OBITUARIES for Thursday, August 25, 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

BERTHA KNOWLES

OAKLAND – Bertha Knowles, 76, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2022. She was born on born May 26, 1946.

She is survived by her four children, Ronnie Knowles, Sheila Knowles, Joseph Knowles and Rose Knights; sister, Shirley Clark; many grandchildren; nieces and nephews. At Bertha’s request, there will be no funeral services.

JORDAN N. KNOX

WHITEFIELD – Jordan N. Knox, 28, passed away unexpectedly at her home, in Whitefield, on Friday, August 12. She was born on February 24, 1994, in Rockport, to Daniel A. Achorn and Susan L. Peaslee.

Jordan grew up in Jefferson and attended local schools. She graduated from Richmond High School in 2013. She married Ben Knox in October 2017, and they lived in Augusta until they moved to her present home in Whitefield in 2019. While in Augusta she got to know her a/k/a brother, Steven Peaslee, who became a dear friend to her.

Jordan was a homemaker and mother raising her two children, daughter Mariah, 10 years old, and son Spencer, 2 years old. She was a hands-on worker. She could be feisty and passionate but also very lovable. Jordan worked several odd jobs with her uncle, Roland. She loved life to the fullest.

Jordan enjoyed four-wheeling, camping, fishing and the outdoors. She played softball and soccer in grammar school. She was very creative and did wood burned signs, drawings and artwork. Jordan loved being around family and friends. She really enjoyed golf carting with her aunt, Shirley, sisters and cousins in her younger years and spoke of it often.

The best way to describe Jordan is: No one knew the battle she fought inside her every day, but no matter how dark it got, she kept her smile and shined her light for anyone who needed it, even though she knew she was the one who needed it the most.

Jordan was predeceased by her maternal grandparents Douglas and Shirley Peaslee, her paternal grandmother, Edith Achorn; cousin, Larry Achorn, Jr.; uncle, Elbridge Peaslee and uncle, Dennis Peaslee.

She is survived by her parents, Susie Peaslee and Daniel Achorn, of Jefferson; daughter, Mariah Achorn, of Whitefield; son, Spencer Knox of Whitefield; twin sisters Miranda Benner, of North Carolina, and Morgan Achorn, of Jefferson; half-brother, Todd Jones, of Georgia; grandfather, Paul Achorn, of Jefferson; aunts and uncles Junior Peaslee, Delma Lee, Shirley St. Pierre, Roland Peaslee, Kathy Peaslee, all of Jefferson, Larry Achorn, of Waldoboro, Gary Achorn, of Washington; nephews Brantley Benner, Grayson Benner both of North Carolina; and niece, Madelyn Benner, of North Carolina; as well as many cousins.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 25, at 2 p.m. at the Fairview Cemetery, in Jefferson.

Hall’s of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences visit her Book of Memories at http://www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

RAYMOND “JINKS” PAULEY

SOUTH CHINA—Raymond C. Pauley, 65, a/k/a “Jinks”, passed away Saturday, August 13, 2022, at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta, where he was a long-time resident. He was born on July 12, 1957, the only son of Donald and Christa (Brown) Pauley.

Jinks grew up in South China and was a 1975 graduate of Winslow High School. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Army. Upon his honorable discharge, he was employed as a drywaller, working for several construction companies, but primarily Zimba Company, of Fairfield, until starting and operating his own business, M.R. Drywall, until his retirement in 2014.

Jinks was undoubtedly, one of a kind. He played several instruments and was a state champion powerlifter. He impacted the lives of countless children and young adults most notably by starting and managing a basketball team called “The Piranha’s”. He also is remembered for his contagious smile and hearty laugh, accompanied by a sincere appreciation of jokes with varying degrees of politeness.

His home was a safe haven for many young people along with single mothers with children. So many have recently shared their stories with his parents that there are too many to recount here. One that sums them up beautifully is from a young lady who; along with her mother, sisters and brother, while having no place to go, grew up in his household.

Jinks was predeceased by his wife, Joanne M. (Bellavance) Pauley.

He is survived by his children, Sean Pauley, of Weeks Mills, Christa Pauley, of Vassalboro, and Nastia LaBonte, of Waterville; his parents, Donald and Christa Pauley, of South China; his sister, Dawn Hodsdon and her husband Ed, of Monmouth; six grandchildren; and a nephew.; Also, his second wife Sarah Pauley, now living in Illinois, and her son and daughter.

A graveside service for friends and family will be held on Friday, September 2, at noon, at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta, ME 04330.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363.

Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting www.plummerfh.com.

