Issue for August 14, 2025
86-year-old Vassalboro man attends first-ever concert
It was a beautiful evening at the sold-out Maine Savings Amphitheatre, in Bangor, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The stadium was set ablaze by country/pop star Shania Twain and rising star, MacKenzie Porter. Many people were excited to hear Shania Twain was making her way to the waterfront, in Bangor. When the news of this event arrived, it didn’t take long for tickets to fly out of the box offices. It was no different for 86-year-old John McLean, in fact, much to his children’s surprise he was eager to make his way to see Shania in person… by Mark Huard
Long time China business owner Carl Farris dies at 79
CHINA – Carl Farris, 79, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, following a long battle with MS. He was born in Waterville, June 6, 1946, His parents were Merlon and Yvonne Dosie Farris, of China…
Town News
Planners OK one permit, refer three others to CEO
VASSALBORO – At their Aug. 5 meeting, Vassalboro Planning Board members approved one permit application. They referred three other projects to Codes Officer Eric Currie…
Select board sets time and date for special town meeting
CHINA – The China select board’s Aug. 11 meeting was preceded by a 50-minute public hearing on a planned special town meeting, and included approval of the warrant for the meeting. The special town meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, in the town office meeting room…
Webber Pond water quality update
VASSALBORO – Webber water quality update, as of August 9, shows the good news to be that this year’s water quality has been better than last year’s. The August 4 reading of 1.9m/6.2′, is the first time we have been below the 2m that signifies an algae bloom. Last year the reading this week was 0.79m/2.6′, which is a severe algae bloom…
LETTERS: John Jones not related
from Geoff Hargadon (South China)— I read Mary Grow’s biographical essay on John “Black” Jones (July 24 issue) with great interest. The reason this article caught my eye more so than most of Grow’s excellent work was the fact that my Jones ancestors arrived in South China a long time ago. Since I read it I have discovered John Jones is unrelated to my family, which, based on what I learned about him, came as a great relief…
“Made in China” exhibition brings over 200 visitors
CHINA — The China Historical Society is pleased to announce the successful close of “Made in China,” a vibrant art exhibition celebrating the creative life of China, Maine, and beyond. Held at the barn at 16 Jones Road, the show opened with a public reception on August 7, 2025, followed by an additional viewing on August 9…
CPL Andrew L. Hutchins Memorial ride honors fallen hero
CENTRAL ME — On August 2, riders from across the region gathered to honor the life and sacrifice of Corporal Andrew L. Hutchins with a powerful 61-mile memorial ride that spanned one hour and 37 minutes…
Bruce Bottiglierie, co-founder of Winslow Community cupboard resigns
WINSLOW — Bruce Bottiglierie, who co-founded Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry in early 2020 and who has directed its service and growth ever since, has announced his resignation as Operations Manager, effective August 6, 2025…
Erskine Academy named one of the best places to work in Maine for second consecutive year
CHINA — Erskine Academy is proud to announce that it has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Maine for both 2024 and 2025. This marks the second year in a row the school has earned this distinction, making it the only independent high school in Maine to receive the honor…
John Glowa Sr. announces run for governor
CHINA — State retiree and longtime environmental and wildlife advocate John M. Glowa, Sr. of South China, has become an independent candidate for governor. “I will be the peoples’ governor. The people have the power if they choose to use it. Maine’s government has failed us, and the two major parties aren’t solving our problems. They are causing them. We should not be forced to vote between the lesser of two evils. We can make Maine a democracy, but only if we work together to build a true grassroots peoples’ movement and reform the “system”….
Jessica Fisher named to Hartwick College’s dean’s list
CHINA — Jessica Fisher, of China, was named to Hartwick College’s Spring 2025 dean’s list, in Oneonta, New York. Fisher, is pursuing a major in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Social Work.
Anna Marie Blomerth receives degree
BENTON — Anna Marie Blomerth, of Benton, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Washington and Lee University, in Lexington, Virginia, on May 29.Blomerth majored in Neuroscience.
Local student earns Furman University’s dean’s list
AUGUSTA — Bryan Freeman Ouellette, of Augusta, earned a place on Furman University’s dean’s list for the 2025 spring semester, in Greenville, South Carolina. Ouellette’s parents and/or guardians are Bryan Ouellette and Michelle Ouellette.
Llanto named to dean’s list
WATERVILLE — Andrei Llanto, of Waterville, has been named to the deans’ list at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in Lincoln, Nebraska, for the spring semester of the 2024-25 academic year. Llanto, a senior majoring in business and law, was named to the dean’s list for the College of Business.
