Cross Country Journey – Part 2 Stage Two: Defiance, Ohio, to Medora, North Dakota

Alane and Steve in Defiance, Ohio.

by Steve Ball

[Read part 1 here: Cross Country Journey – Part 1 Stage One: From Belfast to Ohio]

We left Cleveland with new found enthusiasm. Allane and I had made it 1,000 miles and our friends and riding partners, John Williams and Nancy Beardsley, joined us for our journey continuing to Davenport, Iowa.

We headed out of Cleveland on our way to Defiance, Ohio, a fabulous name for a town full of nice and welcoming people. Heading into Defiance we had a forecast of rain showers. Donning wet weather gear, we plowed through light rain with determination. In Defiance we stopped at the Cabin Fever Coffee Shop, made all the more wonderful because of the people who stopped by our table and engaged with us. Sam and Eric from the local Team Defiance Bike Club spoke to us for a bit, giving us some history of their club. After we conversed for a while, Sam brought us Team Defiance Bike Club jerseys as a gift and tribute to our transcontinental ride. What nice and generous people!

We rode through on-again, off-again rain showers for the next few days. It was not enough to dampen our spirits. On Day 24 we arrived in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. There’s something about crossing state boundaries when you’re traveling on a bike. It doesn’t happen often and when it did I tried to make a point of getting off my bike, celebrating a bit, and taking a photo to memorialize it all. We were entering our sixth state on the journey.

We took a Down Day in Ft. Wayne. I found down days are important for all sorts of reasons. Primarily it allows the body to recover a bit from the grind of pedaling all day on the seat of a bike. Also important is the pure enjoyment of stopping to take in more of your surroundings, to act for a moment like a tourist, and get to know, a little more deeply, the people who work and live in our great country. Ft Wayne was the perfect place for a Down Day.

We began the day at the local tourism center, where two very enthusiastic locals recommended places and experiences not to be missed. We also enjoyed a visit by friends Beth and Kevin, from my days working in Vietnam. They drove up from Indianapolis to catch up and enjoy dinner with us. What a treat!

Our continuing journey took us through increasingly expansive farming country where corn and soy bean fields are everywhere. The countryside in this area is vast and flat. As far as you can see there are row after row of planted fields, from horizon to horizon. There were fewer and fewer houses and more and more fields. I have a whole new understanding of what the locals called “corporate farming”. The roads framed the one-mile by one-mile sections in very orderly north-south, east-west lines. Farmers didn’t necessarily talk about how many acres they farmed, they talked about how many sections they worked.

After Ft. Wayne we hugged the Wabash River and came into Peru, Indiana, the birthplace of Cole Porter and the Peru Amateur Youth Circus, a town with Big Top architecture and large indoor circus training facility lining Main Street. At the Farmers’ Market, we were gifted with fresh apples by a supportive orchard owner. We left Peru to travel through more soy bean and corn fields. At one restaurant in Rensselaer, Indiana, Allane asked if there was anything interesting she should see in the area. The waitress answered, “ No.” and added, “Just corn and more corn.”

We made it into Illinois on another rainy day. The rain poured on this day, but we were elated to make it into state #7. We had reservations at a small farm Bed & Breakfast in the town of Kempton, Illinois, population 231. When they say small town in the Midwest, they mean small town. The B&B was in the middle of one of the many 1×1 mile grids and was one our favorite places on the journey. The proprietors were genuine and exceptionally nice. We rested up and enjoyed a wonderful home cooked meal and comfortable evening.

The rain cleared, the heat began to rise, and the headwinds started. Without trees to break some of the force of 20 mph winds and with the thermometer getting close to 100 degrees, the pace slowed a bit. One tough day included a 43-mile stretch with absolutely nothing in the way of services, stores, or shade.

We knew the next big sight for us would be the grand and massive Mississippi River. We pulled into Davenport, Iowa, situated along the banks of the Mississippi, and felt elated with what we had accomplished. It was Day 32 and time for another Down Day.