Anyone wishing to commemorate Jinks’s life with a gift, please donate to the Activities Department of the Maine Veterans Home, Attn: Mona Boucher, 35 Hero’s Way, Augusta, Maine 04330 Please write “Activities Dept” in the memo.

PAULETTE A. CORSON

ALBION – Paulette A. Corson, 77, from Albion, passed away on Monday, August 15, 2022. She was born in Belleville, Illinois, on October 15, 1944, daughter of Paul E. and Zita S. (Imming) Hartmann.

Paulette was predeceased by both of her parents; son, Michael; and brother, Dana.

She is survived by her spouse, Michael Corson Sr.; sons, Robert and wife Becky; daughter, Robette and husband Todd, Michael Jr. and wife Amy; daughter, Wendy and spouse Gabe; brother, Bud and spouse Dorothy; sister-in-law, Tammy and spouse Gene; and brother-in-law, Mark and spouse Tera. 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews; cousins.

A service was held on Wednesday August 24, at 11 a.m., at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, ME 04937. Flowers can be sent to the funeral home.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home where condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

VIOLA M. BEAULIEU

WATERVILLE – Viola Marie Beaulieu, 90, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2022. Viola was born on Nov. 10, 1931, to Mary (McDonald) and Neil McAskill in Fairfield.

Her parents came to Maine from Prince Edward Island, Canada. She attended the Immaculate Heart of Mary School, in Fairfield, as a young girl which developed her great faith and love for our Lord. She graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1948.

She married Richard D. Harmon Sr. in 1954 and went on to have four children together. After their divorce in 1971, with four children still at home, she went to work for The Chinet Company (Huhtamaki) as a packer and then quality assurance inspector. She remained there for 22 years taking early retirement in 1991. In 1976, she married Dorius “Joe” Beaulieu, remaining together until his passing in 2000.

As a young woman Viola developed a talent and passion for roller skating and singing. She sang with the choir at the Parish of Corpus Christi for many years, even well into her late 80s. She was dedicated to her Catholic roots her entire life. She was an active member of the Marian Movement of Priests and hosted many prayer groups in her home. She gave many hours of service to the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

Despite the hardship of being a single working mom, she kept her enthusiasm and joy of life. She dedicated herself to the wellbeing of her children by giving love, faith, security, and fun. With the four in tow, she would head for local swimming in the summer having many hours of fun at Bangs Beach, and then ice skating and sliding in the winter. With her son getting a job at the local drive-in, everyone piled into her car with blankets, pillows, and snacks having many fun nights at the movies.

Viola and Joe put in an above-ground pool early on and every summer the family would gather to eat, sun, swim, relax, and enjoy one another. Many grandchildren learned to swim in this pool. She kept it going all through the years and swam most every day herself right up until her late 80s.

She was dedicated to the love and support of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc. Whenever someone was in trouble or experiencing hardship, she was there for them, opening up her home, giving time, money, prayers, and a listening heart. She invested herself in all and always had compassion for any suffering the hardships this life can sometimes present.

Viola was predeceased by her parents Mary and Neil McAskill, brother, Neil McAskill Sr., sister, Anne Bickford, husband Dorius J. Beaulieu, and three stepchildren, Stephen, Jeffery, and Allen Beaulieu.

She is survived by her children Richard D. Harmon Jr. and wife, Cathy Taylor, Roseanne M. Bolduc and husband, Peter J., Terri L. Burrows, and Sharon L. Trask and husband, Lylse; stepdaughter Lana Parkis; stepson John Beaulieu; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, August 24, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. Burial followed at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

An online guestbook can be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

JACQUELINE RAYMOND

WATERVILLE – Jacqueline “Jackie” Raymond, 73, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 15, 2022. She was born in Fort Kent, the second of six children of Regina and Renie Raymond.

If you ever crossed her path you would never forget her and more than likely you would have made a friend for life. She charmed people with her outgoing personality, wit, smile, gift of gab and she loved to ‘flirt’. She made everyone laugh often and told it just as ‘she’ saw it, which on occasion would make you want to run and hide. She was a social butterfly who enjoyed weddings and family gatherings, which gave her an excuse to dress up, put on her favorite jewelry, and she always added a little glitz and sparkle to her ensemble.

Her favorite pastimes were playing games, especially cards which she was extremely good at, so don’t expect to win because she was pretty sharp and lucky to boot; bingo, music, singing, making puzzles as well as collecting porcelain dolls.

The Fourth of July was one of her favorite holidays as she was assured a ride on the party boat at the lake and the icing on the cake was an evening cruise to watch the fireworks. She was a hard worker, great at organizing, determined and willful which helped her through her many life’s struggles.

