SCORES & OUTDOORS: A squirrel by any other color is still a squirrel

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Gray squirrel

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

While driving to work on the Cross Hill Road, in Vassalboro, one morning last week, I saw a black squirrel. This caused me to remember an email I received a little while back from a reader who said, “I have red, black gray and a new one – dark gray with a brown belly – what is this one? How many litters can they have? I am almost overrun with them all.”

Well, first off, mother squirrels typically have two to four babies in a litter, and have one or two litters a year.

Squirrels are different colors due to genetics, which control the amount of melanin, or pigment, in their fur. Here are some reasons why squirrels have different colors:

Red squirrel

– Gray and red squirrels: These squirrels have a mixture of light and dark bands in their fur, which create their overall color and pattern.
– White squirrels: These squirrels can be albino, leucistic, or fail to deposit pigment in their fur.
– Black squirrels: These squirrels have a genetic mutation that causes them to produce too much melanin, a dark pigment. This condition is called melanism.
– Brown-black squirrels: These squirrels have one copy of a black gene and one copy of a gray gene.
– Jet black squirrels: These squirrels have two copies of the black gene.
– Interspecies breeding: Some squirrels’ black coloring may be due to interbreeding with fox squirrels.

The MC1R gene controls how much dark pigment is added to a squirrel’s fur as it grows. A missing piece of DNA in this gene increases the production of dark pigment, resulting in darker fur.

Black squirrel

Eastern grey squirrels come in a variety of color morphs, including grey and black. All individuals contain a gene, MC1R, that controls how much dark pigment is added as a squirrel’s hairs grow. When a tiny piece of DNA is missing from this gene, it boosts the production of dark pigment and makes the fur darker.

Albino gray squirrels are the rarest form of white squirrel. Mammalogists estimate the odds of a female gray squirrel giving birth to an albino offspring are 1 in 100,000.

Biologists estimate the black squirrel is unusually rare with only one squirrel in 10,000 wearing the dusky coat. This mutant of the gray squirrel resides primarily in northern climates.

Western grays are predominantly cool gray and white and don’t have brown on their faces, in contrast to the two introduced species who have a lot of orangey-brown all over their faces. The black squirrels that are common in some areas are simply a melanistic (hyper-pigmented) version of a regular eastern gray squirrel.

As for the dark gray with a brown belly, that one is a mystery. The closest I can come is called the Prevost squirrel, but it is only found in Thai-Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and northern Sulawesi.

White squirrel

Here are some things you should know about squirrels:

– What does it mean when a squirrel holds its tail on its back? In most cases a good first guess is the behavior relates directly to an individual’s survival or to its reproductive success. One suggestion has been the tail behavior has to do with protection from predation. If you look at a squirrel with its tail up, the silhouette appears to be the head looking backward.
– If a juvenile squirrel continuously approaches and follows people, then mom is probably gone. In this case, you should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator because the baby is very hungry and needs care.
– While squirrels born in the wild may not be particularly friendly, they do seem to remember their human hosts. In some cases, they even return to reconnect with their human saviors. Squirrels are also more than willing to return to a food source over and over again.
– Do not attempt to catch a squirrel. If you try to touch it or grab it, it will likely do anything it can to escape. This will likely cause the squirrel great stress and fear and may even provoke it to attack you or contort its body in a way that will cause it pain.

Squirrels are everywhere, but do we understand them? Maybe now we can.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Combined, how many championships have Boston pro teams won?

Answer
39. Celtics 18, Red Sox 9, Bruins and Patriots, 6 each.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, September 19, 2024

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JOYCE L. BENNER

WALDOBORO/WINDSOR – Joyce L. Benner, 101, of Windsor and formerly of Waldoboro, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Joyce was born in Waldoboro, on March 4, 1923, the daughter of Millard and Lillian (Rosco) Creamer.

Joyce was co-owner of Benner’s Crabmeat for 30 years, and previously worked for Country Manor Nursing Home.

She loved raising animals, gardening, hunting, and her favorites were playing beano and going to lawn sales. She will always be remembered for her delicious crabmeat and will be missed by many. She was a strong woman, a member of the Whitefield Lions Club, and had a way of taking care of everyone.

Joyce was pre-deceased by her parents, her sister Madeline, brothers Carl and Arthur, beloved husband Alfred and son “Bobo” Malcolm Genthner.

She is survived by a son Ronald Genthner and partner Lois, of Waldoboro; daughters Maureen Beaucage and husband Brian, of Rochester, New Hampshire, Sheila Bernier, of Sabattus, Kathleen Good, of Florida, and Kimberly Haskell and husband Carleton, of Jefferson; sister-in-law Ruth Benner, of Rockland; many nieces, nephews and could boast many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and great- great-great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of life for family and friends on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 1 – 4 p.m., at the Whitefield Lions Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce’s memory can be sent to the Whitefield Lions Club, reference “Keep Me Warm”- 66 Philips Rd, Jefferson, ME 04348.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro. To share a story or condolence with the Benner family, please visit Joyce’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com

PETER J. GERVAIS

CHINA – Peter J. Gervais, 71, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024. He was born June 26, 1953, in Augusta.

Pete lived a life centered on his love for his family, community and country. He had a charitable heart, a great sense of humor, and was a man of principles.

Pete graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as a marine mechanic for four years. He made some true friends while in the Navy, referred to them as his brothers, and spoke with them on a regular basis.

After his years in the Navy, Pete had several careers, notably working at Formtek starting in 1989 and retiring in 2016. During his employment at Formtek, he served as president of the union for several years. He also took on a second job mowing and maintaining the cemeteries for the town of Albion.

Pete was an outdoorsman who spent many vacations canoeing and camping in the Allagash region. In his younger years he enjoyed rock climbing, hiking, biking, mushing sled dogs, weight lifting and running. Pete was a beekeeper and loved making gifts of his honey. Most notable was Pete’s love for cats. He had many over the years, cherishing and spoiling them.

Pete is survived by his wife Jennifer; his daughter Alyssa and her partner Craig; grandsons Aero and Nash; as well as his friend and sister Joan, her husband Dan and nephew Joel.

He was predeceased by his parents Omer and Louise Gervais.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, September 22, at noon, at the Bessey building, in Albion. All are welcome to attend.

A private burial will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any humane society.

DOROTHY M. AUDET

WATERVILLE – Dorothy “Dot” M. Audet, 106, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Northern Light Continuing Care, Lakewood, in Waterville, where she had been a resident for the last six years. She was born on August 10, 1918, the daughter of William and Eva (Foster) Paquette.

