SCORES & OUTDOORS: Incoming! Excitement builds for the return of ice giants

An iceberg floats past a village in Newfoundland. (photo by Terrance Klassen)

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

A strange phenomenon occurs every spring in the north Atlantic. Large icebergs come floating down the south shore near Ferryland, Newfoundland, Canada. People journey to the site – some traveling thousands of miles – to see this spectacle.

For the locals, it’s no big deal. But for others, seeing them for the first time, it’s a breath taking sight.

Slowly, an entire flotilla of massive chunks of ice several stories high gradually make their way south from Greenland.

Most years, hundreds of icebergs break off from glaciers and their one- to three-year nomadic journey begins. If the winds are favorable enough, they reach “iceberg alley,” an area of the Atlantic that roughly stretches from the coastal waters off Labrador, in Canada, south along Newfoundland.

In 2019, 1,500 icebergs were sighted.

Meteorological and oceanographic conditions – wind direction, ocean currents and air and sea temperatures – play a role and impact the flow of the icebergs, determining how big a show Mother Nature will put on each year, according to the U.S. Coast Guard International Ice Patrol, which monitors the area off Labrador and Newfoundland for icebergs.

The icebergs have become a major attraction, giving rise to some iceberg tourism and delivering lucky spectators with a front-row seat to an unusual parade.

Tour boats actually venture out for a closer look at any number of the many icebergs. However, they never get too close in case the icebergs continue to break up.

Speaking of boats, could it be possible that one of these giant icebergs was responsible for the sinking of the RMS Titanic? The sea disaster happened on April 14, 1912, in the north Atlantic when the British luxury passenger cruise liner collided with an iceberg off the coast of Newfoundland. The timing would be right.

These gigantic icebergs in Greenland can reach up to 300-feet above sea level. That, plus most of the icebergs are not visible, with 90 percent of an iceberg’s size beneath the surface. Some take on odd shapes as they melt, even looking like ice castles by the time they pass along the Canadian shore.

As many enjoy the icebergs and all of what they have to offer, some are concerned, hoping that future generations will be able to marvel at these giants of nature as many do today.

They should be enjoyed while they last, with the current climate changes, there’s no guarantee we’ll see this spectacle in years go come.

Where to Watch

Iceberg Alley stretches from the coast of Labrador to the southeast coast of the island of Newfoundland. Some of the more popular places from shore, or from tour boats, are (from north to south): St. Lewis, Battle Harbour, Red Bay, Point Amour, St. Anthony, La Scie, Twillingate, Fogo Island, Change Islands, Bonavista, St. John’s / Cape Spear, and Bay Bulls / Witless Bay. All of these locations are accessible by road. The first four, which are on the coast of southern Labrador, can be accessed by car ferry from the island of Newfoundland year round. The further north, the longer the iceberg season.

Time of Year

The icebergs come through Iceberg Alley from spring to early summer. As you move north, the season stretches a bit longer. April and May are the months when bergs are most plentiful, but they may be locked up in sea ice, so it is suggested late May and early June for best viewing.

Are you planning a vacation to Newfoundland, yet?

So, you thought he was wrong

I’ve heard it, and even half expected it. Back on February 2, my weather prognosticating groundhog, Woodrow Charles, predicted six more weeks of winter. Everyone snickered when March came in like a lamb, and the weather just continued to improve as the month went on, to the point that by the first day of spring, there was not a snowflake to be found anywhere. My crocuses and tulips are up, my rhubarb had broken ground, even my lilac tree showed some buds. My friend the groundhog had been wrong. And then came March 23. Six weeks following February 2, a major snow occurrence, and March is going out like a lion.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

This New England Patriots QB holds the team record for most passing yards in a season. Who is he?

Answer
Drew Bledsoe 4,555 in 1994.

Area scout leaders recognized for efforts in reorganizations

From left to right, Sabrina Garfield, Christopher Santiago, and Jamie Santiago receive their James D. Boyce New Unit Organizer Awards at the Kennebec Valley District Scouting Recognition Dinner, held on March 24, at the Winslow Parks and Recreation Hall. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

William D. Boyce signed the papers to make the Boy Scouts of America official at exactly 11:03 a.m., on February 8, 1910. On March 24, volunteers from across the area gathered at the Winslow Parks and Recreation Hall to honor three Scouting leaders who helped get two new Scouting programs off the ground to benefit their respective communities. Sabrina Garfield, of Winslow, and Christopher and Jamie Santiago, of Vassalboro, were recognized for restarting Cub Scout Packs #445 and #410, respectively, in 2022 and keeping them active and vibrant. The award they received was named for Chicago publisher William D. Boyce.

