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This Week at Town Hall: January 11, 2010

Tuesday, January 12
Town Council

6:30 PM - Council Chambers
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Administrative
A. Discuss 25 Academy Street
NEW BUSINESS
1. Administrative
A. Take action on the renewal of Relish’s liquor license
B. Take action on the renewal of Spring Hill’s liquor license
C. Discuss sidewalk plowing on Alder Drive
Supporting Documents

Tuesday, January 12
Historic District Commision

7:00 PM - Meeting Room 2

Thursday, January 14
Community Development Committee

6:30 PM - Meeting Room 2

Thursday, January 14
Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee

7:00 PM - Council Chambers

Comcast in the News

There has been some news of the agreement between the Town of South Berwick and Comcast that was supposed to bring cable to all residents of South Berwick by the end of 2009.  There are still nearly 300 homes that do not have access to cable in South Berwick.  The work hasn’t been done as agreed, the Town has scheduled a public hearing on the situation for February 9, 2010 at 6:30 so they can proceed on action to declare Comcast in default of the agreement.  Most recently, a representative of Comcast has said the promised work will be done by April 30.   Here are the news stories:

Cable project underway in South Berwick?
The Portsmouth Herald
… Comcast agreed to install the infrastructure necessary to provide cable television, digital telephone and broadband Internet to all of South Berwick. …

Comcast taken to task on lack of work progress in South Berwick
Foster’s Daily Democrat
The Town Council is continuing to put pressure on Comcast after the cable and telecommunications giant failed to …

South Berwick claims Comcast defaulting on obligations
The Portsmouth Herald
The Town Council approved a motion Tuesday to schedule a public hearing on Comcast’s franchise default for 6:30 pm Feb. …

Powderhouse Hill in the News

It’s been a big couple of weeks for Powderhouse Hill.  Insurance issues threatened its ability to open, but a new arrangement for how the ski hill is managed was negotiated by the Town Council and Powderhouse volunteers so it could open as scheduled.  Here are the news stories about what happened:

Ski club resolution lauded
The Portsmouth Herald
After a dramatic week at Town Hall, Saturday’s season opening of Powderhouse Hill gave area skiers, snowboarders and sliders reason to smile, and volunteers breathed a collective sigh of relief as the concern over liability insurance was put to rest…

Tiny Maine ski area given new life
Boston Herald
A southern Maine ski area that has been called one of America’s tiniest ski hills has been given new life. …

Powderhouse Hill primed for new year
The Portsmouth Herald
Skiers and snowboarders prepare for the opening of Powderhouse Ski Area in South Berwick on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009….

Powderhouse ready to open
WCSH-TV
The smallest ski area in Maine will open for the season Saturday. The Powderhouse Hill ski area is owned by the town of …

Powderhouse Hill saved by Town Council
The Portsmouth Herald
Powderhouse Hill Ski Area will open this week, as scheduled, thanks to town officials and ski club members who reached …

Powderhouse Hill ski area in South Berwick will open Saturday

Foster’s Daily Democrat
Skiers and snowboarders can breathe easy: Powderhouse Hill ski area is set to open for the season Saturday, …

Powderhouse Hill ski area threatened by lack of insurance
The Portsmouth Herald
Town officials and representatives from the Powderhouse Hill Ski Club met Monday to discuss the town’s concerns over …

This Week at Town Hall & MSAD 35: January 4, 2010

Monday, January 4
Joint Library Advisory Board/Friends of the Library/Building Committee Meeting
7:00 PM - Auditorium Hall
The Library Advisory Board, the Friends of the Library and the Building Committee will meet with staff to discuss responsibilities and communication as they pertain to the new Library project.

Tuesday, January 5

Planning Board
7:00 PM - Council Chambers
OLD BUSINESS and  ORDINANCE UPDATES
1.      Review of Proposed Table B with dimensional concept illustrations: Continued with handouts provided at the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
1.      SP#08-05; Optometry Office - Paul M. Vasapoli (Map 28 Lot 10): Site Plan - Change of Use.

Corrected with the 2010 agenda:

1.      Discuss Work Plan

Wednesday, January 6
MSAD 35 Board of Directors - Regular Meeting
7:00 p.m. - Marshwood High School
Report of the Chairperson:
1. Board Workshop - January 27, 2010 - 6:30 pm
2. Other
Report of the Superintendent:
1. Tuition Policy Draft
2. Comments/Discussions on Articles for Workshop
3. UNH Study Update
4. Special Education Feasibility Study Update
5. Maine State Superintendent’s Convocation - January 14th & 15th
6. Student Rep Report
7. Fall Athletic Report
8. Other
Report of the Committees:
1. Report of the Finance and Facilities Committee
2. Report of the Educational Policy Committee
3. Report of the Community Relations Committee
New Business:
1. Consideration and action to approve the first reading of policy EF Food Service Program.
2. Consideration and action to approve the first reading of policy KF - Community Use of School Facilities.

This Week at Town Hall: December 21, 2009

December 22, 2009
Planning Board Site Walk 12/22/09 at 3:30 PM

Planning Board - Notice of Site Walk
The South Berwick Planning Board will be holding a Site Walk visit Tuesday, December 22 at 3:30 PM. The applicant, Our Lady of Angels Parish, has provided the Planning Board an alternate driveway location and other revisions to the previously reviewed Site Plan application for further review. All are welcome to attend

December 22, 2009
Town Council/Board of Assessors

6:30pm– Council Chambers
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
1. Report on 25 Academy Street
2. Workshop scheduled for January 13th, Regional Maintenance Facility & January 19th, TIFs
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Administration
A. Approve Brownfield’s Subgrant Application
B. Schedule Public Hearing on Comcast Franchise Default (suggest 1/12/2010)
NEW BUSINESS
1. Administration
A. Discuss/take action on result of Powderhouse Ski Club Workshop
B. Accept Powderhouse Volunteers for 2010 season
C. Accept Library donation
2. Council [added 12-21-09]
A. Discuss 25 Academy Street
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. 405.6D Discuss Police Union Negotiations
2. 405.6A Discuss a personnel issue

Supporting Documents

Creative South Berwick: Jeremy Heflin Photography Studio

Still trying to think of that perfect holiday gift?

