7538-R2_ML&P_TownOfBuxton_2019-2020_Web

Town Of Buxton

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Annual Town Report July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020

Dedication of the Annual Town Report

This year has certainly been filled with its share of challenges as we as a community have navigated through the COVID 19 Pandemic. Not since 1918 have our residents been faced with such a threat. Historically, the town report has been dedicated to a resident who has stood out over time for their dedication and community spirit, but because of the extenuating circumstances of the pandemic, we have decided to break with tradition to honor a non- resident. This year’s town report is dedicated to our Fire Chief and EMA Director Nathan Schools. Chief Schools has been Buxton’s Fire Chief since September 2012, York County EMA Director since 2015 as well as President of the York County Fire Chiefs’Association. As EMA Director, Chief Schools immediately took control of the situation and was continually in touch with the Maine CDC and the York County Emergency Management Agency. Through these resources, he was able to devise a strategy to safely guide residents and employees through the most difficult time that many will ever live through. As the FireChief, not only has he navigated theTownDepartments through the day-to-day operations of exposures, quarantines, and positive COVID-19 cases, but he has also worked tirelessly to host the first drive thru vaccination clinic in the state. Buxton Fire-Rescue has administered over 1200 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to the community and surrounding areas and hope to continue in the future. Chief Schools’ leadership, professionalism and care for the community has inspired all that know him. The Town is truly grateful to him for his diligent efforts and would like to thank him. It is with honor and great pleasure we dedicate this year’s Annual Town Report to Fire Chief and EMA Director Nathan Schools for his dedication and outstanding service to the Town of Buxton.

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The Town of Buxton Selectmen’s Report 2019/2020

As with most Maine communities Buxton saw the need to tighten its belt and be conscience of spending where possible. The financial challenges still exist and while we have not seen a lot of growth in our community this past year, we are confident that at some point, it will change. In September 2019, at a Special Town Meeting, the town voted against purchasing a new 2020 E-One Quint Ladder Fire Truck by five votes, so a new option was presented at the November 13 th Special Town meeting and the voters approved the purchase of a used 2001 E-One 75’ Quint Fire Truck. The town is proud to welcome new employees in 2019/2020 who are ready to take on the challenges of their positions. Police Chief Troy Cline welcomed Tammy Jo Girard as the new Court Officer/ Crime Analyst, Kaden Flynn as the part time Animal Control Officer replacing long time Animal Control Officer Adele Jones. He also welcomed Haley Maguire, Eric Marcotte and Olivia Wentworth as new Patrol Officers and Lindsey Joliat as the newest Dispatcher. Berry Memorial Library was excited to announce the hiring of Valerie Messana as their new librarian. Fire Rescue Chief Nathan Schools welcomed Career Captain Christopher Desjardins to his full-time roster. The town was honored to celebrate with Mia Dodge the 25th anniversary of the Buxton Toy Box. The Buxton Toy Box helps children and families every Christmas and this year was no exception. Due to Covid-19 some processes were a little different, but they were still able to provide gifts to 91 children and 39 families. As March of 2020 rolled through, COVID-19 hit the world with a vengeance. It was the largest pandemic since the 1918 Spanish flu. The Governor ordered everyone to follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines. Schools and businesses where closed. Employees had to work from home. All Town of Buxton buildings were closed to the public. This included the Town Hall and the Transfer Station. Only essential workers were allowed to travel. Even the annual town meeting was rescheduled to July 14th and held at the Bar Mills Fire Dept in order to keep everyone six feet away and masked according to the CDC Guidelines. The town was also forced to cancel the annual parade but is hopeful to see it’s return in 2021. The Town of Buxton’s Fire Chief/EMS Director Nathan Schools guided the town through these unprecedented times. The Board of Selectmen would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest thanks and appreciation to all the Town employees and volunteers. We were all presented with a challenge to meet COVID-19 Guidelines and keep the town running as normal as possible. We thank you for making this a great community to live in, you make this Town the best that it can be. We extend our thanks to all. Buxton Board of Selectmen

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_________________________ Chad E. Poitras, Selectman

_________________________ Thomas J. Peters,Selectman

_________________________ Mark J. Blier, Selectman

_________________________ Francis E. Pulsoni

__________________________ David A. Field, Selectman

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In Remembrance The Town of Buxton wishes to remember the residents in our community who passed away last year.

Daniel Lionel Belanger Paulette Lucille Belanger Helen Joan Berry Elizabeth M. Brackett Dana Charles Brown Ray Alan Burnett Lillian Louise Butler Peter William Buzzell Sr. Leonard J. Cantin Jr. Toni Marie Cassidy Joyce M. Cavosora Brooks Alexander Clark Steel Benjamin Crawford Philip Stanley Crozier Richard Keith Deering Sr. Duayne Dennison Richard William Emmons Jerry Wayne Fleming Edith Charlene Garrigan Robert Daniel Gould William Alan Gray William C. Guthzeit Karen Chuilli Hamilton Silas B. Harmon Jr. David E. Hill Sally Jane Hobson Agnes G. Howes Kenneth L. Hunter Roland Earl Jacobsen Jr. Daniel Amie Jordan Harvey Joseph Kane Robert Michael Kennedy

Colleen Jane Langlois Keith Vernan LaRochelle Colleen Anne Lyons Helen Martha McCallum Irene G. Milliken Louise Frances Nason David W. Noyes Randy James Nugent Wendy Jo O’Neil Roy Charles Palmer Margaret Mae Pease Irving Clifford Pendleton Carla Lee Peters Robert D. Pettingill Donald Arthur Pinkham Kenneth Albert Poole Edward Seerest Quarles Norman Eugene Ranger Sr. Calvin Norman Rickman Timothy Robert Sampson Sr. Carol Arlene Sanborn Charles Albert Schaefer Joshua Benjamin Scott Kenneth H. Shaw Sr. Robin Margaret Thayer Barbara Louise Thornton Elizabeth C. Townsend

