Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, February 24, 2022
What is the square footage of the opening of a hockey goal?
Answer:
24 square feet. 6-feet wide by 4-feet high.
General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) off to great start in 2022
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Semper Fidelis Club is off to a great start in 2022! Belonging to an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service, members are engaged to working with the community.
The first meeting of 2022 was held via Zoom with speaker Sarah Irish from the Senior Planning Center. Members young or mature learned of some tips entering retirement.
Eight new members were welcomed and already actively involved with various club projects and events.
New members Jan Clark, Jill Longstaff, Lisa Miller, Taylor Osgood, Mary Pono, Megan Smith, Rachel Stymist, and Amanda Taylor join other club members with great regard to new ideas and tremendous support.
Making a difference in the communities we live supporting local libraries, education principles, art and cultural programs or events, civic engagement, environmental projects, and healthy lifestyles are just some of the community service programs we advocate for.
Plans are under way for a tour of the Travis Mills Foundation Retreat, STEM project, Yellow Tulip Project, Autism Awareness, and a Chocolate & Cheers raffle just to name a few!
If one is interested learning more about GFWC and GFWC Semper Fidelis, please contact Maureen Provencal 207-474-0701 or Nancy Ames 207-474-2336.
Maine Catholic schools to lift mask mandate on March 7
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
The Diocese of Portland has notified school communities that it is planning to eliminate the mask mandate in place at Catholic elementary and high schools starting on Monday, March 7.
“Though masks will no longer be required, teachers and students who wish to continue to mask will certainly be allowed to do so,” said Marianne Pelletier, superintendent of Maine Catholic Schools. “We chose March 7 to ensure that there isn’t another outbreak or rise in cases upon return to class from the February break that would necessitate the continued use of masks.”
The masking policies and safety protocols in place at the diocesan schools have allowed for continuous, in-person education at Catholic schools since September of 2020.
“We believe students are best served when learning in school,” said Pelletier. “Thanks to the understanding, cooperation, and generosity of our school families, faculty, and staff, we were able to continue to provide a safe and healthy school environment for our students. It was a partnership that worked diligently to protect each other and the wider community.”
As always, if the number of positive cases surges in a specific town, city, or school, mitigation measures, including mandatory masking, could be reinstated.
The schools overseen by the Office of Maine Catholic Schools includes St. Michael School, in Augusta.
VASSALBORO: Mothers want to nix mask requirement
Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)
by Mary Grow
At their Feb. 15 meeting, Vassalboro School Board members again heard from half a dozen mothers who do not want their children to wear masks in school. Board members corrected two pieces of misinformation the parents had heard, and Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer said he is “incredibly hopeful” that if Maine’s covid cases continue to decline, requirements will ease.
Mothers said their children “hate masks” and are therefore unenthusiastic about school, and masks worsen the health of children with asthma and other conditions that affect their breathing.
Some parents had heard that students are forbidden to talk in the cafeteria while they are eating with their masks off. Assistant Principal Greg Hughes said talking is allowed, although lunchroom monitors prefer conversations after students finish eating and put their masks on again.
Some teachers are stricter than others about silencing students, one parent commented.
The other incorrect information the group quoted was that Maine schools get extra state funds if they require masks. Absolutely untrue, Pfeiffer, board chairman Kevin Levasseur and Finance Director Paula Pooler all said.
Pfeiffer said he and other superintendents have been meeting with half a dozen Maine education and health groups and government officials to talk about the masking requirement. Depending on what the pandemic does, new state guidance might be issued in a month or so, he said. The parents were audibly displeased at the prospect of no action for a month.
In other business, Pfeiffer reported that 19 students have registered to attend pre-kindergarten at Vassalboro Community School (VCS) in the 2022-23 school year. To take advantage of offered state funding for a second pre-k class, 30 or more students are needed. He encouraged board and audience members to spread the word.
He further reported that the shortage of substitute teachers continues.
Food Service Director John Hersey is working on a survey to be sent to students and parents about the school lunch menu, Pfeiffer said. The goal is to increase participation in the free school lunch program by making menus more appealing.
The VCS Vikings website is being redone, with the new version scheduled to be ready Feb. 27, Pfeiffer said. He expects it will help people find what they want “with fewer clicks.”
Board members’ next big project is development of the 2022-23 school budget request. They scheduled a preliminary discussion for 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, in the VCS gymnasium.
At Pfeiffer’s request, to give him more time to draft a budget, they postponed their regular March meeting by one week, to Tuesday, March 22 “from 6 p.m. to midnight,” Pfeiffer threatened.
