PHOTO: Bobbin’ along
Joan Chaffee, of Clinton, photographed this robin perched in a tree. It seems to be well fed.
Inland Hospital expands orthopedic surgical services
Northern Light Inland Hospital is proud to expand orthopedic surgical services for our community and region, making access to care quicker and easier – including same day access.
Inland welcomes four new orthopedic surgeons who will be part of Northern Light Orthopedics in Waterville: Gerard M. Benecki, MD; Jeff D. Headrick, MD; J. Mark MacNaughton, MD; and Michael J. Magee, MD. These experienced surgeons expand Inland’s expertise on a wide range of services including total joint replacements of the hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow; fracture care; arthroscopy; ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, and more. With more than 125 years of experience combined, our orthopedic surgical team will consult with patients and their providers on all these services and provide patients with a seamless connection to skilled rehabilitation care at Inland.
The surgeons are joining Brian Abbott, DO, at the Orthopedics practice in the Medical Arts Building next to Inland. Dr. Abbott provides non-surgical orthopedic care.
“Our community has been asking for more Orthopedic surgical care at Inland and we are pleased to respond to those needs,” says Tricia Costigan, Inland president. “Our new surgeons are highly skilled and committed to helping patients get back to their active life and improve their daily living. An important part of that commitment is getting patients seen as quickly as possible and that means on the same day if needed.”
For more information, contact Northern Light Orthopedics at 207.861.7862 or ask your primary care provider for a referral.
OBITUARIES for Thursday, June 27, 2024
TRACY P. CHARTRAND
WATERVILLE – Tracy Pressey Chartrand, 72, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Tracy was born in Waterville on July 7, 1951, to Lynn and Pauline Pressey, of Oakland.
Tracy grew up in Oakland and was a 1970 graduate of Messalonskee High School.
Tracy’s parents owned the Coffee Pot restaurant, in Oakland, and that’s where her love for cooking began. She cooked for most her adult life in different restaurants even owning her own, Tracy’s Family Restaurant, in Oakland, which was a life long dream. Tracy got into mental health field later on in her life which she thrived at.
She was a woman with many talents, cooking, sewing, flower arrangements, but her most precious gift was they way she left an impact on every one she met. She surely showed forth the love of Christ, and made so many life long friends.
Tracy was predeceased by her mom and dad, Lynn and Pauline Pressey; paternal father Arnold Abbott; brother Ronald Pressey; grandson Troy Bowen; and great-granddaughter Eevee Mae.
She is survived by her daughters Lisa Pressey and husband Craig Lizzotte, of Waterville, Amber Bigelow and husband Steve, of Winslow, and Rebecca Adams, of Winslow; son Jeremy Chartrand, of Massachusetts; grandchildren KoraMae McDonald and husband Mitch, Jalynn Drown, Jeremy Chartrand, Lucas Pressey, Jacob Bigelow, Philip Bigelow, llana Lizzotte, Samuel Adams and Cadence Adams; brothers Lynn Pressey and wife Phoebe, of Wells, Jody Pressey and wife Charlene, of Chelsea, and Shawn Pressey, of Waterville; sister Karen Cayford and husband Vance, of Benton.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements done by Dan and Scott’s, Skowhegan.
LOIS L. SHORES
ALBION – Lois Louise Shores, 85, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Lois was born on August 14, 1938, in Clinton, the daughter of Clayton and Marion Hunt.
Lois married Frederick Shores on January 28, 1957. In August 1964 Lois and Fred purchased the Woodbury Farm, on the Belfast Road. It is there they built a beautiful farm and family. They worked tirelessly to raise nine children and expand their farm. Lois loved babies and cared for many children after her own children were grown.
Lois was known for her biscuits and loved to cook for her large family. She always said it was a lot of work to raise nine children on a farm, but she loved it and would do it all over again if she could. Lois was a very appreciative person and always made a point to thank those who helped her.
Lois was predeceased by her husband Frederick; son Dennis, daughter-in-law Kimberlee; sisters, Eileen, Thelma, Dorothy, Christine, Beverly and brother David, sister-in-law Louise; and many other in laws.