South Berwick photographer Jeremy Heflin is offering “Last Minute Present Portraits” at studio  #328 at the Salmon Falls Artist Mills, 1 Front St. Rollinsford, NH. on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2pm-6pm.  He says, “Come by any time, get your family shot taken at no cost,  then purchase prints to take home on the spot.” He is offering low cost prints in several sizes: $8 - 4×6s, $14 - 5×7s and $25 - 8×10s.  Wear your best or try on the fun costumes.

Jeremy will be  donating 10% of the sales to the (H)EAT campaign: 10,000 meals & gallons of heating oil to those in need through the winter.

For more information go to Jeremy’s blog.

This Week at Town Hall: December 14, 2009

Monday, December 14
Sewer District Meeting
7:00 PM - Council Chambers

Tuesday, December 15
Planning Board

7:00 PM - Council Chambers
OLD BUSINESS
1.      MSP#07-01; Multi-Family Site Plan - 25 Academy Street: Continued.
“       Memo from the Planning Department dated 12/11/09 re: MSP#07-01 Multi-Unit Site Plan.
“       Original Approval Letter and Criteria for Site Plan permit for MSP#07-01 dated September 18, 2007.
2.      MSP#09-02; Our Lady of Angels Parish (Greater Portland Diocese) - Discuss and Take Action.
“       Letter from Tom Harmon dated December 9, 2009 re: Our Lady of Angels Church Site.
“       Revised Site Plan: Overall Site Plan (C2), last revised date 12/07/09.
“       Revised Site Plan: Lighting and Landscaping Plan (L1), last revised date 12/07/2009
NEW BUSINESS
OTHER
1.      Work Plan: Continued.

Tuesday, December 15
Recreation Committee

7:00 PM - Community Center
1.     Accept minutes for meeting of November 17, 2009
2.     Old Business
Continue Discussion on the Youth Center Barn
3.     New Business
- 7:30 Invitation to Molly Colman – Information on the DiscoverSouthBerwick.com
- 8:15 Invitation to Friends of the Library – Update on project and use of the basement space for new library

Wednesday, December 16
Conservation Commission Meeting

7:00 PM - Council Chambers

Thursday, December 17
Community Development Committee Meeting

6:30 PM - Council Chambers
Zoning Board of Appeals

Deadline for Recreation Department’s Annual House Decorating Contest

Is your house all decked out for the season?  This is the last day to sign up for the South Berwick Recreation Department’s “ South Berwick Storybook Christmas” Annual House Decorating Contest.

Rekindle a South Berwick family tradition or enter the fun for the first time. The judging will be Thursday, December 17, 2009 starting at 5:30 pm from the Community Center on Norton St. The judges will be enthusiastic seniors, students and families and you are welcome to join them!

The Recreation Department encourages everyone to get out and enjoy the efforts and the “holiday to remember” spirit of our community.  Join the South Berwick Recreation Dept. to enjoy the beautiful symbols of the holiday season in the form of lights, doors, windows, Santa’s, yard and roof top displays and all the varieties of “A Storybook Christmas.”

Conteste judges will leave the Community Center at 5:30 pm and travel by school bus to view the entries and then return to the center to tally the results and have dessert.   Sign up with Sharon or call 384-3306 if you would like to be a judge.

Enter by Monday, December 14, 2009 by returning the contest entrance form to the Recreation Department c/o Town Office at 180 Main St. So. Berwick, ME 03908

Holiday gifts that support local education

Looking for a holiday gift idea?

Paying tribute to our teachers can come in many forms. One unique way to do so is to make a donation in the name of the special teachers and educators in your child’s life in the form of a Marshwood Education Foundation Trellis Award.  A gift of any amount may be given and would support the funding of innovative educational initiatives in MSAD #35.

The name of the teacher you honor will appear on the MEF website and teachers will receive a special Trellis Award certificate from MEF to inform them of the Trellis gift given in their name. The Trellis Award is a wonderful way to honor our teachers and school employees and contribute to our children’s education. Like all donations to MEF, the Trellis gift is fully tax-deductible.

Parents may make a Trellis Award donation by completing a donation form on the MEF website and checking the Trellis box.  Trellis Awards can be anonymous or given in the name of a student, parent or family.
www.marshwood-education-foundation.org

Creative South Berwick: Roger Morin, Watercolor Artist

South Berwick artist, Roger Morin will open his home studio at 199 Emerys Bridge Road on Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 10:00-4:00 and is inviting the public to see his art.

Roger Morin is a watercolor artist, originally from Berwick but now living in South Berwick.  He and his wife live in the “Old Warren Schoolhouse” in the Dunnybrook area of Emery’s Bridge Road.  A few years ago they added on to the schoolhouse for a studio at home and now they are hoping neighbors will stop by for a cup of cider and a look around.

Anyone who has been to Spring Hill for dinner may recognize Roger’s work from the walls of the dining room, where his artwork is displayed year-round.

There will be a range of work available on Saturday - notecards, prints, calendars and reasonably priced originals.  Much of Roger’s work is of the local South Berwick and greater Maine area.  Balancing Rock, Orris Falls and the Hamilton House are all subjects of paintings there will be prints available for purchase.  Roger’s website is www.rlmorin.com

In the News: December 10, 2009

York County may seek increase in towns’ assessments
Foster’s Daily Democrat
… boarding prisoners from outside York County. When planning the new jail in the late 1990s, county officials anticipated that Maine’s shortage of inmate …

South Berwick celebrates the season with Home for the Holidays event

York Weekly
The fifth annual Home for the Holidays celebration drew hundreds to town last weekend, as businesses, …
See all stories on this topic

Mold removal at future South Berwick library sparks debate
York Weekly
The former St. Michael’s Church property on Young Street continued to be a source of debate Tuesday night, …

Trails Alliance meeting to detail area walking/biking path plans
Seacoastonline.com
Tomah said discussion about future expansion from West Kennebunk through Wells and North Berwick and into South Berwick also will be discussed. …

Winter weather pounds New England, Midwest
SeacoastOnline.com
South Berwick, Maine, police officer Clint Schoff directs morning commute traffic in the center of town during heavy snowfall Wednesday morning….

