Eagle Scout candidate organizes work day

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The brick pad, the picnic table and sign placard near the outlet stream. Front, from left to right, Kameron Rossignol, Kasen Kelley, Remy Pettengill, Ayden Newell, Caleb Knock. Back, Ben Lagasse, Aiden Pettengill, Hunter Praul, Kaiden Kelley, Michael Boostedt, Leaders Derek Rossignol, Darryl Praul and Ron Emery. Missing from photo Leaders Lee Pettengill and parents Keith Lagasse, Jonathan Knock and Grange member Bernie Welch (contributed photo)

by Bernie Welch
Member of the Vassalboro Grange
Photo by Ron Emery, Troop #479

There is something wonderful about being amongst volunteers. What better way than to be part of an Eagle Scout project that promotes community, conversation and education. The Vassalboro Historical Society and the Vassalboro Grange partnered with the Maine Rivers to create an opportunity for the talented troop #479, of China, and specifically Eagle Scout candidate, Ben LeGasse, with the thought of sharing a bit of Vassalboro Lore from the Historical Society and the Grange, plus providing a place to share the plan for an alewife introduction to China Lake. Ben and his father organized a work day on Saturday, October 19. They pre-planned and created a bench and sign placard for the north side of the Grange and also planned and placed a picnic table and sign placard at the Outlet Stream to provide respite for the fishermen, bird watchers and soon to be alewife tourists that promise to be more plentiful once the Maine rivers project is complete.

Ben and his father organized a work day on Saturday, October 19. They pre-planned and created a bench and sign placard for the north side of the Grange. (Contributed photo)

An eagle Scouts project is one that fills a need. The Eagle Scout Service Project, or simply Eagle Project, is the opportunity for a Boy Scout in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to demonstrate leadership of others while performing a project for the benefit of his community. This is the culmination of the Scout’s leadership training, and it requires a significant effort on his part.The project must benefit an organization other than the BSA, and it cannot be performed for an individual or a business or be commercial in nature. Completing an Eagle Project is a requirement in order for Boy Scouts to attain the Eagle Scout rank. Ben chose to organize his project to support the greater Vassalboro community. On the work day he involved his fellow scouts and their fathers. All Scouts actively participated in clearing the area and placing sign posts , the bench, the brick picnic table pad and the picnic table.

Ben also solicited and received tremendous support from Hannafords in South China, Fieldstone Quick stop, Lowes Home supply and, of course, parents and friends. The fathers of the scouts were also out in force providing guidance, institutional memory and wisdom when using hand tools. A ground wasp nest did not deter but did enliven the effort on the day of the event. Grange members provided food and information about the grange. Ben will share his project with the Vassalboro Historical Society and the Maine Rivers during future meetings. His discussion and question answer session at the last Friday Grange meeting was informational and a bit of fun.

Scouting in our area is a hidden community gem. Young people inspire community members to think about the power of doing something for the benefit of others. Yes, there is something wonderful about being volunteers. And you know what , they can be us!

Ben, 17, is a senior at Erskine Academy, in South China, and the son of Keith and Kristie LaGasse, of Windsor.

New farm to table, wellness center coming

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The old Resurrection building on Rte. 32, in Windsor, has been purchased and plans are in place to transform the long-vacant building into a community focal point for wellness, dining and gathering while building and supporting the community and its’ local economy. (contributed photo)

After weeks of work and negotiations, the old Resurrection building on Rte. 32, in Windsor, has been purchased and plans are in place to transform the long-vacant building into a community focal point for wellness, dining and gathering while building and supporting the community and its’ local economy. The facility will be managed in a co-operative concept offering membership opportunities as well as host events and workshops throughout the year.

Intentions are to get things started at the property right away with a farmer’s market then open early November will be a certified, gluten-free bakery and a wellness center that will offer a variety of instructed classes such as yoga, tai chi and Pilates as well as personalized consultations and therapies in different disciplines.

