Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, May 12, 2022
Who has hit the most career home runs for the Boston Red Sox?
Answer:
Ted Williams, 521. (David Ortiz hit 541 in his career, only 483 with the Red Sox.)
Local Farms Day at ACB
Come one and all to the first annual Local Farms Day at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library at 37 Main St. in China Village. Attendees will view displays of goods of area farmers and producers with items also for sale. This family friendly event will be held on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Displays will be indoors and out. There will be door prizes and giveaways. Children will enjoy some activities including a story and craft time at 11 a.m. We will also be accepting seed donations to build up our Seed Sharing Library.
National Poppy Day is May 27
Members of American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit #39, Madison will be distributing bright red poppies in exchange for a donation throughout the month of May. The Flanders Fields poppy has become an internationally known and recognized symbol of the lives sacrificed in war and the hope that none died in vain. The American Legion Family called upon Congress to proclaim the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day, which was officially designated as such in 2017.
Honor our fallen warriors and contribute to the continuing needs of our veterans on National Poppy Day, May 27, 2022.
“Wearing the poppy on National Poppy Day and throughout Memorial Day weekend is one small way to honor and remember our fallen warriors who willingly served our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit #39 President Karen Lytle “We must never forget.”
The poppy also honors hospitalized and disabled veterans who handcraft many of the red, crepe paper flowers. Making the poppies provides a financial and therapeutic benefit to the veterans, as well as a benefit to thousands of other veterans.
When The American Legion Family adopted the poppy as its memorial flower in the early 1920s, the blood-red icon became an enduring symbol of honor for the sacrifices of our veterans from the battlefields of France in World War I to today’s global war on terror. The American Legion Auxiliary raises about $4 million each year distributing poppies throughout the nation, with 100 percent of the funds raised going directly to help veterans, military, and their families.
The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) is a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families. Our members also support the mission of The American Legion in improving the quality of life for our nation’s veterans.
The more than 600,000 ALA members across the country volunteer millions of hours annually and raise millions of dollars in service to veterans, military, and their families. Founded in 1919, the ALA is one of the oldest patriotic membership organizations in the U.S.A. To learn more and to volunteer, join, and donate, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org or if you like to join a local unit, contact Karen Lytle, President, American Legion Auxiliary, Tardiff-Belanger Unit #39, PO Box 325, Madison, ME 04950, or karen.lytle364@gmail.com or (207)696-4445.
OBITUARIES for Thursday, May 12, 2022
LINDA L. LIBBY
OAKLAND – Linda L. Libby, 79, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. Linda was born in Oakland, at home, on April 19, 1943. She was daughter of the late Linwood and Clara (Moody) Grant.
She attended school, in Oakland, at Williams High School.
Linda married the love of her life, Clair Libby, in 1961. They shared many years together until his passing in 2004.
She was a cake decorator who made many wedding cakes and birthday cakes for family and friends.
Besides her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Dwight Grant, her sisters Kathy Scott and Kim Hall.
Linda is survived by her three children, Lisa, Tina, and Brett Libby and his wife, Heather; her grandchildren Tara, Zack, Taylor, Shelby, Dakota, and Caleb; her great-grandchildren Riley, Brayden, Wyatt, Everett, and Bryce; her sister, Marlene Mann; and and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held on Monday, May 9, at Lewis Cemetery, in Oakland.
Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.lawrybrothers.com.
LINDA B. BAILEY
WINSLOW – Linda B. Bailey, 81, (born Olcott), of Winslow, passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2022. She was born on December 30, 1940, in Plainfield, New Jersey, and lived a long, fruitful, fun, and fulfilling life right up to the end. She passed peacefully in bed – her body no longer able to continue on with what her mind wanted her to do.
“Lin” was a loving wife to her husband, Blaine, whom she adored. She was also the most loving and caring mother to her two boys. She was a consummate entrepreneur, a decorator, a matchmaker, an artist, an animal lover, and a cancer survivor. Smart as a whip, sometimes sly, always witty, and willing to laugh at every opportunity.