School board budget meetings, like regular meetings, are open to the public to watch and listen.
OBITUARIES for Thursday, February 24, 2022
JAY BARNES
OAKLAND – Jay Barnes, 54, passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2022. He was born April 13, 1967.
Jay was raised in Canton, Connecticut, as the youngest of five children. With his family’s involvement in the sport, Jay developed a love for auto racing at a young age. As an adult he not only remained a fan, but both worked on race teams and was given opportunities to drive.
Jay also had a passion for cooking, crafted in time spent working at the local hot spot in Canton, Kelly’s, where so many late night and early morning memories were made.
Though possibly his favorite accomplishment was being a family man with his daughter, Caitlyn and his wife, Jennifer. From teaching Caitlyn how to drive, to being there for every school event, and working in her store. With Jennifer he shared racing, love, and life.
Jay was also a great friend, keeping close contact with old schoolmates through social media.
Jay is survived by his wife, Jennifer; daughter Caitlyn; his parents, Mary, and Donald Barnes; his siblings, Vonetta, Gary, Todd, and Jeff; many nephews and a niece; At this time, no services will be held but are expected to be announced at a later date.
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.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.
DAVID E. RUNDLETT
ALBION – David Edwin Rundlett passed away at home on Thursday, February 3, 2022.
David was a special agent for the federal government for 25 years and then worked for New York State Nassau County DA’s office as an investigator. David retired and moved to Albion, in 2001. He loved working on his farm and observing the wildlife, researching genealogy, and volunteering in the Albion Library and Albion Historical Society.
David is survived by his wife of 63 years Carol Marie Rundlett; his daughter Deborah Hicks, of Corinna; sons Richard Rundlett, of Tennessee, and Jonathan Rundlett, of Maryland. He had six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial was held at Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, on February 7. A burial will be in the spring.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home http://www.veilleuxandredingtonfh.com.
LEAH J. MOULTON
WINDSOR – Leah J. Moulton, 81, passed away on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Oak Grove Rehabilitation Center, in Waterville, following a brief illness. She was born in Gardiner, on May 23, 1940.
Leah served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962 at McGuire Air Force Base, in New Jersey. After moving to Oklahoma to work for City Services Oil Company, she obtained a bachelor of arts degree in computer science at the University of Oklahoma in 1975. When New England and family beckoned Leah and Pat to return, Leah went to work for Massachusetts civil service for 15 years as an independent contractor.
Upon retirement, Leah and Pat made their home in Windsor.
An honorary life member in the Ground Observer Corps, Leah was also an ardent supporter of the A.S.P.C.A. for many years. All of their furry friends were shelter dogs.
She was preceded in death by her spouse, Patricia A. Nasie; brothers: Wilmer R., Jon B. and Linwood O. Moulton; her sister, Linda L. Marsh and nephews Lance and Richard Moulton.
She is survived by brothers, Clifford Moulton and his wife Carol and David Moulton and his wife Jane; sister-in-law Tanya Moulton; many nieces and nephews.
A private committal will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME.
Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to: Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, ME, 04330.
AUSTIN G. FOSTER
WASHINGTON – Austin George Foster, 43, passed away suddenly on Saturday, February12, 2022. Born in Skowhegan, October 4, 1978, Austin was the son of Michael G. and Sally Tuscan Foster.
Austin grew up in Solon, where he attended local schools and was a graduate of Carrabec High School, North Anson.
Few were the jobs Austin had not tried. He excelled at anything he did whether it was working in restaurants, delivering pizza, working with Kennebec Pharmacy, at Dragon Cement, Maine State Prison, or when he found his niche in sales at Hammond Tractor and later with United Ag & Turf.
Austin could strike up a conversation with anyone, a positive trait, bringing him success in his sales career. Most recently, Austin devoted his talents and work ethic in establishing and running his own business, Assist U Property Maintenance. He also co-owned and operated AT Last Properties, with his best and life-long friend Travis Rogers.
Austin was a very caring, generous, kind-hearted person that was well-loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He spent his days always reinventing himself, striving to be better, striving for excellence, and trying to make a difference. He was a consummate salesman, buying, selling, and trading all manner of goods. He could find the value in the most unusual and random things and places.