Dot grew up in Fairfield and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1935.

Dot married Edward Audet in 1939. She had a truly deep faith in God and was a devout Catholic all her life. She was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow, where she was a faithful member of the Rosary Sodality for many years. She was able to walk to daily Mass until the age of 91.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved her flower gardens and loved playing cards with family and special longtime friends. She made the best molasses cookies and peanut butter fudge. The family looked forward to Friday night spaghetti dinners. Her faith and family were most important to her, and she will be truly missed.

She was predeceased by her husband, Edward, and her siblings Wallace, Roland, Eugene, Priscilla Paquette and Doreen Violette, her two sons, Wayne and David Audet, and by her grandson, Ricky Hendsbee.

She is survived by her son, Larry Audet and wife Elaine, of Princeton, North Carolina; her three daughters, Doreen Roy and husband Paul, of Stafford, Virginia, Jeannine Hendsbee, of Winslow, and Judy Hendrick and husband Bo, of West Gardiner; her daughter-in-law, Martha Audet, of Winslow; 11 grandchildren, Arlene McLean and husband David, John Audet and wife Ashley, Beth Pelletier and husband Dominic, Stephanie Roy, Colonel Christopher Roy and wife Anita, Kevin Roy, Luke Hendsbee and wife Liz, Brian Audet and wife Jennifer, Christa Brown and husband Joe, Lt. Colonel Robert Hendrick and wife Chelsea, and Lauren Niles and husband Jonathan; 34 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.

Her great-granddaughter, Madilyn Roy, was born on her 100th birthday.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, September 18, at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, followed by a burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville.

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.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to her favorite charity Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, 101 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901.

RUSSELL S. BICKFORD JR.

CLINTON – Russell S. Bickford, Jr., 76, passed away following a short illness on Friday, September 6, 2024. Russell was born on December 2, 1947, in Waterville, son of Russell S. Bickford Sr. and Laura (Downing) Bickford.

He graduated Class of ‘65 from Clinton High School, then immediately entered the United States Navy where he served proudly for the next four years until he was honorably discharged in 1969. In 1974 he graduated from Kennebec Valley Technical College, in Fairfield, (KVTC) with a certificate in carpentry. With his education he was able to help family members and friends build their garages and remodel their homes.

Russell began his career as a carpenter working for LL Gerald, and then for a short time at Scott Paper Co., in Winslow. The job that he retired from after 30 years was the Maine Central Railroad as an engineer, at times working with his father as the conductor on the same train.

For the next seven years he wintered in Florida to be close to his aging father. When his father had to come back to Maine due to declining health, Russell decided it was time for him to give up his winters in Florida as well. It was a time to enjoy the winters at home in Clinton with his family and friends.

Russell was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge # 146, in Clinton, as well as recently becoming a member of the Elks Lodge # 905, in Waterville. He loved to go there for Wednesday Wing Night, Buck Night, and Sportsman’s Night.

One of his greatest enjoyments was spending time on Moosehead Lake at the Watson’s family camp. Russell so enjoyed the ice fishing, the rides on the party boat, and just being there. He also enjoyed going to the Bickford camp (God’s Little Acre), in Monson, where some of the 4-wheeling trips took place in which he loved to participate. Anywhere North is where he wanted to be. Another passion he had was a good game of golf with friends and family.

He was predeceased by both his parents and brothers Meredith, Alan, David, and Randy.

Russell is survived by his sisters Lynn Bickford and partner Charlie Weymouth, of Clinton, Marsha Duprey and husband Leo, of Clinton; children David Bickford and wife Katrina, of Clinton, Brian Bickford and wife Tara, of Clinton, Lorriann Watson and husband David “Skip”, of Canaan, and Julie Bickford and fiancé Cody Williamson, of Madison; grandchildren Brittany Laney, Monique Bickford, Briannah Dostie, Thomas Bickford, Derek Bickford, Suther Bickford, Devon Watson, Lauren Watson, Dylan Bickford, Kaiyley Bickford, Landon Dunham, Colton Williamson, and Carter Williamson; 11 great-grandchildren with another on the way; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as his long-time friends Butch Whittaker, Don Proctor, and William “Smitty” Smith.

A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m., on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Greenlawn Cemetery, Rte. 100, in Clinton.

There will be a Celebration of Life from noon to 4 p.m., on Saturday October 5, 2024, at the Waterville Elks Lodge #905, Industrial Street, in Waterville.

Please visit Russell’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/russell-bickford where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

CONNOR M. McCURDY

SIDNEY – Conner James McCurdy, 22, passed away Sunday, September 8, 2024, at MaineGeneral Medical­Center, in Augusta. He was born May 28, 2002, a son of Stacy and Donna (Plourd) McCurdy.

Connor attended and graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, in the class of 2020. During middle school and all four years of high school, Connor was a team member of Infinite Loop 2648. He went on to further his education by attending classes at Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield. Conner was a skilled gamer and enjoyed playing video games and watching anime. Some of his favorite shows included Law and Order and South Park.

Despite living with muscular dystrophy, Conner had a good sense of humor. He loved spending time with his animals and although a homebody, Connor enjoyed going out on trips and looked forward to future adventures.

Connor was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Donald and Esther McCurdy, his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Carmeline Plourd; his uncles, Russell Manduca and Ronald Plourd; and his father, Stacy McCurdy in 2023.

Connor is survived by his mother Donna McCurdy; his brother Ian McCurdy; uncles Shawn McCurdy (Lois), Bruce Plourd (Dana); aunt, Tammy Manduca; many cousins.

A memorial service was held on Monday, September 16, at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Burial followed at Holy Family Cemetery, on Townsend Rd., in Augusta.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Connor’s name may be made to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901 or at hwsa.org or, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc., 1016 W Jackson Blvd #1073, Chicago, Il 60607 or at mda.org.

JAMES A. MILLIGAN

SIDNEY – James A. Milligan, 73, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024. He was born November 2, 1950, following a period of declining health.

He could build or fix anything. His belief was there are no problems, only solutions.

His sense of humor was one of a kind. He loved to tell a good joke with that grin and sparkle in his eyes, never taking life too seriously.

His career consisted mainly of being a meat cutter, managing his own business, Mace’s Meat Market, in Ashland, for many years before returning to Sidney and turning the former Bangs Beach into what it is now, The Lakeside Lodge. He passed down his tireless love and care of the family property on Bangs Beach to the next generation.

