The Town Line Community Newspaper

01/04/2026

The Remembrance Tree

Remembering those we’ve lost…

01/04/2026

MAINE-LY GARDENING: What’s in the house? Preparing for the spring planting

by Jude Hsiang

Just days after the Winter Solstice and it doesn’t seem like gardening weather outside but gardeners are always thinking about the warm days to come.

We’ve already placed our main seed order: vegetables, herbs, flowers, and dye plants. But we forgot one vegetable variety in our excitement. There are a couple of types of Asian vegetables that aren’t yet available from our favorite Maine seed suppliers. And the usual source for a favorite dye plant seeds has none this year so I’ll be comparing prices and shipping costs of other suppliers.

The seeds we saved from last year have been noted, with some older ones tested to be sure they’ll still be good. This can be done by placing a few – maybe 10 or 20, depending on the number available for testing – on a damp paper towel. Cover with another piece and keep them moist for a week or so. If you see that enough will germinate, say 8 out of 10, you can avoid buying more. If the germination percent is low, you can either plant them more thickly or just buy a new pack.

If you have lots of extra seeds, share them with friends, a local seed library like the one at the China Village Library, or a seed swap event later in the winter. It’s satisfying to reduce waste while having an opportunity to get some free seeds and maybe try a couple of new-to-you varieties.

If you haven’t decided on what you’ll be growing, looking over seed catalogs, paper or online, is a nice way to spend some time on a cold winter day. There are always new varieties! Remember that hybrid plant seeds aren’t worth savings as they will rarely match the parent plants.

Some folks make New Year resolutions, even as they may acknowledge that their expectations may be a little too high. Gardeners make plans, but know that insect pests, plant diseases, and the weather may laugh at their grand goals. Will the drought continue? Will a new invasive insect or plant threaten our gardens, farms and forests? Even knowing that Nature often ignores our wishes, winter is a good time to think about spring.

Here are a few suggestions to ponder.

For those with heated greenhouses, seed starting begins soon. The rest of us have some time to prepare for starting seeds in March, April and early May.

If you have vowed to be more organized this year, or have never started seeds before, you can take some time to prepare. Check your supplies like seed trays and soil blocker tools if you use them. You can use lots of around-the-house items, like egg cartons, yogurt containers and similar plastic packaging. Many people are trying to reduce the amount of plastic stuff. We can reuse it many times before it is recycled, or sadly goes into the landfill. Just punch a few drainage holes in the bottom of the little reusable pots. It will be satisfying to find everything clean and ready for use when you’re ready.

Counting backwards from planting season at the end of May and beginning of June, make a calendar or chart for which seeds that should be started 8, 6, or 4 weeks before the soil and air temperature will be ready for transplanting to the garden. A great science project for kids!

Some seeds require a cool period in order to germinate. This is called stratification—which seems like an odd word for this purpose. Your seed catalog or packet may have this information, or check with a reliable source like the University of Maine Extension. Different types of seeds need different temperatures and different lengths of time in the cold to trigger germination when they are planted. The refrigerator or freezer may be the best spot for this, or garage or barn, depending on the temperature needed. Some seeds need a couple of rounds of cold and warmth before they are ready for planting.

Seeds should be started in a planting mix that are designed for the purpose from the garden center or other supplier. These potting mixes contain no real soil because soil collected from outdoors will contain some organisms that can harm the tiny plants. Seeds have enough nutrition to give them a healthy start.

Now that you’ve done some planning, here are some books for your quiet winter days. Maine’s Bernd Heinrich has written some fine nature books, including Winter World, Ravens in Winter, and a favorite of mine, The Trees in my Forest. If you need warmth, look for Carol Gracie’s Summer Wildflowers of the Northeast and Summer Wildflowers of the Northeast, both are more like plant “biographies” than nature guides. All of these can be found used, at local libraries, or through inter library loan.

01/03/2026

Peter Pan Jr. production a great show at Winslow Elementary School

by Mark Huard

Peter Pan has been a staple in children’s stories and movies for decades now. Growing children’s minds, imaginations and free spirits is at the heart of the tale and Winslow Elementary brought it to life on Saturday December 13 with their amazing cast and production staff.

Peter Pan Jr. is an auditioned after school program for the fifth and sixth graders in Winslow that runs from the middle of September to mid December. The students rehearsed for three days a week for up to two hours. The program started during the 2016-2017 school year. They applied for a grant through Music Theater International who oversees the Broadway Jr. Title. Winslow was one of 100 schools nationwide to receive the grant to perform Lion King Kids. The ticket sales from that musical helped build their scenery, prop and costume budget. Since then the school has been able to perform a Broadway Jr. musical every year. This was the first year the school budget added an assistant position and it made a huge difference in the visual caliber of the show.

Keri Whitney, director of the drama program, as well as K-sixth grade music teacher. “Each year I tell the cast at auditions I tell kids “Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Brave” and once they are rehearsing “If you feel foolish you are doing it right!”