Portland Diocese pays $200000 to settle ‘76 case
Portland Press …
A woman who says she was abused by a Catholic priest in South Berwick when she … In the South Berwick case, the woman told her mother about the assault at …

Officials warn drivers: ‘Slow down!’ on slippery roads
Seacoastonline.com
Three people were rescued from a car that slid on a slippery Route 236 late this morning and …

South Berwick welcomes The Early Bird Cafe to town

Seacoastonline.com
South Berwick, Maine, officials and members of the Community Development Committee welcome The Early Bird Cafe to downtown recently. …

Centerpoint lays off 60 in Eliot
Seacoastonline.com
A business that in 2008 was hiring employees at a steady clip and had hopes of expanding has fallen victim to the …

$21K PUC grant issued to Marshwood High School

SeacoastOnline.com
The School Administrative District 35 School Committee heard some electrifying news this week.

Holiday celebration marks fifth year
Foster’s Daily Democrat
The weather was a brisk 40 degrees and all the downtown shops stayed open a little later than usual Friday night to …

Groups honored for South Berwick parade floats
SeacoastOnline.com
The record number of floats in last Saturday’s holiday parade brought out the holiday cheer and community spirit in all who …

Specialized officers track teen drinking
SeacoastOnline.com
South Berwick, Maine, officer Jeff Upton, the school resource officer at Marshwood High School, was among the officers who responded to the home of …

This Week at Town Hall: December 7, 2009

Tuesday, December 8
Town Council

6:30 PM - Council Chambers
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Administration
A. Approve discontinuance request
B. Budget discussion*
NEW BUSINESS
1. Police
A. Approve Justice Assistance Council Grant
2. Administration
A. Renew liquor license for Fogarty’s Restaurant
B. Discuss/Take Action on County Commissioner’s request for a Charter Commission
C. Discuss environmental concerns with Young Street Property
D. Confirm meeting schedule for December
SupportingDocuments_12-8-09.pdf

Tuesday, December 8
Historic District Commision

7:00 PM - Meeting Room 2
New Business
By law revision for changing the date of monthly meetings.
Set meeting dates for 2010

Thursday, December 10
Community Development Committee

6:30 PM - Meeting Room 2

Thursday, December 10
Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee

7:00 PM - Council Chambers

Women’s Holiday Art Sale Today 10 - 3

Don’t miss the  the last day of the 11th Annual Women’s Holiday Art Sale at Town Hall Auditorium, today,  Saturday, December 5 from 10-3. Town Hall is full of one of a kind gifts  of all kinds, including handmade soaps, note cards, cowgirl goods, charming felted folk art animals, felt and fleece hats, fiber art, cookbooks, jewelry, signed children’s books and CDs, edible treats, pottery, ornaments and more, all made by local artisans.

Home for the Holidays Annual Downtown Evening Stroll Tonight

Tonight:  Fri, Dec 4, 2009 5:00 PM -  8:00 PM
Downtown South Berwick, from the Federated Church, all along Main St., to Central Square, and then down lower Main Street, across the bridge to Rollinsford will be alive with Holiday spirit tonight.  It’s a great way to stay local and have some good old fashioned family fun in your own backyard.

Here are some of the activities you will find along the way:

Caroling, Crafts and More – Anyone wishing to carol can meet at 5:30 PM on the steps of the First Parish Federated Church at the corner of Academy and Main streets to stroll the village. Free homemade soups and bread Friday night, with music by Quint-Essential Winds, a local woodwind group. All invited. Craft fair featuring fresh decorated wreaths continues 9 to 2 PM Saturday

11th Annual Women’s Holiday Art Sale – Town Hall Auditorium, Friday 5-8 and Saturday 10-3. Unique gifts made by more than 20 local women. Shop for handmade soaps, note cards, cowgirl goods, felt and fleece hats, fiber art, jewelry, signed children’s books and CDs, edible treats, pottery, ornaments and more!

Sarah Orne Jewett House/ Historic New England – First floor open to visitors. Come browse for unique gifts, including redware pottery, glassware, books and stationery. And join us for holiday treats.

South Berwick Public Library – Gather round as Mrs. Claus reads Christmas stories. Stop in to create a festive bookmark/ornament inspired by your favorite book. Learn about the new library plans while you’re there.

Lenk Orthodontics - Free Dippin Dots, the “ice cream of the future” in their new home on the corner of Portland and Main.

Abby Chic – Stop by for a glass of red wine and to check out Abby’s fresh flowers, garlands, holiday bulbs and poinsettias. Artist Roger Morin will display his floral artwork.

Asia Café – Popular Chinese restaurant, eat in or take out.

Portico Realty – Tim Benoit’s video, “South Berwick,” will play through the night, showing present day scenes juxtaposed with photos from the Old Berwick Historical Society. Refreshments.

Early Bird Cafe – Join us for a Pancake Dinner and bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the South Berwick Food Pantry. Half the profits from dinner will go to the food pantry.

Rivers Photo & Digital – South Berwick’s newest business invites you to meet the staff and learn about its quality family photo finishing services. See how to turn your home computer into a photo kiosk at www.riversphoto.com. Refreshments.

Union Store # 79 Gift and Thrift Shop – Look over the latest fashions and home accessories. Goody bags for the children.

P. Gagnon – Santa Claus returns and awaits your visit. Bring a camera to take a picture of your child with Mr. Claus.

Bob’s Trophies & Awards – Hanukkah Fun – Come spin a dreidel and play the traditional game by the lighted menorah. Also, enter a raffle for a $20 gift certificate for trophies, plaques, medals, ribbons or laser engraving.

PricePoint Eyewear – Christmas Karaoke Sing-A-Long – Laugh and sing with friends. Refreshments.

South Berwick House of Pizza – Chase away the winter nip with a delicious hot pizza.

