LETTERS: Don’t cut grass, save our environment

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To the editor:

There are 142,153,010 residential properties in the United States. Let’s say just 42,000,000 of those properties get the grass cut. [It takes approximately] 1.4 gallons of gas used on average per lawn, per week; 25 weeks of grass cutting. [That comes to] 1.06 billion gallons saved if you stop that ridiculous activity. Then there is the life killed and oxygen-producing leaves being cut. All for image and appearance. Humans are absurd.

Brent Elisens
China

OPINION: A few suggestions about being litter free

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COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

by Richard Dillenbeck
China resident

Hello…let me share an update on efforts to create a Litter-Free China! Twenty years ago, I started picking up roadside litter on Lakeview Drive. The satisfying undertaking was combined with my habit of long-distance walking. Today I remain puzzled why so many drivers feel the best way to get rid of trash is to throw it out car windows.

Four years ago, an appeal was made for others to join the effort, and, at its peak, some summers over 50 volunteer were involved. That was greatly reduced by COVID and now remains low. Most people live busy lives and one’s enthusiasm is easy to lose when the litter is back within a week. To illustrate a portion of what was picked up this summer, I retrieved over 700 cans and bottles on Lakeview Drive, plus bags of other litter. Efforts were supported by the town manager’s purchase of bags and gloves, also volunteers provided their own. I would place the level of littering to be somewhat less than previous summers but still considerable, which unfortunately means little change in the habits of litterers.

I would like to make three suggestions if you feel this effort is worth continuing:

  • Town office make occasional plea in the town’s weekly newsletter for property owners to please pick up litter on their own roadside frontage. It would certainly help our volunteers and the overall effort.
  • A few years ago, I asked our own China police officer had he ever ticketed anyone for littering, and he said “no”. Perhaps the Kennebec County Sheriff could be requested to do so.
  • Some of the larger pieces of litter may have blown out of trucks enroute to the Transfer Station, although I observe an equal amount on roadside shoulders leading away from the Station. Occasional reminders to the citizenry to tie down/cover transported trash would be helpful.

I want to publicly thank the following persons/organizations for picking up litter:

Mark Jandreau, Ann and Eric Austin, Doug Sukeforth, Jeanne Marquis, Bob Bennett, Katy McCormac, Lori Poulin, Don Matheson, Gary Nichols, Joe Karter, Don Poulin, Sandra Boyce Isaac, Kara Carlson, Don Rice, Jane Golden, Central Church members and Church of LDS members. Also, The Town Line for its support. I suspect there are others who remain either unrecognized or are unknown.

This is being shared with members of the community who serve in official capacities soliciting their support for this effort. Let me close with this memory: when I used to occasionally walk home from Erskine Academy from 1949-1953, our country roads were litter-free. Everyone is invited to be involved in their own helpful way and let’s look forward to next summer.

Reviving the China Historical Society

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The interior of the China History Museum.

by Bob Bennett

As we all know, it is inevitable that things change over time. Those of us who recall and cherish the past are the ones who can help restore and keep those memories alive. It is with that purpose that I have composed this short article.

For a number of years, the China Historical Society boasted many active members and leaders. For example, as a lifelong railroad fan, I was amazed by the late Mark Johnson’s contributions, as the head of the society in the late 1990s, to the authors of the six volume history of the Wiscasset Waterville And Farmington “two footer,” Narrow Gauge In The Sheepscot Valley. However, in the last few years, numbers have dwindled and we are now down to just a few interested people. Thus, as a follow-up to the excellent turnout that we had at our China Community Days open house, and to hopefully stir up even more interest in the society, we will be having another “meet and greet” on Saturday, September 10, beginning at 1 p.m. There are several reasons for this meeting.

First, the town’s history and relevant artifacts need to be protected as much as possible and as a retired history teacher, I certainly understand the need for this preservation. Lost history can never be recovered. However, the conditions that exist in the present historical museum are not conducive to quality storage. There is no climate control, save for Mother Nature, and pests and rodents are frequent visitors. Electricity is present but basic at best. While the town does deal with the pests, these issues may become even greater down the road. Possibly, some human visitors might have resources or suggestions that could help alleviate this situation.

