Somerset News Online

We've moved!

2012-11-14T12:37:00.000-08:00

Somerset News Online has a new home effective Nov. 14, 2012. Visit us at http://somersetnewsonline.wordpress.com. All other contact information remains the same. Give us a little time to catch up, but look for more community news from the Somerset-Sebasticook Valley Region every week.

November Red Cross blood drives

2012-11-11T02:30:00.000-08:00

“Warm your heart – heat your home” is the theme of the American Red Cross Blood Donor Centers this month as all presenting donors will be eligible to win a $200 gift certificate that can be used toward the cost of heating their homes. The sponsor of this community-minded program is Suburban Propane.

Here are the blood drives in Central Maine this month. Reservations can be made either online at www.redcrossblood.org or 1-800-REDCROSS

Wednesday, Nov. 21: Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge, Skowhegan; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 30: Redington-Fairview Hospital, Skowhegan, 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Free park passes for Maine vets

2012-11-11T02:00:00.001-08:00

AUGUSTA – Maine residents who are veterans and were honorably discharged or received a general discharge under honorable conditions are reminded this Veterans Day that they are eligible for a free, life-time day-use pass to Maine state parks and historic sites.

“We are honored to be able to offer this small token of our gratitude to Maine veterans in recognition of their outstanding service to this country,” said Commissioner Walter Whitcomb of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, which oversees Maine state parks and historic sites. “We are very proud and thankful for all that our veterans have contributed to the security and freedom of our country."

Maine has 48 state parks and historic sites, many of which have activities and are open even during winter months. The free pass for veterans is for individual day use for park entrance and must be presented each time in conjunction with appropriate identification. All park and historic site rules must be followed.

The park passes for veterans are available through the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management, which will determine whether the veteran is eligible for the free park pass.

Veterans who would like to apply for the park pass can find the application form on line. The form must be completed and returned with a copy of the veteran's DD214 form (military service record) and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

The application should be mailed to:

Bureau of Maine Veterans' Services

117 State House Station

Augusta, ME 04333-0117

This pass is not valid for the following locations:

Acadia National Park

Baxter State Park

Allagash Wilderness Waterway

Penobscot River Corridor

Penobscot Narrows Observatory

Maine Wildlife Park

For more information about the free, life-time day-use pass for Maine veterans, contact Maine Veterans Services by calling 626-4464 or email mainebvs@maine.gov.

Taylor’s Drug Store collecting food for People Who Care Food Cupboard

2012-11-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

MADISON – Taylor’s Drug Store in Madison has “adopted” the People Who Care Food Cupboard for the month of November. Shelves will be set up in the store for food collection and a cash donation counter will be on the counter.

The Greater Somerset Public Health Collaborative and United Way of Mid-Maine offer the “adoption” program, which connects local businesses and area food cupboards to improve food security for families. Main Street Skowhegan, Skowhegan Rotary, Madison Business Alliance and Norridgewock Chamber of Commerce have also endorsed the project.

Taylor’s Drug Store is eager to take part in the effort. Owner Michele LeBlanc said that the 100 year-old business picks a charity to support each month. “I believe that you get what you give back,” said LeBlanc. “Our customers are loyal and we provide an essential service in our community.” The landmark business maintains a local focus, LeBlanc added. “We know everyone by name, we offer local delivery, and we sell the home medical equipment people need so they don’t have to travel to buy it. Collecting for the Food Cupboard is just the right thing for to us to do. We want to contribute to the health and welfare of local residents both inside the store and in the community.”

Barbara Santiago, chairperson of the People Who Care Food Cupboard said that the food cupboard needs donations. “Each month we serve from 215 to 220 families from five towns and new families are coming in each week. We’ve seen a 10 increase since last year,” Santiago said.

Santiago also said that the Food Cupboard is receiving less donated food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture but does receives financial contributions from the towns it serves and donations from many sources. “We get apples from North Star Apple Orchard, tomatoes from Backyard Farms, bread from Skowhegan Subway and our local Hannaford’s, and food donations from Wal-Mart. Taylor's Drug Store donations will be a big help in stocking our shelves so that we can continue to fill the needs of our clients.”

Maine State Grange annual convention underway at Rockland Elks Lodge

2012-10-26T04:50:00.000-07:00

AUGUSTA – Patrick Brewer, Master (President) of the Maine State Grange will preside over the 139th Annual Session of the Maine State Grange Oct. 25-27 at the Rockland Elks Lodge.

