Town Council Notes
Members of the Washburn Town Council met Monday, July 14, at the Civic Center at 7 p.m.
The council voted on and approved the new mil rate for the 2008 tax commitment at 21.154, down from last year’s 25 mil. This reduction in the mil rate is due to the dedication of Washburn municipal officers, town staff and SAD 45 in lowering costs, thus enabling the reduction of nearly 4 mils for this coming year.
The council also voted to accept the high bid of $227,000 from Hugh Klei for municipal properties located on the Castle Hill Road in Washburn, commonly referred to as the flood fields. The Washburn Health Center building has been put out to bid, with results being acted on at the August Council meeting.
Special speaker Joan Fortin of Bernstein and Shur in Portland showed a Power Point presentation discussing the benefits to communities of implementing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) programs. She explained the various ways of increasing revenues without increasing taxes and how TIFs provide new employment opportunities, as well as broadening the tax base. Municipalities can set some areas such as “downtown” or other specific areas designed for existing businesses, as well as being a draw for bringing in new tax paying entities.
The Council voted to approve the minutes from the June 30 meeting and reviewed the financial figures through June 30. They voted to send a Ratio Declaration and Reimbursement application to the State of Maine at a valuation of 100 percent.
Councilors voted and signed off on setting a formal policy on dealing with checks paid to the Town of Washburn and returned due to insufficient funds. There will be a fee of $35 charged and is effective immediately.
New summer hours for the Town Office were set at Monday through Thursday, the office will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the lunch hour remaining from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and closing at noon on Fridays. These hours will remain in effect through Aug. 31.
It was announced that the town has heard from Mariner Tower and they are anticipating installing the cell tower early September.
The Council was given notification of a Certificate of Appreciation received from FEMA. The Mill Pond construction that will begin at the dam sites is being paid for by funding from FEMA due to the damage done during the May flood. There will be a flow gate installed for safer water flow levels during flood conditions and seasonal water level times. This will also enhance the usage of the trail system for walkers, bikers, ATVs and snowmobile usage.
Also noted during the meeting was progress in the clean up of several properties in town. Five areas have been completed, three are currently in progress and one is being worked on with the town.
Included in the sprucing up of Main Street was a discussion of several trees overpowering the walking area of the sidewalks. This is a danger to walkers and bike riders, and hopefully homeowners will try and do some trimming.
The Council voted on four positions – one vice president and three director seats, for the Maine Municipal Authority’s Executive Committee.
The Council also approved the presentation of a Proclamation denoting Jared Reed’s attainment of the Eagle Award at an upcoming ceremony.
There will be a “Heat Audit” done by Mechanical Services to assist the town on where and how improvements could be made to make municipal buildings become more fuel efficient. It was also noted that the State of Maine has a new Web site with complete energy assistance information available to residents at www.maine.gov/govenor/baldacci/policy/energy/html.
An update was given on the benefits and progress of the town’s Tax Club. This system is designed to assist residents in a way to pay their property taxes on a monthly basis. Citizens interested must have their application and first payment in by noon Friday, Aug. 15. Applications and further information are available by calling Andrea Powers at 455-8485.
The next Washburn Town Council meeting was set for Monday, Aug. 11 at the Civic Center at 7 p.m.
Birthdays/Anniversary Wishes
Those celebrating birthdays this week include Rick Landeen, Bernhard Aegerter, Dylan Conley, Carroll Bragg II, Michelle Jordan, Heidi Silver, Mary LeConey, Gertrude Howard, Madelyn Johnston, Dorothy Sperrey, Gilda Howlett, Makenzie Vaughn, Margo McIntosh, Kaleb Dahlgren, Virginia White, Mike Tarbox, Ruth White, Natalie Thomas, Matthew White, Richard Drost, Loretta Harmon, Julie Belk and Robin Sands.
Special anniversary wishes go out to Troy and Nicki McCrum and Alan and Cheryl Flanagin.
Ninety Years Young … and Counting
Phillip White of Wade celebrated his 90th birthday Tuesday, June 15 with cake and ice cream, sharing it with friends and family. The party was hosted by his nephew, Loren “Sonny” White, and his wife, Brenda, from Holden. Other nephews attending included Carroll Lee and his wife, Gail, along with his great grandnephew, Hunter, all of Brewer; Wayne Lee and his wife, Chris, of Houlton, and David Young and his wife, Barbara, of Maynard, Mass. Friends Wayne and Barb Churchill of Washburn also joined to celebrate Phil’s special day along with neighbors Millie Bennett and Gwen Bragg. Lots of neighbors that drove by tooted their horns and waved and others stopped by to wish him a Happy Birthday.
