Windsor manager instructs planners to review building codes

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by The Town Line staff

The Windsor Select Board dealt with an abbreviated agenda on November 22, with three board members in attendance. Selectmen Andrew Ballantyne and William Appel Jr. were absent.

Town Manager Theresa Haskell mentioned the building code has not been reviewed since 2006. The select board decided to request the planning board committee to review the code. Haskell has sent the current code to Joel Greenwood at Kennevec Valley Council of Governments for review.

Sean Teekema, transfer station supervisor, talked about the discussion on whether they want to continue to accept propane tanks. He said he has spoken to a company that prefers to pick up at least 50 tanks, but Teekema said the transfer station has not had 50 total tanks in the past six years.

Haskell also reported receiving a document updating the General Assistance Ordinance from 2021 to 2022. There will need to be another public hearing to accept the updated document. The select board held a public hearing on December 6. Nothing has been confirmed as of this printing.

There was also a request to have the three RSU members, the superintendent, and the Windsor School principal attend the December 6 select board meeting.

Haskell also reported the contract from Mid Maine Generator for the fire department tower generator came in at $10,800, which is $700 less than the original estimate of $11,500. The contact has been signed and the work will begin soon.

The board also approved the closing of the town office on Monday, December 19, from noon to 2 p.m.

In other business, Haskell mentioned the food bank raised $1,016 at the bake sale that was held at Hussey’s General Store on November 19.

VASSALBORO: Medical marijuana growing business gets approval

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by Mary Grow

At their Dec. 6 meeting, Vassalboro Planning Board members unanimously approved a site review permit for Joseph O’Donnell to open a medical marijuana growing business at 960 Main Street, in North Vassalboro. The facility will use less than 1,000 square feet on the third (top) floor of the building in the old mill complex.

The review process was complicated by lack of information: board members did not know whether there was another marijuana growing operation on the second floor of the same building. If there were two, totaling more than 1,000 square feet, Vassalboro’s Marijuana Business Ordinance would apply.

Voters approved the Marijuana Business Ordinance in June 2021. Its purpose is “to prohibit Marijuana Businesses, as defined, in the Town of Vassalboro, unless they were in lawful operation or had received site plan or building permit approval for the use prior to the Effective Date of this Ordinance.”

The ordinance has several exceptions. The one allowing O’Donnell to open his facility exempts “a building or lot containing less than 1,000 square feet of area in the aggregate that is used for cultivation of medical marijuana by one or more Registered Caregivers pursuant to 22 M.R.S. § 2423-A.”

By Dec. 8, interim codes officer Paul Mitnik had learned that there is a second-floor growing operation, and that it is illegal under current Vassalboro ordinances.

The second-floor business was originally approved in May 2019, according to the Dec. 8 letter Mitnik sent building owner Edward Marcoux, of Benton. In the fall of 2021, when Mitnik asked whether the owner intended to apply for an annual permit under the Marijuana Business License Ordinance, he was told the operation was closing. No license was issued.

Meanwhile, Mitnik and planning board members learned Dec. 6, the original owner died and his partner took over the operation, apparently in violation of Vassalboro’s Site Review Ordinance, which says permits cannot be transferred.

Mitnik’s Dec. 8 letter to Marcoux told him that the operation on the second floor of his building was illegal; and Marcoux, as owner of a building with two marijuana growing operations, was also out of compliance with town ordinances.

Mitnik’s letter gave Marcoux and the second-floor tenant 30 days, until Jan. 13, 2023, to close and remove the business.

Board members and Mitnik agreed at the Dec. 6 meeting that the unpermitted and unlicensed operation did not prevent O’Donnell from opening his facility. Board members found that it met all requirements in the Site Review Ordinance.

Major topics were fire safety, in light of two recent fires at marijuana operations in town, and odor control. The fire safety issue concerned O’Donnell, for his business and because he respects the historic nature of the former North Vassalboro mill complex in which he will operate, and Raymond Breton, owner of the adjacent former mill building.

Fire Chief Walker Thompson was in the audience. He and O’Donnell agreed to meet on-site when O’Donnell completes interior changes, to review access for emergency personnel and related issues. Planning board members required O’Donnell’s already-planned fire alarm and motion detectors, plus emergency access provisions, and made Thompson’s approval a condition for opening the business.

