A BIBLE MOMENT: On the other side of forgiveness, there is a blessing

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by The Village Parson

I also count all things lost, for the excellence of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, my lord.

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.

The father said that he had a fascination with snakes, and there was a swimming pool filled with them. As they approached the pool he comically stated that if anyone wanted to swim across the good sized pool, he would give them the hand of his daughter in marriage or half his estate. No sooner had he finished they heard a splash, to find a young man swimming for all he was worth. The stunned group gathered at the other side and as the young man finished, they fished him out. At once they crowded around him, to find out his decision. At that point, he shrieked “keep everything, who pushed me in?”

The moral being on the other side of forgiveness, there is a blessing, the peace that surpasses all understanding.

In contract, it was June 8, 1971, when Nick Ut snapped a photo of a nine-year-old girl running naked out of a Vietnam village that had been napalmed. The photo gripped the entire nation, capturing the horrors of war. The photo went viral, and contributed to bringing about the end of the war.

The photo also affected the mastermind of the bombing, and he was convicted to the core of the realty of the suffering he caused. Upon discharge from the military, he couldn’t shake off the guilt of the tragedy. He ended up divorcing his wife, and began a search for the peace he had lost. He ended up searching for the little girl, to ask forgiveness for what he had done.

Meanwhile, Kim Phuc, the child in the photo had grown up, fled to Canada, and has accepted Jesus as her lord and savior. She then became a spokesperson for UNESCO and became the keynote speaker at a military gathering of veterans, in Washington, DC.

He was attending the meeting when he suddenly realized who she was. He decided that was his chance to ask forgiveness from her, and she would be a symbol for the entire village. He then approached the stage, fighting off the security, and fell humble in front of her. Embracing and weeping together, she graciously forgave him, and he went away with the peace that had alluded him. He ended up becoming a pastor in a small town in Virginia.

This brings me to a favorite package in scripture. Those who have been forgiven much, love much. And also forgive us our sins, (as in like manner) as we forgive others.

The views of the author of this column are not necessarily those of The Town Line newspaper, its staff and board of directors.

CRITTER CHATTER: Reminiscing at the Duck Pond Wildlife Center – Part III

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The late Carleen Cote with a baby fox. (Duck Pond file photo)

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:

“On June 12, fourth graders from Windsor Elementary School, with teachers Julie Clark and Sheila Ready, visited the Center to see the young baby wildlife. They saw fawns, foxes, raccoons, a porcupine, squirrels, as well as the long-time residents – hawks, owls and the adult deer.

Along with the excitement of seeing the young animals, they were extremely excited and proud to present me with a check for $350. The students had prepared posters depicting wildlife and made presentations to students about their posters. They challenged all grades to see which grade could raise the most money. Through the fundraiser, students increased their math skills by sorting and counting the coins and dollars that had been collected. They were very excited to tell me that they had raised the $350 in one week! This is the second year that Windsor Elementary school students selected our Center to be a recipient of their fundraiser – and their donation has gone a long way in providing food and medical care for the critters brought to the Center.

Winslow Junior High School’s eighth grade students in Linda Voss’s class also selected our Center to receive the money they had raised as part of a community service project. Each student selects an organization to donate their funds to and, for the third year, we have been the fortunate recipients, with over $200 donated this year to help feed the wildlife.

As I reported in an earlier article, China Primary School students and Friends of China Schools also made a very generous donation to the Center. All of these students are to be commended for their unselfish donations and the hard work they do to raise funds, and for their thoughtfulness in selecting the wildlife at our Center to benefit from their efforts. Thank you, students! Your thoughtfulness will always be remembered and appreciated.”

I’ll be sharing more of Carleen’s articles over the next few months as Don’s health concerns prevent him from accepting or assessing any wildlife or phone inquiries right now. He has been working with Wilderness Miracles Rehab, in Bowdoin (Kathi at 207-720-0074), Misfits Rehab, in Auburn (Jen at 207-212-1039; she accepts bats and mice), Bridget Green, in Wiscasset (207-631-0874), Critterville Wildlife, in Brooklin (845-549-2407), and Saco River Wildlife (207-702-1405). Pam Meier, at Mid-coast Maine, is a turtle rehabber and can be reached at The Turtle’s Back (203-903-2708). Please check these websites for a rehabber close to you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html

In addition, you can contact your local Animal Control Officer through your town office. – PHONE MESSAGES & EMAILS ARE NOT BEING MONITORED AT THIS TIME.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Al Jolson

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Al Jolson

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.

Al Jolson

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.

His mid-’40s Decca 78s were my first exposure to him back during the early ‘60s, in particular his feisty renditions of George and Ira Gershwin’s classic song Swanee River, and Back In Your Own Backyard.

I also have memories of Jolson’s appearance in a 1939 biopic of songwriter Stephen Foster, also titled Swanee River, with Don Ameche.

Jolson starred in the 1927 film, Jazz Singer, which was the first talkie. His frequent appearances in blackface ironically generated respect from African-Americans, a controversy that will not be addressed here.

Tell That To The Marines was also written by Jolson and it is a very enjoyable example of World War I patriotic music, similar to George M. Cohan’s classic Over There.

After a grueling series of concerts entertaining troops overseas fighting in the Korean War, Al Jolson died of a massive heart attack while playing cards with friends at his New York City hotel suite. He was 64.

Side 2’s You Can’t Beat Us is also a stirring WWI ditty. Born Abraham Finkelstein in Philadelphia, baritone Arthur Fields (1884-1953) started recording in 1914 and was the first white singer to perform with an African-American band when he was hired ragtime pianist Ford Dabney.

After a generally successful career, Fields suffered a stroke in early 1953 and was living in a Florida nursing home, in Largo, Florida, where a fire broke out and he and several others perished.

Both selections are available on YouTube.

Christmas Music

Christmas Organ and Chimes – Merlin; Grand Prix KX-4, 12-inch LP, recorded circa 1960.

Usually a little bit of Christmas music on the pop organ and chimes goes a long way. This particular LP from well over 60 years ago and from one of the 87-cent dimestore labels has musicianship, character and intelligence, O Holy Night, Joy To The World and Come All Ye Faithful being given a nicely arranged exquisite treatment.