He had a great sense of humor and loved a good story. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, helping in and promoting horse pulling at the Union and Windsor fairs, going to camp, and just being outside whenever possible. Most of all, he loved spending time with his wife, friends and family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Austin is survived by his wife of four years, Hannah Lee Lindahl Foster; parents, Mike and Sally Foster, of Solon; his brothers, Paul Foster and wife Monique and their children Connor, Reed, and Madeline, of Pittsfield, and Matthew Foster and wife Natasha, and their children Kaira, Luke, Mark, and Annika, of Wilton; his father-in-law, Henry ‘Hank’ Lindahl, of Owls Head; his mother-in-law Heidi Tower and her husband Wally, of Rockland; his brother-in-law, Tom Lindahl, and sisters-in-law, Megan Anglo, Holly Meade and their respective children.
A Celebration of Austin’s Life was held Thursday, February 17.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Horse Pulling Event at either Union Fair, c/o Briar Lyons, P.O. Box 421, Union, ME 04862 or Windsor Fair, c/o Frank Reed, 519 Bunker Hill Road, Jefferson, ME 04348.
WYMAN C. GOODWIN
WATERVILLE – Wyman Carl Goodwin, 75, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 12, 2022, at home in Waterville. He was born April 27, 1946, in Waterville, the son of Forrest A. and Mary T. Cahill Goodwin.
After graduating from Waterville High School in 1964, he enlisted and proudly served his country in the United States Army. After a tour of duty in Vietnam, he received an honorable discharge in 1967.
In January 1970, Wyman married Verna N. Reid. Six years later, they moved to Oakland where they raised their three children. Wyman was employed for 41 years at Huhtamaki (formerly Keyes Fibre Co.), in Waterville. During this time, he served as a grievance officer and briefly as vice president of the Paperworkers Union/Local #449. Wyman was a life-time member of Waterville Elks Lodge #905, Forrest J. Pare, VFW Post #1275, and Bourque-Lanigan American Legion Post #5, both in Waterville.
He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, playing cards, traveling, and going for walks. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, but he was happiest when cheering for his own children and grandchildren.
Wyman is predeceased by his mother and father; niece, Jennifer Goodwin; and half-brother, David Goodwin.
He leaves behind his wife, Verna; daughter, Lori Goodwin Gingras and husband Stephen, of Augusta; two sons, Mark Goodwin and wife Mary, of South Portland, and Greg Goodwin and partner Sarah Dolley, of Portland; brother, George Goodwin and wife Kathy of Bradford, Mass.; nephew, Jeffrey Goodwin and wife Denise, of Biddeford; grandsons Thomas Joseph and Henry William Gingras; half-sister, Sheila Proctor, and half-brothers Forrest, Lynn, Arthur, and Brian Goodwin; in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022, at the Waterville Elks Lodge, 76 Industrial St., Waterville, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A private graveside service will be held in May at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Civic Center Drive, Augusta.
Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to make a donation in Wyman’s memory can do so by supporting the Humane Society, Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.
GLADYS M. FELTIS-THOMAS
WINDSOR – Gladys M. Feltis-Thomas, 76, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022. She was born in Jefferson, a daughter of George and Gertrude (Lincoln) Pease, on May 4, 1945.
Gladys grew up in Jefferson and later established herself on a farm in North Whitefield where she had her two daughters, Tina and Terry.
Gladys worked as a dietary supervisor at Country Manor nursing home, in Coopers Mills, for nearly 40 years. She was always fun and outgoing with the residents. Gladys enjoyed her career at Country Manor nursing home until she retired in 2011.
In 1999 she married the love of her life Clayton Thomas Sr. They lived a loving life together and she cared for him until he passed in 2007, in their Windsor home.
Gladys enjoyed a cup of tea in the morning, a sweet treat, any and all things purple. She was a loyal dog owner; on visits you could always count on being greeted by a barking pal.
She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; sisters, Gloria Booker and Gertrude King; and a nephew Ricky Talbot.
She is survived by her daughters, Tina Foss and her husband Frank, and Terry Soosman and her husband Adam; grandchildren, Megan Devine and her partner Mark McKenna Jr., Trevor Devine and his fiancée Mikayla Blais, Abigayle Ballard and Aaron Soosman; nephews George King, Gordon Murray; and a niece Sandra Murray.
A period of visitation will be held on Saturday, February 26, from noon to 1 p.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, Maine, where a funeral service will begin at 1 p.m.
The family invites you to come have a cup of hot tea and don your favorite purple attire in honor of Gladys.
Interment will take place at a later date at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd.
Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.
MARIE RODRIGUE
WINSLOW – Marie Rodrigue passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022. Marie grew up in Clair, New Brunswick, Canada, being the daughter of Honoré and Elizabeth Nadeau.
