Local student named to fall 2022 UAF chancellor’s list

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Jeff Beyea, of Whitefield, has been named to the fall 2022 chancellor’s list at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska.

UAF is a Land, Sea and Space Grant institution and is the leading doctoral degree-granting institution in the state of Alaska. Since it was founded in 1917, UAF has been internationally recognized for research relating to the Arctic and sub-Arctic in areas such as biology, geophysics, engineering, natural resources and global climate change.

China town meeting, ATV trail discussed by select board

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by Mary Grow

The first of the China select board’s May 22 public hearings, a repeat hearing on the June 13 town business meeting ballot (see the May 11 issue of The Town Line, p. 2) drew no interest at all.

The second hearing, on allowing about two miles of Pleasant View Ridge and Bog Brook roads to be used as an ATV trail, elicited half an hour’s discussion among a dozen residents, Four Seasons Club officers and board members.

Club President Thomas Rumpf asked China select board members to approve ATVers’ use of the road sections to create a loop trail between southeastern and northeastern China while the Beaver Trail is being repaired. Currently, only a single trail is open; two-way traffic is less interesting to riders and harder on the trail, Rumpf said.

Residents’ comments were almost evenly divided between supporters and opponents. The main objections were based on safety. The two roads have many hidden driveways, curves and blind spots, and car and truck traffic is heavy and fast, residents said.

They were also concerned about increased noise, and about potential liability if there were an accident. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said under Maine law, the town would have no liability.

Supporters cited the value of ATVers to the local economy. Several said some ride the roads anyway, illegally.

Rumpf said if the proposal were approved, the roads would be heavily signed to warn motorists to watch out for ATVs. The ATVs would use the same travel lanes and obey the same speed limits as cars and trucks.

In response to questions, he and Darrell Wentworth, a Four Seasons Club officer and a Maine ATV instructor, said ATV drivers must be at least 16 years old; they are taught to use hand signals to indicate turns; their machines must have headlights and taillights and cannot – legally – have modified extra-noisy exhaust systems.

Rumpf had checked with other towns where ATVs share roads; the main problem they reported he summarized as “rowdies.” There was general agreement that a minority of ATV riders – and of car and truck drivers – will violate laws.

Rumpf intends to do his best to ensure the Kennebec Sheriff’s Office and local game wardens patrol the area more frequently than usual.

During the select board meeting that followed the public hearing, board members discussed what they had heard and agreed unanimously to allow ATVs on the road sections for the 2023 season on a trial basis, subject to cancellation if there are problems.

Rumpf said the season begins June 1; road use will not be allowed until after club members obtain and post signs, later in June. The season ends Columbus Day weekend. Hours during which road use is allowed will be 8 a.m. to sunset, to avoid running in darkness.

Problems that might cause select board members to rescind the approval before the season ends include multiple complaints from residents or law enforcement or both, or an accident.

China Lake main theme at select board meeting

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by Mary Grow

For the May 22 China Select Board meeting, China Lake was a major theme, in three different ways.

Select board members unanimously and appreciatively accepted a proposal from the China Lake Association, represented virtually by board member Bruce Fitzgerald, to have a Colby professor and class do an economic impact study of China Lake.

Fitzgerald said the study would cost the town zero dollars. There would probably be requests for information, some of which might require town office staff time; Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood saw no problem.

The main theme would be the value of lake-based tourism to China. Fitzgerald invited other suggestions for content, and said it might be possible to involve the China Region Lakes Alliance and expand the study to Three Mile and Webber ponds.

Fitzgerald said the same professor did a Belgrade Lakes study. That 12-page document, titled A Case Study of the Economic Impact of Seasonal Visitors to a Lake Watershed Environment, is on line under athensjournals.gr/ tourism/2015-2-2-1-Donihue.pdf. The first author listed is Colby College professor Michael Donihue.

Also speaking virtually, China Lake Association President Stephen Greene said the organization has applied for a grant for work around China Lake that, if approved, would include improvements at the boat landing in South China.

His report sparked a brief discussion of the landing. Greene said the lake association currently favors a carry-in only, unpaved landing; two select board members consider a paved area a longer-lasting option.

Hapgood said if funds for improvements become available, there will be additional discussions, especially with South China Village residents.

The manager presented the third lake issue: she reported that the dock at the head of the lake broke over the weekend. China’s public works crew responded and are working on repairs that Hapgood hoped would be completed in a few days.

