Letters to the editor, Week of February 9, 2017

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Communication two-way street

To the editor:

After reading last week’s letter from John Glowa regarding Rep. Timothy Theriault’s failure to respond to questions about his five bills being presented during this legislative session, I felt prompted to share my experience.

Last fall, after reviewing Mr. Theriault’s legislative ‘score card’ on several websites, I was disappointed and puzzled by some of his decisions. On October 31, 2016 – in preparation for the following week’s elections – I sent him an e-mail asking if he could explain why he voted against LD 92 (Increase Minimum Wage to $8/hour), LD 319 (Expand Coverage for Reproductive Health Care & Family Services), LD 325 (Strengthen Recycling of Single-use Plastic Shopping Bags), LD 341 (Prevent Tax Haven Abuse), LD 633 (Provide Affordable Coverage Options to Low-income Uninsured Citizens), LD 977 (Improve Child Care), and LD 1165 (Toxic Chemical Protections in the Workplace). I also asked about LD 1378, which addressed the release of Land Management Funds; I wasn’t sure if he had voted to override the Governor’s 2016 veto, but hoped that when the amended version of the bill came up in January 2017, he would vote to release the funding which the citizens of Maine had already approved.

In addition, I asked why he supported LD 652 (Carry Concealed Handguns Without a Permit), LD 750 (Allow Regulated Metal Mining), and LD 1397 (Divert Timber Harvest Revenue to Affordable Heating).

After receiving no response and thinking perhaps he didn’t check or have access to his maine.gov e-mail when the Legislature was not in session, I forwarded my original request on November 10, 2016, to another address which I found on the town’s website. Although it was post-election, Mr. Theriault had been re-elected and I wanted to better understand his earlier voting history.

On November 28, I forwarded my e-mail yet again as I’d received no response nor any returns indicating the addresses I had used were not valid. On December 1, Rep. Theriault responded, asking for my phone number and a good time for him to call “to talk about my concerns.” On December 3, I sent him the information as requested and thanked him for contacting me.

Two months later, I have yet to hear from our representative. At this point, I do not want a telephone call from Mr. Theriault. If he feels inclined to respond, I would prefer he do so by e-mail, or better yet, to The Town Line so that its readers will also be informed of his voting rationale. Our elected officials need to remember that the process does not end with the tally of votes on election day. As representatives of their communities, I believe they should be responsive to inquiries of their constituents. We’re being encouraged to be more active and take an interest in our government, but communication is a two-way street.

Jayne Winters
South China

CHINA NEWS: Selectmen review and approve most of warrant

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by Mary Grow

China selectmen spent most of a long Feb. 6 meeting reviewing and approving a good part of the warrant for the March 25 town business meeting, to have it ready for budget committee action. The budget committee is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, in the town office.
Selectmen also:

  • Voted unanimously to support Rep. Tim Theriault’s LD 55, a proposed law which, if enacted, would charge Kennebec Water District water users a China Lake clean-up fee.
  • Appointed Thomas Michaud as the new at-large member of the planning board, succeeding Frank Soares.
  • Asked Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux to notify Marie Michaud that, acting on Maine Municipal Association advice, they have determined the petition she submitted last summer is invalid; they will neither act on it themselves nor send it to voters in March. The petition asked for a moratorium on commercial development until land use districts are established.

The town meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, March 25, at China Middle School. The warrant contains the usual municipal spending requests, including numerous requested appropriations from the TIF (Tax Increment Finance) fund, known formally as the Development Program Fund, and related items, like setting tax due dates; a repeat of several requests voters rejected Nov. 8, 2016; and two new items.

The first new item is a request for up to $40,000 to compensate emergency services personnel (firefighters and medical first responders), under a policy to be developed by selectmen. Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux presented information from Albion, Vassalboro and Windsor, which all compensate their volunteers in different ways.

After a long discussion, a majority of the board voted to include the article and recommend its passage, with Ronald Breton abstaining and Joann Austin opposed. Breton said he supports the concept, but wants a policy in place before funding it; Austin objected to having no time to digest the information from other towns.