If all goes as planned, the Gathering Room will be available for special event rentals in December providing farm to table catered menu selections and local craft beer, wine and liquors.

One of the first spring projects will be to erect a canopy-covered pergola for seasonal dining, event rental and aerial yoga.

Watch for details! Sometime toward the end of October a Harvest Dinner Pig Roast will occur to generate community awareness and raise funds to install the kitchen equipment needed to open the farm to table restaurant/lounge portion of the facility.

The website is currently under construction so find the Facebook page for more contact information and updates.

Windsor selectmen sell two no longer used vehicles

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Windsor Town Manager Theresa Haskell received a Certificate of Service from the Maine Town, City and County Management Association for her 10 years of service to the town of Windsor. (photo by Sandra Isaac)

by Sandra Isaac

Windsor Selectmen sold two no-longer-needed public works vehicles to the highest bidder at their meeting on September 3.

Sealed bids for the 2003 International and the 2010 Ford F550, were opened and reviewed. Nine bids were received for the 2003 International, with the winning bid $9,150; 15 bids came in for the F550, with a winning bid of $23,300. Winning bidders have until the end of the month to pay in full or the vehicle will be offered to the next highest bidder. Proceeds from the sales will go into the Public Works Truck Reserve Account, as approved at the town meeting.

In other business, Town Manager Theresa Haskell received a Certificate of Service from the Maine Town, City and County Management Association for her 10 years of service. She has been with the Town of Windsor since 2005 and became town manager on October 28, 2008.  In addition to being the town manager, Haskell has served as the tax collector, treasurer, road commissioner, General Assistance administrator and health officer.

Selectmen noted in their report that many town residents approached them while at the Windsor Fair with concerns or questions about town roads. Selectmen explained that the town road maintenance is on a six- to seven- year cycle, a timeline approved by voters. Other residents suggested improvements to certain roads, such as widening shoulders or increasing a turn flare out. Flashing lights were also suggested at the Route 17 and Griffin Road intersection, or placing a “stop ahead” warning on the tarmac or as a posted sign. All suggestions were noted and discussed in detail.

Further discussion about the fair included Cemetery Sexton Joyce Perry’s report on the sale of flowers at the Windsor Fair, which brought in just over $400. These funds, along with the proceeds from continuing sales of concrete or granite pavers will go towards the veterans’ memorial fundraising efforts.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, September 17 at 6:00 p.m.

Windsor honors Ladies Aid with Spirit of America

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Left to right, Carolyn Greenwood, Judy Baker, Sheila Ready, Diana Gardner, and Ruth Jones. (photo by Sandra Isaac)

On August 20, Windsor town officials honored the Windsor Ladies Aid with the Spirit of America Award.

Front row, left to right, Town Manager Theresa Haskell, Carolyn Greenwood, Sheila Ready, Diana Gardner, Ruth Jones, and Judy Baker. Back row, Windsor Selectmen Ray Bates, Richard Gray, Andrew Ballantyne, William Appel Jr., and Ronald Brann. (photo by Sandra Isaac)

2019 Real Estate Tax Due Dates

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ALBION

Monday, September 30

CHINA

(pay all up front or semi-annually)
Friday, September 27
Friday, March 27, 2020

PALERMO

Thursday, October 17

VASSALBORO

(pay all up front or quarterly)
Monday, September 23
Monday, November 25
Monday, February 24, 2020
Monday, April 27, 2020

WATERVILLE

(pay all up front or quarterly)
October 11
December 13
March 13, 2020
June 12, 2020

WINDSOR

(pay all up front or biannually)
September 30 or
Half on Sept. 30
and half March 31, 2020

Windsor Fair 2019 “Schedule of Events”

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The above poster is by Alyssa Willey, of Warren, who was the 2019 Windsor Fair Poster Contest winner.

