SCORES & OUTDOORS: The re-emergence of the almost forgotten firefly

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Firefly

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

A reader recently told me they saw some fireflies recently, and asked whether it is early for them.

I guess it all depends on a number of factors.

Most people associate fireflies with soft summer evenings, but late in February and into March it is possible to see winter dark fireflies glowing in the woods. The larvae and pupae have the ability to bioluminescence, but lose the necessary organs as they become adults during their two-year lifespan.

But the adults emerge out in the warmer late spring, early summer, when it’s warm and humid. And that’s when we usually see the flashing with the adults, the nocturnal species; we’re probably more aware of those. It’s usually June and July when they’re mating and very active as adults.

Larvae are predators and can be found in decaying logs, especially pine; they tend to live in colonies because the habitat is good. So keep a look out and you may see the glow high up on trees or lower down on fallen snags.

Fireflies are attracted to high grasses and shrubbery, and they rest on tall blades of grass during the day. Mowing too often can actually reduce the number of fireflies in your yard in general.

While some fireflies produce larvae that glows, called a glow worm, the fireflies in Maine do not. Technically, Maine fireflies are called a Big Dipper Fireflies. Fireflies use their blinking lights to attract a mate, but they also communicate other messages, like claiming a territory.

Do adult fireflies eat mosquitoes or other insects? Well, the eating habits of fireflies generally differ from those of the predatory larvae. Most of the adult fireflies feed on dew droplets, pollen, or nectar from flowers, but there are some exceptions. Some of the species are known to eat smaller insects

As a child, when we visited family in Canada, we used to go to a camp on the lake. Coming from a generation that believed “children should be seen, and not heard,” we were relegated to “go find something to do,” when the adults got together. We would go catch fireflies. Catch fireflies carefully, treat them gently and release them into the wild again when you’re done, and you’ll be able to enjoy these fascinating creatures without causing any harm.

These fireflies are a family of insects in the beetle order, with more than 2,000 described species, many of which are light-emitting. They are soft-bodied beetles commonly called fireflies, glowworms, or lightning bugs for their conspicuous production of light, mainly during twilight, to attract mates. Light production originated as an honest warning signal that the larvae were distasteful; this was co-opted in evolution as a mating signal in the adults. In a further development, female fireflies mimic the flash pattern of other species to trap their males as prey.

Fireflies are found in temperate and tropical climates. Many live in marshes or in wet, wooded areas where their larvae have abundant sources of food. While all known fireflies glow as larvae, only some adults produce light, and the location of the light organ varies among species and between sexes of the same species. Fireflies have attracted human attention since classical antiquity; their presence has been taken to signify a wide variety of conditions in different cultures, and is especially appreciated aesthetically in Japan, where parks are set aside for this specific purpose.

Most fireflies are distasteful to vertebrate predators, as they contain a steroid similar to the those found in some poisonous toads.

In the United States, one of the most famous sightings of fireflies blinking in unison occurs annually near Elkmont, Tennessee, in the Great Smoky Mountains, during the first weeks of June. Tourists from all over the U.S. make the annual pilgrimage there to witness this marvelous natural display.

With all this, what are their interactions with humans?

While fireflies do contain toxins, they are harmless to humans unless eaten in massive quantities. Whether you know them as Lightning Bugs or Fireflies, these are beneficial insects. They don’t bite, they have no pincers, they don’t attack, they don’t carry disease, they are not poisonous, they don’t even fly very fast.

Throughout history, fireflies have put on some spectacular shows for humans to watch. Unfortunately, their numbers are in decline. So, if you should be privileged enough to witness a nighttime performance, enjoy!

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Who was the last Boston Red Sox pitcher to hurl a no-hitter?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, June 16, 2022

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Trivia QuestionsWho was the last Boston Red Sox pitcher to hurl a no-hitter?

Answer:

Jon Lester, on May 19, 2008.

Kaitlin Dixon Named to D&E president’s list

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Kaitlin Dixon, of Solon, a student at Davis & Elkins College, in Elkins West Virginia, has been named to the president’s list for the spring 2022 semester. The president’s list includes all full-time students with a 4.0 GPA for the semester.

Oakland resident receives degree from Simmons University

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Katiann Carey, of Oakland, earned a bachelor of arts degree, in economics, cum laude, from Simmons University, in Boston, Massachusetts.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, June 16, 2022

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PAULINE HORAK

PALERMO – Pauline Horak, 93, of Palermo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 19, 2022. She was born in Russia on November 19, 1928. She was married to Anton Horak for 54 years.

