FOR YOUR HEALTH: Five Ways To Help Prevent Veteran Suicide

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Members of the Bourque-Lanigan American Legion Post #5, and Forrest J. Pare VFW Post #1285, in Waterville, joined together on Sunday November 11, for a special Veterans Day ceremony at Castonguay Square, in downtown Waterville, in front of city hall. (Photo by Central Maine Photography)

(NAPSI)—It’s a tragedy: Every day, 22 U.S. veterans take their own lives—a needless loss of 8,000 service members a year.

The Problem

Returning veterans may experience divorce, joblessness, homelessness and hopelessness.

The often-devastating effects of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS), plus the loss of their military community support, can cause a downward spiral.

Symptoms of mTBI include headaches and problems with balance, sleep, vision and memory. Emotional signs include depression and anxiety. But today’s treatment approaches and therapeutic technologies offer hope for veterans feeling overwhelming physical and emotional pain from these invisible wounds of war.

What You Can Do

1. Be observant about behavior changes. For many veterans, the physical symptoms of mTBI are not obvious. Be on the lookout for loss of interest in meaningful activities, personality changes, social isolation and substance abuse.

2. Reach out and spend time together. Let a veteran know he or she is not alone. Meet for coffee or go for a walk. Listen and encourage them to seek help.

3. Tell veterans and their families about helpful programs. Encourage caregivers, spouses and friends to seek help on behalf of a veteran.

One outstanding option that’s transformed the lives of more than 550 veterans and their families is the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Ga. This innovative program provides up to 12 weeks of intensive rehabilitation, at no cost to the veteran, to treat mild to moderate brain injury and psychological concerns of those who served in the U.S. military since September 11, 2001. Treatment plans are personalized to each veteran’s needs. The program is open to all post-9/11 veterans, including those with other than honorable discharges.

Because of intensive and comprehensive therapy, rehabilitation and life coaching, SHARE has become a model for centers nationwide. Experts in working with veterans provide medical consultation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and cognitive therapy, recreation therapy, case management, neuropsychology, chaplaincy and counseling.

4. Volunteer or donate to organizations battling the epidemic of veteran suicide.

5. Support fundraisers and events, such as the Shepherd’s Men Run. Annually, a team of committed volunteers runs seven days of half marathons in multiple states wearing 22-pound flak jackets—to increase awareness of treatment options and suicide prevention for veterans. Shepherd’s Men have raised millions for this heartfelt mission.

Learn More

Veterans and those who want to help can call 404-603-4314 or visit www.shepherd.org/share and www.shepherdsmen.com.

Medical marijuana business reschedule; applicant absent

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by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members expected to discuss a proposed new medical marijuana business at their June 11 meeting. But applicant Clifford Glinko was absent, so there was no discussion.

Instead, Board members scheduled a July 9 public hearing on Glinko’s application to open a medical marijuana facility with a storefront at 360 Route 3, near the South China branch of Bar Harbor Bank and Trust.

In the only other business, Codes Officer Paul Mitnik reported business is picking up, after a slow spring. He issued three permits for new houses earlier in the day, he said.

Mitnik is retiring June 30. Both he and Board Chairman Tom Miragliuolo are acquainted with William Butler, hired by selectmen June 10 to succeed Mitnik. Mitnik said Butler is experienced and fully certified and “I think he’ll be good for China.”

Board members expressed their appreciation for Mitnik’s service to the town.

June 2019 local election results (China, Vassalboro, Fairfield, Benton)

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by Mary Grow

CHINA

China voters rejected both spending requests on their June 11 local ballot. They re-approved the school budget initially approved at the April 6 town business meeting and voted to continue the school budget validation referendum for another three years.

Town Clerk Rebecca Hapgood reported the results, as follows:

  • The request to authorize selectmen to spend up to $150,000 to buy land on Lakeview Drive with frontage on China Lake, 114 in favor and 289 opposed.
  • The request to authorize selectmen to spend up to another $25,000 to continue planning for an emergency services building and a community center, 72 in favor and 332 opposed.
  • Re-approval of the 2019-2020 school budget, 261 in favor and 139 opposed.
  • Continuing the second vote on the school budget, 265 in favor and 129 opposed.

Hapgood said 406 ballots were cast.

