Obituary: Craig Alan Robinson Sr.

Craig Alan Robinson, Sr. (July 18, 1970 - January 14, 2016)           Lebanon, Maine: Craig Alan Robinson, Sr., age 45, of Lebanon, Maine, died January 14, 2016 at home with his dog Barkley by his side. He spent his last days bringing everyone together and making them laugh. Born July 18, 1970 in Oakland, Maine to Ethel E. (Hatch) and Joseph M. Robinson, he grew up in Lebanon, Maine and went to Noble High School in Berwick, Maine. Craig loved spending time with family and friends. He meant well with everything he did. An excellent carpenter and comedian, he loved hunting and loved Dale Earnhardt and Earnhardt, Jr. He enjoyed fishing with his friend Scott Mayotte and there was never a dull moment hanging out and laughing with his best friends: Shawn and Lori Ellis. Survived by his mother Ethel Knowles, two children, the love of his life, daughter Stephanie Robinson of Lebanon, Maine and son Craig A. Robinson, Jr. and grandson Grayson of Effingham, NH, 2 sisters: Donna with husband Billy Cook of Oakland, Maine, JoAnne with husband Robert Lemire, Sr., of Waltham, Maine, also nieces and nephews. Predeceased by 3 brothers: Steven Robinson, Ronnie Robinson and Sumner Knowles,Jr., stepfather: Sumner Knowles,Sr. father: Joseph Robinson and nephew: Steven Robinson, Jr. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday January 21, 2016 at 11am at Peaslee Funeral Home, 24 Central Street in Farmington, NH, with a calling hour prior to the service from 10-11am. Interment will be in the spring at Milton Mills Cemetery

Lebanon Board of Selectmen Define Parameters of Community Donations to Town of Lebanon Departments.

 

 

The Selectmen's Meeting wasn't all that bad!!!

As a matter of fact, it felt really good to sit down and have a chat with Selectmen Thompson, Heath and Nadeau. We kind of miss those old boys, you know??

We guess the problem the Board wanted to discuss originates with the fact that the "former administration" was always raising money for multiple projects and many of those projects were never realized.

A lot of money donated, no product delivered.

You get the idea.

And there IS a State Law that talks about how Municipalities are to go about accepting donations from its citizens. Title 30-A, Part 2, Subpart 9, Chapter 223, Subchapter 1, Subsection 5655.

The law states simply thus:

A gift without conditions, of any type of property, offered in a municipality may be accepted or rejected by its legislative body, except for forfeited assets conveyed to the municipality pursuant to Title 15, chapter 517, which may be accepted by the municipal officers.

The donation of the 02 Fur Life Animal Resuscitation kits also falls under this law, and yes, it clearly says that donations and gifts must be presented to the Board and they must accept or reject the project.

However, when passing us the printed copy of this law, the Board Chairman clearly read from subsection 5653, which calls for notice of intent at a Board meeting, presented in writing, and then for the Board to answer their acceptance or rejection in writing within 10 days, but this subsection of the law only applies when the gift is money or property in trust, which our donations are clearly not.

So.

Were they right to ask me to present our Community Donation of the O2 Fur Life Animal Resuscitation to the Board prior to collecting donations??

YES, they were right that I have to have the donation approved by the town.

NO, we don't have to submit in writing and then allow them 10 days to accept or reject in writing unless the Board creates, presents and approves a Town Ordinance, or Town Policy requiring this process.

Tonight Chief Daniel Meehan was at the Town Office to discuss several issues, and he was kind enough to stay as I presented my project. His agreement to the need for the equipment made it much easier to present our project to the Board.

The Board heard us out on getting the community together and gathering donations for specific projects within the town.

There was discussion as to whether or not all Community Donation projects would only benefit the Fire and EMS Department and I told them NO, but that as of this moment, no other department heads in the town had discussed any furndraising needs with us, but that we would be open to any suggestions and ideas. After all, we did all band together to replace the Town Office sign when that need was identified.

One of the Board Members was worried that people would be calling him complaining that we were always asking for money. We assured him, and you, that we will only do a small number of projects a year, and that we will not sit down at local businesses with tin cans asking for spare change. Instead, we put our project out there and accept money donations as you all see fit. The choice on which projects to support or donate and how much to support each project to is your own.

The donations do not come from LMTS, they come from individuals in the community, joining together on projects that are important to all of us as a group.

We do understand the reasoning behind accountibility in the donated dollar amounts and for the Board to receive the donated equipment and the need for surety that the gift is donated without conditions, deals, or expectations. Really, this only makes good business sense for the Town.

One good thing though, the Board did agree that donations of food or coffee toward feeding the Lebanon Fire and EMS responders, or for use at Lebanon Fire and EMS fundraisers would not need to be presented to the Board for approval, however we offered, in good faith, to give them a copy of our inventory log so that they could be sure that the item were being used as intended.

In a town where FUN and FREE were the motto of the old Fire Department and Rescue Department but where FUN and FREE clearly cost everyone dearly, whether they wanted to donate or not, we actually applaud the Board for making tonight's meeting easy to understand and friendly.

