lizzotte.

He attended Waterville High School and shortly after graduation he met and fell in love with his wife, Linda Leathers, of Winslow. Together they had two sons, Craig and Nicholas Lizzotte.

In his adolescent years Dan enjoyed playing hockey and skating at Art’s Pool Hall, in the South End of Waterville. He also enjoyed and spent much time hunting and fishing with family and friends. He was a very talented and creative artist, with a large focus on oil painting and wood carvings. His art was vivid and beautiful. He was also an avid gardener who grew some of the most colorful and vibrant flowers.

He was predeceased by his mother and father, his sister Francesca, his brothers Marc and Timothy, and his niece Desiree Grenier. He leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Linda; their two sons, Craig and partner Lisa Pressey, and Nicholas and wife Kayla; and his four grandchildren, Olivia, Ilana, Lucas, and Troy.

ROLAND B. COTE

OAKLAND – Roland B. Cote, 69, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in Oakland. Born on February 27, 1955, in Brunswick.

He married Katherine on November 21, 1998, and was a devoted husband for 26 years. Roland was a loving father to his daughters, Audrey Kathryn Nale and Shelby Robben Cote, and stepchildren, Sarah and Josh. His joy was multiplied as a grandfather to ten grandchildren.

Roland spent many years employed as a woodcutter and truck driver and ultimately retired from Oakland Public Works.

Roland is survived by his wife, Katherine; his daughters, Audrey Kathryn Nale (married to Thomas J. Nale) and Shelby Robben Cote; his stepchildren, Sarah and Josh; ten grandchildren; and his sisters, Deborah Cote, Donna Cote, and Darlene Strout (married to Richard Strout).

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Rodney and Rodger Cote, and his parents, Robert and Audrey Cote (Alexander).

The family has entrusted Wheeler Funeral Home, in Oakland, with the arrangements. Roland’s life will be celebrated privately in accordance with his family’s wishes.

Please visit http://www.wheelerfh.com where you can read Roland’s full obituary, as well as leave memories, photos, and share your sympathies with his family.

TALA W. POULIN

WATERVILLE – Tala W. Poulin, 51, passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2024. She was born, in Waterville, on July 16, 1973, the daughter of Robert Joseph Poulin and Gladys Marie (Harb) Avcollie.

Tala attended schools in Waterville, including Mount Merici and Brookside, graduating from Waterville High School in 1992.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, going for rides with her mom to see the horses and Christmas lights, and going to camp in the summer to sit by the lake. She liked to decorate for all the holidays but Christmas was her favorite. Tala loved her Fish Blue, reality shows, strawberry pie, and collecting all kinds of vases and masks. Her biggest Joy this last year was a road trip to Florida. She spent hours sitting on the Lanai watching the sunsets, listening to music, going to all kinds of new restaurants, without any trips to the hospital for daily infusions. It was the happiest she had been in years.

She was predeceased by her father Robert Joseph Poulin, her stepmother Gale (Kosobud) Poulin, and her stepfather Neil Bernard Avcollie

She is survived by her mother Gladys (Harb) Avcollie, of Waterville; her sister Marla M. Poulin and her partner Craig Hathaway, of Oakland; her uncle Frederick Harb, of Florida; nephews Randy D. Frappier and his partner Alexis Page, of Oakland, Gage R. Estes, of Mercer, Logan Estes and wife Felicia, of Wilton; and niece Jasmine Estes and her fiancé Chris Merrow, of Sidney; as well as many great nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services and burial will be in the spring, and will be announced at a later date.

JOANNE D. ELLIS

SCARBOROUGH – Joanne Dorothy (Marsh) Ellis, 88, of Scarborough, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, following a short illness.

Joanne was a lifelong resident of Waterville. Born, raised, graduated, raised her family, worked, served in the community and retired there.

She was well known for knitting beautiful afghans, sweaters, mittens, baby sets and infant bonnets for Northern Light Hospital, in Waterville.

She was predeceased by a son, Joseph Aaron; and sister, Mary.

She is survived by brothers Frank Marsh, of Los Angels, Californnia, and Gerald “Skip” Marsh, of Chesapeake, Virginia; daughter, Becky Ellis, of Waterville; son, Robie McSorley (Denise) ,of Scarborough; grandsons Hugh (Jessica), Hayden and Heath McSorley; great-grandsons Camden and Carter McSorley; and several cousins; nieces and nephews.