Approximately 140 Granges from across the state will send delegates to debate various resolutions from national to state legislative to issues to assorted internal issues.

Resolutions passes at the session will become policy of the Maine State Grange and will be lobbied for at the Maine State Legislature. Those pertaining to national policies will be sent to the National Grange Session held in November where delegates from across the country will consider them.

On Oct. 26, Walter Whitcomb, State of Maine Commissioner of Agriculture will address the session.

During the session there will be many awards for yearly achievements presented to Granges and individuals in a wide variety of categories including membership, publicity, and community service. Plaques will also be presented to the Grange Farm Family of the Year and the Tree Farmer of the Year. This also an opportunity for Grangers to show off their talents in the annual art and photo contests.

One of the highlights of the session will be the annual conferral of the Sixth Degree by the officers of the Maine State Grange on Friday evening, featuring a Rose Drill under the direction of Yvonne Johnson and Terry Lacombe Stevens. Special guest at this year’s convention will be Duane Scott, Executive Committee (Board of Directors) of the National Grange, and Master of the Wisconsin State Grange who will be the featured speaker on Friday evening. Also on Friday evening the former officers of the Maine State Grange who are present will be recognized. Wayne Sherman, former Chaplain of the Maine State Grange and President of the Past Officer Association will present a plaque and check to the Subordinate Grange of the year.

Saturday morning’s session will be opened by the youth of the Maine State Grange (ages 14-35). This will be followed by presentation of awards by Co-Youth Directors Celeste Roy & Terry Lacombe Stevens. Then Junior Director Laurie McBurnie will present information about the Junior Grange (ages 5-14). Also on Saturday the Educational Aid and Howe’s Nursing Scholarships committees will present scholarships to several individuals.

The Grange is fraternal community service organization with a special interest in agriculture. For more information, visit www.mainestategrange.org or www.nationalgrange.org.

Shoe tariff discussion at Citizen Trade Policy Meeting in Skowhegan Oct. 24

2012-10-24T05:10:00.000-07:00

AUGUSTA – The future of shoe tariffs that protect hundreds of jobs in Maine will be discussed at an upcoming public hearing of the Citizen Trade Policy Commission. The meeting will be held at the Skowhegan Community Center from 5:30 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24.

“The meeting is another opportunity to hear from workers about how important these local jobs are,” said Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, who has been advocating for the tariff to remain intact in an international free trade agreement, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which is now under negotiation between the US and 10 other countries.

The Citizen Trade Policy Commission monitors the impact of international trade policy on Maine citizens. It is made up of legislators, businesses and labor representatives, who make policy recommendations designed to protect Maine jobs.

“Middle class families are working harder and harder for less and less,” said McCabe. “We need more jobs not less.”

McCabe helped coordinate the trade commission meeting in Skowhegan. In September, he and fellow state Rep. Sharon Treat, D-Hallowell, met with trade negotiators in Virginia to discuss the devastating impact the trade agreement could have on Maine.

The tariffs are critical to the survival of Maine footwear plants, such as the New Balance factories in Skowhegan, Norway, and Norridgewock, which employ nearly 900 people in Maine. New Balance is the last company to make their sneakers in the United States.

“These tariffs level the playing field when we are competing with countries with low wages and poor working conditions,” said Rep. Treat, who serves a state advisor to the United States Trade Representative. “We should be working to preserve these good jobs, not letting them go extinct.”

The trade policy commission will also provide a brief presentation on the TPP and other trade agreements.

Skowhegan Fright Fest 2012

2012-10-22T03:58:00.000-07:00

SKOWHEGAN – The Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce has announced several scary but fun events for Fright Fest 2012.

Haunted Hayrides, Oct. 26 - 27 (Friday and Saturday), 6 - 10 p.m., Skowhegan Fairgrounds. The Chamber is still looking for volunteers for both Friday and Saturday nights, so all help is appreciated. Contact the Chamber for more information. Posters with details are in several businesses and community locations.

Skowhegan Municipal Haunted House, Oct. 26 - 27, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Skowhegan Municipal Building. This event will be running at the same time as the hayrides, so that Skowhegan has several events to help you celebrate Halloween. Attendance was great last year so get there early. Also on Saturday the 27th will be a special performance on the Opera House Stage called Casper’s House at 5 p.m. Nearly 400 people attended Casper’s House last year.