At the end of our discussion, Selectman Heath got up and left the room as the time for a decision was nearing, however Selectmen Thompson stated that he was "all for" members of the community coming together to complete projects needed in the town, and when he called for Selectman Nadeau's opinion he agreed to allow the project as well. Two Selectmen is a quota, so I guess we're good to GO.........

Finally, just a shout out to Mr. Dana Coull for taking the time to come and listen to the parameters set up by the Board, and for coming and hanging out with us outdoors in the cold, sharing a conversation and a smoke while the Board was in Executive Session with Chief Meehan on ComStar billing issues. It's always nice to have company and Mr. Coull is a joy and a pleasure. Thank you to our lawyer Mr. Ed McNally for explaining the law the Board handed us this evening, and thank you to each of the great people in our community who have donated toward this project so far, and who are considering donating in the future.

 

 

Snowmobile Trail Fund Stickers now Available at at Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Store.

 

01/15/2016 07:01 AM EST Snowmobile Trail Fund Sticker now Available! Show your support for Maine’s snowmobile trail system by purchasing a Snowmobile Trail Fund Sticker. Stickers are available for purchase: Online at the IF&W store – Snowmobile Trail Fund From snowmobile registration agents statewide At time of or after snowmobile registration Proceeds from each Trail Supporter sticker, less a $2 administrative charge, will be transferred directly to the Snowmobile Program to support the trail fund. The colorful stickers are available in three levels of support: $25, $50 and $100.

Obituary: Evelyn May Weeden

Evelyn May Weeden
(June 6, 1922 - January 14, 2016)

         

Dover, NH Evelyn M. Weeden, age 93, of County Farm Cross Road, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 14, 2016, at Watson Fields in Dover. She was born June 6, 1922 in Dover, to Fred and Mary (Jackson) Haigh. Evelyn was a seamstress, she made a lot of her own clothes and clothes for her girls. Most of all, she was a loving wife and mother. In her life, she was very involved in the church scene, teaching Sunday School, a self taught piano and organ player, she enjoyed playing in church for many years. She was employed at places in Dover, including Sawyers Mills, W.T. Grants and Moore Business Forms, where she retired at age 62. Survived by her son: Alfred W. Weeden, Jr. and wife Nancy Weeden, her daughter: Jane and husband William Crosby, her son: Thomas and wife Roxanne Weeden, 9 grandchildren and many great and great great grandchildren. Predeceased by her husband of 73 years: Alfred W. Weeden, Sr. and a daughter: Evelyn Bateman. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 17, 2016 from 2-4pm at Milton Assembly of God Church, 370 White Mountain Highway in Milton, NH, with a Celebration of Life at 4pm with her son Pastor Alfred Weeden, Jr., officiating. Interment will be private at Forest Glade Cemetery in Somersworth. Arrangements by Peaslee Funeral Home in Farmington.

Lebanon Fire and EMS releases 2015 Fire and EMS Call Log.

Chief Daniel Meehan of the Lebanon Fire and EMS Department has released the yearly Fire and EMS call logs for 2015.

2015 EMS Calls

Dispatch Reason	# of Times
Abdominal Pain / Problems	16
Chest Pain (Non-Traumatic)	22
Choking	1
Convulsions / Seizures	12
Diabetic Problems	8
Drowning (Near) / Diving / Scuba Accident	1
Falls	49
Headache	5
Heart Problems / A.I.C.D.	6
Allergies (Reactions) / Envenomations (Stings,Bees)	1
Hemorrhage / Lacerations	7
Overdose / Poisoning (Ingestion)	15
Psychiatric / Abnormal Behavior / Suicide Attempt	14
Sick Person	37
Stab / Gunshot / Penetrating Trauma	4
Stroke (CVA) / Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)	5
Traffic / Transportation Incident	112
Animal Bites / Attacks	3
Traumatic Injury	8
Unconscious / Fainting (Near)	10
Unknown Problem (Man Down)	4
Assault / Sexual Assault	6
Back Pain (Non-Traumatic/Non-Recent Trauma)	6
Breathing Problems	35
Burns (Scalds) / Explosions (Blast)	1
Carbon Monoxide / Inhalation / HAZMAT / CBRNE	7
Cardiac or Respiratory Arrest / Death	5
Medical Alarm	3
Other	24
Patient Assist / Lifting Assist	9
Stand By (Fire, Law, etc)	13
Total	449
2014 EMS Calls total calls 397

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015 year Fire Dept. Calls

 

2015 Fire Calls

MVA                                     71

Public Assist                         8      

Structure Fire                       8

Wires Down                         19

Mutual Aid                            31

Alarm Fire                             13

Alarm CO                              7

Car Fire                                 3

Assist EMS                           18

Unauthorized Burning       13

Chimney Fire                       5

Assist MSP                             2

Smoke investigation           5

Brush Fire                           8

Good Intent                        5

Gas Spill                               1

Acetylene tank fire            1

Chemical Spill                   2

 

Total 220

Governor LePage Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

01/15/2016 03:56 PM EST

 AUGUSTA - Governor Paul R. LePage will mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day by attending the 25th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast in Waterville on Monday, Jan. 18. Additionally, Governor LePage has signed a proclamation declaring Monday as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

"On this day our state and nation remembers the life and work of a man who dedicated his life to ensure civil rights for all Americans," Governor LePage said. "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was committed to advancing equality, social justice and opportunity for all, and his teachings can continue to guide and inspire us in addressing the challenges of today."