He would tell stories of the glory days as a Cony High graqduate of 1969, his childhood adventures and his weekly recaps of Days of our Lives. He will be remembered fondly for many family camping trips, summers at the lake, his love of cooking, fishing and most of all the countless sunsets around the campfire.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, wife Agnes Milligan; daughters Laurie, Maggi and Mandy; sons-in-law Royce Witham, Adam Stone, and Andrew Campbell; grandchildren, Jason, Derek and Owen; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Lucas, Harper and DJ; and son, Daniel and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 5, from 2 – 4 p.m., at The Lakeside Lodge, 28 Marigold Lane, Sidney.

META LEE HART

Meta Lee Hart, 73, of Canaan, (formerly of Wood-Ridge, New Jersey) passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

She is survived by her brother Ernie and his wife Susan; her nephew Dalton Strunck; niece Victoria Pandel, and many friends both near and far.

Meta was predeceased by her husband, Frank, parents Ernest and Josephine Strunck, brothers Walter, Bruce, and sister, Elaine.

At Meta’s request there will be no service.

ROBERT S. REED

VASSALBORO – Robert “Bob” S. Reed, 61, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024, at MaineGeneral Comfort Care at Glenridge, in Augusta. He was born in Waterville on February 27, 1963, the son of the late Alva and Shirley (Fletcher) Reed, of North Anson.

He grew up in North Anson and graduated from Carrabec High School in 1981. He then obtained his bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering technology in May 1986 at the University of Maine, Orono. He was inducted into the Phi Kappy Phi Engineering Society.

Bob met his wife, Jessica, while she was a senior in high school, and he was a junior in college in Maine. They dated for five years while both finishing degrees at different colleges, including Bob graduating and traveling to Texas for a Texas Instruments (TI) training program for 18 months, and then he accepted a position in Waltham, Massachusetts, with TI as a distribution channel sales manager for six years. He then worked for Genesis Associates, as a distribution channel manager, sales engineer for almost 13 years, in Burlington, Massachusetts, before returning to Maine in June 2007. Once in Maine he became a project Manager/Developer with Paine Properties, and then held the position of General manager at NETCo Inc., and finished his working career as a general manager at Thayer Corporation. He then focused his attention even more on battling his cancer and fighting as hard as possible every day.

On October 7, 1989, Bob married Jessica (Paine), and they lived briefly in Burlington and Framingham, Massachusetts, before moving to Westford for almost eight years, then Hampstead, New Hampshire, for almost 10 years, returning to Maine to settle in Vassalboro in 2007.

Bob was a devoted family man and loyal friend who would lend a hand to anyone in need without hesitation. He was also “Mr. Hobby,” who enjoyed learning magic tricks and performing magic shows for neighborhood birthday parties, collecting stamps, working on model trains, and teaching himself how to whittle wood. Bob loved Scouting and devoted over 20 years volunteering as a Cubmaster, in Hampstead, and then as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster,, in Vassalboro, Troop #410. His two sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and he assisted 14 other young men in Troop #410 to Eagle rank as well. Bob also had a passion for music and the outdoors. Enjoying and playing music on his guitars was a big part of his life. He was an avid hiker, snowboarder, and loved being outdoors as much as possible – especially on Embden Lake.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Alva and Shirley Reed, Aunt Essie Ferguson, and cousin Bill Ferguson.

He is survived by his wife, Jessica; their four children, Becca, Josh, Seth, and Paige; brother David Reed; brother-in-law Mark Paine; sister-in-law Wendy Paine; nephew, Conner Paine; nieces Courtney Paine, and Laurie Ferguson, wife of cousin Bill Ferguson.

A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, September 15, at the Winthrop YMCA Camp of Maine, located at 305 Winthrop Center Road, Winthrop, Maine.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux, Redington and Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 8 Elm St, Waterville, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at https://www.vrlfuneralhome.com/.

Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to the MaineGeneral Comfort Care Unit at Glenridge, online at https://give.mainegeneral.org/comfort, or by mail payable to MaineGeneral Health, Comfort Care at Glenridge, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903 – marked as a “Tribute Gift for Bob Reed” or by phone at 207-626-1809.

The family also set up a Bob Reed Memorial Campership for Vassalboro Troop #410 for Scouts that would like to attend Scout Camp in the summer but need financial assistance to do so.

Donations can be sent to Assistant Scoutmaster Steve Polley, 19 Szady Drive, Vassalboro, ME 04989.

JAMES S. MIXON JR.

WINSLOW – James Sidney Mixon Jr., 61, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. He was born on September 18, 1962, in Amite, Louisiana, the son of James S. Mixon Sr. and Mary Emma (Noel).

With his dad passing away a year later, Mary returned to Maine where her sister lived. Jim grew up in Winslow where he was a member of the Babe Ruth league in school and also participated in cross country. He often ran the five miles from home to school as practice.

Jim attended Job Corps, in Bangor, where he learned to weld. He also met his future wife, Heather Inman.

They moved to Medway and to Sanbornton, New Hampshire, where he held various positions and soon became a member of the pipe fitters association with the Local Union #537, in Massachusetts.

During that time, he was able to travel with his mother to New Brunswick, Canada, to re-acquaint with relatives at the Red Bank Indian Reservation. He also established his Native status. He became a firekeeper and participated in sweat lodges, learning many customs. He was able to fish the Miramichi River and landed a 40-pound salmon on a 10-pound test line, following a 45-minute struggle. He bragged about that for years.

Following his divorce from Heather, he continued his welding career and traveled all over the country. He remarried and lived in Tilton, New Hampshire. An accident disabled him and he was forced to retire. He returned to Winslow to retire, leaving Nashua, New Hampshire.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, along with aunt and uncle Jerry and Maggie Languet; his half-brother Monroe Mixon, and great-nephew Sidney James Boynton.

He is survived by his children, Bridget, of Sanbornton, New Hampshire, and Ryan, of Winslow; stepson Eachan, of Winslow; grandson Gabriel, of Sanbornton, New Hampshire; sisters Margaret, of Waterville, and Carole, of Caldwell, Georgia; nieces, Jessica Turner and fiancé Jason, and two sons Daniel and Anthony, Jaime Fagan and husband Chris, with daughter Lorelai, and Salina Young and her three children, Trinity, Harmony and Kaysin; many cousins, the Languets, Greg, Gary, Melanie, Denise, Dolores, Cindy, Peter and Jay, and their spouses, children and grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the Sidney Event Room, 255 Trafton Road, Sidney, from 1 – 3 p.m.