Halloween Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 27, Downtown Skowhegan, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Presented by the Skowhegan First Church of the Nazarene, this event gives a safe place for families to trick or treat on Saturday night by the downtown rotary. If it rains, this event will be moved to the church on East Madison Road.

Halloween Parade, Saturday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m., downtown Skowhegan, presented by the Skowhegan Free Public Library. Lineup begins at the Federated Church.

Mama Mack’s Haunted House, Oct. 31. Check posters in downtown Skowhegan and other community locations for details.

Sharon Mack guest speaker at Nov. 1 Mid-Maine Community Forum

2012-10-22T03:54:00.002-07:00

PITTSFIELD – The Mid-Maine Community Forum caps off its fall forum series with long-time Central Maine journalist Sharon Mack on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the First Universalist Church in Pittsfield.

Newspapers nationwide are struggling with the double whammy of the downturn in the national economy and the explosion of Internet news. How has this changed the way the public gets its information and how that information is presented? Mack will discuss the changing face of journalism based on her 30 years in the industry.

Sharon Kiley Mack began her journalism career in Pittsfield 30 years ago. She worked for two weekly newspapers - the Valley Times and Eastern Gazette - before joining the Bangor Daily News. She was bureau chief for Somerset County for more than two decades before moving to Downeast Maine four years ago to continue her career.

She has won numerous state, regional and national writing awards for her work, including in her specialty of agriculture. Mack is a University of Hartford graduate, mother of six and grandmother of six. She continues to write as a freelancer for several papers and maintains an artist studio in Machias.

The forum is free and open to all. Donations are welcome. For more info, contact Trudy Ferland at 487-6523.

Skowhegan Community Band is looking for new members

2012-10-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

SKOWHEGAN – Les Tomlinson, Director of the Skowhegan Community Band, is inviting all instrumentalists in the area to join the band. If you have played a few years ago or many moons ago and you wish to make music again, join them for a rehearsal to watch and listen or join. For the time being, rehearsals will be sight reading music, old and new.
The band has members ranging in age from 16 to 81 with a wide range of abilities, according to Tomlinson. “We have teachers, retirees, a veterinarian, a town manager, a barber and photographer to mention a few professions. The thing we have in common is a love of making music,” said the director. “Our members live in Skowhegan, Madison, Canaan, Cornville, Norridgewock, Solon, Vienna, Mercer, China, Pittsfield and Monson.”

The band performs all sorts of music from standard marches to new arrangements and performs in concerts in nearby towns at various functions. They do a Christmas concert, a spring concert, Skowhegan Adult Ed graduation and perform at Coburn Park in Skowhegan during their summer series of concerts.

They meet Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Centenary United Methodist Church on the Dr. Mann Road in Skowhegan.

For more information, call Les at 696-3143 or e-mail him at ltomlinson@sad4.org.

Maine State Board of Education chair receives national honor

2012-10-16T07:31:00.000-07:00

AUGUSTA – Dr. Steven Pound, chairman of the Maine State Board of Education, was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the National Association of State Boards of Education at the organization's national conference in Chicago, Ill. on Oct. 12. The national award is given annually to a state board of education member in recognition of outstanding service to public education.

“At this pivotal time in public education, state boards are the lynchpin to successful education reform policies and their implementation,” said NASBE Executive Director Jim Kohlmoos.

“Steve Pound’s decades of experience in public education enhances the work and perspective of the Maine State Board of Education and the NASBE Board of Directors. He is richly deserving of the NASBE Distinguished Service Award for his past achievements, current efforts, and for the leadership he will continue to provide for years to come.”

In addition to serving as chairman of the Maine State Board and on the NASBE Board of Directors, Pound currently sits on 20 other boards that relate in some way to education and career development. Among these are the State Workforce Investment Board, the board at Eastern Maine Community College, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Council, and the Maine Youth Transition Committee.

Pound’s 40-year career in education includes service as a middle and high school teacher, a coach, athletic director, lecturer in career and technical education, vice principal, principal, adjunct professor, early childhood education business owner, adult education teacher and director, district superintendent, and more in the United States, Great Britain and Canada.