Laura Platt Trego Linda Lee Tweedie

Patricia Monaghan Verrill Mary Elizabeth Wallace

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Elected Officers, Appointed Officials, Town Employees, Boards, Committees, Commissions and Trustees (Dates shown in parenthesis indicate when term ends, Month & Year)

Elected Officers Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor Chad E. Poitras, Chair (6/21) Thomas J. Peters, Vice Chair (6/22) Mark J. Blier (6/22) David A. Field, Jr. (6/23) Francis E. Pulsoni (6/23) Budget Committee Sheridan W. Bennett, Chair (6/22) Richard H. Emery Jr. (6/23) Richard J. Fitzgerald (6/23) David F. Kessler (6/22) Lindsey A. Atkinson (6/23) Nathan M. Carlow (6/22) Ellen H. Decotiis (6/21) Planning Board Keith A. Emery, Chair (6/21) Christopher Baldinelli, Vice Chair (6/21) Craig S. Lefebvre, Treasurer (6/22) Victoria Hugo-Vidal (6/22) Scott A. Warchol (6/23) Town Clerk John L. Myers, Jr. (6/23) Town Meeting Moderator Hiram R. Davis Tyler D. Ladd (6/21) Tracy, Roger C. (6/22) Scott A. Warchol (6/21) Maine School Administrative District Number Six Directors

Health Officer Chad E. Poitras (12/23) Motor Vehicle Agent and Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Agent Angelia H. Michie Public Access Officer John L. Myers Jr. Selectmen’s Assistant & Welfare Director Krystal L. Dyer John L. Myers, Jr., Deputy Vacancy, Fair Hearing Authority Sub-Registrar for Disposition Permits James Pate (6/21) Chad E. Poitras (6/21) Tax Collector Elizabeth “LeeAnn” A. Pratt Town Treasurer Kimberly Beam Town Departments Business Office John L. Myers Jr., Office Manager Amanda G. Schmechel, Accounts Payable Angela H. Michie, Deputy Town Clerk Elizabeth “LeeAnn” A. Pratt, Tax Collector Ruth M. Scheibenpflug, Assistant Clerk Code Enforcement Officer, Building and Plumbing Inspector Peter Gordon (4/21) Tammy M. Munson, Deputy (4/21) Kandice Talbot, Executive Assistant Kert A. Jackson, Facilities Manager

Sharleen A. Bernard Appointed Officials

Emergency Management Agency Nathan R. Schools, Director (12/23) William C. Roberts Jr., Deputy (12/23)

Recreation Department Nicole M. Welch, Director Grace Bibber, Supervisor Justin D. Cookson, Programmer

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Elected Officers, Appointed Officials, Town Employees, Boards, Committees, Commissions and Trustees (Cont.) (Dates shown in parenthesis indicate when term ends, Month & Year)

Town Departments (continued) Fire-Rescue Department Nathan R. Schools, Chief Jeremy M. Redlon, Assistant Chief Michael Mirisola, Deputy EMS Chief Joanne C. Ward, Executive Assistant Charles Reed, Chaplain William C. Roberts, Deputy EMA Director Gene D. Harmon, Safety Officer Conrad Jellison, Deputy Chief Jacob Freeman, Fire Captain Brandon Redlon, Fire Captain Paul Yarumian, Station 1 Lieutenant Connor Redlon, Station 2 Lieutenant Matt Angus, Station 3 Lieutenant Denise Nessman, EMS Captain Police Administration Chief Troy Cline Frank Costa, Executive Assistant Tammy Jo Girard, Court Officer/Crime Analyst Chaplain Charles Reed Daryen Granata, Evidence Room/Grant Manager Full Time Police Officers

Public Works Department Kevin M. Kimball, Director Michael W. Crockett, Foreman Derek McOsker, Mechanic Charles “Ed” O’Neil Jr. Christopher E. Gaudet Christopher P. Fogg Dale Deering John Skillings Mike Higgins Michael D. Roberts, Winter Seasonal Solid Waste & Recycling Gregory P. Heffernan, Manager Darren M. Mercier, Assistant Manager John “Jack” MacLean, Foreman Thomas S. Meserve, Booth Attendant Gabe “Rocko” Daniels, Part Time Kevlin Danis, Part Time Trevor Perkins, Part Time Voter Registration Ruth M. Scheibenpflug, Registrar (12/22) Jane E. Cummings, Deputy (12/22) Appointed Boards & Representatives Board of Appeals Stephen J. Heroux, Chair (12/22) Peter D. Leavitt, Vice Chair (12/21) Maryjo L. Hanna (12/23) Patrick J. Hanna (12/23) Jeremiah K. Ross, III (12/23) Saco River Cable Committee Mark J. Blier (12/22) Vacancy Saco River Community TV Corp. Brenton R. Hill, Director (12/22) Kyle D. Durkin, Alternate (12/22)

James Bradbury Kody Blackwell

Eric Marcotte Kelsey Jacobs Brad Hancock Darian Pleasant Dispatch Staff Dispatch Supervisor Sydney Lathrop

Daniel McGlincey Sami Campobasso Aubrey Pennell Lindsey Joliat Animal Control Kaden Flynn

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Elected Officers, Appointed Officials, Town Employees, Boards, Committees, Commissions and Trustees (Cont.) (Dates shown in parenthesis indicate when term ends, Month & Year)

Appointed Boards & Representatives, continued Saco River Corridor Commission Sadie L. Cowley (11/22) Benjamin L. Penault (11/22) Jeremy William Miller, Alternate (11/22) Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission General Assembly Member Vacancy Alternate Member Vacancy Voter Registration Appeals Board Joan E. Plummer, Chair (12/22) Bonita J. Usher (Democrat) (2/2013) Charles F. Thurber (Republican) (12/21) Trustees Berry Memorial Library Aerie Cote (12/22)

