LETTERS: Laura Jones is a positive go-getter

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To the editor:

When Laura returned to her home town she returned with a mission to help. She reached out to the community and jumped in to help many of us improve our communication and technology skills. She worked to get some of the town’s meetings online, which helps many of us be able to stay informed. She spent time and her own money to get things done! When we had questions she patiently explained and then created how-to manuals. She provided flyers for community events and posted them. She is a thoughtful, positive go-getter who makes things happen.

She has volunteered, shared, supported, and encouraged many of the residents and organizations in town. Using the skills she learned in the military she has already improved the Town of Vassalboro, let’s help her to improve our state by electing Laura as our House Representative #61! She’s the best person for the job!

Janice Clowes
Vassalboro

LETTERS: Excited to support Laura Jones

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To the editor:

I am excited to support Laura’s candidacy because of her commitment to protecting our farms and Maine’s natural resources, building resiliency to climate change, and enhancing opportunities for small businesses. In addition, Laura will explore ways to enhance access to quality health care while lowering costs, expand access to affordable Internet service, and support public education. Collectively, Laura will work hard to make our quality of life the way it should be!

Laura’s dedication to community and country is obvious from all of her “Community Matters” efforts, her engagement in a family-owned, environmentally-sensitive small business, and a 25 year career in the US Air Force.

Let’s elect Laura Jones who will be a great representative for all of us.

Mary Schwanke
Vassalboro

No school in Vassalboro on Tuesday, November 5 (2024)

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

An Oct. 21 public letter from Vassalboro School Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer tells residents that Nov. 5 plans have changed. Because voting will be at Vassalboro Community School (VCS), classes have been canceled for that Tuesday. The day will be made up in June 2025 as though it were a snow day.

EVENTS: ‘Murder by the Book’ back by popular demand for final show

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Actors pictured, from left to right, Becky Paradis, Candy Clark, Gina Krummel, Brian Stanley, Ethan Sargent, Ashton Erving, Grace Pirri, Jan Clowes. (contributed photo)

Murder by the Book returns by popular demand following the sold out shows in mid-October. Join them for an epic final night if you missed it before or want to catch it again. The final show will be held on Saturday, November 2, at 7 p.m., at the Vassalboro Grange, 353 Main St.

Overflow parking is available at the Historical Society (327 Main St.) or the Vassalboro Library (930 Bog Rd.) for those who can walk.

Murder by the Book was written by Canadian playwright, Laura Teasdale, and sponsored by novelist Louise Penny, alongside special arrangements with the Playwrights Guild of Canada. The play is a fundraiser for the Vassalboro library. Cost of tickets: $10 adults, $2 children. Refreshments and snacks by donation. The theatrical play showcases Vassalboro actors as well as starring roles from members of the Waterville Creates community.

Central Maine historical societies gather

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Vassalboro Historical Society

by Eric W. Austin

On Saturday, October 26, representatives from historical societies across Central Maine met at the Vassalboro Historical Society, united by a shared goal: to preserve and celebrate Maine’s rich history. About two dozen history enthusiasts and society members gathered to share updates, discuss challenges, and brainstorm solutions to common issues.

Each society had a unique story to tell, with updates ranging from the restoration of historic buildings to engaging community programs. For example, the China Historical Society spoke about their recent presentation on the town’s almost forgotten narrow gauge railway system.

Despite the successes, the societies also discussed a variety of shared challenges, such as the need to grow their membership, the constant problem of limited funds, not enough volunteer support, and the often-daunting task of digitizing historic records.

“We’re constantly juggling the need to catalog items and preserve them while also making history accessible to the community,” said one attendee, a sentiment that was echoed by others.

Many societies expressed hope in drawing younger members to the cause, with some already seeing promising signs of interest from new generations. The Vassalboro Historical Society even mentioned their new TikTok channel, where short, engaging clips are helping to spark interest among younger audiences.

Each historical society had a wish list that included more storage space, financial support, or equipment like climate-controlled rooms and scanners. As one attendee put it, “We may be small, but we’re doing everything we can to preserve our local history for future generations.”

Residents interested in history and community service are encouraged to get involved with their nearest historical society. Whether you have time, expertise, or just a love for the past, there’s a way for you to contribute!

CAMPAIGN 2024: Candidates address issues concerning Maine voters (Part 3)

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Vassalboro select board hears second presentation on TownCloud system

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro select board members heard a second presentation on the TownCloud company’s system for municipal computer functions at their Oct. 24 meeting.