"As we remember Dr. King, we are reminded of the many opportunities we have as Americans to give back to our communities on this holiday and make an ongoing commitment to service throughout the year." This is the 25th year of the event, which is sponsored by the Waterville Rotary Club and Spectrum Generations. Governor LePage, who is a Rotarian, has attended the annual Waterville event for many years.

The Pleasant Street Methodist Church Choir and George Mitchell School students will perform music at the celebration. Allecia Reid, PH. D. William and Margaret Montgoris Assistant Professor of Psychology, Colby College, will be the guest speaker. Reid received her Ph.D. in psychology from Arizona State University. She held postdoctoral research positions at Yale University and Brown University before coming to Colby College in 2013. Dr. Reid lives in Oakland, Maine with her husband and two children.

Proclamation language is as follows:

WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice and opportunity for all, and challenged all Americans to participate in the never-ending work of building a more perfect union; and

WHEREAS, Dr. King's teachings can continue to guide and inspire us in addressing challenges in our communities; and

WHEREAS, the King Holiday and Service Act, enacted in 1994, designated the King Holiday as a national day of volunteer service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Services with leading the effort that has inspired millions of Americans to serve their neighbors and communities on the King Holiday; and

WHEREAS, serving on the King Holiday is an appropriate way to honor Dr. King, meet local and national needs, bring our citizens together, and strengthen our communities and nation; and

WHEREAS, the King Day of Service is the only federal holiday commemorated as a national day of service, and offers an opportunity for Americans to give back to their communities on the holiday and make an ongoing commitment to service throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, King Day of Service projects are being organized by a wide range of non-profits in the State of Maine.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAUL R. LEPAGE, Governor of the State of Maine, proclaim January 18, 2016, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday as The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

throughout the State of Maine, and call upon the people of Maine to pay tribute to the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through participation in community service projects on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and throughout the year.

$250,000 in Agricultural Development Grants Announced by Commissioner Walt Whitcomb

 

AUGUSTA CIVIC CENTER – Commissioner Walt Whitcomb announced eight (8) Agricultural Development Grant Program awards totaling nearly $250,000 at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show today. The projects address needs in the agricultural industry for development of livestock processing; improved utilization and profitability of Maine grown crops; product enhancements for nutrition and/or food safety; and alternative markets or diversification including merchandising, farm stands, rural tours and educational opportunities.

“Maine has the most farms and the greatest diversity of food production in New England,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “The potential to produce and sell Maine products is even greater when you consider Maine’s reputation for quality and the growing interest in locally grown foods. The investments being announced today strengthen Maine agriculture and will help farmers and producers realize their full economic potential.” 

Commissioner Walt Whitcomb highlighted the efforts of the review committee and its careful selection of projects from dozens of competitive applications.

“Selected proposals incorporated one or more of four priorities: development of livestock processing; improved utilization and profitability of Maine grown crops; product enhancements for nutrition and/or food safety; and alternative markets or diversification including merchandising, farm stands, rural tours and educational opportunities,” said Whitcomb. “We congratulate the grantees and look forward to successful implementation of their projects.”

The preliminary selections were chosen by a review committee from 30 qualified proposals submitted in response to a formal Request For Proposals (RFP). Out of the total thirty (30) qualified proposals received and reviewed by a committee in a competitive review process, eight (8) projects have been tentatively identified pending approval by the State of Maine Purchases Division and the successful completion of a State of Maine contract. These projects have been identified as:

• Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (Wiscasset) - Ethnic Produce: Crop Diversification for Maine Farmers to Reach New Markets
• Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine (Orono) - 2016 Wild Blueberry Metro Marketing Program
• Lakeside Family Farm (Newport) - Farm-to-Workplace: Bringing More Maine Food to Maine People
• Bartlettyarns, Inc. (Harmony) - Commercial Wool Baler
• Apple Ridge Farms, Inc. (Appleton) - New Technology Vinegar Acetator
• Aroostook Hops, LLC (Westfield) - Creating a hop pelletizing facility to produce Maine-grown and pelletized hops
• Appleton Creamery (Appleton) - Appleton Cheese Trail
• LaJoie Growers, LLC (Van Buren) - Diversifying Farm Products with Cold Storage Capacity

Agricultural Development Grant Program

In 2014, the Legislature approved Department language that improved access to the Agricultural Development Fund. The Department identified the agricultural industry need for accelerating new market development, adoption of improved technology and promotion of agricultural products produced in Maine.  

The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry may allocate the grant funds among projects involving market research, market promotion, or a combination of those activities for the purpose of expanding existing markets and developing new markets for agricultural products produced in Maine; or for testing and demonstrating new technologies related to the production, storage or processing of State agricultural products.

It is anticipated that another Agricultural Development Fund RFP will be released in the future.