Issue for September 26, 2024
Beauty from Ashes: Reflecting on 9/11 at China school
The searing images of September 11, 2001, will not soon be forgotten by anyone who witnessed the sheer terror of that horrible day. But for some, today’s youth, they have no idea, no context, and no emotion connected to that day that forever changed how Americans live. But they need to know….. by Aimee N. Lanteigne
Town News
Nine attend select board’s “apple crisp” public hearings
CHINA – The promise of fresh-baked apple crisp with ice cream drew nine people to the China select board’s Sept. 23 public hearings on Nov. 5 local warrant articles and on amendments to the town’s General Assistance Ordinance. Six stayed for at least part of the select board meeting that followed…
Planners approve two agenda items
CHINA – At a short Sept. 24 meeting, China Planning Board members approved two agenda items, with almost no discussion…
Trustees summarize library progress to select board
VASSALBORO – Two Vassalboro Public Library trustees, board President Elizabeth McMahon and secretary Valerie Sugden, summarized library progress and plans for town select board members at the Sept. 19 select board meeting…
MMA announces Spirit of America Proclamation to municipal clerks and ballot clerks
CHINA – MAINE MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION SPIRIT OF AMERICA PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Spirit of America Foundation cherishes Municipal Officials’ help with its program and created October as ‘Municipal Officials Appreciation Month’, and in 2024 dedicated it nationally to Municipal Clerks and Ballot Clerks, to express gratitude….
LETTERS: Laura Jones will represent the area with reason, honesty and kindness
from Priscilla Doel (Vassalboro) – Up for vote in the Maine Legislature this November are 186 seats. I am casting my ballot for Laura Jones to represent the Sidney/Vassalboro communities…
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: “What we have here is a failure to communicate.” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is October 10, 2024.
Local happenings
EVENTS: Champion the Cure Challenge raises more than $560K in flagship event
CENTRAL ME – On August 17, nearly 1,600 community members joined Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center’s annual Champion the Cure Challenge flagship event…
EVENTS: Vassalboro events for October
VASSALBORO — On Saturday, October 19, a Harvest Supper will be held at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) fellowship hall, at 614 Main Street/Rte. 32…
EVENTS: Hazardous waste collection days scheduled
CENTRAL ME – The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, based in Fairfield, plans to host Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days in October in Kennebec and Somerset counties…
EVENTS: Announcing annual wildflower seed fundraiser
ROCKPORT – Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District has announced their autumn fundraiser – native wildflower seeds. October is the perfect month to sow wildflower seeds for spring growth…
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Fairfield Historical Society Fall Barn & Bake Sale
FAIRFIELD – The Fairfield Historical Society fall barn and bake sale will be held at, 42 High St Fairfield, on Saturday, October 5, from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday, October 6, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m… and many other local events!
Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Education in 18th & 19th centuries (new)
MAINE HISTORY — One of the many questions your writer has not yet answered – and may never – is why, in the 1700s, people left comparatively comfortable homes in Massachusetts and similar places to come to the Kennebec Valley, on the Massachusetts frontier… by Mary Grow
Around the Kennebec Valley: A history of Ford’s Corner, Part II
PALERMO HISTORY — In Part 1, we explored the lives of three key families at Ford’s Corner around the turn of the 20th century: Frank & Addie Wood, Daniel & Nettie Batchelder, and Leander & Alice Bowler, all active members of the church at the corner of Chisholm Pond Road and Arnold Lane. Part 2 will explore the history of that church building and what Ford’s Corner is today… by Andy Pottle
Around the Kennebec Valley: A history of Ford’s Corner, Part I
PALERMO HISTORY — In North Palermo, where Arnold Lane and Chisholm Pond Road meet, the North Palermo Road just before Wilder Young Hill goes down into Freedom, is a place once known as Ford’s Corner. You wouldn’t know it today, but over a century ago this quiet corner was the center of a bustling community in North Palermo… by Andy Pottle
Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Early Sidney Settlers
SIDNEY HISTORY — Researching former Sidney residents on line, your writer has repeatedly come across a colorful small book entitled Early Sidney, by Chloe B., with a photo of the historic Levi Powers house on the front… by Mary Grow
Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!
DEADLINE: Wednesday, October 17, 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: Shirley Kinney, Augusta
Town Line Original Columnists
SCORES & OUTDOORS
by Roland D. Hallee | Well, my article on Woolly Bear caterpillars in the September 12, 2024, issue of The Town Line, generated some emails…
REVIEW POTPOURRI
by Peter Cates | Although there was a time when I was quite enthralled by certain Barbra Streisand albums, such as 1969’s What About Today; the early 70s Stoney End, and Barbra Joan Streisand (especially Michel Legrand’s The Summer Knows from the movie Summer of ’42); and 1975’s Classical Barbra, I have not found her artistry wearing well…
CRITTER CHATTER
by Jayne Winters | I don’t remember that I’ve ever written back-to-back articles about the same species, but sometimes things just naturally fall into place. Both of these recent rescues have a happy ending, so how could I resist?…
VETERANS CORNER
by Gary Kennedy | In an issue of The Town Line, four or five years ago, I mentioned outside problems which I felt were causing VA unneeded stress. Like any source of information and service, information supplied under duress can be very harmful. The interpretation can lead to misinformation and lead one down the wrong path…
FOR YOUR HEALTH
HEALTH | If you or a loved one are among the nearly 100 million Americans affected by liver disease, consider joining the American Liver Foundation Patient Registry. By sharing your story, you can help share the future of liver health…