In addition, to continue to be a viable entity, The China Historical Society needs people and these folks are welcome from all age groups. Older individuals are often more interested in history and its physical aspects. This is largely because they’ve lived and witnessed more of the past and/or have ties to it. But, to keep that interest alive and growing, we also need to inspire younger humans to get interested and involved in learning about the past and keeping it alive. Thus, I am hoping that our get-together on September 10 will attract China residents, and seasonal visitors, of all ages.

As I stated earlier, we’ll shoot for a start time of 1 p.m., in the afternoon. Hopefully, that will allow folks to take care of their weekend chores. I would suggest thinking about bringing folding or lawn-type chairs since in-building seating is not very available or comfortable; the town will likely provide some as well. Several of we members will be there and the OPEN flag will be flying in the newly-installed holder on the ramp railing. I look forward to seeing you!

Webber Pond one of six Maine lakes at high risk for toxic algae bloom

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Blue-green toxic algae bloom.

No lakes or ponds have been put on advisory just yet

by Roland D. Hallee

Following the news that a couple of dogs in southern Maine had to be euthanized following their exposure to a blue-green toxic algae bloom, this news was released by Lakes in Maine.

According to them, six lakes in Maine are at high risk for a blue-green toxic algae bloom. In our immediate area, Webber Pond, in Vassalboro, in on the short list of six lakes.

While the algae has been spotted in Maine lakes in the past, this year no lakes or ponds have been put on advisory just yet. However, officials have rated the waterways in the state based on their likelihood of having it before the summer’s end.

Many lakes in Maine see algae blooms every year and officials are closely watching to make sure residents are aware of any blooms that become toxic.

The toxic blue-green algae is actually called Cyanobacteria and it thrives in warm water. This warmer water is not unusual here in the summer, which is why reports of it typically happen in the warmer months. Learn to recognize what this bacteria looks like when you’re checking for toxic algae.

Many lakes and rivers have seemingly foreign objects and foam floating in them. Most of these things are harmless. But the algae that can cause illness is known by its blue-green color. You’ll want to avoid it wherever you can. Children and pets are especially susceptible.

Those topping the list are, in alphabetical order: 1. Annabessacook Lake, in Monmouth, 2. Cross Lake, in Aroostook County, 3. Georges Pond, in Franklin, 4. Sebasticook Lake, in Newport, 5. Trafton Lake, in Limestone and 6. Webber Pond, in Vassalboro. There are plenty of great lakes in the state that are safe for swimming, or just hiking, camping, or enjoying views. Check out more about lakes in Maine that you can feel free to enjoy.

Coming into contact with the toxic algae can cause rashes, skin irritations, and even some gastrointestinal illnesses. You’ll see these symptoms even more severely in children and pets.

Officials urge folks to be mindful of any standing bodies of water. Always do a check for discolored water or “froth” that has a bluish color to it before you swim or come into contact with water. If contact is made, be sure to wash it off with clear and fresh water as soon as possible. You might be worried if you run into toxic algae in Maine, but there won’t be any long-term problems to worry about if you wash it all off right away.

Remember that fish can also be affected. If you fish in any water that might be affected by the blue-green algae, be sure to clean the it well before cooking at a high temperature.

To keep track of the Maine lakes at highest risk of cyanobacteria advisories, check out the official state website.

If you’ve been affected by any of the algae blooms this summer, they would like to hear your experience. Contact them at https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/maine/toxic-blue-green-algae-me/.

China schools benefit from local boy scouts

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Bryson giving the safety inspection and assigning tasks to the scouts, left to right, Scouts Isaac Audette, Brady Newell, Sam Boynton, Bryson Pettengill, Nathan Choate and Assistant Scoutmaster Aiden Pettengill. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Bryson Pettengill’s Eagle Project was to create Zen Spaces at both the China’s Primary and Middle schools. He wanted to give back to the school and after discussions with his parents it was clear that children with special needs or social anxiety needed a safe environment. He realized the schools didn’t have one on the playgrounds. In researching online, he made the spaces as natural as he could because things found in nature provide calming stimuli.