Town Farm Park Tashia L. Pinkham (12/22) Ruth M. Scheibenpflug (12/23) Vacancy West Buxton Library (Trustees Not Appointed by the Selectmen) Joyce Segee, Secretary Amy Hughes, Librarian Betsy Clay Pinky Hannigan Beth Plummer Bette Robicheaw Lila Wilkins Weymouth Park (Trustees Not Appointed by the Selectmen) Bart McCrum, Chairperson Barry Plummer, Treasurer

Charles A. Elwell Robert C. Elwell

Ansel E. Stevens (12/23) Gloria J. Stevens (12/21) Valerie Messana, Librarian Bonny Eagle Park Sharleen A. Bernard (12/23) Wiley H. Hollen (12/22) Vacancy Carroll Park

Nicholas P. Pinkham Town Committees Business Design Standards

Vacancy Vacancy Vacancy

Cemetery Committee Carrie Johnson (12/21)

Vacancy Vacancy Vacancy Estes Park

Vacancy Vacancy Comprehensive Plan Committee Mark J. Blier, Chair (12/21) Henry W. Huntley (12/21) Clifford W. Thomas (12/21) Keep the Heat on Committee Mark J. Blier (12/22) Gregory P. Heffernan (12/21) Vacancy

Dodge, Mia B. (12/21) Kert A. Jackson (12/22) Vacancy Pleasant Point Park Donna P. Beal (12/21) David A. Field, Jr. (12/22) Julie A. Gamelson (12/24) Gabriel J. Gunning (12/23)

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Elected Officers, Appointed Officials, Town Employees, Boards, Committees, Commissions and Trustees (Cont.) (Dates shown in parenthesis indicate when term ends, Month & Year)

Town Committees, continued Toy Box Mia B. Dodge, Chair (12/21) Carolyn A. Snell (12/22) Vacancy State Senators Senator Donna Bailey Maine Senate District 31 3 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 State Senate Phone: 1-800-423-6900 Senator Stacy Fielding Brenner Maine Senate District 30 3 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 State Senate Phone: 1-800-423-6900

State Representatives Representative Mark J. Blier Maine Representative District 22 State House Phone: 1-800-423-2900 Representative Nathan M. Carlow Maine Representative District 16 2 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 State House Phone: 1-800-423-2900 2 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333

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Buxton Fire-Rescue 185 Portland Road Buxton, ME 04093 Office (207) 929-3099

Chief Nathan Schools, EFO Assistant Chief Jeremy Redlon Deputy Chief Conrad Jellison DeputyChiefMichaelMirisola

Fax (207) 929-3076

Department Website: www.buxtonfr.org

Buxton Board of Selectmen 185 Portland Road Buxton, Maine 04093 Board of Selectmen:

It is my pleasure to submit the 2019-2020 Annual Report on behalf of the Officers and Members of Buxton Fire-Rescue. During CalendarYear 2020 Buxton Fire-Rescue responded to 1,045 incidents, an increase of 4% of the overall call volume. The interesting statistic is that the March-May 2020 call volume was extremely low due to COVID19- Pandemic lockdowns, however throughout the summer months, call volume increased to surpass the previous year overall. I cannot put into words how proud I am of the way the officers and members came together and continued answering emergency calls, remained engaged with weekly meetings, and lifted each other up throughout an overly difficult time. We continue to stand ready for our community. In 2020, BFR experienced the loss of 205 years of Fire-EMS experience due to multiple retirements/resignations, including the following members who have held leadership positions in the department for decades:

• Paid-On-Call Deputy Chief Jamie Grant • Paid-On-Call Deputy Chief Jason Grant • Paid-On-Call Safety Officer Merlyn McLaughlin • Per-Diem Fire/Rescue Captain Christopher Swenson • Paid-On-Call Fire Police Captain Thomas Lindstedt • Numerous other Paid-On-Call and Per-Diem employees

The loss of officers and members in the Paid-On-Call (volunteer) division of the department is difficult on an organization that relies heavily on the folks that live in Buxton and give of their time to help their neighbors. Many reasons for leaving service include retirement, not having time

to give to the department, moving away from town, or priorities in a volunteer’s life. The work of a paid-on-call firefighter is demanding because of initial and annual training requirements set at the state and local level. The men and women of BFR are committed to providing a high-quality service to the community. Thank you to those members that provide so much of their time to help their community.

W orking T o promote and protect the health abd safety of our community and first responders

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Buxton Fire-Rescue 2019-2020 Annual Report

In January of 2020 Buxton Fire-Rescue hired its first career firefighter/paramedic captain, Chris Desjardins. The position was created and approved as part of the 2019-2020 budget process and provides direct supervision for the departments career and per-diemfirefighter/EMT’s andParamedics. The position is a “boots on the ground” position able to handle fire and emergency medical calls. When there are not calls the captain is responsible for coordination of maintenance for the three stations, all apparatus, and equipment, which has taken that responsibility off the shoulders of the paid-on-call officers, allowing them to focus on personnel, training, and other in-service details. During 2020, the following members were promoted to the following paid-on-call positions: • Conrad Jellison to Deputy Chief – Paid on Call Division During the fall of 2019 andwinter of 2020, the department was facedwith an emergency replacement of the department’s ladder truck due to significant maintenance issues that were found during its annual truck and aerial preventative maintenance inspections. Prior to that, the truck’s fire pump was taken out of service due to a failed pump test that would cost thousands in maintenance costs. As a result of the maintenance defects, the 1986 E-One Quint was permanently placed out of service. Throughout the fall and winter, the department worked with the Board of Selectman on a solution to replace the apparatus. In early spring, 2020, the department signed a contract with Greenwood Emergency Vehicles in Brunswick for the purchase and refurbishment of a 2001 E-One HP 75’Quint (pumper/ladder truck). After July 2020 the apparatus was delivered to the department and crews began training to operate the truck both as a pumper and an aerial ladder. The apparatus is housed at the Groveville Station on Turkey Lane and fills the role of a ladder truck, pumper, and rescue truck. The fire engine at the station was reassigned to Chicopee Station, and the 1993 fire engine at Chicopee has been decommissioned. This truck will be seen responding to motor vehicle accidents as it carries the “Jaw of Life”, due to its multi-role responsibility. It will also be seen responding to outside fires, and structure fires. The purchase of this apparatus reduced the department’s capital replacement requirements as it reduced the amount of fire engines the Town has, thus saving future taxes over $500,000. The officers and members of Buxton Fire-Rescue appreciate the support that the community provides us throughout the year. Thank You! Respectfully, • Connor Redlon to Lieutenant – Bar Mills Station • Matthew Angus to Lieutenant – Chicopee Station

