ISLAND NEWS

PIC PAGE	HISTORICAL SOCIETY	HEALTH CENTER	NEWS UPDATE: 1/22/2003	TIDE CHART	Library Quilt Cards and Posters
EMAIL	Tax reform and relief	CHEBEAGUE SCHOOL	EMAIL me at bjohnson@nlis.net	ANOTHER TIDE CHART	Polar Bear Plunge 2003
CARE RESOURCE	CALENDAR	CIHCC	LIBRARY	Property Tax - Save our Island	2003 Winter Carnival
ISLAND COMMONS	Assessment Information	RECREATION CENTER	Long Term Plan Rough Draft	Town Council News	Anchor Page

Click on the doppler map to get the Chebeague weather page.

The winners of the Rockathon were Jimmy Stefanilo, 2nd Arianna Stefanilo who both rocked around the clock, and Britny Bernier was third. They had a lot of support from all the teens and nobody got much sleep.

8:12 PM: The results are in for the Chowder Challenge with Brenda Helbig - 1st place, Carol MacArthur - 2nd, and Gail Miller 3rd. The Chili Challenge 1st place was Virginia Calder, 2nd Brenda Helbig and 3rd Shirley Barker. We will keep updating the Pledge and Sponsor Page as the checks and pledges come in. As of now we have raised $6788! The carnival is continuing tonight with a Family Dance from 6 to 9 with everyone's favorite DJ The Sound Lord.

The outside air temperature is minus 10 degrees - the water will seem quite warm at 34 degrees.

Don't forget The Polar Bear Plunge - 12 NOON - Don't be a minute late or you will miss the whole thing - the water temperature is about 34 degrees and tonight is supposed to be one of the coldest nights this winter. I hope the ice doesn't form too thick! Not to late to make pledges and send donations to the TEEN CENTER.

I wanted to give a list of those who are participating in the Polar Bear Plunge and Rock-a-thon so far - I'm sure there will be many more joining us but for now here they are: Polar Bears: Lauren Miller, Tom Calder, Chris Cash, Leah McDonald, Lida Munroe, Arianna Stefanilo, Ross Hawks, Dennis Johnson, Beverly Johnson. Rockers: Jim Stefanilo, Arianna Stefanilo, Britny Bernier, Darya Johnson, Dennis Johnson, John Summa, John Miller, Anna Maine, Cal Hawks. If someone hasn't been contacted and would like to make a donation to the Teen Center you could pledge any one or all of the people above and send a check to the Chebeague Recreation Center, RR 1 Box 320, Chebeague Island, ME 04017. Thank you.

Great news for the CIHCC, Geof Summa has started the addition and the floor is down. Soon we will have the space we have been needing for a long time - thank you to all those who have supported this worthwhile project. We have raised almost $18,000 from the community and another $6000 from grants. This along with a matching grant from the USDA will enable us to add the additiion and make important upgrades to the Hall. A big THANKS to everyone from the Board of Directors and all users of the Hall (which is all of us).

The carnival starts with a snow sculpture contest with teams around the island making snow sculptures.

Friday night at 7 is a TALENT SHOW (please contact Virginia if you would like to participate) ROCK-A-THON begins 10:00PM till the last rocker stops rocking. Teens will get pledges for the amount of time they rock or a lump sum donation. The teens will be rocking in rocking chairs through out the night with breaks here and there.

Saturday: POLAR BEAR PLUNGE @ NOON at Bennetts' Cove.- CHILI & CHOWDER CHALLENGE (Following the Plunge) at CRC $5-FAMILY DANCE w/ "Sound Lord" 6:00-9:30PM $5

I've been in Massachusetts to celebrate with my Aunt Adelaide (my father's sister) who turned 100 on Thursday. It was lots of fun and we all stood around and sang songs I had never even heard before - she just loved it and all the attention. Yesterday David Miller hit the 50 year mark - Happy Birthday!

Lots of news about the Maine Land Bank proposals and related issues (MCTRR is Maine Citizens for Tax Reform and Relief, a subcommittee of Save Our Island instituted to address tax issues requiring state level initiatives.)

----MCTRR's Dave Hill joins former chief justice Daniel Wathen, Rep. Peter Mills and Rep. Bernard McGowan as panelist for the upcoming Maine State Agricultural Show in Augusta on January 15 at the Civic Center. The topic? Property taxes, of course!

----MCTRR invites you to join legislators and citizens from other communities to a public presentation on Maine Land Bank & Community Preservation Program. Mark your calendars for January 15 at 7 PM at Harrison Middle School in Yarmouth. For more information, click here http://home.gwi.net/mainetaxreform/page3.html

In case you haven't heard we have another star on the island, Stacy "KomLosy" Stewart!! The Portland Players Production of Once Upon A Mattress! Stacy is playing Princess Winnifred one of the leads. The dates for the show are: Jan 24, 25 @ 8:00pm & 26 @ 2:30pm, Jan 31, Feb 1 @ 8:00pm & 2 @ 2:30pm, Feb 6, 7, 8 @ 8:00pm & 9 @ 2:30pm ---- They may add an extra weekend.---------Box Office # 799-7337. They are open Tues, Wed, & Thur 10am-2pm. You can call and reserve tickets right over the phone.

