China transfer station committee has new chairman

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

China’s Transfer Station Committee has a new member, Judy Van Norman from Palermo (succeeding Chris Diesch, who resigned), and a new chairman, Benjamin Weymouth (succeeding Chris Baumann, who moved out of state). At the Sept. 9 committee meeting, members expressed appreciation to both Chrises for their work on the committee.

A main topic at the meeting was how to publicize things China’s facility does to benefit residents, besides collect and ship away their trash.

The free for the taking building recycles usable items, including furniture, other household items and clothing. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said so much clothing has been dropped off that Apparel Impact, a textile recycler that supplements the local effort, has added a second collection bin.

Director of Public Services Shawn Reed praised the paint collection area, where people drop off partly-used cans of paint (and varnish and primer, committee member James Hsiang added) for other people to pick up. Reed said he has seen people mix several cans of paint to get the amount they need in a color they like.

The paint area is currently outdoors, so winter plans are uncertain, Reed said. As with clothing, there is a back-up, a recycling company named PaintCare.

Another area recycles construction wood – not odds and ends, but unneeded two-by-fours and the like that could be used for a small project. Reed said transfer station manager Thomas Maraggio uses some of the wood, but there is enough to share with residents.

Committee members recommended publicizing these extra services in Hapgood’s monthly newsletter, China Connected, and on China’s Facebook page.

They also want to continue to work with area schools to encourage class trips to the facility, a project Baumann started. There is “a lot of real-world science and technology at the transfer station,” Weymouth commented.

Perhaps, Hsiang suggested, they should seek a new committee member to succeed Baumann who is connected in some way with China – or other nearby — schools, like a retired teacher.

In addition to a new (volunteer) committee member, Hapgood reminded those present that the town is seeking a (paid) part-time transfer station attendant. Anyone interested in either position is invited to contact the town office; the telephone number is 445-2014.

Hapgood announced that the transfer station is hosting a drug take-back day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Committee members scheduled their next meeting for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14.

RSU #18 welcomes new superintendent

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Andrew Carlton

Wilton native Andrew Carlton takes over reign

by Mary Grow

Wilton native Andrew Carlton has “the job I’ve wanted since I became a superintendent of schools:” the superintendency of Oakland-based Regional School Unit (RSU) #18.

On July 1, his first day at work in his new position, Carlton was up and dressed at 4 a.m. His wife suggested he did not need to show up quite that early.

With the help of RSU staff, Carlton expanded his knowledge of his new territory – five towns, eight schools, more than 2,500 students – through July and August. In mid-September, with classes under way, his enthusiasm continues unabated.

He appreciates the communities. He praised the school facilities and grounds, the academics, the cohesion within the union, the administrators – “high-quality, we can work together instead of [me] teaching them.”

RSU #18 is unusual in that four towns – Belgrade, Oakland, Rome and Sidney – form a geographical unit and the fifth, China, is separate, on the far side of the Kennebec River and the City of Waterville.

Carlton knows at least one other Maine school unit with a geographically detached town. Separation creates minor problems, for example with bus routes, but does not make China less important, in his view.

China residents are committed to their schools, Carlton observed. At China’s pre-school open house, it was impossible to find a parking space (the other RSU towns also had good turn-outs). And China residents called his office over the summer concerned about the broken school zone warning signs on Lakeview Drive, which were fixed just before school opened.

China is the only RSU #18 town to offer students a choice of high schools, and Carlton appreciates residents’ support for the option. Oakland’s Messalonskee High School is excellent, and he is pleased that some China students enroll there, but choice gives students more opportunities to pursue individual interests.

He praised China’s two “beautiful” school buildings and the “fabulous” town manager, Rebecca Hapgood.

One of Carlton’s goals, not always achieved, is to visit every RSU #18 school at least once a week, and China won’t be overlooked. He also comes to each school biweekly to meet with the principal.

Carlton thinks RSU #18 is doing well, with high-performing students and varied programs. His main goals are maintenance: continue to offer programs that provide “high-quality opportunities to all students”; keep infrastructure in its current excellent shape; make sure staff salaries are appropriate and competitive; and focus on school safety – while keeping taxpayers always in mind.

“We exist because of our taxpayers, so we have to use their dollars to give their students the best possible education,” he said.

Carlton came to RSU #18 by a winding route. His mother was a school secretary, his father a golf pro, and his first plan was to follow his father.

A major in golf management at Campbell University, in North Carolina, was followed by a degree in history from the University of Maine at Farmington and a spell as a golf pro. Needing a winter job, he became an educational technician at Oak Hill High School in Wales (RSU #4), and realized he had found his calling.

After two years at Oak Hill, Carlton taught special education at Fairfield-based Maine School Administrative District (MSAD) #49; became special education director in MSAD #13 (Bingham and Moscow); and went back to RSU #4 to serve as a principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent.

