VCS school board sees contrasting presentations on special programs

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro school board members began their Feb. 11 meeting with contrasting presentations on special programs offered for Vassalboro Community School (VCS) students.

First, they watched a slide show with video about Whispering Woods Stables, on Ingraham Mountain Road, off Route 3, in Augusta. A small group of VCS special education students attended weekly learning sessions with horses (and other animals) last fall.

Then they moved to Tech Systems Administrator David Trask’s room, to see the larger printers and other new gadgets that let students program miniature robot vehicles and shoot rockets all over the school grounds.

The Whispering Woods presentation, by owner Teresa Elvin and program director Carson Harvey, showed photos of the farm’s animals – seven horses, six miniature horses, goats, chickens, cats, a rabbit and a dog – and children interacting with them.

The program does not include riding, Elvin said. Students form relationships with their chosen horses by reading to them and leading them through obstacle courses and on hunts for educational objects.

Elvin summarized the program as “horse-powered reading, teaching skills in a non-traditional environment,” where students are less stressed.

Sessions mix relationship-building, horse care, classroom skills, physical activities, life skills and, the slide show says, “Most importantly, encourage fun and play for both the student and the horse.”

Elvin thanked special education technician Desarae Dearborn for arranging a field trip that led to last fall’s pilot program. She hopes to continue the connection with VCS.

Whispering Woods offers nine-week sessions in fall, spring and summer, for small groups of students in grades one through four. A session costs $3,000 or more, depending mostly on the composition of the student group.

Trask’s robotics and rocketry program also encourages fun and play, primarily for VCS students in grades three through eight, although there are offerings for younger students as well.

Trask showed school board members some of the products of a T for Technology grant he received. Small cars moved among colored tiles on the floor; slightly larger vehicles tried to knock over 3D printed bowling pins; against the back wall, one of the bigger new 3D printers worked on a project.

The rocketry is practiced on the school grounds: groups of students shoot rockets they made, trying to land them inside a hula hoop lying on the grass some distance away. Trask’s slide show illustrated an occasional success.

The Feb. 11 board meeting was preceded by another discussion with engineers from Energy Management Consultants of Portland, about proposed renovations and updates to the VCS building. This discussion was based on board members’ priority recommendations (see the Jan. 23 issue of The Town Line, p. 3).

During the business part of the meeting, Principal Ira Michaud reported that VCS enrollment had increased to 430 students. The school provided transportation to three area high schools for eighth-graders deciding where they want to attend school next year, he said.

Superintendent Alan Pfieffer added that high school tuition rates increased almost six percent for the 2025 calendar year. He and board members did not begin reviewing the 2025-26 school budget request; a budget workshop is scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 4, in the VCS library.

Pfeiffer thanked the Vassalboro public works crew for continued support and collaboration, especially during recent snowstorms.

The superintendent’s report included an update on the child care program at VCS, the Neighborhood Child Care Center, from Executive Director Jennifer Lizotte. She wrote that 47 students are enrolled, including eight from Vassalboro’s pre-kindergarten program. She referred to a “staffing crisis” that is making running the program difficult.

Lizotte thanked Michaud and Assistant Principal Tabitha Brewer for their cooperation as her program shares space in the school building.

School board members accepted the resignation of Special Education Director Tanya Thibeau, effective in June, with half-serious hesitation and sincere regret.

The next regular school board meeting, after the March 4 budget workshop, is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at the school.

Three Vassalboro select board members only residents to see second budget draft

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by Mary Grow

The three select board members were the only Vassalboro residents present as they went through the second draft of the proposed 2025-26 municipal budget at a Feb. 12 workshop meeting.

Town Manager Aaron Miller said one resident had emailed him general comments on what the person thinks should – and should not – be in the town’s budget.

Board members spent almost two and a half hours with Miller’s draft budget, revised after their previous meeting Feb. 6 (see the Feb. 13 issue of The Town Line, p. 2).