VASSALBORO

Vassalboro’s local ballots included uncontested municipal elections and school budget questions. Town Clerk Cathy Coyne reported a total of 101 ballots cast.

Voters re-elected Selectman Robert Browne with 98 votes and school board members Jessica Clark and Kevin Levasseur with 81 and 79 votes respectively.

The school budget approved at the June 6 open part of the annual town meeting was re-approved by a vote of 87 to 14. Voters decided to continue the school budget validation referendum for another three years on a 63 to 37 vote.

FAIRFIELD

According to municipal clerk Christine Keller, 243 votes were cast at the June 11 referendum election.

MSAD #49 school budget validation referendum:

Yes: 61 – No: 182

MSAD #49 school budget process:

Yes: 158
No: 84
Blanks: 1

BENTON

The following are the results of the MSAD #49 budget validation referendum election:

Article 1: Yes: 38 – No: 70
Article 2: Yes: 71 – No: 38

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Integrity of our voting process is at stake

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To the editor:

Within the context of whether the Russians interfered in our elections, it should be apparent that we need to assure our voting system is not corrupted or hacked. It might not be much, my vote, but I’d like to think it counts. Sometimes, it feels like it doesn’t. Certainly Russia and other countries are interested in our elections but so are a lot of wealthy people, corporations like Monsanto, political parties too. At minimum, they each will find a way to sway our support/vote one way, or another. They all try; as an individual, I do too. There’s a lot of political competition and debate. That part, isn’t so concerning to me. But could we all be duped and controlled by fictitious election results?

Today, we see it too often: hacks and stolen data. It happens. Electronic voting and all computer tabulations are vulnerable to corruption and control. We did it to Iran’s nuclear program, messing it up. Every day, how many hackers are at work, in China, Russia, or the CIA? Computers put voter integrity at risk, or worse. How much would election results sell for, if it was possible?

What can give us more security? Paper ballots and real people counting them, what’s wrong with that? The more real citizens involved, the more secure it becomes. We have a system for obtaining jurors now, ever done that, been selected? Make it a legal, civic duty like that. I’ll even volunteer, many would. Anyone would have an improbable task of affecting the outcome of an election with so many responsible citizens participating. Run the whole voting process with people; and we know who they are. Make election day a holiday, get everyone participating.

Take any side you want, any issue; your vote is vulnerable at best, or stolen for the worse. Please, our legislators need to do something, to put some thought of safety into our voting process and how we vote. I’m asking each of them, in representing us, to assure the integrity of our voting process by enacting the “People and Paper Act.” (I don’t write ‘legal,’ it’s not written yet; any legal, elected volunteer?) I’m hoping many will join in, support the idea. No to Voting Machines! We can’t/shouldn’t trust them.

Dean DeWitt, China resident with Charles Lang Sr. and 12 others.

Second Saturdays Litter Clean-Up begins July 13

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Tom Lefferts (left) and Richard Dillenbeck (right) pick up litter along Lakeview Drive in 2018.

You’ve probably seen Richard Dillenbeck, longtime summer resident of China, Maine; diligently picking up litter along Route 202. He’s been doing this for years on his daily hikes. His passionate crusade against roadside trash inspired a group of citizens to devise an organized campaign to combat the litter problem on the roadsides surrounding China Lake — simply called Second Saturdays.

The first Second Saturday Litter Clean-Up event will be July 13. The committee has divided up the roadways into manageable sections and now seeks volunteers to pick up trash on the second Saturday of each month until the snow flies. We are also seeking the involvement of local businesses, organizations, church groups to commit to a section of roadway on our Second Saturdays as part of their civic outreach activities. Avid dogwalkers or hikers could easily maintain the sections of the roads they frequent during their normal routines. Please call for more information or to volunteer to keep China, Maine litter free. Richard Dillenbeck, 207-445-8074 or Jeanne Marquis, 207-649-3836.

Selectmen discuss improvements, tree trimming, bridge report

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by Sandy Isaac

At the May 29 Windsor Selectmen’s meeting, members discussed road, bridge and tree maintenance, purchasing a new one-ton truck and installing a diesel tank for the Public Works Department.