Yesterday the Portland Press Herald had another editorial which related to the land bank proposal and I have linked to it here:

http://www.pressherald.com/viewpoints/editorials/021223shoreland.shtml

Tonight is the Christmas Eve Service which will be at 7:00 pm - hope to see everyone there.

I have also added a picture of the artwork Ms. Beaule's class (K-2) have created in art class.

The annual community Christmas Party hosted by the Chebeague Parents Association will take place this Saturday, December 14th at the Church. Island children will present a short nativity play at 6:00 pm, followed by a visit from Santa, who will have a gift for every island child up to sixth grade. There will be refreshments at the Parish House following the festivities. All community members are welcome! Need gift wrap? Holiday and all- occasion Sally Foster gift wrap is available at the CRC for $7 per roll. Note cards and cookbooks are available at Artisans Icehouse, to benefit the CPA.

Don't forget to get your Christmas trees from the Fire Department - I think they are on sale now - you can contact Tom Calder for more information.

Just received this message from the Rec Center: The CRC would like to remind you that our annual Kids Holiday Craft Fair is scheduled for this Saturday, December 7th from 10 am- noon at the CRC. There will be lots of easy craft projects for kids to make and take home. It's a great opportunity for kids to make homemade gifts. Prices vary from about 50 cents to $2 for each project and kids can choose to do whatever they like.

All children are welcome. Parental accompaniment is advised for younger kids.

Also- if any adults reading this would like to help out at the fair by helping with a craft station, please call Virginia at 846-5068. Ideas and supplies provided. Thanks!

Don"t miss seeing Tyler and Brad Putnam, Cooper Bowman and Sarah Brown singing and dancing their hearts out and see the set worked on by Tom Damon including a very realistic piano built by Tom.

The play runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 and Sunday at 2. Get there early as the shows frequently sell out! Food and Roses will be on sale.

I finally put the poems on the shelter page for the Mrs. Asch's art class - It was hard reading some of the writing but I think I got most of it right. I'm sure Sara Asch would love to hear from people about what a terrific job she does with the Art program on Chebeague - our children are so lucky to have such a dedicated teacher and art program.

Speaking of artists - Gail Miller has some wonderful jewelry she has been creating and now has a top website where you can find it all. I have had so many people contact me how to order Gail's creations and now it's as easy as typing and just in time for Christmas. Her website is: http://www.gailmillerdesigns.com

The fire department recently had an addition of a Smokey the Bear Fire Sign. The sign was done by a fire dept explorer from Cumberland, Don Moody, as part of his eagle scout award. It was totally his project from start to finish, fund raising for lumber, building sign, making arrangements to bring out to island and getting it into place. Check out the picture in the picpage! Also the fire department will be selling Christmas Trees this year again sometime after Thanksgiving.

I just got back from practicing for the Whalers and friends Christmas performance "Repeat the Sounding Joy" the date in the Calendar was wrong - the show will be Friday December 6, 2002 at 7:30 at the Hall to benefit the Hall. There will be refreshment and photos of Island Christmas' past.

On a milder note - today is beautiful and I had the pleasure of taking pictures and making a website for Sara Asch's art class on the island. They are studying biomes and they made some wonderful shelters which they then added to the woods behind the school. They are also in the process of writing poems about their shelters and putting them to music in Mrs. Manion's music class which I will be adding next week.

Dennis Johnson is 14 today!

In Sunday's paper there was a great editorial by David Hill on the proposed Land Bank program.

I am so looking forward to a special event at the Hall on Sunday November 10, 7 PM - THE ORIGINS OF AMERICAN PATRIOTISM: George Washington and the Revolution - Was he a great patriot? How did American Patriotism begin? The library is presenting this lecture by Phil Jordan - Donations will go to the Hall building Fund!

The highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Chebeague's David Hill on the proposed Land Bank program, which if passed will allow anyone in our state concerned about rapid escalation in their property taxes to reduce their assessment and limit increases in it moving forward. The presentation seemed to meet with virtually unanimous enthusiasm.

Another topic of considerable discussion was affordable housing. A group will be studying possible establishment of a Credit Union which would endeavor to offer higher rates to savers and more favorable mortgage terms to affordable housing borrowers.