A nearby property-owner asked about odor. O’Donnell described his planned air filtration and purification systems and said there should be no escaping odors; board members made odor mitigation another condition of the permit.

O’Donnell plans no retail business that would generate traffic and no changes to the outside of the building.

After almost an hour and half reviewing O’Donnell’s application, board members returned to consideration of a new local ordinance section that will regulate commercial solar developments (see The Town Line, Nov. 10, p. 2). They again reviewed setbacks and buffering, and briefly discussed decommissioning requirements.

Joining the conversation was Paula Fitzgerald, from Novel Energy Solutions, the company planning a solar farm on the west side of Main Street (Route 32), between the road and Outlet Stream, north of Duratherm Window.

Area residents had submitted suggestions that board members did not discuss, having had no time to review them, and several attended the meeting. One neighbor asked why board members were listening to Fitzgerald, an interested party; board chairman Virginia Brackett said they were tapping her expertise.

In a Dec. 8 memo to board members, Mitnik reminded them that neighbors and other interested parties will be able to present their views on the proposed ordinance at a public hearing before the final draft is written for presentation to town meeting voters. To meet pre-town meeting deadlines, the hearing will be scheduled in March 2023.

Before adjourning, board members agreed to start their Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, meeting at 6:30 p.m., half an hour earlier than usual, and to tentatively schedule a Jan. 17 meeting to continue discussion of the solar ordinance.

VASSALBORO: Process begins for new town manager

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by Mary Grow

Every time Vassalboro select board members talked about how much they have to do in January as they begin 2023 town meeting preparations, Town Manager Mary Sabins’ smile got broader.

Aaron Miller

Sabins is retiring at the end of the year, and early in their Dec. 8 meeting select board members had signed a contract with her successor, Aaron Miller, of Alna. Sabins said her to-do list for Miller is already several pages long; board members helped lengthen it.

Several Dec. 8 agenda items involved requests for money. Board members spent most time on reviewing requests for ARPA (federal funds granted under the American Rescue Plan Act) money, which will not come directly from local taxpayers.

Sabins shared a page-long list of requests from town departments, organizations and individual residents with ideas for improvements. The total came to more than $507,000, with no cost estimates attached to some items. Sabins said Vassalboro has about $226,000 available.

The preliminary review led to unanimous select board support for 15 requests, totaling about $125,000 (plus some costs not yet estimated). Miller will oversee the final round of decision-making.

Lauchlin Titus, chairman of the new committee reviewing capital needs at the former East Vassalboro schoolhouse that is now the home of the Vassalboro Historical Society, presented a report from Vassalboro engineer Clough Toppan, of Toppan Consulting Services.

Toppan’s recommendations included LED lights, additional insulation and caulking, a new, more efficient oil boiler and heat pumps. No firm prices were attached. Titus said the Melrose family had taken care of most of the lights, at no charge; he suggested caulking might become a Boy Scout community project.

The heat pumps generated most discussion. Select board members unanimously voted to authorize the town manager to find a “qualified partner” to meet the Efficiency Maine requirement to get state reimbursement for much of the cost of heat pump installation.

The “qualified partner,” Titus explained, is a contractor who makes recommendations on the number and type of heat pumps, applies to Efficiency Maine on the town’s behalf, and if funding is approved, installs the heat pumps. Finding such a person is likely to be Miller’s responsibility.

Yet another pending cost is a cover for the new hopper at the transfer station, so the trash will not be mixed with snow and ice. Board members unanimously authorized a search for a contractor to do the job; writing the Request for Proposals (RFP) will be another job for Miller.

In other business Dec. 8:

  • Select board members unanimously approved closing the transfer station at noon Saturday, Dec. 24, and all day Sunday, Dec. 25.
  • They tentatively scheduled the stakeholders’ meeting requested by the Webber Pond Association to discuss water quality for the evening of Jan. 25 or Jan. 26, 2023.
  • They unanimously appointed John Reuthe a member of the Vassalboro Conservation Commission.
  • They unanimously approved a staff holiday lunch at 12:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23.

By the time the Dec. 8 meeting ended, board members had one agenda item for their Dec. 22 meeting: Sabins said the annual review of marijuana business license will be that evening.

LEGAL NOTICES for Thursday, December 15, 2022

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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 15, 2022. 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 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 his 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.A. §3-80.