On Sept. 7, 2023, Dennis Harward, the company’s founder (identified on his business card as Wizard of Light Bulb Moments), and his son-in-law and partner Christopher Haywood (Chief Amazement Officer) explained the company’s municipal website program.

At their Oct. 19, 2023, meeting, board members unanimously accepted TownCloud’s as Vassalboro’s new website.

Harward explained this year that after providing many municipal websites, the Maine-based company developed a following – at the most recent Maine Municipal Association convention, he said, officials using TownCloud websites were bringing colleagues to the TownCloud booth. He and Haywood began getting requests for municipal government systems; so in June, they launched the first part of one, covering accounting and finances.

So far, Durham, Farmington and Madison are using it.

So far, he said, Paris, Durham, Farmington and Madison are using it. Meanwhile, TownCloud is working on the remaining necessities, notably the Motor Vehicle section. Personnel at the state Motor Vehicle office have been extremely cooperative, he said.

Harward said TownCloud’s system is up to date (the TRIO system widely used in Maine, including in the Vassalboro town office, is 25 years old), and is more stable, less cumbersome and less expensive than current systems. Officials in towns that sign up during 2024 are being invited to submit suggestions as the program grows.

Vassalboro Town Manager Aaron Miller has used TownCloud for years and endorses the change. With board member Chris French absent Oct. 24, chairman Frederick “Rick” Denico and member Michael Poulin postponed a decision.

In other business Oct. 24, Denico and Poulin reviewed a report Miller prepared on cemetery maintenance, focusing on the balance between keeping shade trees and protecting gravestones from falling trees in Vassalboro’s 27 cemeteries.

After reviewing historic and legal issues, Miller concluded that a municipal cemetery committee has authority over cemetery maintenance. If there is disagreement, as between Vassalboro’s Cemetery Committee and Conservation Commission, select board members are to resolve it.

Miller recommended:

— Develop a five-year cemetery maintenance plan;
— Budget about $11,500 a year specifically for tree work;
— Each summer, have the cemetery sexton and an arborist inspect trees and set priorities within the budget;
— Explain to residents and relevant committees which trees are to be removed or trimmed, and why; and
— Have necessary tree work done annually after the ground is frozen.

Select board members appointed Erica Roy a member of the Vassalboro Sanitary District board of trustees, until the next board election (assuming voters on Nov. 5 approve the proposed amendment to the VSD charter).

They discussed ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, which are currently fully allocated; possible Efficiency Maine grant applications; and their future meeting schedule.

The schedule calls for a workshop meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30 (instead of the usual Thursday evening, which will be Halloween); a regular meeting Thursday evening, Nov. 14; and skipping the Thursday, Nov. 28, meeting, because that day will be Thanksgiving.

VASSALBORO: Local referendum questions well publicized

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro’s three local referendum questions for Nov. 5 have been well publicized, thanks to information from select board members and Town Manager Aaron Miller on the town website and elsewhere.

The three questions ask voters if they want to:

— Appropriate $360,000 from the Tax Increment Financing fund or the undesignated (surplus) fund, as select board members choose, to match a Department of Transportation grant for which town officials have applied;
— Amend the TIF document to allow TIF money to be used for environmental improvements in town; and
— Amend the charter of the Vassalboro Sanitary District.

Select board member Chris French explained the first two questions, which are related, in a letter published in the Oct. 17 issue of The Town Line (starting on p. 11 and continued on p. 14). The goal is to provide funds from existing accounts to match a large grant to replace the Dunlap bridge on Mill Hill Road, without adding to local property taxes.

Should voters approve the questions and the town not receive the grant, French explained, the money would cover the cost of an alternative bridge design.

The amendments to the Sanitary District charter are with the ballot and available at the town office. The main purpose is to change the way trustees are chosen, so that beginning in 2025 they will be elected in June along with town officials.

To find the local ballot on line, go to Vassalboro.net, the town’s website. At the upper right, click on MORE; below, click on Elections; on the left-hand side of the page, scroll down to General Election November 5 2024, with SAMPLE BALLOTS immediately below: click on the last two words of “Town of Vassalboro Municipal Election Sample Ballot.”