Emporium Gallery and Framing – Stop in for wine and cheese. Our fine gallery offers custom framing, photo and frame restoration.  Enjoy the Holiday exhibit that features the botanical watercolors of Tess Feltes, Portsmouth, NH; water collages of Ethel Hill, Hampton, NH;  pottery of Robert Roux, Wells, ME and other regional artist.

Vacuum Village – Sue Gregory, a local craftswoman, is selling her “wristies” - specialty gloves. Vacuums and accessories for sale. Hot chocolate with baby marshmallows will be served.

Nature’s Way Market – Warm up with free soup at our local market, which sells the best meats, seafood, produce, deli, fresh bakery, sushi,wine, beer and natural/organic groceries.

The Catered Event – Open for take home meals, holiday party bookings and gift certificates.

Pepperland Café – Cookie-making lives on! The holiday tradition continues when kids are invited to stop in and decorate their own cookies, while parents enjoy a beverage.

South Berwick Pharmacy – Stop in for homemade treats and check out our selection
of cards and gifts, including puzzles, candy and jewelry.

Civil Consultants - Spring Hill Restaurant will be here giving out $10 gift certificates for dinner, with the purchase of a specialty holiday decorated torte. Civil Consultants will also host a “Get to Know the Candidate” event for State Senator Peter Mills. Refreshments.

JASS Boxing – Our boxers will put on a boxing exhibition so that you can learn what JASS Boxing is all about…Join us for hot chocolate and homemade cookies.

York Hospital – Stop in our community room for face-painting and healthy snacks.

Ocean Bank – Bring kids to write letters to Santa on Friday night. We provide the materials, and delivery!

Relish – Take a break to relax at our bar or dining room.

Attitudes – Family hair care. Stop in and enter for a drawing for a free hair cut.

Reo’s Barber Shop – Drop in to enter a drawing for a free hair cut.

Fogarty’s – Long time popular family restaurant will hold a drawing for a cheese cake sampler.

Bead Bin (In Rollinsford) – Stop by and make a free zipper pull for your winter jacket. A selection of unique gifts offered by glass bead artist S. W. Schoell – Hot cider and refreshments.

Doodlebugz Studio (In Rollinsford) – Pop in and see what you create for a holiday gift.

MEF announces grant awards

The Marshwood Education Foundation (“MEF”) announced the recipients of its fall 2009 grant cycle tonight at the MSAD 35 Board meeting. The MEF, which was formed a year ago, awarded $9,400 to seven recipients.

“Tonight’s awards represent the initial fulfillment of the MEF’s mission to fund creative and innovative education projects within the five Eliot and South Berwick schools,” said Jeff Leathe, MEF president.

“These initial grants focus on energy, life sciences, music, and fitness. This funding will enable our educators and students to enhance ongoing projects and reach beyond their daily curriculum to implement new projects,” Mr. Leathe said.

“Barely a year ago a committed group of people came together to establish the Marshwood Education Foundation. The MEF quickly gained momentum with tremendous business and artisan support. In this initial grant cycle, the MEF received 18 applications. The seven grants announced tonight were selected based upon clarity in goals and objectives, along with uniqueness, number of students and faculty impacted, and alignment with MSAD 35’s curriculum and plans. While not all applicants earned grants, the range and quality we have seen in this – our first grant cycle – is a satisfying compliment to the hard work of our members and the support of our community,”   Mr. Leathe said.

“While tonight’s grants culminate a great first year, we are only beginning and we encourage those who were not selected to resubmit their applications or to create new applications in the next round,” Mr. Leathe said.

MEF grants awarded:

Jeff Gardiner, science teacher at Marshwood High School ($1,500) for his Solar Panel Demonstration Project. The funds will allow Mr. Gardiner and the school’s Recycling Club to purchase three 80W photo voltaic panels for the school’s greenhouse, enhancing the energy curriculum as well as feeding electricity to three science classrooms;

Kate Smith, music teacher at Central Elementary School ($1,500) for her “Junk 2 Funk” Residency Project for Fine Arts Week in April 2010. The funds will bring local artist and educator Jeff Erwin to the school for a six-day residency in which all students will create and play original music using instruments made from recycled materials. Students will learn about the creative and technological aspects of performance art, environmental science, and the science of sound;

Shelley Smith, health and physical education teacher at Marshwood High School ($1,000), for her Personal Fitness Expansion Project. The funds will be used to purchase two Wii Fit systems in order to provide alternative, individualized exercise activities;

Emily Stauffer, science teacher at Marshwood Middle School ($1,000) for her School Garden Project. The funds will be used for tools and a greenhouse, enhancing the life science curriculum, and cultivating awareness, skills and values relating to personal health, community and the environment;

David Graichen, instrumental director at Marshwood High School ($2,600) for his Smart Music Computer Project. The grant will fund the purchase of two iMac computers that provide on-screen feedback to students, and audio recordings to teachers, to improve student performance and assessment in the music program;

Nina D’Aran, guidance counselor at Central School ($870) for her Geocaching Club Project. The funds will support the purchase of four GPS devices, assisting the Club’s mission to enhance third grade mapping skills and promote outdoor education;

Katie Gilpatrick, language arts teacher at Marshwood Middle School ($930), for her Document Reader Project. The funds will be used to purchase a document camera and projector allowing teachers to share instructional materials and students to work more effectively and efficiently.

The MEF is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt corporation and functions as an independent, non-profit organization of dedicated community members. Two successful fundraising events were held in 2009 – a May kickoff dinner/auction and its first annual Oktoberfest.  The MEF intends to launch a corporate donor campaign this year and is pleased to announce its next Oktoberfest celebration and fundraiser on October 15, 2010.

MSAD 35 School Board seeking input on tuition policy

The MSAD 35 School Board E-News came today with a request for public input on accepting tuition students to the school district.  Here is the request from the School Board:

Tuitioning Policy:
Give us your input…

The MSAD 35 school board is currently considering adopting a new policy that would allow us to accept tuition students to our school district.  This would not be the same thing as tuitioning an entire high school (for example), but would allow the district to accept individual students for tuition.  The state of Maine sets the dollar amount for what we would charge students to attend our schools.