Lin lived life to the fullest, always busy doing something. She enjoyed the simple ‘everyday’ with her husband, dogs, and horses. But her mind never stopped looking for a way to turn her latest interest or hobby into a business. An adventurist at heart – as an example, she had no problem taking the helm of the 32-foot sailboat that she and Blaine sailed all over the Coast of Maine. Just try to keep up with her, we would say.
She met challenges in life head-on and determined to come out on top, and more often than not she did – raising two boys mostly as a single mother. Later in life she beat cancer – twice. She was one tough cookie, not that you would see that side of her in conversation. Outwardly she was a true lady and approached every situation with thoughtful sensitivity and a smile on her face.
Lin was an animal lover and always had at least one K9 companion, and often many that she shared her home with. She and Blaine also enjoyed their many horses at their Whoabegone Farm, in Benton.
Among her many business ventures – Décor Custom Decorating, The Matchmaker computer dating service (long before anyone else came up with that idea), Bailey’s Business Services (with her husband, Blaine), and L&B Art Effects.
She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Blaine Bailey, of Winslow; two sons, Greg (Laurie) Roberts, of Baxter, Tennessee, and Jeff (Becca) Roberts, of Biddeford; her sister, Sandy Terp, of Alburtis, Pennsylvania; and one grandchild, Jordan Roberts, of Biddeford.
A celebration of life was held on Friday May 6, at Governors Restaurant, Waterville
Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Lin’s name to the ASPCA at https://www.aspca.org.
DOLORES C. CRYAN
WATERVILLE – Dolores C. (Quirion) Cryan, 83, passed away on Friday, April 29, 2022, following a brief illness. She was born on December 12, 1938, the daughter of Albert and Leda (Talbot) Quirion.
She was educated in Winslow Public Schools and Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, and spent her life in Winslow, North Vassalboro, and on Lake Moxie, in The Forks Plantation. She was a member of St. John the Baptist church, in Winslow. Dolores was also a member of snowmobile and ATV clubs in the Lake Moxie area.
Dolores married Robert F. Cryan Sr., on September 7, 1964, and they shared more than 57 years. Dolores worked at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, and area woolen mills. She retired from Oak Grove Nursing Home, in Waterville, at the age of 62.
Dolores spent as much time as she could with her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends at her cottage on Lake Moxie where she was the happiest. She enjoyed boating, fishing, snowmobiling, ATVing, and playing cards. She also enjoyed traveling, dining out, and the “occasional” nap.
Delores adored her grandchildren, loved doting on them and never missed an opportunity to tell them how she loved them to the moon and back. She was the centerpiece of the family where her love and generosity knew no limits.
She is survived by her two children, Robert F. Cryan, Jr. and his wife, Brianna, and their two children Nicholas R. and Eliana M. Cryan, of Oviedo, Florida; and daughter, Kimberly A. (Cryan) Vicnaire and her husband Brent, and their two sons, Cameron P. and Brady R. Vicnaire, of Waterville; her brother, Roger Quirion and wife Debbie; sisters-in-law Lorraine Quirion and Doris Quirion, all of Winslow; and many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Dolores was predeceased by her husband Robert; by her parents Albert and Leda (Talbot) Quirion; by three sisters, Lorraine Morey and her husband Ted Morey, Gloria Quirion, and Pauline Carrier and husband Robert Carrier, and three brothers, Ronald Quirion, Raymond Quirion and wife Enid Quirion, and Robert Quirion.
A graveside service will be held at a later date at the Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta, at which time Dolores will be laid to rest with her husband, Robert.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation, 445 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan, ME 04976.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
NELSON KISS
VASSALBORO – Nelson “Butch” Kiss, 82, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 30, 2022, at home. Nelson was born and raised in Meriden, Connecticut.
