Giving a helping hand

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Photo courtesy of Frank Cole

Eagles in Seven Mile Stream, on the Mill Hill Road in Vassalboro. For a number of years some of the local schools raised salmon eggs until the salmon were about two to three inches long. The students released them into the Seven Mile Stream behind Harland Robinson’s house hoping they would return. For the last few years they have returned in large numbers in mid-May. The eagles stand in the shallow areas of the stream and feast on the salmon as they make their way upstream.

CMS students learn how to plant native seeds

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From left to right, Elaine Philbrook, of China Lake Association, Nate Gray, of the Maine Department of Marine Resources, Matt Streeter, of Maine Rivers, and Anita Smith, Maine master naturalist. (Photo by Jeanne Marquis)

by Jeanne Marquis

For the second year, China Middle School students participated in the River Restoration project by planting native seeds and learning the importance of maintaining an eco-system. Mrs. Maroon invited three speakers who presented her class with a lecture that was a mixture of local colonial history, biology and botany.

Matt Streeter, of Maine Rivers, explained the roles the river dams played in the growing the economy of our region since the 1700s. The dams had long lost their economic purposes and were removed one by one to open the Sebasticook River as a natural fish way to China Lake. Dam removal was the beginning of the restoration of the Sebasticook.

Nate Gray, of the Maine Department of Marine Resources, explained how the herring are a keystone species and decline of their population would continue to gravely depress the ecosystem of the central Maine lakes region without the River Restoration project. Gray began by telling the students, “I am not giving you the kids version of this presentation, this is the adult version.” The students rose to his challenge and gave him their full attention.

Gray explained that although the herring spend most of their lives in the coastal ocean saltwater the herring must travel up the rivers to spawn in freshwater and replenish their population. The herring species, alewives included, travel up natural water ways such as the Sebasticook River to fresh water lakes including China Lake. As the herring population increases, a multitude of other animal and plant life thrive in and around our area lakes. Gray made it clear to the students how interconnected life is in an ecosystem and how herring is a keystone species for our local environment.

Japanese Knot Weed in flower.

Maine master naturalist Anita Smith clarified the difference between native and invasive plant life and why it is so important to the local environment to restore native species. Smith told the students, “Invasive plants are like the bullies of the neighborhood, they take over the ecosystem.” Smith went on to say that “the choices we make impact the future.” To illustrate this point, she explained how in the 1800s Japanese knot wood was used to control erosion. We know now that Japanese knot wood in an invasive species that crowds out more nutritious native species and is very difficult to eradicate.

The presenters helped the students plant seeds of native species that will help to stabilize soil, attract pollinators, provide habitats and nutrition for native wildlife. The students and presenters will meet again in the fall for a field trip to plant their native seedlings at the Masse Dam site, in Vassalboro. Elaine Philbrook, from the China Lake Association, organized this educational outreach opportunity.

THE MONEY MINUTE: Do you work 9 – 5 for free?

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by Jac M. Arbour CFP®, ChFC®, President
J.M. Arbour Wealth Management

Many people who earn a paycheck have never been paid. Sounds a little crazy, right?

When you hold your paycheck in your hand or view your electronic deposit, I’d like you to consider that the amount you see doesn’t represent what you actually earned. By this point, the amount you see has already had taxes deducted and the remainder will now go to pay for things such as your mortgage or rent, your electricity, water, sewer, cell phone, internet, cable, property tax, heating and cooling, your automobile, groceries, etc. When all of this is paid, how much remains for you? Do you get to keep any of it? If the answer is no, then YOU are not being paid.

Consider redefining what you are “paid” as what you “get to keep.” Consider opening an account for yourself that is earmarked for the “future you”—the person who might have a financial emergency someday and need cash or the future version of yourself who wants to retire with a solid nest egg. Either way, you are the person who determines your future capacity in both of these situations and many others.

If you have debt, consider the interest rates and terms of that debt and decide the best way to eliminate it. While eliminating debt, consider building an emergency fund equal to six to twelve months of expenses. After that, it’s time to start one or more investment accounts. Remember, you don’t need to invest much each month; it is amazing how a little bit of money over a long period of time can turn into something truly significant.

When you invest money in an IRA (Individual Retirement Account), 401(k), 403(b), TSP (Thrift Savings Plan), or some other pre-tax investment account, you are investing money before Uncle Sam gets his share. This is what I call paying yourself first. Before anyone, anything, or any monthly bill touches your paycheck, you put some away for yourself. Trust me: you’ll thank yourself later.