The outlook for our budgets is bleak; we stand to lose a good deal of money from the state of Maine in this current school year, and even more in the next year.  While we do not have exact figures at the moment, the loss could be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Tuitioning students would bring in some income.

It is not a simple economic decision, however; the board is looking at all angles of what it would mean to accept tuition students.  We are very protective of our class sizes, to name just one example.  While bringing in students from other districts would give us some added revenue, we want to consider what the entire picture might look like.

We are very interested to hear from you, the public, on this issue.  Please let us know how you feel about the idea of tuitioning students.  You may call us, email us, write us letters; and you are always welcome to attend our meetings.  (Please let the superintendent know if you would like to comment on this issue.  He will put you on the agenda.)

Our emails are as follows:

hcass@msad35.net,
ebreed@msad35.net,
mleathe@msad35.net,
lleber@msad35.net,
tflanigan@msad35.net,
fwildnauer@msaad35.net

Thank you in advance for your time and your consideration.

MSAD 35 2011 Budget Process Timeline

The following is an outline of the steps for creating, providing public input, and approving the MSAD 35 2011 budget:

Oct 21 (Wed) School Board Budget Workshop – Establish Timeline/Parameters

Dec 18 (Fri) Principals/Directors submit budget worksheets, new program requests, facility requests, field trip requests

Jan 6 (Wed) Public Input for Budget Priorities

Jan 20 (Wed) Public Input for Budget Priorities

Feb 24 (Wed) Superintendent Budget to School Board

Mar 13 (Sat) School Board Budget Workshop with Admin Staff

April 7 (Wed) School Board Budget Workshop

April 28 (Wed) School Board Public Input on Budget

May 5 (Wed) S/B Public Input on Budget – School Board approve budget

May 7 (Fri) School Board sign Budget Warrant (Superintendent’s Office)

May 19 (Wed) Consolidated Warrant & Ballots to Town Clerks (at least 7 days prior to Budget Meeting)

May 21 (Fri) Budget mailed to voters (optional)

Jun 2 (Wed) District Budget Meeting (No more than 10 calendar days prior to referendum)

June 8 (Tue) Budget Referendum (Single yes/no question on budget amount decided at Budget Meeting plus question on continuation of Budget Validation Referendum process)

Community Chorus at South Berwick: “Noel, Alleluia” Dec. 5 & 6

The Community Chorus at South Berwick will present its 35th annual Christmas concert in two performances on December 5 and 6. The 60-voice mixed chorus will sing “ A Christmas Garland” of traditional carols and contemporary choral works on the theme of “Noel, Alleluia”. The concert will usher in the holiday season accompanied by harp, piano, and instrumentalists. The Saturday, Dec. 5 performance will be at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 22 Fox Run Road in Newington, N.H., at 7:30 p.m.  The Sunday, Dec. 6 concert will be at the Wesley Kennedy Performing Arts Center of Marshwood High School, Route 236 in South Berwick, Me., at 3 p.m.

The Community Chorus at South Berwick has become a fixture among Seacoast music-lovers, drawing its singers and audiences from across the region. The performers range in age from twenties to seniors. While based in South Berwick, it is a regional group with singers from over 15 towns in Seacoast Maine and New Hampshire. Conductor/Director Dr. Harry Moon, who is beginning his tenth season with the group, notes that carol singing has long been part of the Nativity season, with roots in the French caroles, or dance-songs, of the common people rather than the church or court. Several of this year’s concert selections are in this French tradition as well as those of England and Appalachian America, including the familiar We Three Kings and The Holly and the Ivy.

Composers and arrangers represented in the program range from a sixteenth century French court organist to current San Jose University physics professor, Brian Holmes. Punctuating the program are four settings of an Alleluia text by twentieth century composers Randall Thompson, James Poulsen, Fredric Bayco, and Stephen Paulus. The highly popular choral composer, Eric Whitacre, is represented by his haunting Lux Aurumque.

Accompanying the chorus will be Audrey Adams on the piano, Melinda McMahon on the harp, Victoria Myer on the cello, and Jennifer Doiron on the oboe.

Tickets are $10 at the door ($8 for seniors and students) or $8 in advance at South Berwick Pharmacy, 287 Main Street, South Berwick; Gary’s Guitars, 800 Islington Street, Portsmouth; and York Flower Shop, 241 York St., York. Information is available at ccsb-sing.org or 207-384-7059.

This Week at Town Hall and MSAD 35

Tuesday, December 1
Planning Board
7:00 PM - Council Chambers
On the agenda:
Old Business
1.      MJS#09-01; Harold K. Main, III & Susan C. Main Subdivision re: Subdivision Application - Discuss and Take Action.
“       Memo from Jim Fisk dated November 24, 2009.
“       11-24-09 Staff Notes.
“       Letter from Tom Harmon dated November 18, 2009.
“       Amended Subdivision Plan.
2.      MSP#09-02; Our Lady of Angels Parish (Greater Portland Diocese) - Discuss and Take Action.
“       Letter from Tom Harmon dated November 3, 2009 re: Angels Church Site.
“       Letter report from Ralph Sweet, PE re: Light Intensities.
New Business
Other
1.      Work Plan: Continued.
“       Work Plan Spreadsheet.

