Livermore Falls highlights and beyond, January to June 2024
The first half of 2024 in Livermore Falls and surrounding communities was marked by educational advancements, vibrant community events, and milestones celebrating local resilience and progress.
Read the full story at the Sun Journal website here.
January – Livermore selectpersons voted to change technology service providers in January. Expenet Technologies in Farmington had been providing these services. Administrative assistant Carrie Judd remarked, “Expenet is feeing Livermore to death, they are very pricy.” Livermore had been operating on a month-to-month arrangement with Expenet. Judd noted that the estimated cost for a new server through Expenet ranged from $12,000 to $15,000, while Kyocera Document Solutions offered a price of approximately $8,500.
Fidium Fiber, a brand of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc., announced plans to expand its services to over 6,800 homes and businesses across Livermore, Wilton, Chesterville, Dixfield, Fayette and Jay. Construction began Tuesday, Jan. 2, with additional work planned for the coming weeks. Fidium Fiber communicated through an email construction alert, expressing appreciation for residents’ patience during the upgrades to 100% fiber internet. Representatives from Fidium planned to visit neighborhoods, distribute mailers and door hangers, and provide construction updates to residents and local officials. The email also stated that residents could sign up to be notified when the service became available.
Livermore selectpersons reached a consensus to propose a $5,000 budget addition to the Budget Committee to support a summer recreation program attended by local children. The program, held at the Area Youth Sports Building in Livermore Falls, had previously been funded primarily by Livermore Falls, which allocated $38,000 last year. Jay contributed $13,000, but Livermore had not funded the program in the past. Selectperson Scott Richmond highlighted that 33 children from Livermore participated last year. Although efforts to make the program free for parents were postponed, officials anticipated parents paying $50 for the first child and $30 for each additional child this year
At the Regional School Unit 73 board meeting Jan. 11, held at Spruce Mountain High School, Roger Moulton of Livermore Falls voiced concerns about inappropriate reading materials in school libraries and bullying. Referencing a previous debate about the book Gender Queer, Moulton presented an image from the book he deemed illegal and inappropriate, claiming it depicted an act of pedophilia. He expressed frustration that changes had not been made to address such materials. Moulton requested that library materials be screened by the board and a parent group, emphasizing parental rights to oversee their children’s reading. He acknowledged that some books with LGBTQ themes could be appropriate and suggested prioritizing such materials over others. Additionally, Moulton remarked on the prominence of rainbow symbols at Spruce Mountain, noting that the school’s Gay Straight Alliance [GSA] was its largest extracurricular group.
February – Regional School Unit 73 board of directors approved the formation of a wrestling program at Spruce Mountain Middle School, set to begin in 2025. Chair Robert Staples had asked Mike Danforth, wrestling commissioner and coach for Area Youth Sports, to present the request. Staples, whose son and granddaughter were wrestlers, supported the initiative. Danforth shared his experiences, noting how wrestling taught him self-reliance and perseverance. He emphasized the value of the sport in building character and offering purpose to youth in the towns of Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls. Danforth highlighted the AYS Sprawlers wrestling team, which included 33 youth, 10 of whom were middle school-aged. He noted that some participants aged out of the program with no alternative. Danforth expressed his goal to engage students in wrestling not only to build champions but to foster community engagement.
Turtletopia child care, a new home day care in Jay, opened its doors, offering services Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day care, run by University of Maine Farmington graduate Tabitha Witherell, provided a play-based learning environment for children aged two and older, including outdoor play, arts and crafts and meals. Witherell, certified in first-aid and CPR, aimed to finalize programs to ensure healthy meals for the children and to accept subsidy and food grant programs. Witherell, who had spent much of her life caring for children, shared her passion for working with kids, rooted in her experience as the second oldest of five siblings. After working with adults in the field of developmental disabilities and mental health for a decade, Witherell returned to Maine to focus on family and her day care business.