Property Tax Reform Meeting Presenting the Maine Land Bank Program
developed by residents of Chebeague and Harpswell - Saturday, November 9, 2002 - 3:00 - 5:00 pm - Chebeague Island Hall

A website has been established for statewide legislative initiatives for sustainable tax reform and relief, and Save Our Island will have a community page within the site - the address is: http://home.gwi.net/mainetaxreform

I just received this and I'm not sure when applications need to be in but do it while you think about it. It may not be on the WEB site yet but just fill out the generic application and type in Islands Committee. For more information contact Donna at publicservant1@aol.com
Cumberland Islands Committee
Committee Vacancies:

The Cumberland Town Council is accepting applications from interested residents who wish to serve on this reactivated committee whose mission will be to consider the various issues relating to the islands of Cumberland, and to recommend strategies for addressing these issues. Areas for consideration include, but are not limited to, environmental, economic, transportation, land use, solid waste, recycling, coastal access, public health, affordable housing and infrastructure development or improvement. For more information, or to request an application form, call Carla Nixon, Assistant Town Manager at 829-2205 The application form can be downloaded from www.cumberlandmaine.com and mailed to Cumberland Town Hall, 290 Tuttle Road, Cumberland, ME 04021.

Message from CRC:
1) Annual Halloween Party at the Hall - sponsored by the Chebeague Parents Association - will take place this Saturday, October 26th from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. The starting time is earlier than past years so please make a note of it. All children are welcome. As always, there will be a costume parade on stage, games like Bobbing for Apples and Donuts on Strings, and the famous Cake Walk.

2) Annual Teen Scavenger Hunt - sponsored by the Chebeague Teen Center - will take place following the party, starting from the Hall at 8:00 pm. Teens are invited to see a big-screen movie in the Rec. Center after the Scavenger Hunt. Virginia and Leah still need some adult drivers to help with the hunt, so please call us at 846-5068 if you'd like to help.

Thanks for your time and have a safe and happy Halloween.October 22, 2002 - Message from Tommy at the transfer station: "as of 10/27 we go on winter hours, meaning NO more fridays, we close at 4;00 on Wed, Sat, and Sun. Also, don't forget to change batteries in all smoke detectors soon, also check your chimneys, stove pipes, thanks Tommy"

Donations are optional. Proceeds from the dance go to the soup kitchen at Preble Street Resource Center in Portland...Cassidy is asking for donations in lieu of gifts.

Donations are optional. Proceeds from the dance go to the soup kitchen at Preble Street Resource Center in Portland...Cassidy is asking for donations in lieu of gifts.

This Friday evening at the Hall is a special musical presentation by the Island Instititue fellows - which will benefit the Hall.

Congratulations to Kimberly Bogle who received her Doctorate in Sports Administration from Florida State University. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Springfield College.

Sports are in full swing with the island Children this season. Mia Taliento scored in her first field hockey game in Junior High. Nate Martin is making touchdowns in every game he has. Darya and Arianna are involved on the Wildfire Soccer Team for Sixth grade AYSO soccer. Dennis Johnson is on the Junior High Soccer team and George Birkett is playing soccer for NYA. John Summa is playing football along with Chris Martin and Brad Martin. Bradley Putnam is doing Cross Country. We also have Anna Maine, Julia Maine, Alissa Hamilton, David Hamilton, Conrad Birkett, Casidy Jeffers, Caroline Summa are also playing soccer for AYSO a couple of times a week at Twinbrooks. Now that I've started listing everyone - I'm sure I'm missing lots of people.

Last weekend we had the pleasure of having the North Shore Selkies Syncronized Swimimg Team sponored by the Massachusetts YWCA here for the week end. They practiced at the CRC pool 9-12, and 4-6 and put on a free show between 5:30 and 6:00 pm on Saturday. The two coaches are Becky and Kristna, and the six girls were Amy, Ellie, Liz, Mary, Molly, and Grace. Molly and Grace Frank and Marriane Durgin's grandchildren. We have a few pictures of their visit and show.

Mark your calendars for Monday, September 16th! The Chebeague Island Historical Society is presenting a lecture "Remember the Maine" by noted Maine historian, Joel Eastman. There is a fascinating segment of history to remember and all are invited to join the Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Hall.

The Island Institute has started a list service having to do with island property taxes. To post messages, send an email to islandpropertytaxes@islandinstitute.org - messages will automatically be sent to all subscribers. Subscription is ongoing just contact Island Institute and they'll subscribe you.

Nathan Michaud
Program Officer for Community Planning
Island Institute
Rockland, Maine 04841
(207) 594-9209
nmichaud@islandinstitute.org

The well drillers "Hansens Well Drilling" will be coming to the island on Monday to start drilling on Tuesday. Anyone else interested in a well should contact me or better Sue Hansen Smith at 839-3293.

Since I put the information about the Wagoneer's CD on the web I have been listening to it and love it - it brings back so many memories and I wanted to add that Chip Emery did a wonderful job putting it all together. I almost got Stephen to dance with me - maybe next time.