She is survived by her children, Cindy, Karen, Kevin (Alice), Terry, Jeff (Theresa), Laurie (Chris), Billy (Dianne), Amy (Floyd); grandchildren, Shaun, Spencer, Justin, Corey, Brandon, Jessica, Kristian, Hadassah, Makayla, Rebekah, Grace, Jack, Kera, Cameron, Chase; 10 great-grandchildren; her sister Marion; sister-in-law Gloria; brothers-in-law Amasa, Allen, Erlon Jr. and Danny.
A graveside service was held on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the No. 4 Cemetery, in Albion. Following the service, the family held a Celebration of Life at the Besse Building, on Main Street, in Albion.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lois may be made to the Albion Loins Club, Attn: Elaine Staples, 118 East Benton Rd., Albion ME 04910.
ROY J. FEIHEL
SOUTH CHINA – Roy James Feihel, 64, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at his residence, in South China, following years of long-term health conditions. Roy was born in Queens, New York, on September 23, 1959, to parents Clemence and Robert Feihel. Roy grew up on Long Island, New York, and spent his summers in Maine at his parent’s second house, on China Lake. He had very fond memories of playing in the lake with his many siblings, and cousins.
As a young man, after graduating from Hofstra University, in New York, with a degree in communications. Roy worked a variety of jobs, a delivery driver, building crates to ship art across the country, and working as a jewelry maker. In between long days spent at the beach, surfing and driving his 1968, Oldsmobile 442 convertible, with his wild curly hair blowing in the wind.
Roy married his wife Rosie, on Long Island, in 1996. Then moved to South China, with his wife and stepson, David. Later following was the birth of his daughter Angela in 1998.
Roy worked as an Ed-Tech for kids with autism and special needs for over 20 years, at Spurwink and Cony High School, in Augusta, where he made a big impact, changed a lot of lives, and was well known for his patience, wood-fired pizza, bread, and “amazing” mac n’ cheese.
In his down time, Roy enjoyed painting and drawing waves, drinking his coffee by the woodstove, trying out new recipes, swimming in his pool, going out to the depot with his friends, watching Sherlock Holmes with his family, feeding the cat, and researching a variety of health and nutrition topics, which he loved to share with people in hopes of helping as many people as possible to feel healthier.
Roy had a vibrant, charming personality, he loved to kid around and have fun. He was endlessly creative, innovative, with too many ideas to count. He also always loved supporting everyone’s dreams and ambitions. Roy was predeceased by his father Robert Feihel, his mother Clemence Feihel, his brother Tye Feihel, brother-in-law John Udle, and mother-in-law Angelina Rivera.
He is survived by his wife, Rosie Feihel; his daughter, Angela Feihel; his step-son, David Lopez; his brother, Bob Feihel and sister-in-law Jayne; his sisters, Janice Manzolillo, Paula Udle, Lauren Redemann and brother-in-law Peter, Jackie Robilliard and brother-in-law Rod, Laurie Anderson and brother-in-law Eric; and many many nephews, and nieces.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363. Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting www.plummerfh.com.
RICHARD A. MICHAUD
WATERVILLE – Richard A. Michaud, 78, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024, losing his long battle with COPD, and its insidious side effects. Dickey, nicknamed by friends and family, was born in Waterville, on April 22, 1946, to Aurele J. Michaud, of Saint Agatha, and Yvette M. LaPierre, of Waterville.
He had three siblings, older brother Robert, younger sister Jean Ann and younger brother Dana.
Richard attended local schools in Waterville and graduated from Waterville High School in 1964. While in high school he belonged to the EMAC club. He later joined the National Guard for four years as a cook. While in high school he also met his wife to be, Eva Couture. They were married on April 22, 1967, recently celebrating 57 years of marriage during which they raised their three sons, Paul, Danny and Shawn.
He worked at a few odd jobs before starting his lifelong career at Maine Central Railroad, where he worked as a carmen/welder until retiring in 2009. There he made many lifelong friends and acquired the nickname “shotgun.”
Dickey was also an avid fisherman and hunter, spending many days, with his father, oldest brother, grandfathers and a host of uncles and cousins, many friends and his sons. His deer antler collection hanging in his garage reveals one of nature’s wonderful oddities, a legal doe with spike horns, on a buck only tag.
Richard was an amazing gardener, who turned his clay-based backyard into a bountiful vegetable garden that supplied many a table with tomatoes, cukes, string beans, zucchini, and giant rhubarb, to name a few. He also did a lot of canning and freezing. When COPD began to wage its battle, Dickey could no longer expend the energy needed to garden and maintain his quality of life, and regrettably had to give it up.
