China to hold WindowDressers workshop this fall

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Volunteers prepare window inserts at the 2019 WindowDressers workshop, two years ago, in Vassalboro. (photo courtesy of Vassalboro Historical Society)

by Eric W. Austin

The China for a Lifetime Committee is busy planning for a WindowDressers workshop that will take place this November 3 – 7. The initiative is a volunteer-led, “barn-raising” effort to construct low-cost “window inserts” to reduce residential energy bills.

The window inserts are constructed of pine wood frames, covered in thin plastic film and can usually be ordered in natural wood or painted white, however, because of pandemic-related difficulties in the lumber industry, they may not be available in white this year. (Please inquire at the time you place your order.) There is a maximum order limit of 10 frames, and no minimum. Orders are open to residents in China, Vassalboro, Palermo, Albion and Windsor.

The price of the window inserts will vary 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. There is financial help available for those who qualify.

The committee is working with the statewide WindowDressers organization, described on their website as a “volunteer-driven non-profit organization dedicated to helping Maine residents reduce heating costs, fossil fuel consumption, and CO-2 emissions by lowering the amount of heat loss through windows.” WindowDressers is based out of Rockland.

The China for a Lifetime Committee, a local group which supports community initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for residents, has been meeting for several months to discuss having a WindowDressers workshop in China this fall. Vassalboro hosted a workshop two years ago, and the China for a Lifetime Committee had discussed organizing a workshop in China last year before plans were scrapped because of the pandemic.

As the workshop will take place during the first week of November, orders should be placed no later than October 1. Committee volunteers will need to visit your home to take window measurements which will then be sent to the WindowDressers organization, who will cut the wood for the frames. All volunteers doing the measuring will be vaccinated for COVID-19, and can also wear a mask if the homeowner requests. Measurers need to complete their task and submit data to WindowDressers by mid-October, so to avoid “crunch time”, please make sure to get your order in and set up a measuring appointment as soon as possible.

There is a great need for local community volunteers in order to make this a successful WindowDressers workshop. It is requested that anyone ordering frames also sign up for a four-hour shift on one of the workshop days. The committee is also looking for anyone willing to supply food to the teams working during 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 the China for a Lifetime Committee at chinaforalifetime@gmail.com, or visit the WindowDressers website and fill out the form located at windowdressers.org/sign-up-for-inserts.

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

Three Mile Pond Association president presented with appreciation award

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Tom Whittaker (contributed photo)

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

by Scott Pierz
President, China Region Lakes Alliance

As President of the China Region Lakes Alliance (CRLA), it was my privilege to be the keynote speaker at the Three Mile Pond (TMP) Association’s annual meeting held on Saturday, July 10, 2021. The TMP Association is comprised of residents of China, Vassalboro and Windsor, Maine.

An audience of around 55 people attended and information was presented about the programs offered by the CRLA, including its Courtesy Boat Inspection (CBI) program, the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program, as well as the statewide LakeSmart Program.

During the final portion of the meeting a formal presentation was made to the TMP Association President, Thomas Whittaker, for his leadership and commitment to the TMP Association.

Seen in the photo is Tom Whittaker receiving a hand-made woodcut of Three Mile Pond and its watershed created by George Gunning, a master woodcarver who, along with his wife Donna, have been members of the Three Mile Pond Association for over 50 years. Seen in the background is Bob Moore, TMP Vice President.

Congratulations Tom Whittaker and the rest of the TMP Association’s Board of Directors for their great work!

Windsor selectmen make appointments at short meeting

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by The Town Line staff

The Windsor Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the contract with Vern Ziegler in the amount of $19,080 at their abbreviated June 7 meeting, attended by a handful of residents.

The selectmen also unanimously agreed to write off personal property taxes for 2020 in the amount of $573.92 for David Choate, Inc., because he has not been in business for quite a few years.

Also, Deputy Clerk Tammy Bailey submitted her resignation letter to town manager Theresa Haskell, because she has been hired as a full time deputy clerk in the town of China.

Selectmen also authorized chairman William Appel Jr. to sign a release deed regarding 53 Barton Road, which has shown old tax liens going back to the 1980s that were not discharged. Haskell, acting as tax collector, said the town does not have any liens on this property at this time and she was unable to find the old files to see why these were never discharged. The vote was unanimous.

There were several certificate of appointments approved: Theresa Haskell as tax collector, treasurer, General Assistance administrator, Emergency Management Manager and health officer, Kelly McGlothlin as the MOSES licensing agent, MOSES registration agent and BMV municipal agent, Arthur Strout as the Emergency Management manager, and Kim Bolduc-Bartlett as the animal control officer and Peter A. Nerber as back-up animal control officer. All were approved unanimously.