He was named Quebec City Region’s Principal of the Year in 1985-86 for doing the most for education and athletics, and runner-up for the award for the entire province. He also honored by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education with its Distinguished Service Award for Canada in 1997.

Pound is currently employed by Cianbro Corporation in Pittsfield as Associate Director for Workforce Development with the Cianbro Institute. He is from Millinocket and currently resides in Greenville, where he was superintendent of schools for School Union 60.

Traffic sensors to be installed in Skowhegan this week

2012-10-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

SKOWHEGAN – Maine Department of Transportation crews will be installing traffic classifying sensors in the pavement on Route 201 (Waterville Road) in Skowhegan starting on Tuesday, Oct. 16.

This two day event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Flaggers will assist with alternating one-way traffic for a quarter mile beginning approximately two miles north of the Varney Road and two tenths of a mile south of Carrier Lane.

Because this work is weather dependent, the rain date is set for Thursday, Oct. 18.

The project supports the DOT Traffic Monitoring Program, providing the number of vehicles utilizing the highway throughout the year as well as changes in travel patterns.

Rolls at Lake George dinner-auction to feature local flour

2012-10-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

SKOWHEGAN – This year, more of the food at the Lake George Regional Park annual spaghetti dinner will be local. Thanks to a donation and partnership between Somerset Grist Mill, Maine Grains and the Bankery, the park dinner on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Skowhegan Rec Center will feature 17 dozen rolls baked with local wheat.

“We have always had strong support from the Skowhegan-Madison Elks, Gifford’s Ice Cream and Northeast Coffee but adding Cayford’s Cider, local lettuce and local wheat is helping broaden our local sourcing,” said Park Director Jeff McCabe.

The event has over 12 dozen restaurants and local food donors helping highlight local options and growing partnerships. Stephen and Jennifer Dionne, Greg and Paula Dore have really expanded on the food in recent years, preparing sauce and making meatballs leading up to the event, according to McCabe. “Area businesses provide most of the needed supplies and volunteers under the direction of the Elks make it happen,” he added.

The Saturday night event starts with a spaghetti dinner at 5 p.m. followed by a silent auction. Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family for the dinner, and admission is free to the auction at 7 p.m.

This year's auction will feature New England Patriots tickets, gift certificates, local art, gift items, baskets, local food, sporting items, outdoor gear, firewood and many other items that make this event great. “The park's 20 years of growth and success is due to community, volunteer and local business support. We thank everyone for the ongoing support,” added McCabe.

Publisher’s Note: This is your community website – take advantage of it!

2012-10-15T04:07:00.000-07:00

Snowmobile clubs, veterans’ groups, Granges, fraternal organizations and community service groups are invited to submit their events to Somerset News Online.

There is no charge or obligation. Publishing your events on our website gives your organization a little more exposure and free publicity.

So take advantage of it! Just email your events to mdlange@roadrunner.com.

We usually update the site two or three times per week. So if you don’t see your event online right away, be patient.

Skowhegan Chamber BAH Oct. 17

2012-10-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

SKOWHEGAN – The UMaine Margaret Chase Smith Library is the host for the next Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Wednesday, Oct. 17 from 5 - 7 p.m. Come check out what is new at the library and hear about the transition into the UMaine system. Guided tours will be available and the event will be catered by the Heritage House. It’s a great opportunity to network with fellow members.

For more information, contact the Chamber at 474-3621.

Dexter Candidates' Night Oct. 20

2012-10-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

DEXTER - Dexter Dover Area Towns in Transition (DDATT) and the Dexter Unitarian Universalist Church will jointly sponsor a “Local Food Supper and Candidates Night” on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the church.
The “Local Food Supper” will be potluck from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The goal is to have at least 80 percent of the food grown within 25 miles of Dexter, if possible.

“Candidate’s Night” will begin promptly at 7 p.m. All candidates for any office listed on the ballots for the general election in the towns of Dexter and Dover Foxcroft are invited to attend the moderated evening program. Each candidate can bring informational materials for display before the program and will have up to five minutes to speak on his or her positions. Following the presentations, the floor will be open to questions from the audience.

For more information about the forum, contact Jim Bunn at 924-3925

Contact Ed and Judy Hummel with any questions about the supper at 924-3836.