Those attending spent a pleasant afternoon socializing at Phil’s home, which is directly across the street from the White family homestead where Phil was born in 1918. They were all entertained by the many stories Phil has to tell about his life experiences, and anyone who knows him will tell you he always has a tale to tell that is sure to make folks chuckle.
On any given day you may see Phil outside mowing or hauling the rock cart with his 1948 Ford tractor, which belonged to his dad, Russell White, splitting wood for his winter heat or climbing the ladder to fix the roof on his house or doing some repairs to the old homestead. Neighbors and friends often stop by to chat and reminisce about times gone by.
Mr. White served in the U.S. Army in the Medical Field during World War II and over the years he took on many jobs that allowed him to travel, thus garnering information for his many wonderful stories. He worked as a plumber and pipe fitter in paper mills in Maine, Massachusetts and New York, as well as at the Irving refinery in New Brunswick, Canada, and finally on Loring Air Force Base. He has been a member of the United Association of Plumbing and Pipe Fitters Local 321 for 56 years, and was presented with a watch, pin and certificate for 50 years as a member in Good Standing of U.A. P & PF Local 321 in 2002.
Phil still drives and makes trips into Washburn to get his mail and pick up some groceries. He also enjoys regular trips to visit his sister, Virginia Young, at the Presque Isle Rehab and Nursing Center. He is what could be referred to as a “lifetime learner,” and has seen many changes over the past 90 years. His family is already anticipating celebrating his 91st birthday with him next summer.
Salmon Brook Historical Society
The summer 2008 schedule for the Salmon Brook museum and barn is being implemented with Wednesday Work Days from 8-11 a.m. Any member wishing to volunteer may feel free to join the “crew” at the museum. Anyone wishing to join the Society is also welcome to stop by on Wednesdays. The open hours for the museum and barn include Wednesday work hours and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Other times for museum tours and visits may be made by special appointment along with extra hours during the August Festival weekend – Saturday, Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 17 from 1-4 p.m. Hours may be extended pending volunteer availability.
Progress is being made on the construction of a 14-by-38-foot addition to the museum’s barn by carpenters Spencer Bragan and Chad McCarthy. This extension will provide room to better display a few of the carriages and other items. A few of the Historical Society members also lend a helping hand on Wednesdays and some Sundays.
Officers elected for the new two-year positions include Directors Bill Flewelling and Wilburn Scott, as well as Treasurer Dennis Harris and Nominating Committee Chairman Paul Blackstone. For further information on the museum, contact any member or officer.
Rec Center Summer Schedule
The summer breakfast and lunch programs are being held at the elementary school cafeteria, with breakfast served from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meals are free for anyone age 18 and younger.
On Wednesday, July 23, there will be basketball with grades K-2 playing from 8:30-9:15 a.m., grades 2-4 playing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and grades 5-8 playing from 10:30-11:30 a.m. There will be swimming lessons from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Major League baseball teams will play at 5:30 p.m. and T-Ball will play from 6-6:45 p.m.
On Thursday, July 24, there will be K-2 Soccer from 8:30-9:15 a.m., grades 3-4 play from 9:30-10:30 a.m., and grades 5-8 go from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Also on July 24, there will be Arts and Crafts for grades 5-8 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and grades K-4 go from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The Minor League team plays at the elementary school field starting at 5:30 p.m.
On Friday, July 25, the special Field Day event will be swimming at Portage Lake with a lunch provided, and the group will be leaving the Rec Center at 9:30 a.m. and returning at 1 p.m.
On Monday, July 28, there will be basketball for grades K-2 playing from 8:30-9:15 a.m., grades 2-4 playing from 9:30-10:30 a.m., and grades 5-8 playing from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
On Tuesday, July 29, there will be K-2 Soccer from 8:30-9:15 a.m., grades 3-4 play from 9:30-10:30 a.m., and grades 5-8 go from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
On Tuesday, July 29, there will be Cooking at the Rec center from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and grades 2-4 will cook from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Please note if it is raining on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Soccer will be cancelled.
For further information on any of these programs, please contact Marcie at 455-4959.
