Latest state of Maine fall foliage report

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photo on Causeway Road by Eric Austin, of China

Maine’s leaf-bearing trees will show off their brilliant colors of yellow, orange and red in the upcoming weeks. The 2019 Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry reports 40-percent color change in the forest. Northern Maine is reporting moderate conditions, 50-percent color change and 30-percent leaf drop.

Typically, northern Maine (zones 6 and 7) reaches peak conditions the last week of September into the first week of October. The rest of the states progression of color will start occurring from north to south in mid-October. Coastal Maine typically reaches peak conditions mid-to-late October.

“That fall feeling is in the air, and now that our weather is moving toward a more seasonal trend, its the most wonderful time of the year to be in Maine,” according to Gale Ross, Maines fall foliage spokesperson. Whether near or far, leaf-loving enthusiasts really get pumped up during the fall foliage season. A Facebook fan from Texas commented that she thought the photos we’ve posted on Facebook and the foliage web page were photoshopped until she made her first visit to Maine. Needless to say, shes coming back again this year, Ross added.

For a laid-back leaf-peeping route, wind through Maines Kennebec Valley along the 78-mile Old Canada Road Scenic Byway. Begin in Solon and make your way to the Canadian border. Dont miss a perfect picnic stop at Robbins Hill for panoramic views of the valley, and in The Forks, stop at the Moxie Falls Scenic Area. Enjoy a two-mile hike to one of the states highest waterfalls with a 92-foot vertical drop. Adventure seekers can still feel the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River, a great way to experience fall foliage from the For more information about fall activities and events in Maine, go to www.visitmaine.com.

The fall foliage colors in central Maine are rated as low at this time.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Take precautions against browntail moth hairs when working outdoors

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Left, hickory tussock caterpillar. Right, hickory tussock tiger moth.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Last weekend while closing camp for the season, I had an encounter with the hickory tussock caterpillar. Although I didn’t touch it, but merely flicked it off a cleaning bottle, I think I stirred up its hairs and came down with a mild rash on my forearm. It lasted a little over a day.

Later in the week, I heard complaints from other people who have mysteriously developed a rash on their forearms or legs. That led me to thinking they had probably come in contact with the hickory tussock or, even more possible, the browntail moth caterpillar.

A couple of days ago, I received a press release from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Maine Forest Service, about the browntail moth caterpillar.

At this time, I will share that news release with you.

browntail moth caterpillar

Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), Maine Forest Service (MFS), and 211 Maine remind the public that browntail moth hairs remain in the environment and can get stirred up during fall yardwork. Tiny hairs shed by the caterpillars can cause a skin reaction similar to poison ivy. They can also cause trouble breathing and other respiratory problems.

The caterpillars are active from April to late June/early July.

“While browntail moth caterpillars might not be as noticeable at this time of the year, their hairs remain toxic and in the environment for one to three years,” said Maine CDC Director Nirav D. Shah. “It is important that Mainers take the proper prevention measures when working outside this fall.”

The hairs can lose toxicity over time. Hairs blow around in the air and fall onto leaves and brush. Mowing, raking, sweeping, and other activities can cause the hairs to become airborne and result in skin and breathing problems.

To protect yourself from browntail moth hairs while working outdoors:

  • Wear a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, goggles, a dust mask/respirator, a hat and disposable coveralls.
  • Rake or mow when the ground is wet to prevent hairs from becoming airborne.
  • Cover your face and tightly secure clothing around the neck, wrists, and ankles.
  • Do not rake, mow the lawn, or use leaf blowers on dry days.
  • Use pre-contact poison ivy wipes to help reduce hairs sticking into exposed skin.
  • Take extra care when working under decks or in other areas that are sheltered from rain.
  • Take cool showers and change clothes after outdoor activities to wash off any loose hairs.
  • Use caution with firewood stored in areas with browntail moths, especially when bringing it indoors.

Most people affected by the hairs develop a localized rash that lasts for a few hours up to several days. In more sensitive people, the rash can be severe and last for weeks. Hairs can also cause trouble breathing, and respiratory distress from inhaling the hairs can be serious. The rash and difficulty breathing result from both a chemical reaction to a toxin in the hairs and a physical irritation as the barbed hairs become stuck in the skin and airways.

There is no specific treatment for the rash or breathing problems caused by browntail moth hairs. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms.