Jackie’s surviving family includes Jeannine (Bob), Lulu, Marie and sister-in-law Susan; nieces Renee (Ricky), Jennifer (Brian), Jessica (Ed), Katie (Everett) and nephew, Bobby (Sacha); grandnieces and nephews Chantal (Dylan and their son Luke); Rylie, Jaidyn, Lauren (Mike), Scarlett, Lily, Lexi, Wyatt, Madilyn and Evelyn.

She was predeceased by her parents Regina and Renie; sister Rita, brother Gil, brother-in-law Bruce; grandparents; and many aunts and uncles.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 31, at 10 a.m., at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, in Waterville. The burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery immediately following the Mass. All are welcome and are invited to return to the church hall following the burial for a Celebration of Life.

A simple act of kindness, a smile or an unexpected visit from a friend or relative was all Jackie needed to make her day. She would also challenge you to do good recklessly.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan ME 04976.

If you so choose, a memorial contribution in Jackie’s name may be made to Skills, Inc., P.O. Box 65, St. Albans, ME 04971.

DEBORAH DEVOE

WINSLOW – Deborah “Deb” Devoe, 70, of Winslow, died early Wed­nesday morning August 17, 2022, at home. She was born November 24, 1951, the daughter of George Sr. and Rita Lewis, of Oakland.

She was a graduate of Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, in 1971, and married her husband Lewis Devoe June 8. 1974. She was a dedicated housewife and mother who always put her family first. She was always creative, full of life, fun loving along with enjoying giving advice, and dedicated her time to helping friends, and family. If Deb had an opinion or belief you could never get her to change her mind. Her passion was her flower gardens, cooking and going to her camp in Alder Stream plantation.

She loved her husband, Lew of 48 years, and their sons, Brad and his wife Helen, Ryan and his wife Christine and Mark; grandchildren, Austin, Wyatt and Klara. Deb is also survived by her brother, Allen and his wife Gail along with her brother, Jeff and his wife Barbara.

Deb was predeceased by her parents George and Rita Lewis, and her brother Georg, Jr.

A celebration of life is to be determined and announced.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Maine General Medical Center Hospice in Deb’s name.

LUCIA W. WHITTELSEY

WATERVILLE – Lucia Winifred Whittelsey, 70, of Waterville, died peacefully at her home after an 11-year contest with cancer. She was born on December 1, 1951, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

Lucia graduated from Westtown School in 1969 and attended Colby College, in Waterville. She worked for 26 years at Colby, ultimately as the Director of Financial Aid.

Lucia was deeply loved, so sorely missed by her many friends, extended family, and her collaborators in social justice. She was committed to making a difference in the world through action both physical and verbal. To those in her life and community she was respected for her backbone, tenacity, and great big heart, always ready with a piece of advice if not an out and out directive.

Lucia loved life first, then her grandchildren, beauty, her garden, and lobster. She was a fiercely devoted mother and grandmother.

Lucia was predeceased by her father, Theodore Whittelsey Jr. (most recently of Nashua, New Hampshire), her mother Alice Edgar Whittelsey, of Fremont, New Hampshire, her son Theodore Smyth, of Waterville, and her sister Alice Tappen Whittelsey (Krieger.)

She is survived by her sister Holly Whittelsey Whiteside, of Fremont, New Hampshire; three granddaughters, Cloe Grace Smyth, Ellie Rose Smyth, Sophie Elena Rae Smyth; grand-stepson, Evan Lavway; and their mother Kristina Mendez, all of Palermo.

A celebration of life was held on Sunday August 21.

Gifts in Lucia’s memory may be made to her financial aid fund at Colby College: http://www.darenorthward.Colby.edu. drop-down “Financial Aid” and type Whittelsey Family Grant Fund in the comments box. The fund was set up by Lucia to help level the financial playing field for incoming students. Also in memory of Lucia, please continually look for opportunities to do acts of kindness.

LETTERS: Electric heat the best

/0 Comments/in /by

To the editor:

In response to my extolling the advantages of electric heat and the writer saying it needs lots of insulation, those days are over. With the new super types of insulation the homes don’t even need to be [retro-fitted] to accept base board electric heating. Remember electric heat is safe, clean and quiet.

As to the writer’s reference to heat pumps, just a little background. Heat pumps were first introduced in the south and primarily for air conditioning. As the technology improved they decided to try heat pumps in the north. Even with the new improvements, the manufacturers and the engineers have said if temps go to 0-degrees or colder, they suggest back up heat, and the experts at heat pump suggested baseboard electric heat, and roughly most of the northern states have laws or codes requiring a heating backup system installed with heat pumps.