Chief Nathan R. Schools, EFO W orking T o promote and protect the health abd safety of our community and first responders

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Buxton Police Department Annual Report January 2020 – December 2020 Chief Troy A. Cline

MISSION STATEMENT “The mission of the Buxton Police Department is to uphold the law fairly and firmly: to reduce crime; to pursue and bring to justice those who break the law; to protect, help and reassure the community: and to be seen to do all this with integrity, common sense, sound judgment, teamwork and respect. We must be compassionate, courteous and patient, acting without fear, favor or prejudice to the rights of others while applying intelligent use of discretion of the law. We need to be professional, calm and restrained in the face of violence and apply only that force which is necessary to accomplish our lawful duty. We must strive to reduce the fears of the public and so far, as we can, to reflect their priorities in the action we take. It is also our mission to strengthen public confidence in the organization, develop and maintain positive relationships with the community and promote the concept of teamwork for the benefit of all, while at the same time promoting a safe and friendly community through proactive enforcement and education. We must respond to well-founded criticism with willingness for change in response to the changing needs of our community. Greetings to all residents and visitors,

This has been quite a year with the COVID-19 pandemic paralyzing the nation. We had to adapt to new ways of doing business while keeping our staff safe at the same time. We worked very closely with all department heads to develop and maintain strong procedures to combat this serious life-threatening virus. Governor Janet Mills enacted numerous, ever changing Executive Orders that we all had to deal with in our own ways. The Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC) placed additional requirements for public safety personnel. Unfortunately, COVID-19 struck two of my officers as well as myself this year. The men and women of the department continued to provide the very best services to our citizens even with the staffing shortages here and there. I am excited to announce that all police department staff have now received the COVID-19 vaccinations. I would like to thank Tammy Jo Girard for taking the lead on all COVID related issued. She did an outstanding job of handling this task. I hired several new officers in 2020 to fill vacancies and have listed them below: 1. Chief Troy A. Cline 2. Executive Assistant Fausto Costa 3. Court Officer/ Analyst TammyJo Girard 4. Chaplain Charles Reed 5. Evidence Room Manager Daryen Granata

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Chief Troy A. Cline Executive Assistant Fausto Costa Court Officer/ Analyst TammyJo Girard Chaplain Charles Reed Evidence Room Manager Daryen Granata

Each of these officers will be required to attend the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (BLETP) soon. Crime

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Buxton Police Department Annual Report January 2020 – December 2020 Chief Troy A. Cline

At the time that this report was written, I am pleased to announce that the Buxton Police Department is at full staff, nine (9) sworn. As always, we appreciate all the support we have received fromour citizens this past year.Your understanding of the restrictions and controls put into place during this pandemic was immeasurable.

Patrol Services:

PATROL STAFF

Sergeant Kevin Collins Officer James Bradbury Officer Heath Mains Officer William Blackwell Officer Eric Marcotte Officer Kelsey Jacobs Officer Brad Hancock Officer Darian Pleasant

During 2020, Buxton officers responded on or self-initiated 9,628 calls, an increase of 1.78% from 2019. Given that a significant amount of 2019 was impacted by COVID 19, the fact that the department saw an increase in call volume is indicative of the future growth in demand for services. Officers issued over 500 traffic citations, issued 190 criminal/civil summonses, and affected 124 arrests.

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Buxton Police Department Annual Report January 2020 – December 2020 Chief Troy A. Cline

Buxton Police Department participates in the federal National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) program, monthly reporting a summary of criminal offenses that have occurred within the community. By tracking detailed crime data, it not only allows the FBI to track offenses and trends across the country, but it also gives the police department a comprehensive view of what is occurring in town. This information allows the department to focus services and patrols in a manner that will be most beneficial to the protection of the community. These numbers reflect open offenses, offenses closed wtihout a suspect as well as offenses closed with criminal charges.

Chaplain Reed being pinned as an official LE

Chaplain by Chief Cline

ACO Kaden Flynn & Chief Cline

Officers handle a variety of calls that may not result in a criminal investigation or charges but serve to ensures the safety and wellbeing of our citizens.

Off. Marcotte removing a found fawn from the roadway.

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Buxton Police Department Annual Report January 2020 – December 2020 Chief Troy A. Cline

Dispatch Services:

DISPATCH STAFF Dispatch Supervisor Sydney Lathrop Dispatcher Daniel McGlincey Dispatcher Samantha Campobasso Dispatcher Aubrey Pennell Dispatcher Lindsey Joliat

Chief Cline and Office Blackwell with dispatchers Lathrop, Pennell, and Campobasso during dispatch appreciation week.

In 2020, Buxton Communications Center logged 14,523 calls . These were calls for Police, Fire and EMS services as well as calls that did not require emergency response units such as Community Cares calls, Court Ordered Check-Ins and Informational Calls as a few examples. Buxton dispatch received 241 abandoned 9-1-1 calls in 2020, slightly higher than the 2019 total. These are often mis-dialed but we treat each one as if it is an emergency call until it can verify an accidental call. If you should happen to dial 9-1-1 in error, please stay on the line so dispatchers can get some information from you and ensure that you are safe and there is no emergency.

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Town of Buxton Public Works 185 Portland Road Buxton, ME 04093 Office (207) 929-4400 Fax (207) 929-3592 Email: publicworks@sacoriver.net

The Buxton Public Works Department has had another great year. We have the same great crew returning with zero turn over. We are a very committed crew that really care about the Town of Buxton and its residents. Again, a special thanks to Mike Roberts as an on-call as needed winter seasonal. He has been a big help and we appreciate his commitment to Public Works winter operations for the Town of Buxton. We have had a great year with our continued commitment to keeping the roads safe in the winter, the trucks well maintained and the drainage working correctly. I would like to thank the crew for their dedication and hard work. As the Director of the Public Works Department, I enjoy working closely with the crew, we have a great group of dedicated guys.