He was also a dedicated “bird feeder” caretaker, keeping two feeders full of seed, two hummingbird feeders going, two suet feeders full and the occasional half oranges for the orioles. Dickey also fed an army of skunks, raccoons, red and gray foxes, chipmunks and red squirrels. Many times, he would toss out old hot dog rolls, stale bread, table scraps and the second McDonald’s sausage McMuffin to the waiting crowd. Dickey also fed (unwillingly) many deer from his garden, so he put white chairs in it, to keep the deer out, claiming the deer were repelled by them (?).
Dickey over the years became a devoted Boston Red Sox fan, often leaving where he was to get home to sit on the living room floor, and root for his team.
Richard was also an avid card player, mastering Cribbage, Bid Whist, and a few other “penny games” with both family and friends. Many a night he, Eva, mom and Dana would slug it out playing team bid whist, in a quest of a killer hand, to defeat the opponents. Other days, nights, birthdays and holidays, the cards came out, and it was time to play 10 pennies involving children and grandchildren. His “29” cribbage hand, dealt to him during a Cribbage tournament sits framed and fading away on the living room wall, as a testament to that rare vent. Richard was happiest sitting on the floor in front of his television playing solitaire, listening to the news, weather report, a baseball game, or helping his grandchildren and great-grandchildren open and put presents together on holidays.
Richard was predeceased by his parents, his older brother, his grandparents and his many aunts and uncles.
Richard is survived by his wife Eva, their three sons and their families, Paul and his wife Mary, Danny and his wife Leah and their children Emma and Carter. Shawn his partner Erica and his daughters Leah, Stephanie, and Sasha; four great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Raelyn, Melanie and Josie.
Visiting hours will be held at Veilleux’s Funeral Home, in Waterville, on Wednesday, July 10, from 2 – 4 and 6 -8 p.m.
A small service for close family and friends will be held on Thursday, July 11, at 3 p.m., also at Veilleux Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Life that all are invited to attend, from 4 – 7 p.m., at Silver Street Tavern, in Waterville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ronald McDonald Charities, 250 Brackett Street, Portland, Maine 04102, in his name.
LEONARD J. HOWELL
PALERMO – Leonard John Howell, 96, passed away peacefully at his winter home, in Ft. Myers, Florida, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (He was to turn 97 on July 10).
Len was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend to those blessed to know him.
In retirement, he wintered in Florida but spent every summer in his beloved Maine. His parents had owned a farm, on Banton Road, Palermo, and much of that property is still in family ownership. Len was an outstanding father, businessman and avid boater.
He loved being involved in organizations/ boards, etc., and enjoyed leadership roles in many of them. He was one of the founding members of the Sheepscot Lake Association and was passionate about preserving both the lake and surrounding lands for future generations.
Len is survived by his wife of 42 years, Susan; his four children, David (Lydia), William (Nona), JoAnn (Adam), and Bradford (Anne); seven grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
JUSTIN L. FINLEY
WINDSOR – Justin L. Finley, 42, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at his home. He was born in Waterville on March 17, 1982, the son of Lawrence (Larry) Finley and Ronda Bell.
Justin worked as a farmer his entire life. He enjoyed four-wheeling, snowmobiling, riding his motorcycle and especially being around and doing things with his children.
Justin was predeceased by his father Larry, son Liam Finley and a brother Travis Finley.
He is survived by his children, Lukas, Lily and Leah, wife Jessica, mother Ronda Bell and stepfather Kevin Bell.
A graveside service will take place on Friday, June 28, 2024, at noon, at the Finley family cemetery, on the Choate Road, in Windsor.
Gathering of friends and family will follow at the Finley farm on Windsor neck road, Windsor.
Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home 130 Pleasant St., Richmond, Maine 04357.
KENT A. BREAU
UNITY – Kent A. Breau, 64, passed away on March 11, 2024, at MaineGeneral Glenridge, in Augusta, after bravely battling Alzheimer’s for a decade, accompanied by dementia during his final years. Born in Farmington on September 29, 1959, Kent’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of hunting excursions and backwoods escapades beneath the open sky.