Often she would reminisce about her family working on the farm as a team, so as to survive those days. But as a family they also enjoyed singing, polka dancing, and visiting their maternal grandmother, who loved to play music on her concertina accordion.
Marie married Victor Rodrigue on July 4, 1953. They were married at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Winslow. Together they raised five children in East Benton.
Marie enjoyed crocheting and sewing on her treadle singer sewing machine. When she gathered with her brothers and sisters, spirited games of charlemagne would ensue. She loved children and was a very loving mother who always wanted the best for her children. And she was known to be a mother for those that needed one.
Marie had beautiful blue eyes and a smile that would light up a room. She was beautiful inside and out. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, she loved spending time with her spiritual brothers and sisters. Working in the ministry was important to her and she found much joy in that work.
She is survived by her sisters Jeanne D’ Arc, Doris Quirion, Rina Morin; and her brother Ronald Nadeau; her five children, Francis Rodrigue, Donna Brickett, Dan Rodrigue, James Rodrigue, and Cherry Strohman; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
DAN F. TRASK SR.
WHITEFIELD – Dan F. Trask Sr., 90, formally of Chelsea, passed peacefully on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. He was born May 13, 1931, the son of Willis and Laura (Mealey) Trask.
Dan attended Chelsea school. He later answered the call of duty and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Dan had a great passion for heavy construction equipment, and worked as an operator within the construction field. He enjoyed day long rides throughout New England with the love of his life, Lillian. During his retirement years, he would spend countless hours repairing his many lawn tractors with hopes of one last mowing with one.
Dan was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Lillian Trask.
Dan is survived by his six children: Dan Trask Jr. and wife Cathy, Heidi Miller and husband Scott, all of Chelsea, Bob Trask and wife Serena, of Windsor, Fred Trask, of Winslow, Sarah Merrill and husband Rick, of Windsor, Rose Berube and husband Dennis, of Augusta; ten grandchildren; five step-grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
At Dan’s request, there will be no visitation hours or funeral service.
A graveside service will be held in the spring with full military honors, date to be determined.
Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.
DONALD T. DESCHAINE
WINSLOW – Donald T. Deschaine, 89, passed away at home on Tuessday, February 15, 2022.
Don was born in Millinocket on January 12, 1933, the son of Pierre “Ned” and Leona Deschaine. Moving to Waterville at a young age, he attended St. Francis de Sales Elementary School, then Waterville High School, graduating in 1950. Upon graduation, he enrolled in the U.S. Army in 1953, serving his country well during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return from Korea, he married Joan in May 1956 , and soon began his career at Laverdiere’s Super Drug stores, where he worked his way up from one of their very first store managers to become senior vice president of operations, and a member of the company’s executive board.
With his strong work ethic and great dedication to the company, he was known as a firm, but kind and inspirational leader to countless numbers of employees, as he helped guide the company to its full contingent of 72 stores before the company’s sale to Rite Aid in 1994.
While Don’s professional career was marked with great success, there was nothing as important to him as the time he spent with his family. From weekly ski trips to Sugarloaf and Saddleback mountains when Cindy and Randy were young, to his years owning a camp at China Lake, and finally to his winters in Naples, Florida, being surrounded by his family and good friends is what made Don the happiest. Whether it was a walk to the beach, riding his bike, or a round on the golf course, he graciously welcomed all friends, old and new, along his life’s journey. Everyone left Don with a smile, and a better outlook on life.
His swift inclusion of his daughter-in-law Cathi, and son-in-law, Bill, to the family was also one of good cheer and great kindness. Don was truly a member of the “Greatest Generation,” resourceful and capable in so many ways.
His gardens were legendary, producing bushels of vegetables every year. He taught himself all manners of home repair, and he would so generously share his talents with his children’s families as well. To Don, there was nothing that couldn’t be fixed, repaired, or renewed without some ingenuity and creativity.
No mention of Don’s life would be complete without noting his enduring, life-long love for Joan. Over 65 years of marriage, through highs and lows, adventures, and quiet times, she was always his sweetheart, and she certainly always will be.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joan (Vigue); his daughter Cynthia (Bill), his son Randall (Cathi); his four grandchildren, Lauren and Matthew Engel, of Massachusetts, Candice Deschaine Christian (Adam) and Hayley Deschaine Cohen (Bryan), of North Carolina. Don also received a wonderful visit from his one-year old great-granddaughter, Emily Addison Christian, just one week before his passing; his brother Roland (Vernette), and sisters Gloria Gamache, of Kansas, and Theresa Perkins, of Connecticut; brother Claude passed away in 2019, survived by his wife Gladys.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville.