Sincerely,

Kevin Kimball Public Works Director

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2020 Annual Report Code Enforcement Office

As can be seen by the table below, building activity has been consistent for several years, including this past year; the year of Covid-19. Per the Governor, construction was considered an essential business activity, so the Buxton Code Office never closed due to the pandemic. It was closed to the public for a few weeks until we could figure out how to open as safely as possible. The Code Office was tasked with making a plan to safely open. We worked collaboratively with all department heads and frontline staff for their input in reopening. Everyone pitched in with good ideas for a positive result. Residents of Buxton were very supportive with little to no complaints on the changes made. Many residents working from home picked up projects “they had been meaning to do for a long time”, thus the increase in Alterations and Additions in the table below. The Code Office also worked to receive a grant from the Maine DEP to assist a homeowner needing a septic repair near the Saco River. Longview Partners and Pinkham Excavation helped make this happen for a successful outcome.

Respectfully submitted by

Peter Gordon Code Enforcement Officer/Building Inspector

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Nicole Welch, CPRP, Recreation Director Physical Address: 174 Portland Road, Buxton, Maine 04093 Mailing Address: 185 Portland Road, Buxton, Maine 04093 Office Phone: 207-929-8381 Cell Phone: 207-841-7320 Email: nwelch@buxton.me.us

To the Buxton Community, March 16, 2021 The Buxton Recreation Department’s year-round operations ofters activities tor all ages, while continuing to work towards our mission of providing opportunities for community engagement, socialization, and growth for all. While our typical programming over the years has included adult and child enrichment programs, we enthusiastically dove into community events that highlight the Town of Buxton’s parks in 2020. With the help of community volunteers, and collaboration with other Buxton municipal departments, we were able to provide socialization, physical health, mental health, and overall wellness in newways as the community navigated the uncertain waters of the world-wide pandemic. I hope you enjoy reading the Buxton Recreation Department 2020Annual Report, which highlights many of our teams achievements. The best way to learn about what out department has to offer is to visit our website, www.buxtonrec.com. While here, you can browse the most up-to-date programs, register for activities, create an online account, and learn about payment options. You can also find us on Face book, where we post our program highlights, as well as information on upcoming events that you won’t want to miss!

I would like to thank Recreation Supervisor Grace Bibber, Recreation Programmer Andrew Heick, as well as our part time staff for the passion and energy that they bring to our programs every day. I would also like to extend a special thank you to all of our volunteer coaches-you are the heart of our youth sports programs! Lastly, thank you to the Town of Buxton Team-it is a pleasure working with all of you to make Buxton a better place to work, play, and live. Respectfully Submitted By:

Nicole Welch Recreation Director, Town of Buxton

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Town Clerk’s Report July 1, 2019 thru June 30, 2020

Town Clerk's Report July 1, 2019 thru June 30, 2020

247 Vital Records Recorded

55 Births 70 Marriages

63 Deaths 59 Burial Permits

Voter Turn-Out

Turn-

Election

Total

Absentee

Out

or Meeting

Ballots

Ballots

Attendance

Type of Election/Meeting

% Date

Cast

Cast

2.56% 9/11/19 12.34% 11/5/19 1.26% 11/13/19 0.70% 12/4/19

n/a

n/a

160 estimate

Special Town Meeting State Presidential Primary Special Town Meeting Special Town Meeting State Referendum Special Town Meeting

771

123

n/a 79 44

n/a n/a

n/a n/a

9.73% 1/7/20

617

104

n/a

37.36% 3/3/20

2,035

397

n/a

6,249 Registered Voters - November 2019 / n/a = not applicable

Cash Receipts:

1,989 Dogs Licensed

236 Male / Female

$

2,596.00

53 Male / Female Licensed Online Credit

159.00

1,171 Neuter / Spay

7,026.00 1,443.00

481 Neuter / Spay Licensed Online Credit

6 Kennels

252.00

4

-

Police, Search & Rescue And Service Dogs

9 Replacement Tags

9.00

0 Transfer from Another Community

-

5 Late Fees, 2020 Waived Due to COVID-19

125.00 11,610.00

$

Other Fees

22

6 Kennels

252.00

5

Police, Search & Rescue And Service Dogs

-

Town Clerk’s Report (Cont.) July 1, 2019 thru June 30, 2020 4 Replacement Tags 2 Tra sfer from Another Commu i y 181 Late Fees at $25 Each

4.00 2.00

4,525.00 17,537.00

$

Other Fees 164 Birth, Certified Copies at $15 each 116 Birth, Certified Copies at $15 each 42 Birth, Certified Copies at $6 each

$

2,460.00

$

1,740.00

252.00

51 Burial Permits $20 each

1,020.00

15 Certificates of Sole Proprietorship 50 Death, Certified Copies at $15 each 208 Death, Certified Copies at $6 each

150.00 750.00

1,248.00

3 Dennett Map Copies

24.00

12 Junk Yard Permits, Auto 45 Marriage Licenses $40 each

600.00

1,800.00 1,275.00

85 Marriage, Certified Copies at $15 each 55 Marriage, Certified Copies at $6 each Photo Copies, Faxes & Miscellaneous

330.00 394.52

0 Pole Permits Recorded 9 Returned Check Fees

-

180.00 320.50 500.00 900.00

Soda Machine

2 Special Amusement Permits

18 Victual Licenses

Voter Registration

- 11,484.02

$

$

23,094.02

Total Cash Receipts:

Disbursements:

State of Maine Animal Welfare, Dog Licenses State of Maine Vital Records, State Share

$

4,457.00 1,110.00 3,489.00 14,038.02

Town's Animal Welfare Account Town of Buxton General Fund

$

23,094.02

Total Disbursements:

Please note that the Town Clerk is no longer the Agent for State game licenses. Angela Michie is the Agent for game licenses. Please see her report for hunting and fishing license sales.