Donors urged to ‘cruise in’ for October Red Cross blood drives

2012-10-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

Maine’s blood shortage is still critical as supplies recover from the normal summer slowdown, so there are plenty of opportunities for donors to give the “Gift of Life” this month at Red Cross blood drives in the Mid-Maine and Sebasticook Valley region

Some incentives for donors this month are:

A chance to win a seven-day cruise for two departing from Boston to Bermuda on the Norwegian Dawn.
A $5 Lobster Bucks Card from Weathervane Seafood Restaurant.
A chance to win a lobster dinner for two from Weathervane Seafood Restaurant.
A coupon for $5 off your next purchase at Freihofer's Bakery Outlet.

Blood drives scheduled this month include:

Wednesday, Oct. 17: Skowhegan Community Center, 12 – 6 p.m.

For an appointment, call 1-800-REDCROSS.

Masonic open house Saturday, Oct. 20

2012-10-12T02:30:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Oct. 20, Masonic Lodges across Maine will be opening their doors so that neighbors and friends can learn more about our organization, its members, and its buildings. It’s a great chance for you to come and see just what we're all about.

The Grand Master has suggested that Lodge open houses run from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Please check with your local lodge for the exact time they will be open.

Here are the lodges in Central Maine and the Sebasticook Valley region that plan to be open that day.

Mosaic Lodge, Dover-Foxcroft
Abner Wade Lodge, Sangerville
Unity Lodge, Thorndike
Star in the West Lodge, Unity
Keystone Lodge, Solon
Carrabassett Lodge, Canaan
Meridian Splendor Lodge, Newport
Archon Lodge, East Dixmont
Corinthian Lodge, Hartland
Cambridge Lodge, Cambridge
Parian Lodge, Corinna
Lebanon, Norridgewock
Northern Star, North Anson

No need to make any big plans: just drop in. There will be Masons there waiting to greet you, give you a tour of the facilities, and answer any questions you may have.

For more information, visit www.mainemason.org or find them on Facebook.

Bingham Area Dental Center moves into new facility

2012-10-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

BINGHAM – The Bingham Area Dental Center offers valuable services to more than 1,200 Mainers each year and will continue to do so in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility that opened Oct. 8. Thanks to the dedication and initiative of the Bingham Health Council, the new dental office is equipped with a brand new work space that includes an additional patient chair with all the accessories, a private waiting area and a new digital, panoramic X-ray machine.
“We are all excited to move into the new dental office,” says Tamar Diamond, DMD. “The new panoramic X-ray machine is less intrusive and easier on our patients.”

The dental center has been sharing space with the Bingham Area Health Center located at 237 Main Street in Bingham. They still share the same building, but the dental center is now housed in their own addition which includes a private check-in area and waiting room.

Dr. Diamond has been seeing patients since April after relocating from Wisconsin where she worked at a community health center for over 10 years providing general dentistry to adults and children. As Dental Director, she was instrumental in expanding the dental practice into a team of 22 including five other dentists and three hygienists.

“I love Maine and assisting Bingham area residents in improving their oral health status and teaching their children up-to-date methods of preventing dental problems at an early age,” shares Dr. Diamond. “This is such a beautiful area that offers so many outdoor activities and I appreciate the community's involvement in the health and dental center.”

Dr. Diamond is joined by hygienist Jacquelyn Watson-Arsenault, RDH in providing care to the 1,200 people who currently access dental care. In the same facility, our doctor and family nurse practitioner, Amethyst Arceo, DO and Patricia Nurse, FNP provide medical care and preventive services to over 1,500 people from Bingham, Caratunk, Embden, Moscow, Pleasant Ridge, Solon, The Forks, West Forks and other locations.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call 672-4187. Visit the health and dental centers online at www.BinghamCHC.org.

Abnaki Sno-Riders public meals

2012-10-09T02:30:00.000-07:00

MADISON – The Abnaki Sno-Riders have announced the following events at their clubhouse:

• Hunter's Breakfast: Oct. 27, 4:30 – 8:30 a.m. Menu consists of baked beans, eggs, home fries, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and orange juice. $8 per person; under age 8, free.

• Turkey Pie Dinner: Nov. 10, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Menu: Turkey pie and gravy, mashed potatoes, squash, peas, salad, coffee, tea, milk, hot chocolate and assorted dessert pies. $9 per person; under age 8, free.

We are collecting food at these events and at the meetings. We need non-perishable food for the Madison “People Who Care” food cupboard. All who are able are encouraged to help.