Others Departed

RACHEL J. PRADILLA

INWOOD, W. Va. – Rachel Judy Pradilla, 68, of Inwood, West Virginia, passed away Friday, September 13, 2024, at Berkeley Medical Center.

Born October 8, 1955, in Waterville, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Felix Hutchison, Sr. and Rella Fernette Hutchison.

Rachel is survived by her husband, Diego Pradilla; sons, Ryan Frank Nason Sr. and wife Kim, and Rodney Allen Nason and wife Rachel; daughter, Robin Leah Pradilla; grandchildren, Cassidy, Katrina, Ryan Jr., Robert, and Sky Lee; brothers, David Sr., and Brian, both of Vassalboro, and Peter, of Port Charlotte, Florida; sisters, Betty, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Jean, of Waterbury, Connecticut, Janet, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Cindy, of Waterville; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Richard, Joseph Jr. and Allen; sisters, Norma and Sally; and an Aunt Evelyn.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 3 p.m., at the Brown Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be offered at http://www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com.

DANA HAMMOND

AUGUSTA – Dana Hammond, 79, of Somerville, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024. He was born June 24, 1945, to Irvin and Reta Hammond.

Dana’s graveside service with military honors will be held on Thursday, September 19, at 1 p.m., at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

BETTY JANE BURNHAM

 

AUGUSTA – Betty Jane Burnham, 70, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Glenridge Hospice, in Augusta, where she suffered from frontal lobe dementia. Betty was born October 2, 1953, to Lucy and Arthur Whitaker, Sr., in Augusta.

She was the fourth youngest of 18 children. Betty went to China schools and graduated Salutatorian at Erskine Academy, in South China, Class of 1973.

She married Lyle Burnham Sr., on April 20, 1973, and they made their home in Belgrade. Betty went to work after graduating at the State of Maine’s Inland Fisheries & Wildlife for four – six years. She and her husband went on to raise a daughter, Lisa, and a son, Lyle Jr.

When her children were older, Betty would also clean camps in Belgrade during the summers. She worked for over 20 plus years as a secretary/custodian at Central Maine Power Company. She loved watching cooking shows and listening to country music. She would get up at 5 a.m. to have a cup of coffee with her husband and read the newspaper.

Betty enjoyed her life with her family, husband, children, and adored her grandchildren. She was a big help with her grandchildren cooking delicious foods and desserts. She also enjoyed going to the Winterport Raceway with her sisters Muriel, Mary, Marie, Elaine, and Brenda to watch their brother Mike drag race.

She was predeceased by her parents; four sisters Vera Whitaker, Wilma Whitaker, Eltheia Girard, and Susie Potter, one brother Harold Whitaker (2021); several nephews; grandniece; grandson Bradley (2006); Lyle Sr (2013), and daughter Lisa (April 2024).

Betty is survived by her son Lyle Jr; eight sisters Belva MacComb, Marie Vigue, Elaine Brochu, Muriel Michaud, Mary Shaw, Jean Mason, Irene Poulin, Brenda McCamish; four brothers Willard Whitaker, Meldon Whitaker, David Whitaker, and Mike Whitaker; four grandsons David, Connor, Jayden, and Ricky III; and one granddaughter Alina Rodrigue; along with many nieces and nephews; many grandnieces and grandnephews; and cousins.

Graveside services for Saturday, September 21, at 2 p.m., at Pine Grove Cemetery, in Belgrade, are handled by Gallant Funeral Home and Mary-Anne MacArthur.

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.

Vassalboro school board updated on final summer renovations, other building related projects

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Community School’s new staff for 2024-25 include two people with experience in Alaska, Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer said. One of them spoke with school board members at their Sept. 10 meeting.

Seventh- and eighth-grade science teacher Tracy Hodge said his previous jobs included five years teaching in Alaska, three in a Yupik village and two in Kodiak.

He has also been in Maine before, he said, a brief stay as a youngster plus visits with friends in the Belgrade Lakes area.

Also speaking at the meeting was Cory Eisenhour, director of facilities for Winslow and Vassalboro schools, who updated board members on final summer renovations.

Pfeiffer expects more comprehensive information on plans for the VCS building from Thomas Seekins, co-president of Portland-based Energy Management Consultants, Inc. (EMC), later this fall.

School board members in June authorized Pfeiffer to agree with EMC “to perform an energy audit and HVAC [heating, ventilation and air conditioning] infrastructure analysis of the Vassalboro Community School.”

Seekins said at the Aug. 13 board meeting that the audit will include expert inspections of everything about the building – heating, lighting, electrical and mechanical systems, roofs, windows, even the driveway paving and drainage.

His team will evaluate needed updates, replacements and repairs and do a comprehensive budget, balancing costs with expected savings. After school board members decide on priorities, EMC personnel will develop a schedule, help arrange financing, select contractors and oversee work.

As of the Aug. 13 meeting, Seekins said EMC staff had begun inspecting the building. Pfeiffer expects a report at either the October or the November school board meeting. Board members proposed inviting Vassalboro Budget Committee members to Seekins’ presentation.

Another topic at the Sept. 10 meeting was VCS student enrollment, which Pfeiffer and Principal Ira Michaud were pleased to report is growing. Michaud reported 425 students, up from 411 in June.

Pfeiffer said so far there are three new secondary-school students, for whom Vassalboro will pay tuition to the high schools they choose. The state education department announces the 2025-26 secondary school tuition in December; Pfeiffer hopes the six percent increase in Vassalboro’s school budget will be enough for the first half of 2025.

The superintendent urged families who have not yet filled out and returned their “green sheets” – officially, the Household Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals – to do so. They are no longer needed to save families money, since school meals are free, but the state uses the information to calculate Vassalboro’s share of state funding.

VCS still needs substitute educational technicians, food service workers and bus drivers, Pfeiffer said. Shortages are state-wide; the mutual aid agreement among Vassalboro, Waterville and Winslow is helpful.

School has started smoothly, the administrators said, except for a major problem with the VCS intercom system. Pfeiffer expressed thanks to Marc Nabarowsky for getting it running again and said a part is being ordered for a full repair.

The next Vassalboro school board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8.

OPINION: Town elder concerned about seniors in China

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COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

by Sheldon Goodine

The Rise of Senior Homeless in Maine?

We cannot let this happen in the China area. Maine folks are tough and try to go with the flow as long as possible, then it may be too late to solve the problem.