The pandemic led to a temporary career change: Carlton spent two years as Gardiner’s city manager. He enjoyed the job, but “missed the kids”; so he next became Waterville’s special education director.

When Carl Gartley’s retirement created the RSU #18 opening, Carlton applied and was chosen as his successor.

Carlton enjoyed his varied career, working under leaders who gave him chances to learn, including from his mistakes. It was “all a very good experience,” he said. The two years in Gardiner showed him the importance of school and municipal officials working together.

Carlton intends to distribute a community letter soon, and to begin advertising office hours in RSU towns, where interested residents can stop in to talk with him.

Meanwhile, he’s still learning, and still enjoying his job. “There’s always a new challenge,” he said happily.

China Middle School students hold 9/11 car wash

/0 Comments/in , , /by
by Aimée Lanteigne
China Middle School, 7/8 Social Studies Teacher

The weather this year on September 11 was picture perfect, a beautiful late summer day just like the one 24 years ago when one of our nation’s greatest tragedies unfolded before our eyes. The seventh and eighth graders at China Middle School weren’t even alive in 2001, and many of their parents were in school themselves on that fateful day. To help them better understand how our nation was forever changed that day, the students participated in a two-week unit about 9/11 in the classroom. And to pay their respects, show their gratitude, and give honor to all the first responders, police officers, firefighters, and veterans who sacrificed so much for us, not just on 9/11, but everyday, the students hosted a free car wash last Thursday at school.

The turnout was incredible…49 vehicles, including big red fire trucks, police cruisers, ambulances, and dozens of personal cars belonging to veterans of all generations. Our school parents were tremendous in providing goodies and drinks for our distinguished guests; coffee, soda, water, and every imaginable baked good adorned our refreshment table. Each student made a handmade card, some of them personalized for family members.

Along with a free car wash, free treats, and a handmade card, each first responder or veteran received a hearty “thank you for your service!” shout out from the students. True Country 93.5 FM called in to check on the progress of the car wash in the afternoon. Their gracious announcement on the radio about our event helped bring in even more vehicles. The China community has some amazing young people, and we are proud to be able to give back to those who serve and protect us every single day.

What better way to remember the men and women who lost their lives while trying to rescue others on 9/11 than to give back to their brothers and sisters in service all over the country like in small towns like ours. Way to go China Clippers!

LETTERS: Secretary Collins up to speed

/0 Comments/in , /by

To the editor:

As I read Gary Kennedy’s Veterans Corner in the Sept. 4, 2025, issue of The Town Line, I wonder where he’s been for the past eight months.

The Trump Administration’s policies to reduce waste and fraud led to massive reductions in the federal workforce. Within the Department of Veterans Administration, this reduction includes core medical staff as
well as ancillary staff leading to longer wait times and more community referrals to an already stressed medical pool. Budget cuts
halted some vital clinical studies, affecting thousands of Veterans, and forced cancellation of contracts for waste disposal and record security services. These issues are not limited to Togus VA but affect VA facilities throughout the US.

Contrary to Mr. Kennedy’s speculation that DVA Secretary Doug Collins cannot move “at the speed of Trump”, I think he is, indeed, on board and up to date with the administration’s policies.

Mr. Kennedy is right in pointing out the problems now facing our veterans. We can help address these concerns by contacting our Congressional and Senatorial representatives,

Deborah Marlett
South China

No contests in China election

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

China voters will have no contests on their Nov. 4 local election ballots. Town Clerk Angela Nelson reported residents who submitted the necessary signatures for their names to appear on the ballot are:

— For two select board seats, Brent Chesley and Natasha Littlefield; and
— For one position on the Regional School Unit #18 board of directors, Heather Neal. Incumbents whose terms end this year are Wayne Chadwick and Jeanne Marquis on the select board and Dawn Castner on the RSU board. None is seeking re-election.

China planners approve only application on agenda

/0 Comments/in , /by
China Town Officeby Mary Grow

At their Aug. 26 meeting, China Planning board members approved the only application on their agenda and postponed discussion of two pieces of town ordinances.

Natasha Littlefield, who operates Nash’s Gym in part of the building at 9 Legion Park Road, in South China, has approval to add a small restaurant or café in the building.

Littlefield compared her planned cafe to the Green Bean Coffee Shop, which operated nearby until February 2017. The menu will include coffees, smoothies, pastries and other breakfast and lunch foods, but no major cooking.

Littlefield plans mostly a “grab ‘n’ go” operation, with inside seating for 16 people. Hours will be 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If all goes smoothly with the state permits she needs, she hopes to open Nov. 4.

