PHOTO: Refreshing
Pat Byther photographed this bald eagle by the stream on the China Road, in Winslow.
Vassalboro school board hears positive reports for end of year
Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)
by Mary Grow
At their June 18 meeting, Vassalboro School Board members heard positive reports about the end of the current school year and continued planning for the next one.
Principal Ira Michaud said end-of-school events, including field trips, the spring concert, a field day and the eighth-grade promotion exercises, went very well. He and Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer thanked multiple non-school people who helped.
Michaud said three weeks of summer school are scheduled beginning July 8. Classes will run Mondays through Thursdays.
Pfeiffer, speaking for Finance Director Paula Pooler, said the 2023-24 budget is expected to be in the black when the fiscal year ends June 30.
Later in the meeting, board members gave final approval to the 2024-25 school budget that Vassalboro voters approved at their June 3 town meeting and re-approved in a June 11 referendum, in the amount of $9,522,114.82.
Board members started spending some of the money: they authorized Pfeiffer to negotiate and sign a letter of intent with Energy Management Consultants, Inc., of Portland “to perform an energy audit and HVAC [heating, ventilation and air conditioning] infrastructure analysis of the Vassalboro Community School,” for not more than $15,000.
Pfeiffer expects the work to extend over several years and to cover multiple aspects of energy use at VCS. The first changes might be made as soon as the next school year, he said.
School board members plan no July meeting. They voted to move their regular meeting night from the third Tuesday of the month (which ran into conflicts this past year) to the second Tuesday, and scheduled their next meeting for Tuesday evening, Aug. 13.
China transfer station committee still working out relations with Palermo
by Mary Grow
At their June 18 meeting, China Transfer Station Committee members continued to work on three items: straightening out China’s relations with Palermo, enforcing regulations and promoting recycling.
Under a 2016 inter-town agreement, Palermo residents use China’s transfer station, with a proper pass and special blue bags for which they pay. Palermo also pays China an annual fee – $18,000, with no provision for inflation adjustment.
The transfer station committee includes Palermo representatives Chris Diesch and Robert Kurek.
China Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood has given Palermo the required year’s notice of China’s intent to end the agreement. Since then, she and Kurek have been negotiating about an amended agreement.
At the June 18 meeting, Kurek said they are making progress, to the point where he is drafting language for a revised agreement. Neither he nor Hapgood volunteered details or a timetable.
The main reason to enforce transfer station regulations is to bar unauthorized users, so China taxpayers do not subsidize waste disposal for people who make no contribution to costs. Other goals are to ensure that fees are collected for items that cost money to get rid of – mattresses, propane tanks, electronics, for example – and that no illegal items are left for attendants to deal with.
Committee members have considered inspection at the entrance, maybe a gatehouse. During the June 18 meeting, they and transfer station staff proposed a trial during which staff will stop and inspect each incoming vehicle, tentatively scheduled for the second or third week in July.
Following up on the previous month’s discussion of recycling, Diesch had drafted a recycling poster that brought praise and follow-up ideas. The plan is to emphasize to local taxpayers that recycling saves them money in two ways: no disposal fees are paid on recyclables not sent to a disposal facility, and some recyclables generate small amounts of income.
A related project is encouraging teachers in area schools to bring students to see how waste disposal and recycling work, after a successful visit by Manchester kindergartners (see the May 30 issue of The Town Line, p. 14). Committee chairman Christopher Baumann intends to talk with area principals and superintendents.
In other business June 18:
— Transfer Station Manager Thomas Maraggio said the installation of solar lights in the free for the taking building is almost done – one more light will finish the project. He has not yet been able to get “the cement guy” for the planned new pad under the compost pile.
— Maraggio and Hapgood said transfer station staff will no longer use their loader to load (free) compost for residents, because of potential liability. People coming for compost need to bring shovels.
— Hapgood shared the updated transfer station access policy approved at the June 17 select board meeting. Most changes clarify access passes for temporary residents.
Committee members scheduled their next meeting for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, skipping the month of July.
Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, June 27, 2024
To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@townline.org!
GROWING UP: Jayne Winters, of South China, photographed this immature male rose breasted grosbeak.
IN SEASON: Gary and Margaret Mazoki, of Palermo, took this photo of lupines in season.
NO POT OF GOLD: Sheldon Goodine, of China, snapped this rainbow appearing to go into the back of his truck. He said there was no pot of gold.
Bridge construction update
Please find below the anticipated traffic impacts and bridge closures for the week of June 24.