If you have questions about strategies to accomplish such goals, please reach out to one of the professionals at JMA or consult an advisor who has a fiduciary responsibility to you.

See you all next month.

Jac Arbour is the President of J.M. Arbour Wealth Management. He can be reached at 207-248-6767.
Investment advisory services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.

Obituaries for Thursday, April 4, 2019

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MONA ANN MARIE SIROIS

WINSLOW – Mona Ann Marie Sirois, 58, passed away unexpectedly in her Winslow home on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

Happiest when gardening, Mona enjoyed her flowers and plants and loved gathering with family and friends.

Mona, an LPN, was predeceased by her father, Philip Siirois and her stepdad, John H. Giroux Sr.

She is survived by her mother, Rita Tanguay Sirois Giroux; brothers, John Giroux, Robert, Gerard, and Ronald Sirois, as well as four sisters, Jeanine Chicoine, Pat York, LInda Welch, Diane Believance and families; seven nieces, 11 nephews, nine great-nieces, 15 great-nephews, one great-great-niece, and one great-great-nephew.

A Celebration of life is planned in Mona’s honor for Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Winslow Baptist Church, 1040 Augusta Road, Winslow. Friends and family are invited to share in the Celebration of Life and gather later at Hibachi Supreme Buffet, at 350 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville. We will be going “dutch” and all are welcome.

JANE C. MOREAU

FAIRFIELD – Jane Charlotte Moreau, 76, of Fairfield, died on Sunday, March 3, 2019, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. She was born on November 17, 1942, in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, one of six children of Edna May (Eddy) and Roy C. Wilkins.

She grew up in Farmington, New Hampshire, and over the years she worked in various shoe shops in Maine and New Hampshire.

Jane was a member of the Winslow VFW and enjoyed camping, knitting, sewing, crocheting, and quilting. She also took pleasure in her flowers and was an avid reader. She will be remembered for her caring and helpful ways, as well as being a great pastry cook.

Jane is survived by her husband of nearly 23 years, Ronald Moreau, of Fairfield; daughter, Terri Weston, of Barrington, New Hampshire; son, Dana Ricker and wife, Kristine, of Farmington, New Hampshire; daughter Christine Torno, of Lebanon; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held later this spring in Fairfield.

Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with Jane’s family.

MICHAEL CALDWELL

ALBION – Michael Caldwell, 51, of Albion, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2019, at his home, following a long and admirable battle with brain cancer. Mike was born in Waterville, June 27, 1967, the son of Linda and Walter Williams, of Waterville and Wayne Caldwell, of Florida.

He proved his immense strength and desire to be with his family when he overcame a prior diagnosis of cancer in 2006.

He graduated from Nokomis Regional High School in 1985 and worked for Tel Power, in Palmyra, for many years before being employed at Tidewater Telecom, of Nobleboro. Mike was proud of his 20 year career at Tidewater and loved his co-workers.

Mike was a family man and was always the happiest when his family was together. He was an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, four wheeling and golfing. His children inherited his love for these activities. He was most proud of his 242 lb. 12 point buck; which got him into the Biggest Bucks of Maine club.

Mike was also very passionate about watching his children play sports. He and his wife Lynn attended every game during each season and spent many hours traveling to cheer for their favorite players.

Mike is survived by his best friend and wife of 20 years, Lynn Caldwell; children, Jessica and her husband Rob Bowie, of Plymouth, Christopher Caldwell and his companion, Kim Bancroft, of Waterville, Camryn Caldwell and Ethan Caldwell, of Albion; three grandchildren, Ashlyn, Conner and Alec Bowie, all of Plymouth; brother Scott Caldwell, of Corinna, sister Michelle and husband Bill Andrews, of Corinna; niece Amanda, nephew Cody and his wife Kristen and daughter Asa; mother-in-law Carol and husband Mike Ouellette, of Pittsfield, father-in-law Marland Soucy and his companion Diane Bartlett, of Dexter; brother-in-law Gary Soucy and wife Danielle and son Emmet. Mike is also survived by his “brother from another mother” Chris Bilodeau, of Winslow.

Arrangements were under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville. Please visit their website www.Vesiculobronchial.com to share your memories and offer condolences.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike’s memory to the Albion Athletic Association, c/o Associations Treasurer, Chuck Roy, 18 China Rd., Albion ME 04910.

