Amendment to TIF program ready for China voters

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by Mary Grow

After a couple hours’ discussion with town assessor William Van Tuinen on Feb. 16 and another hour debating among themselves on Feb. 20, China selectmen have an amendment to the town’s TIF (Tax Increment Finance) program ready for voters at the March 25 town meeting.

The original document, “Central Maine Power/China Lake Tax Increment Financing District and Development Program,” was approved at the March 2015 town meeting. It established a TIF District that includes the new Central Maine Power Company (CMP) power line as the revenue source and areas at both ends of China Lake’s east basin and around the town office as potential development areas.

Taxes from the power line go into a separate Development Program Fund. The money can be used to fund economic development projects, as defined in the TIF document, in the development areas. The 2015 TIF was for 20 years.

The proposed amendment makes three changes. It extends the TIF to 30 years, ending at the end of fiscal year 2044. It adds the new CMP substation off Route 3 as a source of income. And it expands the priority development areas by adding the old Pine Tree Zones and two properties voters approved buying in November 2016, the subdivision on Lakeview Drive opposite the former Candlewood Camps and a lot adjoining the town office lot.

The amendment appears as Art. 5 in a 56-article town meeting warrant that includes the 2017-18 municipal budget and numerous ordinance amendments. Voters will act on the items at the town business meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, March 25, at China Middle School.

At the Feb. 20 meeting, selectmen also talked briefly about a town vote on recreational marijuana. An attempt to have a moratorium on retail marijuana businesses in town failed when not enough voters came to a January special town meeting to make a quorum.

Selectmen are divided over whether additional local action is needed. Joann Austin saw new business opportunities if the town were to allow marijuana establishments; Jeffrey LaVerdiere retorted that big out-of-state business would dominate and profits would leave town.

In any case, Board Chairman Neil Farrington said, there is no need for immediate action. The issue might be raised again before the June 2016 ballot is prepared.

The next regular China selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, March 6.

University of New Hampshire’s dean’s list for fall semester

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The following students have been named to the dean’s list at the University of New Hampshire, in Durham, New Hampshire, for the fall 2016 semester.

Bayleigh Logan, of Augusta, honors; Michaela Hinckley-Gordon, of Benton, highest honors; Kyle McLain, of Fairfield, high honors; Carly LaRochelle, of Fairfield, high honors; Jessica Hosea, of Oakland, highest honors; Hannah Duperry, of Oakland, highest honors; Taylor Ferguson, of Sidney, high honors; Kelly McCormac, of South China, highest honors; Adam Bovie, of Vassalboro, high honors; Kellie Bolduc, of Waterville, high honors; Luke Violette, of Waterville, highest honors; Sarah Wildes, of Winslow, highest honors.

Husson University announces fall dean’s list

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Husson University, in Bangor, announces its fall 2016 dean’s list. Students who earn dean’s list honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours during the semester and earn a grade point average of between 3.60 to 3.79 during the period. The dean’s list includes:

Trent Richardson, of Anson, is a first-year student enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Mikayla Toth, of Athens, is a junior enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting / Master of Business Administration program.

Laurel Whipkey, of Augusta, is a senior enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Human Movement Science / Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Shaun Gallagher, of Augusta, is a sophomore enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Communications Technology with a concentration in Audio Engineering program.

Emily Bowers, of Augusta, is a junior enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Arika Brochu, of Augusta, is a sophomore enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program.

Jade Landry, of Fairfield, is a junior enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science program.

Spencer Folsom, of Fairfield, is a sophomore enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program.

Daniel Moreshead, of Madison, is a junior enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Physical Education program.

Paige Warren, of Oakland, is a first-year student enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies program.

Mikhaila Necevski, of Oakland, is a sophomore enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program.

Devin Campbell, of Sidney, is a junior enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management program.

Hallee Breton, of South China, is a senior enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Human Movement Science / Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Christina Belanger, of South China, is a sophomore enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Briana Oliver, of Starks, is a junior enrolled in Husson’s Associate of Science in Criminal Justice / Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science program.

Alyssa Willette, of Unity, is a junior enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Meghan Farrell, of Vassalboro, is a junior enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies program.

Megan Richards, of Winslow, is a senior enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Human Movement Science / Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Molly Ware, of Winslow, is a junior enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Logan Vashon, of Winslow, is a junior enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Human Movement Science / Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

 

Clinton student named to Curry College dean’s list

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Curry College, in Milton, Massachusetts, has announced that Raven Rusconi, of Clinton, has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2016 semester.

To qualify for the dean’s list, students must earn a 3.30 GPA, have no incompletes, and have no grade lower than a “C” for the semester. Full-time students must carry 12 or more graded credits for the semester.

St. Lawrence University students study abroad

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The following students will participate in an off-campus study abroad program for the Spring 2017 semester through St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York.