Note: the info published has been provided to the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and is accurate to the best of our knowledge. It is subject to sudden change based on staffing, weather, supply chain, etc.
Cianbro, of Pittsfield, the contractor, anticipates continuing eastbound left lane closures on the Ticonic Bridge project on various Monday-Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. depending on conditions.
Drivers are encouraged to drive cautiously, observe signage in the work zone, and reduce speed inside the work zone. Westbound travelers should continue to utilize the posted westbound detour.
Cianbro also reminds the traveling public of the following:
– ALL sidewalks on the Ticonic Bridge are closed for the safety of the public.
– Pedestrians should continue to use the pedestrian detour across the Two Cent Bridge. Pedestrians should not be walking around barricades, down the active lanes, in lane closures, or inside the work zone.
– Portable message boards and construction signing will continue to be used to provide advance warning and directions for the westbound detour route.
URGENT SAFETY REMINDER:
It is unlawful and unsafe to traverse the river via the rail bridge. Pedestrians have been observed doing so and are reminded of the dangers of such activity. Pedestrians must utilize the Two Cent Bridge for foot traffic.
Information provided by Mike Rocque – Consolidated Communications.
Area boy scouts do training in the woods
Course Director Christopher Santiago, left, of Vassalboro, and Gearry Judkins, of Farmington, review the ITOLS syllabus during a break between sessions. Bryan Vick, of Waterville, not pictured, also helped with the program. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)
by Chuck Mahaleris
Area adult leaders in Scouting, and some from as far away as Rangeley, Kittery and Melrose, Massachusetts, took part in a weekend training course held at Camp Bomazeen on May 17 and 18 designed to make them better leaders by giving them confidence with their outdoor skills.
Outdoor adventure is the promise made to a child when they join Scouting. The Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (ITOLS) is a fun-filled program of hands-on skills training in the outdoors, designed to help leaders in Scout Troops master basic camp skills required for Tenderfoot to First Class.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is the equivalent training for those working with Cub Scout-aged youth. The courses teach such things as outdoor cooking, map and compass, rope use, conducting safe campfires, hiking and backpacking, First Aid and Outdoor Ethics. The goal is to provide first-hand experiences so Scouting leaders can teach these skills to their Scouts. Course Director Chris Santiago of Vassalboro said, “It is important to teach these types of courses because Scouting is about being outdoors. Both ITOLS and BALOO help Scouters understand and guide them to the best practices of the BSA, and help Scouters become the best outdoor skilled version of themselves so they can share and deliver a quality program to our Scouts.”
Camp Bomazeen, located on Great Pond, in Belgrade, is the ideal outdoor setting for adults or youth to develop such skills that will serve them well through life. Gearry Judkins, Scoutmaster of Troop #546, in Farmington, would agree as he has spent three weekends in a row at Bomazeen for various Scouting events and was one of the ITOLS instructors.
Nathaniel Bacon is an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop #111, in Auburn, and was another instructor. “There is so much value in these programs,” Bacon said.
Dan Gacki, of Dallas Plantation, is not even registered in Scouting yet but felt it was important to take the course. “I am looking to start a Troop in Rangeley and I love the outdoors,” Gacki said. He traveled more than an hour to attend. Dale Leonard and Aaorn Whitman are Den Leaders in Kittery Pack #316 and also had long drives to attend. “I joined Scouts so I could find any excuse to get me and my family outside,” Leonard said. “The thing I love about Scouting,” Whitman added, “is being out in nature and being active.” Jeremy Seeley is a Den Leader of Cub Scout Pack #202, Topsham and agreed, “I really enjoy being outdoors and that is what Scouting is all about.”
Nick MacDonald spent nearly three hours on the road to get to Bomazeen. He is a Den Leader in Cub Scout Pack #615 out of Melrose, Massachusetts. He saw the event advertised on Facebook and came to complete the BALOO course.
Lou Garza is a parent volunteer with Scout Troop #805 in Windham. “I’m here to learn some stuff,” Garzia said. And experienced Scouting leaders like Kelly Deprez, Chartered Organization Representative for Cub Scout Pack #85, in Gorham, was happy to teach subjects such as knife skills and how to conduct an interfaith service for the BALOO course.
Chris Santiago is also Scoutmaster of Vassalboro Troop #410 and finds he learns from the students while teaching. “My favorite part of the course is meeting Scouters both new and experienced from across our district, across our council, and from outside of our council because you get to learn about them, their experiences, and most importantly become colleagues who may be a resource for you down the road.”
