Letters to the Editor, Week of November 2, 2017

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Vote Yes on local Question 1

To the editor:

A YES Vote, November 7, on Winslow local Question 1, School Construction Bond, is a vote for:

1) Consolidated, more efficient schools, closing the Junior High.
2) Renovations and additions to the Elementary School and High School to accommodate the Junior High student body.
3) Additions to gymnasium space to accommodate all student P.E. and sports program schedules, and even community rec programs.
4) Renovations to arts space due to addition of Junior High art, band, and chorus students.
5) Renovations to the library to house books and other resources for 7th and 8th grade students.
6) Construction of a theatre large enough to host programming for High School, Junior High, and Elementary School students.
7) Expansion of the High School’s refrigerator and freezer units to handle the increased storage for junior high meal programs.
8) Redesign of cafeteria service lines and seating to speed up food service, allow students time to eat, and increase healthy nutrition participation.
9) Reallocation of Elementary School wings to separate students into appropriate age groups.
10) Parking lot and traffic flow changes at both Elementary and High School to provide safer, more efficient vehicle access.
11) A precautionary fund for the demolition of the old Junior High building, if not sold.
12) A reasonable, steady, 20-year bond payoff schedule.
13) Quality school facilities more likely to attract students from China and Vassalboro and reduce the number of students leaving for charter schools.
14) Schools that attract employment applications from the best teachers in Maine.
15) Investment in local infrastructure that will serve our residents for many decades.
16) School facilities that recognize generations of social change, learning science, and student needs, and comply with modern building codes and educational requirements.
17) A stable community with a promising future, instead of a community of declining significance, declining investment, and declining services.
18) A community desirable to new and returning residents with families; these residents are likely to purchase, renovate, and build homes, increasing the tax base and thus reducing future mil rates.
19) Well-educated, well-rounded students with the best opportunities for success in the world.

This is not just an investment in buildings, but in our children, our community, and our future. I hope you will join me November 7 in voting YES on the Winslow school construction bond.

Thomas McCown
Winslow

Tom McCowan is a Winslow resident, father, real estate lawyer, and the only non-committee member to attend all of the school construction committee meetings. Visit www.kennebectom.com/schoolbond for essays in support of this referendum.

China voters to decide RSU #18 bond issue

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by Mary Grow

Regional School Unit (RSU) #18 officials are presenting voters in the five member towns – Belgrade, China, Oakland, Rome and Sidney – with a $13.9 million bond issue that they hope will be approved at the polls Nov. 7.

Voters in China also have local elections and three local referendum questions, including one asking approval to spend money.

At the first of a series of hearings on the bond issue, on Oct. 23 at China Primary School, RSU #18 Superintendent (and former China principal) Carl Gartley explained what the bond money would be used for. About $10 million will be spent to repair and update school buildings; $3.9 million will help build a new athletic complex at Messalonskee High School in Oakland.

A Facilities Committee composed of community members, RSU staff and the state Fire Marshal recommended funding priorities, Gartley said. The two China schools are slated to get almost $2.4 million worth of work, mostly at the older China Middle School.

Gartley said the committee’s tasks included catching up on work postponed after the 2008 financial downturn, emphasizing safety and looking toward future needs. Since 2010, he said, state funding has decreased and voters continue to resist local tax increases. As a result, in the last eight years China’s school budget has gone up by 6.61 percent, or an average of 0.83 percent per year, not enough to keep up with rising prices. Building maintenance has suffered, despite the RSU applying for and receiving loans from the state’s revolving loan fund.

Proposed improvements at China Middle School include a reorganization and expansion of the gymnasium, a new boiler, a new Americans with Disabilities Act compliant back entrance, paving and interior and exterior lighting upgrades.

China Primary School is slated to get roof repairs to stop leaks, a generator for the boiler room and paving and lighting. Modern lights should reduce costs, Gartley added.

Gartley calculated the cost of the bond in terms of additional taxes on a China house valued at $100,000: $49.10 a year, or $4.09 a month, averaged over the life of the bond.

The Messalonskee athletic complex is needed, Gartley said, because the current facility lacks handicapped access and other amenities. He emphasized that the complex would be for youth sports, gym and health classes and community use, not just for high-school sports teams.