William D. Boyce was in London in 1909 when he got lost in the fog. Out of the fog stepped a “little lad of 12” who offered to help him find his way. Boyce tried to give the youngster a tip, but the boy refused, saying he was just doing his Good Turn as a Scout. Boyce was intrigued by the Scout Movement, which had begun in 1907 in England. He returned home from England with pamphlets, badges and a uniform. Six months later, on February 8, 1910, Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America.

The William D. Boyce award is presented to those who help start a new or restart a defunct Cub Scout Pack, Scout Troop, Venture Crew or Sea Scout Ship. In essence, the recipient must lead the entire process of organizing a new unit. The process begins when a prospective chartered organization is assigned and ends when the new unit renews its charter for the first time and receives Journey to Excellence recognition at the Bronze level or above.

“I am so thankful to my Scouting village,” Sabrina Garfield said. “I am grateful for this experience with my kids, not just because of what it teaches them but because it’s so much more than just that. It’s a family affair. Cub Scouting gives the kids a chance to teach things to others and to learn from others. It’s taught them about leadership and teamwork and how to compromise. It’s taught me too. And I have met some pretty amazing people through this journey.”

Christopher Santiago said, “Scouting is a true labor of love for me and as much as I do, I wouldn’t be able to do it without the supportive and engaged parents in my two units representing the Town of Vassalboro and Vassalboro BSA Scouting Troop #410 and Pack #410, as well as the amazing Scouters whom I have come to know as mentors and colleagues. These awards are because of all of them!”

OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 28, 2024

CLIFFORD A. RISINGER

FAIRFIELD – Clifford A. Risinger, 69, passed away peacefully in his sleep from complications of dementia on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Woodlands Senior Living, of Brewer. He was born April 30, 1954, son of Parmelie Sturtevant and Augustine Risinger, a resident of Fairfield.

Cliff graduated high school in Waterville, with an interest and accolades in engine building. He worked various careers throughout his life, primarily employed as a mechanic, but enjoyed any labor that involved working with his hands. He also had a deep connection with religion and enjoyed his time with friends and family at the Clinton Baptist Church.

Cliff was predeceased by his older brothers, Sonny Risinger and Allen Risinger, and sister Diane Roy.

Cliff is survived by his sisters, Phyllis Baker and Marilyn Carroll, and brother Mike Risinger; children, Michelle Risinger, Mark Risinger, and Rachel Risinger.

A funeral service was held on Saturday March 23, at Clinton Baptist Church, 10 Spring St., Clinton.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, Main St., Fairfield.

MARILYN F. NELSON

FAIRFIELD – Marilyn F. Nelson, 75, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024, following a short battle with liver cancer. She was born August 28, 1948, the daughter of Charles W. Hersey and Madeline F. (Richardson) Hersey.

Marilyn grew up in Waterville and Fairfield, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1966. She started working at the Norridgewock Shoe Shop in 1970 and married Jeff in 1971. Marilyn stayed at the shoe shop until they closed in 1981. She then started at Kmart in 1988 and spent the next 25 years there until retiring in 2014. She has spent the last nine years at the Fairfield Public Library, a job she loved.

Marilyn loved being around people, she certainly was a social butterfly. She was at every event, talking with all the people. She could not go into a store without running into someone she knew. She loved meeting with her graduating class at O’Brien’s, going to quilting class, and knitting. She used to love golfing, bowling, and traveling with Jeff in their motorhome. She especially loved all the special gatherings with friends and family. She was one popular lady.

She is survived by her son Mark and wife Cindy; daughter Jaime and husband Kevin Nutting; granddaughter Kayla Nelson; grandson Kobe Nutting; great-grandchildren Parker, Rylee, and Lane; brother-in-law Peter Nelson and wife Sandra, brother-in-law Jon Nelson and wife Wendy; sister-in-law Nancy Hersey; nieces, nephews; and cousins.

Marilyn was predeceased by her parents Charles and Madeline Hersey; brother Brian Hersey; husband Jeff Nelson; sister-in-law Wendy (Nelson) Lane; and nieces Carrie Nelson and Sally Nelson.

