China Broadband Committee members return to grant application

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by Mary Grow

At their June 3 meeting, China Broadband Committee (CBC) members returned to their application for a ConnectMe planning grant for expanded and improved broadband service. They also reviewed a more definite – but still with uncertainties – financial model for their project (see the June 3 issue of The Town Line, p. 3).

The ConnectMe grant was filed May 27. State officials replied, not just to the CBC but to all applicants, with a request for more information on two topics, with a deadline of noon on Friday, June 4.

CBC Chairman Robert O’Connor put the application on the CBC’s document-sharing site so members could work on it and offered to call ConnectMe the morning of June 4 to clarify what was needed. A revised application was filed and acknowledged; committee members expect to hear before the end of June whether China will receive $7,500 (to be matched by $2,500 in town funds).

The first major planning issue is a survey of telephone poles, unserved houses and other factors that will affect the cost of building new broadband infrastructure. CBC members intend to have Hawkeye Connections, Inc., based in Poland, Maine, do the survey (and if the plan comes to fruition, the construction).

Consultant Mark Van Loan, of Bangor-based Mission Broadband, said he and Mark Ouellette, President of Axiom Technologies, of Machias, developed the revised financial model. Like prior ones, it is based on estimated construction costs.

If the construction costs are close to accurate, the model sees China borrowing $4.8 million for 20 years to build out the system. Assuming 35 percent of year-round residents and 40 percent of seasonal residents sign up initially, a program offering four levels of service could have a $55 monthly fee for the lowest tier.

The plan would additionally provide two levels of business service. Ouellette, whose company is the CBC’s choice for providing broadband, expects most small businesses would be able to sign up for the less expensive residential service.

The most expensive tier, at $200 a month, offers gig over gig (one gigabit upload, one gigabit download) for households with a lot of devices and/or users. Ouellette thinks the offering is underpriced.

“Most of the world – not Maine, the world – can’t get a gig,” he said.

If the model’s assumptions are close to accurate and the proposed fee schedule is adopted, broadband service would run a deficit for not more than the first three years. After that, it would return an annual profit to the town over the life of the bond. Once the bond was paid off, the town’s share of the revenue would be larger.

Ouellette is confident that when residents start using Axiom, their satisfaction will lead to more customers and increasing revenue. The model does not include grant money, which committee members think is a definite possibility beyond the planning stage.

The model builds in a 25 percent profit for Axiom – but, Ouellette said, the company will be taking all the risks of providing and maintaining broadband service, and a bad year with hurricanes and ice storms taking down lines and poles would be expensive.

CBC members accepted the model, by consensus, as their working document.

They scheduled their next meeting for 4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 10. By then they should know whether China town meeting voters approved the revised Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan, which includes funding for some aspects of broadband service.

Committee urges people to take computer speed test

ConnectMe officials and China Broadband Committee members urge people using computers to take the speed test, to see how much service they have. Speed test results help define areas that do not have adequate broadband service by state or federal definitions. The web addresses for taking speed tests are https://www.mainebroadbandcoalition.org/ or https://www.mainebroadbandcoalition.org/speed-test-info.

The site provides instructions and offers a link to a map showing area test results. China has numerous red dots indicating limited service.

Free ME from Lung Cancer breathes life into community

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by Carla Gade

When was the last time you took a good deep breath? During the past year I think we all have learned to not take our health and breathing for granted. Yet, this is a goal that the Free ME from Lung Cancer foundation continually works toward. Since 2013, the health and welfare of lung cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and preventative measures has been the primary goal of the Maine non-profit based in Augusta. In fact, Free ME from Lung Cancer’s CEO, Debra Violette, a lung cancer survivor herself, steadfastly serves the organization, breathing life to reinvigorate its active mission, pandemic or not.

During the past year, Deb, was able to get FMFLC accredited by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. She also testified before the Health and Human Services Committee in support of LD 819 which is “An act to reduce lung cancer rates in Maine by requiring testing for and mitigation of radon in residential buildings by landlords.” Deb asked Senator Joe Baldacci to sponsor the bill and Representatives O’Connell, Roeder, and Stover are co-sponsors.