In 1967 she and her family found their forever home in Palermo.

Pauline loved gardening and being in the kitchen where she was always preparing a signature meal for anyone who came by. Her cookies and cakes were by far the best and loved by all.

Pauline was the heart of her family.

She is survived by her children Michael, Anton, Lydia, James and his wife Debora and her daughter-in-law Gail; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Anton; son George; a grandson; and great-grandson.

A celebration of life will be held on June 26, 2022, from 1-3 p.m., at the Searsmont Seventh-day Adventist Church where she was an active member.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ripostafh.com.

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

STEFAN J. TURLO

WATERVILLE – Stefan J. Turlo passed away from natural causes on Friday, May 20, 2022, in Waterville.

The family will have a private service and burial will be held in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville, at a later date.

To see the full obituary and leave condolences please visit http://www.gallantfh.com

BRUCE A. RODERICK

FAIRFIELD – Bruce A. Roderick, 60, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 3, 2022. He was born on December 21, 1961, in Augusta, to Wallace “Wally” and Blanche Roderick, of Fairfield.

Bruce spent his life in Fairfield, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1980. He went on to attend the University of Maine at Orono, and while there, married his junior high school sweetheart Trishia “Richardson” Roderick in 1984. They would have celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary this August.

Bruce and Trish enjoyed traveling together and were working their way toward visiting each state in the US. While at home they enjoyed spoiling their two dogs with trips to the lake, belly rubs, endless treats and lots of love.

He built his life around their four children; Justin, Kayla, Zachary, and Kori. He was the most amazing dad. He was the loudest cheerleader, the biggest fan, fiercest protector and was unwaveringly proud of his children. His greatest joy was being Papa to his eight grandchildren; Owen, Mason and Kendall Roderick, children of Justin and Elizabeth Roderick; Harper Roderick-Cloutier, child of Kayla Roderick; Olivia and Avery Roderick, children of Zachary and Bryanna Roderick; and Briley and Lennon Whited, children of Kori and Zachary Whited. Bruce’s biggest priority was planning and orchestrating family trips, events, parties, gathering’s at “Camp Chaos” and more, to create memories with those he loved the most.

Bruce chose a career in sales which was perfect for his competitive nature, outgoing personality, and desire to connect with others. He began his career at Selection Video before moving on to RJ Reynolds. Eventually he moved on to Swedish Match North America where he enjoyed 19 years leading his team as Key Account Manager. In those years he built many lasting connections and friendships, both within the company and throughout his market. What Bruce enjoyed most about his job was the people. He was a born leader and true mentor to many of his colleagues, as he was in many other aspects of his life.

One of Bruce’s strongest passions was serving his community, whether it be helping a neighbor, volunteering his time, offering advice, or even just giving a big Bruce bear hug. Above all stood Bruce’s extraordinary commitment to the Fairfield PAL Program. His mission was to continue the legacy built by the founders and those who served before him. Bruce started as a participant in Fairfield PAL, later coaching his own children within the program. He eventually became director of the football program, before moving on to become a member of the PAL board and ultimately president of the board of directors. Through it all, his main mission was to ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, could have a safe, fun, and equally fulfilling experience in any activity they chose.

In addition to the aforementioned immediate family, Bruce is survived by an uncle, Bill Silsby, in-laws, nieces, nephews, several cousins, and countless close friends that were really more like family.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 1 p.m., at Bill Donahue field in the Richard McGee Athletic Complex, 92 Western Ave, Fairfield. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be held at Lawrence Junior High School Gymnasium. There is no formal dress code. Please feel free to dress in whatever attire makes you feel closest to Bruce whether it be PAL gear, a football jersey, crocs, suit, etc.

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

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Bruce’s name be made to Fairfield PAL Program, C/O Frank Bouchard, PO Box 362, Fairfield, ME 04937.

ALLEN C. DOWLING

CHELSEA – Allen C. Dowling, 93, of Mud Mill Road, died June 6, 2022, at the Veterans Adminis­ration Center at Togus, following an extended illness. He was born in Newton, Massa­chusetts, on November 3, 1928, the son of Allen A. Dowling and Anna (Milne) Dowling.