Scouts Sam Boynton, left, and Remy Pettengill were assigned to put the picnic table together for the Middle school location. (photo courtesy
of Chuck Mahaleris)

The purpose of an Eagle project, which is a capstone assignment at the end of the Boy Scout advancement ladder, is to demonstrate leadership. There is no quantity of hours required for an Eagle project. The Scout need only demonstrate leadership in the task; therefore, it must be complicated enough to require the assistance of other Scouts.

A good Eagle project is one that gives the Scout an opportunity to organize his fellow Scouts into action. Most Scouts find this to be a challenging task, as it is unlike anything they have ever done in Scouting – and for many, unlike anything they’ve done outside of scouting as well.

These spaces would include “Buddy Stumps”, a Zen sand garden, picnic tables, calming plants, checker/Tic-Tac-Toe boards and building blocks/logs made with natural elements. Studies show that nature benefits children’s mental health because it is a natural calming stimulus. Spaces were built at both schools.

Bryson had to work with the principals from both schools to obtain approval for the project and for the location for Zen spaces at each school. He then had to get the approval for this project from the Troop #479 committee by scheduling a time to present his project. He had to schedule a meeting with the project coach for Kennebec Valley District of Pine Tree Council for the final approval before he could start the project.

He asked for help from his fellow Scouts in Troop #479 and other volunteers and scheduled a work date of July 9, 2022.

Bryson is the son of Lee and Danielle Pettengill, of South China and will be entering the eighth grade this year.

Scout Bryson Pettengill with the completed Zen space at the Middle School. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Greater Neck Road Neighborhood Association annual yard sale slated

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by Jeanne Marquis

The Greater Neck Road Neighborhood Association will host their annual yard sale on Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Baptist Church parking lot. The association voted again this year to donate 100 percent of the proceeds to the Town of China’s fuel assistance fund.

Sheri Wilkens remarked, “With skyrocketing prices of fuel, our members are worried about China citizens struggling to stay warm and we want to do our part to help.”

According to the US Energy Information Administration, prices are trending down from the April spike in crude oil. Yet for many factors, changes in retail prices lag behind commodity trends so we may still feel higher fuel costs this winter.

Wilkens reported the association’s donations for the town of China’s fuel assistance fund went to people who never expected to need help. Becky Hapgood, China town manager, wrote in her thank you note to the association, “We were able to help one senior who came in to see me after receiving the assistance to express his appreciation … and said no one had helped him in his life.” Last year, two local families were helped towards their fuel costs.

The Greater Neck Road Neighborhood Association has a long held tradition of looking out for neighbors and giving back to the town in various ways. During the early days of Covid when there were nationwide anxieties about food supply issues, Tom and Marie Michaud along with other neighbors with vegetable gardens planted extra produce to donate to the China Food Pantry.

Jim Wilkens will accept donated, clean and lightly used, items between now and Friday, September 2, at 712 Neck Road. Or, you may bring your clean yard sale items directly to the China Baptist Church parking lot on Saturday morning between 7 – 8 a.m. Volunteer opportunities are also available to cover two-hour sales shifts or help with clean up. Contact Sheri Wilkens for more details, 968-3777.

China budget committee urges approval on 6 ballot questions

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by Mary Grow

China Budget Committee members have recommended voters at the town’s Nov. 8 town meeting approve all six proposed expenditures from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants.

All votes but one were unanimous. Select board members have unanimously recommended approval of the expenditures (see The Town Line, Aug. 25, p. 2).

The split vote was on the article requesting $70,000 to expand broadband service to unserved and underserved areas of China. After a brief question and answer session, committee chairman Thomas Rumpf, secretary Trishea Story and members Kevin Maroon, Timothy Basham and Elizabeth Curtis voted to recommend voters approve the expenditure; Michael Sullivan dissented.