Saturday was the 2nd Annual triathlon at the rec center - Congratulations to all the participants. Receiving trophies and doing an incredible work were Matt McDonough, Brian McDonough, Rory McCullom, Nora Bisharat, Christy Phipps, and Alissa Hamilton. Each one of the participants swam for a 1/4 mile, biked for 5 miles and ran 2 miles. At the festivities on Saturday the Library drew the winning raffle ticket for Linda White's beautiful quilt which we have all been admiring at the Library. The winner was Lori Cavanaugh from Denmark, Maine who has been a summer visitor for the last few years staying with the Brad and Pam Smith. The library still has for sale note cards and posters showing the magnificent work of Linda for more information on these click here (these would make great gifts for Christmas)

The Chebeague Recreation Center presented it's volunteer of the year award to Carol White on Saturday. Carol has volunteered for the past four years doing Lobster Camp. She also thanked Bob Putnam for all his help in making the camp so successful.

Last Sunday night the Wagoneer's released their first CD at the Chebeague Inn with a standing room only crowd of well wishers. The CD, titled "time slips away," has some old favorites such as "Crazy", "Louise", "Be Bop A Lula", "Casco Bay"... You may get your copy by contacting Marlene and Med at medmarlenebowen@aol.com.

August 18th was the Firehouse open house and John Maxon won the door prize, which was a punt made by Bob Dyer! Kim has sent me photos from this wonderful event:

T-Pollack will be playing at the Island Hall on September 7, 2002, at 9pm. To celebrate the marriage of Matthew Stewart and Stacy KomLosy. All are welcome! BYOB

Don't forget tonight "The Island Bridge" discussion at the Historical Society meeting at the Hall.

The Chebeague Island Historical Society is holding its next general meeting on Monday, August 19th at 7:30 p.m. at the Island Hall. The topic of this
month's meeting is "The Island Bridge - The Chebeague-LittleJohn Island Bridge Proposal of 1957-63". Beth Howe and Mac Passano will present the program, and all are invited to attend.

Property Tax Meeting #4: Wednesday, August 21 at 7:00 at the CIHCC. At this meeting you will learn from an expert about ways to reduce and manage your property tax: Steve Dill of Wells Fargo will explain reverse mortgages. If you're 62 or over, a reverse mortgage may be a good solution for you. Also on the agenda: How do exemptions work? How do I know I qualify? What tax relief programs am I eligible for? Who can help me? What's next? ($2/person charge collected at the door is intended to cover expenses for Hall, printing, postage, etc.)

I have made another box above dedicated to SAVE THE ISLAND - property tax meeting information and newsletter. Also another good article which highlights our tax situation is http://www.portlandphoenix.com/archive/features/02/08/16/feat_chebeague.html

Congratulations to Merrill Hall, who came in second on August 3,in The Masters' Division at Southeastern USA Strongman, held in Lakeland, Florida, and qualified for The Masters' Nationals.

The next property tax abatement meeting will be held on Thursday, August 15 at 7:00pm at the Hall.
Partial agenda includes:
* Save Our Island--goals and progress to date.
* The abatement process--the major steps of the process and how it will help save our island.
* Where can I get more information about abatement?
* Who can help me? What do I need to do?
( Please note there is a nominal $2.00 per person charge at the door to cover expenses for Hall janitorial services, printing, postage, and long-distance phone calls.)

The CRC Ship Rec Party and Treasure Island Golf Tournement is this Wednesday - get your tickets early for the party ($20 adulets, children 18 and under $10) at the door you will have to pay $25 and $12 I think) - I don't know if there is still room in the golf portion of the tournement - but you could call 846-5068 to find out.

One of the most important emails is from Boopie and the committee for tax reform. Please click here for information from the committee - very important!. Includes information about petitions, committees, and meetings.

Legislators Turner and McKenney will appear Wednesday, August 7, at 7PM at Town Hall in Cumberland to discuss property taxes.

Dave Hill is appearing on "So Goes the Nation" to discuss property taxes not only on Chebeague, but on Maine islands in general. Dave's intent is to spread our word and show our problem is also a state-wide issue, consistent with our long-term goals. He is joining Charles Horne on WCKD Bangor 30, which is Adelphia Cable channel 10, in affiliation with ABC 7. (Look out, Matt Lauer!) The program will air on Friday morning, August 9, from 8-8:45. door for these public meetings.

Wednesday night the Stone Pier Committee had a meeting at the Parish House with the Town to discuss possible solutions to the parking and wharf conjestion. Please contact the committee members with your comments and go to the next meeting which I think is August 15th.