Local happenings
EVENTS: Cassidy’s birthday book drive promotes reading
CENTRAL ME — ShineOnCass Foundation invites the community to join “Cassidy’s Birthday Board Book Drive” to help shine a light on childhood literacy and inspire early reading. The ShineOnCass Foundation, named and created in memory of Cassidy Charette, will collect children’s board books during the month of August to help fill the shelves of ShineOnCass Lending Libraries and local Little Free Libraries. Volunteers will deliver donated books on what would be Cassidy’s 28th birthday on August 31…
EVENTS: KPAC announces rehearsal sessions
CENTRAL ME — The Kennebec Performing Arts Company (KPAC) is pleased to announce its rehearsal and concert schedule for the 2025-2026 season. The KPAC Wind Ensemble and Choir will once again be under the direction of John Neal, while the organization welcomes Russell Caverly as the new director of the KPAC Jazz Band…
EVENTS: Great Carrying Place
CENTRAL ME — This year commemorates the 250th anniversary of Benedict Arnold’s march through the Maine wilderness in an attempt to capture Québec. To honor this daring journey, the Arnold Expedition Historical Society (AEHS) is offering three guided hikes along a section of the Arnold Trail to Québec, known as the “Great Carrying Place Portage Trail,” retracing the steps of Arnold’s 1,000-man army, on Saturday, August 16; Saturday, September 27; and Saturday, October 18, 2025…
EVENTS: Gravel road maintenance workshop slated
UNITY — Gravel roads are essential for seasonal and year-round access to homes, camps, and natural areas across Maine. If not properly maintained, they can lead to challenges for landowners – they can also contribute to erosion and water quality problems. Join them for a hands-on workshop focused on how to evaluate and maintain gravel roads with water quality and long-term performance in mind…
EVENTS: Baked beans and blueberries public supper planned at VUMC
VASSALBORO — Vassalboro Methodist Church is holding a “Baked Beans & Blueberries” public supper on Saturday, August 16, 4:30 – 6 p.m. The menu will include their traditional baked beans and a variety of other kinds. Hot dogs, casseroles, salads, breads, pies and blueberry desserts will also be available. The supper is open to the public for a $10.00 donation per person…
Name that film!
Identify the film in which this famous line originated and qualify to win FREE passes to The Maine Film Center, in Waterville: “I’ll be back.” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is September 4, 2025.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Quick and easy preserving talk in China
CHINA – The China Community Garden will host Debbie Barnett, of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, for a talk on Quick and Easy Preserving, Thursday, August 21, at 5 p.m., at the portable building next to the China Town Office, 571 Lakeview Drive, South China. This 90-minute demonstration will teach you several methods for preserving the late summer bounty, including ways to freeze and to use hot water canning. You’ll receive a copy of several favorite recipes. Free and open to the public…. and many other local events!
Obituaries
SIDNEY – Christine “Tina” Couture, 74, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at her home. Tina was born on December 24, 1950, to Barbara O’Donnell and Theodore R. McFadden…
Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Amy Morris Bradley (new)
CENTRAL ME HISTORY — In her Vassalboro history, Alma Pierce Robbins introduced her readers to one of the town’s nationally-known residents, Amy Morris Bradley. Robbins’ focus was on Bradley’s role in nursing during the Civil War; other sources add information about her career in public education… by Mary Grow
Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Women doctors in central Kennebec Valley
CENTRAL ME HISTORY — In the course of collecting information on the doctors included in last week’s article about the central Kennebec Valley (and other places), your writer reviewed lists in Henry Kingsbury’s Kennebec County history and Rev. Edwin Carey Whittemore’s Waterville history… by Mary Grow
Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Doctors Pulsifer
CENTRAL ME HISTORY — While wondering what new subject might keep readers – and writer — interested, your writer glanced at random pages in randomly-chosen history books. A warning: what she found does not remain in the central Kennebec Valley. Her eyes fell on Dr. Nathan Goldsmith Howard Pulsifer… by Mary Grow
Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Early surveyors – John Jones
CENTRAL ME HISTORY — Yet one more important early surveyor in the central Kennebec Valley was John Jones (c. 1743 – Aug. 16, 1823), known as “Black” Jones because of his dark complexion, and later because of his unpopular politics… by Mary Grow
Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!
DEADLINE: Wednesday, August 14, 2025
Identify the people in these three photos, and tell us what they have in common. You could win a $10 gift certificate to Hannaford Supermarket! Email your answer to townline@townline.org or through our Contact page. Include your name and address with your answer. Use “Common Ground” in the subject!
Previous winner: Ted Helberg, Fairfield
Town Line Original Columnists
SCORES & OUTDOORS
by Roland D. Hallee | My wife has a strong liking for hummingbirds. At camp, she has five feeders spread around the lot. We watch them constantly. Lately – I’ve counted at least eight – they have been swarming the feeders, fighting amongst themselves, and it’s a wonder they get to eat at all, what with chasing any other hummer that approaches a feeding station…
SMALL SPACE GARDENING
by Melinda Myers | Humans began farming about 12,000 years ago in locations around the world after much earlier recognized plant materials that could be used for food, clothing, shelter, and wooden tools. One thing that sets humans apart from other creatures is our desire to beautify ourselves and our surroundings. Cave paintings using the minerals ochres are 40,000 years old. Archeologists find beads and other small items carved from stone, bones, and shells…
REVIEW POTPOURRI
by Peter Cates | The three 20th century American classical composers who appear most frequently on concert programs and recordings are George Gershwin (1898-1937), Aaron Copland (1900-1990) and Samuel Barber (1910-1981). Gershwin’s Rhapsody, since its 1924 world premiere at Carnegie Hall, the 1925 Concerto in F – my personal favorite of the three – and the 1927 An American in Paris are given performances by the above musicians that are among the better ones in a very crowded catalog…
QUINN MINUTE
by Rix Quinn | A young neighbor just asked me if I remembered dating. I have been married for years, but I recall the excitement of first dates. I had many of them, because few ladies went out with me a second time…
VETERANS CORNER
by Gary Kennedy | I have been asked some tricky questions as of late. One such question is, “is common law marriage recognized in the state of Maine?” this question can be very tricky for those living in Maine. Common law marriage is a legally recognized marriage that does not require a formal marriage contract. It comes into existence when two people live together and intend someday to be married and hold themselves out to the public as a married couple….
FOR YOUR HEALTH
HEALTH | Americans are living nearly a decade longer than they were in the 1970s. That’s great news – but staying healthy into your 80s and beyond requires extra care and an eye towards prevention. The protection provided by vaccines plays a key role in helping keep you healthy and preventing severe illness and potential long-term complications, especially for older adults and individuals with immunocompromised conditions…