Thank you for being patience with the Town Hall Staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Respectfully reported,

John Myers, CMC, CCM, Buxton Town Clerk

185 Portland Road, Buxton, Maine 04093-6532 Email: jmyers@buxton.me.us / Website: www.buxton.me.us Phone # (207) 929-6171 / Fax # (207) 929-4730 Election Day: Polls Open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

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Motor Vehicle Department

MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENT MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENT

Fees Fees

FY 2020 FY 202 $ 34,543.00 $ 1,819,394.28* 34,543.00 $ 1,819,394.28* $

FY 2019 FY 2019 $ 28,495.00 $ 28,495.00 $ 1,867,949.82* $ 1,867,949.82*

FY 2018 FY 2018 $ 29,980.00 $ 29,980.00 $ 1,737,951.88* $ 1,737,951.88*

Town Fees as Agent Town Fees as Agent

Excise Tax Excise Tax

Total Excise Taxes paid at the counter, payments made via Rapid Renewal Electronic Processing and State Reimbursements. *Total Excise Taxes paid at the counter, payments made via Rapid Renewal Electronic Processing and State Reimbursements. *T tal Excise Taxes paid at the cou ter, pay ents made via Rapid Renewal Electronic Processing and State Reimbursements.

Registrations Issued Registrations Issued Full Year Registrations Full Y ar Registrations Duplicate Registrations Duplicate Registrations Transfers Transfers

FY 2020 FY 2020

FY 2019 FY 2019

FY 2018 FY 2018

7,733 7,733 450 66 450 66

8,155 8,155 539 539 70 70

7,947 7,947 480 90 48 90

Transit Plates Transit Plates

60 60

85 85

72 72

Reminders

Reminders All vehicles, 1995 and newer, will always require a title in the State of Maine. When registering a vehicle, you must have proof of insurance for the vehicle that is being regis- tered. The Town of Buxton is part of the Rapid Renewal Service (RRS), Maine’s online vehicle regis- tration system sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of State. Rapid Renewal may be ac- cessed through Buxton’s web site, www.buxton.me.us or on www.sosonline.org, the Department of the Secretary of State’s site. Rapid Renewal Service is available only for renewals of registrations previously processed in Buxton. Accepted forms of payment are electronic check and credit card. New Buxton registra- tions must still be processed at Town Hall. Credit cards are accepted for payment at Town Hall, however, there is a 2.5% surcharge by the vendor used to process the payments. Submitted by: All vehicles, 1995 and newer, will always require a title in the State of Maine. When registering a vehicle, you must have proof of insurance for the vehicle that is being registered. The Town of Buxton is part of the Rapid Renewal Service (RRS), Maine’s online vehicle registration system sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of State. Rapid Renewal may be accessed through Buxton’s web site, www.buxton.me.us or on www.sosonline.org, the Department of the Secretary of State’s site. Rapid Renewal Service is available only for renewals of registrations previously processed in Buxton. Accepted forms of payment are electronic check and credit card. New Buxton registrations must still be processed at Town Hall. Credit cards are accepted for payment at Town Hall, however, there is a 2.5% surcharge by the vendor used to process the payments. Submitted by: Reminders A i les, 1 95 and newer, will always require a title in the State of Maine. W r gistering a vehicle, yo must have proof of insuranc for the vehicl that i being r gistered. The Tow of Buxton i part of the Rapid Ren wal Service (RRS), Maine’s online vehicl registration system sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of State. Rapid Re ewal may b accessed through Bux on’s web ite, www.buxton.me.us or on www.sosonline.org, the De artm t of the Secretary of Stat ’s site. Rapid Renewal Service is avail ble only for renewals of registrations previously processed i Buxton. Accepted forms f payment are electronic check and credit card. New Buxton registrations must still be processed at Town Hall. Cre it cards are accepted for payment at Town Hall, however, there is a 2.5% surcharge by the vendor used to process the payments. Submitted by:

Angela H. Michie Maine BMV Municipal Agent Angela H. Michie Maine BMV Municipal Agent Angela H. Michie Maine BMV Municipal Agent

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Recreational Vehicles Report (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020)

Registrations Issued:

Fees Collected:

Ø Snowmobile registrations were back up again, while ATV registrations decreased slightly. Registered boats also declined quite a bit. Ø Boat excise amounts combine what is collected at Town Hall and what is paid through electronic sales via MOSES. Otherwise, all activity and fees shown, are those processed at Town Hall.

Submitted by:

Angela H. Michie MOSES/IF&W Agent

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Game License Agent’s Report

M aine Game Licenses FY 2020

State Fees

Agent Revenue

15 Archery

390.00 192.00 60.00 52.00 162.00 36.00 2,725.00 - 11.00 23.00 43.00 47.00 1,742.00 - - - 4,386.00 72.00 72.50 247.00 32.00 119.00 603.00 320.00 78.00 26.00 - - - - - - -

14.19 11.06 8.76 1.69 11.50 17.20 20.00 220.00 26.00 2.00 4.00 - 2.00 2.00 134.00 - 201.94 20.00 2.42 20.00 7.55 6.00 - - - 29.94 6.00 2.00 _______ $ 770.25 - - - - -

6 Archery, Expanded Either Sex 5 Archery, Expanded Antlerless 0 Archery & Fishing Combination

2 Crossbow 6 Bear Hunting 10 Duplicate 109 Fishing 1 Fishing, 1 Day 1 Fishing, 3 Day 20 Saltwater Registry

9 Coyote Night Hunting Permits

0 Fishing, Non-Resident 1 Fishing, Non-Resident 7 Day 1 Fishing, Non-Resident 15 Day 0 Small Game Hunting 0 Hunting, Non-Resident 102 Hunting/Fishing Combination 0 Hunting/Fishing Combination Non-Resident 67 Hunting

9 Junior Hunting 13 Migratory Waterfowl 19 Muzzleloader 0 Outdoor Partners 4 Over 70 Lifetime 7 Pheasant Permits

3 Superpack

0 Serviceman/Serviceman Dep Fishing 0 Serviceman/Serviceman Dep Hunting 16 Turkey Permits, Spring & Fall 0 Deer Predation Mgmt. 3 Resident Hunting Apprentice 1 Resident Archery Apprentice

__________ $ 11,438.50

Thank you!