Planning board members debated whether a public hearing was needed on the application. Milton Dudley and Elaine Mather said no, because changes affecting abutters, traffic or anyone or anything else outside the property will be minor. They persuaded chairman Toni Wall and Natale Tripodi to agree.

Board members therefore reviewed the 15 criteria in China’s ordinance, finding Littlefield’s project met all of them. Changes she plans will be non-disruptive; the well, septic system and parking space are adequate.

Littlefield said she had discussed her plans with three of her four neighbors, all except the one whose house is for sale.

The two ordinance questions board members will consider at a future meeting are:

— Whether to draft a new site plan ordinance that would replace current review procedures for new developments; and
— Whether and if so how to amend Chapter 2, Section 6 of the current Land Use Ordinance, which deals with administration and related topics.

Any new or revised document board members recommend would need voters’ approval.

The next regular China Planning Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9.

History comes alive at Killdeer Point walk

/0 Comments/in , , /by

More than a dozen history enthusiasts gathered at Killdeer Point for a walk through local history led by longtime resident Richard Dillenbeck, right.
(photo by Eric W. Austin)

by Eric W. Austin

Richard Dillenbeck

On Thursday evening, August 21, in China, more than a dozen history enthusiasts gathered at Killdeer Point for a walk through local history led by longtime resident Richard Dillenbeck. The event, sponsored by the China Historical Society, offered attendees a chance to hear the stories behind this historic corner of China Lake, which has been tied to Dillenbeck’s family since the 1920s.

During the tour, Richard Dillenbeck explained how his uncle, Eli Wagner, launched an ambitious project from 1925-1927 by purchasing three adjacent farms, dividing much of the estimated 200-plus acres on both sides of Route 202 into 50-by-150-foot lots when he established the Killdeer Corporation. His vision was to create a lakeside community for city dwellers. To attract buyers, Wagner converted a 19th century barn into Killdeer Lodge, a rustic cedar-log lined hotel plus a dining room perched on a ridge with sweeping views of both basins of China Lake. Guests were brought in by bus from Boston and New York City, provided meals, and taken on property tours.

His plans stalled when the Great Depression struck in 1929. With sales drying up, much of the land eventually reverted to the financing bank and the corporation eventually dissolved. Later, Dillenbeck’s grandfather acquired the property. His parents reopened Killdeer Lodge in the early 1950s. Richard worked as a busboy, remembering the bustle of the dining room and the excitement of visitors. It was closed again in 1957 and it sat unused for many years. The roof collapsed, and in 2018, it was burned in a controlled fire by the fire department. Traces of chimneys and other remnants of both buildings can still be seen in the woods.

The walk wasn’t just about history – it was also about memories. Dillenbeck, five years old at the time, said his father built a family camp in 1940 and he was provided a log, a hammer and a bucket of nails and was told to hammer nails into the log, keeping him out of the way of the builders. On Killdeer Point, the western-most tip of the peninsula, he pointed out a towering pine tree he would climb like a ladder. The estimated 200-year-old tree has survived lightning strikes and an unknown winter visitor, arriving on the frozen lake, who built a fire amidst its giant roots. Before the property was known as Killdeer Point, many called it Lone Pine Point.

The current Killdeer Landowners Association with its 25 owners is legally considered a private community with yearly dues for insurance, liability and maintenance purposes.

The Killdeer Point walk was part of the Historical Society’s summer program series, which earlier this season featured a walk through South China Village and an annual meeting focused on the town’s first settlers. A tour of China Village is planned for next year.

The Historical Society encourages residents to follow their Facebook page for updates on upcoming events and programs. Annual membership is just $10 and supports not only these community events but also the Society’s museum and ongoing preservation efforts. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, the China Historical Society’s programs offer a wonderful chance to connect with your community’s past – and with your neighbors who are keeping those stories alive.

(photo by Eric W. Austin)

LETTERS: Affordable by whose standards?

/0 Comments/in , /by

To the editor:

I believe it’s said that America is the richest country on earth. If so, why do we have such a homeless problem? We have friends who are living in a tent in the woods right now. Why? Granted they have made some poor life choices, generational alcoholism, lack of education, lack of health and dental care, etc., but now at 50 or 60 years old…unemployable, on disability. How can anyone live on $700 a month? A one bedroom apartment in Waterville is over $1000 and can be over $2,000 – $3,000 to move in. I was told that just a one room (hotel type) rents for at least $220 a week.

They’re tearing down buildings in Waterville to make way for ‘affordable’ housing, wondering what is meant by affordable…affordable by whose standards? The Maine Housing Authority website says the wait for assisted housing is several years…the homeless shelter helps a few, but the need far exceeds what is available.

I’m not talking about drugs or alcoholism now, but people who are trying to get their lives together and have no way to get started.