2022-402 – of RICHARD C. TOWNSEND, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Matthew C. Townsend, 20 Townsend Road, Fairfield, Me 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-404 – Estate of BERNARD A. COCCHI, late of Athens, Me deceased. Nicholas Wagar, 470 Silver Street, #215, Manchester, NH 03103 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-406 – Estate of DEBORAH S. COLLINS, late of Anson, Me deceased. Merrill D. Firsching, 386 W. Mills Road, Anson, Me 04911 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-407 – Estate of KENNETH LEE BROWN, late of Anson, Me deceased. Tammy Jean Gray, 11 Ordway Street, Georgetown, MA 01833 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-277 – Estate of JEROLD WAYNE VASHON, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Heidi Edgecomb, 755 Mercer Road, Norridgewock, Maine 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-410 – Estate of ELLEN H. MacMICHAEL, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. James MacMichael, 18 Coburn Avenue, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-411 – Estate of AGNES D. QUATTROMANI, late of Anson, Me deceased. Mark A. Jordan, PO Box 71, Anson, Me 04911 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-412- Estate of Laurice W. Sinclair, late of Pittsfield, Me deceased Verna M. Sinclair, 113 Berry Road, Pittsfield, Me 04967 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-413 Estate of EMILE J. RODRIGUE III, late, of Fairfield, Me deceased. Daniel Rodrigue, PO Box 2977, Palmer, AK 99645 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-418 – Estate of ERMA BLAKNEY, late of Hartland, Me deceased. Julie A. Blakney, 64 Horn Hill Road, Fairfield, Me 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-419- Estate of GENEVIEVE M. DUNCOMBE, late of St. Albans, Me deceased. Deborah D. Bragg, PO Box, Troy, Me 04987 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-424 – Estate of ERNEST FRANKLIN SHUFELT, late of West Forks, Me deceased. Sheila F. Wells, 422 Limerick Road, Arundel, Me. 04046 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-422- Estate of ROBERT J. SOUZA, late of Pittsfield, Me deceased. Carol Ann Souza, 1035 Main Street, Pittsfield, Me. 04967 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-428- Estate of MICHAEL M. GOODNO, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Michelle Lyn Humphrey, 3434 Middle Road, Sidney, Me. 04330 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-429- Estate of BARBARA E. WADE, late of Pittsfield, Me deceased. Rebecca M. Sanborn, 127 Lancey St., Pittsfield, Me. 04967 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on December 15 & 22, 2022.

Dated December 12, 2022
/s/ Victoria M. Hatch,
Register of Probate
(12/22)

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 December 28, 2022. 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.

2022-420 – Estate of ROSE MARGARET CAREY. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Rose Margaret Carey, PO Box 383, Anson, Me 04911 requesting her name be changed to Rose Margaret Rogers for reasons set forth therein.

2022-434 – Estate of RICHARD EDWARD DAY. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Richard Edward Day, of 81 S. Main Street, Athens, Maine 04912, requesting his name be changed to Richard Aaron Day for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: December 12, 2022

/s/ Victoria M. Hatch,
Register of Probate
(12/22)

PROBATE COURT
SOMERSET, SS

NOTICE TO HEIRS
Estate of DUANE ESTES
DOCKET NO. 2014-162-2

It appearing that the following heir of DUANE S. ESTES, as listed in an Petition to establish ownership of property is unable to be served:

SHAWN ESTES of 844 Lakeview Drive, China, Maine

THEREFORE, notice is hereby given as heir of the above-named estate pursuant to Maine Rules of Probate Procedure Rule 4(d) (1) (a), and Rule 4 (e) (a).

This notice shall be published once a week for two successive weeks in the Town Line with the first publication to be November 17, 2022.

The name and address of the petitioning party is Attorney Jed Davis, 86 Winthrop Street, Suite 1, Augusta, Maine 04330.

The hearing on this matter has been set for November 30, 2022, at 10 a.m., at Somerset County Probate Court. This matter will be held electronically. You may call 1(571)317-3122 and when prompted please access code 545-612-605.

Dated: November 15, 2022

/s/ Victoria M. Hatch,
Register of Probate
(11/24)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
SOMERSET, SS
NOTICE TO HEIRS

Estate of ERMA BLAKNEY
DOCKET NO. 2022-418

It appearing that the following heir of ERMA BLAKNEY, as listed in an Application for Informal Probate of a Will and Appointment of Personal Representative is of unknown names and addresses:

DAVID BLAKNEY

THEREFORE, notice is hereby given as heir of the above-named estate pursuant to Maine Rules of Probate Procedure Rule 4(d) (1) (a), and Rule 4 (e) (a).