In other business May 22:

  • Select board members awarded summer paving work to the low bidder, Maine-ly Paving Services, LLC, of Canaan, at a price of $87.75 per ton of paving mix.
  • They awarded the summer mowing bid to the only bidder, Pierce Works, LLC, of China, for a price of $4,900 for one mowing or $9,800 for two mowings.
  • Two items were postponed: proposed amendments to the Planning Board Ordinance, recommended by the planning board and scheduled tentatively for presentation to voters in November; and local penalty assessment guidelines.

Absentee ballots for China’s June 13 annual town business meeting are now available, as is the new town report.

Overall school budget looks good

At the May 22 China select board meeting, Regional School Unit (RSU) #18 Superintendent Carl Gartley said the overall regional budget is up 2.93 percent, and China’s share is up 2.08 percent, or about $106,000.

“In today’s economy, I thought that was pretty darn good,” Gartley said.

He reported that RSU students are doing well educationally, and the district is financially secure, with reserve funds built up in the last few years.

China Middle School has a new 300-foot well, after months of bottled water use since PFAS was found in the old well. If the new well does not solve the problem, an expensive treatment system will be installed.

China Primary School’s well water tested fine, Gartley said.

Plans for this summer’s work in China include re-siding China Elementary School (a big building, Gartley commented) and adding four pickleball courts for public use. The new courts will be between the softball outfield and the parking lot; they will not be lighted.

The next regular China select board meeting will be Monday evening, June 5.

VASSALBORO: Only two select board members at meeting; make minor comments on warrant draft

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by Mary Grow

The two Vassalboro select board members present at the May 11 board meeting offered a few minor comments on Town Manager Aaron Miller’s draft town meeting warrant. The manager planned to have a final copy ready for their signatures after the meeting.

The first part of the town meeting is an open meeting that begins at 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 5, at Vassalboro Community School. Voters present will elect a moderator; elect five budget committee members; act on municipal and school expenditure requests for the 2023-24 fiscal year that begins July 1; and act on policy and procedural questions.

There are a total of 38 articles to be decided June 5. On Tuesday, June 13, Articles 39 through 41 will be on a written ballot. They ask voters to approve or reject the school budget adopted June 5; approve or reject amendments to the Site Review Ordinance (in the form of a new section governing commercial solar energy systems); and elect town officials (see box with this story).

The other document that select board members reviewed May 11 was titled “Vassalboro Recreation Committee Bylaws.” Recreation Director Karen Hatch explained that because the board and voters have created her position, the committee’s role has changed.

After half an hour’s discussion, select board chairman Barbara Redmond proposed committee members be invited to a workshop session with the select board. Miller said he would schedule the workshop.

In other business, Vassalboro Historical Society spokesman John Melrose said the heat pumps to be installed at the former East Vassalboro schoolhouse (now the society’s headquarters and museum) will cost $32,019.06, because the plan has been amended to make the boiler that presently heats the building unnecessary.

The Efficiency Maine program will provide $14,000, Melrose said, leaving $18,019.06 as the town’s share. Select board members had approved using $15,000 in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for the project. They increased the appropriation to $18,019.06 and authorized Miller to sign the Efficiency Maine contract.

Miller asked for permission to look into seeking bids for legal work for the town. Vassalboro has had the same attorney since 2018, he said. Select board members approved.

The manager said the tax-acquired property at 83 South Stanley Hill Road has been advertised for sale; there is considerable interest. The town website, www.Vassalboro.net, has instructions for submitting bids; they are due at the town office by 4 p.m., Wednesday, June 7, and the minimum bid is $10,000.

Board members briefly discussed application and other fees the town charges for permits and licenses. They adopted the planning board’s recommendation that site review application fees for commercial projects be increased to $100 for a minor project and $400 for a major; they might consider other fees at future meetings.

No candidates on June 13 ballot

Vassalboro voters have no candidate on the June 13 ballot to fill the select board seat being vacated by Barbara Redmond.

Town Manager Aaron Miller said May 11 that David McCarthy, Jr., the only nominee, has withdrawn his candidacy.

Voters will see a blank line on which to write in the candidate of their choice. Write-in rules will be publicized on the town website, Facebook and elsewhere.

