Week of October 31, 2019

Celebrating 31 years of local news

There is still plenty of life – and afterlife – in the North Vassalboro Olde Mill

Roof repairs are not the only thing that haunt the Main Street landmark

W hen asked, “What do you like most about the mill?” Ray Breton was not able to answer. In fact, he looked at me like I was crazy.

“The architecture, the history, the old writing on the windowsills. The Mill was the center of town for so many years, and still is. We have weddings and birthday parties, flea markets and craft fairs. Being around all the people, watching them have fun and smiling at these events…it’s all my favorite.” It’s safe to say that Ray Breton loves this Mill, and with all this activity, both physical and spiritual, you can understand why… [1613 words] by Sandy Isaac

Your Local News

Board accepts LaVerdiere’s resignation: MacFarland opposes decision

CHINA — Three of the four China selectmen at the Oct. 28 board meeting accepted with regret Jeff LaVerdiere’s written resignation from the board, confirming his oral resignation at the Oct. 15 meeting…

Comprehensive planning committee wrapping up duties

CHINA — On Oct. 23, China Comprehensive Plan Committee members held what might be their final meeting until they review a draft revised comprehensive plan early in 2020…

Breton rebutts candidates’ statements

CHINA — After completion of the agenda at the Oct. 23 China selectmen’s meeting, Selectman Ronald Breton rebutted comments made by board candidates Todd Tolhurst and Wayne Chadwick at the Oct. 20 candidates’ forum. Speaking for himself only, Breton said…

Planners suggest ordinance amendment on board selections

CHINA — China Planning Board members met Oct. 22 with two possible ordinance changes on their agenda, amending the planning board ordinance to have members appointed rather than elected and trying to make one of the criteria for commercial development in the Land Use Ordinance easier to enforce…

2019 Real Estate Tax Due Dates

Due dates for 2019 Real Estate taxes for Albion, China, Palermo, Vassalboro, Waterville and Windsor…

Take our weekly survey!

[democracy id=”163″]

China’s firefighters’ stipend issue continues to be controversial

Town manager explains town’s position in e-mail to chiefs

by Dennis Heath (China Town Manager) — I watched the LiveStream video of the select board meeting yesterday and have since spoken with the select board chairman. It was apparent that my initial request of Mr. Evans was well-founded to provide what was going to be discussed in writing, since the lack of that information was detrimental to a healthy discussion of the concerns…

China firefighters yet to receive citizen-approved stipend check

by Sheldon Goodine (Retired Chief of SCVFD) — Ronald Breton said that the fire department representatives (fire chiefs) have not signed the memorandum and the $40,000 should not be handed over until they do. The voters of the town did not require this memorandum when they voted to approve the #9 article. This was done by the select board so they could have control over how the money was spent and who gets how much…

Santa headed to central Maine, again, on Friday, November 29

by Mark Huard — A message from the North Pole to the good people of Kringleville, Maine USA! Thanks to the welcoming folks in the booming city of Waterville, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Kringleville cabin again this Christmas season. Last season was full of Christmas magic in the Claus Cabin at Castonguay Square…

Reynolds observe 50th anniversary

VASSALBORO — Everett and Sandy Reynolds were recently honored at a surprise party on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary at the Old Mill, in North Vassalboro, given by their son Scott and daughter-in-law Jean, and daughter Shelly. Friends and family attended from North Dakota, Texas, Arizona, New York and neighboring towns…

Best places to work in Maine

CENTRAL ME — Kennebec Behavioral Health was recently named as one of the 2019 Best Places to Work in Maine in the large business category. The awards program was created in 2006 and is a project of the Society for Human Resource Management – Maine State Council and Best Companies Group…

Black Raiders defeat Purple Panthers

On October 26, the Black Raiders dominated the Purple Panthers, 57-16, winning for the 10th consecutive time between the two teams, including playoffs (photo)…

OPINIONS: Question 2 makes people with disabilities part of the election process

by State Rep. Bruce White — This would allow persons with physical disabilities who cannot sign their own name to use an alternative method to sign citizen’s initiative petitions and people’s veto initiatives…

LETTERS: Close Town Landing Road

from Geoff Hargadon (South China) — I would like to nominate Town Landing Road to this list. While technically not a “fire road,” it is in serious disrepair. Ditches that were dug a few years ago are not serving their purpose, and continued run-off is clearly evident. Further, the Town should give serious consideration to closing the road permanently for boat access to the lake…

Give Us Your Best Shot!

The best recent photos from our readers…

Webber Pond

Webber Pond is a comic drawn by an anonymous central Maine resident…

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

RABIES CLINIC, Sat., Nov. 9, noon – 1 p.m., Vassalboro Food Pantry, located next to fire station on Rte. 32… (…and many other local events!)

Obituaries

SOUTH CHINA — James P. Austin, 69, of South China, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2019. Jim was born in Hallowell on December 12, 1949, son of Sumner and Clara Austin. He was a bus driver for many years for the China school department then went on to work for Employment Specialists of Maine before retirement… and remembering 13 others.

Common Ground – Round 10: Win a $10 gift certificate!

DEADLINE: Friday, November 8, 2019

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@fairpoint.net or through our Contact page. Include your name and address with your answer.

Previous winner: Deb Titus, Vassalboro

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | While preparing breakfast last Saturday, I glanced out the kitchen window towards my recently cleaned up garden plot. As I looked around I noticed some movement, and commented to my wife: “I think I have a title for a new country song, ‘There’s a squirrel in the compost pile’”…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 6th Symphony was given its world premiere on October 28, 1893, nine days before he died at 53. He wrote a letter to his nephew that year describing his feelings about what would be his last work…

I’M JUST CURIOUS

by Debbie Walker | It is almost over, all these holiday reminders. Hope you have found some new holidays to look forward to, let me know the special ones to you….

Marilyn Rogers-Bull & PercySOLON & BEYOND

by Marilyn Rogers-Bull | The 30th annual craft fair , hosted by North Anson Snowmobile Club, on Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m.to 2 p.m., at Carrabec High School, in North Anson…

AARP SCAM ALERT

We take a lot of precautions to protect our personal information, but we’re not the only people responsible for our data. So many different entities have our personal information it’s hard to keep track of. The reality is that most Americans have already had their identity compromised. So what can we do to protect ourselves after the fact?…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

(NAPSI)—Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7, 2019. This is your yearly chance to shop for insurance coverage that best meets your needs. People covered by Medicare will have even more plans with a host of new benefits to choose from for 2020. Here are five things to keep in mind for Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period…