Linda and Lou Lyman of Livermore, who had been married for almost 56 years in February, credited trust and communication for their enduring relationship. “We took our vows seriously,” Linda said, noting the importance of discussing everything they did together. The couple, who met at church in 1965 and married in 1968, reflected on their early days and honeymoon trip to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The Lymans emphasized the value of talking things out and never arguing as keys to their successful marriage
The proposed budget for Regional School Unit 73 for the 2024-25 school year reflected a 6.3% increase, Superintendent Scott Albert informed the board Feb. 8. The total budget was $24.67 million, an increase of $1.46 million over the current spending plan. Albert explained that positions previously funded by ESSER III grants accounted for 2.1% of the increase, while special education needs contributed an additional 1.3%. Another 0.6% of the budget was allocated for costs associated with the Family and Medical Leave Act, which required $147,000 to be included. Administrators from each school and department presented key changes for their respective areas, as the board reviewed the budget for the upcoming school year.
March – Washburn-Norlands Living History Center in Livermore was awarded $3.5 million from the federal government in March to restore the 140-year-old library and the meetinghouse, and to create an exhibit about the Washburn family on the 400-acre working farm. The grant included adding a small welcome center in the storage barn with bathrooms, a gift shop, and an exhibit about the Washburn family, Ashley Heyer, Washburn Norlands Foundation/Living History Center president, said.“People got so overwhelmed by the story; there was so much to it,” Heyer said. She highlighted the accomplishments of the Washburn brothers, including antislavery advocacy, reconstruction, and securing rights and liberties in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. “It’s a story we hadn’t had the space to tell, that is so important today,” she added.
Livermore selectpersons approved the demolition of a house at Spruce Mountain Ski Area in Jay, pending review by the town’s attorney. The ski area and its buildings are owned by Jay, Livermore, and Livermore Falls, while the Spruce Mountain Ski Club owns the equipment and operates the slope. Ben Guild of Livermore, a member of the ski club’s board, offered to handle the demolition using his excavator. The project sought leftover fill from town projects and required approval from all three towns due to limited time to clear and store the house’s contents. The house, described as being in terrible condition with no water or heat, a caving kitchen ceiling, and needing a new roof, was deemed a liability and a financial drain due to insurance costs. The Jay Select Board approved the demolition on Feb. 26.
Livermore selectpersons discussed updating the town’s comprehensive plan. Selectperson Scott Richmond believed an earlier plan had been created in the early 2000s. It was noted that a comprehensive plan was adopted on June 12, 2008, at the annual town meeting. Resident Joel Gilbert, president of the Jay/Livermore/Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce, shared that the chamber was focusing on economic development and could assist in the planning process. He suggested that Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments [AVCOG] could help increase community involvement. Gilbert outlined the first step as requesting updated data from the state, with assistance from Erica Bufkins, AVCOG’s land use and transportation planner. The process would include forming a committee of 12-15 people, conducting a survey with AVCOG’s support, and breaking into smaller groups to address specific areas before compiling the plan.
The Jay Regional School Unit 73 board of directors voted seven to five, to allow the book Rick to remain in the Spruce Mountain Elementary School library. Voting to keep the book were Jay directors Elaine Fitzgerald, Tina Riley, Robert Staples, and Chantelle Woodcock, along with Livermore Falls directors Robin Beck, Lenia Coates, and Phoebe Pike. Opposing the decision were Jay director Jodi Cordes, Livermore Falls director Don Emery, and Livermore directors Holly Morris, Tasha Perkins, and Andrew Sylvester. Joel Pike of Jay was absent, as were student representatives Skylar Condon and Avery Ryder. Concerns about the book’s content were raised at the Jan. 25 meeting. Community members, staff, and directors discussed the book, age-appropriate materials, and the implications of banning books.