Allen attended Augusta schools, graduating from Cony High School in the class of 1947. After high school, he worked for Augusta Fruit Co. before joining the U.S. Army. He served from 1950-1952 in Korea.

In 1953, he started his own candy and cigarette route, called Augusta Tobacco. He retired as supervisor of cooks in 1989 from the Togus V.A. Center after 30 years of service. He then opened Al’s Sulky Restaurant, in Chelsea, from 1990-1998.

Allen was involved in horse racing since the age of 14. He owned and drove many standardbreds throughout his lifetime. He was a member of Maine Harness Horseman’s Association, United States Trotting Association and Maine State Breeders Association.

Allen was a lifetime member and past commander of American Legion Post #2, of Augusta; Lifetime member of Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks #964, of Augusta; Lifetime member of Fraternal Order of Eagles, of Augusta; member of Disabled American Veterans; Blinded Veterans Association and Korean War Veterans.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving is his wife, Marcella (Johnson) Gallagher Dowling, of Chelsea; his daughter, Sharon Krechkin; granddaughter Cortney Tanner and husband James; two great-grandchildren, Reeve and Harlow Tanner, of Windsor; brother-in-law William White and Desanges; cousins Betty Westgate and Gerine Dowling; his stepchildren, Tammy and Ed Symes, Randy Gallagher and partner Sharon, Peter Gallagher, Jeff Gallagher and partner Dawn, Michael Gallagher and partner Crystal; 11 step-grandchildren and many great-stepgrandchildren; sister-in-law Mary Jane Hinds; Gail Parker and husband Dana; brother-in-law Bruce Johnson and wife Linda.

There are no planned public visiting hours. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., on Wednesday June 22, 2022, at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Western Ave., Augusta.

Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Augusta.

A Celebration of Life will follow at American Legion Post #2, 7 Legion Drive, Augusta.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com. Memorial donations may be made to: American Legion Post #2, 7 Legion Drive, Augusta, ME, or Elks Veterans Program, P.O Box 2206, Augusta, ME 04338-2206.

GERMAINE A. ORLOFF

WATERVILLE – Germaine Alice Michaud Orloff, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at Sentry Hill, in York. Germaine was born on September 9, 1933, to parents of French-Canadian descent, and raised in Waterville along with her five siblings.

After completing elementary and middle school at St. Francis de Sales School, and finishing first in her class, she attended Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, on a scholarship for her freshman year before transitioning to Waterville High School, graduating in 1951. Germaine received her B.A. in chemistry from Colby College, in Waterville, in 1955, working various jobs throughout her undergraduate years to pay for her education., including a period at the Keyes Fibre Company, in Waterville.

After graduating from Colby, Germaine married her high school sweetheart, Paul John Orloff, in 1956. Germaine was a devoted wife and mother of five children, all born and raised in Waterville. On top of raising a large family, Germaine worked as a private tutor for math and science, served as a substitute teacher in the Waterville school system, and eventually received her M.B.A. from Thomas College, in Waterville, where she was appointed assistant professor teaching math and statistics.

At various times, Germaine also served as Director of Volunteer Services at Thayer Hospital (Mid-Maine Medical Center), in Waterville, led Hospice Services in the Waterville area, coordinated Bilingual activities at the University of Maine at Augusta, actively supported the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Waterville, and sat on the Waterville City Council. She was always a dedicated and loyal alumnus of Colby College.

Germaine shared many outside interests with family and friends. She enjoyed snow and water skiing, swimming, tennis, hiking, boating, croquet, reading and attending Book Club, and, of course, playing bridge with a fiercely competitive edge.

Though some of her physical pursuits gradually became more limited following a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in her late 50s, she never let her illness dampen her determination or zest for life. She loved good food, great company, and fine wine. She and Paul enjoyed the company of many great friends, and they traveled extensively abroad, including trips to Italy, France, Japan, Russia, and Africa.

Germaine will be remembered as a warm and spirited woman who cared deeply for her family, who never shied away from a good argument, and who felt strongly about many social issues, driven in part by her Catholic upbringing. She loved having the extended family, including all her grandchildren, visit the lake home in Belgrade to enjoy her fabulous cooking, activities on the water, and croquet games on the front lawn.

Germaine was predeceased by her husband, Paul Orloff; her parents Joseph and Hermoza Michaud; her sister, Gertrude Michaud, and her brother, Joseph Michaud.