Information on the very good organist Merlin seems to be non-existent.

Joanna Cassidy

Joanna Cassidy

Still living at 79, actress Joanna Cassidy did good work in a recurring role as Mena Pride, mother of the lead investigator Dewayne Pride between 2019 and 2021, who is suffering from dementia. The range of detail Cassidy brought to her role, including ladylike poise, elegance, dignity, distress, anger and despair was one powerful example of how to craft a performance on film.

Maine Speaks

The anthology Maine Speaks has a poem, Aye! No Monuments, by Rita Joe (1932-2007) who was designated Poet Laureate of the native American Micmacs, who have over 1,500 members residing in Aroostook County (Miss Joe lived most of her life in Nova Scotia.).

It celebrates the wondrous majesty of the Maine and Eastern Canada landscape where so many of her ancestors lived and worked:

“Aye! no Monuments,
No literature,
No scrolls or canvas-drawn pictures
Relate the wonders of our yesterday.

How frustrated the searching
of the educators.

Let them find
Land names,
Titles of seas,
Rivers;
Wipe them not from memory.
These are our monuments.

Breathtaking views-
Waterfalls on a mountain,
Fast flowing rivers.
These are our sketches
Committed to our memory.
Scholars, you will find our art
In names and scenery,
Betrothed to the Indian
since time began.”

PUBLIC NOTICES for Thursday, December 19, 2024

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VASSALBORO

Help Wanted – Truck Driver/Equipment Operator

The Town of Vassalboro is seeking a full-time Truck Driver/Equipment Operator for the Public Works Department.

This is semi-skilled manual work in the operation of front-end loaders, backhoes, trucks and graders, and other related motorized equipment and in the snow and ice removal operation of the public works department.

Employees of this class are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of loaders, graders, backhoes, dozers, excavators, trucks and other power equipment (examples; chippers, compactor, pavement cutter etc) for a portion of the work time. Duties may include the performance of manual labor tasks in a wide variety of manual tasks in connection with operation of the equipment and other functions of the Public Works Department. Work instructions may be received in detail for each job to be performed or may follow an established routine. Work is subject to review while in progress and upon completion by the Road Commissioner.

High school graduation and considerable experience in the operation of heavy trucks and motorized equipment involved in construction or public works activities, or any equivalent combination of experience and training. Employees of this class will be required to have at a minimum a class B license and be willing to if required to obtain a class A license.

Town of Vassalboro offers a competitive hourly wage; all paid holidays, vacation and sick time; and full medical benefits for the employee. For more information, please email Town Manager Aaron Miller at amiller@vassalboro.net or call 207-872-2826.

Notice of Public Hearing

VASSALBORO – The Vassalboro Selectboard will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Dec. 26 at the Vassalboro Town Office at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the following junkyard permit applications:

Platinum Core – 1702 Riverside Dr. – Map 2 Lot 18
Stanley Garnett – 1616 N. Belfast Ave. – Map 9 Lot 90
Ron’s Parts – 510 Main St. – Map 12 Lot 3
Voit Ritch – Rt. 3 and Ritch Rd. – Map 9 Lot 105
Bill Pullen – 163 S. Stanley Hill Rd. – Map 12 Lot 22

Probate Notices

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
COURT ST.,
SKOWHEGAN, ME
SOMERSET, ss
NOTICE TO CREDITORS

18-A MRSA sec. 3-801

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the Estates noted. The first publication date of this notice December 19, 2024. If you are a creditor of an Estate listed below, you must present your claim within four months of the first publication date of this Notice to Creditors or be forever barred.

You may present your claim by filing a written statement of your claim on a proper form with the Register of Probate of this Court or by delivering or mailing to the Personal Representative listed below at the address published by the Personal Representative’s name a written statement of the claim indicating the basis therefore, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed or in such other manner as the law may provide. See 18-C M.R.S. §3-804.

2024-331 – MATTHEW J. SITES, late of Athens, Maine deceased. Dawn M. Sites, 21 N. Independence Dr., Montross, Virginia 22520 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-374 – EVANGELINE L. RICHARDSON, late of Anson, Maine deceased. David A. Richardson, 11 Campbell Road, Anson, Maine 04911 and Donna L. Poulin, 41 Campbell Shore Road, Gray, Maine 04039 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

This notice is especially directed to Dale Richardson, heir of EVANGELINE L. RICHARDSON, address unknown.

2024-376 – JEANETTE A. JACQUES, late of Bingham, Maine deceased. Robert A. Jacques, P.O. Box 136, Bingham, Maine 04920 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-377 – RICHARD L. JAZOWSKI, late of Madison, Maine deceased. Linda L. Jazowski, 259 White School House Road, Madison, Maine 04950 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-378 – JAMES A. DOYLE, JR., late of Mercer, Maine deceased. Vivian M. Doyle, 310 Elm Street, Mercer, Maine 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-380 – DOUGLAS C. ANNETT, late of Skowhegan, Maine deceased. Linda M. Annett, P.O. Box 751, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-383 – JAMES E. WADE, late of Norridgewock, Maine deceased. Diana L. Wade, P.O. Box 116, Norridgewock, Maine 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-384 – BARBARA T. QUALEY, late of North Anson, Maine deceased. Christopher G. Qualey, 12 Winterberry St., South Portland, Maine 04106 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-385 – MARILYN D. GORMAN, late of New Portland, Maine deceased. Robert W. Gorman, 47 Edgemont Ave., Waterville, Maine 04901 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-386 – ELAINE C. BARRY, late of Fairfield, Maine deceased. Tammy Barry, 561 Daiquiri Place, Daytona Beach, Florida 32124 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-387 – THOMAS E. QUINT, late of Pittsfield, Maine deceased. Nancy A. Quint, 75 Beach St., South Portland, Maine 04106 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-389 – JOSEPH H. MANZO, late of Fairfield, Maine deceased. Kathleen E. Hill, 445 Ridge Road, Fairfield, Maine 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-391 – BETTY J. CODY, late of Madison, Maine deceased. Bernadette M. Christen, 723 Ward Hill Road, Norridgewock, Maine 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-392 – CORRILLA D. HASTINGS, late of Skowhegan, Maine deceased. John D. Hastings, 180 Harts Neck Road, St. George, Maine 04860 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-393 – BARBARA A. MCGOWAN, late of Skowhegan, Maine deceased. Karyn L. Sylvain, 144 Beech Hill Rd., Norridgewock, Maine 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-395 – LAWRENCE A. TILTON, JR., late of Skowhegan, Maine deceased. Suzanne C. Tilton, 102 Oak Pond Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-398 – NORMAN F. VOELKEL, late of North Anson, Maine deceased. Lady Patricia Voelkel, 412 River Road, North Anson, Maine 04958 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-399 – DIANNE MCCOLLOR, late of Madison, Maine deceased. Christopher S. McCollor, 152 Raintree Blvd. Niceville, Florida 32578 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-400 – JULI E. HUNT, late of New Portland, Maine deceased. Silver W. Hunt, 42 Old Dead River Road, Stratton, Maine 04982 appointed Personal Representative.