For more information:

I know that some of the suggestions of what to wear when doing yard work, or when to do it, doesn’t quite fit into your routine or schedule, but there is the old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Who was the last Boston Red Sox left handed pitcher to win 20 games in a season?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, October 3, 2019

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Who was the last Boston Red Sox left handed pitcher to win 20 games in a season?

Answer:

Mel Parnell, in 1949, when he went 25-7.

Howard Hill Park dedication

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Photo by Norm Rodrigue

Join the Kennebec Land Trust and the city of Augusta to celebrate the dedication of Howard Hill Historical Park. Remarks begin at 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, at the historic Gannett treehouse overlook. Plan ahead to allow plenty of time to hike into the overlook (visit our website for trailhead meeting locations and times, www.tklt.org or call 207-377-2848).

In March of 2017 the Kennebec Land Trust (KLT) transferred the 164-acre Howard Hill property to the city of Augusta. This transaction successfully completed an eight-year process undertaken by the KLT to conserve this property in perpetuity for the benefit of Maine’s people and wildlife. At the time of the transfer, Augusta Mayor David Rollins noted: “This is an important day in the history of this City. Through the dedicated efforts of the folks at Kennebec Land Trust and the generosity of​ their donors, all Mainers, especially future generations, will reap the benefits of their work.”

Since 2018, the city’s Conservation Commission, KLT staff, and volunteers have been constructing a new trail network in the Park. Kim Vandermeulen, KLT Board President observed, “KLT is very grateful to the volunteers and we admire their efforts to construct a new trail system. Their work is a gift to everyone who lives, works, and visits Augusta.”

Judy Camuso, commissioner, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife; Howard Lake, KLT Director; Bill Bridgeo, Augusta City Manager; Augusta Mayor Dave Rollins; and Andrew Silsby, President of Kennebec Savings Bank, will provide remarks at 4:00 p.m.

If you cannot attend but have questions about Howard Hill please call the KLT office at (207) 377-2848 or visit our website: www.tklt.org.

SOLON & BEYOND: New trails being developed at Western Woods

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Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, my friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

With my computer problem recently, I was afraid the following news would be too late, but thankfully it won’t be! There will be a spaghetti dinner and silent auction to benefit the Solon Fire Department Saturday, October 5, 2019, at the Solon Elementary School from 4 -7 p.m. You will be served dinner by our firefighters. There will be a door prize.

Thanks so much, Aryke L. Coombs, Fire Dept. Auxiliary President, for sharing your news.

New Trails are being developed by Western Woods and Waters Advisory Committee. Now that SWT owns Western Woods, it’s time to develop trails. The trails along the Kennebec River, known as Western Waters, are being extended into Western Woods. Cross Country courses are being developed for the local teams.

Art for Western raffle winners are Chris Young’s Pond Chair, won by Robert Cross, Kathleen Perelka’s River View, won by Dog McQuinston, Kathleen Perelka’s The Weston Homestead, won by Maggie Fernald, Kathleen Perelka’s Western Schoolhouse:, won by Anne Worthley, John Alsop’s Maine View, won by Rebecca Seel, and John Alsop’s Maine Stream, won by Mary Callan.

The following news is a bit late, but I thought you parents might appreciate it. It starts with the head line; ATTENDANCE MATTERS! As the new year begins, we hope to see all of our students set a goal to have a good rate of attendance. Unless students are ill or there is a family emergency, they need to be in school. WE ask that parents try to schedule routine doctor or dentist appointments after school hours and family vacations weeks as often as possible.

If your child is ill or needs to miss school for an appointment or family emergency, please contact Mrs. McFadyen so that we can log the day as an excused absence. If we don’t hear from you, we have to log the day as an unexcused absence. After seven unexcused absences , the state considers your child as truant. So please help us to document your child’s absences correctly.

After 18 absences (10 percent of the school days in a year) whether excused or unexcused, your child is considered chronically absent. In addition to MEA test scores, the percentage of chronically absent students in our school is a factor in whether the state decides that our school is making academic progress. Of course, sometimes students are out for extended illnesses, chronic health conditions or family emergencies, and those can’t be helped. So we are working to reduce the absences of our students for other reasons.

Punctuality is also a key to a successful school year. Our busses arrive between 7:20 and 7:40 in the morning. If you bring your child to school, please be sure that he or she arrives by 7:45 a.m. in order to be ready when teachers start their classes at 7:50 a.m. A student who arrives late misses important learning time.

So let’s work together to make sure your child gets the maximum benefit from his/hers school experience this year. Attendance matters! Thank you for your cooperation.

