China history to be available at China Historical Society

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Location of the China Historical Society collection, in the old town house directly opposite the present Town Office (and above The Town Line office) on Lakeview Drive.

by Bob Bennett

The China Historical Society’s collection will be open to the public on Saturday August 6, during China Community Days. These artifacts are located in the old town house found directly opposite the present Town Office on Lakeview Drive, and may be viewed between roughly 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Historical Society has very few active members and the intent of this opening is to try and entice many more town residents, both seasonal and year-round and young and old, to become involved in learning about and preserving the town’s past. This past weekend the building’s interior was extensively cleaned up by members Neil Farrington and Bob Bennett. Floors were vacuumed, displays were dusted and straightened and glass cases were carefully “windexed.” The exhibits are likely as neat as they have ever been. There is adequate parking available in the Town Office lot, the building is handicapped accessible via the ramp at the front and everyone is welcomed.

Hopefully with the numerous events available to the public during Community Days, plenty of folks will be enticed to stop by this vintage structure and pace its old, wide board floor to view and savor great pieces of China’s unique history. We look forward to seeing you.

PHOTO: Hussey family kids earn yellow belts

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From left to right, the Hussey family children, Eleanor Hussey, Lydia Hussey, Tucker Hussey, and Jackson Hussey, all of China, recently earned their respective yellow belts at Huard’s Martial Arts Dojo, in Winslow. Mark Huard is standing behind his students. (submitted photo)

China select board postpones action on broadband expansion

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by Mary Grow

China select board members were joined by local, out-of-town and out-of-state spokespeople for broadband service at the July 18 select board meeting.

Robert O’Connor, chairman of the China Broadband Committee (CBC), had shared with select board members and town attorney Amanda Meader a proposed memorandum of agreement (MOU) with Direct Communications, based in Rockland, Idaho, and its local subsidiary, UniTel of Unity, Maine. Representatives of both telecommunications companies spoke with select board members.

Because Meader had raised questions based on her preliminary review of the document, select board members postponed action. They proposed direct discussions between Meader and a Direct Communications attorney.

Select board members decided to go ahead with a smaller project on the July 18 agenda, drafting a local fireworks ordinance that they hope to have ready to submit to voters on Nov. 8.

They do not intend to ban fireworks in town, as board chairman Ronald Breton said some Maine towns have done. They do intend to set a nightly curfew intended to benefit people who have to get up early to go to work or send children to school.

In other business, board members unanimously:

  • Appointed Nicholas French as China’s Licensed Plumbing Inspector; and
  • Renewed the pawnbrokers license for Wildwood Pawn, Inc., on Gunshop Road, off Morrill Road.

The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1.

Seek volunteers for comprehensive plan committee

China select board members are seeking volunteers for the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee and a Regional School Unit (RSU) 18 Cost Share Committee.

The job of the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee, which they decided to limit to seven members, is to review the revised town plan that voters approved at the June 14 town business meeting and decide what should be done, and by what official or committee, to carry out recommendations.

The RSU #18 Cost Share Committee, for which three China members will join representatives from the other four towns (Belgrade, Oakland, Rome and Sidney), will review the formula by which costs are divided among the five towns. Select board chairman Ronald Breton said the current formula bases cost-sharing 75 percent on each town’s property valuation and 25 percent on each town’s student enrollment.

China residents interested in serving on either committee should contact the town office.

Wynn Pooler earns All-American honors

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Wynn Pooler

Wynn Pooler, recently completed his freshman year at Erskine Academy, in South China. He has been named an Academic All-American by the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) for his accomplishments this past year. He was the only freshman and the only wrestler from Maine to earn Academic All-American honors. He is also one of only 15 freshmen nationally, across all sports, to earn either first or second team honors.

He maintained a 4.0 GPA while competing in three sports and was the first freshman in Erskine Academy history to win a state title in wrestling. He went on to wrestle at the Interscholastic New England Championships, where he made it to the quarterfinals. He then competed at the NHSCA High School National Championships, where he finished with a 2-2 record. Finally, he wrestled as a free-agent for a Pennsylvania-based club at the NHSCA National Duals, where he finished with a 4-2 record.