Per Joanne’s wishes, there will be no service of life and her family will spread her ashes at her favorite place in Maine.

ROBERT P. PELLETIER

BELGRADE – Robert “Pete” Peter Pelletier, 70, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Pete was born in Waterville on November 4, 1954, son to Lomer and Joyce (Palmer) Pelletier.

He graduated from Waterville High School and worked in the family business at Pelletier Auto Sales, in Waterville.

Pete was a kind and patient man who will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and sparkling blue eyes. He was a loving son, husband, and father who instilled in his children and grandchildren the value of living each day as though it were an adventure.

He was predeceased by his mother, Joyce (Palmer) Pelletier; brothers, Ricky and Randy, sister, Laurie; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Pete and Julienne, and brothers-in-law, David and Peter Simpson, Raymond Marr, and Dean Poulin.

Pete is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patsy; daughter, Janis (Todd) Noel; son, Peter (Debi); grandchildren, Lindsey (Tyler) Perkins, Seth (Beth) Noel, and Jack; father, Lomer (Rose) Pelletier; sisters, Lyla (Vernon) Carlow and Lindy (Vikki); brother, Ronny; sisters-in-law, Julie Marr, Nancy (Wilton) McDowell, Linda (Kirby) Rowe, and Jane (Tim) LaPlante; brother-in-law, Jim Simpson; aunt, Jeanne Lachance; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Please visit Pete’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/pete-pelletier-2024 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

BETTY A. TINKER

WATERVILLE – Betty Ann Tinker, 72, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, following a long illness.Betty was born in Waterville, Maine, on Feb. 22, 1952.

She grew up in Waterville and attended Waterville High School. She worked as a teller at local banks. Later in life, alongside her first husband Richard Tinker, she owned and operated Interstate Sunoco and Towing. She loved to travel and visited Florida, Las Vegas, Foxwoods, the Olympics, and the Super Bowl. Betty was a beloved wife and partner to Don Marquis for over 20 years. Betty lived life on her own terms and cared deeply for her family, always offering her opinion.

She was predeceased by her mother Rita Giguere and her father Clarence Giguere, her brother Lester and his wife Ann, as well as her first husband Richard Tinker, to whom she was married for 30 years. She is survived by her husband Don; her son Eric Tinker, his wife Christina, and their daughters, Lindsay, Lauren, Elina, and Isabel and her niece Leslie Main.

A memorial service will be held in early summer 2025, in Waterville.

WILLIAM D. BRANCH

VASSALBORO – William “Bill” Daniel Branch, 91, of Vassalboro, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Bill was born in 1933, in Port Huron, Michigan, son of Irving Branch and Angeline (Robbins) Branch. Bill was the husband of Betty Mae (Edgerly) Branch.

Bill served as airman first class in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955 including service in Korea. Bill worked as a lineman for Central Maine Power Company, retiring in 1989.

Bill taught at Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield, retiring in 1998. Bill attended Port Huron Junior College, in Michigan, and graduated from Southern Maine University, in Portland, with a bachelor’s degree. In the Vassalboro – Waterville area he sang with barbershop quartets and with local area church choirs.

Bill was preceded in death by siblings, Robert Branch and Beth Nichols; and by his daughter, Brenda Branch Dowdle (Tony), of California, Maryland.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Betty, of Vassalboro; three sons, William I. Branch, of Vassalboro, Brian (Jamie), of Madison Wisconsin, Kenneth (Maria), of Hendersonville, Tennessee; nine grandchildren, Charmaine, Makalea (Devin), Matthew (Theresa), Sarah, Nicholas (Lilly), Wyatt, Katherine, Makenzie and Camden; and two great-grandchildren, Genevieve and Maisie.

The family will hold a memorial service at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, at 61 Pleasant St., Waterville, at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Interment will be private.

Condolences may be made to the family via http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are provided by Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, Waterville.

BRUCE H. STEVENS

MACHIAS – Bruce Harland Stevens, 75, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in Machias, following a long illness. Bruce was born and raised in Lincoln, on April 16, 1949, to Harland and Grace Stevens. Upon graduating in 1967, he attended the University of Maine-Presque Isle.