We are looking for members who can help getting the remaining trails we do have ready for the season. All those that can help are encouraged to be at the trailmaster’s house at 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings until further notice. We are also in need of help at the upcoming breakfast and dinner; and once snow falls, help to keep our clubhouse open to riders for a break.

Memberships are due at this time. Dues are only $25 per family, $35 per business membership; and if you belong to another club already, $10 for associate membership.

Skowhegan Board of Selectmen's agenda for Tuesday, Oct. 9

2012-10-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

SKOWHEGAN – The Skowhegan Board of Selectmen will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 9 in the council chambers starting at 5:30 p.m. Executive Secretary Cara Mason has released the following agenda.

1. Town Manager’s Report

2. Items by the Public

Public Hearing:

1. Discussion and decision to approve the Application for a Victualer’ License for:

The Dore Group d/b/a The Old Mill Pub
39 Water Street
Skowhegan, ME 04976

Presentation:

1. KVCAP will give a presentation on the proposed public transportation plan.

Consent Agenda:

1. Approve and sign minutes from the regular selectmen’s meeting – Sept. 25.

2. Approve and sign Taxi Driver Permits for:

Robert Creighton
10 Malbon Mills Road
Skowhegan, ME 04976

Christina Easler
P.O. Box 766
Norridgewock, ME 04957

3. Approve a FY 2012 over-expenditure of $225.00 in the Highway Department Repair & Maintenance Account, Equipment Designation. This will be offset by reduced spending in the Highway Department Purchases Account, Gas/Diesel Designation.

Regular Agenda:

1. Discussion and decision to approve the Application for Parades & Processions to allow the Skowhegan Free Public Library to hold a Trick-or-Treat/Costume Parade on October 27, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.

2. Discussion and decision to approve an Application for Parades & Processions to allow the Church of the Nazarene to hold Hayrides downtown on October 27, 2012 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

3. Discussion and decision to approve the Application for a Special Amusement Permit for:

Barticus Inc. d/b/a Southside Tavern
1 Waterville Road
Skowhegan, ME 04976

4. Discussion and decision to appoint Brian Hale to the Budget & Finance Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2015.

5. Discussion and decision to expend an amount not to exceed $65,000 from the Sappi TIF, Sewer Plant Upgrade Designation. This was previously approved from the Sappi TIF, Sewer/Water Extensions Designation.

6. Discussion and decision to expend an amount not to exceed $8,154.12 from the Solid Waste Reserve Account, Pavement Replacement Designation to pave the entrance and the parking area at the Transfer Station.

7. Discussion and decision to expend an amount not to exceed $6,275 from the Pollution Control Contract Services Account, Sludge Disposal Designation to purchase 25 tons of lime.

8. Discussion and decision to expend an amount not to exceed $725 from the Administration Reserve Account, Information Technology Improvements Designation to purchase the TRIO/InforME Credit Card Module.

9. Discussion and decision regarding the funding and use of the Downtown TIF.

10. Treasurer’s Warrants to be approved.

11. Selectmen’s Items

12. Department & Committee Reports

13. Other Business

14. Sign Documents

Executive Session:

1. Executive Session in accordance with M.R.S.A. Title 1 § 405 (6)(A) to discuss a proposed stipend.

Adjourn Selectmen’s Meeting.

Gilmore, Theriault join Maine Land Use Planning Commission

2012-10-05T03:31:00.000-07:00

AUGUSTA – Two new commissioners have been sworn in as members of the Maine Land Use Planning Commission.

William K. Gilmore of Freeman Township and Michael Theriault of Greenville recently took their oath of office as members of the commission, known previously as the Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC). They began their official duties immediately.

Gilmore, who will serve until July 2016, has been employed for the past 27 years with the town of Carrabassett Valley as its tax assessor, code enforcement officer and plumbing inspector. He also served as town manager for 10 of those years. He now is involved with the Franklin County Tax Increment Financing (TIF) committee and has been very active for many years in the growth and planning for Kingfield. He has lived his entire life in the western mountains of Maine.

Theriault, who also will serve until July 2016, has owned and operated his own business, Mike Theriault Construction LLC, since 1996. He also has had extensive experience in land procurement and development as a timberlands owner and manager. He has served on the Greenville Board of Selectmen and is an elected board member of the Greenville School Committee. He attended Unity College

“We look forward to the representation by our new commissioners of important, diverse interests,” said ACF Commissioner Walter Whitcomb. “It’s another step in bringing people who represent the unorganized territories onto the Commission.”