Received an e-mail from Happyknits recently stating that they had just turned five years old! They had a yarn cruise again this year and the lucky winners are: the August prize basket went to Wendy, from Harpswell, the Grand Prize went to Trudy, from Embden, and their Super Grand Prize went to Marcia, from Madison.

Happyknits is joining forces with CrabApple Whitewater, in the Forks for their second annual Confluence Retreat, a fall fiber and foliage get-away. They are inviting you to join them there from October 11-14, 2019, for a laid back four days of knitting and crocheting, and let the good folks at Crab-Apple take care of your every need. We’ll be offering a few workshops, but the focus will be on having fun and being with friends.

And now for Percy’s memoir, it is called “I’m Getting Younger:” Another year has come and gone, And I am growing younger, Yearning for each coral dawn, with what amounts to hunger. Becoming more and more aware of what means most to me, and each new day becomes a prayer of sweet simplicity. With brand new eyes I now observe each tiny growing thing, the graceful flight, the flashing curve of every feathering wing. And listening to the sounds of wind that whispers through each tree, I feel a surge of joy as if the Master walks with me. I’m younger than I used to be, and though it may not show, one doesn’t have to touch or see a miracle to know life isn’t offered piece-meal, we have to take the lot, But to the ones whose faith is real, ….Why time is not! (words by (Grace E. Easley.)

Vassalboro looks to repair or replace three culverts

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro has three large culverts that need repair or replacement, and limited funds for special road projects. Town Manager Mary Sabins and two public works department members therefore went to a program on grants at the end of August. One outcome was a request from a private company to discuss grant application procedures.

Consequently, town selectmen, Sabins, Road Commissioner Eugene Field and crew member James “J.J.” Wentworth met Sept. 26 with Esther Bizier from Main-Land Development Consultants of Livermore Falls. The participating audience included two Vassalboro residents, Nate Gray from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and James Foster, who is with VHB, Inc (Vanasse Hangen Brustlin) of South Portland. The culverts are on Gray Road, Whitehouse Road and Cross Hill Road. For months, Field and selectmen have intermittently discussed options for the Cross Hill Road culvert, which has crumbling concrete and water running under it.

The Sept. 26 discussion focused on which of the three would be most likely to get the most money if town officials applied for a state Stream Crossing Grant. Participants talked about application requirements, an area in which Sabins said neither she nor Field has a lot of expertise; timetables (the deadline for this fall is Nov. 12, but there will be another window in the spring); and criteria for receiving a grant. Bizier said positive effects on fish habitat count for 50 percent, infrastructure improvement and public safety 25 percent and cost efficiency 25 percent.

The maximum grant is $92,000, Sabins said. A municipality can apply for two grants at a time.

After reviewing the potential costs and value of work on each of the three culverts, selectmen voted to retain Main-Land to prepare an application for the Gray Road culvert, for a $4,500 fee, and to hire Foster to work with Field on an application for the one on Cross Hill Road.

They made no further commitment at this point. Board Chairman Lauchlin Titus said before Nov. 12 they will decide whether to submit both applications or only one.

Northern Light concert set for October 25

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Northern Light Inland Hospital is once again offering an amazing evening of musical entertainment at its annual Fall Pops Concert on Friday, October 25, at the Waterville Opera House.

Erin Freeman

The hospital welcomes the Portland Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor Erin Freeman, who was a recent finalist for Performer Today’s Classical Woman of the Year. Freeman serves in multiple capacities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and maintains a national presence through guest conducting engagements. She holds a joint position as director of the Richmond Symphony Chorus and director of choral activities at Virginia Commonwealth University. Additionally, she is the artistic director of Wintergreen Music and resident conductor of the Richmond Ballet.

Alyson Cambridge

She will be joined by guest soloist, soprano Alyson Cambridge, who is currently performing in Broadway’s Rocktopia, and has extensive experience as a singer, model, actor, and host. Cambridge has been hailed by critics as “radiant, vocally assured, dramatically subtle and compelling, and artistically imaginative,” by the Washington Post.

John Dalton, Inland Hospital president, says, “We are excited to share this special night of music and talent with the greater Waterville community. We know how much people look forward to this event, almost as much as we do! We want to thank our community for its support of the Pops concert and Inland Hospital.”

Proceeds from this year’s event will help Inland purchase upgrades to its cardiac monitoring system that have the latest patient safety technology for patients.