The selectmen were updated by the town manager regarding Avery Glidden Construction finishing work at the town garage and shoulder work being completed on the Maxcy’s Mills Road.

The next board of selectmen meeting was scheduled for July 6.

Lake Association Annual Meetings 2021

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Image Credit: chinalakeassociation.org

2021 Lake Association Annual Meetings

*   *   *

THREE MILE POND
???

CHINA LAKE
Saturday, July 31 • 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
China Middle School

WASHINGTON LAKES
???

WEBBER POND
SAT., AUGUST 14, 9 a.m.
Vassalboro Community School

ANNABESSACOOK LAKE ASSN.
???

*   *   *

To be included in this list, contact The Town Line at townline@fairpoint.net.

Windsor town manager presents money saving news to selectmen

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by The Town Line staff

The June 7 meeting of the Windsor selectmen saw no one from the public attending the approximate one-and-a-half hour meeting.

Town managing Theresa Haskell informed the board that the roof at the transfer station had been completed under estimate. Mitchell’s Roofing Co., of Freedom, had estimated the cost to be $5,430 but only charged the town $4,700.

Also, due to the recent mild winter, there is money remaining in the salt account, and is being transferred to the undesignated fund balance (reserve).

Haskell presented a packet to Selectman Richard Gray Jr. to look over for an agreement of street lighting with Central Maine Power Co., that will potentially save the town of Windsor approximately $500 a year. The proposal is to convert all street lights to LED lighting.

It was reported the vault near the Reed Road has been removed. The base for the parking lot near the Veterans Memorial, on Reed Road, was completed on June 21. The cost was approximately $3,000 which was charged to the Cemetery expense line and not the Veterans Memorial. The discussion was whether to use a two-inch base or stone dust. The selectmen approved the use of stone dust as the base for the parking lot, by a vote of 4-0-1, with Ronald F. Brann abstaining.

A family who is non-resident of Windsor, but own two houses in town, requested to purchase cemetery plots at the resident rate of $1,200 for a six space lot, as opposed to the non-resident rate of $2,400. Following some discussion, selectmen voted 4-0-1, with Brann abstaining, to limit the lot rates of Windsor cemetery lots to residents only.

The issue of The Fusion customers parking in the cemetery was discussed, and the owner of The Fusion will be approached to post signs directing patrons to refrain from parking in the cemetery. A barrel full of flowers was damaged by a vehicle that was parked in the cemetery for an event at The Fusion.

The transfer station monthly figures showed it down by $346.60 from this time last May but is up $12,663,85 overall for the year. Acme Scale Company has recalibrated the scales and reported they were good.

Haskell also read the letter of resignation by Ray Bates from his position as transfer station attendant, that was approved 4-0-1, with Bates abstaining.

The selectmen went into executive session for approximately half an hour to discuss personnel matters.

The next regular board of selectmen meeting was scheduled for June 22.

WINDSOR: Main-ly Paving Services awarded paving contract

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by The Town Line staff

The Windsor Board of Selectmen awarded the 2021-2022 paving contract to Main-ly Paving Services, LLC, of Canaan, who submitted a bid of $328,431.38, which included chip sealing, at their May 25 meeting. In all, six paving bids were submitted. All States Asphalt, Inc., of Windham, came in at $330,066.90 with chip seal and $360,118 without chip sealing. Crooker Construction LLC, of Topsham, submitted a bit of $522,043 with chip seal and Hagar Enterprises, Inc., of Damariscotta, came in at $378,313.40 without chip seal. Northeast Paving Co., of Bangor, came in at $473,620 without chip seal, and Pike Industries, of Fairfield, entered a bid of $463,089 without chip seal. The vote was 3-2, with xxxxxxxx opposed.

Cemetery Sexton Joyce Perry reported a family wanted to have a bench placed instead of a head stone that would cover within their three lots. There was much discussion since the Cemetery Committee and board of selectmen previously had said no to another request of the long-term maintenance that may be needed. Perry said she would research the different bases that coupld possibly reduce some of the maintenance.

New lighting by the Veterans Memorial will be put on hold until the removal of the vault is completed. Provost Monument, of Benton, will be contacted to add three names on the monument that were not included. The Veterans Memorial Fund now stands at $5,108.

Antoinette Turner, of The Fusion, was present to discuss her application for on premises license renewal for serving alcohol. Town Manager Theresa Haskell read that a special amusement permit may be needed to be obtained if they are to continue to have dancing or entertainment at the establishment. Haskell asked again about fixing the grass area by the cemetery fence that was dug up during winter plowing. Turner said she planted grass seeds and would be back to finish fixing the area.