A graveside service will be held Friday, April 12, 2024, at 1 p.m., at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt Vernon Road, Augusta, with reception to follow.

Please visit Marilyn’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/marilyn-nelson-2024 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Marilyn’s memory to The American Cancer Society or The American Diabetes Association.

LENDALL STEWART

CLINTON – Lendall Stewart, 77, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 7, 2024. He was born on August 21, 1946, in Waterville, the son of the late Harvey Stewart Sr. and Leatrice (Moore) Stewart.

Lendall worked 10 years at Skiland Woolen Mill , in Clinton, and retired from Huhtamaki, in Waterville, after 38 years of service.

Lendall enjoyed the simple things in life, puttering in his garage, long rides, camping at Mt. Blue State Park, feeding the birds, watching the Red Sox and a cold beer. His greatest pride and joy in life was his family; his daughters Laurie and Vick, being Grampy and Dee to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. We will miss you.

He was predeceased by his parents, his in-laws Victor and Beverly Buck; two brothers Andy Stewart and Harvy Stewart Jr.

Lendall is survived by his wife and best friend of 57 years, Sherry (Wiggy) Stewart; his daughters Laurie Austin and her partner Ernie Forrest, Vicki Fisher and son-in law Jamey Fisher; granddaughter Jessica Richards and her daughter Graciana Beverlee; grandson Christopher Richards, his wife Nicole and their children Anna, Wyatt, and Beckett; grandson Evan Fisher and wife Kali; granddaughter Abbi Fisher; three sisters Sheila Giles, of Madison, Wanda Pelotte and husband Raymond, of Oakland, and Ona Stewart, of Massachusetts; two brothers Percy Stewart, of Fairfield, and William Stewart, of Waterville.

The family will not be having any public services.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

DIANNE J. HOWARD

BENTON – Dianne J. (Brann) Howard, 69, passed away peacefully, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, on Monday, March 11, 2024, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Dianne was born in Augusta on November 14, 1954, the daughter of Paul and Eleanor Brann. She graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, in 1973 and earned her degree in Bioscience from Kennebec Valley Technical Center, in Fairfield.

Dianne retired from Elanco (f/k/a Lohman Animal Health) in 2021. While working at Lohman Animal Health, she met her husband, Gerald Howard Jr., and they were married on August 26, 2006. Her coworkers provided her with many funny and heartwarming memories, which she shared frequently. She also made some lifelong friends, who she cherished greatly.

Dianne was predeceased by her parents; siblings, Darrell Brann, Cherryl King, and Donna Jenney; and granddaughter, Callie Noonan.

She is survived by her husband; son, Derek Jenney, his wife, Angela, and their sons, Kevin and Glenn, of Waterville; daughter, Dori Noonan, her husband, Brad, and their children, Tyler, Dawson, and Brooklyn, of Oakland; great-granddaughter, Lydia Noonan; and several nieces and nephews; her sister, Shirley Young (whom she lovingly nicknamed Bob), and her brother-in-law, David.

Dianne’s life was celebrated at her funeral on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Shawmut Chapel, 57 Bray Avenue, Shawmut, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dianne’s name to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

ARTHUR C. RAY

SIDNEY – Arthur Charles Ray, 80, of Sidney, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, following a long illness. Born in Brunswick on June 30, 1943, he attended Waterville schools and enjoyed activities at the Boys’ Club where his grandfather, Andrew Armstrong, had been custodian and unofficial mentor. Arthur graduated from Waterville High School in 1961. In 1966 he graduated from the University of Maine, Orono with a B.S. degree in electrical engineering.

Arthur was a career employee of Central Maine Power Company. During that time, he became a professional engineer and finished his career as the manager of distribution engineering.

“Art,” as he was known, had many and varied interests. He was a life-long learner and a true historian. Genealogy was a particular interest, and he kept meticulous family records. Maine history was another passion. Art presented historical programs at libraries, historical societies, retirement communities, and at UMA Senior College. As a board member of UMA Senior College, he helped initiate an annual film series and the Brown Bag Lunch programs.

Art loved to ski and was a Sugarloaf season pass holder for many years. He was gifted in stained glass art and oil painting. Art loved cats and enjoyed music and the daily crossword puzzle. He had an independent spirit and will be truly missed by his family and those who knew him.

Arthur was predeceased by his parents, Clarence Ray and Louise (Armstrong) Ray, of Waterville; and his sister-in-law, Irene Ray, of Cocoa Beach, Florida.