The person with the most correct written-in votes will become a select board member for a three-year term, assuming he or she accepts the position.

Vassalboro’s other June 13 elections are for two seats on the school board. Incumbents Erin “Libby” Loiko and Zachary Smith are unopposed for re-election.

Polls will be open at the town office from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Tuesday, June 13. Absentee ballots were scheduled to be available at the town office Monday, May 15.

The next regular Vassalboro select board meeting will be Thursday evening, May 25.

VASSALBORO: Teachers ask for more professional development time

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro School Board members spent most of their May 16 meeting discussing the 2023-24 school calendar, and scheduled a special zoom meeting for May 22 to approve a final version, after Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer wrote up their revisions and ran them by staff members.

The main issue was professional development time, scheduled hours for staff to do workshops and training and work together on educational issues.

This past year has seen two early release days most months, days when students go home at midday so staff can meet in the afternoon. Principal Ira Michaud reported the most recent day had been used for a zoom workshop with an outside expert.

Alternatives to early release days include late start days (used in some other Maine school organizations, people said) or full days without students. Discussion tried to balance two objectives: maximizing staff time for cooperative work while minimizing inconvenience to parents.

Michaud emphasized that students benefit from the staff development time. The purpose is to share current information and ideas that make classroom teaching more effective.

Pfeiffer reported after the May 22 meeting that school board members unanimously approved the 2023-24 calendar. It will be shared with parents in mailings and posted on the school website, vcsvikings.com.

In other business May 16:

  • Michaud reported after screening for next year’s prekindergarten and kindergarten classes, preliminary figures are 29 prekindergarten students and 39 kindergarten students.
  • Pfeiffer said plans for summer work include repointing and sealing the school building’s brick exterior, more security upgrades and adding acoustic tiles to reduce noise in the cafeteria.
  • Michaud said third-graders won this spring’s penny-collecting contest. The Student Council voted to use the about $400 collected to buy larger national and state flags for the flagpole in front of the school.

Another thought students had was to replace the worn-out slide on the playground, but Michaud said a new slide would cost between $6,000 and $10,000. He’ll keep the need in mind and hope to find money.

  • Board members approved Mia Sargent as the new art teacher and Joel Estes, who has been a substitute teacher, as an Educational Technician III.

Michaud said Sargent spent a year becoming a credentialed art teacher, after eight years’ experience as an elementary-school classroom teacher. She succeeds Sue Briggs, one of the two Vassalboro Community School long-timers retiring next month; kitchen manager Mary Dumont is the other.

Pfeiffer and Michaud praised VCS staff for their hard work as school enters “the new normal” after the disruptive covid years.

This year’s eight-grade promotion is scheduled for 6 p.m., Monday, June 12, at the China Lake Conference Center, on Neck Road, in China.

After the special May 22 meeting, the next regular Vassalboro School Board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 20.

Board members set their annual summer workshop for 5 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18, to be followed by the summer school board meeting at 6:45 p.m.

EVENTS: No parade in China; One in Albion

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China to hold moment of prayer

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, there will be a parade in Albion, beginning at 9 a.m., from the Besse Building.
There will be no parade in China, however, there will be a moment of prayer, at 10 a.m., at the China Baptist Church, on Causeway St.

Winslow scouts prepare for Memorial Day

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From front to back, left, Alex Parsons, of Benton, Simon Giroux, Freddie Pullen, Lorelei Pullen, and Elliot Giroux, all of Winslow. The Cubs of Pack #445 joined scouts from Troop #433 in advance of Memorial Day to remember those veterans who had served and have since passed on. The scout near the headstone is Wyatt Collins, of Fairfield, who is a member of Troop #433, in Winslow. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Dan Bernier receives scouting highest award

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Eagle Scout Benjamin Bernier, left, and his mother Jennifer Bernier, stand on either side of Dan Bernier after he received the District Award of Merit from Luanne Chesley, right, Kennebec Valley District Advancement Chairman. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Waterville attorney Dan Bernier wears a suit when providing expert advice to clients on matters such as estate planning, probate law, litigation and government relations. But he was wearing his Scout uniform when he received the District Award of Merit on Wednesday, May 10, at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, in Waterville.

The District Award of Merit is the highest honor a local Scouting District can bestow upon a volunteer Scouting leader. Kennebec Valley District delivers the Scouting program in Franklin, Kennebec, Lincoln and Knox Counties. Based on the Scouting demographics of the area, Kennebec Valley District was allowed to present two District Awards of Merit this year.