Windsor Fair 2019

Sunday, August 25 through Labor Day, September 2

GATES OPEN 9 a.m. DAILY

Sunday, August 25, “Get Acquainted Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 1:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 1:30 P.M.

9:15 A.M. All Day Ancient Ones of Maine – Living History – Windsor Historical Society 9:15 A.M. Giant Pumpkin/Squash Contest – Registration & Weigh in – (Ag. tent)
9:30 A.M. Draft Horse & Draft Pony Show – (Outside Show Ring)
9:30 A.M. Steer & Oxen Scooting Contest, Dept. 6, Lots 1&2 – (Vanner Pulling Ring) 10:00 A.M. The Maine Classic – Open Boar Goat Show followed by Youth Boer Goat Show (Prime Show Barn)
10:00 A.M. Poultry Show – (Poultry Building)
1:00 P.M. Poultry Showmanship (Poultry Building)
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)
5:00 P.M. Maine Junior Holstein Show – (Prime Show Barn)
7:00 P.M. Demolition Derby #1 – Sign up at Gate 5 at 4:00 P.M. ($20.00 Entry Fee)
Sponsored by “Paul’s Pick-A-Part” of Chelsea, Maine

Monday, August 26 “24th Annual Woodsmen’s Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00 – Seniors (60+) $5.00, 15 and Under are Free
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 3:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 1:00 P.M.

9:15 A.M. Maine State Holstein Show – (Prime Show Barn)
9:30 A.M. Woodsmen’s Field Day Events – Check-in and number must be picked up prior to 9 A.M. 10:00 A.M. Show Steer & Oxen Log Twitching Contest – (Outside Show Ring)
12:30 P.M. Maine State Jr. Holstein Pee Wee Showmanship – (Prime Show Barn)
1:00-9:00 P.M. Purchase your bracelet for $23.00 per person, ride until 10:00 P.M.
1:00 P.M. Show Steer & Oxen Log Twitching Contest – (Outside Show Ring)
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)
7:00 P.M. 4-WD Pickup Pulls followed by Monday Night Pulling – 10,500, 12,500, 14,500, 16,500 Stock Farm Tractors, Mini Modified, (Race Track – Infield)

Tuesday, Aug. 27 “Horsemen’s Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 3:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 1:00 P.M.

9:15 A.M. Show Steer & Oxen 6 Ft. Percentage Pull, Dept. 4, Class M – (Vanner Arena) 9:30 A.M. 4-H Horse Show – (Outside Show Ring)
1:00-9:00 P.M. Purchase your bracelet for $23.00 per person, ride until 10:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)
2:30 P.M. Garden Tractor Pulls – (Vanner Arena)
3:00 P.M. Donkey Show – (Prime Show Barn)
6:00 P.M. Pig Scramble – 8 year olds – (Vanner Arena) Must enter before 5:45 P.M. at the Information Booth – 12 Entries will be drawn
7:00 P.M. Tuesday Night Pulling – 7,000 Gas PU MSTTPA Rules, 2.5 Street Diesel PU, 2.5 Work Stock Diesel, 3.0 Pro Stock Diesel PU, 2X4 S/STK PU, 4X4 S/STK, 4X4 Modified PU, Pro Farm Tractors, Super Farm Tractors. (Race Track – Infield)

Wednesday, Aug. 28, “Vendor Appreciation Day & Half Price ‘Gate & Ride’ Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $5.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 3:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 1:00 P.M.