He attended Wilcox Technical School, graduating in 1958, where he excelled at auto mechanics. He was employed at his family’s lamp manufacturing company, Kiss Lamp Company, and Harte Chevrolet, in Meriden, Connecticut, before moving to Vassalboro in 1976 and starting his own business, Kiss Kar Kare, which he ran for 35 years. He specialized in building custom hot rods including his 1940 Chevy Coupe. In his early years, he was an award-winning drag racer, and raced all over New England, New York, and New Jersey.
Nelson was industrious and skilled at many things. In building his own home, he custom crafted the interior with great detail and did much of the electrical and plumbing; by all accounts, it is a beautiful home. He also built custom furniture including an elaborate grandfather clock.
He was actively involved in youth baseball, coached for many years, and started the junior high school baseball program in Vassalboro. He coached many winning seasons.
Nelson was an outdoor and nature enthusiast; he enjoyed birdwatching, hiking, and boating. He spent lots of time in Greenville and Bar Harbor, staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying fine dining.
Holidays and spending time with family was especially important to him. Christmas was his favorite time of the year, and he enjoyed decorating and buying gifts for family as well as less fortunate children in the area.
Nelson was predeceased by his parents, Aaron and Alice (Baton) Kiss; his sisters Peggy Gervascio, Lucille O’Brien, two brothers, Donald Kiss and Francis Brown.
Nelson is survived by his wife of 54 years, Charlene (Stanley) Kiss; their sons Curtis and Dana; daughter-in-law, Molly; grandchildren Kamryn, Lauren, and Aaron; several nieces, and nephews.
Nelson was deeply passionate about animals, especially his cats, many of which he rescued.
At his request, there will be no visiting hours or funeral. A celebration of life will be held in private.
In his memory, donations can be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville ME 04901.
MARIE B. McMAHON
WATERVILLE – Marie Baker Foster McMahon, 87, of Waterville, passed away Sunday, May 1, 2022, at Mount St. Joseph’s rehab facility, in Waterville. She was born, March 27, 1935, in Norridgewock to Beatrice and Floyd Baker.
She graduated from Skowhegan High School. She and her first husband, Mathew Foster, lived in Bingham with their four children, Mona, Dougie, Bea and Suzie. Marie modeled love of family and home, hard work, service to others and persevering through challenging times. As a single, working mother of four, she somehow created time to sew her girls’ school, Easter and other outfits. Then taught them how to sew as they got older.
She supported her family in different ways, yet most loved the two decades of connecting to patients as a dental assistant in Waterville. In 1977 she married her second husband, Richard J. McMahon who passed in 1987. Besides being a wonderful mother, she enjoyed honoring veterans and serving local veterans’ organizations, The Winslow VFW, The Elks Auxiliary, and she served as president of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. She especially loved the poppies and sharing them to raise awareness and donations. She also enjoyed being a Togus hospital and Meals on Wheels volunteer.
Favorite family memories include decades of family card games of canasta, of which is still played with children and grandchildren. Much fun was enjoyed when she would yodel or dance. At Suzette and Bill’s wedding, eight years ago, she was dancing a lot and having so much fun. Attendees commented. “I hope I can dance like that at her age.” Then one younger person corrected herself and said, “Heck, I wish I could dance like that now!” We still smile knowing she danced as recently as November and now, we trust she’s still having fun and dancing in Spirit!
She wanted to celebrate her 80th birthday in a special way and did the Polar Dip at Messalonskee Lake for the Boys and Girls Club. She only let her children know at the last minute, not wanting anyone to try to talk her out of it. One of her granddaughters loves the memory of Gram doing a split well into her 60s!
Simple things brought her pleasure, feeding and watching the birds, tending to her flower gardens, and making and sharing her delicious tourtiere pie, now of which her family carries on the tradition.
Marie was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Dick McMahon; brother, Harold Baker, sister, Roberta Wise; and stepson, Eddie McMahon.