The Maine Land Use Planning Commission serves as the planning and zoning authority for the unorganized and deorganized areas of the state, including townships and plantations. The Commission’s jurisdiction covers over half the state, encompassing more than 10.4 million acres.

The LUPC is a seven-member, independent board with members nominated by the Governor to staggered, four-year terms. In December, Commission membership will expand to nine, with Aroostook and Piscataquis counties each having an opportunity to nominate an individual to serve on the Commission. This will begin a four-year transition period after which the Commission will consist of eight members nominated by each of the eight counties with the most acreage within the Commission's jurisdiction and one member nominated by the governor.

2012-10-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

“The Kindness Guy” Michael J. Chase at Maine Central Institute Oct. 9

2012-10-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

PITTSFIELD – Michael J. Chase, founder of the Kindness Center in Biddeford, will speak at Maine Central Institute on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 9 a.m. in Parks Gymnasium as part of the School’s Patterson Lecture Series. The talk will correspond with this year’s school theme of Kindness.

Affectionately known as “The Kindness Guy,” Chase is an author, inspirational speaker, and a student of spiritual wisdom, both ancient and contemporary. Considered an expert on the subjects of kindness and positive behavior, he is one of today’s most sought-after teachers in the field of personal and spiritual development. As founder of The Kindness Center, Michael’s teachings are recognized across the globe. Whether sharing his wisdom in a classroom, boardroom, or on stage in front of thousands, his powerful message impacts countless lives each year.

In 2010, Chase joined the Hay House speaking roster. He is now a main presenter at Hay House’s renowned “I Can Do It” conferences. His new book “Am I Being Kind: How Asking One Simple Question Can Change Your Life and Your World,” is now available wherever books are sold.

This event is free and open to the public. FMI: 487-5915.

Variety Drug collecting donations for Skowhegan Food Cupboard in October

2012-10-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

SKOWHEGAN – Variety Drug in downtown Skowhegan will collect food and cash contributions for the Skowhegan Food Cupboard during the month of October. The Greater Somerset Public Health Collaborative and United Way of Mid-Maine are offering the program to link businesses with local food cupboards. Main Street Skowhegan, Skowhegan Rotary, Madison Business Alliance and Norridgewock Chamber of Commerce have endorsed the project.

“We are connecting local businesses with local food cupboards to replenish their food supplies and to raise awareness of the need to provide nutritional support to those who live in the region,” Bill Primmerman, Director of the Great Somerset Public Health Collaborative said. “Local businesses have been enthusiastic about this opportunity and we are grateful for their community spirit.”

Kevin Holland, owner of Variety Drug thinks the effort will be successful. “We have a very loyal customer base who we believe will be generous. We hope to fill the shelves that the program provides as well as the cash contribution canister on our desk,” Holland said. “We’ve been an important part of the business community since my grandfather, Jim Holland, started the drugstore in 1938. Throughout our history, we’ve tried to do our part for the community through donations and volunteering for a number of causes. This is a new type of effort for us but right in line with our goals.”

David Cyr, President of the Skowhegan Community Food Cupboard, reports that there is an increased need for food and cash donations because more people are using the food cupboard. “We appreciate the efforts that local businesses and the schools are making to help the members of our community who are in the most need,” he said. “Also, the increased visibility Variety Drug provides through its ‘adoption’ of us for the month of October encourages others to donate.”

‘Patch the Pirate’ at Cornerstone

2012-10-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

MADISON - Cornerstone Baptist Church of Madison will be starting a new program for children titled “Patch the Pirate.” Patch is a Bible- based, character-building choir club for children ages 4 through 11. Young sailors have been gleaning Godly character through this powerful and productive ministry for 28 years.

The character- building songs of “Patch the Pirate” are interwoven with a monthly Bible theme that is reinforced through devotional lessons, motivational games, music and activities and intriguing stories. Children and parents enjoy this unique program of positive, rewarding experience.

“Patch the Pirate” will be offered at Cornerstone’s Sunday 10:45 a.m. service and at Wednesday evening’s 6 p.m. service. Children are invited to come and join in this fun time, and first meeting for area children will be Oct. 10.

For more information, call the church at 696-7027.