China’s three local ballot questions ask voters if they approve:

  • Spending up to $8,500 from surplus to build a fire pond off Neck Road;
  • Requiring nonprofit organizations seeking town funds to provide a current financial statement in order to have their requests considered by selectmen and the budget committee; and
  • Authorizing selectmen to rent out space on the town’s communications tower behind the town office.

The proposed fire pond would be an enlargement of an existing pond just south of the intersection of Neck and Stanley Hill roads, with permission of the two landowners involved. The project would include an area for fire trucks to load water.

During selectmen’s discussions of the questions, Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux said many of the nonprofit groups who seek town support already provide the information that would be required if voters approve the second question.

The town’s tower might be competing with privately-owned area towers. People said, however, that companies seeking to rent tower space look primarily for a location that meets their needs; so the town tower would be requested when no other was as suitable. Selectmen have not talked about criteria for choosing tower users or fees to charge.

Selectmen and the budget committee recommend voters approve all three questions. China polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 7 in the former portable classroom behind the town office.

Obituaries, Week of November 2, 2017

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MADOLYN V. TABER

PAHRUMP, NEVADA – Madolyn V. Taber 95, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2017, at her home in Pahrump, Nevada. She was born April 28, 1922, in Augusta.

Madolyn was a member of the Order of Eastern Star for 77 years. She was a Past Matron of Lily of the Valley Chapter #157, in Weeks Mills, and Stardust Chapter #32, in Pahrump, Nevada. She was also a member of Daughters of the Nile, El Giza Temple No. 139, of Las Vegas, Nevada. Madolyn was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth of 57 years, son Fredrick Pierce, father and mother Orrin & Mildred True, sister Barbara Tabb and brother Philip True. Madolyn leaves behind a son, Scott (Debra) Taber, daughters Debby (Thomas) Moore and Barbara (Shawn) Carter; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. An Eastern Star funeral service was held on October 21, 2017, at the Pahrump Masonic Lodge. Services will also be held in South China at a later date.

LEROY G. ADAMS

WINSLOW – Leroy G. Adams, 87, of Winslow, passed away Tuesday October 24, 2017, at his home. Leroy and his twin sister, Evelyn, were born to Gardner Leroy and Anna Lenard Adams February 15, 1930, in Hartland.

He started his lifelong baking career at Harris Bakery, in Waterville, at 15. For 35 years he worked at and eventually owned McDonald’s Bakery, in Gardiner.

In 1949 he met Lorraine Giroux. They married in 1951, had five children and enjoyed over 66 years of their lives together.

Leroy was a serious gardener, in fact “Gardner” was his middle name. He had lots of interests including camping and fishing but was happiest whenever surrounded by his family. Forever an optimist, one of his famous quotes was “if I was doing any better I’d be worried.”

He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Hallowell, for over 50 years and later a member of the Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Leroy is survived by his wife Lorraine; his sons David and his wife Leisa, of Avon, John and his wife Aimee, of Norridgewock, daughters Barbara and husband Alfred, of Litchfield, Susan and her companion Vaughan, of Northport; 15 grandchildren; and a growing number of great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his daughter Catherine.

An on-line guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, 361 Belgrade Rd., Augusta, ME 04330.

KIM STARR MAIN

CHINA – Kim Starr Main, 54, died on Thursday, October 26, 2017, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. She was born November 29, 1962, the daughter of Barbara Maschino and Everett Main Sr.

Kim’s was a good friend to all and was very loving and accepting of others. She had a deep faith in God. Kim was an excellent cook and loved cooking for her kids and grandkids (especially the family recipe of spaghetti and meatballs).

Over the years Kim enjoyed playing bingo with her mother, family and friends. Kim was a shining star, sharing her light and love generously with all who crossed her path. She was particularly fond of Tobey Keith and his music. Kim worked as a CRMA for many years. She genuinely loved and cared for everyone she worked with. Patients often asked for her specifically to care for them.

Kim was predeceased by her father Everett P. Main Sr.