Early last year, the FMFLC board decided that funding raised would stay here in Maine. Support was provided to area hospital by providing funding to help with their COVED-19 relief funds. Five hundred care bags for lung cancer patients were issued, they helped a single Mom get a radon air system installed and provided a grant to help high risk uninsured and underinsured patients get access to an early lung cancer screening. With funds in 2019 Free ME from Lung Cancer partnered with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute’s lung cancer research program. The two-year research grant program is currently recruiting for its next grantee.

So, what are you going to do to keep yourself and those you love refreshed during these continuing challenging times? How about a weekend on the coast? Getting a new gas grill for your small gatherings? Planning a bear hunt for the fall or a Caribbean vacation now that things are beginning to open up. Visiting a local eatery to support local businesses is great and obtaining money saving gift certificates on quality products and services is always a win. Let FMFLC help.

Free ME from Lung Cancer’s online auction gives you a chance to bid on these and many great items thanks to generous donors and sponsors. Enjoy bidding on many great items while contributing to fundraising efforts. Giving to non-profits, including FMFLC, has been significantly down during the Coronavirus pandemic. Your participation will help save lives. The auction is scheduled for will take place from June 11 through 20, 2021. To participate, please register at http://airauctioneer.com/fmflc-2021.

The auction is one of the foundation’s two annual fundraisers. The Save Your Breath 5K Run, Walk, Walk-Run will take place on November 6, 2021 at the Kennebec Valley YMCA. A virtual 5-K is also available. Cash prizes and an award ceremony will follow immediately after at the Bateau Brewery. To register for this event, please visit http://freemefromlungcancer.org.

To learn more about Free ME from Lung Cancer please visit our website (above) and sign up for our newsletter. You can connect on social media @freemefromlungcancer. The opportunity to volunteer as a Board member or assistant is always open and a vital way to serve. To Life!

Carla Gade serves as the Social Media Director for Free Me from Lung Cancer as well as librarian, in China Village.

China planners finish draft of solar placement ordinance

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by Mary Grow

With only three members present for their May 25 meeting, China Planning Board members finished their draft of an ordinance to govern placement of solar arrays, subject to review by the absent members.

They returned to definitions of terms in the sample ordinance with which they have been working, changing some and deleting those they consider unnecessary. They agreed definitions specific to solar power should be part of the Solar Energy Systems Ordinance, not added to the definitions section of China’s Land Use Ordinance.

At their next meeting they intend to return to discussion of a shoreline stabilization ordinance. They hope to have both documents ready to submit to voters in November.

They also need to update China’s shoreland ordinance to meet state requirements.

The draft Solar Energy Systems Ordinance and the state Department of Environmental Protection’s DEP Department Order #07-2021, about the shoreland ordinance, are on the town website, www.china.govoffice. com, under the Planning Board, which is under “Officials, Boards & Committees.”

Codes Officer Jaime Hanson said he issued 24 building permits in May, a busy month. He also shared information on dangerous buildings, the topic he discussed with selectmen the previous evening (see The Town Line, May 27, p. 3).

The next regular China Planning Board meeting would fall on June 8, election day, when the town office will be closed and the former portable classroom used for voting. Because of the need to continue work on proposed ordinances, Co-Chairman Toni Wall recommended trying to reschedule the meeting a week earlier, rather than later.

China broadband committee members review models of potential offerings, prices

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by Mary Grow

China Broadband Committee (CBC) members reviewed models for potential broadband offerings and prices for customers at their May 26 meeting and asked for more definite information, if possible, to share with residents.

They also worked on an application for a Phase II planning grant from ConnectMe to help them get the information.

And they talked briefly about Spectrum Community Solutions, the company currently providing internet service to an estimated 70 percent of China households.

The CBC plan requires enough income from broadband users to repay a proposed bond that would fund costs of new internet infrastructure; to pay for ongoing internet service; and to provide a profit for the company that provides the service. Committee members do not want to suggest an increase in local taxes to support the project.

The currently proposed service provider is Machias-based Axiom Technologies. Company President Mark Ouellette participated in the May 26 discussion, as he has in previous meetings.

Consultants Mark Van Loan and John Dougherty, of Mission Broadband, had developed models showing what levels of service could be offered at what prices to make enough money to cover expected costs.