After a farewell to our riding partners, we left Davenport heading north for Dubuque. We spent the next week riding back and forth across the Mississippi, or the “Great River,” as it’s referred to in these parts, from Iowa into Wisconsin and finally into Minnesota. We rode through LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Wabasha, Minnesota, and up to St. Cloud. Riding along the river was spectacular. There was a nice breeze and there seemed to always be a nice restaurant on the route when we needed one. We enjoyed the beautiful (and familiar!) scenery of blue skies, bright blue lakes and green fields and forests.

Steve entering North Dakota.

We found our way into Fargo, North Dakota, on Day 45. Fargo is not the little, rural city you may think it is after watching the movie. It’s a bustling, active economic center that has quite a nice feel about it. The locals here have enjoyed some added notoriety and tourism as a result of big screen and TV show adaptations of Fargo, but everyone we talked to said it was really hilarious how inaccurate the media coverage of the city actually is. That said, Allane and I visited Fargo movie props and memorabilia.

North Dakota is really an interesting state. On our route we found it’s largely made up of small and very small towns with populations ranging between 112 to 800. On this route, except for Fargo, pop. 124,000, and Bismarck, pop. 73,000, towns were scarce and sparsely populated. We went through such places as Enderlin, Gackle, Napoleon, Hebron and Medora. None of these towns topped 800 people.

Steve, left, in Gackle, North Dakota, with Dean, a life-long resident, who also served as the historian, entrepreneur, and all-around good ambassador for the town.

The people we met were welcoming and generous. We tented in Gackle and met Dean, a life-long resident, who also served as the historian, entrepreneur, and all-around good ambassador for the town. He talked with us, gave us a bit of history and a souvenir from the Gackle’s 1979 Duck Hunting Capital celebration. I’m not quite sure what I can do with an empty beer can that announces the joyous event, but I sure wasn’t going to refuse the gift. We also met Nicole, second grade teacher and owner of the only bar/restaurant in town. The K-12 consolidated school graduated two students last year.

Starting in Fargo, people across the state asked if we planned to go to the Medora Musical. Medora, the most westerly town in North Dakota, is a beloved tourist trap. We were determined to stop and enjoy this unique event. Approaching the area, we experienced the incredible vistas of the North Dakota Badlands, an intricately eroded landscape of sparsely wooded canyons, bluffs, and buttes displaying layers of colors. Black veins of lignite coal, reddish bands of a rock called clinker, and a variety of creams and browns decorate the steep slopes. We also caught our first views of herds of buffalo and wild horses. After an early morning visit to the spectacular Theodore Roosevelt National Park, we finally had the Medora experience. Starting with a “Pitchfork Fondu” dinner of steak cooked on a pitchfork over a roaring fire and all the fixins’, we followed the crowds into a stadium and enjoyed a comic musical rendition of the history of the town. Many North Dakota families look forward to their annual summer pilgrimage to the celebration.

It was Day 53 and we were raring to go. North Dakota had been our 12th state along the journey and the next big adventure lay ahead in Montana. I had covered roughly 2,500 miles.

Cross Country Journey – Part 1 Stage One: From Belfast to Ohio

Riding along the Erie Canal Trail.

This is the first of a three-part series on Steve Ball’s trek across American on a bicycle. Steve is from Windsor.

by Steve Ball

This is a story of a trip across the United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The idea of making the trip was crazy. Ride across the country on a bicycle. Are you nuts? I am one of those riders who peddles along our local roads, streets, and byways: Lake View Drive, Rte. 3, Rte. 32, Rte. 17… and the list goes on. It’s how I find my inner peace.

Steve starting out in Belfast.

Riding can be a lonely endeavor. Cycling without anyone or any device talking gives me time to think, to ponder on all sorts of happenings without interruption. The focus quickly becomes where I am and what’s around me. I also get to see the world at 12 mph, a pace that lets me take it in, to see the detail missing when traveling at 65 or even 25 mph. This for me is near bliss.