He is survived by brother, Herbert Ray, of Cocoa Beach, Florida, and twin brother, Robert Ray and his wife Joyce, of Dunbarton, New Hampshire; nieces Jennifer Johnson (husband Christopher), Heather Radl (husband Andrew), and Rebecca Brooks (husband Timothy); and nephew, Jay Ray; special friend, Mary Read; grandnieces, grandnephews; and many cousins.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Waterville. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at DirectcremationofMaine.com.

Remembrance gifts may be sent, in Art’s memory, to the Alfond Youth Center, 126 North St., Waterville, ME 04901.

PAUL F. ZIBURA

WINDSOR – Paul Francis Zibura, 64, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Paul was born on June 1, 1959 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, to Mary and Francis (Frank) Zibura.

He grew up in Clifton, New Jersey, and was a clarinet player in the Clifton High School Mustang Band which competed nationally. He moved with his family to a farm in Windsor, in 1977. He received his associate degree in Fire Protection from Laconia Vocational Technical College, in Laconia, New Hampshire, in 1984, with concurrent on-the-job training at the Gilford Fire Department as a live-in student.

Paul’s true calling in life was to serve his community. He absolutely loved his career as a firefighter and paramedic. Paul and his brothers acquired an emergency radio scanner in 1974 which heavily influenced their collective interest in fire science. Paul worked for the Gardiner Fire Department beginning in 1984 and then joined the Augusta Fire Department in 1987. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2009 and retired from service in 2014. Paul’s devotion to fire science and strong work ethic motivated many of his peers and was the primary inspiration for his son Adam’s service as a Public Safety Communications Specialist (dispatcher) for the Maine State Police and volunteer firefighter for the Windsor Fire Department.

The only passion of Paul’s that could rival his dedication as a first responder was his love for his family. When he was not working, Paul could usually be found helping his son, Adam, practice karate, playing catcher for his daughter Ashley’s softball pitching lessons, spending time with his siblings at ‘The Red House’, or enjoying a stack of pancakes at AHOP with family and friends. During his retirement, Paul enjoyed caring for his son’s horse, Beamer.

Paul was known for his dry sense of humor, commitment to his exercise routine at the Augusta YMCA, love of diner food, and penchant for dessert. He was also an avid sports fan, rooting for the Boston Red Sox, New York Football Giants, and The Ohio State football team.

Paul is survived by his daughter, Ashley Zibura and her husband Brad; daughter-in-law, Angelia (Lia) Zibura; his sisters Nancy (Ann) Castonguay, Margaret Libby and her husband Parker, Theresa Caliccio and her husband Wolfgang, and Karen Condon; and his brothers, David Zibura, Francis (Skip) Zibura and his wife Roxanne, and Matthew Zibura; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A period of visitation was held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, Maine 04363. A funeral service was held on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the funeral home. A reception followed at the Windsor Fire Department.

Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the following charities in Paul’s honor: the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), the All Clear Foundation which aims to improve to overall wellbeing and mental health of our first responders, the Kennebec Valley Humane Society (KVHS), and the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA).

RICHARD D. HAYES

JEFFERSON – Richard D. Hayes, 77, died Monday, March 18, 2024, at the Sedgewood Commons, in Falmouth, following a long illness. Richard was born in Gardiner, a son of the late David J. and Celia (Jones) Hayes.

Dick grew up on the family farm on the Mountain Road, in Jefferson. He loved to play baseball and claims he learned to count and add by playing cribbage! Dick attended Erskine Academy, in South China, and graduated in 1964.

After high school, he served in the U.S. Army. He attended White Sands Missile School and was deployed to Korea during the Vietnam War.

Subsequently, he was employed by Central Maine Power Co. for over 43 years, retiring in 2011. He held many different positions. He read meters, worked at Mason Station, in Wiscasset, and repaired transformers and substations, amongst other duties.

Dick was an avid deer hunter, checkers player, motorcycle enthusiast, martial artist and was an Amway distributor for many years. He also enjoyed watching stock car racing and helping out his nephew Ryan who raced at Wiscasset Speedway.