The other new proposal, from L’Heureux, is to establish a designated unemployment account in the town’s reserve fund and put $10,000 in it to fund unemployment claims. The manager explained that having the fund would eliminate the need to appropriate money for unemployment insurance annually and put it back into reserve when it is not needed.

Items repeated from the Nov. 8 local ballot include the manager’s request for more money for the capital equipment reserve fund, two amended solid waste ordinances and the planning board’s proposed amendments to the Land Use Ordinance. Planning board members were scheduled to decide at their Feb. 7 meeting whether to present their amendments as a single document or to divide them into separate articles.

The next regular China selectmen’s meeting would have been on the Presidents’ Day holiday; it is rescheduled to 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23.

Clinton students hold Souper Bowl food drive

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Clinton Elementary School students held their annual “Souper Bowl Food Drive” from January 30 – February 3, which was the week leading up to the NFL Super Bowl. Classrooms were evenly divided into two teams. Donations were counted by the student council members daily and posted on a paper scoreboard in the lobby. This year’s collection exceeded all others as they collected 947 items as a school. The staff at the Clinton Town Office also donated, putting the total collected over 1,000 items. In photo, student council included, front row, from left to right, Cameron Stewart, Max Begin and Kylie Delile. Second row, Hailey Bowley, Kyra Henry and Matt Stubenrod. Back, Makenzie Nadeau, Cylie Henderson and Lucas Campbell.

Photo courtesy of Marcia Buck, student council advisor and librarian

Albion youth attains Eagle Scout status

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

On December 28, 2016, Jacob Lennon, of Albion, joined the ranks of Eagle Scout, making him one of the last group of Eagles in the nation in 2016. Jacob is a member of Boy Scout Troop #446, in Albion.

Eagle Scout Jacob Lennon. Photo courtesy of Charles Mahaleris

The 18-year-old Lawrence High School senior, in Fairfield, began his scouting career when he was in the fourth grade.

Jacob was recently nominated, by Maine U.S. Senator Angus King, to attend one of the U.S. military academies. Jacob’s preference is the U.S. Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Maryland, where he would aspire to become a marine engineer.

Jacob’s other interests include football, weightlifting, hunting, trapping and fishing.

For his community project, Jacob chose to construct three small free libraries to help encourage reading and give people who can’t get to a library a chance to leave a book for others or borrow a book right in their respective neighborhood.

“In the fall of 2016, Jacob generously provided the town of Fairfield with three extraordinary Give a Book, Take a Book structures,” said Fairfield Town Manager, Michelle Flewelling. “They have become a great addition to our neighborhoods.”

Flewelling coordinated everything through the town, suggesting where the book libraries should be located, made arrangements with Central Maine Power’s Dig Safe program, and placed markers out for Jacob.

The project took 47 hours to complete, and Jacob received the help of troop leader Mathew Dow and Melanie Pellerin, along with fellow members of his Boy Scout troop. His grandfather, Henry Carter, spent a lot of time helping him with the project as well.

The libraries are located at Mill Island Park, on Mill Island, the playground next to the Fairfield Community Center, on Water St., and at Memorial Park, on the corner of High and Elm streets.

Building supplies for the three kiosks were donated by Lakeview Lumber, in China, Hammond Lumber, in Fairfield, and McCormick Lumber, in Winslow. Country Clipper, in Albion, made a cash donation to cover the cost of all other materials.

One of the Give a Book, Take a Book kiosks built by Eagle Scout Jacob Lennon, of Albion, as his community project. Photo courtesy of Michelle Flewelling

Jacob is the son of Tanya Lennon, of Albion.

Week of February 2, 2017

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Week of February 2, 2017

Catching up on Your Best Shots:
Local camera buffs submitted many good photos in 2016

Check out these amazing photos taken by our residents! […]

Albion Lions to host fishing derby

Special town meeting no go

The Making of a “Miracle” Drink

IM JUST CURIOUS THUMBWisdom?

Marilyn Rogers-Bull & PercyWeek of February 2, 2017

If Walls Could TalkWeek of February 2, 2017

Disagree with obit

Selectmen OK letter to KWD seeking support for Alewife Restoration Initiative

“I know who you are and where you live…”  – The Internet

Pages In TimeConclusion: Growing up in Augusta…priceless!