It was on one of my local rides around China Lake that the idea of riding across the country first popped into my mind. The idea of taking on the nearly 4,000 mile bike journey seemed almost too grand not to give it further thought.

After many miles and rides I convinced myself that I needed to take on this challenge. It would be a trip to remember and I’m certainly not getting any younger. It was after this clear realization that my rides took on a greater purpose: get myself ready for the ride of a lifetime.

Our plan was for me to ride my bike and Allane would travel along as my trusty and able assistant and partner. In the cycling world she would be my “SAG”; Support and Gear. Whew, was I glad for that. She drove our truck with clothes, camping gear and everything else we would need to make the journey. She was the best partner I could have asked for, always there and ever positive.

The ride started on May 10, 2021, in Belfast. I was joined for the beginning stages by three good friends: John Williams, Judd Thompson and local rider, John Benziger. All are either avid bike riders or outdoorsmen with a similar insatiable appetite for getting outside of the normal flow of life and interacting with nature. On Day One we rode from Belfast to our homes in Central Maine, 35.7 miles. We were off and biking.

It was a good start. No one got hurt, no flats, nice weather and the hills manageable.

We rode through Auburn, Bridgeton, and Fryeburg. Maine seemed even more beautiful than ever. I knew the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the Green Mountains of Vermont would present the perfect beginning for this transcontinental challenge. Our first big trial was coming up – climbing the Kancamagus Highway. On Day 4 we woke up in Center Conway, New Hampshire, and headed for the mountain. The day was clear and traffic was light, conditions seemed perfect. As it turned out, the thought of climbing the ‘Kank’ was more daunting than the actual ride. All members of the team made it! In retrospect, this would turn out to be a relatively small mountain at just under 3,000 feet, but conquering the ‘Kank’ on this day felt like quite a feat!

We rode on through the spectacular mountains of western New Hampshire into Norwich, Vermont. Norwich was a timely and wonderful stop after riding over a string of mountain passes that tested us. The views were spectacular. After Norwich we peddled through the quaint, picturesque towns of Quichee and Woodstock, Vermont. If you want to visit some of the best of New England culture and tradition, these towns are worth the trip. John and Judd had to turn back in Woodstock. Jobs awaited them.

John Benziger and I peddled on. Once we scaled the mountains that frame Killington and Pico Ski Resorts we were headed into New York.

We rode through Whitehall, along scenic Rte. 4. We were at Day 8 and felt good. I had my first flat tire coming into New York. This certainly wasn’t a big problem, but I hoped it wasn’t an omen of things to come. After patching my tube we continued on to Glens Falls, a small town on the Hudson River.

Until we got to Rochester our riding in New York was largely a journey along the Erie Canal Trail, a multi-use trail that runs from Albany to Buffalo. We entered to the Erie Canal Trail, in Amsterdam, New York, and would end up hugging the active waterway until we got to Brockport, New York. We met Lock Operators opening and closing the locks allowing barges, personal fishing boats, and kayaks (!) to travel up and down the Erie Canal. We saw local groups having rowing regattas and plenty of tourists and locals enjoying the pleasant, peaceful pace of life along this historic waterway. To be honest, I had no idea the Erie Canal was as active as it is today.

Steve outside Russo’s Grill, in Amsterdam, New York.

Amsterdam, New York, sitting on the Mohawk River, is an old mill town with a lot of personality. Families are out on their porches, children are playing, kicking balls, and riding bikes in the old style neighborhoods. Tucked away in a small working class Italian neighborhood was Russo’s Grill. The charm was palpable. We were greeted by Marie, our waitress who didn’t hold back in recommending specialties and telling us a bit about this post-WWII restaurant/pub. The food was out of this world. Marie was one of 16 children, all by the same mother and father! Wow! She was charming in a warm Italian way and packaged up our leftovers with the care of a mother wrapping her children’s lunch for school.