The other proposed ARPA expenditures presented to voters, with unanimous affirmative recommendations from both town boards, are:

  • Up to $21,590 to reimburse China Rescue Unit’s reserve fund for the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) the unit bought. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said the machine was used frequently for diagnoses during the Covid epidemic, justifying use of ARPA money.
  • Up to $7,000 for improvements to the radio tower at the town office.
  • Up to $22,000 to buy three heat pumps, for the town office, the transfer station office and the scale shack at the transfer station. Hapgood assured committee members the pumps are eligible for Efficiency Maine rebates; she does not know how long it will take to get bids, choose a vender and have the pumps installed.
  • Up to $75,000 for the new 2022-23 fuel assistance program for senior residents.
  • Up to $30,000 to replace or repair fences around China cemeteries.

At the select board meeting following the budget committee meeting, select board members unanimously approved rules for the fuel assistance program. After the previous discussion Aug. 22, Hapgood had checked the 2020 census records; she estimated that 136 households would have been eligible that year.

Select board members left the maximum household grant at $500. They approved maximum income limits – $30,000 for a one-person household, twice that for two people – and a residency requirement. The application process will be as simple as possible; the $500 will be sent to the fuel company, not to the householder.

If voters approve the proposal on Nov. 8, application information will be publicized.

Budget committee members do not plan to schedule another meeting until January 2023, when town officials begin work on the 2023-24 municipal budget.

CHINA: Computer problems stall setting tax rate

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by Mary Grow

China select board members were again lacking the information they need to set the 2022-23 tax rate at their Aug. 29 meeting; the town’s assessment process has been plagued by computer problems. They will schedule a special meeting as soon as possible, they hope on or before Tuesday, Sept. 6.

After the rate is set, Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said, town office staff need between one and two weeks to get each property-owner’s bill(s) calculated, printed and mailed. By town meeting vote, the first half payment of local taxes is due at the town office by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30.

Board members’ Aug. 29 decisions included final action on the local ballot questions for Nov. 8 and on regulations for the new senior residents’ fuel assistance program (see the related story on the Aug. 29 China Budget Committee meeting in this issue of The Town Line).

They discussed ongoing topics: the future of the closed waste recycling plant in Hampden and the proposed local ordinance to govern commercial solar development in town.

The Nov. 8 ballot will include one question in addition to those approved at the board’s Aug. 22 meeting (reported in the Aug. 25 issue of The Town Line). Board members voted 3-2, with Chairman Ronald Breton, Jeanne Marquis and Janet Preston in the majority and Blane Casey and Wayne Chadwick opposed, to ask voters to approve amendments to chapters 2 and 11 of the China Land Use Ordinance, as requested by the planning board.

The proposed changes are on the town website, china.govoffice.com. Most are required by the state as a condition of approval for the local ordinance.

The proposed new ordinance to govern commercial solar development will not be presented to voters this year. Planning board members have worked on the ordinance for months, using a model select board members said was provided by an environmental group.

Now, Hapgood said, board chairman Scott Rollins, having reviewed town attorney Amanda Meader’s comments and suggestions on the latest version, proposes Meader prepare a new draft. Hapgood pointed out that planning board members are not lawyers; given the current complexity of regulations, she said perhaps the attorney should draft a solar ordinance and propose other new ordinances or revisions.

Breton objected that asking Meader to do so much would overspend the legal budget. Yes, Hapgood said; but the board could ask voters to approve a larger 2023-24 budget to cover future work.

So why have a planning board, if members don’t prepare ordinances? asked Casey.

China’s Planning Board Ordinance, last updated in 2008, lists board responsibilities as preparing ordinances, preparing the comprehensive plan (the most recent update was drafted by a separate committee) and reviewing applications forwarded by the codes officer and other town officials to make sure projects conform to local land use and building ordinances.

Another suggestion, from Chadwick, was to add solar-specific provisions to existing ordinances, instead of writing a separate solar ordinance.

Discussion ended with Breton asking Hapgood to consult with Meader about the best way to proceed.

For discussion of the Hampden waste facility, now owned by the Municipal Review Committee (MRC) representing China and 114 other Maine municipalities, MRC Executive Director Michael Carroll joined the select board virtually.