TO BE PUBLISHED December 19, 2024 & January 2, 2025

Dated: December 19, 2024
/s/Victoria M. Hatch,
Register of Probate
(1/2)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
41 COURT ST.
SOMERSET, ss
SKOWHEGAN, ME

PROBATE NOTICES

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ESTATES LISTED BELOW

Notice is hereby given by the respective petitioners that they have filed petitions for appointment of personal representatives in the following estates or change of name. These matters will be heard at 10 a.m. or as soon thereafter as they may be on January 8, 2025. The requested appointments or name changes may be made on or after the hearing date if no sufficient objection be heard. This notice complies with the requirements of 18-C MRSA §3-403 and Probate Rule 4.

2024-390 – DEBORAH ANN MOODY. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Deborah A. Moody, 1284 East Ridge Road, Cornville, Maine 04976 requesting name to be changed to Debra Ann Moody for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: December 19, 2024

/s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(1/2)

Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Fairfield high schools

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by Mary Grow

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.

One candidate is the former North Grammar School, at the intersection of Main Street and Western Avenue, near the Kennebec River, at the north end of the business district. The other is the former South Grammar School, on Burrill Street (which runs east-west perpendicular to the Kennebec at the south end of the business district). The South Grammar building is three blocks from the river.

In 1873, the Fairfield bicentennial history says, some of the rooms in a grammar school “at the corner of Main Street and Western Avenue” housed Fairfield’s first public high school, “with $500 raised for its support.” If this building is the one that became North Grammar School, that school dates from before 1873 – how much before, your writer has been unable to determine.

The Fairfield history says after the high school classes had taken over part of the Main Street grammar school, voters at the 1873 town meeting passed over (did not act on, thereby rejecting) an article to build a separate high school.

A document in the Fairfield Historical Society files says the first high school in 1873 was in the South Grammar building on Burrill Street. Yet another source says North Grammar hosted the high school until more space was needed and South Grammar was built (no date given). This source adds that in 1874, voters appropriated $500 for a free high school.

The chronology in the history says in 1890-91, voters finally agreed to provide Fairfield’s first high school building, on Burrill Street, for $5,000. Was this Burrill Street building (at least 20 years newer than the Main Street building) the one that became South Grammar School?

The 1904 Fairfield Register, found on line, alleges that the education offered in the 1873 high school’s early days “was hardly more than that received in the regular schools by the more advanced pupils.” The purpose of high school classes “was to offer to the older and more advanced pupils a chance to attend school during the winter months.”

The Register writer said voters appropriated $400 annually for the high school, “which gradually but surely raised its standard of scholarship,” until by 1904, graduates were ready for college. In the 1904 writer’s opinion, the school was “not provided with a suitable building,” but he hoped one would soon be constructed.

His hope was realized when Lawrence High School opened on Sept. 21, 1907.

A Puzzlement

On sale on line is a copy of the program for the Lawrence High School graduation held Friday, June 27, 1890, and identified as the 39th anniversary graduation. Your writer lacks the mathematical skill to make a high school that Fairfield sources say opened in 1907 have a 39th graduation in 1890.

Although the sale listing says the program is from Lawrence High School, Fairfield, Maine, nowhere on the document is a town named. Your writer looked on line, without success, for people prominent in the graduation ceremony – two ministers, the chairman of the high school committee who awarded diplomas, the graduating seniors who wrote the words and music for the closing hymn.

The senior class is listed on the fourth page of the program, first the girls and then the boys, each in alphabetical order. There were 17 girls and 12 boys in the class; the valedictorian was Ernest Clarence Jewell, who also wrote the music for the final hymn, and the salutatorian was Mildred Withington.

Lawrence High School’s name honors Edward Jones Lawrence (Jan. 1, 1833 – Nov. 27, 1918), who paid more than $60,000 for the high school building. In 1901, he had financed Lawrence Public Library.

The bicentennial history says Lawrence himself had only a grammar-school education. He made money in lumbering, street railroads, ship-building and other ventures, and supported local entrepreneurs Alvin Lombard (inventor of the Lombard hauler) and Martin Keyes (founder of Keyes Fibre).

After his first wife died in 1865, Lawrence married Hannah Shaw, of Carmel, by whom he had three daughters. The history says it was to further their education that he moved to Fairfield in 1884 from Shawmut, which had “only a grammar school.”

The first Lawrence High School was on the west side of High Street, not far from the Lawrences’ house. Photos show an elegant brick building with a windowed basement, two main floors and a roof with three more windows. Three arches decorate the ground-floor front, with the entrance door in the center; the second floor, too, has three decorated sections, and two-story arches rise on each side of these central adornments.

This building was “gutted by fire” on Feb. 15, 1925, the bicentennial history says. Classes were held in other buildings, including the 1888 Fairfield Opera House, while the High Street school was rebuilt; it “reopened in the spring of 1926.”

From the 1950s, Fairfield’s schools began moving to the present high school site on the west side of town. The High Street building remained educational, but grade levels there changed repeatedly; it is now Fairfield Primary School.

* * * * * *

Nineteenth-century Fairfield had a private college preparatory high school, known as Bunker’s or Bunker Academy, or Bunker Seminary. It was named for its founder and teacher, Naomi Bunker.