Tickets are available at www.OperaHouse.org or 207-873-7000. The cost to attend the concert and a special pre-event reception at Amici’s Cucina is $50; concert tickets without the reception are $25.

Obituaries for Thursday, October 3, 2019

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NANCY J. LeBRECQUE

WATERVILLE — Nancy J. LeBrecque, 69, passed away of natural causes, at home, in Waterville, on Wednesday, September 18, 2019. Nancy was born in Albion on January 20, 1950, to Viola Giles.

She was predeceased by her parents; and her brother, Larry Giles.

Nancy is survived by her sons, Justin Cerrato, of Oakland, James Cerrato II, of Waterville; grandchildren, Alesha Cerrato, of Benton, Dante Cerrato, Jameson Cerrato and Tyler Cerrato, of Rome; brother, Gary Giles, of Vassalboro; sister, Marion D’Auteuill, of Sidney; along with several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at a later date to be determined. Arrangement are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com.

O. TROY STEVENS

WINDSOR — O Troy Stevens, 45, of Windsor, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 20, 2019, at his home. O, as he was called by many friends, and Troy by family, was born in Augusta on July 28, 1974, the son of Owen R. Stevens and Viola Skidgel. O. graduated from Gardiner High, class of 1992. From high school he went to work for Charlie’s Subaru, in Augusta, for 16 years before coming disabled. He had a great love of music and his guitars. He had many band mates he enjoyed playing with, especially when he played with Endgame at the Pub 33 and The Cage. Like his father, he had a love of cars, also, Mopar being his brand of cars. Although O. didn’t have any children, his fur babies (cats) were his kids.

O. was predeceased by his dad in 2004, which was very hard on him, and both sets of grandparents.

O. is survived by his mother (MA) Viola Skidget and her partner, William Stratton Sr.; his brother, Bill Stevens and his wife, Jessica and children; his sister, Tammy Miller and her family; aunt Linda and her husband Randy Shorey; uncle, O. Jacob “Jake” and his wife Claudette Stevens; uncle Earl and his wife, Becky Stevens; aunts Mary Nunan, Amy Stevens, and Sue Nay and her husband Bob; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and the many friends he made in his life’s journey. Troy was his dad’s son, and his father was his everything, and now they will lie together.

There will be a gravesite service Saturday, October 5, 2019, at the Pine Grove Cemetery, on Grove Street, in Waterville, at 1 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at the American Legion Hall on Church Street, in Oakland.

PATRICIA W. MILLER

OAKLAND – Patricia W. Miller, 91, passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. She was the third of five daughters of Paul and Josephine Webster, born in Put-in-Bay, Ohio, where she was raised, spent her youth, and graduated from high school in a class of three girls as the boys had all gone to fight in World War II.

She went on to college and then to Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio, where she worked as a secretary in the Department of Economics. While working there she met and later married Edgar Allen Miller Jr., on June 15, 1952. An Air Force lieutenant, he was stationed at the air base in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where their first child was born. Three more children followed as the family moved around Ohio and Maine pursuing advanced degrees and career opportunities.

Patricia enjoyed music, was an accomplished pianist and achieved a life goal of becoming a church organist at All Saints Episcopal Church, in Skowhegan, where she served for 12 years providing music for services, weddings and funerals. She also enjoyed many hobbies: sewing, knitting, gardening and cooking and was famous in the family for a variety of delicious recipes. She was devoted to her family and loved visits from children and grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years.

She is survived by her son Edgar III and wife Robin, of Skowhegan; daughters Kathy Hopkins and husband Bob, of Norridgewock, and Wendy Allard and family, of Somerville; and son David and family, of Augusta; 17 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at All Saints Church, in Skowhegan, on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at 11 a. m.

Arrangements are under the direction of Smart and Edwards Funeral Home, Madison Ave. Skowhegan.

Donations in her memory may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, 169 Malbons Mills Rd., Skowhegan, ME 04976, and designated for the music program.

LORNA L. MONSON

WATERVILLE – Lorna Lea (Lidstone) Lane Monson, 78, died Sept. 24, 2019, at Woodlands Senior Residences, in Waterville, following a long battle with cancer. She was born on June 26, 1941, in Wilton, the only daughter of Theredon Lidstone and Janette May (Clark) Lidstone.

She graduated from Wilton Academy, in Wilton, in 1959, and Central Maine Vocational Technical Institute, in Auburn, in 1971, with a degree in nursing.