Carroll explained that at this point, the MRC is negotiating a contract with Revere Capital Advisors to operate the plant as originally intended, to accept and recycle waste from member towns. As a fall-back if negotiations fail, the MRC is seeking money, including from member municipalities, to run the plant itself, he said.

In either case, Carroll said, he expects MRC will avoid errors made by past management. For example, he agreed with Breton that delay in getting state permits was a handicap to the earlier venture, and said he has worked with state agencies and permitting is up to date.

The Fiberight process established previously worked well for the seven months the facility operated, Carroll said. The operation closed primarily because it was already underfinanced and Covid was “the final straw.”

Carroll expects a decision on funding within two months. He said the facility might begin operating on a small scale, as a demonstration, in six months or so.

In other business, Hapgood asked approval to pay the Westbrook-based company St. Germain $2,300 from the public works road reserve fund to prepare an application for state grant funds to help replace an Ingraham Road culvert.

St. Germain describes its business on line as environmental assessment and remediation and civil engineering and permitting. Hapgood said the reserve fund’s current balance is a little over $20,000.

The company did a similar application last year, the manager said; China received no grant, and St. Germain received no payment. This year, Hapgood said, grant criteria have been amended and she thinks China has a better chance.

Select board members approved her request on a 4-0-1 vote, with Casey abstaining.

A brief discussion of an unrepaid loan granted under the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program led to a discussion of canceling the program. So far, only one businessman, the defaulter, has applied for a loan. The question was referred to the Tax Increment Financing Committee.

The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, Sept. 12.

China TIF committee hears reports from fund recipients

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by Mary Grow

At their Aug. 24 meeting, China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee members heard reports from representatives of programs that have received TIF funds. The China Broadband Committee’s project has a 10-year, $30,000 a year allocation, approved by voters. The Thurston Park Committee, the China Region Lakes Alliance (CRLA) (and the China Lake Association [CLA], not represented Aug. 24) and the China Four Seasons Club apply annually.

Committee members also discussed briefly the proposed boundary survey of the nearly-unused town-owned boat launch in South China. Committee member Jamie Pitney said $15,000 was approved for the survey, recommended by Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood.

Once town officials know how much land they have, they can decide how to use it. Pitney said South China Volunteer Fire Department members want continued access to the lake. Public possibilities include restoring a small area for boat trailers (to take pressure off the often-crowded north end landing, TIF committee member Michael “Mickey” Wing said) or allowing only hand-carried canoes and kayaks.

Thurston Park Committee Chairman Jeanette Smith said the park is getting increasingly favorable reviews on on-line sites like AllTrails as roads are improved and maintained and especially since the installation of two solar-powered dehydrating outhouses that, she said, “do not smell.” Trails are suitable for bicyclists and horseback riders as well as hikers; they are open for winter use.

There is vehicle access to the pond on Yorktown Brook in the northwest, and this summer one of three Eagle Scout projects planned a picnic area near the canoe and kayak launch. The other Eagle projects were an improved Monument Trail to the stone marking the intersection of the Albion, China and Palermo town lines and a winter parking area by the entrance road from the north, Smith said.

The next project, already started, is a storage building for equipment and supplies.

CRLA Executive Director Scott Pierz summarized major ongoing programs.

  • The Courtesy Boat Inspection Program, partly funded by Kennebec Water District, is aimed at keeping invasive plants out of China Lake.
  • The state-wide LakeSmart program helps shorefront property-owners plan erosion control measures, like buffers, retaining walls and infiltration areas. Pierz said Fieldstone Gardens, in Vassalboro, has been helpful in recommending appropriate shoreline plants.
  • Members of the Youth Conservation Corps, ably led in summer 2022 by Jack Blais, work with shorefront landowners to install erosion control features.
  • The Gravel Road Rehabilitation Program works with individuals and groups responsible for fire roads to minimize road run-off into water bodies. Pierz said CRLA recently sent out nine requests for bids for work on Fire Road 37; two companies replied, and Pine Tree Waste’s bid of $19,160 was accepted, being more than $15,000 lower than the other bid. Pierz expects work to start in September.