Bruce’s great passion in life was radio. His golden voice, dry wit, and unassuming nature served Bruce in creating a long and successful career in broadcasting. While he created his first “radio station” at home in Lincoln, his first job was at his hometown station, WLKN. Bruce moved away from home and worked at WRDO, in Augusta, WABK, in Farmingdale, and WGAN, in Portland. Bruce left Maine in the 1980s and worked at various larger-market radio stations. He eventually returned to Maine and worked at WNSX, in Ellsworth, and Cruisin’ 93.5, in Waterville, before retiring in 2022.

Bruce was preceded by his parents, Harland and Grace, and his brother-in-law, Carl Andrews.

Bruce is survived by his children, Shannon Stevens, (husband Westley Rutter) and son, Nicholas Stevens (partner Mary Stottele); grandson, Holden Stevens Perry; his beloved sister, Sue Andrews; and his nieces, Stacie Easler and Lindsay Lenfest.

A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held in Augusta in the spring.

Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CHCS Hospice Services at https://www.chcs-me.org/donate.

RACHAEL J. PREO

WINSLOW – Rachael Jean (Herard) Preo, 87, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024, in Augusta. Rachael was born on June 3, 1937, to Albertine (Proulx) and Joseph Herard.

Rachael graduated from Waterville High School in 1955, followed by graduation from Thomas College, in Waterville, in 1957. Rachael was a lifelong learner and continued her education at the University of Maine in Augusta, graduating in 1990 with a degree in business administration.

In her early years, Rachael worked for Laverdiere’s Drug Store’s home offices, in Fairfield; Marden Dubord Law Offices, and Sacred Heart Parish, both in Waterville.

Rachael is survived by her husband of 61 years, Alfred (Fred) Preo, of Winslow; her three children, Michele Jolicoeur and her husband Rick, of Vassalboro, Kimberly Rossi, of Gray, and Andrew Preo and his wife Sarah, of Indian Land, South Carolina; grandchildren Jenna Ward and her husband Jake, Marisa Jolicoeur, Cecilia Rossi, and Molly Preo; two great-grandsons, Malcom and Calvin Ward; her step-grandson, Richard Jolicoeur Jr., his wife Jillian, and their children Ashton and Aubrey; her sister-in-law, Charlene Breton, of Winslow, her cousin Gertrude (LaCroix) Huard; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 10 a.m.

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.

CHINA: Seeking second access to Thurston Park main topic at committee meeting

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Hikers on Bridge in Thurston Park (Photo courtesy: Town of China)

by Mary Grow

According to the minutes of the Dec. 19, 2024, meeting of China’s Thurston Park Committee, seeking a second access to the park from the south was a main topic of discussion.

Currently, people driving into the almost-400-acre recreation area in northeastern China have access only from Albion on the north, via the discontinued Yorktown Road that runs through the park south to China’s Mann Road. The steep hill, partly in Albion, on the dirt road frequently washes out and needs expensive repairs.

Committee members hope lessening reliance on the north entrance would save money. Park users have asked for better access. And committee members believe a second access is necessary in case of a medical emergency or a fire in the park.

The southern end of Yorktown Road passes close to Maurice “Pete” and Dawn Haskell’s home. Committee members wanted to start by talking with the Haskells; Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood advised them to ask for select board approval first.

Committee members also talked about applying for state funding under the measure Maine voters approved Nov. 5 to improve trails, and discussed where they might want to build new trails. They decided the next trail in the park should be handicapped-accessible, and an accessible toilet should be provided.

Committee members are waiting for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) money to reimburse some of the clean-up costs after last December’s storms. They hope to have money from that source; from China’s TIF (Tax Increment Financing) fund; and from their annual town budget request, which they decided to leave at $13,000 for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Depending on funding, they suggested adding a new trail and improving two existing trails for mountain biking. Members of NEMBA (New England Mountain Bike Association) have been to the park and are interested. Committee members also plan to participate in China’s February 2025 Ice Days, as they did in 2024 (though lack of snow ruined some of their plans).

The next Thurston Park Committee meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in the portable building behind the China town office.

CHINA: Thurston Park, emergency medical services select board topics

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by Mary Grow

At their Dec. 20 meeting, China select board members unanimously approved Jeanette Smith’s proposal to have the Thurston Park Committee she chairs reach out to the park’s southern neighbors about opening an access road from that end.