April – The Livermore Select Board finalized a five-year agreement with Pine Tree Waste Inc., a subsidiary of Casella Waste Systems, to handle transportation of waste, recyclables, and other materials from the transfer station. The proposals for three- and five-year terms began at the same price, with cost increases tied to either the consumer price index or 5%, whichever was greater. Administrative Assistant Carrie Judd noted transportation to Maine Waste-to-Energy in Auburn would cost $375 per trip, with additional disposal fees of $75 to $95, depending on the material. Chair Mark Chretien strongly supported the five-year term, remarking, “I think we would be crazy to do it for three.”
Livermore voters on April 23 participated in the annual town meeting by referendum, considering budget figures, electing officials, and deciding on a backhoe purchase. Selectpersons Brett Deyling and Jeremy Emerson, as well as RSU 73 Director Andrew Sylvester, ran unopposed to retain their positions. Voters were also asked to approve spending up to $75,000 on a used backhoe for the Highway Department, as the current one had over 11,000 hours and required significant repairs. “It needs a bunch of work right now,” Selectperson Scott Richmond said. “We need a backhoe but we do not need a brand new one.” Additionally, voters considered an order of discontinuance for Wyman Road.
In a step toward the future, voters in Jay, Livermore, and Livermore Falls approved the $24.6 million budget for RSU 73 on April 23, concluding the budget process for the 2024-2025 school year. The budget reflected a 6.1% increase from the previous year, and voter turnout highlighted community engagement. At the Livermore Falls Fire Station, residents brought children to witness the democratic process, including Rebecca Ouellette, whose daughter Cora Ames received a “future voter” sticker, and Christina LaPointe, who voted alongside her children. The event underscored the value of civic participation in shaping the future of local education.
Leah Burgess, a senior at Spruce Mountain High School, was honored as the Maine Environmental Education Association Student of the Year in Jay. She was set to receive the award on May 10 at the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences. Burgess has been a key contributor to the school’s Envirothon team, which placed as high as 16th internationally in 2023. Beyond competitions, she has engaged in water quality testing, land stewardship, and community outreach events. “It’s all those little environmental things that add up over time,” teacher Rob Taylor said, noting her achievements and dedication to environmental advocacy.
May – At a RSU 73 board meeting in Jay, Roger Moulton of Livermore Falls called for the resignations of three directors, citing concerns over their handling of a motion related to the book Rick in the Spruce Mountain Elementary School library. Moulton alleged pre-meeting discussions about the motion violated district policy and state law. “You are not supposed to devise motions before you are sitting here at the meeting,” he stated. Director Bob Staples countered, “First of all, three is not a quorum. We did not meet. Seven is a quorum.” Moulton’s comments, which included strong language, prompted his removal from the meeting. A note accompanying the video of the meeting acknowledged edits due to language.
At the Regional School Unit 73 board of directors meeting, Superintendent Scott Albert addressed critical factors influencing standardized test scores and staffing challenges. He presented a six-year analysis of staff sick time and personal leave, highlighting this year’s maternity leaves for three primary school teachers and one elementary school teacher, as well as FMLA cases and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on past struggles, Albert said, “Luckily things have gotten kind of back to normal the last couple of years with the COVID days.” Albert emphasized the interplay of teacher and student attendance, test efforts, and home support in affecting standardized test outcomes. “Good strong home support is also needed,” he noted, expressing concerns about the broader issues impacting student success.
The town of Jay was reminded of a haunting chapter in its history. Kimberly Moreau’s disappearance 38 years ago, on May 10, 1986, remains a poignant mystery. Kimberly, then 17, vanished after leaving home in a white Pontiac Trans Am. Her father, Richard Moreau, vowed to continue the search until he finds her or passes away. “The only way I will stop looking is if we find her, or I die,” he declared. The Moreau family’s commitment remains steadfast, introducing a post office box called Kim’s Justice to gather anonymous tips. “All we’re interested in is getting Kim home,” Richard said, offering a $10,000 reward for information. Despite inconclusive developments over the years, including a 2018 property search in Livermore, the family persists, keeping hope alive for answers.