Richard is survived by his ex-wife and good friend, Tina Hayes, of Jefferson; his son, Robert Jones and longtime partner June, of West Gardiner; two daughters: Debra Peacock and Joanne Parkin and her husband Jay, all of West Gardiner; two brothers, Robert Jones and his wife Donna and Randall Hayes and his wife Margo, and a sister, Ramona Leeman, all of Jefferson; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service was held at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Rte. 32, Windsor, on Wednesday, March 27. Burial will be at a later date in Shephard Cemetery, Rte. 32, Jefferson.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

Memorial Donations can be made to Jefferson Area Community Food Pantry, c/o St. Giles Episcopal Church, 72 Gardiner Rd., Jefferson, ME, 04348, or Inn Along the Way, 741 Main St., Damariscotta, ME, 04543.

KATHERINE G. LAWRENCE

SIDNEY – Katherine Gloria Lawrence 81, of Sidney, died Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Win­ter­berry Heights Senior Living Com­munity, in Bangor. She was born in Belgrade, on March 30, 1942, the daughter of Lauren and Annie (Clark) Rideout.

Katherine attended Belgrade and Augusta schools.

She was predeceased by her husband Claustin, her parents Lauren and Annie Rideout, in-laws Levi and Marian Lawrence, brother Kenneth Rideout, sisters Evelyn French, Annie Trask and Barbara Sproul.

Katherine is survived by her three children, daughter Brenda Beaulieu and husband Clement, of Sidney, son Claustin “Chuck” Lawrence and wife Belinda, of Holden, and daughter Annie Nickerson and husband Glenn, of Sidney; three grandsons, Claustin Lawrence, of Millinocket, Brandon Lawrence and wife Janine, of Eddington, Dustin Lawrence, of Eddington; sisters, Lena Worthing, Dorothy Moulton, Irene Rideout, Ramona Dean and husband Joseph; brother Ralph Rideout and wife Karolyne; several sistes-in law, Priscilla Rideout, Idona King and husband Dennis and Elaine White; several nieces and nephews.

Katherine worked for Statler Tissue, in Augusta, for over 30 years until it closed. She worked for her son’s business Tradewinds Marketplace/Variety Stores from packing natural foods to cooking for all the associates which she truly enjoyed interacting with all of them as well as their customers. She was also known as the famous fudge lady for her daughters stores.

Katherine enjoyed family vacations, trips to Florida to see her sister Ramona and husband Joe, whom she spent lots of time with in Maine and Florida, enjoyed having lawn sales so she could talk to all the people. She touched many lives all who met her loved her.

There will be a spring graveside service, at Springer Hill Cemetery, in Sidney.

A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Le Club Calumet, 334 West River Road, Augusta, Maine.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staple Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Maine, 383 US – 1 #2C, Scarborough, ME 04074, in Katherine’s honor.

JEAN G. MYRICK

UNITY – Jean (Getchell) Myrick passed away peacefully on Friday, February 2, 2024.

A grave side service will be held on June 8, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., at the Unity Pond Cemetery. Please visit http://www.lawrybrothers.com to read the entire obituary and sign an online guest book.

CHARLES P. GAGNON

WATERVILLE – Charles “Charlie” P. Gagnon, 74, of Waterville, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. He was born on July 22, 1949, in Waterville.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Silver Street, Waterville.

Sophie Wheeler named to the dean’s list at Bates College

Sophie Wheeler, of Skowhegan, was named to the dean’s list at Bates College, in Lewiston, for the fall/winter semester ending in December 2023. This is a distinction earned by students whose grade point average is 3.92 or higher.

Wheeler is majoring in Theater and Rhetoric, Film, Screen Studies, at Bates.

 

 

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Vassalboro school board decides on two “leftover” issues

The annual prize for Pi Day winners at Vassalboro Community School is the chance to throw a pie – whipped cream in a graham cracker crust into the face of a teacher or the principal. On Pi Day 2024, sixth-grade winners Mariah Estabrook (second from left) and Sarina LaCroix (third from left) so honored sixth-grade math teacher Stephanie Tuttle (left) and Principal Ira Michaud (right). (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

At their March 19 meeting, Vassalboro school board members decided the two issues left undecided in February (see the Feb. 22 issue of The Town Line, p. 3) and continued review of the draft 2024-25 school budget.

Board members voted unanimously to approve a three-year contract with Jennifer Lizotte, who runs the daycare at Vassalboro Community School (VCS). The decision was accompanied by expressions of goodwill and approval from school administrators and Lizotte.

School personnel said the daycare is well run, Lizotte is cooperative with them and school staff whose children attend are happy.