She is survived by her four children, Ramona Freeman, of Waterville, Doug (Sandy) Foster and Beatrice (Bob) Blake, all of Oakland, and Suzette Foster (Bill Mosher,), of North Carolina; stepchildren Michael (Renata) McMahon, of Sidney, Patricia McMahon, of Waterville, and Rick (Kim) McMahon, of Sidney; grandchildren Theresa Blake, of Oakland, Brianna Anicetti of North Carolina, Brittany Anicetti Viuf, of Oklahoma, Gabrielle Foster, of Portland, Mathew Foster, of Oakland; and two great-granddaughters, Joslyn Ireland and Harper Viuf; siblings Bette (Rance) Hadaway, of South Carolina, Doug (Phyll) Baker, of California, Karen (Ron) Gareau, of Rhode Island, Bill (Karen) Baker, of Massachusetts; her Baker half-siblings; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., on Friday, July 15, at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville, ME 04901. Burial will be held Saturday, July 16, at 10 a.m., at the Old Oak Cemetery, River Road, Norridgewock, ME 04957.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to American Legion Auxiliary in Waterville or Beacon Hospice Care, 5 Community Dr., Suite A, Augusta, ME 04330.
BARBARA E. HORNER
VASSALBORO – Barbara E. Horner, 95, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. She was born December 26, 1926, in Camden, the daughter of Alfred B. Nedeau and Teresa (Shaw) Nedeau.
Barbara grew up mostly in Norridgewock, but also in several other New England towns before graduating from Northfield High School, in Vermont, in 1944. Barbara married James “Jim” Horner, her husband of 70 years, in 1948, in Concord, New Hampshire.
She was a devoted mother while they lived in Hudson, Ohio, Leawood, Kansas, Hinckley and Waterville, Maine, and Durham, North Carolina, before retiring back to Maine in Vassalboro in 1989.
She began her own career only after her children finished their grade school years, working in the Rare Book Collection, at the Colby College Library (1969-1975), then at the Duke University International House, in Durham, North Carolina (1975-1989). She had a knack for remembering names and milestones and knew every international student who attended Duke during those years, including the correct pronunciation and spelling of their names. She welcomed each and every one and made them feel at home.
Barbara was a member of the Waterville Women’s Club and enjoyed volunteering at the old Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, Vassalboro Food Pantry, Volmer’s Nursing Home, in Vassalboro, and attending the Vassalboro United Methodist Church.
Barbara was a kind and caring soul who enjoyed being among family and friends, traveling, watching birds and wildlife, knitting, conquering crossword puzzles, and taking walks in nature. She loved to send letters and cards and never forgot a birthday. She was still receiving Christmas cards from some of her international friends from Greece, Sweden, and Japan.
She was predeceased by her husband Jim, her sister Margaret Keene, of Norridgewock, and brother Al Nedeau Jr., of California.
She is survived by son Stewart and his wife Cindy, of Waterville; daughter Peggy and her husband Ted May, of Columbia, Missouri; granddaughter Heather Provost and her husband Lucas, of Albion; grandson Travis Horner and fiancé Josh Rideout, of Gray; and great-grandchildren Madalyn, Ryder, and Miles Provost.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, June 17, 2022, at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church, 614 Main Street, Vassalboro, Maine 04989.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine 04901.
An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.
Those who wish may honor Barbara’s life by making a gift in her memory to the Vassalboro United Methodist Church, 614 Main Street, Vassalboro 04989, or the Vassalboro Food Pantry, Rte. 32, in Vassalboro.
REBECCA CLIFFORD
CHAMPLAIN, N.Y. – Rebecca Clifford, 92, of Champlain, New York, passed away Friday, April 8, 2022. Rebecca was born in Fairfield, March 9, 1930, the late daughter of Mable (Crockett) Lawrence and Earl Lawrence Sr.
On January 29, 1949, Rebecca married the love of her life, Ralph Clifford, together they had four beautiful children.
Rebecca loved life, visiting her family and friends singing country music and her favorite gospels at church with her sister, Ruth and brother “Billy” William, and caring for whomever needed her help. She loved to stay busy. With all of this being said she also had another great love, and that was cooking. She was great at it, just ask anyone for whom she ever cooked or baked. Because of that it led her to own her own restaurant with one of her life long friends, Ann Maglaris. They met at Bill’s truck stop and went on to own the notorious Eating House, in Fairfield. There she worked alongside her two daughters, Joyce and Janet, sisters Iva and Alma.