Over 200 captivated by Mr. Drew’s animals

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Mr. Drew and His Animals, Too, drew the largest crowd ever to the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library. Over 200 children, parents and grandparents were in attendance. (photo courtesy of Carla Gade)

by Carla Gade

Mr. Drew and His Animals Too visited the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, in China Village, earlier this month, captivating an audience of over 200 children and their parents, grandparents, and others of all ages, being the largest turn out ever for the library.

Mr. Drew tours around the state with his educational show of rehabilitated reptiles from his educational outreach and rescue center in Lewiston. This event was a kick-off for the library’s Summer Reading Program, Tales & Tales, which runs until August 27, and can be joined at any time throughout the summer.

Mr. Drew shows off his python. (photo courtesy of Carla Gade)

Beneath a large tent and overflowing onto the lawn, gathered dozens of eager children and many adults, all eagerly awaiting Mr. Drew to reveal his first creature. They gasped when Mr. Drew held up a giant Tarantula. As Mr. Drew showed the intimidating spider, he shared how delicate they are and that they, too, are easily scared. Mr. Drew entertained with giant cockroaches climbing over his face, and showed off a small lizard, a turtle and large tortoise. With the split tongue of his black and white Tegu lizard slipping in and out of its mouth, Mr. Drew told how the lizard uses its tongue for breathing.

He delighted with interesting facts and stories about how his animals came to his facility. One by one, Mr. Drew retrieved more creatures from a large woven basket. You guessed it. Snakes! An albino snake and what appeared to be a snake but was really a long legless lizard fascinated the crowd. At last, all were awed when Mr. Drew pulled up a huge Python, which proceeded to slither over and around his shoulders. After the presentation the children were able to look at the reptiles up close and pet some of them. The tortoise and iguana were of particular interest as well as the Python, whom my own grandson was able to hold.

Coming up next, children’s author, Tamra Wight, will visit the library during Storytime on Saturday, August 13, at 11 a.m.. Wight is the author of the suspenseful eco-mystery series Cooper & Pack Rat (Ilandport Press), inspired by her time owning and operating Poland Spring Campground for near three decades. The guest author will share about her books and experiences and show her wildlife photography. She will also have books on hand to sell and autograph. For children of all ages.

On Sunday, September 18, at 2 p.m., the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library will host another Maine author in an event for all ages. Stephen Constanza, of Belfast, is an author, illustrator, and musician who will feature his book King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott Joplin. Constanza has appeared at the Camden Opera House and other large venues, so the library is delighted to have him visit China Village. He will also offer his books for sale and to be autographed.

Please RSVP for events on Facebook @chinalibrary, email, or in person, although all are welcome to come even as walk-ins.

The Albert Church Brown Memorial Library is located at 37 Main Street, in China Village, and is open on Tuesday and Thursday, from 2 – 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information is available at chinalibrary.org.

LETTERS: Are solar panels a blight?

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To the editor:

An observation…am I the only one who finds the acres of solar panels a blight on our beautiful Maine landscape? Is it asking too much to leave a border of trees to hide these fields of plastic…I haven’t heard anyone else commenting on this and our town voted down giving the select board time to develop a new ordinance to regulate them…so am I alone in my distaste for these unsightly fields that are, in my view, an eyesore?

If they are a necessity, can we at least create a buffer to hide them from view?

Linda Morrell
China

Planning well underway for China Community Days festivities

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by Eric W. Austin

Local residents of China are hard at work organizing the activities and festivities for the China Community Days celebration planned for the weekend of August 5-7.

The events kick off on Friday evening with a free barbecue dinner, lawn games and a movie hosted at Central Church, on Route 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Those looking to work off the pounds instead of putting them on can participate in (or watch) a softball game on Friday evening, organized by Martha Wentworth and the China Rec Committee, starting at 8 p.m., at the China Ballfields, between the Middle and Primary schools. Potential players should call the Town Office (445-2014, extension 3) to reserve their spot on the team.