Lizotte thanked school personnel for being helpful and understanding. She thanked the board for the three-year contract, which will let her plan ahead.

The present daycare space fits nicely with staff and enrollment, Lizotte said. She and board members talked about possible installation of a ceiling fan in the area for the summer term.

Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer said after discussion with Shelley Phillips, director of maintenance and grounds for Vassalboro and Winslow schools, the daily rent will be raised from $25 to $28. This figure will be reviewed annually.

The second month-old issue was whether to increase school board members’ stipends, currently $40 per meeting. Pfeiffer said many comparable boards’ members are rewarded more generously.

Board members voted unanimously not to change the figure. Several said they had run for school board without knowing there was a stipend.

No one could predict whether more money would encourage more residents to run for the board. Pfeiffer was doubtful, saying the number of volunteers for local positions has been declining state-wide.

Budget discussion covered two major accounts, administration and tuition. Pfeiffer emphasized that some figures are estimates.

For example, he does not have 2024-25 insurance costs and is guessing how big the increase will be. The state will calculate and release 2024-25 high-school tuition costs in December 2024; based on the last two years, Pfeiffer has penciled in a six percent in­crease.

In other business, Principal Ira Michaud said Vassalboro’s average daily attendance is at 94.9 percent, slightly below the state’s recommended goal of 95 percent. He explained the two types of absences, excused (when a parent calls in to say a student is ill, or the family is going on a trip) and unexcused (when no explanation is offered). Especially in the second case, he said, teachers are encouraged to call the family to see if the school can help.

Board member Jessica Clark alerted the rest of the board to the legislative bill LD 974, titled “An Act to Establish Minimum Pay for Educational Technicians and Other School Support Staff.” If it becomes effective, in 2025 some educational technicians could be paid more than teachers, she said.

Pfeiffer said the bill, if it becomes law, will have a “significant” monetary impact state-wide. He hopes if the legislature approves it, state funding will be provided.

Clark said Vassalboro’s legislators, Rep. Richard Bradstreet and Sen. Matthew Pouliot, told her the bill is likely to pass and advised her to address her concerns to Governor Janet Mills.

Principal Michaud’s report included thanks to the Vassalboro Parent-Teacher Organization for supplies for two recent events, Bubble Day and Pi Day.

He said school counselor, Gina Davis, introduced Bubble Day, with students outdoors blowing bubbles, as an observance of the first day of spring.

Pi Day, the annual observance of the “mathematical constant that is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, approximately equal to 3.14159,” drew 34 contestants trying to remember as much of the endless number as they could. Michaud said the winners were, in third place, fifth-grader Ashlynn Hamlin; second place, sixth-grader Mariah Estabrook; and first-place, reciting 167 digits, sixth-grader Sarina LaCroix.

Board members plan to continue budget discussion at their regular meeting Tuesday evening, April 9. Pfeiffer is considering scheduling an additional special budget meeting.

VASSALBORO: WPA officials explain work planned for Webber Pond

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro select board members’ March 21 meeting featured a discussion with John Reuthe and Rebecca Lamey, from the Webber Pond Association (WPA), about the health of Webber Pond and associated water bodies.

The water level in the Vassalboro pond is controlled by an outlet dam. Water quality is influenced by run-off from surrounding land and, Reuthe explained, by inflows from Three Mile Pond, Three Cornered Pond and Mud Pond.

A history of water quality problems led to a management program developed by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection that includes an annual fall drawdown intended to flush excess nutrients down Seven Mile Stream into the Kennebec River.

Reuthe, WPA president, said warmer water has encouraged the growth of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, which can sicken people and pets.

WPA officers are working with Maine Rivers (the organization that led the opening of local streams to alewife migration) to develop a new watershed management plan encompassing the four connected ponds, Reuthe said. A plan written about 20 years ago, with help from the Kennebec Valley Soil and Water Conservation District, was not implemented and is outdated.

Because Three Mile Pond is partly in China and Windsor, Mud Pond is in Windsor and Three Cornered Pond is in Augusta, the effort will involve multiple municipalities. Reuthe and Vassalboro Town Manager Aaron Miller have already begun discussions with Windsor’s town manager.

Lamey said WPA will apply for a federal 604(b) grant, referring to a program that is part of the Clean Water Act, to begin the new watershed study. Vassalboro has several residents whose expertise will be helpful, including a grant-writer, she said.