Vassalboro’s Nov. 5 voting will be at Vassalboro Community School, on the north end of Webber Pond Road at the Bog Road intersection. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Vassalboro Legion collecting items for Togus veterans

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During the holiday season for the last three years, members of American Legion Post #126, Vassalboro, gathered personal care products, puzzle books, and snacks for veterans at Togus Veterans Home, in Augusta. With the support of various organizations and individuals this has been an amazing display of generosity and thanks to our veterans.

The members of American Legion Post #126, Vassalboro, are inviting you to join them as they collect personal care products, snacks, puzzle books, etc., for this project. Once again, the Sew for a Cause group at St. Bridget Center have made and donated more than 250 Christmas stockings for this project. They will fill the stockings on December 9, 2024, at St Bridget Center, 864 Main St., North Vassalboro. All are welcome to sort and fill the stockings. The filled stockings will be delivered to Togus Veterans Home by December 12, 2024.

Your support and donation are needed to meet the goal. For more information, to volunteer and/or make a donation call 207 616-3148.

OPINIONS: Open letter to Vassalboro residents

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COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

by Christopher French
Selectboard member Town of Vassalboro

To the respective Voters of the Town of Vassalboro:

In addition to the Presidential election this upcoming November the [Vassalboro] selectboard has presented three referendum questions for your consideration and support. The purpose of my letter focuses on the two questions seeking permission to allocate funds towards a bridge repair.

In the Fall of 2023 engineers connected with the State of Maine alerted the town of the most recent inspection report of the “Dunlap” bridge located on Mill Hill. This culvert-style bridge traverses Seven-mile Brook connecting Webber Pond to the Kennebec River. The report stated, “The culverts are deteriorating at an accelerated rate, and they have dropped from fair condition to serious condition in just a couple of years.” The engineers strongly recommended that the town take action to replace the bridge. Additionally, the engineers advised the town that it may be necessary to “post” the bridge or restrict the maximum weight to as low as “3-tons”. Due to the minimum amount of traffic on this bridge it does not qualify as a state responsibility and replacement falls squarely on the shoulders of the Town.

In the wake of the report the town has taken the following steps.

• Established a committee of local citizens to assess our options.
• Opened communication with our partners at the state level.
• Allo­­cated American Rescue Plan Act funds and hired an engineer to present bridge replacement options.
• Option #1: $1.8 million full span bridge, designed to last 75 years.
• Option #2: Dirigo Timberland design estimated cost $700,000.
• Option #3: Replace the bridge with the existing twin culvert style estimated cost $500,000 and expected to last 30 years.
• The selectboard and budget committee recommended establishing a capital expense fund budgeting $40,000. This request was approved at the annual town vote in June.
• Secured a $200,000.00 grant. This grant may only be used if the town chooses to construct either option #1 or option #2.
• Applied for additional grants, including Federal based.
• Public works removed debris and cut back any jagged or distorted portions of the culverts
• The town has negotiated a contract in the amount of $58,000 with a local engineer pending voter approval.

In June/July 2024 our state partners identified Seven-mile Brook as a crucial spawning ground for migratory fish, to include Salmon and Alewives, catapulting our grant request to the top of consideration. A qualifying factor requires the town to have access to the matching $360,000 in funds which cannot be spent until Vassalboro accepts and signs the grant paperwork.

Referendum #1 authorizes the selectboard to spend up to $360,000 from funds already collected through taxation.

Referendum #2 makes a minor change to the 2014 TIF ordinance that allows for the selectboard to divert existing TIF dollars (currently in the ballpark of $170,000) to environmental projects.

Supporting the selectboard recommendations will provide the town with the necessary financial support to move forward with bridge replacement without negatively impacting the property taxes.

The voters can expect the following distribution of town funds

• $115,000 in accrued interest from our surplus account,
• $170,000 from the TIF account
• $40,000 from the bridge capital expense account
• $200,000 in allotted grant funding.

The total amount of $525,000 will satisfy the required grant match and allow the selectboard to hire the engineer to begin necessary groundwork ahead of construction. If we are not successful in receiving the grant we will be in a healthy position to move forward with option #2.

It is important that the town assumes a proactive position with the replacement of the DUNLAP bridge. I hope you will support the selectboard’s recommendation of voting yes. I would encourage anyone who has questions or requires further information to contact the Town of Vassalboro at 207-872-2826 or email the Town Manager Aaron Miller AMiller@vassalboro.net.