She is survived by her children and their spouses John and Gwen Orloff, of York, Lauren and Roy Williams, of Grand Cayman, Karen and Brian Maddox, of Stuart, Florida, Glenn and Lana Orloff, of Bethesda, Maryland, and Ellen and Mark Gauthier, of Wheatridge, Colorado; her sister, Jeanette Curtis and her husband, Keith Curtis, of Waterville; her sister-in-law, Betty Michaud, of Waterville; her sister, Marie Lacombe, of Grants Pass, Oregan; her brother, Harold “Mitch” Michaud and his wife Stephanie, of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; her 13 grandchildren Jaclyn Michel, Kirsten and Mark Orloff; Anaise and Chloe Williams; Phoebe, Ian and Marly Maddox; Max Peselev and Evan and Cole Orloff; and Brynn and Nathan Gauthier; and her four great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Sadie Michel, and Kieran and Rory Packer.

A funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m., on Friday, July 1, at St. Mary’s Church, 41 Western Ave., Augusta, ME 04330. A lunch reception will be held beginning at 12:30 p.m., at Glenn Orloff’s lakeside residence, 71 Stony Point Rd, Belgrade, ME 04917.

Visit http://www.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com for online condolences.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Alfond Youth Center, Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA of Greater Waterville, 126 North St., Waterville, ME 04901.

JILL VanGORDEN

WATERVILLE – Jill (Etchie) VanGorden, aka “Purple Lady”, 63, of Water­ville, passed away peacefully on Wed­nesday, June 8, 2022. Born on November 21, 1958, in Waterville, she was the daughter of the late Pearl Mary Etchie and Cecil Felix Etchie, Jr.

Jill was employed by The Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce for 20 years, where she developed many lifelong and cherished friendships. She later worked for Dignity Memorial.

Jill was a 1977 graduate of Waterville Senior High School, and attended Thomas College, in Waterville.

Jill was always the life of the party. Her laughter will always be remembered. She loved opening her home up for celebrations with loved ones, and feeding all those that came through her door to gather for them. Her selfless love created a safe haven for all those in her life, and this is one of the many things that will be deeply missed about her. She never missed her son’s or grandchildren’s sporting events or nieces’ and nephew’s plays and performances. Jill loved to shop until she dropped, and was an avid fan of Days of Our Lives. Her knowledge of all her favorite shows made her a walking movie/TV database.

Jill is survived by her two sons, Robert VanGorden, wife Cassie, and Nathan VanGorden, wife Chelsea; her two sisters, Jane Kennedy, husband Larry, and Joan Levesque, husband Matt; her grandchildren Keelyn, Owhen, Finn, Evan, Emmitt and Ethan; nieces Heather, Nicole, Emily, Nephew Zachary; and great-nieces Katarina and Chloe.

She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Anne, and her brother, Kim.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 6, at 122 Unity Rd., Benton, ME 04901, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

Jill loved all things purple, including flowers. Alternatively, donations can be made to the charity of your choice in Jill’s name.

DANIEL K. HIRSCHY

WATERVILLE – Daniel K. Hirschy, 104, of Waterville, formerly of Evans City, Pennsylvania, died on Sunday, May 29, 2022, in Maine. Daniel was born April 21, 1918, in Berne, Indiana. He was the son of Norman and Esther (Sprunger) Hirschy.

Daniel was a member of Burnham Baptist Church, in Burnham. Rev. Hirschy and his wife served as missionaries in the Republic of Chad in Africa for 27 years. He loved God, his family, reading and teaching the Bible, quoting poetry, gardening and playing word games.

He is survived by his four daughters, Mrs. David (Elaine) Rifenberick, of Joliet, Illinois, Mrs. Dennis (Judy) Reiter, of Willimantic, Connecticut, and Linda and Kathy Hirschy, both of Waterville; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his two brothers and his three sisters.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Daniel’sname to Burnham Baptist Church, P.O. Box 46, 25 Troy Road, Burnham, Maine 04922.

CHRYSTAL R. POMROY

WINSLOW – Chrystal Roberta (Ambrose) Pomroy, 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 21, 2022, at her residence in Winslow. She was born in Castle Hill, the daughter of Leith (Richardson) Ambrose and Arnold Ambrose on April 6, 1930.

