China selectmen issue ballot question summary

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The China board of selectmen has issued the following summary of ballot questions for residents to use when deciding on how to vote. It is a refinement that is intentionally brief because of the amount of information.

Question 1. Shall amendments to the “Town of China Solid Waste Flow Control Ordinance” be enacted?

Question 2. Shall amendments to the “Town of China Solid Waste Disposal Ordinance” be enacted?
The Select Board asked the Transfer Station Committee to review and update the town’s dated ordinances, to reflect current day realities in solid waste processing.

Question 3. Shall amendments to the “Town of China LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE,” Chapter 2, LAND USE ORDINANCE and Chapter 11, DEFINITIONS be enacted?

The Planning Board reviewed the town’s respective sections of the China Land Development Code and proposed specific changes to reflect current State Law.

Question 4. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the municipal officers/Select Board to acquire land, more specifically described as Map 38, Lot 010-C, and further to appropriate $12,000 from the town’s Unassigned/Unrestricted Fund Balance for the acquisition of the land and further to authorize the Select Board to execute said transaction as they deem in the best interest of the Town of China.

The town has an opportunity to purchase a parcel of land adjacent to the town office property at a reduced price, assessed value of $21,000. The property would allow the town to determine use of adjacent property. It could be incorporated in the town’s long term plan for a community center or any other centralized concept plan.

Question 5. To see if the Town will vote to accept an unconditional gift of land from Wachusett Properties, Inc., more specifically described as Map 63, Lot 008 in the town’s tax map records and located off Lakeview Drive, and further to authorize the Select Board to accept a Warranty or Quit Claim Deed on behalf of the town for said described and gifted property.

Wachusett Properties, Inc. intends to unconditionally gift a 38 acre parcel (13 lot subdivision) to the town. Conversations about use of the land focused on a potential future relocation of an emergency services building from the Causeway Road to this site. The remaining unused land could be sold; the town’s cost basis $0.00.

Question 6. To see if the Town will vote to create a Transfer Station Capital and Equipment Account in the Town of China Reserve Fund and to appropriate the Town of Palermo’s $18,000 Annual Town Contribution for the use of the China Transfer Station for the Account; the Account established for the purpose of major capital purchases or repairs of transfer station buildings and equipment, the funds in which may be used upon a majority vote of a quorum of the Select Board; and further, said appropriation of the Town of Palermo Annual Town Contribution to the Account to continue through the length of the multiple-year agreement (initial 17 year agreement with three 5-year options) between the towns of China and Palermo for Palermo residents’ use of the China transfer station.

The Town of Palermo will contribute $18,000 annually toward the capital maintenance and replacement needs at the China Transfer Station. The Select Board felt it important to dedicate those annual contributions to a China Transfer Station Capital and Equipment Account that would ultimately fund capital equipment and maintenance over the long term, helping to stabilize the town’s mil rate. The additional per bag costs for Palermo residents would accrue to the China general fund and would adjust if China’s cost of operations increases.

Question 7. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate an amount up to $3,800 from the Unassigned/Unrestricted Fund Balance to conduct a community needs assessment relating to the understanding of the challenges facing older residents as they age in China.

A recent demographic study of China indicates the general average population age to be increasing significantly. The funds requested would take a deeper dive into the needs of the community that might allow residents to “age in place”, that is, to remain in their own homes as long as possible, or move to nearby housing in China if made available to them.

Question 8. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Municipal Officers/Select Board to appropriate an additional $5,000 from Unrestricted/Undesignated Fund Balance for police services.
The town is experiencing a significant increase in calls regarding speeding and nuisance activities. The current low budget of approximately $11,000 for policing services is not sufficient to respond appropriately. The additional funds will provide for additional policing details to augment our community policing program.

Question 9. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate $100,000 from the Unassigned/Unrestricted Fund Balance for the Municipal Capital and Equipment Account of the Reserve Fund (established for the purpose of major capital repairs and purchasing and/or repairing vehicles to be used for snow plowing, grading, transfer station operations, and other public purposes), the funds in which may be used upon a majority vote of a quorum of the Select Board.

The town has significant investments in capital structures and equipment; over $1,300,000 in emergency services equipment, winter maintenance equipment and transfer station equipment. The Municipal Capital and Equipment Account, used to do major repairs to and replace that equipment has a low balance and would be able to accommodate most circumstances with this added amount to the account. It is seen as a good long term planning step in financing.

