Issue for June 6, 2024
China Baptist Church gets new sunburst pediments
Several years ago the Trustees at China Baptist became aware that the smaller sunburst pediments above the front windows and the larger one above the door were in need of repair or replacement. Dwayne Bickford volunteered to take one of the smaller ones down and make a new one. I don’t think he realized the amount of work he was volunteering for, but he got it done. Then last fall he undertook removing and replicating the larger one above the door… submitted by Linda Morrell
Town News
Select board seeks ways to relieve VSD financial crunch
VASSALBORO – Vassalboro select board members began their May 30 meeting with a discussion with Vassalboro Sanitary District trustees about ways to relieve the VSD’s financial crunch. Auditor Ron Smith, of Buxton-based RHR Smith and Company, joined the discussion virtually to offer his advice…
Residents take care of 41 of 45 articles at town meeting
VASSALBORO – Vassalboro voters at the June 3 part of the annual town meeting took care of 41 of the 45 articles in this year’s warrant. The remaining four will be decided by written ballot on Tuesday, June 11, with polls open at the town office from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m…
Voters to be presented with three ballots on June 11
CHINA – China voters will be presented with three ballots at the polls on June 11: the annual town business meeting, the school budget referendum and a choice of state primary ballots…The warrant for China’s annual town business meeting has 32 articles…
TIF members continue talks on proposed changes
CHINA – Members of China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee met May 29 to continue discussing proposed changes in China’s TIF document…
Support The Town Line: An open letter to our readers
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 and bring together the rural towns of central Maine by promoting better understanding of our surroundings…
Webber’s Pond comic
Webber’s Pond is a comic drawn by a local central Maine resident (click on the thumbnail to enlarge)…
Skowhegan volunteer receives Commitment to Excellence pin from Girl Scouts of Maine
SKOWHEGAN – Victoria Noyes, a dedicated volunteer from Skowhegan for the Girl Scouts of Maine (GSME) within the Somerset Service Unit, recently received the Commitment to Excellence Pin for her above-and-beyond service and support of the organization this year. The Commitment to Excellence Pin is awarded to a volunteer who has received a board-level award and continues to serve above and beyond expectation at that scope of service…
KWD lake levels info online
CHINA – The China Lake Association has posted about monitoring China Lake levels, with historical levels, on Facebook: Kennebec Water District (KWD) recently added a China Lake water level information page to their website. You will find the current level of the lake, along with the most recent Department of Environmental Protection lake level directives. The link is: https://kennebecwater.org/water-quality/lake-level-info/.
Oakland Memorial Day parade and ceremony go on despite rain
OAKLAND – For the past three years since the pandemic, the Oakland American Legion Post #51 has directed the Annual Memorial Day parade which is one of the largest in Central Maine. Veterans lined the front of the parade to local school bands, classic cars, military vehicles, Police and Fire departments, Shriners and among many others. Each year they are looking for more to participate. Any groups are encouraged to contact the post for next year’s attendance… by Mark Huard
Carrabec High School announces top 10 seniors
NO.ANSON – Kolby Carpenter – Valedictorian, is the son of Tia Bessey and Brandon Harrington, of Anson. Kolby will be attending Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield, in their electrician’s program…
Whitefield Lions Club honors six area students
WHITEFIELD – The Whitefield Lions Club has recognized six local graduating seniors. These students will receive a $1,000 scholarship towards furthering their education. Each year the Whitefield Lions Club Scholarship Committee chooses among deserving applicants based on hard work, perseverance, leadership, community service and career goals…
Erskine Academy announces top 10 seniors in class of 2024
CHINA – Erskine Academy has announced the Class of 2024 Top Ten Seniors. Valedictorian is Aaralyn Gagnon…
Springfield College recognizes local students
CENTRAL ME – Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts, has named William Banks, from Jefferson, to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2024 spring semester. Banks has a primary major of Physical Education. Also, Kaitlin Morrison, from Winslow, to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2024 spring semester. Morrison has a primary major of Communication Sci & Disorders.
SNHU announces winter 2024 honors
CENTRAL ME – Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), in Manchester, New Hampshire, announces the following students being named to the Winter 2024 President’s List…
Bodhi Littlefield named to Ohio Univ. dean’s list
OAKLAND – Ohio University Patton College of Education, in Athens, Ohio, student Bodhi Littlefield, of Oakland, has been named to Ohio’s Fall 2023 dean’s list.
Evelyn Withee inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
ROME – Evelyn Withee, of Rome, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Withee was initiated at the University of Maine.
Area students named to dean’s honor list at Cedarville University
CENTRAL ME – The following area students at Cedarville University, in Cedarville, Ohio, have been named to the dean’s honor list for the Spring 2024 semester: Catherine Estes, of Sidney, Josette Gilman, of China, and Rebecca Riley, of Chelsea.