Chrystal was a graduate of Easton High School 1948, in Easton, Maine.“Chris” went to work at WAGM radio station in Presque Isle for two and a half years. When the Presque Isle Air Force Base opened, she then worked for 10 years as the secretary for the base commander. After the base closed, she worked in the Community Action Program in Presque Isle and Augusta and ultimately became the correspondence secretary for Governor Kenneth Curtis. Chris worked in two law firms in Augusta and as the secretary to the hospital administrator at Augusta General. In 1977 she started her own successful secretarial service business, Bridget Secretarial Services, in Augusta.

In Chris’ years of retirement, six-eight fellow quilters would gather in her home to design and create hundreds of lap robes, walker bags, and adult bibs to be given to nursing homes throughout the area. Chris was a teacher to many fellow crafters, sharing her love of knitting, crocheting, card-making, and quilting, to name a few of her hobbies.

Chris was predeceased by her husband Oral Lionel Pomroy, her sister Harriett Day, and her brother Fenton Ambrose.

Chris is survived by her stepson Michael Pomroy and his wife Karina; grandsons, Ian Pomroy and Benjamin Allen.

In lieu of service, please reach out to members of your community in need of a smile, companionship, and a hug. It would warm Chris’ heart if donations were made in her memory to your choice of animal shelter or nursing home.

HENRY J. VEILLEUX

THE VILLAGES, Florida – Henry Joseph Veilleux (“Hank”) was born to the late Ernest and Bernadette Veilleux in Waterville, on December 22, 1940. He was an early Christmas present to an eager mom and dad.

Most of Henry’s working life was spent immersed in the blessings and challenges serving as school principal in Wilton, a town he loved both for its tightknit community, as well as its hidden gem, Wilson Lake Country Club, which he frequented in the warmer months of the year. In the colder months, Henry could be found on neighboring Wilson Lake, typically with a sack full of ice fishing traps, bait and a baloney sandwich, and he never returned home empty-handed.

If you asked a hundred people who Henry Veilleux was, they’d all give you a different story. A golf shark to those at Wilson Lake. A superhero to the kids at Wilton Academy. The hardest working man in the world to his co-workers. A mastermind head coach to the Wilton Cubs little league team, which during Henry’s reign frequented the local little league world series. A master sailor. And a loving father and grandfather to his children and grandkids.

Henry was also a storyteller, and it’s no surprise that he featured as the hero of most of his tales. Whether it was the whimsical five-iron into #2 at Wilson Lake from the back tees, the eight-pound salmon caught on a regular trip down the West Branch of the Penobscot River, or the rogue bear that attacked camp while Henry and his good friend Roland were sleeping, the stories were as fantastic as he was – colorful, vibrant, and full of life.

Henry had time to consider his obituary. In his final memo to those that knew him, he asked that you remember this last message: “keep telling stories. It is our stories that connect us and unite us, and it is through our stories that we can change the world.”

Henry is survived by his son Jeremy Veilleux; his daughters Jocelin Snow and Jenny Veilleux; his grandsons Brandon and Ryan Veilleux; his brother Roger Veilleux; his sisters Corinne Whitney and Elaine Hoag; all respective spouses and families. A celebration of Henry’s life will be held for close family in Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the American Heart Association in memory of Henry.

WINDSOR: Paving contract awarded to Maine-ly Paving for $471,985.50

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by The Town Line staff

At their May 24 meeting, the Windsor Select Board voted unanimously to award a paving bid to Jamie Ward of Maine-ly Paving Services, LLC, in the amount of $471,985.50.

In all, there were four bids submitted. Charlie Emerson with All State Construction, Inc., submitted a bid for $502,820.56, Jaeden Folster with Northeast Paving submitted a bid for $642,070 and Jeff Mullis submitted a bid of $584,850.

Keith Hall reported the repair or replacement of the pipe on the Jones Road could last another two to three years. It would be approximately $300,000 to fix the pipe which includes digging and the cost of the pipe. The select board agreed to hold off on repairing the pipe. According to Hall, work will continue on Shuman Road. The town recently received the Safety Enhancement Grant of $1,660 for public works signs, barricades and cones.

Also, Town Manageer Theresa Haskell noted the preventative maintenance work at the transfer station has been completed.

In other business, Haskell read a letter from Vern Ziegler, assessor’s agent, for the 2022 Ratio Declaration and Reimbursement Application, which is filed annual with the Maine Revenue Service to claim homestead reimbursement. The municipality declares a current year certified ratio of 88 percent. The board passed the motion unanimously.

