Issue for November 21, 2024
CRLA inspectors find no invasive plants in China Lake, Three-mile & Webber ponds
The boat inspection period at China area lakes was extended by a month, an additional day was added to the weekly schedule, inspections were extended to cover anchors and other gear, and the weather cooperated…
Festival of Trees set for upcoming weekends
Alfond Youth & Community Center and Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce combine efforts to present Festival of Trees this holiday season, continuing a proud tradition…
Town News
CMP reps: No new power line planned through China
CHINA – In response to China voters’ Nov. 5 approval of a moratorium on new power transmission lines through town, three representatives of Central Maine Power Company (CMP) attended the Nov. 18 select board meeting to ask about local concerns…
Planners set hearings on two applications
CHINA – The three China planning board members at the Nov. 12 meeting scheduled Nov. 26 public hearings on both applications on their agenda. They decided the first hearing, at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 26, in the town office meeting room, will be on the application to add a records storage vault to the town office building…
Committee, manager continue talks on transfer station changes
CHINA – China Transfer Station Committee members and Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood continued discussion of pending changes at the China facility at a Nov. 12 meeting…
Select board ponders changing bank, town attorney
VASSALBORO – The Nov. 13 Vassalboro select board meeting included two phone-ins, as board members debated whether to change the town’s bank and the town attorney…
Board listens to plans for school building upgrades
VASSALBORO – At their Nov. 12 meeting, Vassalboro School Board members heard and watched on screen a presentation from three representatives of their consultant on building upgrades, Energy Management Consultants (EMC), of Portland…
Transfer station committee reviews changes manager claims are overkill
VASSALBORO – At a Nov. 13 meeting, Vassalboro transfer station task force members reviewed plans for changes at the transfer station that new station manager Adam Daoust thinks may be overkill…
Palermo foundation seeks grant
PALERMO – Once again, the Living Community Foundation is in the running for the annual crowdfunding grant from the Maine nonprofit, SeedMoney.org. This fundraiser only lasts from noon on November 15 to noon on December 15, and your support is greatly appreciated. It’s easy!…
North Pond Assn. to hold annual fundraiser
CENTRAL ME – The North Pond Association of Mercer, Rome and Smithfield, is ho- ho- hosting a wonderful opportunity for you to be the highest bidder on gifts for holiday gift giving season! (Of course these items make great birthday, anniversary, wedding gifts, and more, as well.)…
Local Rotary Club selected as nonprofit beneficiary for November Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program
WATERVILLE – Rotary members in Waterville are encouraging community members to shop at Hannaford Supermarket, 140 Elm Plaza, and purchase reusable bags to help raise funds for community projects…
Parade of Lights set for November 30
WATERVILLE – The Children’s Discovery Museum is excited to be collaborating with the city of Waterville to host this wonderful event…
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: “Striker: Surely you can’t be serious.” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is December 5, 2024.
Local happenings
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Vassalboro tool sale to benefit local nonprofits
VASSALBORO – Three local nonprofits will benefit from a tool and supplies sale at the former Suga Country Products Store, 871 Cross Hill Road, Vassalboro, on two Saturdays, November 23, and 30, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m… and many other local events!
Obituaries
CHINA – Wayne Louis Bengtson, 78, passed away at home Monday, November 11, 2024, following a brave battle with lung cancer. Wayne was born October 24, 1946, in Caribou, to Erwin A. Bengtson (d. 2021) and Ellen (Peggy) M. Peers Bengtson (d. 2023), of New Sweden…
Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Jeremiah Chaplin & James Hanson (new)
CENTRAL ME HISTORY — Instead of moving to the next town, this article will provide abbreviated biographies of two men mentioned in last week’s story of educational development in Waterville… by Mary Grow
Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Education: Waterville, Winslow high schools
CENTRAL ME HISTORY — Before moving on to 19th-century Winslow and Waterville high schools, your writer will share one more item about Waterville grammar schools. With its ramifications, it was too long for last week’s article… by Mary Grow
Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Education in Winslow & Waterville
CENTRAL ME HISTORY — The northernmost of three area towns incorporated on April 26, 1771, was Winslow, on the east bank of the Kennebec River, then including Waterville and Oakland on the west bank… by Mary Grow
Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Education in Vassalboro & Sidney
CENTRAL ME HISTORY — Another Kennebec Valley town incorporated April 26, 1771, simultaneously with Hallowell (then including Augusta), was Vassalboro, then including Sidney. Vassalboro’s and Sidney’s early educational systems will therefore be examined next… by Mary Grow
Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!
DEADLINE: Wednesday, November 14, 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: Carrie McGrath, So. China
Town Line Original Columnists
SCORES & OUTDOORS
by Roland D. Hallee | There I was last Thursday, driving down the China Road, minding my own business, listening to Johnny Cash; just cruising on a beautiful, pleasant fall afternoon. The leaves on the trees fallen to the ground. That’s when it happened…
VETERANS CORNER
by Gary Kennedy | Each monthly article will focus on seasonal, useful information to keep everyone informed about AARP topics, events, or just fun stuff to do. AARP was founded 60 years ago by a retired school teacher, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus…
REVIEW POTPOURRI
by Peter Cates | Palace was one of many record labels that came and went during the 1950s. The jacket had a list price of $4.98 which was the usual retail price for stereo releases on major labels – RCA, Columbia, Capitol , Atlantic, MGM, Decca etc…
FOR YOUR HEALTH
HEALTH | A bout of COVID-19 or the flu will put a damper on any holiday celebration. One of the most effective ways to help prevent these illnesses is by staying up to date on immunizations…