When you entered the diner it felt like home filled with laughter, family and friends, some new, some old but it was always full you never left hungry or disappointed, that was for sure.
Rebecca was predeceased by her husband Ralph Clifford; her two daughters Joyce Frye and Janet Hunter; a granddaughter, Brandy Ratcliff; five sisters, Iva Carter, Alma Mower, Priscilla Wing, Olive Chapman, and Ruth Buker, four brothers, Norman Lawrence, Floyd Lawrence, Colby Lawrence, and Melvin Lawrence.
Rebecca is survived by her son, Steven Earl Clifford, and daughter-in-law, Michelle Clifford, her son, Russell Clifford and his partner Maxine Buker; her grandchildren Stacey Boudreau, Matthew Clifford, Kasey Carpenter, Brian Clifford and Benjamin Clifford. her brother, William “Billy” Lawrence and sister-in-law, Elaine Lawrence, brother, Earl “Butchy” Lawrence and her best friend and sister-in-law, Carol Lawrence.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 21, in Fairfield, at 11 a.m. The family invites family and friends to join them at Governor’s Restaurant,Main St., in Waterville, in the Ball Room Hall, at 1 p.m., after the service.
Free dental care for military veterans
Appointments necessary for June 11 visits
On Saturday, June 11, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Aspen Dental locations nationwide will open their doors to provide free care to military veterans across the country.
Now in its eighth year, the Day of Service provides much-needed dental care for veterans at no cost to honor their service and break down barriers to health care.
Veterans can call 1-844-277-3646 (1-844-ASPENHMM) to find a location and schedule an appointment. Advance appointments are required.
There are 5 participating offices in the Auburn – Portland ME market.
- 791 Turner Street, Auburn, ME 04210;
- 171 Maine Mall Road, South Portland, ME 04106;
- 333 Main Street, Waterville, ME 04901;
- 125 Shops Way #126, Biddeford, ME 04005;
- 17 Thomaston Commons Way, Thomaston, ME.
Millions of Americans struggle to access dental care every year, and veterans are no exception. In fact, U.S. veterans are ineligible for dental benefits through the Veterans Administration unless they’re 100 percent disabled, have a service-related mouth injury, or were a prisoner of war.
Visit www.HealthyMouthMovement.com to learn more., or contact Jessica Sklar, 856-701-4954, Jessica@curleycompany.com.
China Planning Board meeting canceled
The China Planning Board meeting scheduled for May 9 was canceled; board members were not ready to continue work on draft ordinances. The next regular meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 24.
China broadband committee continues talks with Unitel, Direct Communications
by Mary Grow
At their May 4 meeting, China Broadband Committee (CBC) members continued discussion of working with Unitel and Direct Communications to bring expanded broadband service to China residents. CBC Chairman Robert O’Connor planned to present an interim report to China Select Board members at their May 9 meeting.
As at their previous joint discussion April 6 (see The Town Line, April 14, p. 3), everyone was enthusiastic about a cooperative endeavor – and how to pay for what CBC members envision remained a problem.
After voters defeated a request to borrow money through a bond in November 2021, CBC members have been determined to develop a plan that would not require financial support from taxpayers. They expect a combination of grants, user fees and other to-be-explored sources to cover costs.
CBC member Jamie Pitney summarized the committee’s relationship with Unitel: “We contacted all these people [from other broadband and telecommunications companies, including those already serving China residents] and the most promising are sitting right here.”
Michael Akers, Unitel’s Director of Network Operations, said he and Lead Communications Technician Scott Turgeon toured about half of China’s roads and confirmed and expanded information collected by last summer’s survey by Hawkeye Connections.
Notably, they found areas on main roads and camp roads where new facilities would be needed. The necessary construction would be “fairly straightforward,” Akers said, parts of it easy and parts hard.