The former Yorktown Road runs from south to north through the almost-400-acre park and into the neighboring town of Albion. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said when voters discontinued the road on March 2, 1956, they reserved a public easement over it, giving the public the legal right to use it and China the legal right to maintain it, assuming voters approve funds.

The north entrance to the park, the only one currently used, is down a steep hill on a dirt road that needs frequent repairs.

Smith explained that two-tenths of a mile on the hill are in Albion. Albion officials are not interested in contributing to maintenance, although, she said, Albion residents use Thurston Park.

The south end of the road serves as the driveway from Mann Road to Maurice “Pete” Haskell’s home, before continuing north past the Haskell property and others into the park.

Committee member Scott Monroe said about 10 years ago, China officials considered road improvements that would create park access from the south. At that time, he said, the Haskells, foreseeing increased traffic past their house, hired a lawyer who threatened court action. Town officials dropped the idea.

Smith would like to try again, this time starting by talking with the Haskells about ways to meet their and the park’s needs, like relocating the right of way farther from their house, or having the south entrance be for walkers only.

Park use is increasing, she said, citing recordings from trail cameras, and users say on surveys they would like a southern entrance.

Select board members discussed options and costs – Smith is investigating possible grants – before giving the committee the go-ahead. Hapgood offered the town office as a meeting place, if desired, and said she would attend if invited.

In other business Dec. 30, recently re-elected State Representative Katrina Smith attended the meeting to ask if anyone wanted to bring a local issue to her attention. As a proponent of local control, she explained, she avoids involving herself in town matters; but she would be glad to hear what issues the legislature might help with.

Select board member Jeanne Marquis and chairman Wayne Chadwick promptly asked about funding for emergency medical services, and what happened with the legislature’s January 2024 Blue Ribbon Commission report. Smith said she is working with other area legislators on the issue.

Hapgood asked Smith to look into changing the county budget process, to avoid surprises like the major increase in the Kennebec County budget in 2024. She invited Smith to report to the select board at intervals during the 2025 legislative session.

On another topic, board member Blane Casey reported eight contracts for different pieces of the planned new records storage vault at the town office had been sent out on Friday, Dec. 27; six had already been returned.

Board members unanimously reappointed Town Clerk Angela Nelson for another two-year term. They appointed resident Kenneth Molfetta a member of the comprehensive plan committee, the recreation committee and the Thurston Park committee.

The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, Jan. 13, 2025.

Vassalboro transfer station task force continues talks at Lombard Road facility

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Transfer Station Taskforce members met Dec. 12 to continue discussion of options for changes at the facility on Lombard Dam Road. (See the Nov. 21 issue of The Town Line, p. 8).

The group began months ago with one main goal: improve safety by eliminating the need for users to back their vehicles to the disposal containers. That safety issue is still vital, taskforce chair (and select board member) Chris French emphasized.

Since discussion began, the town has had an engineer, Jeff Senders (head of Senders science, engineering & construction, of Camden), prepare three possible configurations for a covered, drive-through building that would eliminate backing up except, probably, for commercial haulers.

New station manager, Adam Daoust, has two more goals: improve efficiency and save money. A concept he proposes includes removing the tower and providing two containers, with cover from rain and snow; and allowing two vehicles at a time to dump into the containers, driving by rather than backing up. After the Dec. 11 rainstorm, he emphasized covering all on-site containers, so voters do not pay to truck water to disposal sites.

Taskforce member Amy Davidoff added a third goal: more recycling. Vassalboro now recycles metals and cardboard; Davidoff would like flexibility to add more materials as markets change.

Shannon Conti, an environmental specialist with the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management, attended the Dec. 12 meeting. She said any of Senders’ plans appears doable.

Vassalboro has foreclosed on an adjoining property, about five acres with buildings, for unpaid taxes. State law requires the town to sell the property, keep what is owed in taxes and any other charges and give the rest of the proceeds to the prior owners or heirs.

Town officials’ current plan is to sell the house and garage with a minimum lot and keep the rest of the land, perhaps for future transfer station expansion.

Conti provided information on actions that might or might not require DEP pre-approval, and on how to find permit application requirements.

Taskforce members were surprised when Conti said if the town keeps foreclosed land, clears or otherwise changes it, and only afterward makes it part of an expanded transfer station, her division does not care how it is changed. If, however, town officials designate an area for transfer station expansion, they will need a DEP permit to make changes to it.