Saturday will feature a host of events and sights to see starting at 10 a.m. at the China Ballfields, including booths from local organizations and vendors, fun kids’ activities and games for all ages. (Vendors looking to participate should contact Neil Farrington at peachclassof68@gmail.com, 462-4321, or Ashli Hussey at 692-3210.)

Proceeds raised from the Dunk Tank on Saturday (three balls for $1) will go to help Steve Arsenault and his family, who has recently received a heart transplant.

Mr. Drew and His Animals Too! will be on hand with a menagerie of exotic pets to wow the kids and adults alike.

The Cornhole Tournament, under the supervision of Tom Michaud, kicks off at 1 p.m. Participants can sign up ahead of time at the Town Office or on the day of the event. For more information contact Tom Michaud at 242-0318 or Alyssa Michaud at 692-8813.

Bob Hall is putting together a “Cruize-In Car Show” for Saturday at the China Primary School. There’s no entry fee and anyone entering their vehicle will receive 11 tickets for a chance at some fantastic prizes.

All weekend there will be town-wide yard sales. Anyone wanting to get in on the action by having their sale included on the “Yard Sale Trail” map being put together by the Town Office should contact them at 445-2014 or email info@chinamaine.org with their location and time information. A map of the yard sale locations will be published on the Facebook pages for China Community Days and the Town of China and available at the Town Office.

Saturday afternoon, the festivities continue with a Cardboard Boat Regatta hosted by the China Lake Association. Contestants should gather at the China Baptist Church Park on Causeway Road at the north end of the lake. Races begin at 4:45 p.m. and registration opens at 4 p.m. For more information and to find a copy of the registration form, go to the Town of China website, china.govoffice.com, or the China Community Days Facebook page. For any questions, contact Elaine Philbrook at 968-1037 or Bill Powell at 441-3514.

There’s also a Boat Parade for decorated boats (those not built of cardboard) starting at 5 p.m. in front of the China Lake Conference Center. The parade will travel down the lake to the Causeway at 5:30 p.m. for judging, with prizes going to the best decorated boats. Register your boat by sending an email to boatparade22@gmail.com.

Get your boogie on Saturday evening at the Street Dance in the China Baptist parking lot from 6 – 9:30 p.m., featuring the live band, The Veggies!. Food will be available for sale from the China Baptist hamburger booth. The China 4 Seasons Club will also be selling glow sticks for all the neon-lovers out there.

The celebrations on Saturday will end with a bang — literally! — with a fireworks show, beginning at 9 p.m. ,from Judi Gilman’s property at the north end of the lake.

On Sunday, a Youth Fishing Derby is being held from 9 – 11 a.m. for ages 15 and under on the Causeway. For more information or to register your child, contact Kelly Grotten at 445-2014, extension 6, or 462-0301.

The final event of the weekend is also one of the most popular: the China Community Days Scavenger Hunt. After registering (promptly!) at noon in the China Baptist Church parking lot, teams will have two hours to find 100 items.

All of the events, except for fireworks, will be held rain or shine. The rain date for fireworks is Sunday.

The China Community Days Committee is still looking for volunteers to help with the planned activities, so please contact the Town Office if you are available.

PHOTO: China Community Food Pantry Saturday crew

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The Saturday crew at the China Food Pantry. From left to right, Peter Caldwell, Larry Lemieux, Carl McKeil, Cindi Orlando, Donna Loveland, Ann Austin, Cathy Bourque, Nancy Lemieux, Bunny Caldwell, Jodi Blackinton and Kimberly Goneau. (photo by Eric W. Austin)

Volunteers needed for Window Dressers workshop

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Volunteers prepare window inserts at a previous WindowDressers workshop, in Vassalboro. (photo courtesy of Vassalboro Historical Society)

by Eric W. Austin

The China for a Lifetime Committee is planning a Window Dressers workshop this November 7-13, at the China Lake Camp, off the Neck Road, on the west side of the lake. The initiative is a volunteer-led, barn-raising effort to construct low-cost “window inserts” that can significantly reduce residential energy costs. Orders for inserts need to be submitted to the China Town Office or through the Window Dressers’ website by September for the November workshop.