In sum, the Unitel experts were “not supersurprised” by their findings. They concurred with Hawkeye’s cost estimate of around $6.5 million for work China would need.
They also agreed that under current guidelines and definitions for federal and state broadband grants, China could expect about $850,000, leaving a substantial amount needed from other sources.
Unitel and Direct Communications would contribute, amounts unknown. And, several people mentioned in discussion, grant guidelines will not be final until the fall of 2022 and might change to China’s advantage.
Another possible plan would be to expand China broadband incrementally over several years, starting with service to currently unserved and underserved areas.
The group agreed that CBC members should encourage China residents to do repeated speed tests on their current broadband service. Demonstrations of limited service should help show the need for change. Direct Communications, based in the small town of Rockland, Idaho, specializes in providing rural towns with broadband service. Unitel, based in Unity, Maine, is now a member of Direct Communications. Unitel’s Director of Internal/External Support, Jayne Sullivan, and Akers said they will forward a description of the local financial situation to Idaho.
Pitney asked James Dougherty, from consultant Mission Broadband, to draft a work plan for the CBC based on the May 4 discussion. After discussion of how much time would be needed, the next CBC meeting was scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, in the portable building behind the China town office.
Vassalboro planners approve four applications
by Mary Grow
Vassalboro Planning Board members unanimously approved all four applications on their May 3 agenda. They also discussed increased town permit fees, an item that will appear on the May 12 select board agenda.
Two shoreland permits were approved, for John Northrop to replace a house at 78 Three Mile Pond Road with a similar house close by and to add a garage; and for Jeffrey and Erica Bennett to build two houses at 21 Sheafer Lane, on Webber Pond.
Property-owner Raymond Breton, representing Amber French, of China, received a permit to open a lashes extension business – eyelashes, Breton explained – in an existing building at 913 Main Street, in North Vassalboro.
The fourth action was approval of a six-month extension of the permit issued June 1, 2021, for a solar array off Cemetery Street, in North Vassalboro. The original license was issued to New England Solar Gardens; the new company name is Maine 1 Vassalboro Cemetery.
Codes Officer Ryan Page presented a list of proposed fee increases for permits issued by his office, including but not exclusively those needing planning board approval. His goal was twofold, to bring many-year-old fees into the present day and to more adequately represent the time invested in permit review.
Planners took no formal action, but in discussion they supported his fee schedule and in some cases recommended increases.
Two board members summarized the two philosophies involved. John Phillips said when he asks town employees for a service, he thinks his taxes have paid for their help and there should be no additional charge. Paul Mitnik said that since he has not applied for a permit in years, his taxes are subsidizing residents who do need the codes officer’s help.
The next Vassalboro Planning Board meeting should be Tuesday evening, June 7.
China select board holds public hearing on proposed budget
by Mary Grow
The May 9 China Select Board meeting began with a half-hour public hearing on three of the items to be submitted to voters on June 14: the Large Scale Solar Facilities Moratorium Ordinance (Art. 37), the updated town comprehensive plan (Art. 38) and the 2022-23 municipal budget (Arts. 2 through 21, and indirectly Arts. 22 through 25 and 27 through 35).
Select Board Chairman Ronald Breton briefly explained each item and invited questions from the audience, on line and in the meeting room. There was one: Lawrence Sikora asked why money for China’s volunteer fire departments appeared in two different articles.
Breton explained that Art. 9 asks for $166,755 to keep the fire departments and rescue unit operating, funding their buildings and equipment and related expenses. Art. 12 asks for $92,000 for 11 “community support organizations,” donations or gifts to help in-town service organizations. The fire departments’ appropriations are intended for each department’s chief to distribute among the volunteer members in appreciation of their work.
Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said town meeting information, including the proposed ordinance and the revised comprehensive plan, are on China’s website, china.govoffice.com, under the elections tab on the left side of the page. A paper copy of the lengthy comprehensive plan may be borrowed from the town office.