WILMA J. BICKFORD

AUGUSTA – Wilma Joan Bickford, 92, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2019. She was born May 30, 1926, in Weeks Mills, to Lincoln and Gladys (Bailey) Reed.

Wilma graduated from Erskine Academy in 1943 and attended Gates Business College.

She married her childhood sweetheart, Maurice Bickford in 1944 and celebrated 60 years of marriage until his death in 2004.

Wilma was an avid bridge player and loved sharing her knowledge with others. She especially enjoyed her bridge friends at the Cohen Center and at Bob Brooks Garage.

She was a lifetime member of the Lily of the Valley Eastern Star, serving a few years as worthy matron. She worked as an administrative assistant and retired from the state after 20 plus years of service.

Wilma was predeceased by her husband Maurice; sisters Dycal Bonenfant and Martha Pushard.

Surviving is a daughter, Maureen Brochu; son Mark Bickford and wife Dorothy; sister Jane Farrington; grandchildren Kimberly Maddocks, Jason and Nicole Maddocks, Tara and Shawn Hembe, Amy and Jason Corliss and Diana Bickford; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Spring burial will be in Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta; date to be announced.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

GLORIA A. PAPSIS

WINSLOW – Gloria A. Papsis, 91, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2019, following a battle with congestive heart failure. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on February 28,1928, the daughter of Roger and Anna Serena.

After living in the town of Cotuit, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, for 25 years, Gloria moved to Winslow wo live with family, most recently she was a resident of Mt. St. Joseph Nursing Home, in Waterville.

Gloria enjoyed an extended retirement on Cape Co after raising her family with Eddie. She was an avid reader and enjoyed knitting and spending time with family.

She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Eddie; and a brother, Victor.

She is survived by four children, Edward Jr. and wife, Candis, of Winslow, Stephen and wife Frances , of Franklin, Massachusetts, Elaine and her partner, Richard Desmond, of Mashpee, Massachusetts, and Robert, of Lewiston and fiancee Kellie Duplisea, of Pittsfield; eight grandchildren; and great-grandchild; a sister, Josephine.

Arrangements were under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, www.VeilleuxFuneralhome.com.

THERESA A. BOUDREAU

WINSLOW – Theresa “Terri” A. (Grandmaison) Boudreau, 82, passed away Monday, March 18, 2019, at MaineGeneral Hospital, in Augusta. She was born March 5, 1937, in Oakland, the daughter of Roland A. and Hilda (Rood) Grandmaison.

She was educated in Oakland, and had worked at the Wyandotte-Worsted Woolen Mill, in Waterville, and waitressed at local restaurants. Terri also was a bartender at the VFW Post, in Fairfield, a job she truly loved. Many of her friends called her “Ma.”

Theresa had a deep love for her family. Christmas Eve was “her” night, buying gifts and supplying a fabulous buffet. She made sure that everyone went home with the leftovers.

She was a member of the Elks and VFW Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing Bingo, cribbage and boating. She leaves her family with so many special stories and fond memories.

Theresa was a woman of faith, determination and a strong work ethic. Her family admires how bravely she fought all her health challenges with dignity and grace. She will be immensely missed by her family members and friends.

She is survived by her son, Michael and wife Rebecca; stepmother, Beverly Grandmaison; step son, Steve Boudreau and companion Tammi; grandchildren, Timothy Morgan and wife Sara, Michael Joseph and companion Crystal, Amanda Winn and husband Caleb, Roy Lawrence, Shawn Lawrence, Cami Hippler and husband John, Amy Davidson and husband Erik, Danika Morgan; brothers, Theodore, and Daniel; sisters, Pam and Lori.

She was predeceased by her father, Roland Grandmaison; mother, Hilda Gower; son, Daniel Morgan; daughter, Debra Lawrence; great-grandson, Connor Trask; brothers, Richard and Roland; sisters, Anna and Neomi; nephews, Ricky Goodrich and Teddy Grandmaison; companion, Jim Oneal.

A graveside service will be held at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville, at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

JOSEPH N. POULIN

WINSLOW – Joseph Norman Poulin, 92, of Winslow, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, in Winslow. He was the son of Joseph Albert and Marie Dora (Michaud) Poulin.

Norman was a Seamen First Class in the United States Navy, serving his country during World War II. He was a longtime supervisor at Colby College in their physical plant operations until his retirement. Norman lived in his log cabin, that he built on Bay Street, for 40 years.

