Issue for July 24, 2025
11th annual Cruisin’ for a Cure car show nets over $18,000 for Maine Childen’s Cancer Program
The 11th Annual Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Show, held on June 7, 2025, successfully raised $18,226.49 for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP). Despite challenging weather conditions, over 100 car owners showcased their vehicles, making this year’s event another impactful milestone in the fight against childhood cancer… by Tammy Poissonnier
Town News
Update on bridge closure at Webber Pond dam
VASSALBORO – Update on revised estimated start dates from Maine Rivers for construction of the replacement Webber Pond fish ladder…
Proposed government changes spark wide-ranging discussion
VASSALBORO – Two types of proposed local government change generated wide-ranging discussion at the Vassalboro select board’s three-and-a-half-hour July 17 meeting. One, a proposed budget committee ordinance, is likely to be a question for voters to decide on Nov. 4…
Caron presentation at Vassalboro Historical Society
VASSALBORO — Historian Ray Caron’s illustrated talk on China Lake at the Vassalboro Historical Society Sunday afternoon, July 20, had his audience questioning, commenting and chuckling…
PHOTO: Owners of Emery’s Meats presented with plaque
OAKLAND — On July 19, members American Legion Riders of Decker-Simmions Post #51, of Oakland gathered for a short ride to Emery’s Meats, in Waterville, to present a plaque of appreciation to owners Roland and Kristy Emery for their contributions to the advancement of ALR programs and activities supporting our country’s veterans…
Mitchell Institute announces 13 new Mitchell Scholars from Somerset County
CENTRAL ME — Thirteen recent high school graduates from Somerset County have been named 2025 Mitchell Scholars by the Mitchell Institute. The 2025 scholars join more than 3,800 past recipients who have been unlocking their potential, having successful college experiences and contributing to the vitality of their communities since 1995..
Local students receive Worthington Scholarships
CENTRAL ME — The Worthington Scholarship Foundation (WSF) is delighted to announce that 1,000 graduating seniors from high schools across Maine were awarded the Worthington Scholarship. The Foundation is committed to increasing college accessibility by reducing financial barriers and connecting scholars with resources that will aid them in their college journey…
Local happenings
EVENTS: In-water workshop to teach how to spot invasive plants
CHINA — Want to learn how to spot suspicious aquatic plants on Maine lakes? Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) will host a “Plant Paddle” workshop, at China Lake, on Friday, August 1, to help participants know which plants are invasive, and how to detect them…
EVENTS: “People of China, Maine” – China Historical Society annual meeting
CHINA — Join us for an evening celebrating the rich history of China, Maine! The China Historical Society’s 2025 Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, July 24th at 6:00 PM in the historic Old Town Hall (next to the China town office). This year’s program, “People of China, Maine,” will feature local speakers sharing fascinating stories about the town’s early settlers and the communities they built…
EVENTS: “Made in China” — A local art exhibition
CHINA — The China Historical Society is proud to present “Made in China,” a group art exhibition showcasing the work of artists who live in China, Maine – or whose work reflects the spirit, beauty, and stories of the town…
EVENTS: Oakland’s Oakfest set for July 25-26
OAKLAND — Come experience a weekend of family fun Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26, and see why Oakfest is rated among the 10 Best Outdoor Festivals in Maine this summer!…
EVENTS: Spectacular laser show and concert to benefit Winslow Community Cupboard
CLINTON — Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry – which serves food-insecure children, seniors, and other adults from Winslow, Waterville, Skowhegan, Fairfield, and 20 other surrounding towns – will benefit from a spectacular Drive-in Laser Show and Concert coming to the Clinton Fairgrounds (1450 Bangor Road) from Thursday, July 31, through Saturday, August 2…
EVENTS: Make an immediate difference by giving blood or platelets now
CENTRAL ME — Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 18-July 30 in Kennebec County…
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: “Bond. James Bond.” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is August 7, 2025.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: SCCC Rummage sale
So.CHINA – South China Community Church will hold its annual rummage sale and cookie walk,Saturday, August 9, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the South China Community Church, 246 Village St, So China… and many other local events!
Obituaries
JEFFERSON — Joseph Brown, 87 passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, June 29, 2025 following a long illness…
Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Early surveyors – John Jones (new)
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
Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Early surveyors – John McKechnie
CENTRAL ME HISTORY — Another Kennebec Valley surveyor who worked for the Kennebec/Plymouth Proprietors/Company was Dr. John McKechnie (1730 or 1732 – April 14, 1782). Ernest Marriner, in his Kennebec Yesterdays, called McKechnie “one of those men of varied talents who meant so much to many pioneer communities” – “an educated physician, a civil engineer, a land surveyor, and a shrewd business entrepreneur”… by Mary Grow
Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Early surveyors
CENTRAL ME HISTORY — As promised, the next articles in this series will introduce some of the important surveyors in the central Kennebec Valley as Massachusetts proprietors sold lots – mostly pieces of land they had never seen – to settlers, and other people began lumbering, trapping and farming without the formality of buying a lot… by Mary Grow
Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Early land titles
KV HISTORY — The lawyers discussed in this series earlier this spring were undoubtedly important in the lives of European settlers in the central Kennebec Valley. Before the lawyers, and equally if not more important, were another group of professional men: the surveyors… 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 | Recently I read an article about the state of bumble bees and honey bees. It seems a common class of pesticide, neonicotinoids, is causing problems for honeybees and bumblebees, by attacking the central nervous system, causing a reduction in weight and number of queens in bumblebee hives. It also causes them to become disoriented, and fail to return to their hives…
REVIEW POTPOURRI
by Peter Cates | I still meet Veterans who don’t know if there is any medical help for them and if so, how? I can’t help but shake my head every time I hear this. I have always been of the opinion that the Department of Defense should shoulder the burden of informing the future veteran of everything he or she will need to know before that individual is released from military service…
MAINE-LY GARDENING
by Jude Hsiang | Gardens small and large are bursting with life now that the unusual spring rains which deplaned planting for many, have been providing more typical watering. Cucumbers and zucchini are appearing at local farmers’ markets and groceries and in our backyard and community garden plots…
VETERANS CORNER
by Gary Kennedy | I still meet Veterans who don’t know if there is any medical help for them and if so, how? I can’t help but shake my head every time I hear this. I have always been of the opinion that the Department of Defense should shoulder the burden of informing the future veteran of everything he or she will need to know before that individual is released from military service…
FOR YOUR HEALTH
HEALTH | The key to a healthy diet is to eat the right amount of calories for how active you are so you balance the energy you consume with the energy you use…