She is survived by her children, Brandy Dickens and finance Stephen Lewis, of Belgrade, Alex Soucy and wife Christina Soucy, of China, Justin Main and finance Carissa Bergeron, of Kennebunkport; her mother, Barbara Maschino, and stepfather Richard Maschino, of Pittston; siblings, Everett (Butch) Main, Jr., of Bath, Cindy Lyford, of Augusta, Auta Main and wife Marianne Roth, of Gardiner, Randall Main and wife Louise Lamarque Main, of Pittston, Melody Main and wife Brenda Greczkowski Adler, of Hallowell, Kevin Main and wife Judy Wilson Main, of Topsham, Tina Dewsnap and husband Arthur (Rusty) Dewsnap III, of Dresden and Kim Abbott and husband David Abbott, of Gardiner. Kim is also, survived by seven grandchildren.

The family has designated the American Cancer Society for memorial contributions.

China town officials honor retiring selectboard member Joann Austin

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Joann Clark Austin

Joann Clark Austin

Joann Clark Austin has devoted a significant part of her adult life to public service, approximating 25 years of serving, volunteering or in an elected public office position. Her last day in public office will be on November 1, 2017. Joann’s “getting involved” has had a fundamental meaning to her; a genuine concern for her local community expressed in working for its betterment and caring for those in need within it and having the consciousness of a concerned citizen; the consciousness of a town mother or town father.

This idea of hers, being a town mother, incorporates a sense of understanding how one’s interests are reliant upon the community as a whole. Traditionally the town mother or town father concerned themselves with the investment each had made in the community, whether in public office, business or family. Their (town mothers and town fathers) time and energy were tied to a community in some way.

Joann believes the investment of oneself in community requires an individual to see how her/his personal interests relate directly to community and its members and also to have information on the community and how its needs fit into larger political contexts such as the state of Maine or the nation. To have such information about one’s community in these contexts, Joann believes it requires civil practices that allow for shared conversations on what is the common good. This motivation of Ms. Austin, to perform public service, is driven within a moral context to make the world a better place. Indeed, Joan Clark Austin has made this local community a better place over a long and rewarding life of information gathering on community, many conversations, and service to others. Joann, on behalf of all the citizens in the Town of China, we are GRATEFUL.

/s/ Dan L’Heureux, China Town Manager
/s/ Select Board members Chairman Neil Farrington, Irene Belanger, Ronald Breton, Jeffrey LaVerdiere

China has two soccer champs

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China Middle School girls’ soccer team

The China Middle School girls and the China Middle school boys won their respective 2017 Sheepscot Valley Athletic conference championship games played on October 23. Above, the China Clippers girls soccer team, coached by Carl Peterson, defeated Palermo in a very close game, 3-2. The China Clipper boys soccer team, below, coached by Colby Foster, won with a 3-0 shutout against St. Michaels School, of Augusta. Schools that participate in the SVAC are China, Windsor, St. Michael’s, Vassalboro, Palermo, Chelsea, Temple Academy, of Waterville, and Whitefield. Contributed photos

China Middle School boys’ soccer team

Week of October 26, 2017

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Week of October 26, 2017

Local businesses team up to help veterans in need

For the past three years Penny’s Barbershop in Augusta has sponsored initiatives to help veterans in need. In those three years, she and her team have raised closed to $10,000 to help veterans. This year her goal is to raise at least $3,500. All of the money she raises goes either directly to veterans or to organizations that directly support veterans. The goal for this year, set at $3,500, is for a distinct purpose. $3,500 is the exact amount that is required to provide one fully-trained service dog to a veteran requiring such help or support. Both the service dog and training are fully covered for the veteran. Once an application is received… [read more…]

Your Local News

Eagle Scout project in South China

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School Board members discuss dissolution of AOS #92

Junkyard/hobbyist permits granted by selectmen

Next year is China’s Bicentennial Anniversary!
Help us celebrate by sharing your stories about China History. Photos, too!

Send your story, with name, phone, or email, to townline@fairpoint.net or P.O. Box 89 Jonesbrook Crossing, So. China, ME 04358. FMI: 445-2234.  Town Line Contact page.