Review PotpouriOrchestra leader: Billy Vaughn; Country artist: Chuck Reed; Recording artist: Tony Martin

Groundhog says six more weeks of winter…maybe

Hitting the mat in Winslow

Other News

Students named to U. of Vermont dean’s list

Emmanuel announces fall 2016 dean’s list

KHS presents Forts Along the Kennebec

Other News

Colby College students named to dean’s list

MCS essay contest announced

Give Us Your Best Shot! (compilation) Week of February 2, 2017

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Catching up on Your Best Shots:
Local camera buffs submitted many good photos in 2016

Pat Clark, in Palermo, captured this raven in a tree behind her home.

 

Betty Dunton, of Gardiner, took this foliage photo last fall.

 

Susan Lohnes, of China, took this photo in Canmore, Alberta, Canada.

 

Emily Poulin, of China, photographed these water droplets on a spider web.

 

Tina Richard, of Clinton, snapped this female hummingbird on a branch.

 

Eric Austin, of China, captured this beautiful sunset last fall.

 

David Bolduc, of Waterville, snapped this trestle of flowers last summer.

 

Susie True, of Chelsea, caught this chipmunk eating some jelly.

 

Bob Poulin, of Winslow, snapped this chipmunk playing hide-and-seek from a rain downspout.

Hitting the mat in Winslow

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Winslow Youth Wrestling team member Ben Ireland, 9, of Sidney, wrestles at the Raider Rumble Tournament on Jan. 29

 

Noah Young, 9, of Fairfield in action at the tournament.

 

Winslow wrestler Troy Hachey, right, 11, of Sidney, battles with Skowhegan team member Caden Trask, 12, from Oakland.

Photos by Mark Huard,
owner Central Maine Photography

Groundhog says six more weeks of winter…maybe

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Well, it’s Wednesday, February 1, the next issue of The Town Line is due to hit the streets tomorrow, and my deadline is fast approaching. Tomorrow is Groundhog day and I have not yet visited by little friend, Woodrow Charles, the weather prognosticating groundhog. So, I dressed and headed out. Fortunately, there isn’t very much snow on the ground, but a light snow was falling. The footing was not all that great. The rain has frozen the snow and it was a little slippery.

I finally reached the woodchuck’s lair, and like every year for the last 13 years, smoke is billowing from the chimney, and lights are on inside.

Instantly, I realized, since a woodchuck can live up to eight years, that would make Woody about 144 years old in human years. Amazing!”

I knock on the door, and Woody answered quickly.

“Come on in,” he said.

I noticed a suitcase near the door. “Going somewhere?” I asked, not expecting an answer.

“Headed to Houston.”

“What’s in Houston?”

“Super Bowl, my boy,” he responded. “I’m meeting some prairie dog cousins for the big game.”

“I thought they built a wall to keep you guys out,” I inquired.

“They can contain us, but they can’t stop us. We’re gonna tunnel under it.”

“Do you know anything about football?”

“I know that the Patriots and the Falcons’ offenses are comparable, but the Patriots’ defense is superior. It doesn’t matter that Atlanta has the No. 1 rated offense. Remember the St. Louis Rams’ vaunted “greatest show on turf” offense? Where did that get them? The Patriots held them to 17 points in 2002.”

“So, do you have a prediction?” I asked.

“Yes. Patriots 34-27.”

“No, no,” I interjected. “I’m talking about the rest of the winter. It is Groundhog Day,” I retorted.

“It’s getting more difficult to predict the weather with the way things have gone over the last 30 – 35 years,” Woody responded.

“What do you mean by that,” as I tried to pin him down for more information.

“The winters don’t seem to be as harsh.”

“So, you’re saying that climate change exists.”

“You’d have to be an idiot if you don’t think so,” he darted back.

I pushed further. “And you have the evidence to back that up, that climate change exists.”

“I wouldn’t exactly say that. Just call it alternate facts,” he replied.

“You mean like fake news,” I asked.

“Something like that,” he answered.

“So, do you have a prediction, and I don’t mean the Super Bowl.”