Kent will be fondly remembered for his passion for the great outdoors. Whether it was guiding hunting expeditions for bear, deer, moose, turkey, or another fishing adventure, Kent’s love for nature shone through in everything he did. He was often seen in his signature flannel shirt or quirky printed T-shirts paired with blue jeans and boots that had seen their fair share of dirt, always sporting a mischievous smile that captured his fun-loving personality.
He was a graduate of Mt. View High School, in Thorndike, class of 1978.
Kent’s proudest achievement was becoming a Registered Maine Guide, and bagging Maine’s biggest atypical buck in 1995, a feat that solidified his reputation as a skilled hunter. He took immense pride in watching his daughter M., evolve into an amazing young woman.
Kent is survived by his father Patrick Breau, of Unity; daughter M. Breau, of Oregon; brothers Kevin (Jessica), of St. Albans, and Kyle, of Unity; sisters Karen (Jim Fotter), of Gray, and Kerri (Ed Oliver), of Sidney; many nieces and nephews; numerous cousins.
Kent was preceded in death by his mother Shirley Breau and former wife Cathy Cook.
A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Unity Pond Cemetery, across from Depot Street, at noon,. at Unity Barn Raisers, 32 School St. Please join to recount tales of camaraderie, humorous anecdotes, and fond memories made with Kent and family. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.
Others Departed
PETER BERNIER
FLORIDA – Peter Bernier of Florida and Maine, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024, of a rare form of cancer. He was the son of Louis P. Bernier and Pearl M. (Pelletier) Bernier.
He attended the Brothers School, in Waterville, Waterville High School, and spent four years in the U.S. Navy. He also received business degree from Thomas College, in Waterville. Peter worked most of his adult life for the U.S. Government. Peter worked as a supervisor at the Augusta Post Offiice.
He ended his career as Post Master at the Thorndike, Maine, Post Office. Peter loved his home in Sidney. He spent many hours moving rocks with his backhoe and felling trees. That was Peter’s joy. In later years he became a “Snow Bird” and wintered on Port Saint Lucie, Florida.
Peter is survived by three sisters, Diane (Roland) Dechaine, Patricia (Robert) Perry, and Janice (Kevin) Dyer; several nieces and nephews.
Peter was predeceased by his two brothers, Richard and Stephen Bernier.
Arrangements will be made by the Veterans Administration, and will be posted at a later date.
Services
HERBERT F. OLIVER
WATERVILLE – Herbert Frank Oliver, of Waterville, passed away, in Portland, on March 10.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 60 Eustis Parkway, Waterville, on Saturday, June 29, at 2 p.m. Please join as they review a life well-lived. To read Herbert’s full obituary, please visit http://www.dsfuneral.com/obituaries or Facebook.
Lily Ker named to WPI dean’s list
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), in Worcester, Massachusetts, has announced that Lily Ker, of Waterville, a member of the class of 2027, majoring in interactive media and game development, was named to the university’s dean’s list for academic excellence for the spring 2024 semester.
Northern Light Inland Hospital earns A grade for protecting patients
Northern Light Inland Hospital has received the top score possible, an ‘A’, in the spring 2024 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade program. This national distinction recognizes Inland’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital.
“We are pleased to receive this honor,” said Tricia Costigan, Inland Hospital president. “We are about to celebrate Nurses Week and Hospital Week this month so it’s the perfect time to recognize all our staff for their dedication to providing the best patient experience possible. The A grade is a reflection of our teams’ focus on safety and service every day. We are very proud of this recognition and honored to serve our patients and their families!”
The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries, and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.
“Everyone who works at Inland Hospital should be proud of this ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It takes complete dedication at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients first. I thank Inland, its leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for caring so deeply for its patients and their safety.”
To see Inland Hospital’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org. Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group drives a movement for giant leaps for patient safety.
VETERANS CORNER: Things at the VA are slowly changing
Veterans Affairs Regional Benefit Office Togus, ME
by Gary Kennedy
Well, things at the VA are slowly changing. The Community Living Center which was supposed to be built four years ago has been started. However, for some reason that I haven’t been able to figure out, as of yet, construction has stopped again. Another construction site has begun in the rear of Building 205. The way things have been going is very strange. When I ask, people just say, “I don’t know”, no one wants to talk. The beautiful hospitality house that was gifted to we veterans and families continues to sink into the ground and nothing has be done. The hospitality houses parking lot has been turned into public parking.