They were still dealing with the problems that have plagued earlier predictive efforts: until experts survey the town to see how many new poles and how many miles of cable are needed, construction costs are estimates; and until Axiom finds out how many customers want their service – the “take rate” – income is an estimate.

The goal is a maximum monthly charge of $50 for the lowest tier of service. That low a price is achievable in Van Loan and Dougherty’s models, assuming a high enough take rate.

The models propose a 15 percent discount for seasonal residents. One version would offer four service levels, the top – and most expensive — one named the Tod Tier in honor of committee member and self-described geek Tod Detre. Detre doubts many other residents would need the Tod Tier.

CBC members made no decision on a plan. They agreed they need to have one before they begin making presentations to enlist residents to sign up.

The ConnectMe grant application was due by midnight May 27. Ouellette, who had assisted another town with the same application, offered advice; Selectboard Chairman Ronald Breton and Town Manager Becky Hapgood called in their approval; and committee members planned to finish the grant during the day May 27.

They succeeded. CBC Chairman Robert O’Connor reported that an application for $7,500, to be supplemented by a $2,500 local match (from contingency funds, Hapgood suggested during the meeting), was emailed to ConnectMe before the deadline.

If ConnectMe awards a grant to China, the money will be used to pay Hawkeye Connections, Inc., fiber optic specialists based in Poland, Maine, to do an engineering review of “roads, premises, and telephone poles” that will define construction costs more accurately and improve cost estimates.

On the third topic, O’Connor told the rest of the committee he had received a communication from Spectrum, the most recent of several sent as CBC discussions proceed. Spectrum was one of three applicants to provide enhanced broadband service. After reviewing all three proposals early in 2021, CBC members chose to negotiate with Axiom.

O’Connor’s belief is that Spectrum officials are willing to submit proposals to match each improvement Axiom offers; but, he pointed out, they have not taken any action. He and Detre are among those saying that Spectrum cannot meet Axiom’s service level with its existing equipment.

The meeting ended with consensus that Van Loan, in consultation with Ouellette, would continue to work toward a more definite model, and that the committee would meet again at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, June 3.

Dirigo Lodge delivers food to area food pantries

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Members of Dirigo Lodge #104, from left to right, Lenny Goodine, present Lodge master, Jason DeMerchant, lodge member, Sheldon Goodine, past Lodge master and lodge member, Don Pratt, trustee of the Maine Mason Charitable Foundation and lodge member. (photo by Ron Maxwell)

by Ron Maxwell

Caring for your neighbor is a tradition that is alive and well here in central Maine. I was fortunate enough to see our local Masons in action this week at the Dirigo Lodge #104. Lodge #104 was founded in 1860 and its first lodge master was James Parnell Jones. This lodge has continued since, and celebrated its 160th anniversary last year. I spent some time talking with the men behind the scenes and here’s the story.

Member Sheldon Goodine (and a former lodge master) says he asked about doing something for the needs in our area at a recent lodge meeting. The group discussed and adjourned, but the seeds were planted.

Jason DeMerchant (their newest member, and grandson of Sheldon Goodine) went to work the next day at a distribution center and started the ball rolling by asking his superiors if they wanted to take part. Their work is to supply local shops (think Hannaford and the like) with the product they put on their shelves. When the supplies come to the distribution center they are in a large quantity which is broken up and then sent in smaller amounts to the local shops. The excess is good product which sometimes does not get to the shelves of any shop, and it was a pallet of this excess that was donated to the Masons’ efforts.

The Masons have a charitable foundation, the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation, which works to maximize the efficiency of donations. The Chairman of Disbursement and lodge member Don Pratt, joined the process by coordinating with food banks in Windsor, Palermo and China to distribute this donation to as many in need as possible.

Fast forward to the day of handing over the donations to the local food banks!