John Benziger had to return home to South China once we hit the campground in Lyons, New York, near Rochester. Allane and I were on our own.

We traveled from Lyons to Brockport and headed south toward Lake Erie. We were now on Day 16, having already spent just over a week in New York. I had no idea New York so long!

From Brockport I made it to Chaffee, arriving just seconds before the skies opened up with a fierce thunderstorm. We then headed west toward Pennsylvania. This took me along the southern border of Lake Erie through vineyards and orchards, miles and miles of grapes and apples. Once I could see Lake Erie I felt like I might possibly find my way out of New York. I rode 465 miles from the eastern end of New York to the western end, making up nearly 10 percent of the trip. Whew! I have a whole new respect for the Empire State.

From New York I rode through Erie, Pennsylvania to Conneaut, Ohio. We intended to spend the night in Conneaut and then ride on to Cleveland, but Mother Nature had other ideas. I pulled into the small resort town of Conneaut with mostly sunny skies. Allane and I rested up, I got my bike ready for the next day’s ride and we ate at a nice Italian restaurant. The weather started to turn and, just like in Maine, it can go bad quickly. The winds kicked up, rain came in and there was a serious storm churning the lake’s waters. By the time we awoke the winds were at 50 mph and the temperature was 47 degrees. It was pretty clear I wasn’t going to be able to ride my bike. The nice proprietor where we were staying suggested we stay another day and we readily agreed.

The day following the storm was beautiful. I enjoyed my ride to Cleveland. As it happened I rode into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame parking area and decided this was a good place to stop. Allane and I were looking forward to arriving in Cleveland since John Williams and his wife Nancy Beardsley were meeting us there to ride with us for a week. This was our 20th day on the road and I’d cycled over 1,000 miles.

[Read part 2 here: Cross Country Journey – Part 2 Stage Two: Defiance, Ohio, to Medora, North Dakota]

Windsor selectmen approve three tax abatements

by The Town Line staff

Windsor selectmen approved three tax abatements at their August 31 meeting.

Abatements were awarded to Heather Vannah in the amount of $141.70, which was assessed to the deleted account; James A. Donnell and Melissa L. Blodgett, in the amount of $1,404, which as assessed to the wrong owner; and Augusta Rockland Rd., LLC, in the amount of $52, which was assessed to the deleted account. A supplemental tax was approved for Benjamin Powers, in the amount of $1,404, which was omitted from assessment. All passed unanimously.

Town Manager Theresa Haskell also presented the 2021 municipal valuation return (MVR) for the board’s signature.

In other business, Selectmen Chairman Ray Bates asked about the poverty abatement that was mentioned at the last board of selectmen meeting, and Haskell said she left a message to schedule a date. This matter will be held in executive session.

Also, Haskell reported she sent an email to China Town Manager Becky Hapgood and advised her that Bates was available to have a discussion regarding the China Region Lake Alliance (CRLA).

Haskell also informed the board that Keel Hood, the auditor, was at the town office the week of August 23 and needed only two days to complete the audit instead of the normal three days.

In the absence of cemetery sexton Joyce Perry, Haskell reported that Jaime Carle, of J.C. Stone, donated two granite stone benches for the Veterans Memorial. The new flagpole, which looked slightly crooked, has been straightened by Nor’East Flagpole Co.

Selectmen unanimously approved holding a public hearing to adopt the MMA Model Ordinance and GA Appendices (A-H) for the period of October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, September 28.

Selectmen also approved the naming of a non-town road as Country Lane.

The next meeting of the Windsor Selectmen was held on September 14.