We tell our young children and adolescents, that if they see something wrong or are bullied themselves to “tell somebody”. That should apply to seniors as well. It may be very difficult to talk with a family member or maybe they don’t have a family member to talk to. “Tell Somebody”, the help you need may be as close as the town office. China Town Manager Becky Hapgood has agreed to act as a soundboard on a temporary basis and she can get you the help that is needed. Talk to her, tell her your problem and she will listen and find a solution. Some of the problems may be as follows:

Homelessness, elder abuse, food insecurity, transportation issues, medication, energy assistance, balance checkbook or paying bills, companionship and scams.

The list is long and varied. So do not carry the problem alone. “Tell Somebody”. Bottom line, you are not alone, there is help out there – start with Becky!

Good luck and God bless.

Novel Energy granted one-year extension on project

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by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members approved one request at their Sept. 10 meeting and postponed action on another, probably to Sept. 24.

Novel Energy, represented virtually by Ralph Addonizio, received a one-year extension to begin construction of a solar development on the section of Parmenter Hill Road called Moe’s Mountain.

Board members approved the project at their Nov. 28, 2023, meeting. Codes Officer Nicholas French said it expires Nov. 28, 2024, if the project has not started.

Addonizio explained that a redesign (which planning board members approved at their July 30 meeting) and “supply chain delays” were holding up beginning work. He expects another 10 months’ wait.

“We want to start, believe me,” Addonizio said.

The other application was from Ironwood Maine LLC, doing business as The Ridge RTC, represented by Wade Bedsaul and Alexander Blackstone. They applied to add two small buildings and expand parking on their property at 24 Pond Hill Road, between Route 3 and Three Mile Pond.

The property is a residential facility for teenagers needing therapy and support as they deal with mental, behavioral and emotional health issues. The planning board approved it in April 2018.

Blackstone said a 12-by-10-foot trailer would be used to store tools and sports equipment. A 12-by-20-foot one would provide extra meeting space. The proposed additional parking area would be about 6-by-20-feet.

Because a resource protection district is involved, board members decided they needed additional information on setbacks and tree removal (for the parking area) and a map. Bedsaul and Blackstone indicated they should have the information in time for a revised application at the board’s next meeting, scheduled for Sept. 24.

China transfer station committee discusses relations with Palermo

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by Mary Grow

Relations between China and Palermo were a major topic discussed, in a friendly way, at the Sept. 10 China Transfer Station Committee meeting. Only one of Palermo’s two committee members, Bob Kurek, was present.

He reported that the Palermo select board is “all set” with the draft revised agreement between the two towns, but town voters need to accept it. He hoped a special town meeting could be scheduled in October. (See the Sept. 12 issue of The Town Line, p. 2.)

Meanwhile, he, China Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood and staff in both town offices continue to contact Palermo residents who do not abide by regulations, mostly by not using the required blue bags. Kurek reminded the group that requiring Palermo residents who use the China facility to buy and use special bags is a measure of fairness to the many residents who use dumpsters or other alternatives.

Kurek, as he has done at previous meetings, summarized conversations with residents identified by the transfer station staff or security camera recordings and reported to him.

Committee member James Hsiang, resenting the staff time spent on a few individuals, proposed increasing Palermo’s annual payment to China in compensation, to cost Palermo taxpayers and “put peer pressure on the cheaters.”

James Hines doubted the plan would work – “Some people just can’t change,” he said. Benjamin Weymouth preferred China try to be a good neighbor to Palermo. And committee chairman Chris Baumann pointed out that the issue is not systemic; only a small minority of Palermo residents are uncooperative.

At previous meetings, committee members have noted that an occasional China resident challenges regulations, too.

Hapgood added that town officials can ban repeat offenders from the transfer station.

“I think some of your stories investigating this stuff are the best part of the [committee] meetings,” Hines told Kurek.

In other business, transfer station manager Thomas Maraggio reported two summer projects, lighting in the free-for-the-taking building and an improved compost area, are essentially complete. More signs promoting and explaining recycling have gone up, and still more are planned.

Hapgood is planning the 2025 transfer station stickers that will be required for vehicles registered in China or Palermo to enter the transfer station beginning Jan. 1. The new ones, she promised, will adhere properly to windshields, unlike the 2024 ones that generated many complaints.

Committee members scheduled the rest of their 2024 meetings for 9 a.m., the second Tuesday of each month, Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10.

Vassalboro community programs reach all ages

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Karen Hatch, Vassalboro Community Program Director preparing some “soup to go” at a luncheon for older adults at the Vassalboro Methodist Church. That is one of many activities she helps to plan and oversee throughout the year. (Contributed photo)

by Dale Potter-Clark

Karen Hatch had a busy summer and this fall is shaping up to be the same way. The 70-year-old, from China, is the Vassalboro Community Program Director, and as such she plans, coordinates and oversees activities for all ages, including youth sports. This winter it will be basketball and then baseball and softball come spring,” Hatch explained. “All of that is made possible by the volunteer youth athletic commissioners. They support and work with me to set-up the sports programs and they run smoothly because of them – for that matter it would be near impossible for one person to manage everything. I am always seeking volunteers – the overall program thrives with them.”

Vassalboro Days was a busy weekend for Hatch who arrived at the recreation field in East Vassalboro, at 7:30 a.m., to meet with folks who were inflating a bounce house. Nearby, she checked in with volunteer soccer commissioner, Jordan Cayoutte, who was preparing for soccer games. Hatch had already shopped for and stocked food in the snack shack so she moved on to see how volunteer Jared Clark was doing at the Historical Society where he was setting up for corn-hole. Then she scooted across town where she had arranged for a cribbage tournament at the St. Bridget Center. “I put in over 50 hours that week but that was exceptional. My position is funded for 30 hours a week but that week it was just not enough.”

Hatch worked for 27 years for the city of Augusta, first as the assistant recreation director and then as the city Child Care Director, so she was well prepared when she came into this position three years ago. The energetic septuagenarian explained that she is committed to organizing recreational and social activities for all ages. One could easily recognize the boundless range of activities within that age span but Hatch presents with the enthusiasm and know-how to make a big impact. “When I started in this position the first thing I did was to determine what was already going on in town so not to duplicate,” she said. “Then I began to reach out to various organizations to develop collaborations.”

Another activity initiated by Hatch is a potluck dessert and “Friday Night Fun Night”, the first Friday of each month, 6 – 8 p.m., at the Vassalboro Grange Hall. She also organizes friendly cribbage games on Wednesday afternoons and chair yoga classes led by volunteer Vickie Limberger on Monday mornings. Both are held at the Vassalboro Town Office (VTO). Currently she and the volunteer basketball commissioner, Kevin Phanor, are planning to meet with the Vassalboro Community School administrators to discuss when an open gym for adults can begin there as well as logistics for the youth basketball program.