Garth Smith, of Winslow, received one earlier this year but Bernier was not able to attend the district dinner and received his award during the monthly Scouting Leaders’ Roundtable.

Bernier became active in scouting in 2006 when his son, Ben Bernier, joined the program as a Cub Scout in Waterville Pack #436. Dan became Cubmaster of the Pack and then when Ben moved on to the scout troop, Dan joined as well. In Troop #436, Dan Bernier held several positions during the years including Chartered Organization Representative, Committee Chairman and eventually Scoutmaster – a position he still holds. Dan has been active in Kennebec Valley District helping the Bushcraft program at Camp Bomazeen and assisting with efforts to grow the Bomazeen Old Timers which is an entity formed to provide support for Camp Bomazeen.

Dan Bernier was named Scouting’s Unit Leader of the Year in 2015 and has earned the Scoutmaster’s Key.

Kennebec Valley District Advancement Chairman Luanne Chesley, of Vassalboro, made the presentation of the award to Bernier highlighting his work outside of scouting especially with the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce.

“Dan is without a doubt a deserving individual,” Chesley said. “He is a man who works very hard in the background for the benefit of many scouts. It is a great honor that we honor him tonight.”

Bernier feels that scouting is valuable today because of its strong, outdoor program. “The big thing about scouting is getting kids outside and exposing them to a lot of things in the outdoors that they don’t normally do anymore that they used to do.” Waterville Troop #436 recently visited the sites of the Battle of Lexington and Concord on Patriots’ Day. “We meet on Tuesday night at 7 p.m., at the Methodist church. People who want to join can contact me at dan@bernierlawoffice.com or the office number 877-8969.”

Issue for May 18, 2023

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Issue for May 18, 2023

Celebrating 35 years of local news

Ladies group celebrates young families

When you hear tea party you might imagine a tea pot with tea cozy surrounded by teacups on saucers. The Moms to be Tea Party hosted by the ladies of Sew for a Cause was quite different. May 6, 2023, was a time to celebrate the joy of new life at the St. Bridget Center, in Vassalboro. The kindness and all the work that went into that day grew from a discussion in January 2023 on how these ladies could celebrate young families… by Roberta Barnes

Town News

Transfer station committee members struggle with unauthorized users

CHINA – China transfer station committee members pondered two questions at their May 9 meeting: how to make a second regional household hazardous waste day as successful as the one April 22 (if China hosts one again); and how to continue to reduce the number of unauthorized transfer station users…

Select board to hold second public hearing on board of appeals changes

CHINA – China select board members will hold a second public hearing on the proposed changes in the Board of Appeals section in the Land Use Ordinance before their May 22 meeting…

Listing all ways to state would be large undertaking

WINDSOR – Town manager Theresa Haskell informed the Windsor Select Board at their April 25 meeting about a bill pending before the Legislature, LD461, that if implemented, would require municipalities to develop or update a list of town ways, private ways, and private roads. Each municipality will have to have this provided to the Department of Transportation by November 1, 2023, and the towns would have to establish standards for private road construction by November 1, 2024. “This is a lot of work,” Haskell commented…

Browntail moth update

CENTRAL ME – We’ve had some wonderful sunny and warm weather this past week; which means that many browntail moth host plants have been continuing to produce leaves and flower buds. However, this also means that there is more food available for hungry browntail caterpillars…

Cub scouts pitch-in on Earth Day

WINSLOW – Cubs Scouts in Winslow Pack #445 spent Earth Day- Saturday April 22 – picking up trash around town. Sabrina Marie Garfield, Den Leader for the Wolf Den, organized the project as a way of teaching the Cubs that they have a responsibility to make their community a little better than they found it. The Wolf Den is made up of boys and girls in grade two and they cleaned up litter from more than four miles in town including around the elementary, middle and high schools… by Chuck Mahaleris

Waterville scouts at Nobscot Reservation

WATERVILLE – Friday, April 14, found Boy Scout Troop #436, of Waterville, spending the weekend at Nobscot Scout Reservation, in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Early Saturday morning, they headed to Lexington to hike the 10-mile “Sons of Liberty Trail” to the North Bridge, in Concord…