During the meeting that followed the hearing, select board members approved two school-related questions for voters to answer on June 14. They will be on two separate ballots. One asks voters to approve or reject the 2022-23 school budget that will have been approved in an open meeting May 19. The other asks voter approval to apply to the state’s School Revolving Renovation Fund.
Carl Gartley, China resident and Superintendent in Regional School Unit (RSU) #18 (Belgrade, China, Oakland, Rome and Sidney), said the proposed 2022-23 budget is 1.57 percent, or about $643,000, higher than the current year’s budget. China’s share is projected to increase by 0.96 percent, or about $48,000.
On Thursday, May 19, interested voters from the five RSU #18 towns will meet at 6 p.m. at the Messalonskee High School Performing Arts Center, in Oakland, and vote on the amount in each of the 18 articles that make up the budget. On June 14, voters in the five towns will vote yes or no on re-approving the total that was approved May 19, the annual school budget referendum vote.
The formula that determines how much of the total RSU budget each town pays is currently based 75 percent on property valuation and 25 percent on student population. Gartley said that a new 15-member committee – three people from each town, appointed by the select boards – that will decide whether to continue or to amend the formula is scheduled to be organized this fall.
Also on June 14 is the state primary election.
China’s polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 14, in the former portable classroom behind the town office. Hapgood reminded the audience that the town office will be closed all day, because staff will be at the polls.
Town and state absentee ballots will be available at the town office Monday, May 16, and the RSU ballots will be available Friday, May 20.
In other business at the May 9 meeting, select board members reviewed seven bids for paving town roads. They unanimously accepted the low bid of $86.90 per ton of paving mix, from All States Construction, of Richmond, with the proviso that Hapgood and the China Road Committee will decide what roads to repave with asphalt and what roads to chip seal, as they evaluate the need and the funds available.
Steven Goulas, Paving Coordinator/Estimator for All States, explained that a chip seal surface is a layer of emulsion with hard stone spread on top and packed down, and then swept to move any loose stone into the ditches. Chip seal costs less than repaving.
Depending on the road, different size stone can be used, and either one or two layers applied, Goulas said. He estimated a chip sealed surface would last on average around five years, compared to an average of around seven years for an asphalt repaving. Chip seal is more durable now than it was 30 years ago because of the change in weather, he added.
Shawn Reed, China’s newly-titled Director of Public Services (combining management of the public works department and the transfer station), reminded the audience that South Road was chip sealed and is holding up well. His opinion is that it would be better to do as much as possible of the planned 5.1 miles of resurfacing this summer, using both methods as road committee members advise, than to postpone all work hoping for lower prices in 2023.
The China Road Committee, including Hapgood and Reed, was scheduled to meet Wednesday morning, May 11.
Reed’s report to the select board, presented by Hapgood, said his department has just added two new employees, one for public works and one for the transfer station.
Hapgood reminded those present that new transfer station hours take effect the week of May 16. So far, she said, she has heard only approval of the change. The new hours are on the town website and posted at the transfer station.
Select board members accepted the lowest of three bids for 18 months of mowing (to switch the contract from a calendar to a fiscal year), $47,225 from AK Enterprise, Alex Sargent’s landscape company, in Chelsea.
They approved a renewed two-year dispatching contract with the City of Waterville’s police department. The price is a little over $19,000 for the first year – already in the proposed 2022-23 budget, Hapgood said – and likely to increase slightly in the second year.
Robert O’Connor, chairman of the China Broadband Committee (CBC), updated board members on committee discussions with representatives of telecommunications companies since his report last November. CBC members are currently optimistic about prospects for expanded broadband service through Unity-based Unitel and Unitel’s new partner, Direct Communications of Idaho (see related story here).
The next regular China Select Board meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, May 23.
Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, May 12, 2022
To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@townline.org!
WAITING PATIENTLY: Joan Chaffee, of Clinton, snapped this female cardinal perched on a branch.
BLUE BIRD: Tina Richard, of Clinton, photographed this bluebird sitting on an old cut off branch in a tree.
COLORFUL ‘SHROOMS: Emily Poulin, of South China, captured these colorful mushrooms.