Lorna enjoyed many careers throughout her life, always ready for the next challenge. She enjoyed decorating cakes and making gingerbread houses with and for family and friends. Her most recent gingerbread creation was with her grand-niece, Hope Hill. Lorna always had a quick retort and a hearty laugh, and anyone who knew her would agree.

She lived in New Hampshire for many years, later moving to back to Maine. On May 21, 2016, she married William Monson, in Unity. They lived in Palermo and wintered in Lakeland, Florida.

Lorna is survived by two daughters, Faith Lane Pursell and her husband Craig, of Gouldsboro, and Michele (Lane) Bogardus and her husband Christopher, of Auburn, New Hampshire; their father and her first husband Hayden Lane, of Chester, New Hampshire; four grandchildren, Kathryn LaRosee, Rachael (Pursell) Galvin, Phillip Pursell and Alexandra (Bogardus) Schrader and her husband Joseph; two great-grandchildren, Sam Galvin and Owen Lee Nolting; four brothers, David Lidstone, of Concord, New Hampshire, Vincent Lidstone and his wife Janet, of Trenton, Geroregia, Ralph Lidstone and his wife Jeannie, of New Sharon, and Mel Lidstone and his wife Shirley, of Unity; nieces and nephews, Leal, Shiloh, Salem, Danica, Christopher, Lauri, David J. and Holly; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband William Monson, who passed away on December 27, 2017; her parents Theredon Lidstone and Janette May (Clark) Lidstone; and an infant daughter Rhonda Jean Lane.

You are invited to visit her memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com to share a condolence and kind word.

In lieu of flowers, remembrance gifts may be given to VNA Home Health Hospice, 325C Kennedy Memorial Dr., Waterville, ME 04901.

JEAN I. MORRISSETTE

WINSLOW — Jean Ida May Morrissette, 93, passed away Thursday September 26, 2019, at MaineGeneral Rehab and Nursing Center, at Glenridge, Augusta, following an extended illness. Jean was born in Waterville on March 28, 1926, the daughter of Ambrose and Flora (Giguere) Dennis.

She was educated in local schools and was a graduate of Winslow High School and a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow. Jean was a homemaker raising her six children.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband and her brother, Roger.

Jean is survived by her three sons, Craig, Roland and Randy Morrissette and her three daughters, Sheila Luisi, Rhonda Dunbar and Ramona Morrissette; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Jean had requested no public visitation or funeral service. Burial will be in her family lot in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville.

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

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com

CAROL S. RASMUSSEN

SMITHFIELD – Carol S. Rasmussen, 81, died Friday, September 27, 2019, at the Redington –Fairview hospital, in Skowhegan. Carol was born in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, September 26, 1938, the daughter of Charles W. and Alice (Stevens) Shoemaker.

Carol was educated, graduating Ramsey High School, in New Jersey, got a bachelor or science degree in education, at Colby College, in Waterville, and then later got her masters degree in education. She then taught school from 1969 to 1993 in the elementary schools in Montville, Connecticut. Carol also served on the school board for RSU #54 district, in Skowhegan.

Carol married Norman P. Rasmussen in 1961. Norman passed away in 2002.

Carol is survived by three sons, Paul Rasmussen and wife Lucinda, of Durham, Hans Rasmussen and wife Anne, of New Bern, North Carolina, and Erik Rasmussen and partner Amy, of Smithfield; a twin sister, Nancy Dargle, of Winthrop; a granddaughter, Gwen Rasmussen, and grandson, John Rasmussen; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband, Norman, and a granddaughter Juliet Rasmussen.

A celebration of life will be held at Carol’s beloved family camp, in Smithfield, at 11a.m., on October 14, 2019.

Friends wishing may make donations in her memory to the Smithfield Food Pantry c/o the Smithfield Town Office, 926 Village Rd, Smithfield ME 04978.

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

EDWARD M. FREEMAN

WHITEFIELD — Edward M. Freeman Jr., 86, passed away suddenly on Sunday, September 29, 2019, at his home, in Whitefield. He was born in Portland to Edward M. Freeman Sr. and Lena M. (Bradley) Freeman in the spring of 1933.

He married the girl of his dreams, sharing 62 wonderful years together. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, serving in the Air Force, and was awarded numerous medals, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Bronze Star, and the United Nations Korean Service Medal.