Quick response to Kennebec River freshet

WATERVILLE — On Tuesday May 2, 2023, Waterville Fire/Rescue responded to 10 Water Street for a routine flood assessment. During times of severe rain, they generally check areas of concern including Water Street and along the Messalonskee River. Upon arrival, they located a flooded parking lot which included three cars that were on the perimeter of the water line. There was a significant amount of debris which washed up on the parking lot creating a roadblock to accessing the vehicles… by Mark Huard

Mid-Maine Chamber names customer service specialist

WATERVILLE — Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, located in Waterville, welcomes Deborah Hellman as its new customer service specialist. Deborah has been named to the position, replacing Katelyn Hood, who worked for the chamber just under one year…

School News

Carrabec High School honor parts announced

NORTH ANSON — Announcing Luke Carey, Carrabec’s Valedictorian, and Mliss Hem, Carrabec’s Salutatorian…

Local happenings

EVENTS: Thurston Park committee to meet

CHINA – China’s Thurston Park Committee meets at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 18, at the park. The main purpose of the meeting, chairman Jeanette Smith said, is to determine what maintenance is needed in preparation for Erskine Academy’s Day of Caring work day on Friday, May 19, and the annual Spring Work Day in the park on Saturday, May 20…

EVENTS: Spectrum Generations invites public to participate in 21st annual Golf Fore a Cause Tournament

CENTRAL ME – Spectrum Generations, Central Maine’s Area Agency on Aging, invites the public to participate in the 21st Annual Golf Fore a Cause tournament at The Meadows Golf Club, in Litchfield, on Friday, June 9, 2023. This fun event will take place at 495 Huntington Hill Rd., where check-in starts at 8 a.m. and tee off is at 9 a.m…

EVENTS: All Saints ten mile yard sale

SKOWHEGAN – On May 19 and 20, the annual 10-mile yard sale winds its way from Skowhegan to Cornville. At All Saints Episcopal Church on, 169 Malbons Mills Road, Skowhegan, you will find free activities, big bargains and, of course, food…

EVENTS: National Poppy Day is May 26

CENTRAL ME – May 26, 2023 is National Poppy Day. Members of American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit #39, Madison, will be distributing bright red poppies in exchange for a donation throughout the month of May…

EVENTS: Hospice volunteers to offer weekend retreat for families

WATERVILLE – Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area has announced they will be hosting Camp Ray of Hope, a statewide weekend retreat for Maine individuals and families who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives. The retreat will be held June 16-18, at Pilgrim Lodge, in West Gardiner. Attendees are given opportunities to connect with other people from throughout the state who have experienced a significant loss…

Webber’s Pond

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

Name that film!

Identify the film in which this famous line originated and qualify to win FREE passes to Railroad Square Cinema in Waterville: “I feel the need — the need for speed!” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is June 7, 2023…

Listing of local town meetings

CENTRAL ME — Listing of 2023 local town meetings in central Maine. To have your town listed, please email us at townline@townline.org…

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: E. Vassalboro grange seedling sale set

VASSALBORO — On Sunday, May 21, from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., the East Vassalboro Grange will be having a springtime seedling sale! There will be six local farms selling vegetable, perennial, flower, and herb seedlings. A perfect time for finding plants for your gardens and home. Coffee and snacks will be available for purchase – all food proceeds support the grange’s commercial kitchen. Vendors will be set up on the lawn at the Vassalboro Grange, 353 Main Street…. and many other local events!

2022-’23 Real Estate Tax Due Dates

Real estate tax due dates for the towns of Albion, China, Fairfield, Oakland, Palermo, Sidney, Vassalboro, Waterville, Windsor and Winslow…

Obituaries

BENTON – Chester E. Poulin, 93, passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023, following a brief illness. He was born in Water­ville, January 8, 1930, the son of Philippe and Elizabeth (Wintle) Poulin… and remembering 11 others.