Edward Pollard III, Erica Ontiveros, and Monique Crummett were all presemt to introduce themselves and tell the board why they are interested in serving on the RSU #12 school board, and Moira Teekema explained why she has interest serving on the budget committee.

Also,

  • Haskell read a letter from Waste Management regarding a two percent increase;
  • There was a special meeting of the select board on May 31 to sign the RSU #12 warrant and notice calling Regional School Unit #12 budget validation referendum;
  • Haskell discussed the Kennebec County Hazard Mitigation Plan. She read it and presented it to the board for their consideration.

The select board then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters.

China assessor recommends second revaluation in two years

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by Mary Grow

China select board members held two meetings in succession June 6, first as the town’s board of assessors and then as the select board.

The assessors heard a presentation from professional assessor William Van Tuinen, who recommended the second property revaluation in two years to keep pace with rising real estate sales prices.

Calculating how much to increase values of different types of property will be complicated, he said, because some prices have increased more than others.

If China’s declared valuations lag too far behind actual prices, the state will impose penalties, in the form of reduced reimbursement for homestead, veterans’ and other exemptions.

Board member Wayne Chadwick pointed out that if valuations go up, the tax rate goes down, to generate about the same amount of revenue for the town.

“That’s correct,” Van Tuinen replied.

Board members postponed a decision until Van Tuinen has time to prepare a more specific proposal. He hopes to present one promptly, so that town assessors can approve and he can prepare information needed to set the 20223-23 tax rate.

Reconvening as the select board, members made made three decisions.

They unanimously appointed Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood as China’s codes officer and licensed plumbing inspector and Ryan Page as licensed plumbing inspector to work with her. Page is Vassalboro’s codes officer and plumbing inspector.

Both appointments are valid through June 30. Jaime Hanson has resigned from the China positions; Hapgood said June 10 was his last day, and as of June 6 she had no applicants to fill the position.

Hapgood has no certifications for her new job, but, she said, the state allows 12 months for someone to take the necessary courses to get certified, so appointing her is not illegal.

The second select board decision was to approve an updated contract with the Town of Palermo to continue to share the China transfer station. The minor changes are updating the fee charged Palermo residents for their trash bags and making the fee adjustable annually, without a contract amendment.

Hapgood and Robert Kurek, one of Palermo’s representatives on China’s Transfer Station Committee, negotiated the changes, which still needed approval by the Palermo select board. Working with Kurek was “awesome,” Hapgood commented, praising his consistently constructive suggestions.

Select board members’ third decision was to authorize Hapgood to continue negotiating for an easement that would allow access to Branch Pond for a dry hydrant for firefighters’ use.

In other June 6 business, Hapgood reminded those attending that nomination papers for Nov. 8 local elections will be available Aug. 1. This year voters will elect three select board members, three planning board members, four budget committee members and one representative to the Regional School Unit (RSU) #18 board of directors.

Mention of the RSU election led to a brief discussion of information-sharing between the regional board and the local select board. Hapgood said she plans to invite China’s RSU members to select board meeting four times a year, as proposed during an earlier discussion. Select board member Janet Preston recommended select board members attend RSU meetings, too.

Because of the Juneteenth and Independence Day holidays, the next two regular China select board meetings will be Tuesday evenings, June 21 and July 5. The town office will be closed Monday, June 20, and Monday, July 4.

On Thursday, June 30, the town office will close at noon so staff can complete end-of-the-fiscal-year accounts. The select board will hold a short special meeting at 4 p.m. June 30 for approval of final 2021-2022 bills.

China municipal building committee to make presentation to select board

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by Mary Grow

Three members of China’s Municipal Building Committee met June 9, for the first time since January, and agreed they need to make a presentation and two requests at the June 21 select board meeting.

After reporting to select board members on their plan for additional storage space at the town office on Lakeview Drive, they need to ask for funds to hire an engineer or similar consultant to refine the plan and add an up-to-date cost estimate. And they need to ask for appointment of additional committee members.

Committee chairman Sheldon Goodine shared his not-to-scale plan for a building to be connected to the east side of the present building. His proposed building is 34 feet wide; committee member Scott Pierz recommended 36 feet long as adequate to store town records for a reasonable time into the future.