Question 10. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to sell to the South China Public Library a Portable Classroom owned by the town for $1.00 and costs incurred by the town associated with the moving of the portable, said portable to be used for library purposes; offer by the town to the South China Public Library to be valid for 60 days after town vote, if passed; and further to authorize the Select Board to execute the sale and transfer of the portable to the South China Public Library under such terms and conditions as the Select Board deems in the best interest of the Town of China.

The town recently acquired this Portable Classroom from RSU#18 for $1 and moving/relocation costs. The Board feels that repurposing this unit for use by the South China Library would be appropriate.

Question 11. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $50,000 from the Development Program Fund (established through revenues received from the Central Maine Power/China Lake Tax Increment Financing District and Development Program) for the purpose of Trails Maintenance and Bridge Capital Projects/Repairs associated with the China Four Seasons Club Trails Program; said maintenance and capital projects of the Four Seasons Club to be done on the CMP Powerline in the current fiscal year.

A main purpose of a Tax Increment Financing Program is economic development. A focus of China’s TIF Program application included trails maintenance. This request is directly related to economic development and will be used to repair trails.

Question 12. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Municipal Officers/Select Board to acquire land, more specifically described as Map 63 Lot 059-A, and further to appropriate an amount up to $10,000 from the Development Program Fund, (established through revenues received from the Central Maine Power/China Lake Tax Increment Financing District and Development Program) for the purpose of acquiring the property, and further to authorize the Select Board to execute said transaction as they deem in the best interest of the Town of China.

The town is considering economic development opportunities on the Causeway Road and this property would provide better options for the town. The improvements would positively affect pedestrian safety, lake quality, and recreational activities and also improve the aesthetics in the local area. The property to be purchased would be integral to a comprehensive Causeway Road improvement.

Palermo Community Center celebrates 20 years

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Submitted by Connie Bellet

It’s not too often that a small, “kitchen table” foundation manages to make it to age 20, much less serve a broad area encompassing four counties. Moreover, the original founders, the late John Potter, Ted Bigos, Jim Osier, Dennis Sturgis, and Herb Flint, had different ideas about which community needs the Palermo Community Foundation would address. For a brief time, it was the Palermo Community Health Center and later housed Palermo Online, a community internet provider run by Mike and Sheila McCarty. Feelers were put out to house a library, but the building proved inadequate for the weight of that many books.

The bounty of the community garden in full bloom. Photo by Connie Bellet

The bounty of the community garden in full bloom.
Photo by Connie Bellet

Nonetheless, the original idea of providing a community meeting space for social bonding, education, art, and music was written into the bylaws and continues today. To date, the foundation, which is now known as the Living Communities Foundation, has never accepted any tax money and is totally supported by the people it serves. All of the people who help make up the board of directors and “staff” are volunteers. That situation is also unique, considering how much work it takes to manage and maintain a building constructed of donated materials and built largely by very talented volunteers. This is why there are no “business hours,” as such. The Community Center, which is located on Turner Ridge Road across from the ball field, is open by appointment (call Connie at 993-2294 or e-mail pwhitehawk@fairpoint.net) or for various meetings and events.

 

Volunteers Peter Nerber Jr., right, and Marina Grant, sorting vegetables for the food pantry. Below, members of the Great ThunderChicken Drum. The drum meets every Tuesday evening from 7 - 9 p.m. and is open to all. Photo by Connie Bellet

Volunteers Peter Nerber Jr., right, and Marina Grant, sorting vegetables for the food pantry. Below, members of the Great ThunderChicken Drum. The drum meets every Tuesday evening from 7 – 9 p.m. and is open to all.
Photo by Connie Bellet

For the last five years, the Community Center has hosted the Palermo Food Pantry every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to noon. For nine years, the center has sponsored a potluck dinner-and-a-movie on the last Friday of the month. This month’s feature is “Cracking Your Genetic Code ” on October 28. The Great ThunderChicken Drum meets on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m., for a rousing, yet soothing, practice session and welcomes newcomers. On October 26 at 6 p.m., Jock Robie will join the Waldo Organic Growers to harvest worm castings and maintain worm bins. The Community Center has also been used for classes in biblical scripture and American sign language, as well as for weddings, Thanksgiving dinners, musical concerts, and computer classes. The foundation gave away some 300 refurbished computers to disabled seniors and students, and sponsored four Palermo World’s Fairs, with exotic foods and entertainment from many cultures. There is also a large community garden with 32 raised beds that helps to supply the food pantry.