9:15 A.M. Show Steer & Oxen 6’ Percentage Pull, Dept. 4, Class N – (Vanner Arena) 10:30 A.M. Judging of Show Sheep – (Prime Show Barn)
1:00 P.M. Show Steers & Oxen’s Log Scooting Contest – (Outside Show Ring) Show Steers Only 1:00 P.M. Farmers Horse Twitching, Scooting (Vanner Arena)
1:00-9:00 P.M. Purchase your bracelet for $12.00 per person, ride until 10:00 p.m.
1-5:00 P.M. Accepting Apple Pies & Registration in the (Rt. #32 Roadhouse)
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)
4:00 P.M. Parade of Champions – Overall Grand Champion Sheep (Prime Show Barn)
6:00 P.M. Maine 2 Crusted Apple Pie Contest at (Rt. #32 Roadhouse)
6:00 P.M. Pig Scramble – 9 year olds – (Vanner Arena) Must enter before 5:45 P.M. at the Information Booth – 12 Entries will be drawn
7:00 P.M. Farmer’s Distance Horse Pull followed by the Farmer’s 12 FT Short Pull – (Vanner Arena). Must weigh-in at 9:00 A.M.
9:00 P.M. Fireworks (Grandstand)

Thursday, Aug. 29 “Senior Citizens’ Day” (60+) $5 and Veterans Day

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00 – Seniors (60+) $5.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 3:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 1:00 P.M.

9:15 A.M. Steer Pulling – 16 yrs old & Under – Steer Under 1300 lbs. – (Vanner Arena) Open Pulling –
1700 lbs and Under
2100 lbs. and Under
2500 lbs. and Under
2900 lbs. and Under
3300 lbs. and Under
9:30 A.M. Judging of Dairy Cattle – (Prime Show Barn)
10:00 A.M. Veterans Day Ceremony – (Entertainment Area) (Veterans with ID get in free) 11:30 A.M. Sheepdog Demonstration – (Outside Show Ring)
1:00-9:00 P.M. Purchase your bracelet for $23.00 per person, ride until 10:00 P.M.
1:00 P.M. Oxen – 3700 lb & 4100 lbs Class – If no 2 legitimate teams in the class, they will pull in the 3700, with added weight and adjusted premiums. Sweepstakes distance pull – (Vanner Arena)
1:30 P.M. Sheepdog Demonstration – (Outside Show Ring)
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)
3:30 P.M. Sheepdog Demonstration – (Outside Show Ring)
4:00 P.M. Parade of Champions – Overall Grand Champion Dairy – (Prime Show Barn) 6:00 P.M. Pig Scramble – 10 year olds – (Vanner Arena). Must enter before 5:45 P.M. at the Information Booth – 12 Entries will be drawn
7:00 P.M. Oxen pulling – 3700 lb 6FT. Over & Under – Merle Vanner Memorial Trophy – (Vanner Arena)
7:00 P.M. Demolition Derby #2 – (Race Track Infield) – (Signup at Gate #5 at 4:00 P.M. – $20.00 Entry Fee) Sponsored by “Paul’s Pick-A-Part” of Chelsea, Maine

Friday, Aug. 30 “Livestock Appreciation Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 3:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 12:00 Noon

9:15 A.M. New England Jumpers Association Horse Show- (Outside Show Ring) 9:30 A.M. Judging of Beef Cattle – (Prime Show Barn)
11:00 A.M. Horse Pulling – 2lb Rock – Open to any weight Sponsored by “Vigue Family)
(Vanner Pulling Arena)
12:00-9:00 P.M. Purchase your bracelet for $23.00 per person, ride until 10:00 p.m.
1:00 P.M. Horse Pulling – 3000 lb & Under Distance Pull (Vanner Pulling Arena)
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)
4:00 P.M. Parade of Champions – Overall Grand Champion Beef – Male & Female (Prime Show Barn)
6:00 P.M. Horse Pulling – 3000 lb & Under 12FT. Pull – (Vanner Pulling Arena)
“John Kelley Memorial Pull”
Sponsored by Augusta Tool Rental & Pro Rental of Rockport, Maine
7:30 P.M. Juston McKinney Admission $5 – Grandstand – followed by Fireworks

Saturday, Aug. 31 “4-H Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 1:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 12:00 Noon