This notice shall be published once a week for two successive weeks in the Town Line with the first publication to be December 15, 2022.

The name and address of the Personal Representative is Julie Blakney, 64 Horn Hill Road, Fairfield, Me 04937.

Dated: December 12, 2022

/s/ Victoria M. Hatch,
Register of Probate
(12/22)

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, December 15, 2022

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

LEARNING THE ROPES: Joan Chaffee, of Clinton, snapped this immature bald eagle perched on a rock while looking for fish to catch.

PEEK-A-BOO: Jayne Winters, of South China, captured this squirrel peering out of a snow bank last winter.

OLD FRIENDS: Pat Clark, of Palermo, photographed this male cardinal, and blue jay friends, last winter.

The Wreaths Across America caravan stops in China

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The caravan stops for lunch at Hannaford, in China. (photo by Eric Austin)

by Eric W. Austin

The Hannaford parking lot in South China was unusually crowded on Sunday, December 11, as the Wreaths Across America caravan stopped in China on its way to Arlington National Cemetery, in Virginia, to lay wreaths during this holiday season on the graves of America’s fallen heroes.

The caravan consisted of semi-trucks loaded with donated wreaths, the police cars, blue lights flashing, to escort them, and the many volunteers that help with the effort. Hannaford provided lunch for the volunteers on this stop in China before they headed to their next stop in Lewiston.

(photo by Eric Austin)

“They say you die twice,” a Gold-Star mother told me in the parking lot. “Once physically and once when people stop saying your name.” Her son had died in the Iraq war, she said, and two of her daughters are currently serving. She pointed to a photo that was part of the display on the side of one of the semi-trucks parked behind us. It showed three U.S. soldiers embarking from a helicopter in full combat gear. One of them, she said, was her son. She explained how the families of veterans who have died in the line of duty lay a wreath on their grave and say their name aloud, because it is important that these brave men and women are never forgotten. They live on in the memories of those who loved them.

The Wreaths Across America effort began in 2006 when the Worcester Wreath Co., in Harrington, Maine, posted a photo of wreaths they had laid at the graves of veterans at the national cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. The photo went viral and the initiative quickly grew to encompass more than 100 locations across the U.S.

Anyone wishing to sponsor a wreath or find out more about the program can reach out through their website at wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Central Maine Motors Auto Group recognized for rural revitalization, receives 2022 Governor’s Award

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From left to right, Jeff Leclerc, general manager at CM Toyota, Shad West, general manager at CM Chevy-Buick, Central Maine Motors Auto Group owner Chris Gaunce, Maine Governor Janet Mills, and Scott Pinnette, general manager at CM Chrysler. (contributed photo))

Dealership presented with award at the Maine State House on Dec. 12

Family-owned Central Maine Motors Auto Group was recognized by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development on Monday for its contributions throughout Waterville and the surrounding municipalities. Central Maine Motors owns and operates three locations: Central Maine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT®, Central Maine Chevy Buick, and Central Maine Toyota.

“Central Maine Motors prides itself on providing great customer service through its three dealerships in Waterville. Giving back to our community and taking care of people remains a priority for us,” states Central Maine Motors President and Owner Chris Gaunce. “Looking forward, our business will continue to prioritize community betterment and celebrate all of the good that our region and state have to offer.”

Awarded to Maine businesses in four categories (Heritage Industry, Rural Revitalization, Innovation, and Climate Leader), the 2022 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence was recently presented to Central Maine Motors Auto Group by Governor Mills and Maine Department of Economic and Business Development Commissioner Heather Johnson. Central Maine Motors Auto Group was recognized in the Rural Revitalization category, recognizing contributions to the revitalization and growth of Maine’s rural regions, joining fellow awardees Atlantic Sea Farms (Heritage Industry), MedRhythms (Innovation), and Dirigo Solar (Climate Leader). In addition to the Governor’s Award for Business Excellence, Chris Gaunce has been named Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce’s 2008 Rising Star, was selected as the Chamber’s 2016 Businessperson of the Year, and was honored by Junior Achievement of Maine as a Maine Business Hall of Fame North laureate in 2022.