All told, there are many reasons to help support the Living Communities Foundation. The building does need a new roof, and any amount would be received with great appreciation. Donations may be sent to LCF, care of Connie Bellet, P.O. Box 151, Palermo ME 04354. Food may be dropped off on Tuesday mornings before 10:30 a.m. Many thanks go to Joel and Annalisa Miller of Wild Miller Farm, to Good Shepherd Food Bank and to Hannafords for their support.

Phil White Hawk, Cindy Keller, Tom Thornton III, and Laura Sullivan. Standing, Mike Dunn and Judy Thornton

Front row, from left to right, Phil White Hawk, Cindy Keller, Tom Thornton III, and Laura Sullivan. Standing, Mike Dunn and Judy Thornton. Absent from photo is Connie Bellet.

Week of October 13, 2016

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China Village postmaster retires after 32-year career

Priscilla Adams ended her 32-year career with the United States Postal Service Sept. 30. Her last day as China Village Postmaster was followed Oct. 1 by a retirement party organized by her husband Scott that gave another 100 or so friends and relatives a chance to wish her happiness.  Retirement is bittersweet, Adams said. She looks forward to time for herself, to work in her garden and to take day trips, starting with the Fryeburg Fair Oct. 3. She expects to watch more of her grandsons’ basketball games in southern Maine – and, she said happily, “If it’s a blizzard out and I don’t feel like coming home, I don’t have to.” […]

Waterville Art Society honors founders

Selectmen appoint new police chief

Selectmen take no action on potential senior services

IM JUST CURIOUS THUMBWeekend in southern Maine

Effort underway to improve cottontail habitat

Marilyn Rogers-Bull & PercySOLON  & BEYOND, Week of October 13, 2016

If Walls Could TalkIF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of October 13, 2016

Group holds celebrity dinner to benefit crisis center

Singers: Leslie Caron & Mel Ferrer; Composer: Walter Piston; Singer: Linda Ronstadt

Other News

Vassalboro: Planners approve indoor licensed marijuana growing facility

TIF meeting rescheduled

Colby-Sawyer welcomes new students to campus

Other News

Kennebec Historical Society to hear Lincoln Paine on Kennebec History

China Library Association plans annual meeting

Kennebec Historical Society to hear Lincoln Paine on Kennebec History

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In this talk, maritime historian Lincoln Paine will use the history of the Kennebec River as a lens through which to examine Maine and American history since the pre-Columbian period. Examining the different ways that people have approached the Kennebec over time provides us with a new way of reading and understanding the history of the United States and its people. Abenaki culture was deeply informed by the way that people related to the Kennebec, which also helped shape patterns of exploration and settlement by early European settlers and the subsequent commercial and industrial development of the late colonial and post-independence period.

While the Kennebec has often been viewed in terms of its importance to navigation – both for shuttling goods and people between the hinterland and the sea, as well as for shipbuilding – it has also been a source of industrial power, a conveyor belt for the lumber industry, a source of harvested ice, and latterly a showcase for environmental restoration. In this respect, the many uses of the Kennebec offer a periodization of history that affords us a more nuanced appreciation of how Maine and the United States developed.

Lincoln Paine is a maritime historian, author, editor, and curator whose books include the award-winning The Sea and Civilization: A Maritime History of the World (2013), Down East: A Maritime History of Maine (2000), and Ships of the World: An Historical Encyclopedia (1997).

The Kennebec Historical Society October Presentation is free to the public (donations gladly accepted) and will take place on Wednesday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Augusta City Center, located at 16 Cony Street in Augusta.

Legal Notices, Week of 13, 2016

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Pursuant to the Order of Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale docketed in Skowhegan District Court on 06 July 2016, Docket Number SKOWDC-RE-15-00084, in an action brought by Timothy and Nancy Ames, against Lisa M. and Michael S. Heaton, Defendants for the foreclosure of the Land Installment Contract recorded in the Somerset County Registry of Deeds in Book 4987, Page 64, the statutory ninety (90) day period having elapsed without redemption on 04 October 2016, notice is hereby given that there will be sold at public sale on 14 November 2016 at 1:00 pm, at the offices of O’Donnell, Lee, McCowan & Phillips, LLC, 112 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine, all and singular the Premises described in said Mortgage.