9:30 A.M. 4-H Sheep Show – (Prime Show Barn)
10:00 A.M. 4-H Working Steers – (Outside Show Ring) 10:00 A.M. Youth Rabbit Show
12:00 noon Youth Market Baby Beef Show (Prime Show Barn)
1:00 P.M. Ladies Fry Pan Throwing Contest (Park Area)
1:00 P.M. Horse Pulling – 3200lb & Under Distance Pull (Vanner Arena)
Sponsored by Gagne & Sons Concrete Block, Belgrade, Maine
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game (Beano Hall)
2:30 P.M. Youth Market Lamb Show (Prime Show Barn)
2:30 P.M. Horse Pulling – Three Horse Distance Pull (Vanner Arena)
5:00 P.M. Youth Market Hog Show (Prime Show Barn)
6:00 P.M. Painted Pumpkin Face Contest at the Exhibition Hall.
7:00 P.M. Horse Pulling – 3200 lb & Under 12 FT. Pull – (Vanner Arena) “O. D .Lee Memorial Pull”.
Sponsored by Emily’s Restaurant.
7:00 P.M. Monster Truck Show – Admission $5.00 – (Grandstand)

Sunday, Sept. 1 “Museum & Children’s Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 1:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 12:00 Noon

9:15 A.M. Judging of Show Steers & Oxen – (Outside Show Ring)
9:15 A.M. All Day Ancient Ones of Maine – Living History – Windsor Historical Society 9:15 A.M. 4-H Beef Show – (Prime Show Barn)
10.00 A.M. 4-H Dairy Show – (Prime Show Barn)
10.00 A.M. 1st Annual Cornhole Tournament (Memorial Park)
10:00 A.M. Church Services – (Entertainment Area)
11:30 A.M. Kiddie Tractor Pull – (Vanner Pulling Arena)
Must enter between 9:00 A.M. & 11:00 A.M. at the Information Booth
Girls: 25-35 lbs & 36-45 lbs. Boys: 25-35 lbs & 36-45 lbs.
2:00 P.M. Horse Pulling – (Vanner Pulling Arena)
3400 lbs & Under Distance Pull – Sponsored by R&R Windows – Followed by 2 lb Rock – Open any Weight
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)
4:00 P.M. Animal Costume Class – (Prime Show Barn)
5:00 P.M. Bicycle Drawing – Ten Free Bicycles – (Across from Beano Hall)
6:00 P.M. Youth Sheep Obstacle Course – (Prime Show Barn)
7:00 P.M. Children’s Baking Contest – Exhibition Hall
7:00 P.M. Horse Pulling – 3400 lb & Under 12 ft Pull – (Vanner Pulling Arena)
7:00 P.M. Monster Truck Show – Admission $5.00 – (Grandstand)

Monday, Sept. 2 “Labor Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 1:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 12:00 Noon

9:15 A.M. Horse Barrel Racing – Outside Show Ring
9:15 A.M. – 1:00 PM. – Windsor Fair Hanging Plants Sale (benefit the Town of Windsor’s Veterans Memorial Fund)
11:00 A.M. Antique Car Show & Parade – MOAL Members Only – Windsor Fair Park
11:00 A.M. Horse Pulling – Sweepstakes Distance Pull – (Vanner Arena) “Merle Vanner Memorial Trophy” Sponsored by; Dick’s Used Trucks – Chelsea, ME & Dick Condon – Chelsea, ME
12:00-5:00 P.M. Purchase your bracelet for $23.00 per person, ride until 6:00 p.m.
12:00 P.M. Youth Baby Beef Sale – Followed by Youth Market Lamb Sale – followed by Youth Hog Sale (Prime Show Barn)
1:30 P.M. Horse Pulling -3600 lb & Under Distance Pull – Followed by Special Elimination Sweepstakes 12 Ft. Pull (Vanner Arena) Sponsored by; Dick’s Used Trucks, Chelsea, ME & Dick Condon, Chelsea, ME
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)