In Livermore Falls, Gayle Long exemplified the spirit of community service. A Moose Hill native, Long returned to her roots in 2006 after a career in healthcare across the US and Europe. Her extensive volunteerism includes serving as secretary, treasurer, and sexton for the Moose Hill Cemetery Association, treasurer for the Moose Hill Free Will Baptist Church, and secretary for multiple local organizations. Beyond administrative work, she volunteers as a pianist, fundraiser baker, and first responder for her neighbor’s Lifeline Emergency Calls, dedicating 15 to 30 hours weekly. Reflecting on her contributions, Long stated, “I am able to provide organizational or musical or culinary support to groups that either didn’t have it already or would have to pay to have the position filled.”
June – The Franklin County Children’s Task Force continued its mission to strengthen families and prevent child abuse with its 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which offered summer enrichment. The program served public and home-schooled students across RSU 73 and surrounding districts, providing daily and weekly activities in arts, STEM, mindfulness, and literacy. “It’s a fun camp, but there is also learning integrated into the fun,” emphasized Renee Whitley, the executive director. The camp, hosted at Spruce Mountain High School, included water activities like sprinklers and play. A $2.2 million grant from the Maine Department of Education supported the initiative, underscoring its educational and recreational value. Crystal Buotte, the new RSU 73 coordinator, joined the team, replacing Milissa Cousins, who transitioned to MSAD 58. Whitley shared her excitement, saying, “We’re really excited to have Crystal Buotte as the new coordinator for RSU 73.”
The Jay Community Center hosted a community night that drew over 100 attendees, highlighting the importance of fostering positive experiences for local families. Organized by Randi Sencabaugh and Father Paul Dumais of St. Rose of Lima Church, the event featured outdoor activities, wood-fired pizza, and a screening of “Kung Fu Panda 4” on a large inflatable screen provided by John Moore of Narrow Gauge Cinemas. Children enjoyed games like touch football and tag before settling down for the movie. Sencabaugh emphasized the need for such events, stating, “There’s nothing around here for children… This was to give the community and the children an opportunity to take that extra energy and put it towards something positive.” The evening was a testament to the community’s collective effort to create meaningful experiences.
At Spruce Mountain Elementary School, outdoor education took center stage with a greenhouse project funded by a $100,000 Rethink Respond Educational Ventures grant awarded in 2022. The staff shared updates on the initiative with Maine Department of Education officials, showcasing its impact on students. The school integrated outdoor learning into its curriculum, enhancing engagement and reducing emotional disturbances. Grants from the Maine Environmental Education Association and Hannaford Helps further supported the program, providing resources like snowshoes and ski pants. Fifth graders in the Good Vibes Club made thank-you cards for the visiting officials, who praised the school’s efforts. “It really is a celebration of what you all put together for ideas and for plans to change the way kids learn,” RREV project director Elaine Bartley said. Teachers Sarah Dyer, Tammy Deering, and Jennifer Stone spearheaded the initiative, integrating the greenhouse project across grade levels.
Spruce Mountain Pharmacy celebrated 15 years of service to the community with a festive gathering. Owner Steve Maki and his staff marked the occasion with food, music, and a thrilling climb up a 95-foot fire truck ladder provided by Jay Fire Rescue. Maki, assisted by firefighters, led the climb before handing the ladder over to pharmacy technician Steve Eng. Belmont Radio’s Matt Gilbert and Mark Poission performed live music, while Bruce Adams manned the grill, cooking hamburgers and hot dogs for attendees. Reflecting on his career, Maki shared how his pharmacy had adapted to increased demand for prescription compounding for both humans and pets. “Compounding has certainly grown since then,” Maki noted. Since opening in 2009, the pharmacy has expanded its services and staff, becoming a cornerstone of local healthcare. Maki, who also serves as president of the Maine Pharmacy Association, expressed pride in his team’s dedication to personalized care.