Also, as a retired electrical contractor/engineer and nuclear advocate, it should be noted that solar panels are not biodegradable and they will wear out. My fervent hope and prayer is that we harness nuclear fission and then we will be able to sustain the massive loads for electricity coming our way.

Frank Slason
Somerville

China Four Seasons helps at Bomazeen

/0 Comments/in , /by

Front row, from left to right, Ian Martin (#603), Julie McKenney, Amber Chesley. Back, Thomas Gage (#485); Tyleek Baluvett (#546); Zachary McKenney; Remy Pettengill (#479); Michael Connolly (#428). (contributed photo)

This summer two large boxes of life jackets and PFDs were donated by the China Four Seasons Club to the Camp Bomazeen Old Timers. The Old Timers put the donation directly to work this August at the Scouts BSA program at Camp Bomazeen. This is the older Scout program. The donation immediately supported Scouts from Kennebec Valley District troops to earn swimming, life saving and canoeing merit badges.

Vassalboro school board hears upbeat reports

/0 Comments/in , /by

Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro School Board members heard a series of upbeat reports and appointed an unusual number of new staff members at their Aug. 16 meeting, the last one before classes at Vassalboro Community School (VCS) start again Sept. 1.

Both new Principal Ira Michaud, in his written report, and Director of Maintenance and Grounds Shelley Phillips, in her oral report, had high praise for the crew who worked on the building and grounds over the summer: head custodian Paul Gilbert and staff Jim Boucher, Ashley Smith and her mother, Bev Smith, Valerie Parent and Theresa Watkins. Michaud called the group “absolutely top-notch” and commended their “amazing hard work.” Projects included a major office renovation, reorganizing classroom spaces, the most wall-repainting ever done in a single summer, cleaning and helping teachers move from one room to another.

Phillips added a commendation to Greg Vigue, a contractor she has known for years and lined up over the winter in anticipation of the office rearrangement.

Part of that project was adding air conditioning for the benefit of administrators who worked at the school all summer. “It was a wonderful surprise,” Michaud said.

Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer added two more benefits: the cool air is good for the computers and electronics, and when the door is left open, it spreads into the maintenance crew’s break room. And, Phillips added, the work qualified for an Efficiency Maine rebate, as did some of the new exterior lighting (which she suggested residents drive by the school in the dark to admire).

She and Pfeiffer also recommend daylight drive-bys to admire the grounds. Phillips credited Darrell Gagnon for excellent maintenance work.

Phillips had two more pieces of good news for school board members. Two fixtures that had been blamed for lead in school water were replaced and the new ones tested fine; and, after weeks of suspense, the PFAS test results for the VCS water supply came back and the water “passed with flying colors.”

Pfeiffer added a thank-you to former select board member John Melrose, who led the project that connected the school and municipal buildings with a solar energy installation. The change saved a little more than $16,000 on the electric bill between January and July 2022, Pfeiffer said.

He also thanked Don and Lisa Breton for organizing the annual school supplies drive. Donations of money and supplies – the list on a website named “Vassalboro Community Events” ranges from pencils, crayons, notebooks and construction paper to clothing, backpacks and calculators – may be delivered to the North Vassalboro fire station Saturday, Aug. 27, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Pfeiffer called the past summer a period of “unprecedented professional mobility” not just in Vassalboro, but state-wide and nation-wide. School board members approved more than a dozen new staff members; there were still at least three vacancies as of Aug. 16.

Orientation for new staff is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 29, beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the annual introduction to the town, a bus tour led by North Vassalboro resident Lauchlin Titus. Tuesday, Aug. 30, and Wednesday, Aug. 31 are listed on the school calendar as staff in-service days. Pfeiffer said members of the Kennebec Retired Educators Association will provide refreshments and assistance.

Classes will be held Friday, Sept. 1, and resume Tuesday, Sept. 6, after the Labor Day Monday holiday.

The next school board meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 20, at VCS, will start at 5:30 p.m. with a discussion of the school’s strategic plan, with the formal agenda to begin at 6 p.m.

Webber Pond Association (WPA) members approve revised bylaws

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Jason Seiders, a marine biologist with the state explains the cause of the early summer fish kill on Webber Pond. (photo courtesy of Scott Pierz)

by Roland D. Hallee

By a split vote, members in attendance at the Webber Pond Association annual meeting passed the new, revised bylaws, as was recommended by the board of directors.