At the time of this interview, Hatch was found bustling about at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) where she collaborates with members of the VUMC to plan, prepare and serve older adults a soup and salad luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., the second Wednesday of every month. On this day three tables were laden with four different kinds of homemade soups, a variety of salads, breads and scrumptious looking desserts. Hatch was one of the several cooks there and she had also secured much of the food through contributions. “There’s no charge for the meal but donations are welcome,” she explained. The church receives part of them to help cover heat, maintenance and electricity costs.

Much of what Hatch is able to offer for seniors is funded by grants for which she wrote the proposals. One was a $2,875 AARP Community Challenge Grant with which a community garden was planted on VTO grounds. A $3,029 Hannaford Chef Grant for older adults with food insecurity makes possible the storage and preparation of the luncheons at VUMC. She is in hopes of also starting cooking classes in the near future.

According to Aaron Miller, Vassalboro Town Manager since 2023, Hatch is responsible for effectively developing recreation, cultural, social and leisure opportunities for town residents and supervising a large number of seasonal volunteers. She is also responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, advertising, controlling, staffing and evaluating all activities of the department. He further explained that before Hatch came aboard the community relied completely on recreation committee volunteers to run the snack shack, baseball, softball and soccer programs. “I value Karen’s background and I’m excited to work alongside her for the town of Vassalboro. It is my opinion that recreational opportunities strengthen the fabric of communities and I expect to offer as much support as possible as we move forward,” said Miller.

The next special event Hatch has arranged will take place on October 1, when a Concord Coach will drive 55 adults of any age to the Fryeburg Fair. The first pick-up will be 7:15 a.m., at the Vassalboro Town Office, and then on to the Hannaford, in South China, for the second pick-up. Time spent at the fair will be 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and ETA back in Vassalboro is 6:30 p.m. Upon registration a $50 transportation fee is required; the deadline for registration is 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, September 26, at the Vassalboro Town Office, 682 Main Street – first come first served. Admission into the Fryeburg Fair is free for anyone over 65 years on that day, but the admission fee at the gate is $15 for those under 65 years. FMI email Karen Hatch at khatch@vassalboro.net or call (207) 592-3095.

Issue for September 12, 2024

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Issue for September 12, 2024

Celebrating 36 years of local news

Messalonskee girls soccer plans 9th annual Girls Youth Soccer Mentoring Day

Messalonskee High School Girls Soccer and the ShineOnCass Foundation will host its 9th annual girls’ youth mentoring day “ShineOn Saturday”, September 28, from noon to 2 p.m., on the Messalonskee High School Turf Field, in Oakland. The event is held to honor former Messalonskee soccer player and youth mentor Cassidy Charette, who died in a hayride accident October 11, 2014…. by Monica Charette

Town News

Select board OKs revised solid waste agreement with Palermo

CHINA – The four China select board members at the Sept. 9 meeting quickly and unanimously approved two business items on their agenda, a revised solid waste agreement with Palermo and a fire truck purchase by the Weeks Mills volunteer fire department…

Local election will feature a contest for select board

CHINA – China’s local elections will feature a contest for select board; an unopposed budget committee candidate; and four positions to be filled by write-in candidates…

Budget committee approves 56-page CMP, TIF program

CHINA – The five China Budget Committee members at the Sept. 3 meeting unanimously endorsed the 56-page Third Amended Central Maine Power/China Lake Tax Increment Financing District and Development Program, which will be on the Nov. 5 ballot for voters’ action…

Select board approves three questions for November ballot

VASSALBORO – At their Sept. 5 meeting, Vassalboro select board members approved three questions for a Nov. 5 local referendum ballot, on three different topics…

Ambulance director supplies newsletter explaining rate increase request

VASSALBORO – Among reports shared at the Vassalboro Select Board’s Sept. 5 meeting was an August 2024 newsletter prepared by Delta Ambulance executive director Chris Mitchell to answer some of the questions from area town officials…

Planners approve CMP shoreland permits to rebuild transmission line

VASSALBORO – Vassalboro Planning Board members had two agenda items at their Sept. 3 meeting. They were not asked to act yet on Revision Energy’s revised plan for a solar farm on Webber Pond Road. It will probably be on the board’s Oct. 1 agenda…

LETTERS: In support of candidate Katrina Smith

from Shirley Derrico (Somerville) – Katrina Smith is the real deal. As the representative of District #62, Katrina has proven she truly cares about her constituents by keeping them informed about upcoming bills that affect not only the citizens of Maine but the nation as well…

LETTERS: Elise Brown serves her community

from Mike Sherman (Palermo) – As Mainers living in a mostly rural setting far removed from national politics, it tends to be our local governments – at the town and county levels – that affect our day-to-day lives. This is why our local elections and elected officials are so important, and this is why I am voting for Elise Brown for Waldo County Commissioner in District #3…

TEAM PHOTO: Waterville football 5th and 6th grade team

WATERVILLE – Team photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography…

Name that film!

Identify the film in which this famous line originated and qualify to win FREE passes to The Maine Film Center, in Waterville: “What we have here is a failure to communicate.” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is October 10, 2024.

Webber’s Pond comic

Webber’s Pond is a comic drawn by a local central Maine resident (click on the thumbnail to enlarge)…

Local happenings

EVENTS: Hazardous waste collection days scheduled

CENTRAL ME – The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, based in Fairfield, plans to host Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days in October in Kennebec and Somerset counties…

EVENTS: Announcing annual wildflower seed fundraiser

ROCKPORT – Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District has announced their autumn fundraiser – native wildflower seeds. October is the perfect month to sow wildflower seeds for spring growth…

EVENTS: Start Summit: Innovating to protect elderly from online fraud

CENTRAL ME – While new technology has opened up avenues for communication, learning, and entertainment, it has also given rise to a serious problem — online fraud. Older adults, in particular, are often targeted by predators seeking to exploit their trust and lack of familiarity with the digital landscape… by Jane Margesson (Executive director AARP Maine)

EVENTS: Erskine Homecoming

CHINA — Events for Erskine’s Homecoming weekend…

Give Us Your Best Shot!

The best recent photos from our readers!