“The Gaunce’s and Central Maine Motors Auto Group have continued to contribute to Waterville’s rapidly growing business landscape, accompanied with their passion for supporting downtown revitalization, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and philanthropy”, elaborates Central Maine Growth Council Director of Planning, Innovation, and Economic Development Garvan Donegan. “As past board chairman of Central Maine Growth Council, Chris’ leadership and drive for celebrating the region through countless community and economic development initiatives have allowed new businesses to thrive, giving students on-site work experience all while retaining and upskilling a dedicated workforce.”

Since 1991, the Governor’s Award for Business Excellence has recognized Maine businesses with a high level of commitment to their community, employees, and customers. Past recipients have included Acme Monaco, Ware-Butler Building Supply, Luke’s Lobster, and Bigelow Brewing Company. Central Maine Motors’ steadfast leadership and its demonstrated care for employees reflect the company’s 87 years of providing unmatched customer and community service. To learn more about Central Maine Motors Auto Group, please visit https://www.cmautogroup.com/

Issue for December 8, 2022

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Issue for December 8, 2022

Celebrating 34 years of local news

Scouts hold Lego derby at Camp Bomazeen

More than 60 Cubs and Scouts, some from as far away as Buxton, West Paris, and Bath, rolled into Belgrade’s Camp Bomazeen on Saturday, November 12, for the second annual Lego Pinewood Derby. Isa Russell, of Lewiston Troop #2019, won Best in Show with her Phoenix Lego Derby Car. She is a Life Scout from Randolph and enjoys the creativity of the Lego project. Gabriel Booker, a Tiger Cub with Augusta Pack #603, was the fastest Lego car in the Camp’s Dining Hall. He had plastic lights on the back of his car so other racers would be able to follow him to the finish line… by Chuck Mahaleris

 

Town News

China to join national communications system

CHINA – China select board members voted unanimously at their Dec. 5 meeting to spend $2,000 a year for the next two fiscal years to join a communication system called TextMyGov…

Vassalboro selects new town manager

VASSALBORO – The Vassalboro Select Board has announced that Aaron Miller has been selected as the new Vassalboro town manager following a nationwide search. Miller will succeed Mary Sabins who is retiring on January 2, 2023…

The Remembrance Tree

Help us decorate the tree and at the same time remember a loved one. For only $10 a ball, you can commemorate a love one who has passed. Mail your donation and the names of your remembered loved ones to The Town Line, PO Box 89, South China, ME 04358. Deadline is Friday, December 16!

Name that film!

Identify the film in which this famous line originated and qualify to win FREE passes to Railroad Square Cinema in Waterville: “Houston, we have a problem.” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is December 7, 2022…

Letters & Opinions

LETTERS: Is Poland more forward thinking than us?

from Frank Slason (Somerville) – Concerning the new trend toward the electrification of America, just a reminder of what’s to come. This stampede to electric cars and heat pumps all need electric back ups and will put a big strain on our already crumbling grid…

LETTERS: Appalled at court’s action on public land

from State Senator Rick Bennett (Oxford) – As one who helped draft Article 9, Section 23 in 1993 to protect our public lands from private misuse, I am appalled at this court’s action [Maine Supreme Judicial Court in the case of Russell Black et al v. Bureau of Parks and Lands et al.]…

Local happenings

Admit Day at Winslow High School

WINSLOW – On November 29, 2022, Winslow High School hosted its annual Admit in a Day for Seniors. Admission representatives from the University of Maine, Husson University, of Bangor, Thomas College, of Waterville, Kennebec Valley Community College, of Fairfield, the University of Maine at Farmington, and the University of Maine at Augusta, were at WHS and gave students on the spot admission decisions, as well as feedback on their applications… by Mark Huard

Waterville Creates announces staffing changes

WATERVILLE – Waterville Creates (WC) has announced the arrival of several new staff members across the organization…

Northern Light welcomes three new specialists

WATERVILLE – Northern Light Inland Hospital has announced three new specialists to the staff in Waterville…

Annual scouting food drive

CENTRAL ME – Scouts in Kennebec Valley District, which includes Somerset, Kennebec, Franklin, Lincoln and Knox Counties, are taking time during the holiday season to help other people through the annual Scouting for Food Drive…