ENTERTAINMENT HEADLINERS SCHEDULE 2019

Sunday the 25th

11:30 – 1:30 Walter Weymouth
11:30 – 1:30 Country Gentleman – Rt. 32 Road House
2:30 – 4:30 Chris Poulson & Company
2:30 – 4:30 B S Entertainment – Rt. 32 Road House
5:30 – 7:30 Working Class
7:00 p.m. Demolition Derby #1 (Grandstand)

Monday the 26th

1:00 – 3:00 Present Company
4:00 – 6:00 Rippleton Cross
7:00 p.m. Truck & Tractor Pulling (Grandstand)

Tuesday the 27th

1:00 – 3:00 Gelina/Pike – Mainly Blue Grass
4:00 – 6:00 Taylor Road
7:00 p.m. Truck & Tractor Pulling (Grandstand)

Wednesday the 28th

12:00 – 2:00 Delighted Soul
3:00 – 5:00 Frye Mountain Band
6:00 – 8:00 Sharon Hood & Dixon Road
9:00 p.m. Fireworks (Grandstand)

Thursday 29th

10:00 – 12:00 Veteran’s Ceremony
12:30 – 2:00 The Hyssongs
3:00 – 5:00 Spare Parts
6:00 – 8:00 Steve & The Good “Old” Boys
7:00 p.m. Demolition Derby #2 (Grandstand)

Friday the 30th

11:30 – 1:30 Country Mist
2:30 – 4:30 Milltown Roadshow
5:30 – 7:30 Wild Horse Band
7:30 p.m. Juston McKinney, $5.00, followed by Fireworks (Grandstand)

Saturday 31st

11:00 – 1:00 Jim Gallant – Rt. 32 Road House
12:00 – 2:00 The Mainely Country Band
12:00 – 5:00 “Sweetums” Clown Lady
2:00 – 4:00 Simons & Goodwin – Rt. 32 Road House
2:00 – 4:00 Kora Klowns (strolling)
3:00 – 5:00 Rockit Band
5:00 – 7:00 Meghan Clark – Rt. 32 Road House
6:00 – 8:00 Undercover Band
7:00 p.m. Monster Trucks – $5 (Grandstand)

Sunday the 1st

10:00 – 11:00 North Windsor Baptist Church Service
11:00 – 1:00 Jack Duggins – Rt. 32 Road House
12:00 – 1:00 Dana Perkins Magic Show
12:00 – 5:00 “Sweetums” Clown Lady
2:00 – 4:00 Dave Michaud, Elvis Act – Rt. 32 Road House
2:00 – 4:00 Andy Happel Band (fiddler)
4:00 – 6:00 Down East Brass (Strolling)
5:00 – 7:00 Davidson County Line
7:00 p.m. Monster Trucks – $5 (Grandstand)

Monday the 2nd

11:00 – 1:00 Court Jesters – Rt. 32 Road House
11:00 – 1:00 New Relm
2:00 – 4:00 Sue Deane Karaoke – Rt. 32 Road House
2:00 – 4:00 Silver Fox Dancers

Historical Society Museum Open Daily (Free Admission)
Gate Opens 9 a.m. Every Day
Free Parking Every Day!
All Rides Have Height Requirements
Horse, Oxen, Steer and Tractor Pulls – Daily

SEASON PASSES ARE $63.00, AND MAY BE PURCHASED AT GATES 1 & 4.

207-549-7911 • 207-549-5249

SCHEDULE CAN BE SEEN AT
www.windsorfair.com

 

Windsor officials discuss ways to save money to help pay for diesel fuel tank

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by Sandy Isaac

At the August 6 Windsor selectmen’s meeting, board members and Public Works Supervisor Keith Hall discussed ways to save money in order to help pay for the planned new diesel fuel tank. The 1,000 or 2,000 gallon tank alone, which town officials hope to have installed before winter, is estimated to cost between $10,000 and $13,000. Since the retirement of John Moody, who provided round the clock fueling in the past, was announced after the 2019-2020 budget was created, funding for the proposed tank installation was not included. The diesel tank would enable trucks to refuel after hours or overnight as needed during snow storms.