Food items collected by Dirigo Lodge #104, prior to their distribution to China, Windsor and Palermo food pantries. (photo by Ron Maxwell)

I arrived early to speak with the lodge members before the food bank representatives arrived. In addition to Sheldon Goodine and Jason DeMerchant, who were present to help load the food bank vans, were the current Lodge Master, Lenny Goodine (son of Sheldon, and uncle of Jason) and Don Pratt. I chatted with all four members about the day and the process that made it possible and got a tour of the lodge. All four made quick work of the mountains of donations in an assembly line process that streamed loads out of the lodge and into the waiting van of the volunteer from China. There were protein bars and breakfast cereal, toiletries and bandages, taco sauce and barbecue sauce, ready to heat meals and side dishes, organic candy and fruit snack. (If you read that last sentence out loud you can get a feel of what it was like to watch the four men bring load after load out of the lodge!) In no time, the donations were whisked off to the respective food banks. I left after the China load, and as I swung out of the parking lot, the four members were hard at work filling the truck for Windsor. From idea to source, coordination to distribution, the well-tended machine ran, powered by the dedication of lodge members. What was a question became a well-timed donation from members of a community to the community at large.

This process is not unique to the Masons – I have also seen it in our schools and our places of worship as members turn out to assist the community that surrounds them. This is the spirit that inspired me to settle here many years ago. When you have a cynical moment or a discouraging day, think about these efforts and try getting involved with one of the causes that give back. Taking your mind off yourself and thinking/doing for others is the backbone of our community. We should all spend some time caring for our neighbors.

2021 Listing of Memorial Day Services

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Memorial Day Services

ALBION

No parade. Memorial service, 9 a.m., in front of Albion Christian Church at the monument.

CHINA VILLAGE

Memorial service, 10 a.m., on the top of the hill in the cemetery. Return to China Baptist Church for another memorial service, following the cemetery service.

MADISON

No Memorial Day parade. Tardiff-Belanger American Legion Post #39 observances as follows:

9 a.m., at Starks Town Office.

9:30 a.m., Anson Town Office, followed by scattering of flowers off the bridge.

10 a.m., Madison Library.

10:30 a.m., at the U.S./Canada Monument at Forest Hills Cemetery.

11 a.m., East Madison, Joseph Quirion Monument.

SOUTH CHINA

The South China American Legion Boynton-Webber Post #179 will conduct a short flower-placing ceremony at the Windsor Veterans Memorial on Rte. 32 in front of the Windsor Christian Fellowship Church at 9 a.m.

A second ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. in South China at the Veterans Memorial Park at the intersection of Old Windsor Road and Village Street.

There will be no parade this year.

WINDSOR

Memorial ceremony, 9 a.m.

China selectmen act on bids

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by Mary Grow

At their May 24 meeting, China selectmen acted on bids for summer work and got updated information on buildings that might meet the state definition of a dangerous building. They need more information on the buildings before possible action.

Bids were requested for three categories: road paving, materials for the Public Works Department and mowing. Mowing was subdivided into town property (like the town office lawn), cemeteries and ballfields.

Road paving attracted seven bidders, whose bids Town Manager Becky Hapgood summarized by number of tons of paving mix, per-ton price, chip seal (which turned out to be irrelevant) and total bid. Board members awarded the 2021-22 paving contract to Pike Industries, at a price of $67.47 per ton, after discussion among themselves, Hapgood and Public Works Manager Shawn Reed, who joined the meeting virtually.

Board Chairman Ronald Breton dissented, not because he objected to Pike, but because he wanted the bid awarded based on total price rather than per-ton price. Pike’s $67.47 was the lowest per-ton price by almost a dollar.

The total cost will depend on various factors, Reed explained, like the condition of the road being paved; rougher sections might need more shim – leveling material under the top coat – than first planned. Pike’s total price falls within the 2021-22 road budget, and Reed will make sure work does not exceed available funds.

Reed said Pike had last year’s contract and he is pleased with the work.

The road committee recommended against using chip seal this year, he said, and no additional chip seal is planned. Chip seal, he explained, is a liquid emulsion topped with very small stone chips and rolled. The method was used on about a mile of South Road last year; results are satisfactory so far, but road committee members want to see how it holds up for another year.

Two companies bid to supply gravel and other materials. Selectmen rejected both bids and authorized Reed to negotiate as needed, the same tactic they chose for the current year.

No mowing bids were received by the deadline; two came in the morning of May 24. The lower bidder did not bid on cemeteries, which Hapgood said are more labor-intensive than the other two categories.

Despite higher prices, a majority of the selectboard voted to award the contract to Danforth Lawncare, which has done China’s mowing for many years. Hapgood and the board majority doubted Danforth would do the cemeteries only, without the rest of the work.