The bicentennial history writers took much of their information on this school from the School Houses writer. He found that Bunker had been a public school teacher (where or for how long, he did not say) when she decided to teach “practice school” in Bunker’s Hall (wherever that was) before opening her seminary.

This school was established about 1857 in the large brick house mill-owner William Kendall built in the 1790s at the corner of Lawrence Avenue and Newhall Street, a block west of Main Street. It was a college preparatory boarding school, and seemed to have three divisions in connected buildings: schoolrooms, a boarding house on the west and a gymnasium.

In addition to college preparatory classes, Bunker hired “competent teachers” for music and painting. “Many pupils were fitted for college at this school,” according to the School Houses writer.

He did not record when Bunker Seminary closed. After the closing, he wrote, “the building used for the school rooms” (apparently not the brick house) was moved to Elm Street, which parallels Lawrence Avenue a block north, and remodeled into a house.

Naomi Bunker’s name appears in two documents found on line.

In a 1923 booklet prepared for the centennial of Anson Academy, in North Anson, she is listed as a student there in 1844. (Other Bunkers named include five more who were students in 1844 and three graduates from the 1880s, one of whom, Fred W., Class of 1885, was a school trustee in 1923. Samuel Bunker was also a trustee, but apparently not a graduate.)

In the catalogue of the 1859 Somerset County teachers’ convention, held in North Anson from Aug. 22 through Aug. 26, Naomi Bunker is listed as a teacher from Kendall’s Mills (downtown Fairfield’s name until 1872) and a member of the six-person committee on resolutions.

* * * * * *

The two-story wooden grammar schools that might have hosted Fairfield’s first high-school classes, North Grammar and South Grammar, got attention from school Superintendent Will O. Hersey in the Fairfield town report for the year ending Feb. 10, 1915.

Hersey, in his seventh annual report to the town, mentioned the sudden death of South Grammar School Principal Katherine Kidder the previous fall. He said of her:

“As a teacher she was thorough, earnest and sympathetic. Although firm in the discharge of her duties she was respected and beloved by all, and her influence will long be felt in the school where she labored so faithfully.”

(Katherine H. [Merrill] Kidder was born in 1871 in Harmony, Maine. On Sept. 2, 1903, she married a dentist, Dr. Charles Fuller Kidder (1874 – 1932); Find a Grave records no children. She died Nov. 13, 1914. The Kidders are buried in Fairfield’s Maplewood Cemetery.)

Kidder’s successor as South Grammar principal was Emma Coombs, identified as a Castine Normal School graduate with several years’ experience.

At North Grammar School, Hersey’s topic was the repairs that were made in the summer and fall of 1914, with a special $1,200 appropriation at the 1914 town meeting. The goal was to deal with unsanitary toilets and a worn-out heating system.

The superintendent described the new heating system, which included a new boiler and, in classrooms, radiators instead of “the old steam pipes which were around the walls of the rooms.” Two radiators were added in the lower entry, welcome “especially in stormy weather when the children come in with wet clothing.”

The winter of 1914-15 had been less severe than the previous one, Hersey said, but a few days had tested the new system, “and we are pleased to say that the building was warmed to the satisfaction and comfort of all.”

For the toilets, Hersey explained that pipes were installed, “the cellar was dug out and leveled, and a concrete floor was made, so that now good accommodations are provided for a winter and rainy day playroom.” Then the money ran out, and work stopped.

School board members intended to ask 1915 town meeting voters to fund installing new toilets. But, Hersey, wrote, “Near the latter part of the fall term the need of the new toilets became absolutely necessary so that the board unanimously decided to have the work completed.”

The superintendent did not explain how or when the toilets were paid for.

The wooden North Grammar and South Grammar schools are similar in size and design. Both have two main floors and a basement with windows (in North Grammar in the 1950s, the toilets were in the basement; perhaps the ones installed in 1914?).

The buildings still stand in 2024, painted a bright red with white trim. North Grammar is commercial, South Grammar is an apartment building.

* * * * * *

Also in Fairfield is the Goodwill-Hinckley School, founded in 1889 by George Walter Hinckley (1853 – 1950). Readers are referred to its website, www.gwh.org, and to the May 20 and June 3, 2021, issues of The Town Line.

Main sources

Fairfield Historical Society Fairfield, Maine 1788-1988 (1988)
Fairfield Historical Society, records and files

Websites, miscellaneous.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: The history behind Santa’s flying reindeer

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Roland D. Halleeby 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?

As everyone knows, the character of Santa Claus is largely based on St. Nicholas of Myra and Sinterklaas of Dutch lore. Both of those figures traveled via a noble, white stallion. Yet in some Western cultures, particularly America, Santa Claus travels the world on Christmas Eve delivering gifts in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer.

In 1812, American author Washington Irving refers to St. Nicholas as “– riding over the tops of the trees, in that self-same wagon wherein he brings his yearly presents to children” in the revised version of A Complete History of New York written under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker. Yet no mention is made of what propels the wagon. So where did the story of flying reindeer originate?

The first known written account of reindeer in association with the legend of Santa Claus occurred in 1821. That year, New York printer William Gilley published a 16-page booklet titled A New Year’s Present, to the Little Ones from Five to Twelve Number III: The Children’s Friend by an anonymous author. In the book, reindeer are introduced into the Santa Claus narrative:

Old Santeclaus with much delight
His reindeer drives this frosty night.
O’er chimneytops, and tracks of snow,
To bring his yearly gifts to you.

During an 1822 interview, New York’s Troy Sentinel, editor Orville L. Holley questioned Mr. Gilley regarding the booklet’s author and the topic of reindeer. Though he did not identify the author, Mr. Gilley responded:

“Dear Sir, the idea of Santeclaus was not mine nor was the idea of a reindeer. The author of the tale but submitted the piece, with little added information. However, it should be noted that he did mention the reindeer in a subsequent correspondence. He stated that far in the north near the Arctic lands a series of animals exist, these hooven and antlered animals resemble the reindeer and are feared and honored by those around, as you see he claims to have heard they could fly from his mother. His mother being an Indian of the area.”