Some training courses are required in Scouting. Youth Protection training, for example, is required for all BSA registered volunteers and is a joining requirement that must be retaken every two years (annually for leaders in Maine’s Pine Tree Council which covers the Western and Southern half of state). Additionally, it is required in Pine Tree Council that all Cubmasters and Scoutmasters complete the Basic Leader Training and all assistant Scoutmasters and Assistant Cubmasters starting in 2025. Each pack or troop must have someone trained in BALOO or ITOLS and they must have at least two registered leaders who have completed Youth Protection Training in order to go camping.
Much of the emphasis in Scouting is as Baden Powell, founder of Scouting worldwide, intended. To challenge the youth in outdoor settings so as to help develop their character and train them to serve. As Powell said, “Teach Scouts not how to get a living, but how to live.”
Issue for June 20, 2024
Issue for June 20, 2024
Windsor 10-year-old is cancer survivor
Owen Gosselin is a 10-year-old boy from Windsor. He is a little league player, a beloved son and brother and a student. Owen is also a survivor of cancer. Over the last year, Owen and his family have been fighting a battle… by Mark Huard
New industrial business-space complex planned for Winslow
Kennebec Roofing, a family-owned business in Waterville, has begun construction of The Kennebec Roofing Industrial Annex (KIA), a premier, $2.8 million, 16,500 square foot industrial office-space property for local contractors and others, to be located at the high-visibility location of 875 China Road (Route 137), in Winslow, minutes away from Route 201 and Interstate 95… submitted by Dave Carew
Town News
TIF committee completes recommendations on revising document
CHINA – At their June 10 meeting, China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee members completed recommendations on revising the document that governs the use of TIF funds…
Select board tours Thurston Park, makes appointments
CHINA – China select board members and Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood began the June 17 select board meeting with a motor tour of Thurston Park, in northeastern China…
Board OKs TIF funds for VSD
VASSALBORO – Vassalboro select board members began their June 13 meeting by electing Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., board chairman, succeeding newly re-elected member Christopher French…
Select board deals with multiple agenda items
WINDSOR – At the May 21, 2024 meeting of the Windsor Select Board, Road supervisor Keith Hall reported on several repairs being done to town equipment. Also select board member Tom McNaughton asked Keith for an update on the Amish signs…
Support The Town Line: An open letter to our readers
For the past 33 years, The Town Line has pledged a mission statement to “create a vibrant rural community connecting our towns, organizations and individuals through communication, education and public dialogue.” It’s all part of The Town Line’s mission to be a positive force in our community and bring together the rural towns of central Maine by promoting better understanding of our surroundings…
Name that film!
Identify the film in which this famous line originated and qualify to win FREE passes to The Maine Film Center, in Waterville: “Badges? We don’t need no stinkin’ badges!” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is July 5, 2024.
Webber’s Pond comic
Webber’s Pond is a comic drawn by a local central Maine resident (click on the thumbnail to enlarge)…
PHOTO: Winslow Majors Orange team
WINSLOW – Winslow Majors Orange baseball team photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography…
PHOTOS: Erskine Renaissance awards presented
CHINA – On Friday, June 7, Erskine Academy students and staff, in South China, attended a Renaissance Assembly to honor their peers with Renaissance Awards…
Local happenings
EVENTS: A China school reunion planned for July 18
CHINA – As we all know, history cannot be changed and, sometimes unfortunately, it can be repeated in a negative sense. But most important of all, it must never be forgotten. This is one of the primary goals of our now, solidly in place, China Historical Society, and to follow that path we are going to coordinate an event with our annual meeting on Thursday, July 18… by Bob Bennett
EVENTS: Albion bicentennial photo contest underway
ALBION – Albion bicentennial photo contest is open to anyone, but photos must be taken in Albion. There are four categories: people, animals, still life and landscape in three age groups, 12 years old and under, 13-20, and over 20…
EVENTS: Madison blood drive planned at legion
MADISON – A blood drive hosted by American Legion Tardiff-Belanger Post #39, 20 S. Maple Street, Madison, will take place on Thursday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sign up at redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767 or contact Richard at drwho57_57@yahoo.com…
EVENTS: L.C. Bates Museum activities
HINCKLEY – The following programs will be presented at L.C. Bates Museum, on the campus of the Goodwill-Hinckley School, on Rte. 201, in Hinckley…
EVENTS: Spectrum Generations announces area plan on aging public hearings
CENTRAL ME – The Central Maine Agency on Aging d/b/a Spectrum Generations will hold public hearings on the proposed four-year Central Maine Area Plan on Aging for Older Americans Act (OAA) funded programs and services that help older Mainers, and their care partners, remain healthy and safe in their communities…
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Reading and signing with Gerry Boyle
CHINA – A reading and signing of the book Hard Line, with Gerry Boyle, will take place on Sunday, June 23, 1 p.m…. and many other local events!