Wednesday, December 2
MSAD 35 Board of Directors - Regular Meeting
7:00 PM - Marshwood High Schoo
l
On the agenda:
Report of the Chairperson:
1. Luncheon with town officials
2. Board Goals/Workshop]
3. Other
Report of the Superintendent:
1. MEF Grant Awards
2. Interactive White Board Demonstration - Devan Weber, Melanie Dodge
3. Budget Timeline Update
4. Curtailment Order
5. H1N1 Update
6. Professional Development Day - Gail Sullivan
7. Tuition Policy
8. Other
Report of the Committees:
1. Report of the Finance and Facilities Committee
2. Report of the Educational Policy Committee
3. Report of the Community Relations Committee
New Business:
1. Consideration and action to approve the first reading of policy EFE Competitive Food Sales/Sales of Foods in Competition with the School Food Service Program.
2. Consideration and action to approve the first reading of policy EEAEAA Drug and Alcohol Testing of School Bus Drivers.
3. Consideration and action to approve the MHS Girls’ Basketball Booster fundraiser - Flat Bread Pizza.
4. Consideration and action to approve the MHS Girls’ Basketball Booster fundraiser - Foul Shot Shoot-A-Thon.
5. Consideration and action to approve the MHS Girls’ Basketball Booster fundraiser - Concession Table at Recreation Dept. basketball game.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Consideration and action to enter into an Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Superintendent’s Evaluation pursuant to Title 1A MRSA §405(6)(A).

In the News: November 29, 2009

Holiday spectacle winds through two downtowns
Foster’s Daily Democrat
The annual holiday parade through Rollinsford and South Berwick, Maine, took a different route this year and organizers say it …

Holiday Parade regains some stature
Seacoastonline.com
This year’s annual Holiday Parade put on by the towns of South Berwick, Maine, and Rollinsford breathed some welcoming fresh air into a …

‘Knit-erature’ group combines books, needlework
Portland Press Herald
Members gather monthly at the South Berwick library to work on projects and discuss books.

Seacoast towns declare ‘Buy Local Week’
Seacoastonline.com
Portsmouth, Exeter, Stratham, Greenland, North Hampton, Dover, Durham, Lee, and Kittery, South Berwick and York, Maine, will participate in Buy Local Week. …

South Berwick police investigate theft of more than $1000 in tools
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Police are investigating the theft of more than$1000 worth of tools and a generator from two storage containers on …

South Berwick readies for Home for the Holidays celebration
Seacoastonline.com
This week, downtown storefronts …

Mold a problem at future library site
York Weekly
A significant presence of surface mold has been found in the basement of the former St. Michael’s Church on Young Street …

Buy Local First event begins in South Berwick next week …
The Town Council declared Nov. 30-Dec. 6 Buy Local First Week at its Tuesday meeting.

SAD 35 debates tuition policy for out-of-district students
Seacoastonline.com
School Administrative District 35 School Board members expressed strong but mixed feelings about a proposed policy to …

Marshwood Middle School parents told 58 of 60 kids accepted unknown Facebook …
York Weekly
Marshwood Middle School parents were shocked to learn from Internet expert Jayne Hitchcock Thursday evening that 58 of 60 …

Grant awarded for permanent display at Counting House in South Berwick
Foster’s Daily Democrat
The Old Berwick Historical Society was recently awarded a $5000 state grant that will be used for a new permanent …

Farmers’ Market to continue through April in Rollinsford, Exeter
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Concern for locally-grown food has motivated community organizers to study and respond to the need for simple, old-fashioned food products …

This Week at Town Hall: November 23, 2009

Monday, November 23
Town Council-Public Hearing
6:30 PM - Council Chambers
Public hearing - The South Berwick municipal officers will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 23, 2009 6:30pm town hall, 180 Main St., to receive public comment on the petition for discontinuance of a portion of Route 91 (between route 236 and Brattle St).  A copy of the petition is available for viewing in the Town Clerk’s Office.

Tuesday, November 24
Town Council

6:30 PM - Council Chambers
Agenda
6:30pm Vaughan Fund
Town Council to follow Vaughan Fund
Reports & Correspondence
1. SoBo Central
Town Manager’s Report
1. Transfer Station Update
2. Young Street Property Workshop
New Business
1. Police
A. Accept Safety Enhancement Grant
2. Planning Board
A. Workplan direction
3. Administration
A. Order effective date of Charter Amendments
B. CMP Pole Permit application for Liberty Street
C. Buy Local Proclamation request
Supporting documents for the meeting

Thursday, November 26
Thanksgiving

All Day - Town Office Closed

Friday, November 27
Thanksgiving Friday

All Day - Town Offices & Transfer Station

Jingle Bell Run/Walk

The Arthritis Foundation fundraising event, the Jingle Bell Run/Walk is this Saturday, November 21 in Portsmouth.  This event has special meaning for the Wilder family of South Berwick.  Five year old Katherine Wilder has arthritis and will be leading a team of family and friends, the Wilder Kats, in the Run/Walk.   Katherine’s mother, Kirsten reports that Katherine is bringing a whole bunch of friends with her as well as her Daisy Troop.  Several families from South Berwick and a few of her older brothers’ South Berwick friends will also be joining the effort.

Read more about Katherine Wilder and the Jingle Bell Run/Walk:
Girl with rare arthritis walks Saturday for funds, awareness
SeacoastOnline.com
It’s not just the elderly who can be struck with arthritis.  Katherine Wilder, 5, of South Berwick, Maine, was diagnosed at age 3 with spondyloarthropathy, a form of juvenile arthritis that attacks her joints and tendons …

If you would like to find out more about the event or want to support the Wilder Kats, go to http://portsmouthjbr.kintera.org .

Soup Supper Fundraiser raises $3000 for Fuel Fund

An “old school” community supper at Spring Hill Restaurant on  Wednesday, October 28th raised almost $3000.00, including a 100 gallon voucher donated by Steve Lizio, to supply local families with heating oil and “Keep South Berwick Warm” this winter.  Mark Gagnon of P. Gagnon & Sons has agreed to donate 1000 gallons of oil as well.

Soups and breads from nine local restaurateurs and bakers, raffle prizes from local merchants and a bucket at the front door for cash donations set the stage for a night of community fun at Spring Hill Restaurant. The old fashioned community fundraiser added to a fund that helps local families deal with heating costs during the winter.

Restaurants in South Berwick and York provided soups and breads for the event. Among them are: Nature’s Way Market, Pepperland, Forgarty’s, The Catered Event, Redbarn at the Outlook Farm,  The Black Bean, The Brixham General Store, Spring Hill Restaurant, When Pigs Fly Bread. Local merchants; Abby Chic, Salmon Falls Gardens, The Early Bird, Vacuum Village, the Little Hat Company provided prizes for raffles.   Jeff Lind and Carl Pehrsson entertained with acoustic jazz music.