Isaac H. Gingras, of Augusta. Gingras is a member of the class of 2018 and is majoring in government. Gingras graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, and is participating in St. Lawrence University’s spring off-campus program in Washington, D.C., at The Washington Center.

Sydney A. Kahl, of Waterville. Kahl is a member of the class of 2018 and is majoring in environmental studies. Kahl graduated from Plymouth Regional High School, and is participating in St. Lawrence University’s spring off-campus program in New Zealand at University of Otago.

More than one half of St. Lawrence University students study off campus for a semester or longer during their undergraduate experience at either one its international or domestic study abroad program sites.

The Princeton Review ranked St. Lawrence seventh for Most Popular Study Abroad Programs in its Best 380 Colleges 2016 edition, while Best Choice Schools named St. Lawrence University one of the top-20 colleges in the nation for study abroad opportunities.

 

VBA offers scholarship

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The Vassalboro Business Association has announced that it will offer $500 scholarships to at least three Vassalboro students who plan to attend a Post-Secondary Program of Study in the fall of 2017.

Students must have been  residents in Vassalboro for the past two years, provide evidence of community service in that same two year period, and be enrolled in a post-secondary two to four year program of education or training.

Applications are available by emailing lindatitus@hotmail.com or calling 873-2108.  They should also be available in local guidance offices. The deadline to return the completed form is April 15, 2017.

CHINA NEWS: Organizers seek presenters for China Forest Day

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The organizers at China Midle School are in the planning stages for Forest Day 2017 which will be held on Friday, May 26, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the China School Forest in China. They are seeking volunteer presenters to work with groups of students at any grade level from preK-eighth grade. The goal is to have all students outside for the whole day participating in hands-on activities to learn about Maine’s natural environment.

Volunteer presenters will teach a lesson to groups of students (15-18 students per group) throughout the day. Staff members will supervise student groups. Volunteers will lead three – four morning sessions and three – four afternoon sessions. Each session will last approximately 30 minutes. If you need more than a 30-minute session, they can put two time slots together to give you about 70 minutes to work with your group. You can choose your activity and age group or the staff can suggest activity ideas based on your skills and interests. They try to have a wide variety of activities related to the Maine environment. In the past, they’ve offered sessions on forest habitats, ecology, plants and/or animals, logging history, watersheds, geology, nature music or art, reading, writing, drama and much more. Any topic related to the natural environment will be considered. They provide morning munchies and lunch for all volunteer presenters. Forest Day is held rain or shine. After all, that is part of the outdoor experience!

They are seeking 30-35 different session presenters. They are asking for your help as a volunteer program presenter or to pass this along to others who you think might be able to help. If you can help, they need the following information:

Your name and work agency/program sponsor (if representing one), phone number and/or email; topic or lesson – if you need ideas, they can offer suggestions. Grade level range preference (prek-2, 3-6, 7-8).

Anything else you need for your activity (ie. Type of location, materials needed, time you are available if you can’t be there all day…)

For more information contact Anita Smith (968-2255) and Elaine Philbrook (445-1550); chinaschoolsforest@gmail.com or ephilbrook@rsu18.org.

Learn more about them at: https://www.facebook.com/chinaschoolsforest/.

 

“Grace is a gift from God” – Grace Academy is a gift from Norm Elvin

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by Lisa Durant
Academic Program Director

The staff and students at the new Grace Academy Homeschooling and Learning Center, located in the old Norm’s Chicken and Seafood restaurant on Rte. 3, in South China. Contributed photo

Grace Academy is holding an Open House in recognition of a very generous donation of building and property from local philanthropist, Norm Elvin, in honor of his parents Leslie and Betty Elvin.

For years, Norm Elvin has been making news as a man who selflessly gives of his time, talent, and treasure to those in need. Since the early 1980s Norm has served on over a dozen boards of directors, raised millions of dollars for charity, has run several successful businesses, most recently and locally Norm’s Chicken and Seafood and The China Dine-ah. He has donated much of his own personal wealth to many worthy causes, including the new MaineGeneral Hospital, The United Way, HealthReach Hospice, Augusta YMCA, and Cony High School, in Augusta.

Grace Academy, in South China, is blessed to be among Norm’s most recent benevolent acts.

From his parents, Norm learned early on the meaning of a hard days’ work. As a youth, he could be found delivering papers, mowing lawns, and shoveling driveways. He learned the virtues of hospitality, honesty and perseverance. He took the example from his father regarding frugality, discipline, the value of money, and a spirit of volunteerism. Never indulged as a child, Norm was purposefully “handed nothing” by his parents; instead they encouraged him to work for it. This developed a strong work ethic.

Norm Elvin, whose donation of the former restaurant building on Rte. 3, in South China, to house Grace Academy Homeschooling and Learning Center, will be honored at a reception on March 10.

In Norm’s own words, his parents were “firm, they were consistent, and did that with a lot of love.”