Another date to keep in mind is August 11, 2002 - Jerry Wiles will be presenting another historical figure at the Chebeague Hall Community Center. "Would the Real JFK stand up". 7:30 at the Hall a lively discussion about John Fitzgerald Kennedy will take place. Donations to the Hall for their building addition fund will be gladly excepted for this event.

A note from the Fire Chief Tom Calder: "Its very very important to tell the 911 dispatcher whose house you are renting,, and also the name of the person who USE to own the home when making an emergency call, there have been two recent calls with confusion about the address, it could cost very valuable time"

"GUYS AND DOLLS" is being performed by the Chebeague Players this weekend. Get your reserved tickets early at the Recreation Center (you will be able to buy at the door if there is room). Show starts at 8 pm at the Hall. Performances are this weekend! What great songs, characters and story - you won't want to miss it.

Late breaking news bulletin: The Historical Society regrettably has cancelled the Clambake scheduled for Wednesday, July 24th.

The main fundraiser for this year for the Chebeague Recreation Center will be happening on August 14 - Treasure Island Golf Tournement followed by the Ship "Rec" Party. You don't have to play golf to participate in the Ship "Rec" Party. Remember how much fun we all had at the "Good Bad and Ugly" golf and howdown - well this will also be a fabulous time!! The Don Campbell band will be there for entertainment and the food and fun will be everywhere. Get your tickets early. For more information check out the signs and or web page. The electric car will be raffled during the party so get your tickets.

Last night was the Summer Music Camp Concert - Special thank you to Alison Manion who organized, set up and came every Monday to teach many of the island children Violin, Cello, Piano and Guitar. Caroline Partlow assisted her with a wonderful arts and crafts program when the children weren't working on their instruments.

1) Save Our Community - Chebeague needs you - Now! 20 volunteers needed now to move this effort forward - Requires committing time and effort now and over the long haul in the following areas: formal organization, extensive research, media relations, widespread communications, database and website coordination and maintenance (Computer literacy and specific software needed for only some of these)
Contact Boopie on/before Sunday, July 21, at btelllds@gwi.net or call evenings 846-9329

2) ALERT! Town Council to vote Monday, July 22, on acceptance of current revaluation results. Be there! Town council members to contact besides Donna Damon who is already very involved:

Jeff Porter, Chair 2005 829-4129 37 Crossing Brook Road
Stephen Moriarty, Vice 2004 829-5095 34 Blanchard Road
Bill Stiles 2005 829-6679 494 Range Road
Mark Kuntz 2003 829-6482 66 Blackstrap Road
Harland Storey 2003 829-3939 45 Middle Road
Michael Savasuk 2004 781-3061 26 Stoney Ridge Road

I have been having a lot of trouble getting information online - it seems my server has been down a lot lately - sorry about that - I'm also pretty busy!

A reminder that tonight is the Historical Society meeting on the Stone Wharf PAST at the Island Hall.

Portland Press Herald article reporting on the Monday Night Meeting.

The Chebeague Island Historical Society would like to announce a couple of upcoming events:
"On Wednesday, July 17th, Jim Millinger will present an an illustrated slide talk on the Stone Wharf's PAST ... from business center to parking space. Audience participation is invited to consider its FUTURE as launch pad, storage facility, or recreation center? And some other questions to ponder and discuss: what was in those buildings?...The Stone Wharf? I thought it was the Stone Pier!... Extend it or dredge it: is that the question?... Does it have to be Lobsters OR golf??? The meeting takes place at the Island Hall. All are welcome!

CIHS is also inviting everyone to join in an old-fashioned CLAMBAKE! Just like clambakes of yesteryears, there will be clams, lobsters, and corn, prepared on the beach at Chandler's Cove. There will also be hot dogs and chicken for those who prefer to skip the lobster, but all will be treated to appetizers, punch and desserts as well. So contact Mona Calthorpe at 846-4939 for your tickets, and bring a chair or blanket and join in the fun. The date is JULY 24th, 5 p.m. Lobster dinner $25, chicken and hot dogs $20. (with all the trimmings)."

Tomorrow night (July 8th) will be PROPERTY TAX MEETING #2 at the Hall at 7pm. The purpose of this second highly interactive meeting will be to identify alternatives that potentially and collectively accomplish substantial Tax Reform and Relief. All Cumberland voters and property owners concerned with skyrocketing property taxes (their own or their neighbor's) and who want to be actively involved in bringing about change and improvement are encouraged to attend.

Tom Calder wanted me to remind everyone that the transfer station cannot except paint in its liquid form, it must be dried up with either kitty litter or leaving the cans open in a safe place, anyone with questions can call him at the transfer station 846-4509.

Don Campbell Band will be performing on Wednesday, July 3 at the Chebeague Island Hall & Community Center from
8:30-11:30 pm! They are going to have a BYOB dance/concert and tickets are $10 - available by calling them at their Portland office 774-2471 - some tickets may be available at the door too. For more info on the band, people can visit www.doncampbellband.com

Also that night Mark Dyer's group "Southbound" will be playing at the Chebeague Inn which I believe starts around 9:30. It's a great way to see two great bands of different styles.

The 25th annual Chebeague Island 4th of July Road Race will be at 9 am for the FREE "FUN RUN" mile+ - ribbons and popsicles for all finishers. The 4.2 MILE RACE is at 10 am. Trophies for top three male and female finishers 14 and under, 40 to 49, 50 - 59, 60 and over (New this year) entry Fee is $6.00 - rain or shine. For more information or to volunteer your time contact Beth or Michael Grunko at 846-6047 or 617 666-1997.

I have added some more information from the Chebeague Yacht Club so please check it out.

Bulky weekend at the dump will be Aug 2, 3 and 4, there will still be a charge for items containing freon and a charge for building debris.

The following is a copy of the legal notice which was in the Portland Press Herald:

State of Maine Department of Transportation
Notice of Public Informational and Scoping Meeting in Yarmouth regarding the proposed design and construction of a new transit improvement project on Wharf Road in Yarmouth. The proposed transit improvement project begins at the entrance to the Cousins Island Parking Lot and continues to the pier at the end of Wharf Road.
Wednesday, June 20, 2002
7:00 pm, The Log Cabin
196 Main Street, Yarmouth, Maine

Representatives of the Maine Department of Transportation will be present on the date and time shown above to provide information and gather public comment about the proposed design and construction of a transit improvement project on Wharf Road in Yarmouth.

Any inquiries regarding this project may be directed to the attention of Andy MacDonald, Project Manager, MDOT, Multimodal Program, 16 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0016 or by telephone at (207) 624-3420.

School Picnic was last Monday and Kim Munroe took some great pictures.

IMPORTANT: Public Meeting Thursday, June 20th 7:00 PM at the Hall

The Cumberland Assessor and members of the revaluation committee will conduct a public meeting to help islanders understand the information on their assessment cards. This is an opportunity to ask general questions, but it is not the time to ask questions about your specific property. Please call Vision Appraisal to make an appointment ASAP, but you may want to make your appointment for after the 20th so that you will have more information.

As you all know the school budget was turned down the first time around. The new vote on the budget which is now $500,000 less will be June 4th. MSAD51 will provide transportation to the meeting so that all citizens in the District can participate. Nearly 80% of your tax money goes to the SAD. The hearing is held in a Town Meeting format. Everyone votes on the budget, not just the Board members. Residents can ask questions and make motions from the floor just like the old Town Meetings. Get there early as a standing room only crowd is expected. We have an excellent school system and our children receive a great education. Come and find out how your tax money is spent.

Tax assessments are in the mail. Make sure the information on your card is accurate. For more information please call Donna Damon 846-5140 or email publicservant1@aol.com. There was an article about the revaluation and its effects on Chebeague in yesterdays Sunday paper. It featured a great photo of Marjorie and Wilburt Munroe.

Please remember that you should never open up an email from anyone unless the subject and information makes sense. I have been getting a lot of weird emails from people I know and don't know which are obviously not from them. fortunately they haven't had any virus' but you never know.

Wednesday night at 6:20 we had a tree fall across a power line near the Cobbler Shop and the strain caused two poles to snap off. The whole island and Cliff and Long were out. CMP came right down and got the power restored by 11:30 that night. At 5:00 in the morning they had a pole truck barged over and then yesterday had two new poles installed I think that shows pretty good service.

Next Monday night the Historical Society will be having their annual Cemetery tour. Meet at the Parish House at 7 pm.

I should have mentioned that you can register to get raffle tickets for the electric car right on David's website - it sure makes it easy to get them.

This past weekend Greely High School competed in the Maine Principals Association State Science Fair at the University of Maine in Orono. Chebeague Island was well represented and some of the winners were Thomas Damon with First Place-physics/projectiles "The Trebuchet," Tyler Putnam - Second Place - Human Biology "The Effect of Monitor Refresh Rates on Normal Blinking Patterns;" and Jennifer Tonks (Rick and Cissi's daughter) First Place - physics/heat and air movement "How Does Sail Shape and Wind Speed Effect the Power Provided by the Sail?" Congratualations Tom, Tyler and Jennifer!!!

The Town Budget Hearing is Monday, May 13 at 7 at the Town Hall. The proposed budget vote will be on May 23th.

Congratulations to Katy Kennedy who has had her first novel published. You can buy it through Amazon.com and it is also available at the library. I found a page with some wonderful reviews.

I will be updating the library page tomorrow. I'm sure there is a lot more news to report on. The kids in Mrs Smith class had major projects due today which has kept many families busy over the last few weeks. I will be reporting on their projects when they give their presentations and skits for the community. On April 11th the Recreation Center had a gymnastics exhibition showcasing our wonderful gymnasts who have been studying hard under the direction Bob Libby who has been volunteering his expertise. Kim Munroe (my faithful photojournalist) sent me some pictures of the children which you can see here.