The property to be sold is located at 11 Benjamin Way, Madison, Maine. Madison Tax Map and Lot: 007-56-B. For a more particular description please refer to the Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale recorded in the Somerset County Registry of Deeds in Book 5063, Page 116, which description is incorporated herein.

Terms of Sale: The Premises will be sold to the highest bidder. The purchase price is payable as follows: Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) in certified funds payable to O’Donnell, Lee, McCowan & Phillips, LLC as a non-refundable, earnest money deposit; the balance in certified funds within thirty (30) days thereafter. The property is being sold AS IS, WHERE IS, WITHOUT RECOURSE and no representations are made as to the condition of the property. Seller expressly reserves the right to modify the terms of the sale set forth above and to add additional terms as it so wishes. Other terms and conditions of sale, including any modifications or additions of the terms set forth above will be announced at the time of the public sale.

Timothy A. Ames and Nancy E. Ames by attorneys O’DONNELL, LEE, MCCOWAN & PHILLIPS, LLC, Bryan B Ward, Esq., 112 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine 04901, (207) 872-0112.

(10/27)

Colby-Sawyer welcomes new students to campus

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Colby-Sawyer College, in New London, New Hampshire, welcomed 297 new students to campus, including first-year students, transfers and the college’s first cohort of graduate students set to earn a master’s of science in nursing.

Tiara Meng, of Athens, a member of the class of 2020 pursuing a B.S. in biology.

Haley Carver, of Sidney, a member of the class of 2020 pursuing a B.S. in nursing.

IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of October 13, 2016

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

WALLS and faithful readers, are we to be glad or frightened? Why the question? Well, I’ve just read much of a subject in National Geographic about what science is doing now. Then, my mind has been on a swing from the days I was in school and what was happening then and, heaven forbid, what is being discovered for the future. Well, maybe my mind is swinging into the long-long ago and happenings that took place as glaciers tore up the world and places have been created. Why do I know some of these things? Not from my schooldays, but from living in the midst of where changes took place. What’s more, even the recent Hurricane Matthew that swept through Florida’scoastal area and north have changed the world, a bit, as we learned it in school. No doubt about it, faithful readers, we have known so much change about so many things in our lifetime.

How many of you know about Herkimer diamond? Well, they’ve been called diamonds for centuries, but they really are not real diamonds, like one buys, unless, of course, you are in the market for what is known as a Herkimer diamond. Actually, I recently read an advertisement for jewelry made with Herkimer Diamonds. Somehow, I believe that those diamonds, big and small, were, maybe, made into what we used to call ‘jet’ necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets. Yes, one day, when we were living next to Herkimer, New York, the man who owned the antique store in the downtown called to me, as he had something for me. Wow! That he did! He gave me a rock that had the largest Herkimer diamond in it that I had ever imagined. What’s more, another Herkimer diamond, though smaller, accompanied it. He said he was going out of business and he wanted that Herkimer diamond to be mine, because I had done so much since moving to Little Falls, New York. Yes, we used to take our grandchildren to where Herkimer diamond ‘rocks’ were often found and they probably still have their ‘collections’….though the diamonds were tiny. Yes, WALLS and faithful readers, those diamonds were a result of the glacier’s slow movement through the part of our world which is now upstate New York.

Last Sunday, television told us about robots that will do what many folks do now. What an enlightening but frightening program. Yes, we already have driver-less automobiles and, Sunday night, we found that those developments are only ‘the tip of what is ahead in a few decades’.

Yes, faithful readers, WALLS will enlighten you in another column soon. The minds of our youth are working for us and our world. However, we must know where we’ve been to know where we are going.

I’m Just Curious: Weekend in southern Maine

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by Debbie Walker

I have pretty much decided a large number of people who live in Massachusetts run away from home on the weekends. Add to that a long weekend and the group grows.

I don’t think they are fall peepers because we were in a beach town. I don’t think the beach is the reason for their visit in October, however, I do believe there were some kayakers in the group.

There was a stretch of I-295 in Freeport with some pretty colors. This is probably the peak weekend for color and the rain that came in Saturday night will probably knock some of those beautiful colors to the ground.

Some of the people may have been there to visit the unique shops for their clearance prices, best prices of the season! I am sure the eateries were thrilled with all the customers as well.