Decisions were to continue the review at their next regular meeting, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20; to invite Public Works Director Brian Lajoie, Transfer Station Manager Adam Daoust and Recreation Director Karen Stankis to come to talk about parts of their budget requests; and to invite Vassalboro Budget Committee members.

Board members intend to have a preliminary recommended draft for the budget committee early in March, allowing time for that group’s review and joint discussion before the warrant for the June town meeting is put in final form.

Town meeting voters make final budget decisions.

Among topics re-discussed Feb. 12 was the need to replace Dunlap bridge on Mill Hill Road. Miller said a state official told him the $200,000 grant awarded last summer could be rescinded under the Trump administration.

Board members considered funding alternatives. Miller will check on costs of taking out a bond for the project.

Board member Chris French said repeatedly that his priority for 2025-26 is a new backhoe at the transfer station, a purchase he said would benefit the whole town. He is therefore willing to cut or postpone other expenditures.

Miller said Vassalboro has a chance to buy a backhoe, paying over three years with no interest.

The Vassalboro Historical Society’s budget request includes $10,000 for a part-time curator, whose job would include digitizing appropriate parts of the society’s collection; advising on accessions and discards; and supervising volunteers.

Board member Michael Poulin objected that the town, as owner of the former school that is the society’s headquarters, is responsible only for building maintenance, not for operations.

These and other topics will undoubtedly be discussed again on Feb. 20. That evening’s select board meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., with the budget discussion at the top of the agenda.

Other Feb. 20 topics include a conversation with Matt Streeter, of Maine Rivers; continued discussion of proposed amendments to Vassalboro’s TIF (Tax Increment Financing) program; transfer station fee changes; and whether voting should be conducted at the town office, Vassalboro Community School or some other place.

Oak Grove School Foundation offers grants

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The Oak Grove-Coburn school today, serving as the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

The Oak Grove School Foundation is accepting applications for grants to support the education and cultural needs of students and non profit organizations in the greater Central Maine area.

Recipients must be educational, charitable or religious organizations that are tax exempt under section 501(c)3 of the internal revenue service code.

Grant requests should be received by Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Funding decisions will be made in May and shortly after the funds will be distributed in July. Recent grants have ranged $500-$5000.

Groups interested in obtaining application forms and guidelines can email ogsftreas@gmail.com or visit
https://sites.google.com/site/ogsfoundationorg/major-grants.

Vassalboro planners approve new 7-lot subdivision on Seaward Mills Road

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Planning Board members unanimously approved a new seven-lot subdivision on Seaward Mills Road at their Feb. 4 meeting.

Surveyor Adam Ellis presented a final plan for the Hidden Acres subdivision, on land owned by Jeremy Allen. Board members had discussed preliminary plans at their Dec. 3, 2024, and Jan. 7, 2025, meetings (see the Jan. 16 issue of The Town Line, p. 3).

They found the application complete, with one exception: Vassalboro’s subdivision ordinance requires an E911 address for each proposed house in the subdivision.

Impossible, codes officer Eric Currie said. He cannot assign an E911 address until the driveway and house have been precisely located by GPS (Global Positioning System).

Board members waived the requirement.

Reviewing the subdivision plan against a long list of ordinance criteria, they found it meets requirements, with two minor changes that Ellis made on the spot and added to the town’s and the county Registry of Deeds’ copies of the plan.

Allen said he intends to build the dead-end interior road, probably in phases, sell the lots and be done. Things like road maintenance, a road association or a homeowners’ association will be up to the new landowners.

The next Vassalboro Planning Board meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 4, in the town office meeting room.

Vassalboro select board reviews manager’s budget draft

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro select board members held their first review of Town Manager Aaron Miller’s draft 2025-26 town budget at a Feb. 4 workshop meeting. They went through the document category by category and frequently line by line.

This part of the budget includes neither the 2025-26 school budget, which will be larger than the town budget, nor the 2025-26 Kennebec County tax.

Board members started with an increase of about $270,000 over the current year’s budget. By the end of the more-than-two-hour meeting, they had about a $560,000 increase.