Selectman Blane Casey dissented on the vote because of Danforth’s higher prices, which total over $32,000. Hapgood said the expenditure is “more than we anticipated,” but “we’ll be okay” with fitting it into the 2021-22 budget.

Codes Officer Jaime Hanson joined the May 24 meeting virtually to describe five buildings in town that appear to be abandoned, or nearly abandoned.

If selectmen so decide, they can seek a judge’s order to have a building declared dangerous and demolished within days, Hanson said. They can then bill the property-owner for the demolition and if necessary go to court to recover costs.

Hanson considers none of the buildings habitable in its present condition, and said as far as he knows none is permanently occupied, although he has talked with a person at one and seen a vehicle at a second. Only one of the five seems in imminent danger of collapse, he said.

Hapgood intends to get more information and consult town attorney Amanda Meader. Breton is concerned about possible town liability should someone be injured because selectmen did not deal with the problems.

Selectmen voted unanimously to support Hapgood’s suggestion that a Story Trails program be part of this summer’s China Community Days celebration. (See box below with this story.)

Two other agenda items were postponed to future meetings: how to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money and how to adjust transfer station fees for special items – electronics, propane tanks, tires, carpets and other things listed at the transfer station and on the town website, www.chinaoffice.org.

Hapgood said China is slated to get about $429,000 in ARPA funds through the state. Rules for using the money are being developed, she said; she expects them to include allowed and forbidden uses, deadlines and paperwork requirements. Resident Jamie Pitney added, virtually, that towns are encouraged to ask for local people’s ideas.

Breton wants to review the transfer station fees, which he said have not been changed in a decade. Higher fees help hold down property taxes, he pointed out. He has also asked for advice from the Transfer Station Committee.

The next regular China selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 7. The annual town business meeting will be held by written ballot in the portable classroom behind the town office Tuesday, June 8, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Story Trails of Maine

Information sent to China town officials describes “Story Trails of Maine” as an opportunity to boost tourism, bring traffic to local businesses, promote local history and create “a memorable experience for participants.”

Participants, in groups of two to four, use a mobile app to follow clues to explore a local area. A typical tour takes about an hour and covers up to two miles, with four to six stops, the brochure says. The tour is “self-paced” and people can take breaks to eat and shop locally.

Hapgood said two volunteers are working on a local Story Trails plan. Selectman Janet Preston volunteered to join them. Others interested should contact the town office.

China business meeting ballot shortened to ease voting

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Available on town of China website, under “Elections.”

by Mary Grow

For the second year in a row, China’s annual town business meeting will be entirely by written ballot, with voters able to choose an absentee ballot or a Tuesday, June 8, trip to the polls.

To shorten voting time, town officials have condensed the ballot into 26 articles, most dealing with 2021-22 appropriations and town policy.

The 2021-22 school budget is not on the local ballot. Regional School Unit #18 voters approved it at a May 20 open meeting, and on June 8 China voters (and voters in Belgrade, Oakland, Rome and Sidney) will affirm or reject it by written ballot.

China polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, in the portable classroom behind the town office. Absentee ballots may be obtained from the town office by mail, telephone or email through Thursday, June 3. They must be returned before the polls close on June 8.

A copy of the town meeting warrant and multiple related documents are on the town’s website, china.govoffice.com. To read them, click on “Elections” in the left-hand column.

Four of the 26 articles have generated discussion over the last several months.

Art. 8 asks voters to appropriate $16,530 for animal control, $34,000 for police expenses and $40,060 for emergency services dispatching. The $34,000 is intended to pay for 10 hours a week for special Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office patrols in China, replacing the present police department.

Information on the reasoning behind the proposed change is on the website. See also the letters from Police Chief Craig Johnson and former Selectman Robert MacFarland and the article by Town Manager Becky Hapgood in the May 13 issue of The Town Line, p. 11.

Art. 15 requests a $26,471 appropriation for FirstPark, the Oakland business park in which China and other area municipalities invested 20 years ago. Because revenue from the park has lagged behind projections and supporting municipalities have not seen profits, the park has been controversial in recent years.