The costumes, props, scenery, choreography were all that much better having that second director position. It was Stephanie Richards co-directors first year in the position. She was amazing in her ideas and motivation and the amount of time she put into the scenery, props, costumes, even taking the pirate crew under her wing and making them tough and bold. With someone like Stefanie Richards who had the vision and didn’t stop until the perfect item was found, shows you her level of dedication. Often reminding students “What you put into this show is what you get out of it.”

Elliot Rodrigue, 11, of Winslow, was Captain Hook and her advice to future drama students “Never be unsure of yourself because you don’t know what awaits”

Blake Whitman, 12, of Winslow, who acted as John Darling “My favorite part was having more solos than lines, drama is just fun to do and I wish we could do more shows. I love singing”

Clark Coldwell, 11, of Winslow, acted as the main character Peter Pan Jr. “I was super excited to be in the play to begin with. It was fun leading the lost boys and to have so much time on stage.”

Bringing a classic story to the stage brings new meaning to old stories for a new generation to fall in love with. Peter Pan Jr. certainly did that for this community.

PHOTOS:

From left to right, Blake Whitman as John Darling, Vivian Audet as Michael Darling, and Clark Coldwell as Peter Pan. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography & Video)

Elliot Rodrigue, left, as Captain Hook and Cora McInnis as Smee. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

01/02/2026

Somerset Pet Welfare Alliance receives $15,000 grant

Somerset Pet Welfare Alliance (SPWA) has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the 2025 Animal Welfare Fund of the Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF) to expand access to affordable spay and neuter services for dogs and cats in Somerset County.

The grant will allow SPWA to provide financial assistance covering up to 80% of spay and neuter costs, coordinate low-cost spay/neuter clinics, expand community outreach, and strengthen partnerships with local veterinary providers. These efforts are designed to help pet owners who may be struggling financially but want to do the right thing for their pets.

“I’m really proud of this milestone and grateful for the opportunity to keep doing work that matters to me and my community,” said Kelly L. Normandin, President and Founder of Somerset Pet Welfare Alliance.

Founded in 2025, Somerset Pet Welfare Alliance works to reduce pet overpopulation and improve animal welfare by helping pet owners access affordable spay and neuter services. The organization provides financial assistance, coordinates spay/neuter clinics, and educates the public about local veterinary options and pricing. SPWA is not limited to low-income households and serves anyone who needs help affording these essential services.

“Our goal is simple,” Normandin added. “We fill the gap for people who want to care responsibly for their pets but cannot afford the full cost on their own.”

For more information about Somerset Pet Welfare Alliance or to learn how to access assistance, contact [email protected] or visit https://www.facebook.com/SPWAMaine/

The Maine Community Foundation brings people and resources together to build a better Maine through strategic giving, community leadership, personalized service, local expertise, and strong investments, including support for animal welfare initiatives across the state. To learn more, visit www.mainecf.org.

01/02/2026

Erskine presents Renaissance awards

On Friday, December 12, 2025, Erskine Academy students and staff attended a Renaissance Assembly to honor their peers with Renaissance Awards.

Tenure awards were presented to five faculty members: Jessica Haskell and Scott Minzy for 20 years of service; Gilberto Ortiz and Michael Soule for 25 years of service; and Heather Shute for 30 years of service.

Renaissance Recognition Awards were presented to the following students: Jaycee Smith, Ryker Adams, Emma Wooley, Hunter Baird, Ben Theberge, Maddie Oxley, Addison Witham, Brynna Rodrigue, and Owen Robichaud.

In addition to Recognition Awards, Senior of the Trimester Awards were also presented to four members of the senior class: William Choate, son of Elizabeth Choate, of Windsor, and Mike Choate, of Liberty; Nathan Choate, son of Stephanie and Mike Choate, of China; Kammie Thompson, daughter of Laura Thompson, of Jefferson; and William “Billy” Ellsey Jr., son of Jennifer Ellsey and Phil Smith, of Windsor, and William Ellsey Sr., of Deerfield, New Hampshire. Seniors of the Trimester are recognized as individuals who have gone above and beyond in all aspects of their high school careers.

In appreciation of his dedication and service to Erskine Academy, a Faculty of the Trimester award was presented to Michael Soule, Science Instructor and Dean of Students.

PHOTOS:

Seniors of the Trimester, from left to right, Kammie Thompson, William “Billy” Ellsey Jr., Nathan Choate, and William Choate. (contributed photo)

Faculty of the Trimester Michael Soule. (contributed photo)

01/01/2026

China select board discusses role of new committee

by Mary Grow

China select board members spent almost half of their short Dec. 15 meeting discussing the role of the new committee they created on Dec. 1.

Its name is now the China Emergency Services Assessment Committee (CESAC). Two weeks earlier, select board members appointed six members: fire chiefs Richard Morse, Joel Nelson and William Van Wickler, rescue chief Benjamin Loubier and select board members Edwin Bailey and Blaine Casey.