In 1823, the Troy Sentinel published the poem A Visit From St. Nicholas, commonly known as The Night Before Christmas. The poem features eight flying reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh and, for the first time, they are identified by name:

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name;
“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Dunder and Blixem!
To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall!
Now, dash away, dash away, dash away all!”

Though originally called ‘Dunder and Blixem’ in the 1823 publication, Santa’s seventh and eighth reindeer are commonly known as ‘Donner and Blitzen’ today. Dunder and Blixem are Dutch words that translate to thunder and lightning.

Reindeer were once viewed as mysterious creatures linked to lands in the northern part of the world. Their population was widespread in Scandinavian and Eastern European countries where, during the 18th century, they were domesticated. They were often used in transportation, pulling sleds and sleighs, and are still an important aspect of some indigenous northern European cultures, particularly to the Sámi people (commonly known as Laplanders to non-Europeans).

Taking these bits of knowledge into account, one can see how reindeer might have come to be used in early writings as the wondrous, flying creatures propelling Santa’s sleigh.

Ah, the magic of Christmas.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

The Patriots are 7-24 in the last two seasons to date, what was the worst regular season record in franchise history?

Answer
1990. Under first-year coach Rod Rust, the Patriots went 1-15 that season.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, December 19, 2024

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PAUL L. O’BRIEN

WATERVILLE – Paul Leo O’Brien, 80, of Waterville, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at an Augusta health facility. He was born March 9, 1944, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to the late Leo and Helen Fuglestad O’Brien.

Paul went to school in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. He accomplished his associates degree. Paul also served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1965 to the late 1980s. He lived in San Francisco and California, then came to Maine in 2011. Paul was a proud member of the VFW Post #6924, of Fairfield and Post #6859, of Portland.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Richard O’Brien, Dennis Santos and a sister, Frances Beach.

Surviving him are his sisters Joanne Ray, of Rhode Island, and Anna Good, of Pittsfield; many nieces, nephews.

ERIC M. BERGLUND

WINSLOW – Eric Mark Berglund, 59, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024, after several years of ill health. Eric was born on August 26, 1965, in Waterville. He was the son of Hugh (Pat) and Joyce (Beaulieu) Berglund.

He graduated from Winslow High in 1983. Years later, he married Deb Harris and together they moved to the Jay area when Eric began working at the paper mill. After many years, he left that job to return home and take care of his grandmother. He was a caring and helpful person and always helped others in whatever way he could.

He was predeceased by his grandson, Brandon Pelletier; grandparents Romeo and Ina Beaulieu and Harold and Josephine Berglund.

He is survived by his parents Joyce Berglund, of Winslow, and Pat and Ruth Berglund, of Benton; daughter, Brieann Berglund, of Auburn; grandchildren Aether and Kaciann Bunnell, of Auburn; brothers Chip and Andra Berglund and Shawn and Wendy Berglund, of The Villages, Florida; sister, Laura and Jason Rowe, of Benton; and several aunts, uncles; nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will take place in the summer of 2025, at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville.

Services are under the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm St., Waterville.

JOANNA E. BASHAM

MARLTON New Jersey – Joanna E. Basham, 86, of Marlton, New Jersey, formerly of Concord, New Hamp­shire, Vas­salboro and South Port­land, died Wed­­nesday, December 4, 2024, following an illness of ALS. She was born in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, on October 8, 1938, daughter of Clarence W. and Mary Ellen (Myers) Zeigler.

Mrs. Basham is a graduate of North Penn High School and the Conservatory of Music, Lansdale, Pennsylvania, class of 1956. In 1959, she graduated from Grand View Hospital School of Nursing, Sellersville, Pennsylvania.

She married Rev. Paul D. Basham in 1959. As a homemaker and pastor’s wife, she served as organist and pianist in their pastorates, taught Sunday School, served in the church’s day care program, and entertained missionaries and guests from around the world.

She was employed part-time as a registered nurse in hospitals in Sellersville, Lewisburg, and Chester, Pennsylvania; Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington; and home nursing agencies in South Portland.

She had been a participant in the Women’s Health Study program, a national study in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer, sponsored by Brigham & Women’s Hospital, in Boston, Massachusetts. She was a volunteer at the Arboretum, in Augusta. In October 2012, she and her husband moved to Wiley Christian Retirement Community, in Marlton, New Jersey.

Surviving are her husband, Rev. Paul D. Basham; son, Timothy W. Basham (Catherine), South China; daughters, Carolyn Blasko (Mark), Pembroke, New Hampshire, and Wanda Gailey (Rob), San Diego, California; and seven grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Betty Howe of Marionville, Missouri (formerly of Cocoa, Florida).

A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11 a.m., at the Wiley Church, 99 East Main Street, in Marlton, New Jersey. A time of visitation will take place at the church from 10 – 11 a.m., prior to the service.

Burial will be at a later date in the Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66220 or to World Relief, 3507 W. Lawrence Avenue, #208, Chicago, IL 60625.

THERESA M. TURLO

WATERVILLE – Theresa M. Turlo, 99, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. She was born to parents Richard and Lucie Boudreau on August 30, 1925.

Theresa is survived by her children, William (Pam), Patrick (Linda), Anne (Richard), Timothy (Rebecca), Claire and Mary; daughter-in-law Katherine and former daughter-in-law Toni; many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren; nieces, nephews.

Theresa was predeceased by her husband, August, her son, Thomas, sons-in-law, Donald Bouchard and Jeff Marsh, and former daughter-in-law Lynn as well as siblings, Herman, Kay, Marguerite, Dominic, Denis, Richard and Cecile.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, where memories of Theresa may be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com.

THOMAS F. SIVISKI

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.

Being raised on the Siviski farm in Winslow, he embraced hard work and life’s simple joys.

Tom was best known for his laugh. It was loud, boisterous, and unforgettable, bringing lasting impressions to everyone around him. His laughter reflected his vibrant spirit and love for life, leaving memories wherever he went.

He was predeceased by both his parents.