“Okay, okay, if you insist. I have been checking my equipment, although I know you don’t believe me. I do have another life, you know.”

“I have an obligation to my readers,” I tried to convince him. “They deserve it.”

“All my science seems to point to coldest temperatures in early to mid-February and early March, with the snowiest period in mid-February and into early and mid-March.”

“Sounds to me like March will come in like a lion, meaning it will go out like a lamb,” I summized.

“You can say that,” he replied. “But I’m going to come to the conclusion that we’re looking at six more weeks of winter, although maybe not harsh,” Woody answered.

At first I was going to debate it with him, based on the information I gathered from Mother Nature’s other weather forecasters last fall, but I couldn’t really argue with him. He has been right 85 percent of the time.

KHS presents Forts Along the Kennebec

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From 1676 and into the 18th century, much of Maine, including the Kennebec River region, was abandoned by the English due to a series of colonial Indian wars.

In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht afforded a sufficient promise of peace for settlers to return to the frontier of Maine. The lands along the Kennebec were owned by various groups of proprietors who wished to sell these lands to settlers. To secure the frontier and more importantly make the settlers feel secure, a series of four forts were built along the Kennebec between 1720 and 1754. This talk will discuss the history and archaeology of these forts.

Leon (Lee) Cranmer, the speaker, is an historical archaeologist who retired in August 2010 from the staff of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission. He has a BS from Stockton University, and a BA in anthropology and MA in history/historical archaeology from the University of Maine. Lee has worked in archaeology in Maine for almost 30 years and has conducted archaeology for the state of Maine for well over 20 years. Prior to that he spent two seasons in England doing archaeology. He has written one book and numerous articles on Maine historical archaeology and is currently working on another book on Fort Halifax, a French and Indian War period fort in Winslow. He has excavated hundreds of Maine sites for which he has written or co-authored site reports. Prior to his archaeology career, Lee spent seven years in the Navy and is a Vietnam veteran. He lives in Somerville with his wife, Liz.

The Kennebec Historical Society February presentation is free to the public (donations gladly accepted) and will take place on Wednesday, February 15, at 6:30 p.m., at the Maine State Library, 230 State Street, in Augusta.

IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of February 2, 2017

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

Y’know, WALLS, I guess one has to live through local history for as many years as I have to be able to share historic happenings.

Yup, I just got discharged from Skowhegan’s Redington-Fairview Memorial Hospital after a week’s stay and I just have to write to all you faithful readers how fortunate you are to have such an outstanding wellness center in our river city.

Yes, I remember the home of Margaret Chase Smith and her husband Clyde H’s being in the location of our present hospital, while Skowhegan’s first hospital had been across from our Free Public Library, that is before the Redington Hospital was located at 234 Madison Avenue. Yes, first the Smith House was purchased to become the Osteopathic Hospital, in Skowhegan, and, after several years, the hospital at 234 Madison Avenue moved to the original Bloomfield area of Skowhegan and grew and grew until it is presently “what you see.”

Now it is time for accolades to Redington -Fairview General Hospital’s CEO “Dick” Willette and his board of directors for assuring that Skowhegan has only the best of care and comfort for its patients.

Yes, WALLS, you usually take liberties allowed by Roland Hallee, managing editor of The Town Line with regards to word count, but surely you faithful readers will excuse this short column this week. Another time, I’ll elaborate more on my experiences, but for this time, I simply have to say that the ambulance driver and caregivers were extremely tolerant of my pain all the way from East Madison to the hospital, and their fast action allowed my remembering the ambulance’s entering the doors at the hospital and, from that moment, I was cared for but remember nothing until I was returned to my assigned room, hours later.

At this time, I can merely say so many thanks to all who put me through the surgery I needed, for their wonderful care for the seven days I spent there. The surgeons, the doctors, the RNs and CNAs, the physical therapists and the food that was prepared in the kitchen was truly outstanding! We are so fortunate to have had the foresight and caring of all involved in wellness for the Skowhegan area.

It is true that WALLS must make sure Katie does her breathing exercises and walks a bit before heading back to her chair, and WALLS promise more later, but, in the meantime, faithful readers, be thankful that Redington-Fairview General Hospital is for all of us and our care.