The meeting began with Road Supervisor Keith Hall presenting the Public Works report. He said Windsor is currently out of salt but will have to wait for funds to become available before purchasing more. The wood chipper rental is coming in and the crew has plans to chip uprooted trees, trim back limbs and shape the height on a few trees, particularly on Schumann Road and Choate Road. Road sealing has been scheduled. Some drainage pipes need to be changed but Hall needs to wait for more funds before he calls Dig Safe and schedule the work. Money for salt and road work will become available when the new fiscal year begins July 1.

Last meeting, Selectmen Ray Bates brought up that Windsor needs to replace its one-ton truck. Due to rumors that Internationals and Dodges have body and transmission problems, selectmen are currently looking at Fords. Selectman Ronald Brann said one local dealer told him that Ford is not currently producing 2020 super duty models, reportedly because their contracted manufacturers gas tanks are unsatisfactory. The only dealerships that currently have any 2019 super-duties are out of state and won’t trade or sell to a local dealer.

Discussions continued about installing a diesel tank for the Public Works Department. Regulations seem to have changed so selectmen intend to contact Vassalboro to compare procedures.

Town Manager Theresa Haskell read the results from the recently completed bridge inspections. Schumann Road had some washout by the guard rail that needs to be fixed, but overall, no notable changes from the last inspection. Sampson Road bridge, Barton Stream bridge, and a few others all reported little or no change with only minor recommendations made in the report. The state maintained Choate Road and Maxcy’s Mills Road bridges were discussed as needing repair.

Transfer Station Supervisor Tim Coston was not available for the meeting. Hall gave the transfer station report and indicated some spots at the transfer station have become slippery due to the nature of the area. An anti-slip coating has been purchased but the area will need to be power washed prior to the application.

There was no report from the animal control officer or the cemetery sexton. However, Haskell mentioned that Windsor Neck Cemetery’s wood fencing is rotting, and should be replaced with a post and chain structure similar to the other cemeteries in town. Before the changes are made, the town will need to buy more poles and chains. The poison ivy in that area will have to be addressed before any employee does the repair.

Public comments came from Windsor Planning Board member Jerry Nault. Nault has been attending Somerville Planning Board meetings where they discussed their research of marijuana guidelines. He reported that Somerville prepared a survey and sent out 350 postcards inviting residents to complete it either electronically or on paper, approximately half replied electronically. The survey showed that residents overwhelmingly oppose marijuana social clubs.

Selectmen expect state legislators to address marijuana regulation before their summer recess. Assuming they do, Somerville selectmen will probably schedule public hearings and a town vote. Depending on the outcome of the vote, the planning board might need to amend the town’s zoning and land use ordinances.

Nault said the Somerville board did not plan to meet again until July when he will again be welcomed to attend. The Windsor Planning Board is waiting for more information before taking any action.

The next Windsor selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for June 11, at 6 p.m.

SOLON & BEYOND: Slow news week; let’s catch up on old news

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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!

This morning as I sit here, the only little bit of recent news I have for you this week is the following: Please note that the “Off the Hill” Band (Donna Whittemore) will not be taking place on Saturday, June 15, due to illness.

Would also like to apologize to Alice Heald for not including a picture with the write-up about her being awarded the Boston Post Cane, will try and get that corrected soon.

And now since I don’t have any more interesting events going on in Solon to tell you about; I will tell you of the mystery that Lief and I have been trying to solve! One morning last week when he went out to get our daily paper, there along with the paper was a large package of fresh fiddle heads. We both love them, and since they were in the paper tube we assumed they were from our faithful paper lady. I wrote a thank you note to her from Lief and me and he put it in the tube for her the next day. The next day she had written at the top of that days paper that she did not give us the fiddle heads. We have asked several friends and relatives if they gave us that wonderful gift, and they all deny it! And so I beg whoever you are if you read this, to tell us who you are so we can thank you for your kind deed! They were absolutely delicious!

And so as long as I didn’t have any recent news, I went looking through my stash of old papers and came up with two Skowhegan Reports from back in the 1990s! They were much bigger ( 23″ by 28″) than the ones in our modern world. With many different writers from around Somerset County. I was one of the writers, but back then there wasn’t any Beyond, there was plenty to write about in Solon, at that time my by line was, “The friendliest town in the state.”