I can’t believe that we were in a restaurant for an hour and a half before we even got seated: Drinks often lessen the stress of a long wait. That was true in this case.

You might wonder why someone with my attitude would even be there in all the rat race, wait a minute! I just realized something. I’ll bet a lot of these Massachusetts people were trying to escape their home rat race by coming to Maine and, TA DA, another rat race.

OK enough of that. We were in the rat race so that Ken could visit with three of his children. Joe’s (a son) family was the host. Ken visited with daughter, Chris, and another son, Kenny. At this point I believe we were into the third day of celebrating Ken’s 75th birthday.

The birthday started a day early with a trip for Ken and his friend, Carl, to the Owl’s Head Transportation Museum. I knew all things transportation related would be of interest to both and would be Carl’s birthday gift, as well.

Ken’s actual birthday, Friday, was cake and ice cream for both the guys, with family and friends popping in and out. Saturday morning began the trip to the rat race, ooopps, I mean to southern Maine where he visited three of his children and grandson, Joshua.

All in all, I think Ken had a pretty busy birthday and a lot of people enjoyed their Maine weekend! We hope you enjoyed yours as well.

For now I’M JUST CURIOUS, what gets you curious?

Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com subject line: Curiosity Have a great week!

Singers: Leslie Caron & Mel Ferrer; Composer: Walter Piston; Singer: Linda Ronstadt

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Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo

Sung by Leslie Caron and Mel Ferrer; side B, Lili and the Puppets, performed by Hans Sommer conducting the MGM Studio Orchestra; MGM K30759; seven-inch vinyl 45; recorded 1953.

Leslie Caron

Leslie Caron

This ‘45’ features the lovely Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo from the 1953 film, Lili, itself available on Youtube for viewing . Side B has the music for a ballet sequence during the story.

Caron was most famous for An American in Paris and Gigi and, in 2007, received an Emmy for her appearance on Law and Order: SVU. Now 85, she still does a guest role once or twice a year.

Piston: The Incredible Flutist

Mel Ferrer

Mel Ferrer

Copland: Appalachian Spring; Arthur Rother conducting the Symphony Orchestra of Berlin; Urania URLP 7092, 12-inch mono vinyl LP, released 1953.

A very fine conductor, Arthur Rother (1885-1972) was mainly steeped in 19th century German repertoire ranging from Beethoven to Richard Strauss, although he occasionally programmed works by Puccini, Britten, Tchaikovsky, etc. He was Director of the Berlin Deutsche Opera for at least a couple of decades and his name appears on many post-World War II radio broadcasts, transferred mainly to the Urania label and widely distributed here in the US. Finally and most importantly, despite working busily during the Hitler years, he also kept his hands clean.

Walter Piston

Walter Piston

This pair of important orchestral works by Walter Piston, who was born in Rockland, and Aaron Copland are given very exciting performances here and the LP frequently surfaces on Internet sites.

No cd transfer as of yet !!

Don’t Cry Now

Linda Ronstadt, Asylum SD 5064, 12-inch vinyl LP, recorded 1973.

Now 70, Linda Ronstadt has ended her singing career due to suffering from Parkinson’s disease. But for over 40 years, her singing career was one ravishing success after another.

After her short tenure with the Stone Poneys beginning in 1967 and the launching of a solo career two years later with two or three LPs of merit, she hit the motherlode with Don’t Cry Now. The album was, is and will remain a classic, as will Heart Like A Wheel which was released shortly after.
I reheard both of these recently after a number of years and found them still very listenable, although my tastes are quite different from the ‘70s, when I played them much too often and got sick of them.

Even now, I could happily shelve them for another 10 years .

Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt

I recently read that Ronstadt is a huge fan of Maria Callas recordings.

During the last two weeks, I have been working my way through the three seasons of Black List episodes on Roku. As far as I am concerned, Reddington is the most fascinating “hero” since Dexter and Justified’s Raylan Givens.

China Library Association plans annual meeting

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by Mary Grow

The China Library Association holds its annual meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library on Main Street in China Village. A business meeting including election of officers, amendments to the association bylaws and adoption of a budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year will be followed by discussion with Neil Farrington of plans for the 2018 celebration of the 200th anniversary of the creation of the Town Of China.

All residents interested in China’s local history are cordially invited to attend. Refreshments will be served.