Highlights of the revised bylaws include the establishment of proxy voting, the forming of a water quality and water level management committee, adjustment in membership requirements, disqualification and termination criteria for directors and officers, and an indemnification clause.

The subject of proxy voting received the most discussion and was the most controversial item in the revised bylaws. The article would allow a member in good standing to present no more than two proxy votes for members in good standing who are unable to attend the annual meeting for various reasons. The person unable to attend the meeting would have to submit a form delegating their vote to someone else.

The dues structure was altered from the old practice of a $25 membership allowed two members of a household to cast votes at the annual meeting. That was adjusted to individual memberships of $25 per person, eliminating the two-for-one practice.

The revised bylaws created a water quality and water level management committee that would oversee the dam and determine when a mini-flush and the annual drawdown would take place.

This committee would determine if, and when, a mini flush was necessary, and set the date for the annual drawdown. All decisions would be made according to the most recent scientific data regarding the water quality with Secchi disk readings, phosphorus levels as determined by the state with lab testing of phosphorus levels in the pond, the water level – taking into consideration the level of the water at the spillway – and projected weather conditions. This would eliminate the annual vote for the drawdown which was always a contentious subject. The annual drawdown would be set for the second Monday following Labor Day, taking in all the data as described above.

The Webber Pond Association annual membership meeting was well attended as they hear association president John Reuthe speak.

That would be followed by replacing the gates in the dam two weeks following the drawdown, or around the beginning of October. The winter level would be set in November, to allow the pond to refill before ice in.

The indemnification clause would not hold board members and officers liable for lawsuits in the case of accidents at the dam. The dam has seen some vandalism in recent years.

Officers re-elected were John Reuthe, president; Tiffany Luczko, vice president; Rebecca Lamey, secretary, and Ericka Bennett, treasurer. Board members re-elected were Charlie Backenstose, Roland Hallee, Jennifer Lacombe, Kevin Luzcko, Bob Nadeau and Susan Traylor. The term of officers was changed from one year to two years.

At the beginning of the meeting, WPA President John Reuthe introduced Jason Seiders, a marine biologist with the state of Maine, who spoke on the fish kill that occurred earlier this summer.

Seiders noted that it is not unusual to have such a fish kill among adult largemouth bass in lakes with similar conditions as Webber Pond. He cited that a similar kill occurred at Three Mile Pond before Webber’s.

He noted that largemouth bass are not native to northern New England, and that they are at the northern end of their range. Following the fish kill, dead fish were taken and examined. What was first believed to be a fungus, turns out to be a parasite to which the skin cells of the fish reacted.

He explained that those types of fish kills usually happen right after ice out, especially at the time of spawning, when adult largemouth bass are stressed and more susceptible to parasites. Although Webber Pond is described by the state as a “bass factory,” it could take four to five years for the fishery to recover.

Charlie Backenstose reported that the Secchi disk reading on July 22 showed the pond was having a severe algae bloom with a reading of 1.64 meters (5.4 feet). A severe algae bloom is described by the DEP when the visibility is below two meters. The July 29 reading was 1.38 meters and the August 11 reading was 1.48 meters (4.9 feet).

“These readings are significantly lower than we normally see at this time of the year,” he said. In fact, the 1.38 reading was the second lowest reading since collecting data began in 2005.

According to Susan Bacon, at the DEP, the May fish kill was a result of a parasite, and suspects it had very little to do with the algae, despite dead fish slowly adding to the nutrient load. Hot July weather more than likely had something to do with it, as the water temperature spiked, resulting in the internal recycling kicking in at a slightly different time than usual, promoting growth of a different species.

High winds were also a factor in the algae bloom. Wind gusts of up to 35 miles per hour on two different days during the first two weeks of July contributed. Heavy wind kicks up phosphorus from shallow areas of the lake, providing more feed, and also adds oxygen to the lake, which allows the algae to live in deeper waters.

In other business, the membership passed, with two dissenting votes, to contribute $1,500 to the China Region Lakes Alliance.

South China Library: Every bit helps

/0 Comments/in , /by

When they heard about the match, Griffin, Daxton and Mollie Carballo had a lemonade stand and donated their sales to the library.

Construction on the new South China Library is coming along nicely. Thanks to a generous donor, all donations received in August will be matched up to $10,000. There is one week left for this great fundraiser. Donate today to double your impact! Donate online , or mail a check made out to South China Library to P.O. Box 417, South China, ME 04358, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1281956, or go to their website, southchinalibrary.org.

Photos provided by Kim Tilton

From left to right, Griffin, Daxton, and Mollie Carballo deliver their donation to librarian Cheryl Baker.