The park’s bond is now paid off, but according to Hapgood, member municipalities’ obligations do not end until next year. China selectmen are likely to discuss ending the contract in 2022.

Art. 16 asks voters to approve an amended Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program and to appropriate $256,000 from TIF revenue to be spent in the 2021-22 fiscal year for purposes designated in the document.

China’s Tax Increment Financing Committee discussed the changes at great length before submitting them to selectmen, who approved them for forwarding to voters. Major additions allow TIF money to be used for broadband service (with limitations); to assist the China Lake Association and China Region Lakes Alliance with projects that improve lake water quality; and to assist with the Alewife Restoration Initiative (ARI) that brings alewives into China Lake by removing or modifying dams on Outlet Stream in Vassalboro.

The amended TIF document is on the website.

Art. 25 asks voters whether they want to sell about 40 acres of town-owned land on the east side of Lakeview Drive, opposite the Cottages at China Lake (formerly Candlewood). Selectman Janet Preston has consistently opposed selling the property. She presented arguments for keeping it as Adams Memorial Park in a commentary in the May 20 issue of The Town Line, p. 11.

Most of the articles ask voters to approve the 2021-22 municipal budget and policies for town officials. Art. 11, the most expensive article, asks $1,423,692 for the public works department, of which more than $600,000 will be spent repaving town roads.

Art. 4 combines requests for $589,427 for town administration (salaries and related), $214,600 for administration other (supplies, town office utilities and related) and $25,000 for accrued compensation (the fund to pay for unused time off if someone resigns or retires).

Art. 10 requests $623,005 to run the transfer station next year, and permission to use fees paid in the current year for unusually large amounts of demolition debris to offset costs of disposing of that debris.

Requests for $146,605 for assessing costs and $30,000 for legal expenses are combined in Art. 7. Art. 9 asks for $151, 547 for fire and rescue services; it does not include the previously-controversial firefighters’ “stipends,” which are instead in the $107,500 requested in Art. 12 for community support organizations.

The annual request for money to let selectmen cover unforeseen expenditures has been increased from $55,000 to $123,680 (Art. 14). Town Manager Hapgood explained that the increase is intended to cover “unbudgeted changes in employee benefits resulting from life events or new hires” and unemployment claims, if any. The $123,680 comes from surplus and reserve accounts, not from taxes. Unspent money will lapse back into the accounts at the end of the fiscal year.

Requested policies include permission for selectmen to sell tax-acquired properties (Art. 20) and specifically to sell the 1982 John Deere grader (Art. 24); to accept and use grants and gifts (Art. 21); and to make multi-year contracts (Art, 32).

In the event that voters refuse to approve one or more spending articles, Art. 26 provides that officials can continue to spend money for the rejected purpose at the current year’s funding level.

June 8 is business meeting

China’s June 8 meeting is the town business meeting, not the annual town meeting. By state law, the annual town meeting is when voters elect local officials. China’s local elections are held in November – the 2021 election day is Nov. 2.

For many years, China’s elections and voting on the annual budget were held together at the March town meeting. Selectmen noticed that more voters turned out for November written-ballot voting on state and national issues (and an occasional local referendum) than for the in-person spring meeting. To get more voters’ input, they moved the local election, and thus the town meeting, to November.

According to the town website, the following officials’ terms will end in November 2021:

  • On the Selectboard (two-year terms): Irene Belanger and Wayne Chadwick.
  • On the Planning Board (two-year terms): Randall Downer, in District One; and Natale Tripodi, alternate elected from anywhere in town. The District Three position is currently vacant; if there were an incumbent, his or her term would end in November 2021.
  • On the Budget Committee (two-year terms): Robert Batteese, Chairman; Kevin Maroon, District One; and Dana Buswell, District Three.
  • Representative on the Regional School Unit 18 Board of Directors (two-year term): Neil Farrington.

CORRECTION: In the description above of the Nov. 2 local elections in the May 27 issue of The Town Line, the length of selectboard terms was incorrectly stated. Selectmen are elected for two-year terms, not for three years. It was a reporting error.

China School’s Forest opens a new trail

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Anita Smith in the China School’s Forest. (photo by Jeanne Marquis)

by Jeanne Marquis

China School’s Forest opens the North Loop trail after a team of volunteers cleared brush and fallen trees. It has been twenty years since this portion of the forest had been opened for hikers. The North Loop trail is easy to find heading down the main trail toward the power lines, and it will soon be marked by a sign.