Daoust would also like to add scales and pave more of the grounds. A new backhoe would be very useful, he added.

French called for taskforce members to reach consensus at their Jan. 9 meeting, to be held in the town office building at 5:15 p.m., before that evening’s select board meeting. Town Manager Aaron Miller summarized their options: do nothing; recommend building Senders’ covered drive-through building; recommend accepting Daoust’s less extensive reconfiguration; or recommend adopting a temporary improvement plan.

Vassalboro conservation committee focuses on town parks

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Vassalboro’s Civil War monument located at the East Vassalboro boat landing. (photo by Eric W. Austin)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Conservation Commission members devoted most of their Dec. 18 meeting to updates on two town parks, Monument Park, at the outlet of China Lake in East Vassalboro, and Eagle Park, on Outlet Stream, a short distance north.

At Monument Park, they are working with Jen Jespersen, of the Manchester-based consulting firm Ecological Instincts, on projects to improve China Lake water quality.

Commission member Matthew Pitcher said he met with Jespersen earlier this fall to assess the park’s shoreline buffer. They found no erosion problems, making any changes low priority. But, commission member Peggy Horner said, the buffer should be widened to at least 10 feet.

Commission members decided any new plantings should be low-growing, not bushes that would get tall enough to block the view of China Lake. They plan to use native plants as much as possible, without being totally rigid.

Horner and commission chairman Holly Weidner defined the goal of the plantings as three-fold: erosion control, education (by providing a demonstration lakeside garden) and landscaping the park.

Next steps include deciding on specific plants and developing cost estimates for initial plantings and maintenance.

Commission members reviewed Jespersen’s report on the China Region Lakes Alliance’s 2024 Courtesy Boat Inspection (CBI) program, which stations people at boat landings on China Lake, Three Mile Pond and Webber Pond to look for fragments of invasive plants on boats being launched into the lakes.

No invasives were found. Weidner credited the good record at least partly to the educational effect of the CBI program.

Horner, playing, she said, devil’s advocate, asked whether Vassalboro taxpayers need to continue to support boat inspections, if no invasive plants are detected. Jespersen’s report said the program cost $23,148 in 2024; Weidner found Vassalboro voters appropriated $10,584 as the town’s share.

That amount is a fraction of what it would cost to remove invasive weeds if they were imported, Weidner said. Horner added that a weed-free lake helps keep property values up.

Current Eagle Park issues discussed briefly include the park sign, fencing, handicapped access and the planned pavilion. Weidner said the pavilion’s cement base is done, and she hopes structural work will start early in 2025.

The Vassalboro Public Works Department has been very helpful. Commission members expect to continue to work with new director Brian Lajoie.

Commission member Steve Jones asked whether the public works crew could plow the parking lot for the town forest trail, which begins north of the recreation fields and close enough to the public works garage so that winter trail users park in the public works driveway. Someone from the commission will ask Lajoie.

Commission members briefly reviewed their cooperative arrangement with the Vassalboro Cemetery Committee regarding tree-cutting in town cemeteries. The program Town Manager Aaron Miller presented in October includes:

— Develop a cemetery maintenance plan and an annual budget;
— Each summer, have an arborist and the sexton evaluate trees and recommend any that need to be cut to avoid damaging stones or fences, within budgetary limits;
— Explain to interested committees and residents the recommendations and reasons; and
— Have the cutting done annually after the ground is frozen.

Conservation Commission members scheduled their next meeting for Wednesday evening, Jan. 8, 2025.

Vassalboro select board approves junkyard permits; names Lajoie public works chief

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by Mary Grow

The Dec. 26 Vassalboro select board meeting began with a public hearing on five applications to renew junkyard licenses. Unusually, the hearing drew comments from the audience.

Bill Pullen, owner of a South Stanley Hill Road junkyard, questioned a $10 hearing fee that he said was a new addition to the usual $50 license fee. Town Manager Aaron Miller and select board members said they will consult codes officer Eric Currie.

Audience member Douglas Phillips asked if there were more than five junkyards in town. Pullen thinks there are; Miller said any that were not on the Dec. 26 list could be considered at a later meeting.