“The money we raised from this supper, the raffle and any subsequent donations will give a family a few hours of heat or help with weatherization of their home” says Pat Robinson, one of the key organizers. “The support from the local restaurants and merchants made the event possible — the community’s generosity will really make a difference in local families’ lives this winter.”

The Fuel Fund is managed by SoBo Central, a recently incorporated non profit organization with the goal of bringing together five community projects into one tax-exempt nonprofit.  In addition to the Fuel Fund, other programs that have joined to create SoBo Central are Hot Summer Nights, which has run summer concerts for 10 years; Green Up, a local sustainability group formed last year; the South Berwick Community Food Pantry, formed to bring food to residents in need, and Smart Growth South Berwick, which is focused on nurturing the downtown and runs the annual Home for the Holidays event.

Donations to the Fuel Fund can still  be made directly to SoBo Central, c/o Fuel Fund, 9 York Woods Rd, South Berwick, ME 03908.  Write “Fuel Fund” on the memo line.  All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law

CFW Answers the Call of the Wild with Annual Holiday Bazaar Fundraiser

Freyja, the Center’s non-releasable peregrine falcon awaits your visit

Staff and volunteers at Center for Wildlife ~ the region’s largest wildlife rehabilitation and education center ~ are looking forward to welcoming visitors on each of the weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pick up a gift or two for the holidays.  Enjoy delicious baked goods, hot beverages and festive music.  Meet and learn about some of the Center’s feathered, furred, quilled and scaled non-releasable wildlife education ambassadors by seeing them up close.  Help support native wildlife this winter and Answer the Call of the Wild in your community.

Dates:   Sat/Sun Nov. 28/29, Dec. 5/6, 12/13, 19/20
Time:    Noon - 4pm
Location:   Center for Wildlife, 385 Mountain Road, Cape Neddick, ME
FMI:   Call the Center at 207-361-1400 or send an inquiry to outreach08@yorkcenterforwildlife.org

CFW is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, established in 1986, whose mission is to counteract human-caused harm to wildlife by rehabilitating and returning injured animals to the wild, broadening general public awareness of how to support the well-being of native wild animal species and their habitats, and providing a variety of environmental learning programs with live animal ambassador “teachers” to individuals, schools and other community organizatons. CFW gratefully accepts tax-deductible donations on its website at www.yorkcenterforwildlife.org or by mail to: Center for Wildlife, PO Box 620, Cape Neddick, ME 03902.

Citizens bring holidays to downtown South Berwick

Karaoke Christmas carols, Hanukkah games and a boxing demonstration are the latest additions to South Berwick’s annual Home for the Holidays celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 4. With several new businesses opening downtown in the past year, there will be more than a dozen free activities for the whole family.

Caroling through downtown and cookie decorating at Pepperland Cafe have become centerpieces of the Friday night fun, while the Women’s Holiday Art Show on Friday and Saturday provides an anchor in Town Hall.

During the last five years, Home for the Holidays has grown from a small grassroots endeavor into a mainstay of the town’s season, with downtown business owners opening their doors to the public. Among the new businesses are Lenks Orthodontics, which will give out dippin dots; PricePoint Eyewear, which will host the karaoke caroling party, and Early Bird Cafe, which is holding a pancake breakfast.

From the Federated Church to Nature’s Way Market, establishments will be offering everything from free soup to crafts, raffles, chamber music and merry-making. For the first year, Hanukkah games will be part of the fun as Bob’s Trophy will host a the dreidel activity and menorah lighting.

“The celebration is always great time to see neighbors and friends downtown” said Puff Uhlman, one of the SmartGrowth volunteers who organized this year’s event. “Home For the Holidays reminds residents that shopping downtown is more fun and more neighborly, saves gas and supports the local economy.”

The festival originally was an outgrowth of the Women’s Holiday Art Sale, now in its 11th year, which runs 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 to 3 p.m. Saturday in the Town Hall Auditorium. The fine jewelry, cowgirl goods, pottery, soap and other items are made by two dozen women from the area.

Artist Roger Morin will display his floral artwork at Abby Chic florist, while Susan Gregory will sell wristies specialty gloves at Vacuum Village. Further down Main Street, Sen. Peter Mills will greet people at Civil Consultants, where Spring Hill Restaurant will sell tortes and give out gift certificates.

The Sarah Orne Jewett House will open its first floor and gift shop to visitors Friday night, where redware pottery, glassware, books and stationery will be available. Portico Realty will host local videographer Tim Benoit’s work, “South Berwick” featuring montages of present day scenes and photos from the Old Berwick Historical Society.

In addition to Santa Claus welcoming children for a photo op at P. Gagnon & Son, Mrs. Claus will read stories at the Public Library, where visitors are also invited to make bookmarks and ornaments. Ocean Bank will help children write a letter to Santa, and York Hospital is inviting children for face painting and snacks.

Across the bridge in Rolllinsford, Doodlebugz pottery studio will be open for those who want to make unique gifts, and the Bead Bin invites visitors to make free zipper pulls.

For a complete listing of activities, download the  Home for the Holidays Brochure Page 1 and Page 2.