In other business, the board approved, by a 4-0 vote, to complete the 2021 Ratio Declaration nand Reimbursement Application with a 98 percent Declared Ratio for an April 1, 2021 assessment date.

There was discussion on the executive order and the effect on the town office and residents. The board of selectmen agreed the social distancing signs would be removed and masks are at the discretion of the residents. Staff may choose to wear masks. The barriers will stay in place for the time being. The selectmen have decided the upstairs in the town hall is opened and available to reserve, again.

Kennebec County will be receiving money from the American Rescue Plan Act which will be used within the county to benefit all towns and cities and used per the guidelines set by the ARPA. It is not yet known the exact amount at this time. The budget committee will have to meet to decide how and where the money will be spent as it is all related to COVID-19.

Windsor manager presents 9-month budget to selectmen

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by The Town Line staff

At their May 11 meeting, Windsor Town Manager Theresa Haskell presented the board of selectmen with her nine-month budget. Currently, 73.3 percent of the budget has been spent. The two areas of concern are elections and town meetings, which are overspent due to the extra election in July and extra hours for the presidential primary and COVID expenses. The town did receive a $5,000 COVID grant to help with extra expenses. Other areas that are overspent will even out as most are already paid through the year due to existing contracts. Revenues are up 15.94 percent over last year at this time.

Haskell also presented the board with the warrant and notice of elections calling RSU #12 budget referendum, for their signatures.

In other business, Bill and Robbi Portela were present to discuss the CMP pole permit for the Ridgeway 1 subdivision on the Greeley Road, and was approved in a prior board of selectmen meeting. The board voted 4-0, with Selectman Ronald Brann not present, to approve the CMP pole permit that was approved on April 27.

The town manager reported that she had received a report from the Maine DOT on the inspection of bridges in Windsor. The Sampson Road over Choate Brook, Weeks Mills Road over Barton Stream, Weeks Mills Road over Barton Brook and Shuman Road over Hewitt Brook all received ratings of 7 (good) and 8 (very good). All structures require routine maintenance to minimize deterioration.

Brush cutting on Shuman and Choate roads is being completed. There is still gravel work on the Reed Road that needs to be done, however, the road maintenance line in the budget is over spent by $2,800. Despite that, the bottom line of public works will not change as there is still money in other lines that can be moved to cover road maintenance/construction expenses.

Paving bid packages have been sent out and were due back by May 25. Work still needs to be done on the town garage and food bank area. Road Supervisor Keith Hall will contact Avery Glidden to get a time frame for completion on the cement work for the town garage next to the next office.

Interim transfer station supervisor Sean Tekeema reported they had a $1,200 on one Saturday. The monthly report shows the station is up $2,743.45 from this time in April of last year and is up $13,010.45 for the year.

There are still issues with the right of way between the cemetery and The Fusion, with ruts remaining from last winter’s plowing. Haskell noted she will contact The Fusion again to find out when they plan on fixing the issue.

All selectmen were present for the meeting with Selectman Ronald Brann arriving at 6:56 p.m.

Maine Fiber FUSION set for June 5-6, 2021

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Rabbits from the Daylily B True Rabbitry, in Windsor.

A baker’s dozen of Maine fiber farmers and artists will be selling their products on Saturday and Sunday, June 5 – 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at The Fusion of Windsor, 243 Ridge Road (Rte. 32), Windsor, just a half mile north of the Windsor Fairgrounds.

Hawthorne & Thistle Farmstead, in Washington, will have fleeces and yarns from her Jacob sheep and angora goats, and other farm products.

Maine Fiber Fusion will be held outdoors, rain or shine, free to visitors, with Maine CDC pandemic guidelines observed. A wide range of products from sheep, angora rabbits, alpacas, and angora goats will be available.

Several 4-H fiber farmers will be on hand to assist and to accept donations for their programs. There will be a door prize drawing on Sunday at 2 p.m.

This event is a small, one-time, substitute for Maine Fiber Frolic, which has been held at the Windsor Fairgrounds annually.

As the Frolic was canceled again this year due to the pandemic, three fiber friends approached The Fusion of Windsor owner, Antoinette Turner, with the idea of holding a smaller event at her site. With Toni’s enthusiastic support, the Fiber Fusion team – Sandra Grecenko, of Windsor, Steph Grant, of Washington, and Jude Hsiang, of South China—began contacting other Maine fiber farmers and craft folks.