Selectmen will be entertaining bids for a new public works garage, which was included in the voter-approved budget. Once that process is completed, selectmen will review the final cost and, they hope, shift some funds over to the diesel tank project.

In the case of an unforeseen emergency, the town manager and the selectmen can request a meeting with the budget committee and seek approval for any cost over $25,000. The selectmen, along with Hall and Town Manager Theresa Haskell, think they should be able to diverge enough money to get the tank installed. The process however, will be contingent upon the garage construction cost. If garage bids come in at full priced authorized, town officials will have to look at alternative funds for the diesel tank installation.

Hall also recommended cutting costs by holding off on installing heat in the proposed new garage until next year. He suggested the 1,000 gallon tank option, stating that any company would be willing to come in to refill the tank when necessary.

Town officials are putting up for sale two trucks, the 2003 International and the 2010 Ford F550. Sealed bids will be due by 5 p.m. Tuesday, September 3, and will be opened during the selectmen’s meeting that evening. Proceeds from the sales will go into the Public Works Truck Reserve Account, as approved at the town meeting.

In other business, Cemetery Sexton Joyce Perry, reported a generous anonymous donor contributed $5,000 to the Veterans Memorial, bringing the fund raising efforts up to 77 percent of the goal of $45,000. The fundraising group will continue to offer concrete or granite pavers for sale, which will be placed at the Veterans’ Memorial site, to help raise money for the efforts.

Share the Road with Carol bike ride slated

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Bicycling enthusiast Carol Eckert was tragically killed in a bike accident in 2016.

Share the Road with Carol is an all ages commemorative bike ride planned for Sunday, September 15, 2019, in Windsor and Whitefield, Maine. The ride, which has 12-mile and 27-mile options, starts and ends at the Windsor Town Office.

This annual ride honors the memory of Carol Eckert, M.D. Carol was tragically killed as a result of a bike accident that occurred in Windsor on October 10, 2016. Biking was Carol’s passion and we invite everyone who feels the same to join us in remembrance of a life well pedaled and to further the cause of bicycle safety in Maine. Register online (https://www.BikeReg.com/share-the-road-with-carol) or at the event from 7:30-8:30am.

There will be one rest stop on the 27-mile ride. Please join us after the ride at the Windsor Town Hall for fellowship, remembrances and light snacks.

Whether you knew Carol or not, this ride is a wonderful opportunity to explore the lovely rolling hills along the border of the Kennebec and Lincoln Counties.

Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarolsRide.

WINDSOR: Paving bids go before board of selectmen

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by Sandy Isaac

Paving bids and a proposed solar project for local schools were discussed at the Windsor Selectmen’s meeting on July 23.

The meeting began with the public review of paving bids which were submitted earlier that evening to Town Manager Theresa Haskell. Bids were for projects on Piper Road, Coopers Mills Road and Griffin Road. These projects were factored into the current budget recently approved by voters.

Prior to the meeting, Haskell compiled the bid information into a comparison chart for the selectmen to review while asking questions and making their determination. Representatives from seven paving companies were on hand to listen and answer questions. Many of the paving crew members in the room knew and worked with or for each other in the past.

Most of the town roads are on a six- to seven-year maintenance schedule. Road maintenance may consist of crack sealing, shim work (a thin layer of asphalt thicker than a micro-surface, applied to the existing surface of a street), overlay (a layer of asphalt thicker than a shim applied to the existing surface) and complete resurfacing. According to Haskell’s research, road paving work averages $100,000 per mile.

The bids ranged from $235,560 to $361,510, with the average price of material coming in at $34.04 per ton. Over and above work (work discovered during the paving process) may include shoulder work, grading work and gravel.

The paving bid contract was approved and awarded to Maine-ly Paving Services, LLC. They are expected to start the paving project late summer to early fall.