The “Big 50”
A very special surprise 50th anniversary party was held for Jim and Audrey Burtt at the home of Dale and Judy Howe. Planning the surprise were the seven children of the couple: Jeff Burtt of Caribou, Jerry and Gail Burtt, Judy and Dale Howe, Kevin Burtt and girlfriend, Lynn, all of Washburn; Becky and Mark Doody of Perham, Debbie Ireland of Caribou and Jodi and Kendall Skidgel of Presque Isle. They also have 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The happy couple was married Sept. 27, 1958 at a ceremony in Canada, and the bride’s parents, Garfield and Doris Fogg, stood up with them.
The celebration took place early due to family members traveling home for the July Fourth holiday, and came complete with lots of good food and gifts, along with many reunions between the family and friends of the Burtt’s. There were 87 guests traveling from as far away as Florida and Bangor, as well as those coming from all around the Aroostook County area.
Special Barbeque
Ryan McPherson and fiancée, Cynthia Tow, made the trip to the county to announce their engagement and celebrate with family and friends. The groom was born and raised in Washburn and is the son of David and Debbie Hoyt. Cynthia hails from Boston and is the daughter of Randolph and Susan Tow.
Their family members and friends enjoyed a barbeque at the Hoyt home, and was attended by a good crowd of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandkids and great-grandkids. Cynthia more than enjoys the county foods, and with the good cooks in her new family, she’s in a good place.
The group also enjoyed a fun fishing trip to Debouille Pond, where Cynthia caught the most fish, as well as hauling in the largest.
The groom is the vice president of medical recruitment for a Massachusetts firm, and Cynthia is an attorney, admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and currently works as a recruitment manager at Boston University Law.
Their wedding is planned for Sept. 27 at St. Mary’s Church in Wells.
The Crop is In!
Jeffrey’s Garden is now open for summertime business. The peas are ready for the U-Pick section, and be sure and stop by to check out the new “stand,” which will contain the crop. Everyone will enjoy his new sign out front, telling customers where he is by a neat system, and there are even lawn chairs and inside tables and chairs to stop and spend a few minutes visiting, as well as picking out veggies.
Trip to Boston
Project Graduation efforts of the senior class of 2008 paid off in a fantastic trip to Boston after graduation. Those going on the trip included David Roy, Kelsey King, Jensen Reed, Erica McDougall, Travis Conley, Alex Bird, Kelsee McLaughlin, Jared Reed, Stephen Nason, Brian Campbell, Josh Wain, Samantha Cochran, Caitlyn Williams, Pam Churchill, Jessica Drost, Kristen Goupille and Kelly O’Donnell.
Chaperones also enjoying the event were John and Tracy Reed, Doug and Anne King, Terry and Theresa Cochran, and Billy Roy and Robin Pelletier.
The group had a great time visiting Six Flags, the Museum of Science, and the New England Aquarium and ate at the Hard Rock Café. One highlight of the trip was the tour of Boston on the Duck boat and a stop at Quincy Market.
They also enjoyed the fun and interactive performance of the Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse, and then of course enjoyed shopping at the Portland Mall.
For some students, this was the first time they had been outside Aroostook County and the ride down proved to be exciting, with some kids not sleeping on the entire ride to Boston. The ride home was a little quieter, but for one unsuspecting passenger who did fall asleep, it ended up not quiet at all. She was Saran wrapped to her bus seat by her fellow travelers, and she took it well, laughing with those who wrapped her.
This group of graduates are very thankful for all the support and help that the Washburn community and businesses, as well as family and friends, have given over the past year to make this trip possible.
Christie Cochran is the correspondent for Washburn, Wade and Perham. She can be reached at 455-8034 or gramchristie@yahoo.com.
Photo courtesy of Christie Cochran
A 90th Birthday party was held for Wade resident Phillip White, shown here celebrating with some special nephews, from left: Wayne Lee, Philip White, Carroll Lee, David Young and Loren “Sonny” White.
Photo courtesy of Christie Cochran
ENGAGEMENT BBQ – Newlyweds to be Cynthia Tow and Ryan McPherson and came north to Aroostook to celebrate their recent engagement with family and friends.
Photo courtesy of Christie Cochran
A SURPRISE 50th anniversary party was held recently for Jim and Audrey Burtt at the home of Dale and Judy Howe. The happy couple was married Sept. 27, 1958 at a ceremony in Canada, and the bride’s parents, Garfield and Doris Fogg, stood up with them. There were 87 guests traveling from as far away as Florida and Bangor to attend the anniversary party, as well as those coming from all around the Aroostook County area.