Future plans include more dam improvements, Reuthe said, in cooperation with Maine Rivers. Although the projects he and Lamey outlined will be expensive, he assured select board members WPA is not –yet – asking for substantial town funds, only for expressions of support from the select board.

Reuthe told select board members the $5,000 voters allocated to the WPA at the 2023 town meeting was spent as intended, to make the dam gates easier to control and add equipment storage at the dam and to buy water quality testing equipment.

The public hearing on amendments to Vassalboro’s Marijuana Business Ordinance with which the March 21 meeting was scheduled to begin drew no audience. Board members and planning board member Douglas Phillips briefly discussed the changes, which include renaming the ordinance Cannabis Business Ordinance. The topic will be continued at the April 4 select board meeting.

Board members also postponed a decision on repaving the parking lot at the former East Vassalboro school, now the Vassalboro Historical Society headquarters. After reviewing three proposals with cost estimates, they referred board member Rick Denico, Jr.’s, questions about the project to the expertise of public works department members.

In other business March 21, select board members unanimously:

Left the town office hours adopted in January as they are. Miller said residents who expressed opinions are pleased, especially with the earlier opening.
Approved closing the transfer station on Easter Sunday, as has been done in past years.

Miller said he has no new information related to the Vassalboro Sanitary District’s finances. The district has a rate increase scheduled April 1 for its about 200 customers, who have told select board members they cannot afford even present rates.

Select board members have been working on the issue since before the Dec. 14, 2023, meeting which drew more than five dozen people to discuss reasons and potential remedies for the financial problems (see the Dec. 21, 2023, issue of The Town Line, p. 2).

The next regular Vassalboro select board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4.

China select board continues prep work for June 11 town meeting

by Mary Grow

At their March 25 meeting, China select board members continued preparations for the June 11 annual town business meeting. They scheduled a special meeting Monday evening, April 1, to review the town meeting warrant (if Brent Chesley, who was absent March 25, is able to attend); their regular meeting April 8 is the deadline for a final warrant.

As of March 25, the draft warrant includes three ordinance revisions: amendments to the Planning Board Ordinance; changes to chapters 2, 3, and 11 of the Land Development Code, prepared by town attorney Amanda Meader to meet new state affordable housing requirements; and a new solar ordinance that, if approved, will become chapter 8 of the Land Develop­ment Code.

As of March 25, the draft warrant includes three ordinance revisions: amendments to the Planning Board Ordinance; changes to chapters 2, 3, and 11 of the Land Development Code, prepared by town attorney Amanda Meader to meet new state affordable housing requirements; and a new solar ordinance that, if approved, will become chapter 8 of the Land Development Code.

In other business March 25, select board members awarded the bid for a new storage vault attached to the town office to the lower of two bidders, Ralph McNaughton Construction, of Corinna, Maine, for more than $267,000.

Sheldon Goodine, chairman of the building committee, reminded board members that the high price includes a lot of “mechanicals” to keep the addition lighted and heated.

Board chairman Wayne Chadwick commented that delaying a decision would not bring the price down. Goodine said the project has been under discussion for four years.

Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said the town does not have $267,000 to spare at the moment. She and board members discussed funding sources, like the board’s voter-approved contingency fund; the town’s undesignated fund balance (informally called surplus); or perhaps, with voter approval on June 11, reallocated Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds.

Board members authorized Hapgood to discuss with the McNaughton company reducing the cost by having China’s public works crew do some of the groundwork.

Hapgood warned board members of another large pending expenditure: the proposed 2024-25 Kennebec County budget would raise China’s county tax by 39 percent, an increase of $238,000.

The public hearing on the draft county budget was scheduled for Wednesday evening, March 27. Hapgood planned to attend; Chadwick said he would if he could.

Board members postponed action on two agenda items, a request from the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office (KSO) to put an antenna on the radio tower at the China town office and a proposed easement over land at the Branch Mills dam.

Hapgood said attorneys were discussing liability issues that might come up if KSO shared the town’s tower. She proposed offering use of the tower for free, since expanding KSO’s range would be a public service. Chadwick and fellow board member Blane Casey, with the proposed county budget fresh in their minds, leaned toward asking for payment.

The manager said there were still unanswered questions about the proposed easement.

In addition to final action on the June 11 meeting warrant, Hapgood expects the April 8 meeting agenda to include a presentation on the town’s valuation from assessor William Van Tuinen.