An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 13, 2022, at 10 a.m., at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, followed by burial at St. Francis Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville.
In lieu of flowers, Donations in Donald’s memory may be made to Maine General Hospice and Home Care, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, Maine 04903
LORRAINE NUTTER
BELGRADE – Lorraine Nutter, 93, passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at Glenridge Nursing Home, in Augusta. Lorraine was born on April 1, 1928, to Amedie and Rose (Veilleux) Williams, of Livermore.
Lorraine graduated school in Livermore and worked for Livermore Glove Factory, Livermore Clothespin Factory, and Norwalk Shoe Factory, in Jay.
Lorraine met her husband, Richard E. Nutter, at a Grange dance and married April 20, 1957. Together they raised nine children in North Belgrade. Lorraine loved going to Grange dances, playing cards with friends and long rides.
Lorraine was predeceased by her husband, Richard; her brother, James Williams; and her grandsons, Tyeis Nutter and Dylan Willette.
Surviving are her three sons, Bruce (Beverly) Nutter, Douglas (Lisa) Nutter, and Barry Nutter; her six daughters, Bonnie Ramsdell, Tammy Libby, Crystal Nutter and her companion, Terry Greenleaf, April (Clayton) Gallagher, Rhonda (Jeff) Willette, and Kimberly (Scott) Alexander; her grandchildren, Ricky, Danny, Jeremy, Kyle, Nicole, Nathan, Ashley, Scotty, Hunter, Larry, Randy, and Jessica; several great-grandchildren; her sister, Theresa Williams Hiscock; her sister- in-law, Jeannine Williams; and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside memorial service will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery, in Belgrade, in the spring.
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.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.
OTHERS
PATRICIA ULMA CHASE
TUCSON, Arizona – Patricia “Miss Patsy” Raymond Ulma Chase, 87, of SaddleBrooke, Arizona, passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. She was born in Winslow, the daughter of Maurice and Antoinette Raymond, attended Winslow schools, and established Patsy’s School of Dance, which she operated for almost 30 years.
Patsy married her first husband, Gerald “Gerry” Ulma, in 1955 and they had two sons, Jeff and Todd. “Miss Patsy” taught hundreds of dance students and staged 28 recitals at the Waterville Opera House which became sell-out performances. She retired on April 27, 1980. She inspired many students to continue with dance and several of them started their own dancing schools to continue the “Miss Patsy” tradition.
After Gerald’s untimely death in 1977, she met George “Bud” Chase, from Andover. In 1980, they packed all of their belongings and moved to Arizona. She married Bud at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, U.S. Virgin Islands, in 1989 and spent the rest of her life with him by her side
Patsy is survived by her husband, George “Bud” Chase, of SaddleBrooke, Arizona; sons Jeffery “Jeff” G. Ulma and his wife, Paula Siviski-Ulma, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and Todd P. Ulma and his wife Cheryl (Mayo) Ulma, of Sparks, Nevada; step-sons Bob Chase, and Brian Chase, both of Andover; granddaughter, Lauryn (Ulma) Johnson, her husband Jimmy Johnson, and great-grandson, Lincoln Johnson, of New Hill, North Carolina; and grandson, Bryan Ulma and his fiancée, Hannah Janosko, of Cary, North Carolina; her older brother, Thomas Raymond, and his wife, Shirley (Ayotte) Raymond, of Damariscotta, and younger brother, Lewis Raymond and his wife, Cathy (Dearborn) Raymond, of Winslow; ≈
A Celebration of Life will be held later this year to honor this wonderful woman. For more information, go to http://www.forevermissed.com/misspatsy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association at http://www.heart.org.
Church owner pleads for more time to make repairs; board denies request
by Mary Grow
Chad Caron pleaded emotionally with Vassalboro select board members at their Feb. 17 meeting, asking for more time to work at the former church building he owns on Priest Hill Road in North Vassalboro.
They unanimously rejected his request, as advised by Codes Officer Ryan Page.
At their Jan. 6 meeting, board members had found the former church a dangerous building that should be demolished. However, they gave Caron 30 days to get an engineer to declare it structurally sound; and they authorized Page to extend the deadline if he found a reason (see The Town Line, Jan. 13, p. 2).