His passion was his garden and was known for his generous gifts of fresh vegetables, and his giant, prize winning pumpkins.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lena; his sister Grace and his brother Robert.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce M. (Truman) Freeman; his children, Jay and Cathy; his brothers and sisters, Ken, Helen, Billy, Betty, Ed, Susan, Tom, John, Connie, and Arthur; his grandsons, Jason and David; and his great-grandchildren, Landon, Lukas, Kylah, Camila; and a large extended family.

He was the consumet gentleman and constantly proclaimed, by friends, family and strangers, as “the nicest man I ever met.”

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no visitation or services. He will be cremated and his ashes spread per his instructions.

Arrangements are by Staples Funeral and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, where condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Committee to revise comprehensive plan

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by Mary Grow

China’s Sept. 25 Compre­hensive Plan Committee meeting began with Kennebec Valley Council of Governments planner Joel Greenwood and one committee member; eventually, three more members arrived for a rambling discussion of the comprehensive plan sections on economic development and transportation.

The committee’s purpose is to develop a revised comprehensive plan to replace China’s 2008 version. Greenwood said at an earlier meeting he expects a draft by the end of the year, local and state review early in 2020 and perhaps acceptance or rejection by voters at the 2020 town business meeting in March or early April.

At the Sept. 25 meeting, those present reaffirmed a July decision to encourage focusing economic development along the Route 3 corridor (see The Town Line, Aug. 8) and agreed that attempts to provide public transportation have not been successful.

Informal suggestions for promoting economic development included installing water and sewer systems (Irene Belanger’s idea that she and everyone else agreed would be too expensive to be practical); reducing taxes, especially the personal property tax (Tom Rumpf’s idea); or installing a charging station for electric cars (Belanger’s idea).

Rumpf would especially like to bring in manufacturing, which would add employed people to the local population, and more retail businesses. Retirement homes and medical facilities would also be useful and would work together, he pointed out. Town water and sewers would be an incentive for that kind of development, Belanger said.

Rumpf, president of the China Four Seasons Club, told the group recreational trails are an important asset. China has 57 miles of trails, he said, and people on snowmobiles and four-wheelers bring significant amounts of money into town.

The next Comprehensive Plan Committee meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23. Interested residents are welcome.

Board finally approves medical marijuana business

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Location of proposed medical marijuana operation on Route 3 in China. (photo from Google maps streetview)

by Mary Grow

At their Sept. 24 meeting, China Planning Board members unanimously approved Clifford Glinko’s much-discussed application to open a two-part marijuana business in South China (See The Town Line, Sept. 12 and Sept. 19).

Glinko, a licensed medical marijuana caregiver, plans to divide the building that formerly housed Mainely Trains and other businesses into two separate suites. One will be a medical marijuana growing space, the other a retail store for recreational marijuana accessories.

The building is in a Resource Protection Zone because it is close to wetlands. Agricultural operations are allowed in this zone. A new business would not be, but planning board members found retail use of the building is grandfathered, because it has been used for retail purposes up to September or October 2018.

Board members voted unanimously that the proposed businesses met all criteria in China’s Land Use Ordinance. They added five conditions to the permit, all of which Glinko readily accepted:

  • The retail suite must meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for designation of handicapped parking and accessibility.
  • The septic system must be inspected twice a year by the codes officer and, if it fails, replaced with a holding tank; Glinko said Jack Lord, who runs a soil testing business in South China, has designed a replacement. Board members believe the current system is a pre-1958 cesspool which is grandfathered and can be used until it fails.
  • If the state fire marshal requires a sprinkler system, Glinko must provide evidence that the well provides enough water. Glinko has no information on the well; he said he does not expect he will be required to have a sprinkler system.
  • Glinko is not to do any manufacturing in connection with his growing operation. State law defines manufacturing in two different places, board members found. They agreed manufacturing does not include basic operations like drying the plants.
  • The two businesses must be clearly and completely separated, with a firewall between them and separate entrances. People working in the growing area will be allowed to use the toilet facility in the retail area.

Action on the application has been repeatedly postponed because board members and town attorney Amanda Meader found state law and regulations keep changing.

Board members also got inconsistent information. For example, a Department of Education spokesperson told Ralph Howe that Glinko’s business had to meet the 1,000-foot setback requirement from a school (Grace Academy is a private school on the south side of Route 3). Meader, working cooperatively with Maine Municipal Association legal staff, found the setback was not required for cultivation facilities.

“This has been a learning experience for all of us,” board Chairman Tom Miragliuolo commented as the Sept. 24 meeting ended with mutual thanks and praise for Meader.

The next planning board meeting is scheduled for Oct. 22.