Charles Haberstock an award winner at Hamilton College
CENTRAL ME – Charles Haberstock, of Waterville, was named the recipient of The Sidney and Eleanor Wertimer Prize Scholarship in Economics at Hamilton College’s annual Class & Charter Day, held on May 7, in Clinton, New York. Established in 1950, the event combines the traditional Class Day celebrating the end of classes with a commemoration of the granting of the College’s charter on May 26, 1812…
Local happenings
EVENTS: South China library fundraiser
So.CHINA – The South China Public Library, the oldest continuously operating library in Maine, began in a private home in 1830 and moved to Village Street in 1900. In 2018, having outgrown its space, the library launched a project to build a new facility, at 27 Jones Road. Despite pandemic and supply chain delays, the new library opened in January 2024. Funding is still needed to finish and furnish the children’s room and community activity room…
EVENTS: Upcoming Vassalboro Library play in search of actors
VASSALBORO – The Vassalboro Public Library is planning to present a play as part of a library fundraiser on October 19 and 20. The play, entitled Murder by the Book, is written by Canadian playwright, Laura Teasdale, and it is inspired by the books by Louise Penny…Opportunities to join the cast of the production are open to people of all ages…
EVENTS: Washington 2024 photo contest and exhibition
WASHINGTON – In celebration of the natural beauty of Washington Maine. the Washington Lakes and Watershed Association (WLWA) is sponsoring its Fourth Annual Photo Contest and Exhibition…
EVENTS: Drawing is a skill, not magic! Classes with Connie Bellet
PALERMO – If you can hold a pencil or pen, you can draw. A lot of people say, “I can’t draw a straight line.” Well, that’s what rulers are for. Join Connie Bellet at the Palermo Community Center, on Turner Ridge Road, across from the ball field, on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, at 2 p.m., for a fun adventure in learning how to draw…
EVENTS: Gardens of Lincoln County tour returns on June 22
WISCASSET – With the great success of last year’s garden tour, Lincoln County Historical Association (LCHA) was inspired to seek additional private gardens to showcase. Happily, seven more homeowners have agreed to open their gardens to visitors for the 2024 Gardens of Lincoln County tour…
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Program on WW&F planned in Windsor
WINDSOR – Robert Wallace and Phil Dow, of the Albion Historical Society, will provide a talk about the original WW&F (Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington) Railroad at the Windsor Historical Society, on Wednesday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m., at the Malta Room, on the Windsor Historical Society Grounds, Route 32, Windsor, Me… and many other local events!
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: “Worm’s gotta eat, too!” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is June 6, 2024…
Obituaries
WINSLOW – Warren Maurice Poulin, 85, son of J. N. Laurier and Yvette (Ferland) Poulin, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at home. He was born October 30, 1938, the day radio announcer Orson Wells reported Earth was invaded by Martians… and remembering 16 others.
Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Vassalboro – Winslow (new)
CENTRAL ME HISTORY — Going north from Augusta on Route 201 on the east bank of the Kennebec River, one follows the approximate route of Massachusetts Governor William Shirley’s 1754 military road between Fort Western, in present-day Augusta, and Fort Halifax, in present-day Winslow… by Mary Grow
Up and down the Kennebec Valley: City of Augusta
AUGUSTA HISTORY — The City of Augusta began its legal existence as part of Hallowell, and has been named Augusta since June 9, 1797. It became the state capital in 1827, and transitioned from a town to a city in 1849. It is the only municipality in this part of the Kennebec River Valley that is still on both sides of the river… by Mary Grow
Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Towns and cities’ names – Part 1
CENTRAL ME HISTORY — This series has been geographically grounded, mostly, in specific places: 12 municipalities in the central Kennebec Valley. Your writer’s next topic is how each of these got its name. As usual, there will be preliminaries, the first of which have taken up this entire introductory essay. They are a short detour along the coast and a summary of British settlement… by Mary Grow
Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Holman Francis Day
VASSALBORO HISTORY — Vassalboro native Holman Francis Day (1865 – 1935) was a well-known and prolific Maine writer. Starting as a newspaperman, he went on to write poetry and novels in verse, novels in prose, a play, non-fiction pieces and movie scripts… by Mary Grow
Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!
DEADLINE: Wednesday, June 13, 2024
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: Brian Plato, China
Town Line Original Columnists
SCORES & OUTDOORS
by Roland D. Hallee | Several years ago – there seems to be disagreement when it was – we had an Eastern phoebe build a nest under the awning, on a cross beam that abuts against our camp. We watched as the female incubated the eggs, and my wife had the opportunity to witness the last of the chicks leave the nest…
SMALL SPACE GARDENING
by Melinda Myers | Add long-lasting beauty and pollinator appeal to your garden with this year’s Perennial Plant of the Year, Jeana garden phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’). Selected for its tall sturdy habit and fragrant dense flower heads it is a welcome addition to perennial, meadow, and pollinator gardens as well as mixed borders…
CRITTER CHATTER
by Jayne Winters | In my typical fashion, I wasn’t sure what this month’s column would be about. After Monday (May 13), however, there was no doubt in my mind. What was just another day in the life of a wildlife rehabber was special for me!…
VETERANS CORNER
by Gary Kennedy | Well, for all of you who follow Julie and me, we have returned home safe and sound. I noticed the past issue of the The Town Line, my old friend Peter Garrett was honored with a nature trail being memorialized in his name. He has always been a true nature lover and great Rotarian. He certainly deserves to be recognized for his love of Maine in all aspects…
REVIEW POTPOURRI
by Peter Cates | Italian conductor Carlo Maria Giulini was born May 9, 1914, and passed away June 14, 2005. He displayed talent by the age of five on the violin, but took up the viola as an adolescent, was gainfully employed in Italian radio orchestras, and had priceless opportunities to observe an array of some of the greatest conductors of the last century…
FOR YOUR HEALTH
HEALTH | As the warmer seasons unfold, a host of allergens and irritants become more prevalent, potentially disrupting your daily life and health – especially if you have asthma and allergies. According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA), millions of people are affected by allergies, and understanding how to control your environment can significantly improve your quality of life during this beautiful but challenging season. Here are effective strategies and types of products that can help reduce allergens and irritants in your home…