Angela H. Michie Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Agent

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Registrar of Voters 07/01/2019 – 06/30/2020

The Registrar of Voters and Deputy Registrars had a busy year maintaining voter registration records, certifying petitions, attending training sessions and servicing elections. On September 11, 2019, a Special Town Meeting was called to vote on spending money for a new E-One HP75 Quint Ladder Truck. The vote taken was 74 no and 69 yes. On November 5, 2019, the State of Maine General and Referendum Election was held. There were 648 ballots cast in person and 123 absentee ballots cast making the total ballots cast to be 771 votes resulting in a 12.34% voter turn-out. A Special Town Meeting was called to order on November 13, 2019, to act on the following articles: • Four accounts needed to be reconciled with money from Undesignated Surplus. • Should the town appropriate money to purchase a used pumper/ladder firetruck? Both articles were passed. A Special Town Meeting was held on December 4 to vote on road names. The names passed. On January 7, 2019, a special election was held to elect a selectperson. There were three candidates, Cliff Emery, Caleb Porter and Frank Pulsoni, running for this position. Frank Pulsoni was elected with 381 votes out of 617 total votes. Caucuses were held at the Town Hall by both the Democratic and Republican Parties. On March 3, 2020, a Primary Election was held to help select the Democratic and Republican Parties’ nominees. There are 6,242 registered voters in Buxton and for this election there were 2,332 total ballots cast, making the voter turn-out to be 37.36%. The next election will be July 14, 2020.

Respectfully submitted,

Ruth M. Scheibenpflug Registrar

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Solid Waste Manager’s 2020 Report

Buxton residents produced 3174 tons of household trash in 2020. Our historical average yearly increase in curbside trash tonnage is 1.06%, 2020’s increase was 21.1%. This unusual increase is due to a combination of factors relating to the pandemic. Residents are home schooling more, working from home more, and doing a lot of “Covid cleaning projects” like cleaning out the garage, basement, or attic. Buxton residents also disposed of 991 tons of bulky waste, 14.3 tons of inert waste, 1,247 tires, and 126 tons of asphalt shingles in 2019. The Buxton Transfer Station recycled 8.94 tons of #2 plastic, 63.09 tons of boxboard, 20.69 tons of newspaper, 75.97 tons of cardboard, and 175.12 tons of metal. Keep up the good work recycling! Our composting facility received approximately 1600 yards of leaves and grass, 10 yards of food waste, and 1000 yards of animal manure and bedding. Composting eliminates the need to pay for hauling and disposal fees for leaves and grass, and provides compost as a useful end product for our community. We accept leaves, grass, sawdust from untreated wood, pine needles, garden clippings, manure, and non-animal kitchen scraps (fruits & vegetables) for our compost piles. We can’t accept meat, bones, vegetable oils, or dog/cat/human feces for composting. Compost is available to Buxton residents for free, but we recommend screening the compost on site to avoid getting garbage in your compost. Our compost is not screened, so expect to find trash and other debris that residents have swept out of their truck beds. We also have wood chips available for $5 per bucket full. Wood chips are free if you shovel them yourself. There is no charge to drop off compostable materials at the transfer station. Leaves, grass, and other organics will not be picked up if left out for curbside collection. The Transfer Station accepts returnable bottles year round for donation to the Boy Scouts. If you wish to donate returnable bottles to the “Keep the Heat On” fund, please ask for the bags and tags at Town Hall. The Share Shop is open for books only, we don’t accept other donations at this time. Please visit the Town web site at www.buxton.me.us, and click on the Solid Waste Department heading for information on recycling and other solid waste topics. Questions and comments can be e-mailed to buxtonts@buxton.me.us The Transfer Station is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays from 8am to 4pm. We are closed any Tuesday after a Sunday or Monday holiday. Our phone number is 929-3913. We are located at 185 Portland Road, behind Town Hall and the salt shed. Respectfully submitted by:

Greg Heffernan Solid Waste Manager

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2021 BUXTON RECYCLER

Everyone entering the Transfer Station must wear a mask Please visit the Town of Buxton’s website at www.buxton.me.us for more detailed information

The Transfer Station is located behind Town Hall at 185 Portland Road, Buxton, ME 04093 Phone: 929-3913 E-mail: buxtonts@buxton.me.us Casella provides Buxton’s curbside trash pickup, & can be reached at 934-3880 extension #3 BRING HELP to unload your waste at the Transfer Station. It is not our job to unload your material for you . We will assist with everything except shingles if we have the staff and time available. Transfer Station Hours: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 8 am to 4 pm . Transfer Station Holidays (Includes any Tuesday after a Sunday or Monday holiday)

Buxton Recycles (Free): Glass jars & bottles: Please rinse items and remove lids. Plastic jars & bottles: colored and opaque # 2 plastic only. Cans & light metals: food cans, coffee cans, jar lids, foil, baking tins, clothes hangers, and empty aerosol cans. Metal: metal doors and windows, washers, dryers, pipe, lawn mowers, kitchen ranges, and microwaves. Fees apply to any items with refrigerant or other pressurized gasses. Newspaper: Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, & phone books Mail and office paper : mix with boxboard Corrugated cardboard: paper bags are recycled with cardboard. Boxboard: cereal boxes, egg cartons, mail, & misc. paper. Batteries: auto/boat/motorcycle & other lead acid batteries. Motor Oil & Transmission fluid: use containers no larger than 5 gallons. No oil contaminated with water or antifreeze. Organics: grass, leaves, hay, garden trimmings, fruits, vegetables, shredded paper, manure, and animal bedding. No trash, plastic bags, or cat / dog waste. Please empty material from bags & dump in front of yellow sign in the composting area. Mercury containing products: Thermometers, thermostats, ballasts, and button batteries. Disposal Fees: Bulky Waste: stuffed furniture, insulation, mirrors, sheetrock, windows, carpeting, mattresses, construction debris, pressure treated wood, & miscellaneous waste. Wood Waste: No pressure treated wood in the wood bin. Asphalt shingles: Bring help, we don’t help unloading shingles. Inert waste: brick, masonry, cinder blocks, concrete, cement, rocks, gravel, sand, porcelain, ceramics & uncontaminated soil. Ashes: Must be cold. $3 per 5 gallon can, $5 for larger containers. Household trash: $1 per small bag, $2 for contractor bags