The insulated window inserts are constructed of pine wood frames, and can be ordered in natural wood or painted white. There is a maximum order limit of 10 frames, and no minimum. Orders are open to all residents of China, Vassalboro, Palermo, Albion and Windsor.

The price of the window inserts varies depending on the size of the frame requested, but generally range from $30-$70 per frame for natural pine, with an additional $5-$10 if painted white. Discounts and financial help are available for those who qualify.

As the workshop will take place during the second week of November, orders should be placed by September. Volunteers will need to visit your home to take window measurements which will then be sent to the Window Dressers organization, who will cut the wood for the frames and deliver them in time for the workshop. All volunteers visiting customer homes to measure windows are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and wear a mask.

There is a great need for local community volunteers to make this a successful Window Dressers workshop. It is requested (but not required) that anyone ordering frames also commit to a four-hour shift on one of the workshop days. The committee is also looking for anyone who can supply food to the teams participating in the workshop.

To submit an order for window inserts, or to volunteer, please call the China Town Office at 445-2014, send an email to chinaforalifetime@gmail.com, or visit the Window Dressers website and fill out the request form at windowdressers.org/sign-up-for-inserts.

For more information about the China for a Lifetime Committee, please visit their website at chinaforalifetime.com.

China TIF committee discusses pending project at China Village boat launch

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by Mary Grow

Members of China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee approved a funding application, discussed a pending project and heard updates on on-going ones at their June 29 meeting.

The committee’s job is to make recommendations to the select board and voters for spending revenue in the TIF Fund. The money comes from taxes on Central Maine Power Company’s north-south line through town and the company’s substation in South China. Recommendations are within the limits set in the TIF plan, approved by town voters and by state regulators.

China Community Days asked for $10,000 for fireworks and other purposes for this summer’s celebration, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 7. TIF Committee members unanimously approved.

The pending project is doing something about the China Lake boat landing in South China Village, which has limited access, shallow water, erosion problems and undefined lot boundaries. The first step is to define the lot lines; new committee chair Brent Chesley said Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood is seeking a surveyor.

Depending on how much land the town owns, options include providing more parking and maintaining a full-service boat landing; limiting parking and allowing hand-carry (canoes and kayaks) launches only; or discontinuing use as recreational lake access. If the area were no longer a boat landing, committee members discussed ongoing access by town firefighters.

Resident Scott Pierz, executive director of the China Region Lakes Alliance, reported briefly on four major programs, partly TIF-funded, aimed at improving water quality in China Lake and other area water bodies:

  • The Courtesy Boat Inspection program is intended to keep invasive plants out of local waters by inspecting boats before they are launched. The program currently has too few employees to cover all boat landings, Pierz said.
  • The Gravel Roads Rehabilitation Program helps road associations make environmentally sound improvements to camp roads.
  • The LakeSmart Program, run in cooperation with the Maine Lakes Society and the local China Lake Association, helps shoreland property owners minimize runoff into water bodies.
  • The Youth Conservation Corps employs local young people to work on environmental improvement projects.

Four Seasons Club President Tom Rumpf reported on work done on trails in town and on plans for continued work. He discussed state grant possibilities and revised state regulations and oversight. Misuse of ATV trails, including incidents like the recent vandalism to bee hives in Albion (which had nothing to do with Four Seasons Club trails, Rumpf said), discourages landowners from allowing trails on their property and increases state involvement.

After electing Chesley TIF Committee chairman, succeeding Tom Michaud who declined to continue in the position, committee members elected James “J. J.” Wentworth vice-chairman.

The next committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday evening, Aug. 24.