FICTION: The House, part 10: Visions of Christmas past (continued)

Excitement started to show on the boy’s face. He seemed to always enjoy anything to do with his father, especially whatever his father would give or send him. He quickly unwrapped the package and found a toy replica of the train engine Tom Thumb. He immediately tried to push it across the floor and his mother reprimanded him to not scratch the flooring. You can tell that she, yet again, was displeased with her husband’s choice of gift. Actually she never seemed pleased with anything to do with her husband and did not hold back how she felt about her son. “Why your father gets you those types of gifts is beyond me.” Ian did his best to ignore her… by Peg Pellerin

Celebrating Maine history

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

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Holidays: Memorial Day (new)

MAINE HISTORY — Waterville’s W. S Heath GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) Post #14, described last week, was the second founded of the eight in the part of Kennebec County covered in this series, according to Henry Kingsbury’s county history. It was the third of 19 in the whole county, Kingsbury wrote… by Mary Grow

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: May holidays

MAINE HISTORY — The month of May hosts two well-observed national holidays in the 21st-century United States: the second Sunday is Mother’s Day, and the last Monday is Memorial Day. There will be no story about Mother’s Day; it’s too new. Nor will your writer trouble you with details about the many other May holidays listed on line… by Mary Grow

Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!

DEADLINE: Wednesday, June 15, 2023

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

Previous winner: Sarah Cunningham, Waterville

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | It’s simply amazing what you come across in the woods of Maine. While preparing to open camp for the season, my wife and I were helping friends do some raking and leaf pickup, when the wife showed me something that she had raked up. It looked kind of odd. OK, something else I had never seen in the 34 years my wife and I have been there…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

As warmer months approach, the prevalence of ticks and the risk of contracting Lyme disease increase, especially in Maine. The state has consistently ranked high for Lyme disease cases, making it crucial for residents to be informed about prevention measures and early detection…

I’M JUST CURIOUS

by Debbie Walker | I am curious if anyone still does May Day? I remember it from when I was a little kid, but I hear nothing about it now. Why did we lose that one? What else have we lost?…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | Maine novelist Ruth Moore (1903-1989) was born on Gott’s Island, spent several years as an adult out of state, and published the very successful novel Spoonhandle in 1946, which was adapted for the 1948 movie Deep Waters; the money enabled her to move back to Maine for the rest of her life…

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Celebrate in May (continued)

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by Debbie Walker

I am curious if anyone still does May Day? I remember it from when I was a little kid, but I hear nothing about it now. Why did we lose that one? What else have we lost?

We’re starting out with May 15th:

15 – National Choc Chip Day, Straw Hat Day.
16 – National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day, National Love a tree Day.
17 – National Cherry Cobbler Day, National Mushroom Hunting Day, National Walnut Day.
18 – National Cheese Souffle’ Day.
19 – National Devils Food Cake Day, Plant Something Day.
20 – National Women in Aerospace Day, National River Cleanup Day, Plant a Lemon Tree Day, World Bee Day.
21 – Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day, International Tea Day, National Talk Like Yoda Day.
25 – National Tap Dance Day, National Wine Day.
26 – National Blueberry Cheesecake Day.
27 – National Grape Popsicle Day, National Italian Beef Day.
28 – National Hamburger Day, Whooping Crane Day.
30 – National Creativity Day.
31 – National Macaroon Day, World Otter Day, World Parrott Day.

I do want to add that I got these May Days from a newspaper called Senior Voice of Citrus County. How many do you think you will celebrate?

Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend from work or school. However, that’s what you hear about on Tuesday morning. People get dressed up in red, white, and blue to enjoy their get-togethers. What gets less attention is the reason you have the time off.

Memorial Day deserves its own place on my page. The same little paper also had a title of Memorial Day Facts, and here they are:

The holiday started after the Civil War which ended in 1865. The Civil War claimed 620,000 soldiers’ lives. This made it necessary to create the first national cemetery. And over the next decade Americans started to hold their own rituals each spring to honor lost soldiers, by decorating their graves.

After World War I, it became a time to honor all who have died in all American wars. In 1971 it became a national holiday by an act of Congress. It was originally known as Decoration Day, when the emphasis of the holiday was on the memory of our soldiers who fought for us.

In May 1868 Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared the holiday be observed at the end of May. It is believed he chose that date because flowers would be blooming and ready to be used to decorate the graves.

Federal guidelines indicate that flags on the holiday be hung at half-staff. But only until noon, then they should be raised the rest of the way. There is also a Moment of Remembrance, at 3 p.m., local time, around the country.

The finish today will be some morning statements:

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” – by Robert Louis Stevenson.

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” – Marcus Aurelius.

I’m just curious what May holidays you will enjoy!! Contact me with any questions or comments at DebbieWalker@townline.org . I’ll be looking forward to them!! Have a wonderful week!