2021-’22 Real Estate Tax Due Dates

Albion

Tax year runs Feb. 1 to January 31
Taxes due September 30, 2021

China

Semi-annual
September 30, 2021
March 31, 2022

Fairfield

Four quarters

August 25, 2021
November 10, 2021
February 9, 2022
May 11, 2022

Palermo

October 31, 2021

Sidney

September 1, 2021

Vassalboro

Four quarters
September 27, 2021
November 22, 2021
February 28, 2022
April 25, 2022

Waterville

Four quarters
October 8, 2021
December 10, 2021
March 11, 2022
June 10, 2022

Windsor

Semi-annual
September 30, 2021
March 31, 2022

Winslow

Four quarters
October 8, 2021
December 10, 2021
March 11, 2022
June 10, 2022

To be included in this section, contact The Town Line at townline@townline.org.

Share the Road with Carol bicycle ride set for September 19, 2021

The fifth annual Share the Road with Carol memorial bike ride will take place on Sunday, September 19. Share the Road with Carol is an all ages commemorative bike ride planned for Sunday, September 19, 2021, in Windsor and Whitefield. 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 everyone is invited who feels the same to join in remembrance of a life well pedaled and to further the cause of bicycle safety in Maine.

The registration fee is $20 for adults, and $10 any person under 15 years of age accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register online (https://www.BikeReg.com/share-the-road-with-carol) or at the event from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. (pre-registration is encouraged). Ride organizers will be following any Covid-19 safety precautions that are still required or recommended by the Maine CDC at that point and participants are asked to wear face coverings inside the Windsor Town Office.

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 selectmen set tax rate at 13.0 mil

by The Town Line staff

The board of selectmen, on August 17, opened the meeting by convening as the board of assessors, to listen to Vern Ziegler, who remotely presented the tax assessment for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The board voted unanimously to approve a 13.0 mil tax rate for the fiscal year, to sign the assessors certification of assessment, 2021-22 municipal tax assessment warrant, certificate of commitment, and certificate of assessment to be returned to the municipal treasurer.

The public works department reported the culverts on the Windsor Neck Road have been changed and ditched. Also, a two-foot culvert near the China town line that is six to seven feet deep on one end will need replacing.

It was also noted that the town’s 2007 International plow truck will be going up for sale.

Paving has begun, and because of the Windsor Fair in progrress, the work started with Maxcy’s Mill Road and Erskine Road first.

The animal control officer informed the selectmen that there have been many kittens and dogs at large which have been taken to the animal shelter, or returned to owners. Ten-day notices for unlicensed dogs have been delivered to owners.

Tom Reed asked if the town is still looking to purchase the well pump for the cemetery. Reed provided Town Manager Theresa Haskell with the contact information at Bison Pump.

A qualified catering organization application for a catered function from Rustic Taps and Catering was unanimously approved for a craft beer tent at the Windsor Fair.

Nina Tulio was appointed to the planning board with her term to expire June 30, 2024.

In other business, the town of China board of selectmen has asked for a written response as to why the town of Windsor board of selectmen does not want to contribute to the China Region Lakes Alliance (CRLA). There was much discussion and the decision was made that board chairman Ray Bates could be called for additional discussion.

The next board of selectmen meeting was scheduled for August 31.

EVENTS: Windsor Veterans Memorial to be dedicated on Saturday, September 11, 2021

In 2017, the Windsor Board of Selectmen approved to start raising funds for a new Veterans Memorial Monument for the town of Windsor’s residents who have enlisted to join the Armed Forces. The Board of Selectmen, Town Manager Theresa Haskell, Cemetery Sexton Joyce Perry, and Cemetery Committee members established a Veteran’s Memorial Committee and a Veterans Memorial Fund Raising Committee to begin this project. With an estimated cost of $42,000 for the monument itself, over the years the various boards, volunteers, and many personal and town donations along with anonymous donations $54,000 has been raised towards this project. They have had many fundraisers over the years from pie sales at Hussey’s General Store, silent auctions, flea market/lawn sale, selling of pavers and concerts from Downeast Brass Quintet. The Windsor Ladies Aid served refreshments during the concerts. They will be continuing to raise money for these additional projects, (a three-foot wall behind the monument, new lighting, and landscaping).