Become a member! An open letter to our readers

Unfortunately, the last two decades have not been good for the nation’s newspapers. Nearly 1,800 local newspapers have closed their doors since 2014, according to a study done by the University of North Carolina. The hardest hit are community papers like The Town Line that concentrate exclusively on local issues…

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: SCCC seeking crafters

So.CHINA – The South China Community Church is seeking crafters for a craft fair, on Saturday, October 26. Tables are whole tables and all proceeds are yours to keep. To rent a table call Diane at 207-399-6359… and many other local events!

Obituaries

ALBION – Penelope Lu Sweatt, 82, passed away peacefully at her home, in Albion, on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Penny Sawyer was born on February 5, 1942, in Farmington, the daughter of Norman and Phyllis (York) Sawyer…

Celebrating Maine history

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

Around the Kennebec Valley: A history of Ford’s Corner, Part I (new)

PALERMO HISTORY — In North Palermo, where Arnold Lane and Chisholm Pond Road meet, the North Palermo Road just before Wilder Young Hill goes down into Freedom, is a place once known as Ford’s Corner. You wouldn’t know it today, but over a century ago this quiet corner was the center of a bustling community in North Palermo… by Andy Pottle

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Early Sidney Settlers

SIDNEY HISTORY — Researching former Sidney residents on line, your writer has repeatedly come across a colorful small book entitled Early Sidney, by Chloe B., with a photo of the historic Levi Powers house on the front… by Mary Grow

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Lovejoys & Marshes

SIDNEY HISTORY — Previous articles in this series have mentioned two other early Sidney families who intermarried with Bacons and Faughts, the Lovejoys and Marshes. This article will provide more information about both… by Mary Grow

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Sidney early settlers: the Faught family

SIDNEY HISTORY — The Faughts were another early Sidney family. The first Faught your writer came across was Marlborough Packard Faught, a name that sounded refreshingly unusual; but she soon found that the Faughts, like the Bacons, enjoyed repeating more common names – Frederick, Jacob, Samuel – through generations… by Mary Grow

Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!

DEADLINE: Wednesday, September 12, 2024

Identify the people in these three photos, and tell us what they have in common. You could win a $10 gift certificate to Hannaford Supermarket! Email your answer to townline@townline.org or through our Contact page. Include your name and address with your answer. Use “Common Ground” in the subject!

Previous winner: Tracie Kelley, Palmyra

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | Send out a BOLO! I got that from NCIS, it means “be on the lookout”, what they used to call an APB (all points bulletin – those of you my age will remember). Has anyone seen a woolly bear caterpillar this year? Usually, by mid-September they are everywhere. I haven’t seen a one…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) spent a number of years as a boy in Raymond, Maine, with an uncle, Dr. Richard Manning, who built a huge mansion with lavishly expensive wallpaper, fireplaces and Belgian glass windows – local natives referred to it as “Mannning’s Folly”…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

HEALTH | As a pediatrician, I hear many questions from parents. As their children grow from babies to adolescents, so does the number of questions they have about how to continue protecting their kids…

SCORES & OUTDOORS: With the woolly bear MIA, what are we seeing in its place?

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wooly bear caterpillar

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Send out a BOLO! I got that from NCIS, it means “be on the lookout”, what they used to call an APB (all points bulletin – those of you my age will remember).

Has anyone seen a woolly bear caterpillar this year? Usually, by mid-September they are everywhere. I haven’t seen a one.

However, I have been seeing a yellow, fuzzy caterpillar that has me curious.

Now that the days are getting shorter and the night time temperatures are dipping into the 40s, It’s Woolly Bear Caterpillar season once again! Remember, the woolly bear caterpillar, according to folklore, predicts the severity, or mildness, of the approaching winter with the size of the rust-colored band it wears. The wider the band, the milder the winter. Since we haven’t seen any black/rust woolly bears, let’s take a look at the yellow woolly bear.

There are actually a lot of different fuzzy caterpillars out and about right now looking for a last meal and a good place to hibernate for the winter. One of which is the Yellow Woolly Bear Caterpillar. While they may look like your favorite pair of fuzzy slippers they are so much more interesting.

Yellow Woolly Bear

The Yellow Woolly Bear Caterpillar is part of a whole tribe of caterpillars named for their fuzzy appearance. The tribe name actually derives from the Greek word “arktos”, which translates to “bear”. It’s not until the Yellow Woolly Bear Caterpillar matures and goes through metamorphosis that it turns into a tiger – moth. The Virginian Tiger Moth to be precise.

Changing from a bear to a tiger isn’t this critter’s only trick. The Yellow Woolly Bear Caterpillar isn’t always yellow. Sometimes it’s a reddish or brownish color. While some caterpillars may decide they like yellow and stick to it, others start out yellowish and then change to a darker color when they molt. They are either all yellowish, all orangish/reddish, or all brownish. If you find a super fuzzy caterpillar that is part black and part orange, or some other mix of hair colors, it’s a different critter.

The Yellow Woolly Bear Caterpillar is native to the United States and can be found throughout much of North America, from Canada through Mexico. There are even some records on iNaturalist of the species being found in the more northern parts of South America.

Orange Woolly Bear

The Yellow Woolly Bear can live in many habitats as well, anywhere from wooded and forested areas, to meadows, fields, gardens, and occasionally agricultural areas. The broad distribution range of and variety of favorable habitats for this species is likely due to its generalist feeding behavior. The Yellow Woolly Bear Caterpillar will eat a wide range of plant leaves from basil, to the clover in the yard, to maple trees – it will even occasionally eat milkweed plants. Luckily the caterpillars are not particularly numerous, preferring to put distance between themselves and their siblings, so the caterpillars rarely cause enough damage to be considered a pest.

The fuzzy Yellow Woolly Bear Caterpillars eventually turn into lovely white moths with yellow and orange patches on their bodies. While not nearly as hairy as the caterpillar, the moths do retain some fluffy looking leg warmers and hats. Once the caterpillars turn into moths, they are usually called Virginian Tiger Moths.

Virginian Tiger Moth

The moths don’t eat. At the most, they may take a quick drink of nectar from a nearby flower. While the caterpillar’s primary goal was to eat and grow as big as possible (without being eaten itself), the moth’s goal is to find a mate and bring the next generation of woolly bears into existence. Here’s where it gets really interesting, though. Remember those pictures of crazy looking moths with tentacles coming out of their butts that went viral for a while? Yeah, these moths can do that, too. Or at least a similar variation of the tentacle butt thing.