He was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church, Winslow, where he was an Acolyte, a leader for the Amore Dei Prayer group, and a member of the St. John Grotto group. Norman was a longtime member of the Winslow Fire Department, Winslow
MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post 3835, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Winslow.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Lita (Tibbetts) Poulin; his sister, Jackie Marcoux; two step-sons, David and William Brill.

Norman is survived by son, Gary Poulin and wife, Louise, of Benton; step-son Timothy Brill; three grandchildren, Christian D. Poulin, of West Gardiner, Jason G. Poulin and wife, Lora Joy, of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Jessica Willette and husband Jeff, of Waterville; great-grandchildren, Avery, Hunter and Tatum Willette.

Arrangements were 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.

OTHERS DEPARTED

DIANE P. COLFORD, 79, of Inverness, Florida, passed away on Friday, February 15, 2019, at Crystal River Health & Rehap Center, following a lengthy illness. Locally, she is survived by her twin brother, David Thorne, of China.

DANA W. BEAULIEU, 55, of Anson, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 7, 2019, a Redington-Fairview General Hospital, in Skowhegan. Locally, he is survived by his mother Mary Ellen Beaulieu and partner Ron Gilbert, of Winslow.

GERALDINE H. QUIRION, 85, of Waterville, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Northern Light Continuing Care – Lakewood, in Waterville. Locally, she is survived by her children, Jerome Quirion, of Waterville, Patrick Quirion, of Benton and Carl Quirion and wife Janet, of Winslow.

Erskine Academy announces School calendar change April 2019

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(photo credit: Erskine Academy)

Parents and students should be advised of a change to Erskine Academy’s school calendar. Due to excessive snow days, Friday, April 12, will now be an early release day for all Erskine Academy students. Students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m.

China prepares for annual town meeting

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by Mary Grow

Voters at China’s Saturday, April 6, town business meeting will have 31 warrant articles to consider, fewer than in previous years.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at China Middle School, if a quorum is present. Selectman Irene Belanger will make the annual presentation of Spirit of America awards about 8:45 a.m., and any other presentations and speeches will be before 9 a.m., not during the meeting.

The quorum needed to open the meeting is 119 registered voters. Since more than 1,200 residents voted against abolishing the quorum requirement in a November 2018 referendum, Town Manager Dennis Heath expects no difficulty getting a quorum this year.

Voters will decide on the 2019-2020 municipal budget and on ordinance changes recommended by the planning board. The 2019-2020 school budget will be decided at a June vote.

This year’s warrant articles ask voters to approve funding for a category, like administration (Art. 3), legal costs (Art. 7), the transfer station (Art. 10) and public works (Art. 11), without listing details in the article. Redesigned articles include boards and committees (Art. 4), social services (Art. 13) and community support organizations (Art. 14).

A separate section of the 2018 town report, called Addendum Two, Annual Budget, lists the 17 boards and committees (not all requesting funds) covered by Art. 4, 13 social service groups and seven community support organizations, as well as detailed breakdowns of the other requested expenditures.

Selectmen and budget committee members disagree on two proposed expenditures, for stipends for volunteer firefighters (Art. 9) and for a pay increase for selectmen (Art. 23).

Articles 29, 30 and 31 ask voters to approve Land Development Code amendments. Each article includes a brief explanation of the changes the Planning Board recommends.

Voters will decide on the 2019-2020 municipal budget and on ordinance changes recommended by the planning board. The 2019-2020 school budget will be decided later this spring.

Two TIF fund questions to be on warrant; assistant codes enforcement officer introduced

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by Mary Grow

After the April 6 town business meeting, China residents will vote again in June on a written-ballot warrant that already has two proposed articles.

At the April 1 selectmen’s meeting, Town Manager Dennis Heath presented two questions:

  • To see if voters will authorize selectmen to spend $150,000 to buy the lot north of the Four Seasons Club on Lakeview Drive to provide public access to China Lake, with $125,000 to come from the lake access reserve fund and the remaining $25,000 from the TIF (Tax Increment Finance) fund.
  • To see if voters will authorize selectmen to spend up to $25,000 from the town’s undesignated fund balance (surplus) for engineering plans for a new emergency services building on town-owned land on Lakeview Drive opposite the former Candlewood Camps. Voters approved up to $5,000 for preliminary studies in November 2018; Heath intends to have results on display at the April 6 business meeting.