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, August 25, 2022

/0 Comments/in , /by

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

FIRE IN THE SKY: Joan Chaffee, of Clinton, photographed this fiery sunset.

IT’S HARVEST TIME: Gary Mazoki and Marty Holzer, of Palermo, snapped this photo of garlic hanging in the barn.

MAY FLOWERS: James Poulin, of South China, captured these flowers back in May.

Seven substantive questions to appear on Nov. 8 ballot in China

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

At their Aug. 22 special meeting, China select board members approved seven substantive questions to be submitted to voters on Nov. 8. They postponed deciding whether to add an eighth question until their next regular meeting on Aug. 29.

The voting in November, on the state election day, is technically China’s annual town meeting, because local elections are held then. The annual spring meeting that includes approving the budget for the following year is labeled the town business meeting.

In addition to electing town officials (see box), unless select board members change their minds, voters on Nov. 8 will decide whether to approve:

  • Appropriating $70,000 from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward expansion of broadband internet service in town (see The Town Line, Aug. 11, p. 3).
  • Appropriating up to $21,590 in ARPA funds to reimburse China Rescue Unit’s reserve fund for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) rescue personnel bought.
  • Appropriating up to $7,000 in ARPA funds for improvements to the town’s radio tower at the town office, work that Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said will improve reception for China Rescue and the public works department.
  • Appropriating up to $22,000 to buy and install three heat pumps, one for the town office building and one each for the transfer station office and scale shack.
  • Appropriating up to $75,000 – board members might adjust the amount – for a new senior citizens’ fuel assistance program, under guidelines board members still need to approve (see The Town Line, Aug. 11, p. 2).
  • Appropriating up to $30,000 to repair fences around town cemeteries (see The Town Line, Aug. 18, p, 3).
  • Amendments to China’s Quorum Ordinance.

The postponed question was whether to put on the ballot the planning board’s requested amendments to Chapters 2 and 11 of China’s Land Use Ordinance. Board member Wayne Chadwick asked for the delay because he was not sure what the proposed amendments say.

The amendments are posted on the town website, china.govoffice.org., and copies are available at the town office.

Select board members voted unanimously to recommend that voters approve six of the seven questions. The vote to put the amendments to the Quorum Ordinance on the Nov. 8 ballot was 3-2, with Blane Casey and Chairman Ronald Breton opposed and Chadwick, Jeanne Marquis and Janet Preston in favor.

The ordinance now sets the quorum for an open meeting (the pre-Covid type where residents gathered to vote by show of hands) at four percent of the registered voters as of the beginning of each year. Hapgood proposed amending it to make the requirement 100 registered voters.

The manager explained that under a new state law that automatically registers as a voter everyone who gets or renews a state driver’s license, China is gaining new voters every week – whether or not they intend to vote – and therefore the quorum requirement is increasing.

Hapgood is not happy with the thought that 100 residents can set policy for the town, and neither are select board members; but she reminded them that in past years, when the quorum was between 100 and 120 voters, meetings were delayed and even canceled for lack of attendees.

There is no plan to return to open meetings, Hapgood emphasized. She recommended the change because a written-ballot meeting requires, by state law, 90 days’ lead time, and there might be an emergency in which waiting almost three months for a voters’ decision would be harmful.

The senior citizens’ fuel fund was Chadwick’s idea. The purpose, he said, is to help seniors on fixed incomes adjust to dramatically increased fuel prices. At the board’s Aug. 1 meeting, Preston asked Hapgood to draft guidelines, which Chadwick said should be as simple as possible.

The preliminary version allocates $500 apiece next winter to applicants who are homeowners at least 65 years old and who have lived in town for at least a year, with an income cut-off (currently $30,000 for one person and $60,000 for a couple). LiHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and HEAP recipients are not eligible.

Select board members propose approving final guidelines and perhaps amending the warrant article on Aug. 29.

The China Broadband Committee request for $70,000 in ARPA funds was discussed at length on Aug. 22. Jayne Sullivan and Michael Akers from UniTel, in Unity, and Daniel Parrish, from Idaho-based Direct Communications, joined select board members virtually, and local committee members attended in person.

The fund request is part of an estimated $1.2 million project that will be funded about 31 percent from China’s ARPA grant and TIF (Tax Increment Financing) fund – not from property taxes, Breton emphasized; a matching 31 percent from Direct/Unitel; and about 38 percent from state grants through the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) program.

If funding works out and the project goes through, Unitel would own and manage the system, meaning, Breton said approvingly, no new responsibilities for China staff.

Parrish said although the MCA program schedule is not yet established, he expects a first round of grant applications to be offered this fall. Direct Communications will prepare the application.