Tom is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Tracy Anderson, Terry Hughes (wife, Kim), and Bethanny Hughes; grandchildren Sherri Secotte, Garrett Anderson, Victoria Cooper, Molly Secotte, Courtney Anderson, and Alex Hughes; great-grandchildren, Karson, Kolten, Eleanor, and John; stepfather, Lee Hapworth; brother, Robert Siviski; sisters Katherine White and Shirley Madore; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Butch and Carol Lawrence and Sheila Pepoli.
Join the family in celebrating Tom’s life on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Winslow VFW from noon to 4 p.m.

SANDRA L. PARADIS

WATERVILLE- Sandra Lee Paradis, 82, passed away Sunday December 8, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Waterville. She was born July 1, 1942, in Waterville, to parents Wallace and Mamie (Dale) Paradis.

Sandra attended Waterville public schools, graduating in 1960. Following school, Sandra worked for C.F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville.

Sandra is survived by her only child Laura Blake; granddaughter Skylar Addy; and her partner Peter VanDeets.

Sandra was predeceased by twin brother and sister Wallace and Elizabeth, and her parents.

Following her retirement, Sandra spent many of her final years residing in Unity with Peter. She greatly enjoyed her time in that community including spending hours at the Alpaca farm and volunteering at the local church thrift shop. Together, Sandra and Peter spent their time traveling and attending NASCAR races across the country. On any given day Sandra could be found knitting up socks, mittens, and hats for her friends and loved ones, in addition to her annual circuit at the local craft fairs.

L. SANDY MAISEL

WATERVILLE – Professor L. Sandy Maisel, 79, passed away on Monday, December 9. 2024. He was a scholar, political analyst, and a modern man of letters.

He was a legendary Colby College professor, Boston Red Sox and Buffalo Bills loyalist, committed duffer on the golf links of several continents, and lifelong presence in the students he inspired and shaped for a half-century.

Maisel, who was known by his middle name, Sandy, was a Buffalo, N.Y., native but as much a Maine institution as the distinctive college where he taught. He was that rare figure, an earnest bow-tied teacher with a whiff of the long-ago academic past melded into a modern man of letters who understood, and interpreted for students and readers of his column, the mysteries of contemporary political life.

Maisel ran for Congress in 1978, and he came in fourth in a field of four, but in the years that followed his defeat – itself fodder for a book that carries the best title of any political memoir of the age, From Obscurity to Oblivion – he came to understand the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the dance of legislation better than most of those who actually were elected to Capitol Hill.

Maisel was the founding director of Colby’s Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs and, unlike many academic students of politics, believed in witnessing politics firsthand. He was invited by the Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe to join their correspondents at several national political conventions and enjoyed the banter with reporters.

The son of Sidney Beck Maisel, a retail furniture executive who operated a legendary store near Buffalo’s famous Broadway Market, and Ruthe (Spero) Maisel, Sandy Maisel was born October 23, 1945, in Buffalo. He attended public schools there until he entered the Nichols School, where he was editor of the yearbook and a varsity athlete.

He moved on to Harvard, where he took his degree magna cum laude in government but declined to take Henry Kissinger’s course because the reading list was too imposing. He attended civil rights marches in Boston during the city’s busing controversy and then moved to Columbia, at the time in its own storied phase of upheaval.

Upon earning his Ph.D, the 25-year-old Maisel was hired by Colby on a one-year, non-renewable contract that lasted half a century. At the time, Waterville, Maine, was a mill town with a Hathaway shirt factory and with the fumes from the Scott Paper Co. plant in nearby Winslow. Within days of getting his job at Colby, he had a call from Bill Hathaway, and he met with the Senate candidate and his young aide, Angus King. Hathaway lost the 1972 race to Bill Cohen, but Maisel won the friendship of King. Along the way, he worked for George Mitchell, establishing yet another relationship that redounded to the advantage of both Colby and its students.

Mr. Maisel’s political instincts were sharp but not impeccable.

In the fall of 1975, Jimmy Carter visited Maine. This was the period when the former governor of Georgia, who had earlier stumped contestants on the What’s My Line television show, was largely unknown. Mr. Maisel met him and then told an upper-level class that Mr. Carter was delusional, saying, “I just met some guy from Georgia who thinks he’s going to be the next president.”

In the midst of launching his academic career, Maisel and his first wife, Mary Lou Michael, raised their children, Dana and Josh, in an extended Colby family. When Maisel and the children moved to campus, Mayflower Hill became the space to grow and be surrounded by values of education, exploration, and, of course, athletics.

In 1994 he married Patrice Franko, the love of his life. Their 30-year marriage brought him total fulfillment. Their mutual love of family, Colby and Colby students, of friends, of Great Pond, of golf, and of travel would have filled many lifetimes. They were particularly fortunate to have the opportunity, through two distinguished Fulbrights and teaching in the CBB program, to teach in the Philippines, Brazil, and London. Maisel and Franko treasure the memories of welcoming family, friends, students, and many dear alums to their home on Great Pond for legendary graduation parties, much sought-after invitations to their annual Fourth of July party, Jewish holiday celebrations, and pop-up lakeside cocktails.

He was committed to outdoor life in Maine from his attendance at Camp Kennebec in the 1950s to his living on Great Pond for more than 40 years.

Maisel was an active member of Beth Israel Congregation, in Waterville, and served several terms on the synagogue board, including as president in the 1980s. In 2024 he led the successful $3.7-million Foundation and the Future Capital Campaign that guaranteed the financial stability of the congregation for generations to come.

One of his most enduring projects was as editor of Jews in American Politics, a collection of essays that remains one of the principal resources for students of that topic. He produced several scholarly books on his own and edited several volumes of The Parties Respond: Changes in American Parties and Campaigns, comprised of essays that followed presidential elections.

Maisel died of an aggressive intestinal cancer. In his last months, he was determined, as Winston Churchill put it, to “stay in the pub” till “closing time.” At Maisel’s closing time, his family, friends, and protégés flooded him with concern befitting the final days of a New England legend. The pub would not be the same without him.

In addition to his wife, Patrice, he is survived by his grown children, daughter Dana Maisel Anderson (Erik Anderson); son Joshua Louis Maisel (Eden Maisel); grandsons Conrad, Gustaf, Leopold, Weber, and Tyler; 20 nieces and nephews and their partners; many grand-nieces and nephews, and a large number of cousins; his mother-in-law; brothers and sisters-in-law. He was predeceased by two sisters, Patricia Maisel Cotsen and Elizabeth Maisel Schulman, and their husbands.