Miller said Currie recommended approval of all applications. Select board members unanimously approved 2025 renewals for Pullen; Voit Ritch, on Route 3; Platinum and Core, LLC, on Riverside Drive; Ron’s Parts, on Main Street; and Garnett Motors, on Route 3.

Board members appointed Brian Lajoie, new Director of Public Works, as Vassalboro’s Road Commissioner.

They asked Miller to apply to the Vassalboro School Board for permission to vote at Vassalboro Community School three times in 2025, twice in June (for the open town meeting and local elections) and once in November. November 2024 voting was at the school, instead of the town office; board members want to continue in the larger space.

Miller updated board members on incorporating voting for Vassalboro Sanitary District trustees into municipal voting. Only people living in the area VSD serves will vote for the trustees.

Pullen said he owns a garage and a rental property that VSD serves, but he does not live in its territory; he was surprised that not all bill-payers are also voters. Board chairman Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., said that voters do not act on rates; they only choose trustees.

Trustees must be residents of the VSD service area. Miller said nomination papers will be available Feb. 27; he hopes for candidates.

After 20 minutes’ discussion of transfer station manager Adam Daoust’s proposed fee increases, board members decided to seek more information on disposal costs before acting.

Daoust said for some items, like mattresses and furniture, Vassalboro’s fees are the lowest in this part of Maine, leading out-of-towners to try to dump things in Vassalboro, although the transfer station is for town residents only.

“Unfortunately, people lie,” Daoust said.

Returning to plans to have the town-owned Vassalboro Historical Society building painted, discussed Dec. 12 (see the Dec. 19 issue of The Town Line, p. 3), Miller said he received one written proposal. In return for a prompt 25 percent down payment, Miller said, the contractor will schedule work for July or August 2025. Select board member Chris French wanted to see a draft contract.

Phillips said no one seemed to know when the building was last painted. He thought a dozen or so years ago Historical Society volunteers “touched up” three sides.

Also revisited was the application for a handicapped parking space at Hair Builders, on Oak Grove Road, in North Vassalboro. One concern at the Dec. 12 meeting was keeping non-handicapped people from using it; Miller said Vassalboro Police Chief Mark Brown told him all law enforcement officers, not just municipal, can enforce the regulation.

French proposed an annual license, in case the business closes. Denico suggested a one-year trial followed by longer extensions. Miller will consult the town attorney.

The board must hold a public hearing before acting on the request. The hearing will not be at the Jan. 9 meeting.

Board members resumed discussion of Vassalboro’s personnel policy, and will continue again on Jan. 9. Board member Michael Poulin intends to have his suggestions for updating Vassalboro’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan ready by that meeting.

French said a resident asked how Miller chooses documents to put on the website with each select board agenda. Miller said he reproduces information sent to board members, omitting things that shouldn’t be public knowledge, like unaccepted bids.

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, January 2, 2025

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To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@townline.org!

SUNRISE OVER PENOBSCOT BAY: Susan Lombard, of Clinton, captured this sunrise in November.

CURIOUS MANTIS: Joan. Chaffee, of Clinton, photographed this praying mantis exploring her boots.

KEEPING A KEEN WATCH: Amy Boyer snapped this bald eagle as it peruses the countryside.

Albion dairy farmer honored for 60th straight Christmas milking

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

by Gillian Lalime

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Issue for December 19, 2024

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Issue for December 19, 2024

Celebrating 36 years of local news

Erskine announces Renaissance awards

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

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

Malcolm Glidden Post #163 and Auxiliary, of Palermo, spent Saturday, December 14, putting wreaths at veterans’ headstones at local cemeteries. The wreaths came from Wreaths Across America…

Town News

Board gets update on student staff wellness team

VASSALBORO – The Vassalboro School Board’s Dec. 10 meeting featured a virtual presentation by two of the three members of the student and staff wellness team at Vassalboro Community School (VCS)…

Select board undertakes several ongoing issues

VASSALBORO – Vassalboro select board members discussed many ongoing issues at their Dec. 12 meeting, and settled five…

Local resident expands on community garden plans

CHINA – China select board members heard two presentations at their Dec. 16 meeting. Resident James Hsiang expanded on the plan for a community garden that he presented in November; and Dr. Timothy Pieh, of Rome, Maine, and MaineGeneral Medical Center, summarized the first year of Kennebec County’s MD3 program…