I have no answers, just a lot of questions…

Linda Morrell
China Village

China select board sets tax rate at .01170 mils

/0 Comments/in , /by
China Town Officeby Mary Grow

China select board members have set the 2025-26 tax rate at .01170 mils, or $11.70 for each $1,000 of property valuation, as recommended by assessor William Van Tuinen.

Meeting Aug. 25 in their capacity as assessors, after the special town meeting and before their meeting as a select board, they listened to Van Tuinen’s explanation, asked a few questions and unanimously adopted the rate.

It is the same as last year’s, Van Tuinen said, and the town has not adjusted its valuation. Therefore residents whose property is unchanged should expect to pay about the same amount as in 2024-25.

By town meeting vote, the first half tax payment is due at the town office by the close of business Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Van Tuinen’s report listed the three main expenditures the taxes will help cover: China’s share of the Regional School Unit (RSU) #18 budget, a little over $5.989 million; municipal expenditures approved by town meeting voters, a little over $4.812 million; and the Kennebec County tax, $809,689.

Reconvening as the select board, members approved the warrant for the Nov. 4 local election. China voters will choose two select board members and one member of the RSU #18 board. Signed nomination papers must be returned to the town office by the close of business Friday, Sept. 5, for candidates’ names to appear on the ballot.

As of Tuesday, Aug. 26, no papers had been returned, Town Clerk Angela Nelson said. Cathy Bourque, Brent Chesley, Gordon Riordan and Gail Tibbetts had papers out for two seats on the select board. Incumbent Dawn Castner and Heather Neal had papers for the RSU board.

Select board members unanimously approved buying a new “can” – roll-off waste container – for the transfer station, from Thompson Fabrication, LLC, in Wheatland, Pennsylvania, for $13,414, including shipping.

They approved a catered event for Maine People’s Alliance on Sept. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m., at 901 Neck Road.

All China municipal departments will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, for the Labor Day holiday. The next regular select board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8.

Town voters overwhelmingly approve discontinuing public easement of Old Rte. 202

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

Ninety voters filled the town office meeting room for China’s Aug. 25 special town meeting to talk about discontinuing a public easement and giving to The Landing, LLC, the town’s interest, if it has any interest, in the land over which the easement runs.

By the end of the hour-and-a-quarter meeting, they had approved both articles. The easement was discontinued on a vote of 76 in favor to 12 opposed; whatever interest the town had in the underlying property was given to The Landing on a vote of 72 to 13.

Town officials hope the action put an end to a dispute that has bubbled up repeatedly since 1972, costing taxpayers uncounted legal fees.

The meeting warrant was accompanied by a street-level photograph of the area in question at the head of China Lake’s east basin, a short distance east China Village; an aerial photograph; two diagrams; and a copy of Town Attorney Amanda Meader’s Aug. 23 comments on resident Carrol White’s opinion piece in the Aug. 21 issue of The Town Line (see p. 3, and also p. 1).

The meeting began with the election of Bob Kurek, from Palermo, as moderator. His explanation of usual meeting rules was followed by three decisions by show of hands:

— To allow non-resident town attorney Amanda Meader to speak;
— To limit speakers to three minutes for a first comment and two minutes thereafter; and
— To vote on the two articles by written ballot.

The most common question from voters was “Who owns the property?” Meader explained her opinion, based on extensive review of decades of files, that the land belongs to The Landing and its owners, Kimberly and Tory Stark.

The Town of China has only an easement, that is, a right for the public to drive or walk through the property on the former roadway.

The Starks have been paying taxes on the land. Kimberly Stark explained they did so because they believed they owned it, and therefore thought it only fair to pay the taxes, despite the uncertainty.

Meader, select board chairman Wayne Chadwick and board member Thomas Rumpf said they thought approving the articles would be good for the town.

Meader said she could see no reason to keep the easement, since two paved roads have replaced it. Without resolution, the issue keeps coming up, creating “legal fees you don’t need to pay again,” she said.

Chadwick agreed the easement has little if any value to the town. Rumpf said if the Starks have clear title, the questions that have impeded them financially and in terms of lot size will go away; they will be able to proceed with expansion plans; and the taxes they pay the town will go up.

Approving the discontinuance, including counting the paper ballots, took almost an hour.

After moderator Bob Kurek read the final question, whether to give away any interest the town might have in the land, people again began asking “Who owns it?”

Others shouted, “The Landing.” The question was repeated so often that one voter urged Kurek to refuse to recognize anyone who wanted to ask it.

Several people asked whether China was giving away a piece of shoreland that might become a public beach by giving away any interest in the land. Meader thought not, saying again the town had never owned the land, only an easement.

When there was briefly a public beach in the mid-1970s, Meader said, the town leased the land from the people who then owned the restaurant.