Anita Smith, director of the China School’s Forest, explained, “It was originally part of the logging trails that were used when the logging was done back in the mid 90s. We were always more focused on the loops closer to the schools and creating outdoor classrooms. It [Opening this trail] was lower on the priority list of the things we wanted to do, but now with the resurgence of people interested in trails and getting outside, we decided now’s the time to get it done.”

Graphic by Troy and Anita Smith

As you head out to the North Loop you may pass a portion of the “Story Walk.” These are posters that contain pages from a story that lead students through their hike adding to their experience. This story, entitled “Who Pooped in the North Woods?” teaches kids about animal tracks and scat commonly found in the forest. The story was assembled on repurposed, donated political signs.

It takes roughly a ten-minute walk to get to the new North Loop trail. The turf of the trail is easy on the feet, as it is still lined with a thick layer of lichen and moss not worn away by hikers.

Smith describes the new loop, “The turf is soft. It is very healed. It has great mosses out there, and I was out earlier this week taking some pictures of some of the wild flowers that are starting to come up. Oh and yes. We did some logging back there last year. And basically, that was to clear out there was a lot of spruce and fir that was at the end of its life cycle. Part of the purpose of this piece of land is to demonstrate forestry and the value over the working forest here in Maine. So we did remove the fir and the spruce and some of the really big hemlocks. And it’s just going to be a really nice nice area once that starts to grow up. This is the entrance to it. We’re really lucky to have this resource. The trails are for everybody to be able to enjoy. It’s not just for the school kids. It can be used during the school day. If there’s a group of kids out here with lessons, just go around them. It can be used year round.”

The China School’s Forest began in the mid-’90s with some grants, donations of time and materials. A local carpenter, who was at that time attending school to get his teaching certification, worked with a group of eighth grade kids to build the first original bridge. That same carpenter built the Reading Tree which still stands strong today with minor repairs and a new roof added recently by volunteers.

There was a big push late last summer of groups of volunteers to prepare additional outdoor class spaces to provide “breathing room” from Covid restrictions. In the category of good things sometimes comes from crisis situations, using the outdoor classrooms reminded teachers, students and parents of the benefits of incorporating outdoor classes into the schedules.

Anita shared a story to illustrate the spontaneity you’ll find in the forest: “I was out yesterday working with Miss Preston’s class and we did four different stations on animal tracks. They were able to make plaster of Paris molds of different animal tracks … As I was leaving, a garter snake crossed in my pathway. Miss Robie was with her pre-K class so I picked up the snake. So some of the kids were a little leery of it, so I sat down in a chair and those who wanted to see it could come over and those that dared could pet part of its body.”

A forest provides a wide range of teaching moments in a calm, yet engaging environment. Smith explains, “There’s a lot of research going on that talks about the benefits of outdoor classroom spaces and getting outside physically and mentally. Their minds are on when they’re outside. They’re constantly thinking.”

So what’s next for the China School’s Forest? Smith provided insight into ongoing and future projects at the China School’s Forest. This last winter, Susan Cottle, who was working on her Master’s naturalist program, started a tree identification trail that runs from the soccer field by the middle school along the main trail. Smith and volunteers will be adding more signs this summer.

In the future, Smith envisions a geology station to teach students of the mineral and rocks of Maine. Knowing that kids love rocks, she feels this would be an ideal teaching tool to inspire their exploration. The project will be funded by grants. There is no time schedule assigned to this project at present. A more immediate need for the China School’s Forest would be a building to house equipment and to be used as a teaching facility in inclement weather. This structure would enable the forest volunteers to expand programs. For more information about China School’s Forest, visit chinaschoolsforest.wixsite.com/website.

OPINIONS: Potential Adams Memorial Park on Lakeview Drive

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The property in question, from Google Streetview.

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

by Janet Preston

To sell or not to sell? That is the question you will be asked in Article 25 on China’s June 8 ballot. The property in question is on tax map 63, lot 008, located on the west side of Lakeview Drive, across from The Cabins.

Q: How did the town come to own the property?