Somerville farm to hold Yule Goat fundraiser

SOMERVILLE – Pumpkin Vine Farm’s Yule Goat celebration, which aims to help spread the magic of Christmas from Scandinavia to India, is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, December 11, at the 217 Hewett Road farm, in Somerville…

F.A. Peabody Insurance opens new central Maine branch

PALERMO – Christopher Anderson, President of F.A. Peabody Insurance (FAPCO,) is announcing the opening of the agency’s 11th branch office in Palermo. Palermo is centrally located in the tri-city community of Belfast, Augusta and Waterville…

The Town Line to benefit from bag sales

CHINA – The Town Line, Inc., a weekly, reader-supported, nonprofit newspaper, has been selected again to receive $1 from every $2.50 reusable Community Bag sold during the month of January 2023 at Hannaford, 33 Hannaford Drive, in South China…

Citrus orders deadline nears

PALERMO – The deadline for ordering bright, tangy, and sweet citrus in time for Christmas is December 11. You can have it shipped anywhere in the lower 48 states for one low price…Proceeds from this sale benefit the Living Communities Foundation, which hosts the Palermo Food Pantry, in the Palermo Community Center, as well as the Palermo Community Garden and the Great ThunderChicken Teaching Drum…

Volunteer coordinators needed for Big Brothers/Big Sisters

WATERVILLE – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBSMM) is looking for adult volunteers to serve as coordinators at eight of its school-based mentoring programs…

Northern Light pharmacy expands

WATERVILLE – Northern Light Pharmacy has announced the opening of a new location on December 6, in Waterville, at the Penny Hill Plaza Park, located at 295 Kennedy Memorial Drive. The new storefront will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m…

How to protect yourself from holiday shopping scams

CENTRAL ME – Online scams cost Americans nearly $7 billion throughout 2021, according to the FBI, and with the holiday shopping season ramping up, it’s vital that people understand how to avoid falling victim to scams…

EVENTS: Art show at Gibbs Library

WASHINGTON – There will be an art show at the Gibbs Library, in Washington, through December 31. Library hours for art viewing are Monday, 4 – 7 p.m., Tuesday, 9 a.m. to noon, and 4 – 7 p.m., Wednesday, 3 – 6 p.m., Thursday, 3 – 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon…

EVENTS: Give blood ahead of hectic holiday weeks

CENTRAL ME – As more people make travel plans to celebrate with family and friends this year, the American Red Cross asks donors to set aside a time to give blood or platelets for patients waiting for care over the holidays. As a thank-you, all who come to give through Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card…

EVENTS: Community Blue Christmas ceremony shines a light on winter solstice

ALBION – The ShineOnCass Foundation will host its Second Annual Blue Christmas Ceremony for grieving families and friends, and those who support them, Wednesday, December 21, at 6 p.m., on the Winter Solstice – the longest and darkest night of the year. Light the Night will feature music, speakers, along with a reading of submitted names of loved ones’ lost and the lighting of memorial blue candles… by Monica Charette

EVENTS: Craft fair to benefit Shakespeare group

AUGUSTA – A Craft Fair with white elephant, Luck of the Draw, bake sale and hot lunch. will be held on Saturday, December 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the South Parish Congregational Church, 9 Bridge St., in Augusta, to benefit Recycled Shakespeare Company and the South Parish Congregational Church. Accessible to all, free to shop…

Celebrating Maine history

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

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Social activities (new)

CENTRAL ME HISTORY – This year’s Nov. 6 time change, with darkness falling an hour earlier, led your writer to think about how central Kennebec Valley families passed long winter evenings 200 or 250 years ago – a research challenge, as few historians devoted pen and ink to such mundane events… by Mary Grow [1749 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Jefferson Medical College grads – Part 2

CENTRAL ME HISTORY – As promised last week, this week’s article will feature random information about three more central Kennebec Valley doctors with degrees from Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia. Their names were Cyrus Kendrick, Class of 1850, who practiced in Litchfield; James E. Tuell, Class of 1884, who practiced in Augusta and who started this topic; and Lewis King Austin, Class of 1894, who practiced, at least briefly, in Waterville… by Mary Grow [1513 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Jefferson Medical College – Part 1

AUGUSTA HISTORY – Your writer recognized a question, probably unanswerable, left over from last week’s mention of Dr. James Tuell, of Augusta. Why had he chosen to attend Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, when Maine had a medical school at Bowdoin, founded in 1820, and there was one at Dartmouth, and numerous others closer than Philadelphia?… by Mary Grow [1923 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Augusta fires & fire departments – Part 4

AUGUSTA HISTORY – Charles W. Ricker was Augusta’s chief engineer for more than a decade, starting in 1893. In the city’s annual report for the fiscal years that ended March 1, 1894, Mayor Charles A. Milliken wrote: “I think politics should be eliminated from this department. The present chief engineer is a competent man and I think should be retained… by Mary Grow [1949 words]

Give Us Your Best Shot!