Public work supervisor Keith Hall’s report continued to talk about road maintenance. The public works crew is completing ditching work to the rock wall along Reed Road. They are working on approximately 40 feet, but have hit ledge and will need to hire a “hammer.” Hall will be researching equipment rental. The rock wall will be built up once they have freed it up from the old fencing and deep tree roots.

Transfer station supervisor Tim Coston confirmed that the station revenue from incoming fees was down $2,000 from last year, with no explanation. Haskell reviewed the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) inspection report regarding the transfer station. The last time the DEP inspected the transfer station was in 2011. Not much has changed since then. Grass was well maintained and there was no sign of animals burrowing. Although saplings were observed around the “cap” at the station, the DEP inspector recommended only more mowing.

It was also noted that due to the Windsor Fair, the transfer station will be opened only from 9 a.m. until noon on August 31.

During the public comment period, Regional School Unit (RSU) #12 School Board member Richard DeVries discussed the RSU #12 solar project and asked the selectmen if they wanted to be part of the planned feasibility study.

RSU#12 is investigating purchasing a property to be utilized as a solar farm. The solar farm location (which has yet to be determined) must be able to accommodate a large number of solar panels and have power lines in place, adequate to handle the power generated. The proposed solar farm will need to generate power for multiple locations including the local schools. Board members are looking into a bond to pay for the project and a 20-year agreement for installation and maintenance. In addition, DeVries is reaching out to partners who might want to invest in the project and use some of the power.

The feasibility study is the first step in the process and is estimated to be completed by September 4. The selectmen agreed to be part of the feasibility study at no cost to the town. Many questions were brought up as to locations, wattage to be generated and power line capabilities. The feasibility study should help clarify some of those concerns.

In other business, Haskell reviewed the finalized numbers from last year’s budget. Overall, the town spent only 89.72% of the total approved 2018-19 budget, despite the fact that utilities, (which includes public safety) public works and Maine Municipal Management Services all went over their projected budgets.

The selectmen will hold their next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 6.

Windsor’s Abby Haskell part of title-winning team, named to college dean’s list

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Abby Haskell

Abby Haskell, of Windsor, a liberal studies major at the University of Maine at Augusta student, recently was named to the dean’s list, and received the Student Athlete Spotlight for Outdoor Track and Field. This was the first year for the UMA’s Outdoor Track and Field Team and the UMA Women won the USCAA National Invitational.

What is her favorite subject at the college? “I really like all of my education classes because they allow and encourage me to get in the classroom early and shadow teachers. This shows me what teaching is all about and it showed me that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

Regarding her interest in outdoor track, she said, “I have bounced around a lot with track in high school actually. I did outdoor track my freshman and sophomore year and I did indoor track my sophomore and junior year. I bounced around so much because I also enjoyed playing basketball and lacrosse!

Balancing academic studies and athletics can be demanding. “I took all my classes online so I was able to get myself in a routine of days where I would sit down and finish my assignments. This routine allowed me to be able to attend some practices (when I wasn’t working!) and to attend the meets on the weekends! With all her accomplishments on the track and field scene, she is looking for improvement. “I’m looking forward to improving my personal records and to see how well the team can do together next year! Some teammates on our relay team had never done it before and I’m excited to see how we will improve our time next season.”

She compares her animal spirit to that of a turtle. “Because slow and steady always wins the race.”

Abby chose UMA because it was a lot closer to home and more affordable than where she was going before! “I also really wanted to continue playing sports and I knew that UMA was the perfect school for me to do that. I love the decision I made, I love UMA.”

Abby’s 2019 outdoor track highlights include:  Triple Jump (first) nationally in the USCAA;  Long Jump (third) nationally in the USCAA; 100m (fourth) nationally in the USCAA; first 4x100m Relay Team at the USCAA National Invitational Championship; and first 4x400m Relay Team at the USCAA National Invitational Championship.