Transfer station committee tackles two unusually argumentative discussions

CHINA – The Dec. 10 China Transfer Station Committee included two unusually argumentative discussions. The first was on recycling, sparked by station manager Thomas Maraggio’s report that China’s new plastics baler should arrive in a couple months. The baler will let the transfer station accept No. 1 plastic for recycling; it will be baled and stored until a load is ready to be shipped out…

No issue on December 26

There will be no issue of The Town Line on Thursday, December 26, 2024, so the staff can enjoy its annual winter vacation week. The next issue will be published on January 2, 2025. Also, The Town Line office will be closed during that week. The office will reopen on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 9 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Webber’s Pond Comic

Webber’s Pond is a comic drawn by a local central Maine resident…

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: “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too.” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is January 9, 2025.

The Remembrance Tree

Thank you for helping us commemorate loved ones who have passed!

Local happenings

EVENTS: Blue Christmas ceremony shines light

CENTRAL ME – The ShineOnCass Foundation will host its 4th Annual Blue Christmas Ceremony for grieving families and friends, and those who support them, Saturday, December 21, at sunset, starting at 4 p.m., on the Winter Solstice – the longest and darkest night of the year. Blue Christmas will feature music, speakers, and a reading of submitted names of loved ones’ lost and the lighting of memorial blue candles…

Obituaries

VASSALBORO – Thomas Frank Siviski, 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 5, 2024, following a brave battle with Alzheimer’s. Tom was born on June 12, 1945, the son of Joseph Siviski and Clara (Terrio) Hapworth…

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Mother’s Circle in Vassalboro

VASSALBORO – Weekly on Mondays from December 16, 2024 to March 31, 2025, 2:30 p.m. 12 Priest Hill Rd., Vassalboro. Bottom floor of Maine Family Natural Health. FMI please contact Hattie : hattie.welch.ot@gmail.com… and many other local events!

Celebrating Maine history

Click here for all of our recent stories about the local history of Maine!

Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Fairfield high schools  (new)

FAIRFIELD HISTORY — This article continues the history of schooling in Fairfield with information on the town’s high schools. It begins with conflicting information about where the first high school classes were held… by Mary Grow

Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Education in Fairfield

FAIRFIELD HISTORY — After multiple postponements, this article really is about the history of education – elementary education; high schools next week – in Fairfield, the town next upstream from Waterville on the west bank of the Kennebec River. Your writer thanks the Fairfield Historical Society for generously sharing material on the topic… by Mary Grow

Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: William Mathews of Waterville

WATERVILLE HISTORY — As noted last week, this biographical sketch of Professor William Mathews, LL.D. (Doctor of Laws), is another follow-up to an earlier account, the Nov. 21 article on Waterville residents Jeremiah Chaplin and James Hobbs Hanson. Mathews was mentioned as a critic of Rev. Chaplin’s preaching… by Mary Grow

Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Education in Winslow Schools – Continued

WINSLOW HISTORY — This week’s article was to be a discussion of early schools in Fairfield, continuing the subseries on early education, but again your writer has been distracted. The first diversion, this week, is back to Winslow elementary schools, about which summary information was provided in the Nov. 7 issue… by Mary Grow

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | With all of our Christmas chores wrapped up (pun intended) on Saturday and Sunday mornings, my wife and I binged watched various old, standard Christmas-related films in the evening. While watching these, the thought went through my mind about where did the myth of Santa Claus and his reindeer come from, and when did they start to fly?…

CRITTER CHATTER

by Jayne Winters | As part of our continued stroll down Memory Lane, I found several articles written by Carleen Cote about students who have raised money for Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center. Here is one from August 4, 2001…

A BIBLE MOMENT

by The Village Parson | There was a Texas billionaire whose daughter attended a youth group at a local church. As was their customer, they met at each persons house and it was her turn that week. The father decided to give everyone a tour of his mansion and as he was ending a boy asked what was in the room they hadn’t shown…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | Al Jolson – Tell That To The Marines (recorded September 10, 1918); Arthur Fields – You Can’t Beat Us (If It Takes Ten Million More, recorded September 19, 1918). Columbia A2657, ten-inch acoustic shellac disc. Born in Lithuania to a Jewish family, Asa Yoelson (1886-1950), better known as Al Jolson, was a singer who had extraordinary stage presence, vocal power and delivery, and would become extremely successful through stage, film, radio, records and touring…