One of the 1990 papers that I found started with these words,”This is going to sound like I’m blowing my own horn, but please bear with me, I’m trying to get a fact across to you who might not have taken advantage of this Blood Pressure Clinic that is held at the Pleasant Street Church the first Friday of every month from 9 to 11 a.m. This is the 14th year we have been doing this and we welcome you to come each month and have your blood pressure checked for FREE! Every three months, someone from the North Kennebec Regional Health Agency, in Waterville, comes up and does a cholesterol test and you find out the number of your’s right there for a fee of $6. Low blood pressure and cholesterol are very important for our well being, so come and have your’s tested.

“Those volunteers, (and we are just that – volunteers, though some people like to tease us about how much we make on this job!), who have been faithful to this cause are Lois Holzworth, who takes the blood pressures, (and we couldn’t do it without her, everyone knows I don’t want that job!); Amy Robinson, Mary Hall, and Heloise Ward. Others whom I have depended upon when they needed, are Ellen Hills, Linda French and Ruby Gates. Of course, I’ve been there rooting for a good cause, Do come and see us!”

Near where the above was printed, there was a great picture of Lois Holzworth taking Amy Robinson’s blood pressure.

When I read the story I couldn’t help thinking how the Solon Methodist Church building in Solon has housed at least two worthy causes over the years; the Blood Pressure Clinic and the Solon Thrift Shop and Food Cupboard.

Years ago when the Methodist and Congregational churches were federated in Solon, Sunday services were held at the Congregational Church in the summer time and the Methodist church in the winter time. I can remember some very inspiring sermons being preached at both churches.

And so for Percy’s memoir: It is called, An Old Limerick: There was a young lady named Hannah Who slipped on a peel of banana. As she lay on her side, More stars she espied, Than there are in the Star Spangled Banner.

Obituaries for Thursday, June 13, 2019

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CLAUDETTE J. PAQUETTE

BENTON – Claudette Joan (Elliott) Paquette, 85, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. Claudette was born in Fairfield on August 3, 1933, to Claude & Doris (Pooler) Elliott.

She attended schools in Fairfield and graduated from Lawrence high school in 1951. Known to her friends as “Pinky,” she was a player on the Lawrence High School girls basketball team where she was awarded the Babe Ruth Sportsmanship medal. She passionately followed sports throughout her lifetime, as she loved watching the UConn women’s basketball team, the Duke Blue Devils men’s team and her Pittsburgh Steelers.

Claudette married Hilaire Paquette, of Winslow, on February 19, 1955, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, in Fairfield. Her marriage to an enlisted airman took her and their six children away from family and friends, moving every three years to various airbases from Maine to California. She was alone with the kids for months at a time due to Hilaire being shipped out of the country. During his year-long deployment to Vietnam, Claudette went to work at the Lestoil Plant, in Massachusetts. During this period of time, Jackie Libby (Claudette’s sister) and Maureena Sylvester, “Babysitter extraordinaire,” took turns staying with the children.

Upon Hilaire’s retirement from the service in 1972, the family moved back to Maine. Claudette continued to work as a millworker at Keyes Fibre (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville, until her retirement in 1986.

Claudette enjoyed shopping at “the K-Mart” and was especially fond of her “Thursday Date” with her son-in-law Paul, running errands, doing scratch tickets and ending the day at the Villager Restaurant, in Waterville, where she was spoiled by her friend, waitress Joann.

She loved being surrounded by her children and grandchildren, especially at her famous Christmas buffet which featured her home made toutiere pies, the kids’ favorite Banana-Split cake, and endless mounds of shrimp.

Claudette is survived by her husband of 64 years, Hilaire Paquette, of Benton, her six children: Angela (Paul) Cairnie, of Winslow; Paul (Joyce) Paquette, of Winter Springs Florida; Mike (Sue) Paquette, of Auburn; Cindy Paquette, of Benton; Jeff (Diane) Paquette, of Durham, New Hampshire; David Paquette, of Benton; and her brothers Daniel (Barb) Elliott, of Fairfield and Jerome (Helen) Elliott, of Waterville; grandchildren: Nicholas, Jeffrey Daniel, Aaron, Jason, Kelsey, Holly, Marissa, Sarah, Elizabeth and Hannah; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her sister (and best friend) Jackie Libby, and Jackie’s husband Delford.