Eight candidates seek three seats on selectboard; two running for planning board

Candidate Howe defends position in legal controversy with town

Fairfield PAL senior division champions

Senior night at Lawrence High School

Food drive/Grammy nomination/Voter turnout

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For Your HealthHelp For People With Problem Perspiration

I’m Just Curious: Sorry, Christmas is coming!

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by Debbie Walker

You know how sometimes you think you have things figured out and you are happy? And then “Whoops!” things change. That is Christmas for me.

I need to give you some background here before we go on. When my grandkids got to be about nine or 10 years old I stopped buying gifts. They were getting to an age where I just didn’t even want to try to figure out what to get. I didn’t know their music or if they were fussy about what they wore, and I was around them a great deal of the time! It was at that time that I switched over to gifting them an experience.

We all lived in Florida (they still do) so coming up with places for them to visit was easy. I think their favorite was the Museum of Science.

When they (granddaughter and grandson) got to be 14 or 15 I decided to change things up a little. I had certain gadgets and other kitchen items that I really like to use so I decided I was going to start buying that kind of stuff for the kids. I figured before too many years went by they would be going out on their own. I started picking up kitchen items and holiday decorations. I bought the same for both of them; some of the items I got in thrift stores and Dollar Tree. And… I wrapped them all in aluminum foil (kitchen theme!) The following year they even had a use for the foil, rolled it all into a big ball and bounced it through the house till just before the next Christmas.
I picked up those kinds of things all year. I don’t think I ever enjoyed gifting quite so much! The kids appeared to have fun with that Christmas so I decided the next year would be done the same way. My daughter said she had overheard the kids telling friends about Christmas with Nana Daffy and, yes, they still call me that, but that’s words for another week!)

My living in Maine and they in Florida makes things a little difficult but… I talked to Tristin the other day about the possibility of a new computer. Before our conversation was over she had put her bid in for their old Christmas’. She explained to me that she didn’t need a computer but she would love some more “kitchen stuff.” Two days later I know exactly what I am going to send them!

So I know what I am doing for Christmas, I’m just curious if you know what you are going to do? Sorry but Christmas is coming. Thanks for reading! Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com, I love hearing from you! Don’t forget, check out our website!

Help For People With Problem Perspiration

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For Your Health

(NAPSI)—A common but hidden scourge, excessive perspiration is a serious medical condition called hyperhidrosis that affects nearly 367 million people.

Lisa Pieretti, executive director of the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHhS), notes, “The pressures of dealing with a ‘sweating problem’ around peers can be catastrophic to self-esteem and more. Too often, people become anxious about going to work, socializing with friends, or being out in public in general. But when those with hyperhidrosis receive support, understanding, and appropriate treatment, their lives can be dramatically changed.”

Consider these common myths:

Myth: Sweaty people are nervous.

Truth: People with hyperhidrosis sweat excessively regardless of mood, weather or activity.

Myth: Night sweats are a “female problem.”

Truth: Night sweats can be serious for anyone. Any changes in your pattern of sweating should be evaluated by a physician.

Myth: Antiperspirants are for underarms only.

Truth: You can use most antiperspirants nearly anywhere sweating is a problem. One of the most effective available without a prescription, Certain Dri, was specifically developed for people who suffer from excessive sweating.

If you produce excess perspiration, ask your doctor to help you to not just “know sweat” but achieve a more comfortable, happier life.

Learn more at www.SweatHelp.org.

Senior night at Lawrence High School

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Senior night took place on October 17 for the Lawrence High School, of Fairfield, soccer team. Members of the team make their way onto the field for their last game of the season.

Photo by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography

PAL senior division champions

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Front row, from left to right, Jaiden Berube, Cole Quirion, Gaige Martin, Brett Lawler, Jeremy Thompson, Colby Nadeau, Braden Littlefield, Preston Roy and Connor Brown. Middle row, Austin Rackleff, Wyatt Gamage, Nash Corson, Parker Higgins, Ryan MacArthur, Jason Palmer and Noah Grass. Back, Coach Joel Littlefield, coach Mel Higgins, coach Nick Nadeau, coach Mike Corson and coach Barry Quirion.

Fairfield PAL football Central Maine Pharmacy Wolves senior team captured the Senior Division championship with a 13-6 win over the Clinton Lions on October 22.

Photo courtesy of Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography