AUTHOR’S CELEBRATION

            Kindergarten teacher Ellen O’Neill has done it again.  Culture is alive and well at Shapleigh Memorial School.  O’Neill’s kindergarten students invited parents, grandparents, family members, school officials and town officials to a special presentation of their literary works based upon famous paintings.  Taking place Friday, June 4, 2010, in their classroom, the kindergarteners greeted each new arrival and presented them with a program.  Depicted on the cover was a full color photo of the class members all smiling brightly.  Inside the brochure each student author was listed beside the painting they based their narrative writing on.

·        Gavin Bacon wrote about “God of the Forest.”

·        Maddie Reehl’s topic was “A Very Stormy Night.”

·        Ella Armstead told of “Playing in the Snow.”

·        Lucas Hardy book was about “Jack Was Sad.”

·        Jordyn Kaskon’s tale was that of “Allie and the Goose.”

·        Destiny Robertshaw’s story was entitled “The Unicorn.”

·        Allie Staples spoke of “Two Kids Playing.”

·        Shawn Littlefield wrote about “The Tornado.”

·        Emma Bedell used the painting of “Emily” for her theme.

Each child also dedicated their books (generally to family members), illustrated their stories, wrote a biography about the author (themselves), spoke through a microphone while standing on a raised platform, and announced that this was their “first published book.”  Afterwards autographs were provided to attendees by all nine students sitting at their places at the authors’ table.  Fresh fruit, cookies and punch was available for all present.

            It is truly remarkable to see how advanced these kindergarten children are after only one year of schooling with Teacher Ellen O’Neill.  Their vocabulary is quite astounding for any children so young.   

SCOUT DAY AT WILLOWBROOK

The 19^th Century Willowbrook Village in Newfield is where Boy Scout Troop #320 will be on Saturday, June 12.  Troop #320 is inviting any and all other Scout Packs and Troops to Willowbrook for a day of fun and learning at this destination which is listed on the National Historic Register.  Many activities are available for Scouts and their families to participate in such as ice-cream making, hay wagon rides, and more.  The museum has not only updated exhibits but also new exhibits throughout.  Horsedrawn sleighs and carriages, an 1849 Concord stagecoach, a 1894 carousel (merry-go-round) , gas engines and exhibits of various trades and tools.   Blacksmith, broom maker, canoe builder, cooper, cobbler, harness maker, printer, wheelwright, woodworker are some of the displays. 

Pack a picnic lunch or visit the sandwich shop on site to purchase lunch.  Admission is free for all so come on out and have a great day sharing the experience with other Scouts.

GRATITUDE EXPRESSED

            An anonymous cash donation in addition to a check from another individual was received by the Fire Department, thanking the members for all they do to protect life and property.  Fire Chief Duane Romano, on behalf of the men and women who serve, would like to thank those donors for such consideration of his department.

SCHOOL BUDGET

            Only 21 registered voters from Shapleigh turned up at the RSU#57 Middle School in Waterboro on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 to vote on the $33,169,350 school budget for 2010-2011.  A validation vote will take place on Tuesday, June 8 in each of the six towns that comprise RSU#57 (Alfred, Limerick, Lyman, Newfield, Shapleigh, and Waterboro) where voters will have the opportunity to accept the budget as approved or reject it. 

            The legislature in recent years had changed the method of voting which requires a district budget meeting rather than having simultaneous voting taking place in the individual towns, a practice which generated more participation.  However, in these difficult economic times it is probably much more cost effective to meet in a central location, utilize a hand vote, and eliminate for large number of paper ballots to be printed up and counted.  It also allows for answers to questions, similar to a town meeting format, whereas referendum ballots do not.  

            There will be an opportunity for persons at the June 8 vote to decide whether or not to eliminate the validation process for the next three years.  A provision in the law requires that this question be brought to the voters each three years.

            The budget as approved is the best we could hope for under the financial constraints which the district is operating under.  The Selectmen in the six towns had many meetings with RSU#57 Superintendent Frank Sherman and Business Manager Bill Bragdon during the formulation of the budget and there was a genuine effort to try to come up with an end result which the towns could live with, given the fact that the school payment obligation was definitely going to rise considerably. 

            The impact of the school budget on the other five towns is considerable with

Alfred bearing a 12.05% increase ($227,557);

Limerick, 6.52% ($149,826);

Lyman 6.98% ($237,046);

Newfield, 6.62% ($98,292);

Waterboro, 8.71% ($534,866).

Shapleigh’s share of the local assessment of $19,338,868 is $2,886,711, an increase of $101,882 over the previous year. This amounts to a 3.66% increase in Shapleigh’s share of the school budget.  On a property valued at $180,000 the annual increase in real estate taxes for the school portion of the tax rate would be $37.00 according to RSU#57’s calculations. 

The Selectmen are mindful of the impact that the school portion of the tax rate has on taxpayers and work diligently to try to keep everything in perspective.  In 2009 Shapleigh’s tax rate was $8.80 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation.  To date for 2010 the tax rate has not yet been set because of the fact that the field work is still ongoing and the final taxable valuation is not available.

            Taxes will be committed in August of this year for 2010 and will be due and payable within 40 days of commitment.  Any persons who have changed their mailing address over the past year should contact the Shapleigh Tax Collector and let her know the new address as soon as possible.  Bills that are sent to old incorrect addresses do not reach the intended recipient and generally result in late payments with accrued interest charges.  Persons who have purchased property in Shapleigh should also notify the town as to whether they have a local address or have a seasonal property and still get their mail at their home address in another municipality or state.  Thank you in advance for your consideration in these matters.  The Tax Collector can be reached by calling (207)636-2843 ext 413 or 415.  To email address changes use assessor@shapleigh.net

CONTRACT RENEWED

            The Town of Shapleigh has, through its Board of Selectmen, entered into a contract with the West Kennebunk Animal Welfare Society for the 2010-2011 year.  Based upon the 2000 census population, the amount of the contract is $2,884.24, paid quarterly.  

VETERANS MEMORIAL

            The traditional garden display of impatiens has been planted by Superintendent of Cemeteries Ron Rivard at the monument grounds at the Town Hall.  The garden is set off by the glistening black semi-circle wall and the numerous American flags waving in the breeze in front of the obelisk monument honoring all veterans of all wars.

COMMUNITY DAY

            Plans are continuing underway for the fourth Saturday in July, the 24^th, for Shapleigh Community Day.  This is a time when all organizations in town rally for a spectacular celebration of togetherness at Shapleigh Commons.  Various events take place so there is something for all members of the family.  Carole Collins, Midge Laferty, and Sheila Hayes are on the committee bringing this all together.  Persons who wish to rent table space for selling crafts, etc. may do so.  Also, persons who are willing to volunteer to assist either in the planning, setting up, tearing down, or with games, etc. during Community Day should call Carole at (207)636-2843 ext 407.

LITTLE ROBIN REDBREAST…

            …built a little nest on a shelf supporting an air-conditioner at the Town Hall.  The first egg, unfortunately, rolled out of the nest and broke on the ramp below; however, Mom immediately rectified that by making the home more secure.  In no time at all there were several eggs being incubated and behold, three baby robins greeted the world.  It was interesting to watch this process.  In previous years there have been birds which built their nests in the unused chimneys at the Town Hall and when the young began to fly they would be heard behind the thimble in the office frightened and chirping while trying to find

a way out.

ATV CLUB

            Skip Bartosh of the Square Pond ATV Club came before the Board of Selectmen at a recent meeting to inform them of the status of the club.  Apparently there are about 65 members of the club but when it comes down to workdays or keeping the trails groomed, etc. there are only a small number who show up to perform those tasks.  As a result of the lack of participation, steps were taken to merge with the Ossippee Mountain ATV Club which has a much larger and more active membership.

TRANSFER STATION RECEIPTS

            During the month of May the attendants at the Transfer Station collected a total of $2,714.00 from persons who brought demo debris, appliances, etc. to the transfer station for disposal.  These monies were turned over to the Town Treasurer for processing.

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION CLINICS

            The Board of Selectmen has received information sponsored by the Maine Housing Counseling Network and supported by the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection, U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Maine Housing regarding foreclosure prevention clinics.  Offered FREE to persons who are having difficulty paying their mortgage, the clinics will take place in four different locations throughout the state, Augusta, Portland, Bangor and Sanford. 

            The local clinic will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm at Mousam View Place (formerly Knights of Columbus) at 47 High Street in Sanford.

            A HUD certified counselor will provide confidential help you need in order to prevent foreclosure.  In order for the counselor to assess your situation, please plan to bring the following documents with you:

• Court paperwork received
• Latest mortgage statement
• Recent pay stubs
• Other sources of income (rental, SSI, etc.)
• Most recent tax return and W-2
• Most recent bank statement
• Monthly expenses (such as food, utilities, etc.)
• Hardship letter explaining the reason for default

FMI call Maine State Foreclosure Prevention hotline at 1-888-664-2569 or visit www.credit.maine.gov

TOWN REP NEEDED

            The Town of Shapleigh is in need of an individual to serve as a town representative to the Saco River Corridor Commission.  Previously Mary Taylor served the Town in this capacity; however, Mary resigned when she was no longer a resident of Shapleigh.  Generally this requires only one meeting a month.  Anyone interested in being considered for this appointment should contact the Selectmen’s Executive Secretary Karla at 636-2843 ext 401.

CONDOLENCES

A memorial service was held at the Baptist Church at Shapleigh Corner for Maude Hopkins, a longtime resident of Shapleigh.  Maude was 96 years old, having been born in March of 1914.  Maude had served as a ballot clerk for many years and always greeted everyone with her famous smile.  She also served on the Women’s Auxiliary of the Fire Department for years.  Her husband Edwin Hopkins had served as a volunteer on the Fire Dept. and had been active on the Zoning Board of Appeals before his passing years ago.  Sincere condolences are offered to their two daughters and other surviving relatives.

Maude had the distinction of being the oldest woman and oldest mother attending the First Baptist Church at Shapleigh Corner.  The oldest man and father in the congregation was Albert Kelloway who passed away not long ago.  Albert and Maude were just a couple of months apart in age.

Condolences are also extended to the family of Andre Dumont of Totte Road who passed away on the 25th of May 2010.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

            The week of July 12 through July 16, 2010 has been scheduled for Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church at 600 Shapleigh Corner Road.  Available for children from age 3 through sixth grade, this year Vacation Bible School is “Gonna Rock.”  The sessions will run from 6 pm through 8 pm.  Pre-registrations can be made at any time prior to that week.  Earlier is best since that will give a better picture of how many children will be in each age group and allow for sufficient materials for all.  FMI call 636-1662.