A gathering year for the improbables (April Fool’s story 2024)

by Mary Grow

Few humans understand that a year in which two digits in our current Gregorian calendar add up to a third digit – like 2024, because 2 +2 = 4 — is a Gathering Year for the Improbables.

The last such year was 2013 (2 + 1 = 3). The next will be 2035 (2 + 3 = 5).

No human understands what criteria the Improbables use to choose their gathering place. There have been many theories and surmises over the centuries; none has had predictive value.

It is clear, however, that this year the small town of China, Maine, has been honored.

The earliest sighting, in late January, was of a pair of unicorns just off Maple Ridge Road, near the Winslow town line. The person who saw them did not report the sighting until this week.

“I’d had a couple beers, and I thought I was seeing things, like white horses with branches somehow stuck on their heads,” he confessed. “Couple beers don’t usually bother me. Couple unicorns, now, that’s a different story.”

A strange Yeti-like creature captured by a game camera near China Lake with China Baptist Church in the background.

The first Himalayan Yeti (also called the Abominable Snowman) was photographed by a game camera at a home on the northeast side of China Lake, apparently sampling suet from a bird-feeder. Two nights later, he or she returned with two other adults and a youngster. The homeowners took down the feeders and the camera.

In Thurston Park in February, cameras put up to deter vandals spotted 11 Bigfeet (Sasquatches), probably Canadian, and 11 Yowies from Australia playing a game that seemed to be similar to cricket. A park volunteer who studied the film said the Yowies won by a substantial margin, despite being less accustomed to winter weather in Maine.

A Deer Hill resident swears the animal who loped across Deer Hill Road in front of her car late one night was a werewolf. “I watch lotsa horror movies; I know one of them things when I see it,” she explained.

The werewolf was heading west, she said – “probably going down to the river hopin’ to find runnin’ water so’s he could get a drink.”

As word of unusual appearances began to spread, more people came forward to tell their tales. They include:

The bird-watcher who is convinced he saw a roc over Three Mile Pond – “No, it was definitely not a big eagle. Not even big eagles come that big.”
The Weeks Mills woman who did not dial 911 when a dozen centaurs filed down her driveway. “I’m a part-time 911 dispatcher myself, and I know what I’d be thinkin’ if I got a call like that,” she explained.
The South China resident who watched a troop of elves hold an archery contest in his yard. “Man, those little guys can shoot – right into the bulls-eye every time, and so fast you couldn’t hardly believe it,” he said admiringly.
Two China Village residents who interrupted their morning jog to see why the ducks in the open water by the causeway were agitated: they watched Poco, the 50-foot-long water snake from Pocomoonshine Lake, in Washington County, welcoming Champ from Lake Champlain, in Vermont, and Nessie from Loch Ness, in Scotland.

If past Gatherings are a guide, the Improbables will meet and greet in China until April 1. That evening, they will return to their homes until April Fools Day 2035.

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, March 28, 2024

To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@townline.org!

OUR TURF: Emily Poulin, of South China, snapped this goldfinch and chickadee disagreeing on who belongs.

BEE’S BUFFET: Jayne Winters, of China, photographed this bee feasting on nectar last summer.

JUST CHILLIN’: Cassandra Goodine snapped this photo of a chickadee hanging out.

Judson Smith accepted at Maine School of Science and Mathematics

Jud Smith, center, flanked by his mother Lisa Libby, left, and his father Zachary Smith. (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

Judson Smith, a 13-year-old eighth-grader at Vassalboro Community School (VCS), has been accepted for high school at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM), in Limestone.

Jud is an honor roll student at VCS, a member of the JMG (Jobs for Maine Graduates) program and the Gifted and Talented Program and president of the student council. He played soccer last fall.

His father, Zachary Smith, said Jud has long been interested in math and science, partly because of his parents. Smith, with a background in biology and medicine, is a Psychiatric Physician Assistant, and his wife, Lisa Libby, is a pharmacist.

With his parents’ support, Jud went to MSSM’s summer camp for two years. Jud added, “They offered classes where you were able to launch rockets and calculate what distances they would cover.”

At MSSM, Jud intends to focus on chemistry. He is considering a career in chemical engineering, and looks forward to the “more challenging material” he expects at MSSM.

“It is a very high honor for any student to be accepted to this prestigious institution,” Vassalboro school superintendent Alan Pfeiffer said.