Selectmen voted unanimously to put both proposals on a June ballot. Heath said the next day the budget committee will meet to review the questions at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 9.

The manager introduced Matt Rewa, who was finishing his first day’s work as China’s assistant codes enforcement officer. Rewa will work with CEO Paul Mitnik through 2019 while taking courses needed for certification. The plan is that he will succeed Mitnik in 2020.

Heath reported that the state legislature rejected China’s bill that would have allowed towns to opt out of collecting personal property taxes. A Maine Revenue Service employee told him there is no enforcement mechanism if towns ignore the requirement, but Heath said he believes public officials must obey the law.

Some of the selectmen would like to continue to pursue the issue. Board Chairman Robert MacFarland proposed sending a draft petition to other Maine municipalities to try to build support.

Selectmen Jeffrey LaVerdiere and Donna Mills-Stevens, who run, respectively, a general store and a farm, said the personal property tax discourages businesses.

In other business April 1:

  • Transfer Station Manager Tim Grotton said in addition to the drug take-back day, Saturday, April 27, will also be a day when the transfer station accepts discarded fluorescent light bulbs without charging a fee.
  • Grotton also said the compost pile is ready for residents to help themselves.
  • Selectman Irene Belanger said China’s public hearing on the 2019-2020 school budget will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at China Middle School. The annual vote on the school budget is scheduled for May 16 in Oakland, she said.

The next regular selectmen’s meeting will be Tuesday evening, April 16, because Monday, April 15, is a holiday. The town office will be closed April 15.

TIF members discuss final details of revolving loan fund

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by Mary Grow

Members of China’s Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Committee and its Revolving Loan Fund subcommittee spent much of the March 25 TIF meeting discussing final details of the revolving loan fund they hope will soon be accepting applications. No final decisions were made.

The loans are intended to provide small amounts local businesspeople need when their own funds and commercial loans do not entirely cover costs of a new business or an expansion. Committee members mentioned loans between $5,000 and $25,000. Town Manager Dennis Heath said one China businessman has approached him about a small loan.

The manager, who oversees TIF finances, said $25,000 was appropriated for the loan fund in each of the first two years and $30,000 in the next two years. No money has yet been loaned out. Committee members debated whether the loan fund should continue to grow or whether at some point its funds should be reallocated to other TIF purposes.

Assisted by Kennebec Valley Council of Governments community planner Joel Greenwood, committee members also talked about what they need to do to complete defining the application process; whether they should try to meet soon after an application is received or schedule regular meetings twice or four times a year to review applications; what interest rate should be charged and whether it should be variable depending on factors like collateral offered or length of the loan; and planning to deal with delinquent borrowers.

Heath said China’s state-approved TIF plan allocates $900,000 for loans over the 30-year period of the TIF. Committee members accepted his offer to talk with state officials about amending China’s plan to allow more flexibility in allocating money among needs.

TIF money comes from taxes paid by Central Maine Power Company on its transmission line that runs north-south through China and its South China substation.

Heath and committee members see two ongoing community-wide projects eligible for TIF funding, snowmobile trails managed by the China Four Seasons Club and the annual China Days celebration. One-time projects so far include the causeway work at the head of China Lake’s east basin, now beginning its third year, and perhaps a future application to provide a building in the China School Forest behind China Primary School.

Pending work at the head of the lake includes applying for a state permit to improve the small parking area across Causeway Street from the boat landing, now that Susan Bailey has agreed to sell it to the town; putting the final coat of paving on the new bridge; and designing and building improvements to the shore between the bridge and the boat landing.

If the parking area is approved, Heath expects it will make China eligible to seek a state grant to improve the boat landing. Also, he said, Central Maine Power Company will be changing China’s streetlights to LEDs and adding lights, including one or more along the causeway.

Committee members scheduled their next meeting for Monday evening, May 6, skipping the usual last Monday of the month because Heath said selectmen will meet Monday evening, April 29.

Area Eagle Scouts perform over 6,000 hours of community work

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China Troop #479’s Assistant Scoutmaster Ron Emery described Eagle Scout Nivek Boostedt’s ceremony, above, as an occasion for pride and joy, as well as a time of reflection. (Contributed photo)

The Kennebec Valley District finished 2018 with 36 Scouts attaining the highest rank – the Eagle Scout. The Scouting district covers five counties (Kennebec, Lincoln, Knox, Franklin and Somerset) sweeping from the Canadian border to the rocky coast. In 2018, there were 141 Eagles from the State of Maine and 52,160 young men across the nation earned Scouting’s lofty award. If all of those class of 2018 Eagle Scouts wanted to gather to watch the Red Sox at Fenway Park, they would fill up all of the 37,731 seats and spill out onto Yawkey Way.