Obituaries
HARPSWELL – Barry William Dolley, 84, died peacefully at home in South Harpswell on Friday, May 31, 2024, following a long battle with cancer. He lived most of his life in Winslow, before retiring to South Harpswell in 2005, with his wife Sandy… and remembering 12 others.
Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Clinton (new)
CLINTON HISTORY — The town of Clinton, Benton’s ancestor and northern neighbor, is the northernmost Kennebec County town on the east bank of the Kennebec River. Historian Carleton Edward Fisher wrote that Clinton’s first white settler was probably Ezekiel Chase, Jr., who might have arrived by 1761, before the Kennebec Proprietors claimed the area… by Mary Grow
Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Benton
BENTON HISTORY — Continuing north on the east side of the Kennebec River, the next town after Winslow is Benton. Next north of Benton is Clinton… by Mary Grow
Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Vassalboro – Winslow
CENTRAL ME HISTORY — Going north from Augusta on Route 201 on the east bank of the Kennebec River, one follows the approximate route of Massachusetts Governor William Shirley’s 1754 military road between Fort Western, in present-day Augusta, and Fort Halifax, in present-day Winslow… by Mary Grow
Up and down the Kennebec Valley: City of Augusta
AUGUSTA HISTORY — The City of Augusta began its legal existence as part of Hallowell, and has been named Augusta since June 9, 1797. It became the state capital in 1827, and transitioned from a town to a city in 1849. It is the only municipality in this part of the Kennebec River Valley that is still on both sides of the river… by Mary Grow
Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!
DEADLINE: Wednesday, July 11, 2024
Identify the people in these three photos, and tell us what they have in common. You could win a $10 gift certificate to Hannaford Supermarket! Email your answer to townline@townline.org or through our Contact page. Include your name and address with your answer. Use “Common Ground” in the subject!
Previous winner: Jane Vigue, Winslow
Town Line Original Columnists
REVIEW POTPOURRI
by Peter Cates | A two LP set, Richard Himber and his Ritz-Carlton Hotel Orchestra Featuring Joey Nash (RCA Bluebird, AXM-5520, released 1975) contains 32 recordings from the 1934-35 years of 78s that were originally released on the ten-inch discs of that decade by RCA Victor’s subsidiary 35 cent Bluebird label…
FOR YOUR HEALTH
(NAPSI) | Incidents involving dog attacks on Postal Service employees rose to more than 5,800 cases last year—but you can help get those numbers down and keep your own mail delivery up…
PUBLIC NOTICES for Thursday, June 20, 2024
Town of China
EARLY OFFICE CLOSING
Attention China Residents:
China Town Office will be closing at noon on Friday, June 28, and closed Saturday, June 29, for fiscal year end reporting.
Town of Winslow
Notice of Public Hearing
In accordance with Section 213 of the Winslow Town Charter, notice is hereby given that the Town Council will hold a public hearing in the Town Council Chambers, 136 Halifax Street, Winslow, Maine at 6:00 p.m. on July 8, 2024, on the following proposed Ordinances.
Ordinance No. 08-2024: Providing for: The Town of Winslow to approve an ordinance for signs on town-owned property.
All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and will be given the opportunity to be heard. Anyone having questions about the proposed ordinances or wishing to obtain a copy of it should contact the Winslow Town Clerk’s or Town Manager’s Office during regular office hours.
Audra Fleury
Town Clerk, Winslow, Maine.
Town of Palermo
Request for Sand Bids
The Town of Palermo is now accepting sand bids for the 2024-25 season. Bid applications can be found on our website: (townofpalermo.org) or at the Town of Palermo Office during regular business hours. The deadline for submitting a bid will be July 11, 2024.
TOWN OF FAIRFIELD
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
The Fairfield Town Council will hold Public Hearing in the Council Chambers at the Community Center at 61 Water Street on Wednesday June 26 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of hearing public comments on the following matter:
• To hear public comments on a renewal application for a special amusement permit for the purposes of music and dancing submitted by River Jack Tavern Main Street, Fairfield, Maine 04937
The Fairfield Town Council will hold Public Hearing in the Council Chambers at the Community Center, at 61 Water Street, on Wednesday, July 10, at 6:30 p.m., for the purpose of hearing public comments on the following matter:
• Proposed statutory amendments to the Land Use Ordinance; Section 9.14 Accessory Dwelling Units.