In the News: November 19, 2009

No injuries in five-vehicle crash on Route 236
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Five vehicles were damaged in a chain-reaction crash on Route 236 that “luckily” left nobody injured, according to …

Environmental expert gives South Berwick group ‘food for thought’
SeacoastOnline.com
Environmental conservation professor John Carroll of the University of New Hampshire’s Department of Natural Resources …

South Berwick group holds meet and greet with businesses …
SeacoastOnline.com
A new organization has formed to promote the local community and encourage small business owners, residents and town officials to …

Winter farmers markets scheduled in Portsmouth, Exeter, Rollinsford
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Seacoast Eat Local has announced that winter farmers markets will occur on select Saturdays starting Nov. 21. The winter selection includes …

South Berwick Rescue to host stress management seminar
Foster’s Daily Democrat
South Berwick Emergency Rescue welcomes Bette Jonas Freedson, LCSW, LICSW, CGP, who will present a seminar in dealing with stress …

South Berwick sees cash windfall in town forest

Foster’s Daily Democrat
The Town Council recently agreed to a plan to chop down 40 percent of the trees in the 90-acre town forest. The timber will be sold off for …

Eating local, fresh a challenge in winter
Seacoastonline.com
Wentworth Greenhouses in Rollinsford will host a winter farmers market for the first time the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. …

Some attendees feel duped by group’s Veterans Day event
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Several people from veterans organizations in South Berwick and Berwick attended. Mark Pilgrim — a local member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5744 and …

South Berwick Community Development Committee begins work
Foster’s Daily Democrat
The town introduced its new Community Development Committee recently. Its intent is to preserve the downtown and its economic …

Historical Society Presents Lincoln’s Visit to Dover

In honor of the bicentennial of the birth of the 16th president, a local historian will examine Abraham Lincoln’s overnight visit to Dover, New Hampshire, in 1860.  The free lecture by Brad Fletcher is sponsored by the Old Berwick Historical Society.

The program will be held at Berwick Academy’s Jeppesen Science Center on Academy Street at 7:30 pm on Thursday, November 19.  Refreshments will be served by volunteers.

In 1860, Lincoln visited the east coast to make his famous Cooper Union Address and visit his eldest son at Phillips Exeter Academy. He had his photograph taken by celebrated 19th century photographer Matthew Brady.  During the New Hampshire stop, Lincoln made speeches and campaigned in several cities, including Dover.

Fletcher, an upper school history teacher at Berwick Academy, will trace Lincoln’s steps in the Seacoast area, exploring the stories and myths generated by the visit. He will also talk about the dividends the visit paid at the Republican Convention in Chicago two months later, which set Lincoln on the road to the White House in November.

This event is part of the Old Berwick Historical Society’s 2009 series of talks, walks and historical events. The series, supported by member donations and a grant from Kennebunk Savings Bank, includes seven monthly evening presentations as well as other local history events around South Berwick, including the society’s Counting House Museum.

More information on all the Old Berwick Historical Society’s programs is available at info@obhs.net, or by calling (207) 384-0000.

Walk & Learn: South Berwick’s Town Forest

Do you know that South Berwick has a town forest?

On Monday, November 9, 2009 the town council accepted the forest management plan written by David Parker, of Parker Forestry Associates LLC.  John Spezia, Eagle Scout candidate, has just completed a crossing over one of the wettest areas in the forest.

The Conservation Commission is sponsoring a walk on Sunday, November 22nd at 1:30 with a rain date Sunday November 29th.  Come meet David who will talk about the management plan and John who will talk about building the crossing. Members of the South Berwick’s conservation commission will also be there.

The town forest is located on Knight’s Pond Rd, across from 114 Knight’s Pond Rd then follows the signs to the parking area.

Read about the forest management plan and wood harvesting in the town forest:
South Berwick to sell its forest timber | SeacoastOnlinecom — The town forest is getting some much-needed maintenance, while providing South Berwick with a one-time revenue stream, …

Read about John Spezia’s bridge building project:
Teen leads bridges project at South Berwick forest | SeacoastOnlinecom — Residents and outdoor enthusiasts have local teen John Spezia to thank for two new bridges in the 88-acre town forest. . ,

FMI Pat Robinson 207-337-2792

The Artists of Salmon Falls Mills Open Studios

‘Go Local for the Holidays’ :
The Artists of Salmon Falls Mills Open Studios
Nov. 21 & 22, 10 am – 5 pm

Salmon Falls Mills in Rollinsford, NH come alive to welcome art lovers & holiday shoppers with their annual Open Studios event on Saturday and Sunday, November 21 & 22 from 10am to 5pm.  Open Studios offers a unique chance to meet 70+ artisans and mill businesses in their working environments.

Experience “hands-on” and “handcrafted” for yourself.  The mills are bursting at the seams with local color.  Painters, potters, sculptors, photographers, woodworkers, printmakers, jewelers and fabric artisans open doors to share their crafts.

Participating mill businesses include Fig Tree Café (good food & hot coffee), White Heron Tea (Organic & Fair Trade teas), and Wristies (fleece gloves and accessories).

Catch live performances by songwriters Dan Blakeslee, Dan Walker, Chris Oneil, violinist Sam Goodall and wandering belly dancers.

Jeremy Heflin Photography will offer instant holiday portrait prints and children’s art stations will be located throughout the mills. Tour the Rollinsford Library.

Step out of the cold, wander the halls and make merry.  Don’t miss this special opportunity to purchase handcrafted art & holiday gifts from the artisans themselves.  Think local first.

The Salmon Falls Mills are located on Front Street in Rollinsford, just 5 minutes north of Dover, NH.  Ample free parking.  For more information and directions go to www.millartists.com .  Free and open to the public (some studios are handicapped accessible).  FMI (603) 749-8879.

This Week at Town Hall: November 9, 2009

Monday, November 9
Town Council

6:30 PM - Council Chambers
On the agenda:
ORGANIZATIONAL
1. Elect Chair and Vice Chair
2. Adopt meeting rules; i.e., rules of order, time and day of Council meetings, etc.
3. Sign policy on Treasurer’s Disbursement Warrants for Employee Wages & Benefits
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Administrative
A. Accept Forest Management report & authorize sale of timber
B. Approve Young Street path construction
NEW BUSINESS
1. Administrative
A. Discuss Young Street Property
1. Window Art Project
2. Environmental Concerns
B. Budget Guidance
1. Schedule a Vaughan Fund Meeting
Supporting documents

Tuesday, November 10
Historic District Commision

7:00 PM - Meeting Room 2

Wednesday, November 11
Veterans Day: Offices Closed

All Day - Town Offices & Transfer Station

Wednesday, November 11
Veterans Day Celebration Luncheon

11:00 AM - Community Center

Thursday, November 12
Community Development Committee

6:30 PM - Meeting Room 2

Thursday, November 12
Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee

7:00 PM - Council Chambers