Parrish called the Nov. 8 local vote the next step in the process. Sullivan told Marquis UniTel will help explain the expansion program and funding to China voters. If China is denied a state grant, Parrish said, the project is not necessarily dead; possibilities include a smaller expansion with a larger Direct Communications contribution.

In addition to decisions on the Nov. 8 ballot, select board members approved re-contracting with Purdy Powers and Company to do the town audit and spending $16,408.06 in ARPA money for a portable digital speed sign. Voters approved up to $20,000 for the sign at the June 14 town business meeting.

The board’s Aug. 29 meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the town office meeting room.

After the budget committee meeting, Hapgood said the budget committee will meet at 5:30 p.m., on Monday, August 29, to make recommendations on Nov, 8 proposed expenditures.

Declared candidates

As of Aug. 22, China Deputy Clerk Jennifer Chamberlain reported the following residents were circulating nomination papers for local elective office.

  • For three seats on the select board, incumbents Ronald Breton and Janet Preston, plus Brent Chesley and Brian Ouellette Jr. Blane Casey is the other board member whose term ends this year; he said at the Aug. 22 meeting he is considering whether to seek another term.
  • For the at-large position on the budget committee, incumbent Elizabeth Curtis. Also to be elected in 2022 are a secretary (Trishea Story is the incumbent) and representatives from District 2 (northeastern China, currently vacant) and District 4 (southwestern China; Timothy Basham is the incumbent).
  • For one of China’s two representatives on the Regional School Unit #18 board, incumbent Dawn Castner, Wallace Pooler III and Darrell Stevens.

No one had taken out papers for any of the three planning board seats open in 2022. Incumbents are Toni Wall in District 2, Scott Rollins in District 4 and James Wilkens in the at-large (elected from anywhere in town) position.

China’s local elections will be Tuesday, Nov. 8. For candidates’ names to be on the ballot, signed nomination papers must be returned to the town office by the new closing time, 4:30 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 9.

Issue for August 18, 2022

/by

Issue for August 18, 2022

Celebrating 34 years of local news

14-year-old teen entrepreneur opens electronic repair store

Have you heard about the teenage boy in Maine that started his own electronics repair store? A year ago, Parker Redlevske, of Oakland, was your typical 13-year-old boy playing with friends, going to school, cracking jokes and pulling pranks. His parents say at a young age he has always been very smart, independent and curious of how things worked… by Mark Huard

90-year-old veteran creates a hand-carved legacy for future generations

On Saturday, August 6, Alan Johnston, U.S. Army veteran and commander for the Maine Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars, led the dedication of a hand-carved wood eagle to Wreaths Across America’s founder Morrill Worcester, as part of the organization’s annual Stem to Stone event in Downeast Maine…

Your Local News

Select board sets tax rate at 14.4 mil

VASSALBORO – At their Aug. 11 meeting, Vassalboro select board members set the 2022-23 tax rate at 14.4 mils, or $14.40 for each $1,000 of property valuation, a decrease of eight cents per $1,000 over the 2021-22 rate…

Planners forward land use ordinance amendments to select board

CHINA – China Planning Board members’ Aug. 9 meeting was only two minutes longer than their Aug. 4 public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapters 4 and 11 of the town Land Use Ordinance…

County tax increase substantial

CHINA – China select board members held a short Aug. 15 meeting, followed by a tour of well-filled storage spaces in the town office building…

Cemetery committee working to update information

CHINA – China Cemetery Committee members and guest Kelly Grotton, whose town office duties include acting as semi-official town historian, met the afternoon of Aug. 9 primarily to hear a report from summer intern Savannah Clark…

Select board takes up many agenda items

WINDSOR – The Windsor select board on August 2 heard from Keith Hall, road supervisor, that all the paving is done. A few driveway repairs will need to be finished, and one on the Weeks Mills Road, which has a steep grade, will need fixing. They planned on beginning to paint lines the following week. Hall also reported the Sampson Road sign was taken and will be replaced…

Cubs learn about outdoors

VASSALBORO – Cub Scouts in Vassalboro Pack #410 enjoyed meeting with members of the Maine Warden Service recently. Sgt. Josh Bubier and Warden Jake Voter took time the first week of August to discuss with the Cub Scouts the important role the Warden Service plays in protecting Maine’s unique natural outdoor heritage… by Chuck Mahaleris

PHOTO: Central Maine Youth Football Junior Camp

FAIRFIELD – The Central Maine Football Junior Camp, directed by Lawrence High School head football coach John Hersom, and Lawrence Bulldogs players, took place on July 25-27 at the Fairfield PAL Football field…