At the Feb. 17 meeting, Page reported that an engineer from the Waterville firm of A. E. Hodsdon visited the building and declared it structurally unsound. Since the Jan. 6 decision, Caron had not made progress that would justify recommending more time, Page said.
Caron argued that the engineer had not done a thorough inspection, and had not provided the plan he needs to make repairs; and that without a town permit he was not allowed to work on the building anyway.
He said he had a crane coming the week of Feb. 21 to take down the steeple, and asked for a 10-day extension, or even a five-day extension.
Select board members reminded Caron they have been waiting more than a year for him to clean up the property and stabilize the building. Former Codes Officer Paul Mitnik had worked with Caron for over a year previously, before coming to the board in January 2021.
At the Jan. 6 meeting, Caron had offered to demolish the building himself, labeling each piece and storing them for an eventual reconstruction. His plan is “not for me but for the town,” preserving an architecturally and historically valuable property, he said repeatedly.
When board members remained adamant at the Feb. 17 meeting, he told them he could not afford to reimburse the town for demolition. Bring in your wrecking ball, and put me in jail for non-payment, he challenged.
“I believe what you’re doing is cruel,” he added as he left the meeting.
Later, Town Manager Mary Sabins said the next step will be another discussion with the town attorney. Dealing with an unsafe building is new to her and to board members, she said, and they want to be sure they act correctly at all stages.
In other business Feb. 17, China Lake Association President Stephen Greene made a short presentation on the China Lake Watershed-Based Management Plan (see The Town Line, Dec. 9, 2021, p. 1, and Dec. 23, 2021, p. 2).
Vassalboro has nine percent of the China Lake watershed, and residents who are Kennebec Water District customers depend on the lake for their drinking water, Greene said. The management plan is aimed at improving water quality, by controlling run-off into the lake and by a proposed alum treatment in the north end of the east basin (in China) that would prevent accumulated lake-bottom nutrients from recycling into the water.
The outlet dam, which Vassalboro owns and which controls the water level, is an important part of the plan, Greene said.
Modifications to that dam, completed last summer, and to other dams on Outlet Stream will allow alewives to migrate from the ocean into China Lake. Greene said the small fish might improve water quality (by taking phosphorus with them when they leave in the fall), but evidence of their impact is not yet conclusive.
At this point, Greene said, he welcomes questions and ideas.
Vassalboro’s investment advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager Matthew Weaver, of The First, N. A., in Damariscotta, also made a presentation Feb. 17, telling select board members he thinks their investment policy and their investments are sound.
“I’m very pleased with how the portfolio performed” in the past year, Weaver said. Then he joked, “Someday, maybe, we have to talk about crypto.” He does not currently recommend cryptocurrency as a municipal investment.
Select board members voted unanimously to renew their investment policy without change.
They postponed decisions on their 2022-23 budget recommendations to their next meeting, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. – half an hour earlier than usual – Thursday, March 3. It will be followed by a budget committee meeting at 7 p.m.
On Wednesday, March 2, select board members will hold a 6 p.m. workshop at the town office on use of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with representatives of town groups that are asking for money invited to present their cases.
Board members have emphasized they must use ARPA money in strict adherence to federal rules. The program requires a municipality to spend the money and apply for reimbursement; if federal officials find an expenditure wasn’t within guidelines, the municipality pays the bill.
Nomination papers available
Nomination papers for Vassalboro’s June 14 local elections will be available at the town office on February 28.
To be elected in 2022, for three-year terms, are one member of the select board (Robert Browne’s term ends) and two members of the school board (Kevin Levasseur’s and Jessica Clark’s terms end).
For a candidate’s named to appear on the June 14 ballot, a nomination paper with signatures of at least 25 registered Vassalboro voters must be returned to the town office by noon on Friday, April 8.
China Broadband Committee (CBC) members continue talks to improve service
by Mary Grow
China Broadband Committee (CBC) members continued discussing possible future ways to improve internet service to China residents at an hour-long Feb. 17 meeting.
They plan to meet next at 4 p.m. Wednesday (not the usual Thursday), March 9, in the portable building behind the town office. At that meeting they expect to have another proposal from or discussion with representatives of Spectrum Communications and Consolidated Communications.
In past offers, both companies have offered to extend service at considerable cost to the town. The resulting network would be owned by the respective company, not by the town.
The proposal for which China voters rejected a bond issue last November would have resulted in a town-owned network, an outcome committee members preferred.
Yet another option would be formation of a district with one or more other towns. CBC members have considered it; there are no plans. Committee Chairman Robert O’Connor said he had received an inquiry from a Vassalboro resident, to whom he suggested involving Vassalboro select board members.