Today the upper class of the Chebeague Island School went on a field trip to Fort Weston and then came back to Cumberland where they performed in front of the students from Mabel Wilson School. The pictures I got weren't the best but I have added them to the pic page as well! Next week they will be travelling to Augusta where they will be meeting Governer King and then playing their violins at the State House! Yippee - what a wonderful program this has been.

I have just added this years list of Historical Society Events to their page - so check it out and mark your calendars.

Beth Howe is working on the 2002-2004 Chebeague Phone Book and would appreciate any additions, changes or corrections that anyone may have? They can call me at (207) 846-7829, write to RR 1 Box 634, Chebeague or email to mpassano@earthlink.net.

Last summer I seem to have lost or misplaced our Panasonic Camcorder in a square black camera case - I have looked everywhere and the last time I used (I think) was for rehearsals at South Pacific - I have a few more places to look but possibly someone may have picked it up by mistake or has seen it somewhere -I may have even leant it someone - What a memory I don't have!

Mark your calendar for a Corned Beef and Cabbage supper at the Hall March 16th - thanks to Cindy Riddle for organizing these wonderful community events which greatly benefit our Community Center. I will be posting more information soon.

There was a wonderful article in the Times Record about Scott Webber, teacher and band member which you can see here. It is a image so it will take a few seconds to load.

Kim Munroe just sent me some great pictures of the concert which I have added to the Music Concert Page.

Note from May Hall: "FREE CONTRA DANCE - Chebeague Island Hall - Chebeague Island, ME. With the Mere Mortals and Bennett Steward calling Sunday, February 17, 2002 12:30-1:30 pot luck 1:30-4:30 dance. In celebration of May Hall's 30 something (??) birthday. CHILDREN WELCOME!!!! Transportation from both ferries will be provided. For ferry schedules, call CTC (Yarmouth) at 846-3700, Casco Bay Lines (Portland) 774-7871. Hope to see you there. RSVP 846-3677 or by e-mail (maywicca@aol.com)."

Denis J and John Summa had their basketball team to the island today to scrimmage and celebrate their great year. The Sonics loved coming here and they all had a great time. I have added some shots of their last game and todays celebration.

Happy Birthday to Ruth Slowik who turned 80 today! Here is a photo of Ruth with her daughter Dianne.

I have just added some pictures on the pic page taken by Kim of the children tubing on Thompson's Hill.

One of the Cumberland Fire Dept. Explorers on the mainland, Don Moody, ( The mainland Post now includes any Island Explorers) is going for
his Eagle Scout badge and the project he has chosen to do to get his badge is make a sign for the Island Fire Dept. The sign will include Chebeague Island on it and be be used to post the daily fire class danger for the day. Any one looking for more info can contact Bill Calthorpe or Deputy Chief Tom Calder.
Don wrote: " What I will be doing is working with The Boy Scout troop 58 and the Cumberland Fire Department to construct a Smokey The Bear fire danger sign for the residents of Chebeague Island. I will be doing that as an Eagle Scout project to help me earn the rank of eagle." Attached is a picture of the sign.

I have added a few photos from Kim of violin practice at the library and oversized snowballs on the ballfield. I am going to be deleting photos from the picpage over the next few weeks and some of the old sites which are taking up lots of space. If someone is looking for something from the past I will store articles and photos on my computer and will gladly look for them for you.

UPDATE: Here are a few photos from the Polar Bear Plunge - I only have a few - I hope other people took some. We didn't have as many plungers as other year but I'm sure we raised lots of money - I will report on that later. The results of the Chili Challange - first place Brenda Helbig, 2nd place Mona Calthorpe, The chowder challenge - first place Bruce Hutchinson and Judy Scott, second place Megan Murphy CONGRATULATIONS!

There is a Hall supper scheduled for February 2nd - more details to come!

Carol Jean Todd Sabasteanski is 50 today! Belated Happy Birthdays to Bruce Tompkins, Wink Houghton, Vickie Taliento, Glenn Ross, David Miller, ...

On another note Med Bowen has retired at Deputy Chief Cumberland Fire Dept/Chebeague Isl. after l0 years as head. He has been replaced by Tom Calder, new Deputy chief. There will be a public reception for Med at the Island Hall on Jan. 26, 6 to 8 p.m. Everyone welcome to express their thanks to Med.

Next weekend is the CRC's Winter Carnival starting Friday night at 7pm with the annual Talent Show (sign up with you act with Virginia). Saturday at Noon is the Annual Polar Plunge followed by the Chili and Chowder Challenge at 1 pm. Saturday night Flaymin Raymin and Sizzlin Susan Family Dance from 8 to 11. I think the charge is $5 per person. Kids five and under are $1. Sunday there are plans for a hockey game (ice permitting) at 12:30 and later (snow permitting) snow softball at 2:30.