A family graveside service will be held on June 29, at 11 a.m., at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville. Friends are invited to join the family for the celebration of her life at the Winslow’s MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, at noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Claudette’s name to any of the following: The Fairfield Interfaith Food Pantry, 23 Lawrence Ave., Fairfield; The Humane Society Waterville, 100 Webb Road, Waterville; the New England office of the American Diabetes Association.

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

BEATRICE S. WITHAM

WINSLOW – Beatrice Spencer Witham, 94, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2019. Beatrice was born on August 7, 1924, in East Benton. She was the daughter of Alfred and Dorothy (Stewart) Spencer.

Beatrice graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, class of 1942. She married William “Bill” Witham Sr., of Winslow, on November 18, 1945. They were married for 39 years, until the time of his death.

Bea lived a full and active life. One of Bea’s favorite things to do was to ride motorcycles with her sons, Ron and Bill Jr. Her last ride with Ron was when she was 85 years old.

On 8-8-88 at 8 o’clock, Bea married Arthur “Jack” Poissonnier. She enjoyed many years with Jack.

When Bea graduated from high school, she started working at Berry’s Stationary, in Waterville. Her next employment was at Cottle’s Supermarket, in Waterville, which eventually became Hannaford. Bea worked there as a cashier for over 25 years. Her customers voted for her to become the first ever “Employee of the Month.” All of her customers thought that she had a beautiful smile. Her family thinks so too. On Friday nights, her checkout line went all the way to the back of the store. Her customers gladly waited for her. They would say, “She is my favorite cashier.”

Beatrice was predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Dorothy Spencer; husband, William T. Witham Sr.; sister, Mary Spencer Ackley; and brother, Robert Spencer.

Beatrice is survived by her four children, sons, Ronald Witham and wife, Paula, of Clinton, William T. Witham Jr. and wife, Therese, of Phoenix, Arizona, Michael Witham and wife, Susan, of Bath, and daughter, Diane Witham Poulin and husband, James, of Winslow; eight grandchildren, Bridgett Witham Redstone, of Remington, Indiana, William T. Witham III, of Phoenix, Arizona, Matt Witham, of Fairfield Center, Marc Witham, of Oakland, Jennie Poulin Franceschi, of Westbrook, Heather Poulin Cyr, of Bangor, Melissa Witham Olson, of Vassalboro, and Joshua Witham, of China; 13 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

JEFFREY L. VARNEY

ALBION – Jeffrey L. Varney, 57, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2019. Jeff was born on May 17, 1962, to Earl Obed and Beverly Varney, in Waterville.

He attended high school at Nokomis High School, in Newport, and Maine Central Institute, in Pittsfield, where he played football, and later received his GED from Waterville Adult Education.

Jeff spent his early years in the trees, working for Lucas Tree and Asplundh. Jeff moved on to becoming a “jack of all trades” and was regularly seen on roofs, building garages or fixing just about anything that came his way. His grandkids referred to him as “working grandpa,” which made him smile. He was always quick to lend anyone a hand, no matter what it took.

Jeff loved to spend time with his fishing pole and was never short on a good fish story. He had a passion for creating something unique for everyone. His talent for drawing, wood-burning and etching never ceased to amaze those around him. Jeff loved to bring out the guitar, especially during his favorite annual camping trip.

Jeff was able to fulfill his lifetime dream of seeing Alaska last year. He enjoyed every moment of the beautiful sights, taking endless photos. Jeff tried feeding a bear some cookies and caught the biggest fish of his life – no fish story there!

He is survived by his companion and best friend, Joy Buker; his children, Eric and Darcina Varney, Shelley and Russell Horan; his grandchildren, Brodyn, Jayden, Kodi, Wyatt and Serina; his great-granddaughter, Rose; and siblings, Sharon and Steve McPherson, Hazel and Larry Rossignol, Paula and Brad Thorpe, Earl Jr. (Skip) and Tish Varney, Zachary (Dean) and Patty Varney, Norma Morey, Michael and Anita Varney, Karen and Steve French, Benjamin Varney, Randy and Tanya Varney and David Varney.