All numbers are preliminary; many will change as the budget process continues. After select board members reach consensus, budget committee members will make their recommendations; if the two boards differ, they will try to reach agreement before voters make final decisions in June.

Miller reminded those watching the Feb. 4 discussion that all taxpayers, as well as town employees and volunteer board and committee members, are welcome to attend discussions. The meeting schedule is posted on the town website, Vassalboro.net.

One of the largest expenditures is replacing the deteriorating Dunlap bridge on Mill Hill Road. Select board members have three different plans with three different price tags. Last summer they received a $200,000 federal grant that requires town matching funds.

Miller said the public works budget might decrease slightly, although it is incomplete and subject to change. It includes the second payment on the new skidsteer and other equipment expenses. Miller said Public Works Director Brian Lajoie recommends buying a new, smaller truck for plowing narrow and dead-end roads, at a cost of around $71,000.

The paving budget might increase, depending on the price of materials and how much paving is done. Miller said Lajoie’s preliminary plans for 2025 would repave or pave Crowell Hill Road (1.9 miles, last done in 2010-11), Priest Hill Road (2.2 miles, last done in 2015), Carll Lane, Dow Road and Town Farm Road.

One question is whether the town will save money by paving unpaved roads; extra costs of maintaining them might be high enough so that paving would quickly pay for itself in savings. Miller plans further discussion with Lajoie.

Miller is recommending a 2.9 percent cost of living increase, plus 2 percent merit raises, for town employees. He expects increases in several lines in the town office budget, including insurance, legal fees and perhaps postage.

Election expenses, however, should go down about $1,000, with no 2025 presidential election, Miller said.

Delta Ambulance service’s fee increase, from $25 to $35 per resident, will raise that budget line. Miller said volunteer firefighters also request an increase.

Some of the smaller budget items look as though they will remain the same as this year. Miller mentioned cemetery maintenance; select board member Chris French asked whether a tree maintenance plan discussed last fall might require an increase.

Miller replied that planning tree maintenance five years ahead is difficult, given cost changes. Board chairman Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., observed that removing dying trees is probably less expensive than repairing tree-damaged gravestones.

The manager foresees an increase in assessing costs, as the assessor’s salary goes from $33,500 to $35,000. He recommends adding $40,000 to the reserve fund for a future town-wide revaluation.

Board members intended to continue budget review at their regular meeting Feb. 6, but canceled it due to snow.

The next budget workshop was originally scheduled for Feb. 13, but Miller later changed it to Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 5:30 p.m. Beforehand, he promised to “sharpen my pencil” and review smaller items in the Feb. 4 draft.

Vassalboro Methodists adapt to changes

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Pews that were moved from the old church to the new. (photo courtesy of Dale Potter-Clark)

by Dale Potter-Clark

The Vassalboro Methodists first professed their faith in 1794 when the itinerant minister Rev. Jesse Lee preached at Getchell’s Corner, and they have been on the move and adapting to change ever since.

Vassalboro history tells us there were four Methodist churches in town at one time: South Vassalboro on Cross Hill (1813); East Vassalboro (1840); North Vassalboro (1865); and at Getchell’s Corner (1868). None of those buildings exist any longer. The Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) on route 32/Main Street is the only one in town today – constructed when the declining congregations in North and East Vassalboro recognized the need to change. They combined in 1987 and took on the seemingly gargantuan task of constructing a new church building.

The old East Vassalboro Methodist Church. (photo courtesy of Dale Potter-Clark)

Ever since VUMC’s doors opened in 1988 community members have been welcomed to worship services – some have transferred from other local churches that have closed their doors. Public meals, weddings, funerals and special events are frequently held there as well. Other than choosing to add a rear el to hold office space and two meeting rooms in 2003, members of the little country church have not had to undertake any major structural or interior changes until last year. It was then a largely attended funeral made them realize they needed to make some adaptations for folks with mobility and accessibility challenges and they immediately began to plan accordingly.