Nobody even told me I had the wrong year till today!

I need to remind everyone that the Polar Plunge is coming upon us quickly, Saturday, January 19th 12pm. I will be posting a list of the people who have already signed up so you can contact them with your pledges. Dennis and I will be doing the plunge again this year - it will be our fourth time.

The library has a short film by Jason Kessler (Gabby Tracy's son) entitled, Q. What's Wrong With This Picture? The film is related to the events of September 11. They invite you to view it and let them know what you think so they can give Jason some feedback.

Today my family and friends traveled around the island from one event to another and I was able to get some pictures. Our first stop was the Holly Berry Bake Sale at the Library. We have already eaten the banana bread, half way through the most delicious Blue Ribbon Apple Cake made with fresh apples and orange juice made by Jean Whittaker. The other favorite which I got some last year was the citris peel candy which Beth Howe makes - my grandmother always brought it to me for Christmas. The punch they served was the best I have ever had (cinnamon, cloves, cranberry, orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice and gingerale...)- Mona Calthorpe said she would email me the recipe. The real decorated minature tree was won by Anne Thaxter. We left the Library and went to the Island Commons where everyone had put out a wonderful spread. I have a few pictures from the Commons. From there we went to Miller Designs Open House where she taught the children all about her business and gave them some hands on experience on creating some of her ornaments, napkin rings, earings, etc. Of course I took some pictures and you can see them here.

Donna Damon just emailed me thatThe Building cap issue will be on the Town Council agenda on Monday, December 17. The meeting is in Cumberland at 7 pm.

The Library will have some of the left overs from the bake sale on sale at the library tomorrow night. So after people go to the Historical Society pot luck supper and Christmas Party which starts at 6 pm they can stop by the library and see what is left or maybe pick something up on the way.

Tom wanted to let everyone know that the Fire Department has donated the tree again this year for the Stone Pier in the spirit of giving and in memory of "Lukie" Ross.

Holly Berry Bake Sale at the Library will be Sunday, December 16 from 11 am - 1 pm.

Just received an email from Gail Miller of Miller Designs who wants everyone to know she is having a Holiday Studio Hours at her home studio Saturday, December 15, 10-4 and Sunday December 16th, 10-2 or by appointment - call her at 846-4369.

Today is Flu Shot Clinic at the Hall from 8:45-11:30 am - bring insurance card.

It has been difficult finding time especially now that I have three children doing instant messenger and internet homework (that's what they tell me).

A couple of important notes to announce: The Bean Supper which was planned for this Saturday has been canceled - Cindy and the Hall plan on setting up one for sometime in January. The CTC FREE shopping day boats are this Saturday the 8th and then on Saturday, December 15th. Any teens planning on doing the Teen Mall Crawl this Saturday should let Virginia know right away. The Whalers and friends have been practicing for their Christmas Concert which is Saturday the 15th. This show looks to be hilarious - you won't recognize me I hope in one of the acts (the more makeup and costuming the more relaxed am I). The Holly Berry Bake Sale at the Library will be December 16 from 11 am - 1 pm. You will be able to see the beautiful quilt created and donated by Linda White. Also available are full size posters and note cards of this quilt. It's on display at the Library. (I will be posting more information soon)

The CPA Children's Christmas Party is at the CIHCC, 7pm on December 22.

NEWS FROM JULY 9, 2000 THROUGH DECEMBER 2000

NEWS FROM JANUARY 2000 THROUGH JUNE 2000

NEWS FROM AUGUST 1999 THROUGH DECEMBER 1999

NEWS FROM APRIL 1999 THROUGH JULY 1999

NEWS FROM DEC 24 1998 THROUGH MARCH 30 1999

NEWS FROM OCT 98 THROUGH DEC 21 1998

NEWS FROM JUNE 98 THROUGH SEPT 98

NEWS FROM FEB 98 THROUGH MAY 98

NEWS FROM DEC 97 THROUGH JAN 98

NEWS FROM OCTOBER THROUGH NOVEMBER 1997

NEWS FROM MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1997

NEWS FROM FEBRUARY THROUGH APRIL 1997

NEWS FROM DECEMBER 1996 AND JANUARY 1997

I would love to have any news, poetry, stories to add to my news page so please email with anything you think would be of interest to islanders around the world - yes Singapore, Egypt, Mediterranean, Boston etc. checking out the news page everyday! So please email me at bjohnson@nlis.net
Click on the picture to go to
Chebeague Island Anchor Page

The number of hits on the page depends on whether you access the page through the old address which was started in 97 or the new way using chebeague. org which means as of May 5, 1999.