The committee thanks the Town of Windsor residents, the dedicated committee members and everyone that has helped make this happen for their hard work and dedication. Also, a special thank you to Downeast Brass Quintet, J.C. Stone for donating the two granite benches, Windsor Ladies Aid, and the several donations throughout the years. Pavers will still be available to purchase at the Town Office 207-445-2998, and during this dedication. (These pavers can be purchased for whatever purpose you choose – a veteran, a loved one, a business, or remembrance of someone special to you.

This memorial has been erected this past November but due to COVID-19, they were unable to have a dedication that this monument so deserved. Everyone is invited to attend the Windsor Veterans Memorial Dedication on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 2 p.m., on the corner of Route 32 and Reed Road, to honor our veterans from Windsor and loved ones. This dedication is rain or shine and bring a chair if you would like.

WINDSOR: Town to receive more state revenue sharing than budgeted

by The Town Line staff

At the August 3 meeting of the Windsor selectmen, town manager Theresa Haskell read a release from the Maine Municipal Association regarding the town receiving a $2,383 dividend check for its good performance and loss prevention program. Other financial news from the town manager is that the projected revenue sharing numbers have changed again but it still shows the town will be getting more than was budgeted.

Haskell presented the monthly report from the transfer station, showing $8,370.47 so far this fiscal year, which is up $637.62 from last year. Selectman Richard H. Gray Jr. asked for clarification on the recycling process and what could be done to get the information to the public. Haskell proposed creating a flyer to educate residents on proper recycling, and to poll other towns on how they do it.

Discussion centered around the schedule at the transfer station during Windsor Fair week. It was suggested to reduce the hours to 9 a.m. – noon on the Saturday during the week. However, this year, both attendants are asking for time off, so it was suggested to close the transfer station on Saturday, September 4. Selectmen unanimously approved closing the transfer station on that Saturday.

In other transfer station news, Gray stated that upon a visit to the transfer station, he noticed the good customer service from the attendants. Selectman William Appel Jr., also noted that other residents have complimented the transfer station attendants.

Selectmen directed Haskell to contact the Maine Department of Transportation for speed limit signs on the Reed Road, since it is now a default road, with a speed limit of 45 mph.

Selectmen suggested the flagpole at the Veterans Monument be returned to the person who purchased it. Scott Pierce has said he does not want the flagpole, and wants to sell it, and donate the money to the veterans memorial fund. The public works department will take down the old pole.

The well pump at Resthaven Cemetery has been repaired. The town is still planning to purchase the refurbished pump for $6,000.

It was noted that October 10, 2020, was the cut off date for names to be submitted to be added to the Veterans Memorial Wall. Names can still be added for a fee of $275.

In other business, Ken Knight was present to speak to the board about the possibility of doing the mulching on the sides of the roads for Windsor when needed. There was much discussion regarding this and the it was decided the work would need to out for bid.

Selectmen also unanimously approved a new contract with Transco and possibly a new copier for the town office. The new copier would have scanning, faxing and emailing options that the current copier does not provide. The new copier will save the town $30 a month. Selectmen unanimously approved the new copier.

The next meeting was scheduled for August 17.

Glen Campbell Alzheimer’s concert planned in Windsor

Glen Campbell

There will be a free public concert and fundraiser for the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association on Friday night, August 27, at 7 p.m., in the Windsor Town Hall auditorium. Dwight Tibbetts and the Downeast Brass Quintet have organized an evening concert featuring the life and music of the late Glen Campbell. The popularity of Campbell’s music and his early death from Al­zheim­er’s combine to make his life a compelling story of living with this common illness.

The program will be a presentation of slides, narration, and music by the Downeast Brass plus a local drummer, Rick LaChance. Campbell struggled with substance abuse, womanizing, and overwork as his fame increased rapidly. As his popularity and wealth grew, his alcohol and drug abuse escalated. His early Christian upbringing was eventually pivotal in helping him turn around his private life.