They now seek an undefined number of other residents with relevant expertise or interests – people from health care professions, for example, Bailey suggested. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said several people have expressed interest in serving; others interested are invited to contact the town office.

Hapgood shared draft documents outlining the committee’s duties, with a six-month time-line that Bailey and board chairman Brent Chesley considered too short. Collecting information about current conditions, learning about alternatives and improvements, deciding what changes, if any, to recommend and explaining recommendations to voters would take longer, they opined.

Hapgood said setting a January 2027 due date for a committee report could lead to action at the June 2027 town business meeting.

In other business, board members unanimously approved a transfer station committee recommendation to increase the fee charged Palermo residents who do not use the required blue bags from $4 to $5, and to double it for persistent offenders. Hapgood said transfer station staff keep records and can determine how often an individual ignores the policy.

The selectmen filled half a dozen positions on town boards and committees, appointing Cathy Bourque an alternate on the board of assessment review; Richard Boudreau to the budget and transfer station committees and Janet Preston to the budget committee; and Bruce Fitzgerald and Peter Nelson to the planning board.

Hapgood shared a notice from the state Department of Transportation about almost three miles of planned work on Route 32 North, scheduled for next summer.

The manager said town departments will be closed for Christmas and New Year’s holidays from noon on Dec. 24 through Dec. 25, and from 2 p.m., on Dec. 31 through Jan. 1, 2026.

The next regular select board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 29.

Mowing bids for the summer of 2026 are due at the town office by Jan. 9, 2026, to be reviewed at the Jan. 12 select board meeting.

12/31/2025

The online edition of The Town Line newspaper for Thursday, January 1, is now available on our website!

Web edition is available at: https://townline.org/issue-for-january-1-2026/

Print edition can be found at your favorite local business: https://townline.org/distribution-drops/

We are Reader Supported. Want to become a member? The need for local reporting hasn’t lessened, and your support makes a big impact! Any amount helps. Subscriptions are also available for a $75 donation, delivered to your door by first class mail. Best of all, since we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your donation is completely tax deductible!

If you would like to donate by check, please mail your donation to: The Town Line Newspaper, PO Box 89, South China, ME 04358.

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12/25/2025

12/25/2025

Vassalboro American Legion prepares Christmas stockings for vets at Togus

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, volunteers filled 320 Christmas stockings and Hanukkah dreidels with personal care products for Togus Veterans Outreach Programs. American Legion Post #126, in Vassalboro, thanks all those who made, donated, volunteered, and delivered the stockings and dreidels. With the public’s support they surpassed their goal of 250.

12/24/2025

Vassalboro trails committee reviews conditions of trails

by Mary Grow

At their Dec. 10 meeting, Vassalboro Trails Committee members reviewed the condition of the town’s public trails – generally satisfactory – and talked about expansions and improvements, in cooperation with other entities.

Chairman John Melrose had a short action list that included relocating some bridging materials from an improved trail to a still-swampy one, improving signage and blazing a detour around another wet area.

He expressed appreciation to the town’s public works department for gravel and other help. Also cooperating are the Kennebec Land Trust and the Kennebec Water District; and the Central Maine Power Company rebuilding of its north-south transmission line should improve snowmobile trails that share its land.

Melrose said he and school officials do not work together on the school trails as much as they should, primarily because school officials are safety-conscious about outsiders on their land. Committee member Holly Weidner suggested trails committee members try to increase students’ use of town resources.

Committee members agreed their 2026-27 budget request should be $1,100, the same as the current year. With continued public works help and volunteer labor, that amount should cover construction, interpretative materials and “whatever might come up,” even with inflation, Melrose said.

NOTE: Information on recreational trails in Vassalboro is on the town website, vassalboro.net. One way to find it is to click on the search box in the upper right of the main page and type in the word “trails.’

The Vassalboro Conservation Commission meeting scheduled for Dec. 10 was canceled due to weather. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in the town office meeting room.

12/23/2025

Vassalboro planners OK lone application

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Planning Board members unanimously approved the one application on their Dec. 9 agenda before turning their attention to updating the town’s junkyard ordinance.

The application was from David Frankenfield, to build a house on an almost-three-acre lot by Webber Pond. The house will be 168-feet from the water, he said.

Board members discussed trees on the lot and proposed erosion control measures before unanimously approving the application.

Codes Officer Eric Currie has started updating town ordinances, and presented recommendations for amending Vassalboro’s Automobile Graveyard and Junkyard Ordinance.

Screening requirements were a major topic of the hour-long discussion. Board members debated what types to allow; they leaned toward eliminating wooded buffers as inadequate, and considered adding a berm as an allowable type of screen. They debated whether the required height should be six feet or eight feet.

Currie plans to revise his suggested revisions. Amendments the board recommends would be reviewed by the select board and would need voters’ approval.

Currie said his next project is the town Building Permit Ordinance. He intends to have suggested revisions for discussion at the planning board’s Jan. 6, 2026, meeting, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the town office meeting room.