CBC members understand that China voters prefer not to have costs come from taxes. A system paid for by users is one option; other possibilities for avoiding or minimizing local shared costs are interesting private investors or using county, state or federal grants.
China does not have the densely-populated area that attracts private investors. Much of the grant money for which regulations have been written is for towns with no internet service; but most China households are served, not necessarily satisfactorily.
Related questions Feb. 17 were whether CBC members want to request funding at the June 1 town business meeting and if so, what for. One suggestion was a household survey to find out exactly what service residents have and what they would like to have.
Selectmen have approved asking voters to appropriate $40,000 for broadband from China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund, $10,000 to continue hiring consultant Mission Broadband for another year and $30,000 to get started on a project if one is approved during the 2022-23 fiscal year.
China Ice Days “huge success”
The fish weigh-in at China Ice Days. (contributed photo)
At the Feb. 21 China select board meeting, Thomas Rumpf, president of the Four Seasons Club and chairman of the just-finished Ice Days weekend, called the celebration “a complete success,” with thousands of people joining Sunday’s fishing derby.
But, he said, he was disappointed that he had seen only one member of the select board at any event.
“I didn’t catch any fish,” Blane Casey said.
“The lasagna was great,” at the Friday evening Masonic supper, Jeanne Marquis added.
Janet Preston thanked Rumpf and told him she watched Sunday evening’s fireworks from her house.
And Ronald Breton said apologetically that since health issues prevent him from standing for more than a few minutes, he couldn’t take part.
To see more pictures visit the China Ice Fishing Derby Facebook page here!
List of Fishing Derby Winners part 1
List of Fishing Derby Winners part 2
photo by Cindy Senbeil
photo by Cindy Senbeil
photo by Cindy Senbeil
photo by Cindy Senbeil
photo by Cindy Senbeil
photo by Cindy Senbeil
Select board continues work on spending requests; Focus on Tax Increment Financing
by Mary Grow
At a special meeting Feb. 21, China select board members continued work on spending requests to be presented to voters at the June 14 town business meeting. Their main focus was on recommendations from the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee and from Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood on spending TIF money in the 2022-23 fiscal year.
TIF funds come from taxes paid by Central Maine Power Company on its north-south transmission line through China and its South China substation – about $265,000 this year, select board chair Ronald Breton said.
The money is allocated as prescribed in China’s voter-approved and state-approved TIF document, usually called the TIF Second Amendment. Its full title is “Town of China, Maine, Second Amended Central Maine Power/China Lake Tax Increment Financing District and Development Program.”
Hapgood’s proposed expenditure is for a survey of the South China boat landing to determine the boundaries of the town-owned land, as a first step toward planning and carrying out run-off control measures.
China Region Lakes Alliance (CRLA) Executive Director Scott Pierz commended Hapgood for proposing to start work soon, calling the boat landing a “high-impact site” for phosphorus loading into China Lake that needs prompt attention to protect lake water quality. Select board members unanimously approved recommending the expenditure to voters.
On Feb. 9, TIF Committee members unanimously recommended select board members present to voters requests from four town organizations: $34,600 for the Thurston Park Committee; $55,000 for the CRLA; $30,000 for the China Four Seasons Club (CFSC), for trail work; and $40,000 for the China Broadband Committee (CBC). The fifth request on the select board agenda was for $5,000 for the CFSC and the China Village Volunteer Fire Department for Ice Days fireworks.
Select board members approved all but the CBC request unanimously and with little discussion. Board and audience members argued for half an hour over the CBC request before select board members added it to the town meeting warrant on a 3-2 vote. Breton, Jeanne Marquis and Janet Preston were in favor, Blane Casey and Wayne Chadwick were opposed.
The request is in two parts, $10,000 to cover another year of service from consultants Mission Broadband and $30,000 to start on a broadband expansion project if the town receives an acceptable proposal in the next few months. If the $30,000 is not needed in FY 2022-23, it will carry forward, Hapgood said.
Board member Casey said Governor Janet Mills had promised to provide broadband to everyone in Maine within two years. Why, then, he asked, does China need to use local money for broadband?
Preston pointed out the governor’s promise is not supported by a state plan. Marquis added that the town would need its own plan to apply for state funding. But, Casey said, there’ll be no application – Mills offered a gift.
CBC chairman Robert O’Connor chimed in via Zoom to support Marquis; O’Connor expects state funds to require a town match, for which the $30,000 could be used.