Pierz plans to ask for more TIF money for 2023, and said CLA president Stephen Greene will probably apply on behalf of that organization. He reminded committee members that the updated watershed management plan recommends an expensive alum treatment to seal off phosphorus-rich bottom sediment in the north end of China Lake’s east basin

TIF Committee member James “JJ” Wentworth reported briefly on the Four Seasons Club’s 2022 trail work, mostly toward the southeastern part of town.

China Broadband Committee (CBC) Chairman Robert O’Connor explained the current proposal to work with UniTel, of Unity, Maine, and its owner, Direct Communications, of Idaho, (see the Aug. 25 issue of The Town Line, pages 2 and 3) to expand and improve internet access in China.

The plan, O’Connor said, is to fund a project estimated to cost close to $1.2 million without raising tax bills. The TIF will contribute $300,000 over 10 years; if voters approve on Nov. 8, China’s American Rescue Plan Act funds will add $70,000, for about 31 percent of the total; UniTel and Direct will contribute a matching amount, another 31 percent; and a state grant from the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) would cover the remaining about 38 percent.

MCA grants are available to extend service to unserved and underserved areas, where people have no or inadequate broadband access. O’Connor showed TIF committee members an updated map of the proposed backbone, new fiber lines that would deliver broadband first to grant-eligible areas and in later project phases to all interested residents.

“Here’s my big thing,” Wentworth said. “Tell me if I’m wrong.”

He said when he chose to live off a main road, he paid for electricity to be extended to his house. Why, he asked, should residents who chose to live at the end of camp roads or otherwise distant from main lines be given broadband access without charge?

What if you inherited an unserved house? Wing asked. Wentworth, envisioning it as lakefront property, said he’d sell it and “make a ton of money.” But, Trishea Story said, lack of internet access would reduce its value.

Committee chairman Brent Chesley added that town-wide internet service is intended partly to benefit current residents and more to attract new residents and especially new businesses, as envisioned in the TIF program.

Pitney said that modern fiber technology has capabilities current copper-wire technology lacks. UniTel will become a competitor to existing services, probably to the benefit of all customers. O’Connor added that fiber allows broadband to function when electrical power is interrupted, except when the tree that took down the power line also snapped the fiber cable.

Meanwhile, Wentworth said, UniTel will make a profit off new customers. Businesses should make profits, Wing retorted.

At the Aug. 22 select board meeting, no one knew when MCA grant applications would open. In an Aug. 25 email, O’Connor said first-round grants will be accepted beginning Sept. 10, with the deadline Nov. 9. CBC members will work with UniTel personnel and CBC consultants Mission Broadband to prepare an application.

TIF Committee members scheduled their next meeting for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26.

Why China decided to create TIF

At the Aug. 24 Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Committee meeting, committee member Jamie Pitney reminded the group why China decided to put tax revenue from Central Maine Power Company’s major transmission line through town and its South China substation into a TIF. Otherwise, he said, the revenue would have gone into the tax base, making China richer compared to its neighbors and thereby increasing its county tax and decreasing its share of state funding under various programs.

State law allows, but does not require, municipal TIFs. If the town does not spend its TIF money, eventually state officials will require it be un-TIFed and added to the tax base, Pitney said. In recent years not all the income has been allocated, and not everything allocated has been spent.

China Four Seasons helps at Bomazeen

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Front row, from left to right, Ian Martin (#603), Julie McKenney, Amber Chesley. Back, Thomas Gage (#485); Tyleek Baluvett (#546); Zachary McKenney; Remy Pettengill (#479); Michael Connolly (#428). (contributed photo)

This summer two large boxes of life jackets and PFDs were donated by the China Four Seasons Club to the Camp Bomazeen Old Timers. The Old Timers put the donation directly to work this August at the Scouts BSA program at Camp Bomazeen. This is the older Scout program. The donation immediately supported Scouts from Kennebec Valley District troops to earn swimming, life saving and canoeing merit badges.