The best recent photos from our readers!…

Webber’s Pond

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Christmas with the Clauses

FAIRFIELD — Victor Grange, in Fairfield Center, invites everyone to Christmas with the Clauses, Saturday, December 10, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Grange Hall, at the junction of Routes 23 and 104. Events include crafts, decorating cookies, a visit with Santa Claus and a story from Mrs. Claus. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Admission is free.. and many other local events (including lots of area Christmas events)!

Obituaries

SOUTH CHINA – Marie Antoinette (Gleason) Stevens, 92, passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Care (Glendridge), in Augusta. Marie was born October 4, 1930, in North Belgrade to Alice Gleason… and remembering 7 others.

Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!

DEADLINE: Wednesday, December 14, 2022

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: No Winner

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | There is a road off Lakeview Drive, in China, called Killdeer Point Road, that takes you to Killdeer Point, on the lake. We know the area received its name when someone exploring the area saw what he thought was a killdeer, and so named the point. So, what is a killdeer?…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

(NAPSI) | The holidays are right around the corner and sending your mail and packages with the U.S. Postal Service has never been easier or more reliable. With a little planning and the right tools, you can ensure that the perfect gift reaches everyone on your list…

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How to protect yourself from holiday shopping scams

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image: AARP

Online scams cost Americans nearly $7 billion throughout 2021, according to the FBI, and with the holiday shopping season ramping up, it’s vital that people understand how to avoid falling victim to scams.

“Scams often increase with consumer spending, making the holidays ripe for scammers trying to take advantage of the season’s sense of urgency and scarcity,” said Amy Maliga, a financial educator with Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency. “It’s not enough to be aware of scams, though. You have to learn how to watch for and avoid them so your happy holidays don’t turn into a nightmare.”

Maliga shares several things to do and watch out for to avoid falling prey to holiday shopping scams:

– Use secure payment methods: Be wary of websites or sellers that request unusual payment methods like wire transfers, cashier’s checks or apps. Stick to secure payment options such as major credit cards or PayPal.

– Check for site security: Look for ‘https’ at the front of the site’s URL and the small lock icon in the browser window. These indicate that the website is secure, ensuring any data you share (such as credit card numbers or shipping details) will be encrypted when you submit it.

– Watch for spelling and grammatical errors: If you notice a plethora of spelling and grammar mistakes on a website, social media posts or other promotional materials, you likely want to shop elsewhere.

– Pay attention to reviews: Reviews can reveal much about online retailers and sellers. Are there lots of poor reviews from buyers who didn’t receive what they purchased? Or are there numerous glowing reviews that all read alike? Either may indicate the site isn’t what it claims to be.

– Watch for ‘phishy’ confirmation emails: If you receive a confirmation email for an order you didn’t place, ignore and delete it. Knowing people are likely making several orders, scammers will send a phishing email disguised to resemble a confirmation notice from legitimate retailers. If it appears legit, try manually searching the order number on the retailer’s website instead of clicking on any included links.

Don’t let scammers steal your money or your holiday cheer. If a deal or website appears too good to be true, it likely is.

For additional resources to combat financial scams and ensure holiday shopping success, explore Take Charge America’s Budget Tools.

EVENTS: Craft fair to benefit Shakespeare group

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Emily and Josh Fournier, of Recycled Shakespeare Company, stroll the Riverwalk, in Waterville, on William Shakespeare’s 456th birthday on April 23, 2020. (photo by Lyn Rowden)

A Craft Fair with white elephant, Luck of the Draw, bake sale and hot lunch. will be held on Saturday, December 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the South Parish Congregational Church, 9 Bridge St., in Augusta, to benefit Recycled Shakespeare Company and the South Parish Congregational Church. Accessible to all, free to shop.