Jeff was predeceased by his parents; his brother Dan Jr., his sister Susan, two infant siblings and the best dog he could ever ask for, Bentley.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held for family and close friends on Sunday, June 16, 2019 at 12:00 pm at 426 Bog Road in Albion.

OTHERS DEPARTED

DAVID R. TRACY, 61, of Skowhegan, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, following a long illness. Locally, he is survived by two sisters, Kathleen Plaisted and husband Bruce, of South China, and Patricia Goodnow and Allen Bourrassa, of Winslow; and brother James Tracy and wife Jodi, of Sidney.

LOCAL TIES

RONALD G. SAVAGE SR., 65, of Pittston, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at his home. Ronald attended Erskine Academy, in South China.

GERARD GAGNE, 95, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away on November 14, 2018. He immigrated to Maine with his family in 1950, where he settled in Madison. He worked most of his adult life for Scott Paper Company as a foreman in the Woodsland Division.

ELAINE D. HADIDIACOS, 76, of Rockville, Maryland, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at Holy Cross Hospital. Elaine vacationed every summer at Pattee Pond, in Winslow, where she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She participated in daily water aerobics class at the Alfond Center, in Waterville.

ROBERT W. LACOMBE, 75, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2019. He was born on February 24, 1944, the son of Marie (Veilleux) and Leopold Lacombe. He moved to Florida, from Winslow, 13 years.

Solar power tops action at town meeting

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by Mary Grow

Guided by veteran moderator Richard Thompson, 81 registered voters, according to Town Clerk Cathy Coyne, took less than two hours to approve the first 63 articles of their June 3 and June 11 town meeting warrant as presented. The meeting is now in recess until 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, when polls open in the town office for written-ballot action on the final three articles.

The longest discussion during the open meeting was over the selectmen’s request for authority to enter into an agreement to have solar power installed. Selectman John Melrose explained that by approving the article, voters authorized selectmen to go through with an idea they have discussed for several years. In answer to voters’ questions, Melrose said:

  • Any solar installation would be on town-owned land, with the lawn at the town garage a possibility but not necessarily the final choice.
  • According to the plan considered in the past, there would be no upfront cost to the town; money would be taken from savings in the electric bill until the project was paid off, probably in around six years.
  • The warrant article required any solar array to provide power for Vassalboro’s two fire stations, the town office and the Historical Society building (formerly the East Vassalboro School) at a minimum; Vassalboro Community School, the transfer station or other town buildings are not necessarily excluded.
  • Solar-generated power would feed into Central Maine Power Company’s system and be credited to Vassalboro; there would not be new lines from the solar array to town buildings.
    Other new proposals approved with little or no discussion included:
  • Seeking grants and using supplemental town funds to install a generator at Vassalboro Community School, so it could be used as an emergency shelter.
  • Using up to $1,000 in tax money plus grants and donations to improve Soldiers Memorial Park, in East Vassalboro, with a plan to rededicate it during the town’s 250th anniversary observance in 2020. The statue of a soldier in the park is missing its rifle; Town Manager Mary Sabins appealed to anyone who knows where it is to contact the town office.
  • Acquiring the lot on which the Riverside Fire Station stands from the Riverside Hose Company, to whom it was given many years ago conditional on use for a fire station.
  • Allowing selectmen to approve modifications to the China Lake Outlet Dam, which the town owns, as part of the Alewife Restoration Project (ARI). Resident and Department of Marine Resources employee Nate Gray estimated the planned fishway at the dam would cost somewhere around $370,000. Sabins explained that the vote does not mean the town pays $370,000; ARI is funded through grants and donations, including annual donations from the town. Voters approved $47,500 for ARI for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Voters authorized buying a new plow truck and a new police cruiser. During discussion of the cruiser, speeding problems on town roads and Police Chief Mark Brown’s duties, one resident expressed the hope that people driving to and from the Criminal Justice Academy would slow down.

Routine articles funding the various town departments were passed with little or no discussion. The transfer station request led former Selectboard member Elizabeth “Libby” Mitchell to ask whether local recycling would return.

Current Board Chairman Lauchlin Titus replied, “Libby, when I joined you as a selectperson, I didn’t know how much I’d learn about trash. Now I can talk trash with the best of ‘em.”