Copies are available at the Town Office. All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearings and will be given an opportunity to be heard at that time.
Signed: Christine Keller,
Town Clerk
EVENTS: Spectrum Generations announces area plan on aging public hearings
The Central Maine Agency on Aging d/b/a Spectrum Generations will hold public hearings on the proposed four-year Central Maine Area Plan on Aging for Older Americans Act (OAA) funded programs and services that help older Mainers, and their care partners, remain healthy and safe in their communities.
Agenda items for these meetings include: Overview of OAA and Spectrum Generations services, summary of 2025-2028 Spectrum Generations Area Plan on Aging, and opportunity for public comments.
A draft of the 2025-2028 Spectrum Generations Area Plan on Aging can be found after June 21 on the Spectrum Generations website at www.spectrumgenerations.org. Hard copies will be made available upon request. Written comments will be accepted until July 8, 2024. Comments can be emailed to: feedback@spectrumgenerations.org, faxed to: 207-622-7857, delivered in person, or mailed to One Weston Court Augusta, ME 04330.
Both public hearing dates will be in person at the location listed and available virtually by Zoom. Registration is only required if attending virtually. Refreshments will be provided on location.
Spectrum Generations’ Central Maine Area Plan on Aging Public Hearing #1 is scheduled for Tuesday, June 25, from 2-3 p.m., at the Cohen Community Center, 22 Town Farm Rd. Hallowell, ME. Virtual attendance registration link.
Spectrum Generations’ Central Maine Area Plan on Aging Public Hearing #2 is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, from 10 -11 a.m., at the Muskie Community Center, 38 Gold St. Waterville, ME. Virtual attendance registration link.
If you need an interpreter, additional accommodation to participate in a public hearing or have questions, please call or email Nathan Miller no later than ten business days before the meeting you plan to attend at nmiller@spectrumgenerations.org or 207-620-1274. Accommodations will be provided at no cost to the participant.
REVIEW POTPOURRI: Richard Himber
by Peter Cates
Richard Himber
Richard Himber
A two LP set, Richard Himber and his Ritz-Carlton Hotel Orchestra Featuring Joey Nash (RCA Bluebird, AXM-5520, released 1975) contains 32 recordings from the 1934-35 years of 78s that were originally released on the ten-inch discs of that decade by RCA Victor’s subsidiary 35 cent Bluebird label.
Prior to the establishment of this Orchestra, Richard Himber (1899-1966) had been a violinist for Sophie Tucker’s hotel jazz band and then in charge of bookings for Rudy Vallee (whose own megahit of the 1920s, Stein Song, helped put his alma mater, the University of Maine/Orono, on the nationwide map).
Joey Nash (?-2000) was Himber’s lead singer from 1933 to 1935. Himber also hired such musicians as Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and Bunny Berrigan for the Ritz engagements.
The records feature some very beautifully arranged performances in which sophisticated rhythms are blended with sweet melodic textures and solo instrumental details from the harp, strings, woodwinds, etc. Joey Nash had a consistently appealing tenor voice and knew how to put a song across. Himber’s Orchestra was basically hired by hotel management to play music for its patrons to dance to but many of them preferred to simply listen.
Some very fascinating liner notes were provided for the 1975 re-issue by Joey Nash on the trials and tribulations that he observed and personally experienced before the Orchestra hit paydirt.
A few details:
– Himber was a bit of a con man promoting pipe dreams of stardom, classy hotel bookings and nightly radio broadcasts nationwide , meanwhile paying nothing.
– Its first broadcasts from the Essex House had the players housed in a rancid basement storage room for old hotel furnishings and assorted trash.
– A saxophone player busted Himber’s nose in a moment of arrogance.
– Other musicians received summons for alimony.
– One violinist brought his German shepherd to work where it chewed up a songbook and howled on a nationwide duet with the clarinettist.
– A musician was attacked by the angry father of his pregnant girlfriend.
– When the Ritz broadcasts became a success, the orchestra was earning $4,000 weekly.
Among the Great American Songbook classics on the album are Stars Fell on Alabama, Tea for Two, What a Difference a Day Made, Avalon and Winter Wonderland.
In later years, Himber had a traveling band giving free outdoor concerts on a flatbed truck and got sponsorship from Pepsi Cola. During one of these concerts in 1966, he collapsed from a heart attack and died a few hours later at the age of 67.
Himber once stated, “Remember that vanity rules the world.”
The above recordings can be heard via YouTube.