A: The property was donated to the Town of China in 2016, when China residents voted to accept the land. The previous owners had separated the land from the cabins on the lakefront in order to subdivide it (see map) and sell individual lots separately. They were unable to sell any of the lots (it is very wet and not easily developable), and decided to offer it to the town.

Q: How big is the property?

A: The land is approximately 40 acres. The map shows the planned subdivision, which has expired. The property extends from Lakeview Drive all the way east to Hunter Brook.

Q: If we vote “no” and keep the land, what will become of it?

A: The land belongs to the taxpayers, so it makes sense to do something that serves the community. If the voters decide to keep the property, I would propose creating a park with a roadside picnic area and a system of walking trails throughout the property.

Q: What would we call it?

A: I would propose that we name it Adams Memorial Park after Albert and Muriel (“Mother”) Adams, who owned the land and ran Candlewood Cabins for almost 40 years. They were beloved members of the community and very involved and supportive of youth activities.

Q: How would we pay for creating this public area?

A: All the funding would come from TIF District funds and Maine grants.

TIF funds may be used for “Costs associated with the development and/or maintenance of new or existing recreational trails with significant potential to promote economic development. TIF Revenues may be applied to the design, construction, safety, handicap accessibility and ongoing maintenance of a trail system within China … The goal is to develop a recreational trail system which will be eventually interconnected within the Town…”

Also, among the numerous Maine grants designed to increase outdoor activity, the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds through the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands to develop and maintain recreational trails. (https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/grants/recreational_trails_program.shtml)

Q: How will a park help our community?

A: Green spaces have a significant positive effect on people’s health, the environment, and the economy.

Health: Outdoor exercise and experiences are good for us. Maine people know this and appreciate getting out in the fresh air in all seasons.

Environment: Vegetated and unpaved areas provide a free and efficient way of storm water collection, which is a huge environmental concern for China. Hunter Brook flows into China Lake, so protecting the property near the brook helps to protect water quality in the lake.

Economy: Studies have shown that public green spaces provide a net economic gain to a community. People driving through China would see an appealing place to stop, stretch their legs, or have a picnic. They will buy food and other items at our businesses, and they might even decide to move here because of the variety of recreational opportunities. The 2020-2024 Maine State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) recognizes and highlights that “outdoor recreation is a major engine of economic activity and an incredible asset as communities strive to be healthy, vibrant places where people are excited to live, work, and play.”

Q: We already have two parks – Thurston Park and the China School Forest. Why do we need another one?

A: This past year of COVID restrictions has inspired people to become more active outdoors. Thurston Park and the China Forest are wonderful resources for that purpose. However, the number of trails in these parks is limited, and as the town grows, we will need more trails to accommodate our outdoor recreational needs. One of the goals in China’s comprehensive plan is to “expand opportunities in parks, possibly through non-sport activities for adults, community gardens, and more community events.” Also, neither of these public spaces is visible from the road. The Lakeview Drive property has the potential to provide a visible, aesthetically pleasing green space with a view of China Lake.

Q: If we vote “yes” and sell the land, what will become of it?

A: We don’t know. Someone could buy the land and keep it as it is, or someone could develop it. If the town doesn’t own it, then we have no control over what becomes of it.

Q: How much tax revenue would the sale produce?

A: Revenues from taxes on the property depend on how the new owner uses it. Currently, the assessed value of the undeveloped land is $65,600. Based on the current mil rate, the taxes collected would be anywhere from about $970 (as is) to $40,000 (with a 13-lot development). A $20,000 addition to the town’s tax revenue amounts to about $5.75 per taxpayer. Of course, new development brings new costs as well, so any additional tax revenue would likely be absorbed by these or other costs.

Q: The Narrow Gauge snowmobile trail crosses the property. Will snowmobiles still be allowed to pass through the land? Will hunting still be allowed on the property?

A: If the town maintains ownership, then hunters and snowmobiles would continue to be welcome. If we sell it, the new owner would make that decision.

Personally, I am in favor of the town keeping the property. If we sell it, there is no turning back, and the public land is gone forever. If we keep it, we would have a nice tribute to the Adams family and a park that China residents could enjoy for generations to come.

If you have additional questions or would like to walk the property, please email me at janet.preston@chinamaine.org.