Issue for July 15, 2021

Celebrating 33 years of local news

Local scouts attend opening weekend at Camp Bomazeen

Camp Bomazeen Director Bruce Rueger had one message for the Scouts and leaders who attended camp on their opening weekend of program for the 2021 season, “Welcome Home! Camp Bomazeen is open for the summer and we welcome you back!”… by Chuck Mahaleris

Your Local News

Selectmen make appointments at short meeting

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

Sheriff’s office to provide reports on patrol shifts

CHINA — China selectmen dealt with a miscellaneous agenda at their July 6 meeting, including meeting a representative of the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Department. Staff Sergeant Frank Hatch described the type of reports town officials can expect under their contract for 10 hours a week of KSO service…

Only half dozen attend first broadband committee information meeting

CHINA — Only half a dozen residents came in person to the China Broadband Committee’s (CBC) first public informational meeting July 11, with three or four more watching virtually; but discussion was lively and varied during and after the committee’s slideshow…

Vassalboro Sestercentennial Scavenger Hunt
Item #13:

The date the “haunted” Mill Agent House was built.

Palermo Community Foundation: Nonprofit Spotlight

PALERMO — Originally known as the Palermo Community Foundation, the organization was chartered in 1996 by a group of friends led by John Potter, Jim Osier, Dennis Sturgis, Ted Bigos, Mike McCarty, Eben Bradstreet, and Herb Flint. Their plan was to serve the needs of the community by providing a building for local groups to meet, learn, share ideas and talent, and to create a more sustainable community… submitted by Connie Bellet

The South China Public Library: Nonprofit Spotlight

SOUTH CHINA — As I believe most of we humans are aware, especially in these difficult times, change is inevitable. For the most part, the results of these events are positive, at least in the long run, and we look back with gratitude and acceptance… by Bob Bennett

China Lake Association; Protecting the Lake and Land Owners: Nonprofit Spotlight

CHINA — Many China residents likely remember the algae blooms resulting in low fish counts, few lake birds, limited lakeside wildlife, and sparse or distorted shore plant life. All these are indications that the health of the lake is failing… by Steve Ball

China Four Seasons Club: Non-profit Spotlight

CHINA — Founded in 1970, the China Four Seasons Club is a growing nonprofit club organized to bring together enthusiasts of outdoor activities of all sorts. The club was organized after a merger between the China Lake Association and the China Regional Snowmobilers organizations… by Steve Ball

Mid-Maine Chamber golf fundraiser draws many players

VASSALBORO — Central Maine’s most prize-laden golf tournament fundraiser was held under clear skies on Monday, June 21, at Natanis Golf Course, in Vassalboro…

PHOTO: Play ball!

AUGUSTA — Photos of the Brownie’s Landscaping Augusta Little League team’s recent game, by Mark Huard of Central Maine Photography…

Three Mile Pond Assn. president presented with appreciation award

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

New Dimensions FCU named as one of Forbes’ Best-In-State credit unions in 2021

WATERVILLE — New Dimensions FCU has been named as one of Forbes Best-In-State Credit Unions in 2021. Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider has released the awards list on June 24, 2021, located on the Forbes website…

Vassalboro Historical Society to hold local art contest

VASSALBORO — The Vassalboro Historical Society is requesting your original artwork for use as the Society’s thank you notes and to have available for sale at the Society. Entries must be received by August 31, 2021…

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Churches – Part 5 (new)

VASSALBORO HISTORY — Returning to the list of churches on the National Register of Historic Places, the next to be discussed is one that readers met briefly last week. The Sophia D. Bailey Chapel, at Oak Grove School, (the school had several names; Oak Grove School is simplest) was originally known as the River Meeting House. It was where China Quakers worshipped before the East Vassalboro meeting house and then China’s own Pond Meeting House were constructed… by Mary Grow [1595 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Rufus Jones houses

CHINA HISTORY — Moving sideways (as this series so often does) on a temporary detour from churches on the National Register of Historic Places, this article will describe three National Register properties in the Town of China recognized for their association with Rufus Jones or members of his family, plus China’s other two National Register properties (one demolished, the other mostly intact)… by Mary Grow [1856 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Churches – Part 4

CHINA HISTORY — Two churches in the Town of China were added to the National Register of Historic Places on Aug. 4, 1983. The earlier is the Pond Meeting House, on Lakeview Drive, built in 1807. The South China Meeting House, now South China Community Church, on Village Street, dates from 1884… by Mary Grow [1910 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Churches – Part 3

MAINE HISTORY — Moving up the Kennebec to the city of Waterville, two of its many church buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places: the First Baptist Church, at 1 Park Street, and the Universalist-Unitarian Church… by Mary Grow [1775 words]

LETTERS: Juneteenth does not take away from July 4

from Jeanne Hanson (South China) The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday does not take away any of the significance of the 4th of July. What Juneteenth celebrates is the final end of slavery and the promise that all people are created equal, regardless of skin color…

Become a member: An open letter to our readers

Dear Reader: For the past 33 years, The Town Line has pledged a mission statement to “create a vibrant rural community connecting our towns, organizations and individuals through communication, education and public dialogue.” It’s all part of The Town Line’s mission to be a positive force in our community…

Webber’s Pond

Webber’s Pond is a comic drawn by an anonymous central Maine resident (click thumbnail to enlarge)…

Give Us Your Best Shot!

These photos were taken by Gary Mazoki, of Palermo, at Kinney’s compost, in Knox. The immature bald eagle sat perched, then launched into full flight…

Lake Association Annual Meetings 2021

CENTRAL ME — Listing of local area Lake Association meetings. (To include your town in this listing, please email us at townline@townline.org)…

Obituaries

VASSALBORO – Christie G. Holmes Snow, 88, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, following a very brief illness. Christie was born in Bath on October 13, 1932, the daughter of Bill and Thelma (Erskine) Holmes… and remembering 15 others.

Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!

DEADLINE: Friday, August 13, 2021

Identify the people in these three photos, and tell us what they have in common. You could win a $10 gift certificate to Retail Therapy Boutique in Waterville! 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: B.J Bradstreeet, Palermo.

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | Have you ever noticed during the summer, especially when we head into the more humid days, that trees begin to drip on you? It isn’t sap, just water. Well, the simple answer is the tree is “sweating.” Now, for the more scientific explanation…

FINANCIAL FOCUS

by Sasha Fitzpatrick | You may have heard that it’s important to take the emotions out of investing. But is this true for all emotions? Certainly, some emotions can potentially harm your investment success…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | This bargain priced mid-’50s set contained very good performances and, for their day, quite decently recorded sound. The list of orchestras on the record labels contain the actual names for some pieces, and pseudonyms, due to strange contractual considerations, for other orchestras…

Marilyn Rogers-Bull & PercySOLON & BEYOND

by Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy | The following is from an old 1995 column that I wrote in the Somerset Gazette: It starts, Good morning my friends, don’t worry, be happy!…

I’M JUST CURIOUS

by Debbie Walker | How open minded are you? Maybe you have done things one particular way for years, can you try something else at least once? Ooops, maybe twice. Foggy mirrors in your bathroom are a nuisance. I am offering you two ways to maybe prevent the problem…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

(NAPSI) | As both vaccination levels and temperatures rise, Americans are shedding more than their masks and an extra layer of clothes. Many are also looking to shed unhealthy habits they developed during a year of lockdown. For these post-pandemic revelers, declaring independence this July takes on new meaning, as they seek freedom from behaviors that no longer serve them…