“The project was planned in three stages,” said Harvey Boatman, project coordinator. “Once funding was secured, our first step was to install a lift/elevator between the sanctuary and the lower level where our fellowship hall and bathrooms are located. The lift is very close to completion and it should become operational in February. During the early stages of the installation we discovered significant damage to the roof so unexpected, emergency repairs had to be done which included removal of the damaged steeple. Through all that, the lift installation never faltered. We had a lot going on here for a while last fall,” said Boatman.

Once the lift was 99 percent done the next major adaptation for improved accessibility was to remove parts of two pews near the center of the sanctuary to better accommodate wheelchairs. This was completed on Tuesday, January 21st and the following day some veteran members saw the changes. “There are several older folks who attend VUMC – some who were once members of the East or North Vassalboro churches and were here when VUMC was built,” said Boatman. “But given time to understand they have been real troopers! It’s human nature to have some resistance to change no matter how young or old we are but the vast majority of our congregation has been on board from the beginning.”

Theresa White, 94, of Vassalboro, was among the first to arrive on Wednesday and even though she was there for a meeting, she arose from her chair saying, “I cannot wait! I have to go upstairs to see the pews. Mae Jones was not far behind her. “It is beautiful,” exclaimed White. “You can’t really even tell they were ever there. The carpet there looks good too and isn’t hurt at all.” Jones recalled that one of the removed pews used to be “her pew,” where she sat with Carroll and Betty Rowe over the years. Through their reminiscing both White and Jones seemed to appreciate the progress made and the craftsmanship that went into the job.

The pews at VUMC were moved there from the East Vassalboro Methodist church that no longer stands. A news article appeared in 1871 when that church was built and included details such as, “…the circular pews with ash backs (now at VUMC) sat 300 people. Friend, C.M. Bailey, from the Winthrop Center Quaker congregation, gave a Bible; William Cates a pulpit chair; James Cates a chandelier and side lamps; Mrs. S. Marshall the altar table.” The bell was added in 1873 and that, along with the pews and some of the previously mentioned items, was also moved to VUMC in 1988. That bell chimes every Sunday morning to welcome folks to the worship service and beckoning to those who may also come one day to help re-fill those old pews.

A ceremony will be held later this year to dedicate the new lift/elevator and to recognize those who made it possible through their donations of funds, time and efforts. FMI about VUMC’s continuing accessibility project, their events, programs and services email info.vumc@gmail.com or phone (207) 873-5564 or follow the Vassalboro United Methodist Church Facebook page.

FROM NORTH VASSALBORO Methodist Church

Stained glass windows on the north and south walls of the sanctuary;
Pews in the Fellowship Hall (they are too large to fit in the sanctuary);
Large Pastor’s pulpit and chair;
Communion table;
Marble top table at back of sanctuary.

FROM EAST VASSALBORO Methodist Church:

Stained glass window behind pulpit, moved in and remains enclosed in original framing;
The 1,500 lb. steel church bell cast by Sheffield Sons & Co., in England, in 1871;
The pews in the sanctuary;
The smaller Lay Leader pulpit and chair.

China planners OK flood hazard development permit for landing

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by Mary Grow

At their Jan. 28 meeting, China Planning Board members approved a flood hazard development permit for the town’s planned rebuilding of Town Landing Road, in South China Village.

When board members approved a conditional use permit for earth-moving at their Jan. 14 meeting, approval was conditioned on getting a flood hazard development permit. The board has not granted one for so long that Codes Officer Nicholas French needed to create an application form.

He did, and presented a completed application at the Jan. 28 meeting. It asked approval “to pave/stabilize the [Town Landing] road, armor the end with concrete planks and crushed stone, install a drainage ditch, check dams, + a vegetative buffer.” The size was given as 25-feet-by-550-feet; the cost was estimated at $125,000.

Board members quickly found the project met flood hazard requirements (most deal with structures in flood zones and were irrelevant) and approved the permit. French will create an approval form for them to sign at their next meeting.

In an email after the meeting, French said the Town of China now has all needed permits for the road rebuilding project.