Locally, churches and charities from Jackman to Camden and from Wilton to Albion saw Scouts providing more than 6,000 hours of service just through projects led by teenagers hoping to earn their Eagle Scout rank. “This is absolutely amazing,” said Kennebec Valley District Chairman Bruce Rueger, of Wateville. “When you think of all the good that our Scouts are doing in the community from building handicap ramps to restoring forgotten veterans grave markers to making life easier for seniors and the needy and building trails and so much more- I am truly impressed. It really is heartening in this day and age to see a program where young people are taught that they have a responsibility to help other people at all times. I am so proud of our Scouts.”

The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance. The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. Not every boy who joins Scouts, BSA earns the Eagle Scout rank. This represents more than 2.25 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1912.

While a Life Scout, a Scout plans, develops, and gives leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, school, or the community. In addition to providing service and fulfilling the part of the Scout Oath, “to help other people at all times,” one of the primary purposes of the Eagle Scout service project is to demonstrate or hone, or to learn and develop, leadership skills. Related to this are important lessons in project management and taking responsibility for a significant accomplishment.

Eagles scouts from each central Maine counties:

Kennebec County:

Mathew Dow, Jr., of Albion – Albion Troop #446 – 26 hours of service restoring the Albion Historical Society train for educational purposes.

Alexander Steward, of Augusta – China Troop #479 – 202 hours of service building an outdoor classroom at Lincoln Elementary School, in Augusta.

Matthew Allarie, of Sidney – Sidney Troop #401 – 45 hours of service building a trophy case for the high school music department.

Nicholas Shelton, of Winslow – China Troop #479 – 98 hours of service at Waterville Creates building pottery studio shelves.

Jaxon Roan, of Oakland – Waterville Troop #417 – 358 hours of service building and installing cat climbing and exercise structures at PALS no kill animal shelter.

Maverick Lowery, of Vassalboro – Vassalboro Troop #410 – 208 hours of service building and improving trails at the Annie Sturgis Sanctuary including installing bridges where needed.

Michael Littlefield, of China – China Troop #479 – 50 hours of service building shelves for the China Food Bank.

Jack DiGirolamo, of Belgrade, Troop #401 Sidney – 93 hours of service building mountain bike bridges for Quarry Road Trails in Waterville

Lucas Eric Lenfest, of Smithfield – Troop #453 in Belgrade – 176 hours of service constructing a Veterans Memorial in front of the Smithfield Town office including walkway and granite bench.

Tieran Croft, of Sidney – Waterville Troop #417 – 162 hours of service building eight benches for the town of Oakland.

Nivek Boostedt, of China – China Troop #479 – 132 hours of service building an outdoor classroom for the China School Forest.

Adam DeWitt, of Sidney – Troop #401 in Sidney – 270 hours of service putting on and promoting a benefit concert to raise awareness for Travis Mills Foundation.

Joshua Robert Hoffman, of Augusta – Troop #603 in Augusta – 132 hours of service building a small playground at St Michael Roman Catholic School.

Dawson Poulin, of Sidney – Troop #401 in Sidney – 568 hours of service building helmet and baseball bat racks for the Sidney Athletic Association and then rebuilding them after vandals destroyed them a day after they were installed.

Kai McGlauflin, of Sidney – Sidney Troop #401 – 114 hours of service building an awards cabinet and work bench for the Messalonskee High School and Middle School Robotics Teams.

Tucker Leonard, of Palermo – Troop #479 in China – 112 hours of service constructing an outdoor classroom at the Palermo Consolidated School.

Eric McDonnell, of Augusta – Troop #603 Augusta- 177 hours of service built three benches and picnic table for the Kennebec River Rail Trail for Augusta age Friendly.

Travis John Nickerson, of Augusta – Troop 6#06 in Farmingdale – 81 hours of service gathering items and raising awareness in the community to help those who need help through the Bridging the Gap Center for Resources, Essentials Pantry & Clothing Bank, in Augusta. In total, 1,218 items were collected for those in need of essential items.