Sandy Maisel liked to say that accomplished political experts need not know very much – as long as they knew 10 people who did. For scores of renowned political analysts, Maisel was not only one of those 10 but the most consulted, most insightful, and most generous one. For them, as for his students, friends, and family, the loss is enormous.

A memorial was held at Beth Israel Synagogue, in Waterville, Friday, December 13. A spring celebration of life will be held at Colby College Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, where memories of Sandy may be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Franko-Maisel Fund or the Sandy Maisel Fund at the Goldfarb Center, Colby College or the Sandy Maisel Children’s Fund at Beth Israel.

RICHARD PELLERIN JR.

SANGERVILLE – Richard “Rick” Pellerin Jr. 65, of Sangerville, passed away Friday, December 13, 2024, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, Massachusetts, following a year-long battle with Leukemia. He was born in Portland, and raised in Waterville by the late Richard “Dick” and Elizabeth “Betty” (Lewis) Pellerin.

He graduated from Waterville High School where he was a standout hockey and soccer player. He graduated from Vermont Technical College with a degree in mechanical engineering.

He moved to the Sangerville area in the early 1980s and began work at Fayscott. He then spent over 35 years working at Numberall Stamp and Tool before retiring. Rick was involved in many organizations to include The Big Pine Gun Club, The Four Winds Snowmobile Club, and The Mt Kineo Lodge #109 of the Masons. He also served as a selectman for the town of Sangerville and served on the Guilford and Sangerville Sanitary District Board.

Rick was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time at his favorite place in Ripley. He also enjoyed Cowboy Action Shooting, Skeet, Trap, Sporting Clays, and the Winter Pistol League at the Big Pine Gun Club. He passed his knowledge of hunting and shooting down to his children and grandchildren to ensure safe practices could be continued to future generations. He also enjoyed making apple cider every fall at the Goulette’s home.

Rick is survived by his wife Karlene (Clukey) Pellerin, of Sangerville; sons Frank (Amy) Pellerin, of Fairfield, Richard III (Shelby), of Dexter, James Oldfield, of Old Lyme, Connecticut; grandchildren Richard IV and Grady, of Dexter, and Delana Green Oldfield, of Old Lyme, Connecticut; his godson Alex Pellerin, of Massachusetts and goddaughter Jessica Breton, of Dover-Foxcroft; several aunts and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, as well as his brother Frank and sister Ann.

At Rick’s request there will be no funeral or services.

If anyone would like to make a donation in his name or memory a check can be mailed to the Big Pine Club, P.O. Box 6, Guilford ME 04443.

JEFFREY J. MICHAUD

FAIRFIELD – Jeffrey J. Michaud, 67, passed away. Jeff was born on August 5, 1957, son of Randolph and Rose (Corbin) Michaud.

He graduated from Water­ville High School, where he played varsity hockey. Jeff continued to college, graduating with a degree in electronics. His knowledge in the field took him across the world. He retired from the electronics department at Marden’s Industrial in 2022.

Jeff was a free spirit his entire life. He was a father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was an accomplished drummer and musician in the Central Maine area for many years. Spending time with his family, playing golf with his grandson, watching sports on Sundays, and riding his motorcycle were some of Jeff’s most loved activities.

He was predeceased by both his parents and his brother Richard Michaud.

Jeff is survived by his two daughters, Samantha Michaud, of Fairfield, and Sarah Chadbourn with her husband Jeffrey Chadbourne, of West Gardiner; grandsons, Jeffrey, Ryan, Tylor, and Collin; sisters, Sandra Locklin, and Ann Michaud with her partner Jenn.

In following his wishes there will not be a funeral, instead, there will be a celebration of his life in the spring of 2025.

Please visit Jeff’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/jeffrey-michaud where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

LOGAN BOLDUC

SOUTH CHINA – Logan Bolduc, 25, passed away recently, in South China. Born on August 3, 1999, at Red­ington-Fairview Hospital, in Skowhegan. He was the son of Kim Bolduc-
Bartlett and Kenneth Andrews and brother to Zachary Bartlett.

Logan brought joy and laughter into the lives of everyone who knew him.

Logan’s journey through life was marked by his infectious spirit and vibrant personality. He graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, in 2017, where he left an indelible mark on his classmates and teachers alike. His quick wit and ability to make others laugh made him a treasured friend to many.

Following his education, Logan joined the workforce, where he worked at Hannaford, in South China. He took pride in his job and was known for his friendly demeanor and dedication to his work.

Outside of his professional life, Logan loved music and video games. These interests not only provided him with joy but also allowed him to connect with others who shared his enthusiasm. Music was a constant in his life, and he could often be found sharing his favorite playlists with friends or discovering new artists.

Logan’s legacy will be remembered by those who loved him dearly. He was a beacon of light, known for his ability to bring smiles to the faces of everyone around him. His playful spirit made life a little brighter for all whom he encountered.

Although Logan’s time with us was far too brief, he left a mark that will not soon fade. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Services to honor Logan’s life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, we invite all who knew him to share their memories and celebrate the spirited life he lived.

Vassalboro board gets update on student staff wellness team

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

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).

Counselors Gina Davis and Jamie Routhier explained what they and social worker Megan Simmons do, working with students and their families, other staff members and outside groups. They praised the Colby Cares program, which lets Colby students act as mentors to VCS students, and the cooperation with Mid-Maine Technical Center.

Jamie called the threesome “an amazing team,” and VCS Principal Ira Michaud added, “We couldn’t get by without them.”

Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer shared a multi-subject report, beginning with the welcome news that the Maine Department of Transportation has put up proper signage for the school zone. Vassalboro Police Chief Mark Brown is aware of the posted speed limits, Pfeiffer added.

The superintendent described social media as “the biggest social experiment ever,” without guardrails. He urged everyone listening to watch a 90-minute Netflix documentary called The Social Dilemma. It features people who created the various social media platforms warning of the consequences of their inventions, he said.

Board members approved the superintendent’s recommendation for a wage increase for substitute workers in three categories, to bring them to the legal state minimum. Pfeiffer said there might be additional recommended changes after contracts are renegotiated for other personnel.