New Years Day: Friday, 1/01/21 Martin Luther King Day: Tuesday, 1/19/21 President’s Day: Tuesday, 2/16/21 Patriots Day: Tuesday, 4/20/21 Memorial Day: Tuesday, 6/1/21 Independence Day: Tuesday, 7/06/21 Labor Day: Tuesday, 9/07/21 Columbus Day: Tuesday, 10/12/21 Veteran’s Day: Thursday, 11/11/21 Thanksgiving: Thursday, 11/25/21 & Friday, 11/26/21

Christmas:

Saturday, 12/25/21 Saturday, 1/01/2022

New Year’s Day:

Approximate Fee*

Approximate Load Size

Curbside Pick-up Holidays : There will be no curbside pick-up on Christmas, New Year’s Day, July 4 th and Thanksgiving. If your pick-up day falls on one of these four holidays, your trash will be picked up on the following Friday. Snow storms do not affect curbside pick-up. Casella provides Buxton’s curbside pick-up & can be reached at 934-3880. Curbside Pick-up Rules Trash must be out by 6 am, but not before 6 pm of the previous evening. Pick-up times change frequently, the truck may arrive any time during the day. Refer to back of page for a list of unacceptable curbside waste, and bag limits. For an electronic copy of the complete curbside pick-up rules, e-mail buxtonts@sacoriver.net, or visit our web site at www.buxton.me.us .

$5 - $15

Passenger car trunk or less

Minivan, station wagon, sport utility vehicle,

$15 - $30

compact pick-up truck (4’ bed)

Standard pick-up truck (6’ bed), compact pick-up with side boards, full-size van, 4' X 8' trailer

$25 - $50

Standard pick-up truck with sideboards,

$45 - $75

4' X 8' trailer with sideboards, truck with 8’ bed

$65 & Up

1 ton truck, small dump truck, trailers larger than 4’x8’

* Specific fee charged for the following items: Brush : $5 per pickup truck load; 4x8 trailer=$10; small dump truck/ large level trailer= $20; larger loads= $25 - $40 Stumps: $20 for small stumps, $25 - $40 for large stumps Tires : $5 for car and motorcycle tires ($7 with rim) Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers & air conditioners: $15 Propane tanks: $2 = 1lb size, $5 = 20lb, larger tanks = $20 Computer monitors, CPU’s, & TV’s = $5. Couches = $10 Mattresses, box springs , stuffed chairs, & bureaus = $5 Printers, digital picture frames, & game consoles = $3 4 ft fluorescent bulbs = $0.50 8 ft., U shaped, & round= $1

Casella provides Buxton’s curbside trash pickup, & can be reached at 934-3880 for curbside trash issues.

Paint and CFL light bulbs can be dropped off at your local hardware store for free.

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Berry Memorial Library 93 Main St., Bar Mills, ME 04004 (207) 929-5484 www.berrylibrary.com berrylibrary93@gmail.com

The past year has been a strange one for the Berry Memorial Library, as I’m sure it has been for most businesses and organizations, due to the COVID pandemic. I had only been here as the Library’s Director for 7 weeks when we had to, along with other Town of Buxton departments, close due to the pandemic. I continued to work at the Library during the lockdown to do some administrative projects. In June, we re- opened for Contactless book signout only, meaning patrons could email book requests and then pick them up on a table in the Library’s entryway, and return them to our outdoor bookdrop. In July, we re-opened the Library building with Covid protocols and restrictions in place. Those are still in effect. We allow a maximum of 4 patrons in the Library at any one time, for a maximum time period of 30 minutes. We still have a few families who prefer and feel safer using our Contactless book pickup. The current Library hours are the following: Mondays: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.; Tuesdays: 4 – 7 p.m.; Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Library continues to offer FREE internet access, both Wi-Fi and also public access computers for patron use. Photocopying and printing services are available for $.15 per page. We also offer Inter Library Loan service. All of these services are offered only within Covid protocols. Also, the Library offers print books for all ages, audiobooks, and a small collection of DVDs. The Library has a website (www.berrylibrary.com) In addition to posting announcements on the site, our automated card catalog can be accessed by any computer or device through our website. We also maintain a Facebook page, which we use to announce upcoming events. During the year, we replaced our printer and one of our computers. These replacements were badly needed. This past summer, even in the pandemic, we collaborated with 3 other area libraries in offering a summer reading incentive program for children.We received a grant from the Narraganset Foundation to help us obtain new children’s books and programming supplies. At our Library, we had 10 – 12 kids actively participating in our incentive reading program. They read a total of 92 hours collectively. We hope to continue collaboration with the same libraries this year in, once again, offering a children’s summer reading incentive program. Because we are unable to offer in-person programming for either kids or adults right now, due to the pandemic, I have started offering monthly Take & Make Craft packets for kids for the Fall, Winter, & Spring months, and offering them each WEEK during the summer. Also, on the Library’s Facebook page, I have been sharing recordings of me reading stories for young children. (approx.twice per week) Our goal is to serve the community. Please let us know how we can best meet your literary needs . Happy Reading! Respectfully Submitted,

Valerie Messana Library Director Berry Memorial Library 93 Main St., Bar Mills, ME 04004

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