Somerset County:

Nathan Bloom, of Skowhegan – Skowhegan Troop #431 – 97 hours of service collecting photos and uploading them to help make it easier for those looking for loved ones or working on genealogy.

Lucas Eric Lenfest, of Smithfield – Troop #453 in Belgrade – 176 hours of service constructing a Veterans Memorial in front of the Smithfield Town office including walkway and granite bench. (Note, Lucas is listed in both Somerset and Kennebec as he is a member of a troop in one county while living in the other.

Austin Wright, of Madison – Troop #481 serving Madison/Anson/ Starks – 78 hours of service to demolish and old ramp and build a sturdy handicap accessible ramp at the fire station.

Jackson Dudley, of Fairfield – Skowhegan Troop #431 – 80 hours building three new picnic tables at Mill Island Park from materials he solicited In the community.

ICE OUT on China Lake 2019

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SEND US YOUR BEST ICE OUT GUESS FOR 2019

Write down your best guess (one per person) and send it to The Town Line, PO Box 89, South China, ME 04358. If more than one person guesses the correct date, a drawing will be held to determine the winner. Get your guess to The Town Line office by noon, Friday, April 5, 2019.

Email: townline@fairpoint.net. Or use our Contact Us page!

PRIZE: To be determined

The records below, of ice out dates on China Lake, were provided by China residents Bill Foster, Captain James Allen and Theresa Plaisted.

Bill Foster brought in the ice out dates from 1874 to 1883. They came from a 215-page log/diary. In the log/diary are recorded the comings and goings from 1870 to 1883 of the F. O. Brainard Store, as well as personal notations of special and everyday events.

Captain James Allen brought in the ice out dates from 1901 to 1948. They had been recorded on the outhouse wall of the old Farnsworth house, also located in China Village.

Theresa Plaisted brought in the ice out dates from 1949 to 1991. She explained to us that a friend and neighbor, Ben Dillenbeck, had kept the record on his cellarway wall until his death on December 12, 1987.

Theresa transcribed Mr. Dillenbeck’s record and has kept the record up to date ever since.

This year, we will be checking China Lake to determine the official date for “Ice Out” in 2019. We will not be looking in hard-to-access areas for that very last crystal to melt, so the definition of “Ice Out,” for the purpose of this contest, is: “When, to the best judgment of the assigned viewer, the surface of the lake appears to be free of ice.” The judge’s decision is final.

Can you guess the day The Town Line declares China Lake free of ice?

Ice Out dates for the last 145 years!

1874 – April 22
1875 – May 6
1876 – April 30
1877 – April 16
1878 – April 12
1879 – May 3
1880 – April 21
1881 – April 19
1883 – April 29
1901 – March 27
1921 – March 28
1932 – April 27
1933 – April 20
1934 – April 19
1935 – April 25
1936 – April 4
1937 – April 20
1938 – April 20
1939 – May 4
1941 – April 16
1945 – April 2
1947 – April 12
1948 – April 8
1949 – April 6
1950 – April 14
1951 – April 9
1952 – April 19
1953 – March 19
1954 – April 19
1955 – April 13
1956 – April 27
1957 – April 10
1958 – April 16
1959 – April 22
1960 – April 21
1961 – April 30
1962 – April 20
1963 – April 22
1964 – April 21
1965 – April 18
1966 – April 18
1967 – April 29
1968 – April 13
1969 – April 23
1970 – April 23
1971 – April 30
1972 – May 1
1973 – April 8
1974 – April 2
1975 – April 23
1976 – April 11
1977 – April 18
1978 – April 21
1979 – April 12
1980 – April 10
1981 – March 18
1982 – April 22
1983 – April 1
1984 – April 17
1985 – April 6
1986 – April 8
1987 – April 6
1988 – April 6
1989 – April 22
1990 – April 11
1991 – April 8
1992 – April 15
1993 – April 21
1994 – April 20
1995 – April 9
1996 – April 5
1997 – April 23
1998 – April 9
1999 – April 2
2000 – April 4
2001 – April 27
2002 – April 6
2003 – April 21
2004 – April 14
2005 – April 16
2006 – March 26
2007 – April 23
2008 – April 17
2009 – April 11
2010 – March 19
2011 – April 17
2012 – March 21
2013 – April 6
2014 – April 19
2015 – April 22
2016 – March 15
2017 – April 17
2018 –
2019 –