Goodine reported soil consultant Jack Lord had located the town office septic tank and leach field, to make sure the new building will not affect their functioning. Goodine had talked with town office staff and adjusted proposed interior details to meet their needs and preferences.

He plans next to ask someone from Dig Safe to check the proposed site, he said.

Committee members talked about windows (not many) and doors (at least two); how the roof of the new building would meet the existing roof; the electrical connection; putting the building on a slab with in-floor heating; and providing work space, so staff members would not have to haul documents from storage back to the main office to use them.

Pierz reminded the others that the building must comply with state and local building codes, China’s Phosphorus Control Ordinance, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and probably other regulations and requirements.

He and audience member Ed Bailey urged Goodine not to stress details of interior arrangements with select board members, but to focus on the overall plan and projected costs. There was agreement that a January cost estimate is no longer valid.

Goodine commented that the existing town office building needs repairs. The adjacent former portable classroom, used for voting, committee meetings, weekly senior citizens’ gatherings and other purposes, is close to the end of its useful life, in his estimation.

Bailey is interested in serving on the Municipal Building Committee. After the meeting, committee member and town clerk Angela Nelson said Dennis Simmons has also volunteered.

Vassalboro select board authorizes church demolition

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Following an executive session, Vassalboro select board unanimously authorized Town Manager Mary Sabins to negotiate and sign a contract to have the building taken down and the remains taken away. (The Town Line file photo by Roland D. Hallee)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro select board members began their June 9 meeting with a party, recognizing retiring board chairman Robert Browne’s final meeting.

After the cake and cold drinks, they went into executive session with town attorney Kristin Collins to discuss demolition of the former church in North Vassalboro.

Vassalboro select board chairman Rob Browne was recognized at his final board meeting. (photo courtesy of Mary Sabins)

After the executive session, they unanimously authorized Town Manager Mary Sabins to negotiate and sign a contract to have the building taken down and the remains taken away. The focus will be on removing the building, which has been declared dangerous; accumulated items on the grounds will be moved as necessary to provide access to the building.

Board members discussed details like making sure property-owner Chad Caron is notified and providing a police escort for the demolition contractor. North Vassalboro resident Raymond Breton urged caution around the many sharp, heavy and damaged objects on the lot.

Caron reportedly has an alternative storage area on Reynolds Road. Select board member Barbara Redmond said he will be given reasonable time to move more things there if he wants to.

The land will remain Caron’s, Redmond said. The town will bill him for demolition costs.

In other business June 9, by a unanimous vote select board members adopted the Compensation Administration Policy they discussed earlier in the year, establishing a salary scale for town employees.

Sabins reported the contracts for hauling bulky waste and municipal solid waste (MSW) from the transfer station to disposal sites expire in August. She proposed either seeking new bids, or negotiating with the current contractors for one-year extensions.

Sabins said transfer station manager George Hamar is satisfied with the current haulers, and as far as she knows they are satisfied. Select board members unanimously authorized her to negotiate for one-year contract extensions.

North Vassalboro resident Lauchlin Titus asked Sabins to ask haulers to remind their drivers to obey speed limits. Sabins said she had done so once years ago without a problem.

Sabins shared another truck-related issue raised by fire department members: a tractor-trailer intermittently parked near the food pantry and the North Vassalboro fire station threatens to damage fresh pavement. Police Chief Mark Brown intends to talk with the driver.

Select board member Chris French asked Brown for statistics on crime in Vassalboro, leading to a discussion of whether it is time to repeat the neighborhood watch type program organized in North Vassalboro about a decade ago. Brown urged residents to report suspicious activities to law enforcement professional and to leave action to them.

Vassalboro Legion Post Commander Tom Richards raised another North Vassalboro question: who owns the flagpole that stands with the stone monuments in front of the former North Vassalboro school, former town office and former health center? Breton now owns the land and building.

Richards said the Legion Post replaced the flagpole recently. Having little money and no fund-raising plans – there are only about 25 members, “and you’re looking at about the youngest one,” Richards explained – the Post had billed the town.

At Sabins’ suggestion, select board members approved closing the transfer station Sunday, June 19, for the new Juneteenth holiday. The town office will be closed Monday, June 20, to observe the holiday.

The next regular Vassalboro select board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23.

PHOTO: A gaggle of geese

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Monique Eldridge took this photo of two geese and six goslings during Memorial weekend.