Stevens graduates from Baylor

CHINA – Baylor University, in Waco, Texas, celebrated nearly 1,800 graduates who received their respective degrees during summer and fall commencement ceremonies. Among the graduates was Sarah Stevens, of South China, who received a master of science in communication sciences and disorders, from the graduate school, in August 2021…

EVENTS: China to hold Window Dressers workshop

CHINA – To submit an order for window inserts, or to volunteer, please call the China Town Office at 445-2014, send an email to chinaforalifetime@gmail.com, or visit the Window Dressers website and fill out the request form…

Celebrating Maine history

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

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Waterville historic district – Part 1 (new)

WATERVILLE HISTORY — As sources cited in this and the following articles say, Waterville’s downtown business district was in the 19th and 20th centuries (and still is in the 21st century) an important regional commercial center. Buildings from the 1830s still stand; the majority of the commercial buildings lining Main Street date from the last quarter of the 19th century. Hence the interest in recognizing and protecting the area’s historic value by listing it on the National Register of Historic Places… by Mary Grow [1581 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Kingsbury’s people

CENTRAL ME HISTORY — This article is for people who enjoy an occasional glimpse into someone else’s life – nothing scandalous or earth-shaking, just odds and ends about the ordinary lives of people in another time. The main source is Henry D. Kingsbury’s Kennebec County history… by Mary Grow [2006 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Natural resources – Part 5

CENTRAL ME HISTORY — Gold is unusual in Maine but not completely lacking. The Maine Geological Survey has on its website a list of streams, all but one in Franklin, Oxford or Somerset county, worth panning for gold. (The outlier is the St. Croix River, separating the United States and Canada; gold has been found in Baileyville, in Washington County)… by Mary Grow [1845 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Natural resources – Part 4

CENTRAL ME HISTORY — “Augusta has been abundantly supplied…with the best of granite, easily quarried, and of convenient access,” Augusta historian James North wrote. He expressed surprise that the resource was not developed earlier; not only did the workers on the 1797 Kennebec bridge and the 1808 jail use boulders instead, but, he wrote, three gentlemen who built houses in the first decade of the 1800s brought granite for the foundations from the Boston area, “at great expense”… by Mary Grow [1858 words]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Rug hooking program at VHS

VASSALBORO — The Vassalboro Historical Society (VHS) will be hosting a “Rug Hooking Past and Present” program on Sunday, August 21, from 3 – 5 p.m., at 327 Main Street, East Vassalboro… and many other local events!

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: “Medulla oblongata.” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is September 8, 2022…

Obituaries

SIDNEY – Russell Cummings passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 1, 2022, at his home in Sidney… and remembering 9 others.

Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!

DEADLINE: Wednesday, September 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: John Stevens, Whitefield

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | This came across my desk last week, and I thought it would make a good story for this week’s column. Growing up in China, Maine, Hunter Praul said he always had an interest in exploring the outdoors, especially for reptiles and amphibians…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | Former President #9, William Henry Harrison (1773-1841) achieved renown as an army captain in command at Fort Washington, Ohio, when he was in his 20s; as a governor in the Indiana Territory during the early 1800s; and being promoted to Major General after defeating the Indians in a battle at Tippecanoe which was a Wabash River settlement in Indiana…

I’M JUST CURIOUS

by Debbie Walker | There are so many uses for simple, everyday products, why do we need the “newest, high-priced chemicals”? Would you have dreamed of the other uses of vinegar? Wait, unless you are from the older generation that used these products before the chemical ones came out! Confusing?…

LIFE ON THE PLAINS

by Roland D. Hallee | This week, we’re going to take a closer look at a teen hotspot during those years, 1950s and 1960s. The South End Arena was founded by a Waterville police captain, Arthur Gagne. He had a vision to provide a place for local teens to gather in a safe and family-friendly environment…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

(NAPSI) | Summer is here, and people seeking the best deals to help them get beach-ready and fit for swimming, surfing, biking, or family travel adventures have a variety of options to get active and fit. Here are three ways to take your fitness to a new level while saving some dough…

LEGAL NOTICES for Thursday, August 18, 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

LEGAL NOTICE

PETITION FOR A PARDON
STATE OF MAINE
Augusta, October 20, 2022

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for a Pardon for Warren Lander Smith who was convicted of the crime(s) Burglary CR 79671, is now pending before the Governor and a hearing will be conducted on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 9:00 o’clock AM. Please visit the following link for Hearing details: http://www.maine.gov/corrections/adult-community-corrections/pardon-board.