After his family started noticing his increasing memory losses and confusion, Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2011. He and several of his adult children made a documentary and final concert tour to say goodbye to his fans. His last concert was on November 30, 2012. He died on August 8, 2017, at age 81.

Most of us have been touched by this prevalent disease. Please come and celebrate Glen’s music and his message of hope and forgiveness. The Downeast Brass plan to perform this program in several venues around the state. All donations will be given to the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. (alz.org/maine).

Windsor selectmen make appointments; Sean Teekema named transfer station supervisor

by The Town Line staff

At the July 6 meeting of the Windsor selectmen, Town Manager Theresa Haskell reported that June revenues were down from this time last year, with $620.41. However, the total amount for the year was up $12,043.44, for a total 2020/2021 year to date income of $71,007.86. Haskell noted that $65,000 was budgeted.

Cemetery Sexton Joyce Perry informed the board of a request to place a bench with four legs which is what Riverside Memorials provide. Selectman Richard Gray Jr. was concerned that any type of bench at the cemeteries could bring other benches in, like wooden or plastic. The board asked Perry to bring the issue back to the cemetery committee and go through the cemetery rules to get an opinion on benches. There are too many uncertainties regarding benches and the board of selectmen would like more clarity before making a decision.
In other business, selectmen approved MaineGeneral Medical Center’s request for a pop-up vaccine clinic in August, with a follow-up clinic for the second shot in September.

Selectmen also approved a request from Dwight Tibbetts, on behalf of the Downeast Brass Quintet, to hold a free public concert upstairs in the town hall sometime in August for a fundraiser for the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association featuring the life and music of Glen Campbell, who passed away from the disease.

The selectmen also made a number of committee appointments:

Theresa Haskell, Richard H., Gray Jr., and Thomas Reed were appointed to the cemetery committee, Robert Holt and Laurie Thomas were both appointed to the board of appeals, Scott Farwell to the planning board, Heather Wilson and Bonnie Squiers both as a Windsor Educational Foundation and Reed Fund member.

The town manager reported that COVID-19 pandemic caused disruption to government meetings and led many public bodies to shift to a remote/online model to keep business moving as usual. They were permitted to so pursuant to temporary pandemic-related permission authorized by the state legislature and the governor. If the town is looking to continue this model they have to develop a policy. The board of selectmen indicated they are not interested in creating a policy at this time.

Selectmen also approved a qualified catering organization application for catered functions from The Roaming Catering Company, for a wedding on July 31, held at the Windsor Fairgrounds with approximately 350 people in attendance.

The final action of the evening was the board of selectmen elected Ray Bates as the new chairman of the board of selectmen.
At their July 20 meeting, selectmen heard that the trees on Hunts Meadow Road and Greeley Road have been cut, and the big tree on Choate Road that was uprooted has been removed.

Town Manager Theresa Haskell announced to the board that Sean Teekema, who had been serving as interim transfer station supervisor, has been named the new supervisor as of July 20.

Shawn Mills was present to discuss the status of the requirements for continued building of his tiny house. There was much discussion because this is something new for the town. No decisions were made.

Also, an anonymous letter was read regarding flying the American flag at half mast. The town does not give the authority to fly a flag at half mast and in no way was it meant to take away from the observance of it. The selectmen voted unanimously, 3-0 (Richard Gray Jr. and Ronald Brann were absent), to accept as written Title 4, United States Code Chapter 1 of flying the flag at half-mast.

The question was raised as to when flags displayed on veterans’ graves should be removed. All American Legions should follow the practice of removing flags as soon as possible after Memorial Day. However, since the town of Windsor is the one who puts the flags on the graves and not the legion, the selectmen decided that since the town owns the flags they should be kept out longer, per Title 30-A §2901.

In other business, selectmen unanimously approved an abatement request in the amount of $51.20 to Kevin Tillson for a business that closed in 2019.

The next board of selectmen meeting was scheduled for August 3.