Chadwick questioned the other part of the request: why continue with Mission Broadband, which in his opinion has done “not much?”
O’Connor replied company representatives had explained technical information to the benefit of the China committee members. CBC members plan to use their expertise in a detailed community census of broadband facilities and needs, he added.
Resident (and TIF Committee member) James “JJ” Wentworth, also participating by Zoom, asked why the CBC is still pursuing broadband after China voters rejected it at the polls Nov. 2, 2021.
No, Breton said, China voters did not reject broadband. They rejected a specific plan, refusing to authorize a $5.1 million bond issue to finance expanded infrastructure construction. In theory, user fees would have repaid the bond; should user fees be lower than projected, taxpayers would have been responsible.
After the Nov. 2 vote, Breton said, select board members unanimously asked the CBC to continue seeking options. Personally, he said, he considers quality broadband service “a good investment for the town.”
The Feb. 21 agenda item after the TIF applications was to be a discussion of employee retention, but Breton called it too early in the budget process and, over Preston’s protest, skipped it.
At a Jan. 31 budget discussion, board members approved a three percent pay raise for FY 2022-23. The vote was 3-2, Breton, Casey and Chadwick in favor and Marquis and Preston preferring a more generous increase.
Board members are considering instituting a pay scale that would provide automatic annual raises. Breton said repeatedly that until they have job descriptions (on which Hapgood is working) they cannot consider a pay scale.
When board members turned to 2022-23 budget recommendations, Preston made a motion to add longevity increases for employees, to a total of $7,500. She and Marquis were again outvoted.
The two women argued that in the present job market, China needs to be generous; otherwise, employees will quit and the town will spend more recruiting and training replacements than it would have on higher pay.
Chadwick and Casey have said at past meetings that when benefits are considered, town employees are well treated. Both argue that they have a responsibility to all townspeople, including those on fixed incomes who do not get raises or longevity increases; therefore a goal should be keeping taxes as low as possible.
Select board members made one non-budgetary decision: they unanimously rescinded their Feb. 14 decision to ask voters to approve or reject two ordinance amendments proposed by the planning board (see The Town Line, Feb. 17, p. 3).
Responding to questions raised at the Feb. 14 meeting, Hapgood said the planning board had not held a public hearing as the amendments were developed in the spring of 2021, and some Department of Environmental Protection changes were omitted.
The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28.
China resident sets out to hike the Appalachian Trail
Toni Wall with other hikers. (contributed photo)
Submitted by Toni Wall
First installment
Toni Wall, a resident of China, and a member of the planning board, has embarked on a trek along the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine.
The first leg of the journey was the 1,236 mile drive from China, Maine, to Dawsonville, Georgia. Toni Wall and her husband Glen met Rose Silvia and her son, in Concord, New Hampshire, where she said goodbye to Glen and continued the journey to Georgia.
China resident Toni Wall at the beginning of her trek up the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia. (contributed photo)
The rest are notes from Toni’s hike:
We arrived at Amicalola State Park on February 12 where we met Cindy Cote Pickering, fellow Appalachian Trail (AT) hiker, and we recieved our Appalachian Trail hiking credentials. I’m registered as hiker #163.
On February 13 we started the AT at Amicaloa State Park using the approach trail to Spring Mountain, the southern terminus of the AT. At Stover Creek Shelter we met Rad from the Netherlands who is studying to be an English teacher, Just Will, a former Marine, and Mike from, Monson. Total mileage – 11.6.
On February 14 morning the temperature was 19 degrees. Stover Creek Shelter to Gooch Shelter, 12.9 miles. There, we met Matt, from Durham; we nicknamed him Hot Chili Pepper because of his sleeping quilt, Red, from Georgia and several others.
On February 15, we walked from Gooch Shelter to Woods Hole Shelter. At mile 20.5 we met Fresh Ground, from Leap Frog Café, who meets hikers along the trail from Springer Mountain to Maine. He was making eggs, bacon, pancakes and coffee. Yes, we indulged even though we ate breakfast before leaving the shelter. We hope to meet him again at Fontana Dam, North Carolina. I hiked with Bridges, aka Ryan, a former airman who served in Baghdad. At Woods Hole Shelter we ran into Hot Chili Pepper and Red, plus a few others, still trying to remember names. Total mileage that day – 12 miles.
On February 16, the leg was from Woods Hole Shelter to Neel Gap, time for resupply, shower and laundry. Total distance, 39 miles.