Anyone interested in fine yarns, spinning fibers, and knitted, crocheted, and felted items will find quality, locally-grown and created products. Fiber tools will be available for sale as well.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their spinning wheel, knitting or crocheting and join the fun.

Kelly McKenzie, of Cedar Valley Fibers, in Albion, will bring her handspun and hand dyed yarns, fibers and knitwear. Sandra Grecenko, of Daylilly B True Rabbitry, in Windsor, raises several varieties of angora rabbits and sheep and offers yarns crocheted items. Steph Grant, of Hawthorne &Thistle Farmstead, in Washington, will have fleeces and yarns from her Jacob sheep and angora goats, and other farm products.

Jude Hsiang, of Versicolor, in South China, dyes yarns using traditional plant materials, and knits, sews, and weaves when not giving dyeing workshops. Linda Russo, of Maine Fiber Barn, and Theresa Morin, two alpaca farmers in Whitefield, will have fleeces, yarns and knitted hats scarves, mittens, and toys for sale.

Alice Seeger, owner of Belfast Fiberarts, will bring spinning wheels, looms, other fiber tools, and some luxury fibers. Alice teaches weaving and other classes at the shop, which also has a membership option for studio time.

Beth Acker, of Acker’s Acres Angoras, in New Gloucester, will be selling angora yarns and fibers, and other products. Anna Barber, of The Barber’s Bunnies, in Bremen, also raises angora rabbits in addition to offering yarns, knitwear, nuno felted and needle felted items.

Janet Beardsley, of Catawampus Farm & Fibers, in Minot, raises Colored Angora goats and Jacob Sheep, and will be selling wool, mohair, and hand-painted yarns. Amanda St. Peter, of Gray, is yet another Jacob sheep shepherd.

Lee and Alan Fernald, of Broken Road Farm, in Hartford, will bring raw wool and roving for spinners as well as other sheep, goat, and rabbit products. Susan Kendrick, a shearer, in New Gloucester, will have raw wool from seven different breeds of sheep.

These fiber farmers are just a few of the many Maine folks who have participated in Maine Fiber Frolic in the past—selling their products, giving demonstrations, and leading classes. All are hoping for the return of Maine Fiber Frolic in 2022.

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.

Windsor selectmen work through routine agenda

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by The Town Line staff

The Windsor board of selectmen worked through a routine agenda at their April 27 meeting, approving all motions unanimously. All selectmen were present for the meeting.

Interim Transfer Station Supervisor Sean Tekeema reported to the board that the transfer station has been busy the last couple of weeks. He said large items – television sets, grills and appliances – have been coming in lately. He also suggested a stand-up sign or magnetic sign on the side of the bin for pizza boxes.

Cemetery Sexton Joyce Perry said the gates to the cemetery were open May 2. The selectmen approved lot conveyances for Jeff Stuart and Sharon Cormier, and Heidi Winslow and Jerry Rideout.

Perry also noted that large chunks of sod were dug up during winter plowing on the right of way road between Resthaven Cemetery and The Fusion. The owner of The Fusion has been contacted and repairs will be made.

Selectmen also approved warrants #43 and #44, as well as approving the 2021 town meeting warrant, as amended.

Selectmen also approved appointing Arthur Strout as the Building Official.

Town Clerk Kelly McGlothlin informed the board of candidates on this year’s ballot: Dustin Mellor for RSU #12 committee member, and William Appel Jr. and Ray Bates for board of selectmen. There are three spots available for the budget committee and one for alternate budget committee.

The board of selectmen then recessed and reconvened as the board of assessors. A request for an additional extension, if needed, on the road frontage variance was submitted by Brian Wall. The board felt there will not be a need to extend the request and unanimously denied any additional extension on the road frontage variance.

The assessors adjourned and reconvened as the board of selectmen.

The fire department completed an application for a grant in the amount of $2,879 for equipment and is requesting for half of the amount of $1,439.50 to be reimbursed from the Forestry Fire Reserve account to the fire department. The assessors approved the request, and then unanimously voted to allow town treasurer, Theresa Haskell, to request the payment from the Forest Fire Reserve Account, payable to the fire department.

A CMP pole permit was approved for the Greeley Road.

Selectmen William Appel Jr. read a letter from MMTCTA congratulating Town Manager Theresa Haskell on her recertification of tax collector and certification as treasurer.

The minutes of the April 13 meeting were amended to read as, “Andrew Ballantyne made a motion to approve the proposed Employee Manual update”.

Animal Control Officer Kim Bolduc-Bartlett said the town may receive a bill for a cat that had to be taken to Lewiston to be euthanized.

The next regular meeting of the board of selectmen was scheduled for May 11, at the Windsor Town Hall.