Titus went on to the explain that all Vassalboro trash, “to our dismay” is landfilled until the Coastal Resources plant in Hampden opens, probably in July. Once the plant is fully operational, Coastal Resources “will do our recycling for us,” he said.

Voters re-elected Donald Breton, William Browne, Philip Landry and Peggy Shafer to the budget committee and chose Christopher French to succeed Richard Phippen.

Dianna Gram plaque

Former Vassalboro Community School Principal Dianna Gram, who retired at the end of the 2017-18 school year, was recognized for her 24 years of service. School Board Chairman Kevin Levasseur and member Jolene Clark Gamage announced a tree has been planted in the school’s front yard with a plaque honoring the principal who, Gamage said, “always was a champion of the kids.”

Gram, completely surprised, said when she was bidden to attend the town meeting, she feared she had somehow messed up the budget. Her Vassalboro job wasn’t a job, she said – “It was coming here every day as part of the VCS family.”

When the town meeting continues June 11, voters will re-approve or reject the $7.7 million school budget approved June 3; decide whether to continue the second school budget vote (called the budget validation referendum) for another three years; and elect municipal officers. Selectman Robert Browne and school board members Jessica Clark and Levasseur are unopposed for re-election.

Taxes, assessments dominate selectmen’s meeting

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by Mary Grow

Taxes were the last, but not the least, item discussed at the June 10 China selectmen’s meeting.

The bottom line: tax bills sent out late this summer will show increases in valuation and an increase in the rate, neither dramatically large. Tax Assessor William Van Tuinen is still working on local values and the legislature has not decided state funding to municipalities, so final figures are not available yet.

Van Tuinen explained that local valuations, made by paid assessors like him, need to be within 10 percent of state valuations made by state officials. If a town falls below an average of 90 percent, the state imposes penalties in the form of limits on homestead and veterans’ exemptions.

Both valuations are based on sales; the state uses two-year-old figures, Van Tuinen used last year’s. Both valuations exclude the extreme sales – the family who was lucky enough to get an astronomical sum for their property and the family who sold among themselves for a token amount.

China’s valuations are low enough to need adjusting, Van Tuinen said. He recommended reversing a 2012 reduction (in response to the economic crisis that started in 2008, about the time of China’s last full revaluation). Doing so would increase building values by 10 percent town-wide and rural land values by 15 percent, leaving shoreland land values as they are, he said.

An alternative would be to increase building values by five percent and rural land values by 7.5 percent, with a second increase in two or three years if the economy continues to expand. Either one, Van Tuinen said, would enable him to say China met state standards.

Neither proposed change would increase the total amount raised by taxation. Either change would redistribute it – to the detriment of local people compared to non-resident shorefront owners, resident Wayne Chadwick pointed out.

Town Manager Dennis Heath said the current mil rate is 15.8, or $15.80 in taxes for each $1,000 of valuation. Based on the incomplete information available as of June 10, he estimated Van Tuinen’s full adjustment would lower the rate slightly to 15.7 mils. Half the adjustment would raise the rate to about 16.4 mils. Leaving valuations as they are would mean a rate of around 17.1 mils.

After about 45 minutes’ discussion, selectmen voted unanimously to raise building valuations by 5 percent and rural land values by 7.5 percent, with the understanding that depending on the market, they might need another increase fairly soon.

In other actions June 10:

  • Returning to the equipment bids left unfinished at their May 28 meeting, selectmen unanimously voted to have Chadwick supply an excavator, dump truck and bulldozer as needed for road work over the summer. Public Works Manager Shawn Reed encouraged them to plan to buy an excavator; owning one would save money over rentals and give the town crew more flexibility in planning work, he said.
  • Selectmen unanimously awarded the 2019 paving bid to Hopkins Paving of Herman, for $268,608.
  • After a short discussion in executive session, they unanimously hired William Butler, of Jefferson, as codes enforcement officer and licensed plumbing inspector, intending him to work with and then succeed Paul Mitnik.
  • They unanimously appointed Ralph Howe as District Three representative on the planning board.

They tabled Heath’s request for approval to spend $13,338 for a lighted sign for notices at the transfer station, similar to the one at the town office. Selectman Irene Belanger recommended seeking the Transfer Station Committee’s opinion.

If selectmen stay on their regular schedule, their next meeting should be Monday evening, July 8.