Pfeiffer, speaking for finance director Paula Pooler, reported that the 2024-25 budget remains on track. He expects the state to set the high-school tuition rate in the next couple weeks, and tuition bills to start arriving soon afterwards.

Board members had planned a workshop session before the Dec. 10 meeting on proposed improvements to the VCS building, with Thomas Seekins, co-president of Portland-based Energy Manage­ment Consultants, Inc. (EMC). The workshop was postponed due to weather. It is now scheduled for 4:45 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, before the next board meeting.

Pfeiffer will invite Vassalboro Budget Committee members to hear Seekins’ Jan. 14 presentation. Interested community members are welcome to attend.

Vassalboro select board undertakes several ongoing issues

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by Mary Grow

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

— They appointed public works department employee Brian Lajoie as the new department director, succeeding Eugene Field, who has retired.
— Vassalboro First Responders Assistant Chief Josi Haskell reported the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation gave the unit a $25,000 grant, subject to select board acceptance, to buy a Lucas device. This is a mechanical chest compression (CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation) machine for patients in cardiac arrest.

Board members were not sure the First Responders needed their approval, but in case, they gladly voted to accept the grant. Haskell expects the Lucas device to arrive in six to eight weeks. First Responders will be trained to use it, she said.

— At the Nov. 13 select board meeting, Town Manager Aaron Miller recommended switching the bulk of the town’s funds to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (see the Nov. 21 issue of The Town Line, p. 3). Board member Chris French asked for more choices to consider, and the board postponed a decision.

Miller reported after reaching out to other banks, he still recommended Bar Harbor. Board members approved unanimously.

— Jody Kundreskas, for the Vassalboro Cemetery Committee, asked approval to waive the town’s procurement policy so the committee can again have the services of an expert stone restorer, Joseph Ferrannini, from the Maine Old Cemetery Association. Select board members approved by consensus.
— Board members unanimously chose Brandon Olsen, from Friendship, Maine, for a five-year contract to harvest alewives in Vassalboro, on Miller’s recommendation.

In other business, Douglas Phillips told board members the former East Vassalboro schoolhouse, now the historical society museum and headquarters, needs external repainting. Capital improvements for the town-owned building are the town’s responsibility.

Timing is a problem, Phillips said: if funds aren’t available until after voters act at the annual town meeting in June, area painters’ 2025 schedules will undoubtedly be filled, and the work won’t get done until 2026.

Phillips had obtained two proposals, in the $15,000 to $17,000 range. Board members considered what existing funds might be applied. Phillips suggested requesting proposals soon, with the understanding having the work done would depend on June funding.

No decisions were made. French commented that the town has not set aside money to maintain infrastructure.

Board members returned to another topic briefly discussed at their Nov. 13 meeting, the request for a designated handicapped parking space at Hair Builders, at 653 Oak Grove Road in North Vassalboro.

Becky Morse, speaking for owner Beth Morse (no relation, she said) explained that many customers are older or handicapped, making parking across the street difficult and unsafe. Board members and Miller were sympathetic, but could not act Dec. 12 because, Miller said, Vassalboro’s parking ordinance requires public notice and a public hearing.

Board chairman Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., asked how the town would enforce the ordinance, with Police Chief Mark Brown working only part-time. Morse did not expect problems.

Board members plan to discuss the issue again at their Dec. 26 meeting, and if they decide to proceed, to schedule a public hearing for Jan. 9, 2025.

Another question postponed Nov. 13, and postponed again Dec. 12, was continuing to hold elections at Vassalboro Community School, instead of at the town office. Board members plan to talk with school officials and to consider the question again in January 2025.

Decisions about propane tanks at the town office and the Riverside fire station – how large, whether to lease or buy – were again postponed for more information.

On the board’s Jan. 23 agenda will be plans for integrating voting for Vassalboro Sanitary District trustees with voting for other town officials, with the difference that only voters in the area VSD serves can choose trustees. Miller had asked the VSD’s attorney for advice; French advised consulting the town’s attorney; Denico recommended asking Town Clerk Cathy Coyne how VSD voting was handled by the town up to a few years ago.

As the Dec. 12 meeting ended, Miller announced that that the Vassalboro town office will close at noon Tuesday, Dec. 24, for the annual staff Christmas party.

Transfer station committee tackles two unusually argumentative discussions

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by Mary Grow

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.

New committee member Lee Buzzell asked whether China is doing too much recycling, at taxpayers’ expense.

The baler was paid for by a grant. But, Buzzell pointed out, using it will cost man-hours and will add to the electric bill. He questioned whether income from the plastic would cover costs.

Maraggio said in addition to income from recyclables, which varies widely with the markets, China saves the cost of the disposal fees that are paid for solid waste.

The second point Buzzell raised was whether the committee should discuss changing transfer station hours. He and some of his friends have work schedules that make it impossible for them to use the facility, he said.

The station is currently open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Maraggio said the hours have been in effect for over two years, based on an analysis of busiest and least busy times.

Three reminders from China transfer station and town office staff

1) China residents’ 2025 transfer station stickers are available at the transfer station and the town office, for $2. Issuers need to see the registration for the vehicle for which the sticker is issued; town office staff can look it up in their records, transfer station staff cannot.

2) China residents are allowed two buckets of winter sand at a time from the new sand shed near the transfer station gate. Volunteers will deliver sand to residents unable to get their own; those needing this service should call the town office at 445-2014.

3) Beginning not too far into 2025, the transfer station will be able to accept No. 1 plastic for recycling. Currently, No. 2 and No. 5 plastic are accepted. These items must be empty and clean, but do not need to be crushed.

Buzzell suggested trying staying open until 8 p.m. one weeknight, or being open both weekend days. From the audience, select board chairman Wayne Chadwick added extending Saturday hours until 5 p.m.

After a discussion of pros and cons, committee chairman J. Christopher Baumann postponed further discussion to the next meeting, urging members to seek more information to support opinions and minimize unanticipated consequences.

The transfer station committee is advisory; it is empowered to make recommendations, which the China select board can accept, modify or reject. Baumann said its main purpose is to improve the experience at the transfer station, for residents and staff.