Discussion of the second item on the Jan. 28 agenda, timber harvesting regulations, led to a broader discussion of ordinance amendments.

Board Chairman Toni Wall and French explained that in November 2024, China voters approved an ordinance amendment that transferred authority to regulate timber harvesting (in shoreland, resource protection and stream protection districts) from town officials to the Maine Forest Service. Forest Service officials have asked for additional deletions of references to town authority, from lists of responsibilities to definitions.

Ordinance amendments need voter approval. Newly-appointed (and former) board member Milton Dudley asked about presenting other changes at the same time.

At various times in 2024, board members discussed updates and additions to several parts of the town’s Land Development Code. They lacked time to develop wording.

French said any changes proposed for the June 10 town budget meeting need to be drafted by the end of February, so voters can comment at a public hearing before the final version goes on the meeting warrant early in April.

The next town wide vote after June 10 will be in November 2025.

French’s report to the board included announcing that he has been selected as the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce municipal employee of the year, with seven nominations. An awards banquet will be held in April. Board and audience members congratulated him.

The next regular China Planning Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11.

Cabin Fever Quilt Show and luncheon on tap in Vassalboro

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A “Cabin Fever Quilt Show and Luncheon” will be held in Vassalboro on Saturday, February 15, (storm date February 22) at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC), 614 Main Street.. “What better way to spend a mid-winter Saturday than taking in a display of beautiful new and vintage quilts,” said one of the event coordinators, Dale Potter-Clark. “Quilts of all sizes, ages, patterns and skill levels will be draped over the pews in the sanctuary, producing a rather breathtaking display.” A luncheon will add to the enjoyment of the day.

Some antique quilts from the Vassalboro Historical Society’s collection will be among those on display as well as others, both old and new, from church members and local families. Information about the quilts’ histories will be provided and there will be people on standby to answer questions that may arise. Those who attend the Quilt Show will be eligible for a door prize – one drawing will be done every hour 11:00 a.m – 2 p.m. Some newly-made quilts will be available for purchase, a percentage of which will be designated to the VUMC building fund as will be all proceeds from the day.

The quilts will be on display 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and the luncheon will be served 11:30 a.m. p.m., to include special desserts and sweets with Valentine’s Day in mind for a $10 donation, and additional donations would be appreciated for the Quilt Show. Anyone with interest in entering a quilt, whether vintage or newer, can email crossings4u@gmail.com or call or text (207) 441-9184. Follow this and future special events and public meals on the Vassalboro United Methodist Church Facebook page.

PHOTO: Success on the ice

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James Owens, son of Anne Owens, of Vassalboro, caught this beautiful brown trout, in China Lake, on Saturday, January 18. The trout was 19 inches long and weighed 3 pounds.

Vassalboro transfer station members focus on wetlands

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by Mary Grow

Much of the Jan. 23 discussion among Vassalboro Transfer Station Task Force members focused on wetlands.

Task Force members have talked for months about a rearrangement of the waste disposal facility on Lombard Dam Road. Their main goal is to increase safety by traffic changes. They would like to eliminate the need for residents to back up to the waste hoppers and simplify traffic flow.

Town officials intend to buy most of a foreclosed parcel immediately east of the transfer station to provide more space for a redesign. The land includes a right-of-way, wetlands and a small steam.

Town Manager Aaron Miller will try to find out if the right-of-way is still valid; the property it serves to the south apparently now has another access from the east. The extent of the wetlands, and the restrictions imposed, are under discussion with staff from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Task Force chairman Chris French plans to notify DEP that town officials intend to avoid infringing on wetlands.

Task Force members agreed their next step should be to have engineer Jeff Senders, of Senders science, engineering & construction, of Camden, revise plans he prepared in May 2024.

They also talked about adding roofs over open waste containers and pads under waste piles (like compost), projects recommended by transfer station manager Adam Daoust. Miller plans to prepare requests for bids for various projects.

To give Senders time to revise his plan, the next Task Force meeting will not be until Thursday, March 5, at 5:15 p.m., before the select board meeting scheduled for that evening.