Remember several years ago I complained about the house being built on wet land and land that is a wildlife habitat and has been for decades. I even filed a complaint with the state. They didn’t do anything, to my knowledge. We have both geese and different varieties of ducks that breed and habitat that area annually. It’s wonderful for our veterans, especially the inpatients to be able to watch the babies being born and taught by their parents the needs for making the trip south in the fall. I’ve watched them for 50 years and never tired of watching the never ending cycle of life.
We have dozens of deer and other animals that habitat the remaining 500 acres of federal land, the wildlife know what they are doing; it’s the humans that have a problem getting their act together.
We have some fantastic employees at Togus but we don’t have, nor can we keep, enough of them. The big question is why? Many departments are under a great deal of pressure. That is true not only on the medical side but also on the administrative side. A good example would be VBA. The pressure on the employees there is great. When I visit that area with a veteran I can tell the minute I walk in how things will be.
Seventy-five percent of the staff there are brand new and still learning. That is difficult for the veteran and difficult for the employee. Don’t take me wrong, they get the job done; it just takes more effort and more time. Also, recently there has been many retirements in the VA system. That means 20 plus years of knowledge and experience are lost. New eyes are good but those eyes have much to learn. Even the Veteran Service Officers (V.S.Os) of the independent organizations have much to do with it as those organizations are not highly paid.
Covid and government upset has really taken its toll and hurt the least of us the most. The medical side isn’t any better off. We are severely short on skilled doctors and practitioners. People are being moved around into areas that, in my opinion, they have no business in; it will affect overall veteran care and leave the employee in a very bad place. Some of our doctors need to retire and the need for replacement is great. I don’t believe administration knows how to fill the gaps.
Recently, as many veterans are aware, the gym privilege was taken from recovering veterans and rented out to employees. I believe that was done as an incentive for keeping young employees. In any case that is a slap in the face of veterans as that gym and pool were built almost a century ago for the welfare of veterans and anyone eliminating that right should not be working at the VA. My letters to Washington will one day be answered and soon I hope. The veterans deserve better than that. Administration in my opinion has forgotten who they are working for. The word “respect” has been lost and replaced with lip service.
Soon we will be having an election and I pray that everyone has been watching what is going on. Everyone out there needs to evaluate what they see and experience and vote. If you don’t vote then you will receive what you deserve. We are all Americans whether or not you put on the uniform in defense of our country. We are in this together and have our family and friends to protect. Ask any veteran, we are in a very bad and dangerous place at this time. We can’t stand idly by and allow our country to be taken over by the worst of us.
I had a woman call me today and tell me that her husband recently passed away and she asked the VA for help, and hasn’t heard anything yet. She is worried as she doesn’t have her husband’s pension anymore. He was a 100 percent Service Connected, Permanent and Total Vet; of course this lady is entitled to help. I explained D.I.C. to her, told her where to go and who to speak with. I also told her if she had a problem to call me back and I would accompany her to the proper destination and person.
This column has many viewers and I am pretty sure the person I am referring to is one of the readers. I know he will give this lady all the help she needs and deserves. There are so many veterans and/or their significant other that don’t use the system that was designed for them. That is a shame and not acceptable. We all need to help one another, even if only a referral.
If you know someone who is struggling then you should guide them to the VA. There are many of us who really love helping. The joy of another brought on by an act of kindness is in itself a great reward. Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another”. It doesn’t take much to assist others who are in need of guidance and/or direction.
As veterans we have an oath to one another. There are other organizations who share that, such as Masons, Knights of Rizal, Rotary, Kiwanis, etc. The motto is “Service Above Self”. We all know someone or some organization that can and are willing to help. We really need to get back on the American path.
Next time I will go over some of the questions I have gathered here on my desk. We will try to get your claims on the right path. Just remember to keep your doctor’s appointments and tell your PCP all that is going on so he/she can make the right referrals. That’s the nuts and bolts of a good claim.
Your VSO will write your case according to what is located in discovery. Your military story needs to be known to your doctor so he/she can place you on the path that you need to be on. Sometimes a case takes awhile to develop. Just be patient and don’t give up. The wheels are always turning. God bless and have a great week.
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.