The tentacle looking things are actually organs the male moths have and can inflate to produce and spread pheromones that attract female moths. Kind of like a cologne. While they look different depending on the species, some are tentacle-like, others more like pencils or feather dusters, most male moths have them.

So, now that we know a little more about these woolly bear variations, I will know they are of the woolly bear family. The only thing I wasn’t able to find was if they have the weather predicting powers like the traditional woolly bear.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

In 2014, which versatile Red Sox player become the first to start in seven different positions in a single season?

Answer
Brock Holt.

PUBLIC NOTICES for Thursday, September 12, 2024

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TOWN OF CHINA

Notice of Public Hearing

The Municipal Officers of the Town of China will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., in person or via Zoom regarding the November municipal ballot. For the link to the Zoom meeting, go to www.chinamaine.org.

Article 1. To choose a moderator to preside at said meeting.

Article 2. To elect all necessary Municipal Officials – three Select Board members who also serve as Municipal Assessors (two-year term), one RSU 18 Director (three-year term), and four Budget Committee members (two-year term) – using the secret ballot, as directed, and provided by statute.

Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to adopt the Third Amended Central Maine Power/China Lake Tax Increment Financing District Development Program and the Findings, Terms and Provisions Relating to that Program.

Select Board Recommends: YES with a vote of 5 ayes / 0 nays
Budget Committee Recommends: YES with a vote of 5 ayes / 0 nays

Copies are available from the town office or at www.chinamaine.org.

Article 4. Shall the voters of the town repeal the ordinance entitled “Budget Committee Ordinance” revised June 13, 2006, and enact an ordinance entitled “Town of China Budget Committee Ordinance”?

Select Board Recommends: YES with a vote of 5 ayes / 0 nays

Article 5. Shall the voters of the town adopt an amendment to the Land Use Map entitled the “Development District Map?”

Select Board Recommends: YES with a vote of 5 ayes / 0 nays
Planning Board Recommends: YES with a vote of 4 ayes / 0 nays

Article 6. Shall amendments to the ordinance entitled “Town of China Land Development Code, Chapter 2. Land Use Ordinance and Chapter 11.
Definitions” be enacted?

Select Board Recommends: YES with a vote of 5 ayes / 0 nays
Planning Board Recommends: YES with a vote of 4 ayes / 0 nays

Article 7. Shall an ordinance entitled “Town of China High Impact Electric Transmission Line Moratorium Ordinance” be enacted?

Select Board Recommends: YES with a vote of 5 ayes / 0 nays

Notice of Public Hearing
Town of China

The Municipal Officers of the Town of China will hold a public hearing regarding the State General Assistance Ordinance Appendices at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024 in the meeting room. The link to the public hearing is posted on the calendar on the town’s website www.chinamaine.org. Any comments or questions prior to the meeting can be sent to info@chinamaine.org.

TOWN OF CHINA, MAINE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Regarding Third Amended Central Maine Power/China Lake Tax Increment Financing District and Development Program Notice is hereby given that the Town of China will hold a public hearing on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 571 Lakeview Drive, China, Maine 04358 For The Public, Remote Participation Will Be Available Via Zoom.The Public Hearing will begin at 6:00 p.m.

The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public comments on the Third Amended Central Maine Power/China Lake Tax Increment Financing District Development Program (the “Third Amended Program”) pursuant to 30-A MRSA §5221 through §5235, being Subchapter 1 of Chapter 206 of Title 30-A of the Maine Revised Statutes, as amended. The proposed Third Amended Program provides (i) modified descriptions and TIF Revenue spending projections for seven (7) ongoing projects, (ii) descriptions of, and TIF Revenue spending projections for, two (2) new projects, (iii) discontinuance of four (4) prior projects and iv) revision of the “Tax Increment Revenue and Tax Shift Calculations” which are included in the Third Amended Program.

The Third Amended Program is the proposed development program for the Central Maine Power/China Lake Tax Increment Financing District which was established in 2015, was enlarged in 2017 and now consists of approximately 29 lots having a total area of approximately 380 acres.

Such 29 lots are located generally (a) from north to south along or adjacent to Lakeview Drive (US Route 202 and State Route 9) and China Lake beginning at the northerly end of the east basin of the Lake to the intersection of Lakeview Drive and the Augusta-Belfast Road (State Route 3), (b) from west to east along Route 3 beginning at the CMP Substation (Map 17, Lot 47-F) approximately 1.5 miles to a point adjacent to Route 3 (665 Route 3, Map 28, Lot 001-A), (c) beginning at a point in the line between Windsor and China northerly more than 10 miles along a strip of land approximately 80 feet wide on which has been erected CMP’s 345 KV transmission line to a point in the line between China and Albion and (d) along Branch Mills Road in the Branch Pond area.

Copies of (a) the Warrant, dated August 26, 2024, for the November 5, 2024 municipal election which includes Article 3 related to the Third Amended Program, (b) certain Findings, Terms and Provisions related to Article 3 and (c) the proposed Third Amended Program (collectively, the “Ballot Materials”) are on file at the Town office and available for review during normal business hours in advance of the public hearing.

The Ballot Materials are also available at https://chinamaine.org and can also be obtained by calling 207-445-2014, option 3 during normal business hours and requesting that a copy be mailed to you. Normal business hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 7:30 am until 4:30 pm and first and last Saturday of each month, 8:00 am until 11:00 am.

All interested persons are invited to participate in the public hearing and will be given an opportunity to be heard. The Town will be conducting the hearing via Zoom. To access the hearing, please use the following internet or telephone information:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82423752385?pwd=M0R1bldEbDdhc2NyOG0yeVM4L3liZz09
Meeting ID: 824 2375 2385, Passcode: 187277
or call +1 929 436 2866 and enter Meeting ID: 824 2375 2385 followed by Passcode: 187277

Public comments will be taken at the hearing and written comments should be identified as “Ballot Questions – TIF” and submitted by email to info@chinamaine.org or by U.S. mail or hand delivery to the Town Office, 571 Lakeview Drive, China, Maine 04358. Written comments will be accepted until 4:00 pm, Monday, September 23, 2024.

Town of China, Maine

/s/Angela Nelson
By: Angela Nelson
Town Clerk,
Duly Authorized
Dated September 9, 2024

Town of Somerville Public Hearing

The Municipal Officers of the Town of Somerville will hold a public hearing to hear public comments on state amendments to:

What: General Assistance Model Ordinance & Appendices 2024-2025
When: October 2, 2024 @ 6:00PM
Where: Town Office 72 Sand Hill Road Somerville ME

All interested citizens are invited to participate and comment