Fast-forward 30 or 40 years and this paper delivery boy-turned-president of G & E Roofing, in Augusta, has been delivering hopes and dreams to the people of Central Maine for the past three decades by giving all he has to help others.

Norm readily admits that he is ‘blessed’ to be able to lend a hand, or dollars, when the need arises. When Norm began doing some fundraising with The United Way, he realized he had the ability to help others in a bigger way. Possessing a certain amount of civic pride, Norm had a desire to build up the community. He recalls that his parents kept their home neat and clean, and always kept the grass trimmed. “You didn’t want your house looking shabby,” he says, “not because someone would say something about you, but because you had enough pride that you wanted the whole neighborhood to look good.”

Norm Elvin has given another gift that will benefit “the whole neighborhood”, that is, the whole community of China and surrounding towns.

Michelle Bourque reflected on the ripple effect that happens with a gift like this. “It’s almost immeasurable. We are fully aware of the responsibility that has been given to us. We take seriously the Scripture verse “from those who have been given much, much will be asked.” Having a building of our own makes it so much easier to continue doing charitable works.” [Grace programs have contributed to the well-being of individuals in nursing homes, adults and children in homeless shelters, and a handful of local needy families.] “And we won’t stop there,” Bourque said. “Norm, and philanthropists like him, are an inspiration to us all. We are looking to not only assist our member families, but to reach out and serve all kinds of learners in our community, not exclusively home educators. We are currently working on a community tutoring program.”

The main area at the new Grace Academy home in South China. Contributed photo

Meanwhile, the ripples continue. Many others have reached out to help support Grace Academy. Community members have generously provided construction, furniture, and educational materials, as well as conducting classes in reading, writing, math, history, science, Latin, and more.

Bourque stated, “I am humbled to say that this is the largest philanthropic commitment I have ever heard of being received by a homeschooling group. We are proud to be able to call Norm our friend and beloved benefactor and we thank him from the bottom of our hearts.”

Since its inception Grace Academy has served over 115 children and conducted over 40 classes, workshops and parent-teacher trainings. Norm’s gift has allowed Grace Academy’s homeschooling families, some of whom travel from as far as Bath, Auburn, Pittsfield and Troy, to gather many of their resources in one place, creating a library of over 5,000 titles and counting. It has provided a location for families who are considering the homeschooling option to visit for advice and guidance.

“We are extremely grateful to Mr. Elvin for his extraordinary gift in support of Grace Academy,” said Bourque, executive director of Grace Academy. “He has an unending desire to do good. He has a belief in the power of education to shape today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders, and that is heartwarming. This gift will enable Grace to plant itself firmly in our community as a resource for all families who currently homeschool or are considering the homeschool option. With this gift we can bring programs and resources to families who endeavor to educate their children at home.”

Bourque added, “After years of schlepping whiteboards, books and other materials from borrowed buildings to church halls and local libraries, it is an extreme relief to have a place to call home.”

“We have a vision which includes being part of the larger educational community in Central Maine. Having our own facility will not only help to make us a physical presence here, it will allow us to do more.”

They hope everyone will join them for a look at this beautiful community space, enjoy light refreshments and honor the philanthropy of Norm Elvin. Grace Academy is located at 363 Route 3, in South China,. Students and Staff will provide tours and answer questions. Open house runs from 7 – 9 p.m., on Friday, March 10, 2017. If you wish to join in thanking Norm, please feel free to send a note to thankyounorm@ gmail. com. These notes will be presented to Norm at the reception.

Erskine Academy announces talent show

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The Erskine Academy class of 2017 will host the annual talent show which will be held on Friday, March 3, at 7 p.m., in the gym. The show will feature vocal, instrumental, and dance performances by current Erskine students. Admission to the show is $5 and tickets may be purchased at the door. All proceeds will benefit the class of 2017.

VASSALBORO NEWS: 26 parcels due for foreclosure for unpaid taxes

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro has an unusual number of taxpayers whose taxes are seriously overdue, Town Manager Mary Sabins told selectmen at their Feb. 9 meeting.

With the foreclosure deadline for 2014 taxes – the date on which the town acquires the property if taxes are not paid – that night at midnight, Sabins said 26 parcels were on the verge of becoming town-owned. The blizzard that started as selectmen met that morning did not make her optimistic about people coming in at the last minute.

Town office staff made repeated efforts to reach people through mailings and telephone calls to make sure everyone was aware of the deadline, she said.
For the current tax year, the third quarterly tax payment is due Monday, Feb. 27, by town meeting vote. Voters also agreed to charge interest for taxes paid after the deadline.

In other business at a short meeting, selectmen again talked briefly about changing the town’s streetlights to more energy-efficient LED lights and agreed they need not rush to a decision. They have heard proposals from two private companies, but are waiting for information from Central Maine Power Company.
Selectmen were scheduled to begin discussion of the 2017-18 budget at a Feb. 13 workshop, but canceled it because of bad weather.