Energy workshop slated for tonight in South Berwick
Portsmouth Herald
A energy conservation workshop will be held at 6:30 p.m. today at the Town Hall auditorium.

South Berwick police looking for culprit behind at least 25 car …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who may be armed and traveling in a black Ford F-350 …

South Berwick councilors approve fuel assistance account, but not …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
What was initially described as a minor bookkeeping move quickly turned into a discussion about opening Pandora’s …

Search for new town manager down to six in South Berwick: Top …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
The search for the next town manager has been narrowed to six candidates, and a finalist should be named by the end …

Idle ‘gorilla’ house topic at public hearing in South Berwick
Foster’s Daily Democrat
There was talk about shutting out chain stores and preventing existing buildings from being demolished, …

Expert: Seacoast must choose wisely to prevent housing mess
Portsmouth Herald
Economist Chuck Lawton set the tone for a workshop on economic and housing issues on the Seacoast Tuesday morning when he put the discussion in this context:

Worried about staying warm and keeping a lid on your home heating bills this winter?

Free Energy Conservation Workshop
6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, South Berwick Town Hall Auditorium

Experts will offer energy conservation and efficiency tips:
Bruce Monroe, Zero Draft Insulation
Mike Lassel, Lassel Architects
Jack Bingham, Seacoast Energy Alternatives Solar Store Anne Stephenson, Clean Air-Cool Planet
–energy audits
–insulation
–blower-door tests
–back yard turbines
–community purchasing of fuel and winterizing products

Children are welcome!  Child care and activities for children will be available

Know someone who needs their home winterized but can’t afford it? GreenUp! South Berwick and the South Berwick-Eliot Rotary Club will provide a free energy audit and winterizing assistance to eligible homeowners in both communities.  Please call 384-5921.

Energy Workshop sponsored by GreenUp! South Berwick

Thanks to you for all your kind thoughts for my father’s health.  My father was in intensive care in Boston all week but got out over the weekend.  He is settling in back at home in Vermont now.  I will be spending some time in Vermont this week to help get things organized for ongoing care.  I will be able to begin catching up on the diner and all the email that came last week.  It might take me a week or two to get back into my old posting routine.  Thanks for your patience.

September 22, 2008
Town Council Meeting
Council Chambers
5:30pm Town Council Special Meeting
1. Report on Enforcement action.
2. Executive Session – 1MRSA §405.6E consultation w/attorney.
6:30pm Public Hearing – Lynch’s Junkyard
6:35PM Public Hearing – Emery’s Junkyard
Vaughan Fund to follow public hearings
Town Council to reconvene following Vaughan Fund
Unfinished Business
1. Discuss/take action on special revenue account for fuel assistance.
2. Take action on enforcement consent order.
New Business
1. Take action on junkyard permit for Charles Lynch (Lynch’s Junkyard).
2. Take action on junkyard permit for Kim Emery (Emery’s Junkyard).
3. Discuss/take action on Planning Board Alternate appointment.
4. Take action on MMA voting delegate.
5. Confirm meeting date change from Monday, October 13th to Tuesday, October 14th.*

S. Berwick rezoning criticized
York Weekly
A proposal to rezone a segment of downtown from residential to business was roundly panned by a majority of the 45 residents who attended a public hearing Tuesday night.

Maine Forest Service expects beautiful fall foliage
Portsmouth Herald
Get ready for a big show. …

A new welcome
Foster’s Daily Democrat
The South Berwick-based company Signs by Mo on Friday donated a “Welcome Home Troops!” banner that will be displayed indefinitely on the …

South Berwick rezoning plan before public Tuesday
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Rezoning the downtown area will once again be thrust to political forefront when the Planning Board holds a public hearing on the issue Tuesday at 7 pm at Town Hall.

Sarah Long Bridge to close for upgrades
Dover Community News
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation announces the planned closure for 19 days of the Sarah Long Bridge carrying the US Route 1 Bypass over the Piscataqua River between Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine.

Folklorist offers advice on the art of oral history in South Berwick
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Hoping to “honor the past and delight the present,” about 20 members from a variety of local historical organizations gathered recently in the ballroom of the Counting House Museum to train in the art of oral history.

Maine cracks down on cross-border redemptions
York Weekly
Those who shop for beverages in New Hampshire and return the empties in Maine could soon face a hefty fine, state officials say. Two weeks ago, signs went up at the Eliot transfer station reminding residents that it …

Eliot responds to heating crisis
York Weekly
The Board of Selectmen at its recent meeting debated ways to meet the heating fuel crisis that they fear will leave many residents without sufficient fuel this winter.

I have not been able to update the 236diner over the last week or so.  My father has been having health problems so I’ve been traveling to Vermont.  He’s in the hospital now waiting to have surgery.  I hope all goes well and I’ll be able to get back to keeping the diner up to date soon.  In the meantime, thanks for your patience and keep up the good discussion in the comments!

I won’t be able to go to the public hearing tonight.  I’m hoping some of those who attend will  write up a comment about what happens.

I hope the Council and the Planning Board gets the word that there is a middle road that can allow property owners to develop their land and can protect the downtown from too large, out of character construction.

–Molly Colman

Planning Board Public Hearing & Regular Meeting
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Third Floor Auditorium, South Berwick Town Hall

Public Hearing re: Expansion of the B1 Zone.

Reader Randy Hatch met this colorful creature today.  Here’s what Randy has to say about it:

“Picked up on 236 while biking home from work.  Now, safe in back yard with some apple and cherry leaves. I think it’s a ceropia moth larva.”

Also known as the “Robin Moth”, Cecropia moths are the largest moth found in North America, often achieving a wingspan of six inches. They range across the entire eastern two-thirds of the continent to the Rocky Mountains. Full-grown cecropia moth caterpillars are 3 to 4 inches long. The most distinguishing feature of this caterpillar is the prominent “knobs” arising from the pea-green body.

It is a member of the Saturniidae family of moths, which are commonly known as silk moths. As with all Saturniidae moths, the Cecropia does all its eating in the larva stage. The adult moth has no mouth and cannot eat. The moth lives for one to two weeks, during which time it finds a mate and the female lays eggs.

During the first or second night after emerging from the cocoon, the female releases a scent that males can detect from many miles away. This is known as “calling.” The males have much larger antennae than the female, which is used to detect the female’s call.

The host plant for the larva includes the prunus family (cherry, apple, pear, etc.), lilac, sweet gum, and many others. margin: 0px”>Unlike the Luna or Polyphemus, two other North American Saturniidae moths, there is only one brood of Cecropia per year. The moth overwinters as a cocoon.

Here’s the skinny on tonight’s meetings:

Monday, September 8
Public Hearing: Comcast Franchise
6:30 PM - Auditorium Hall
The Town Council held a public hearing on Monday September 8, 2008 at 6:30 pm to receive public comment on the proposed Cable Television Franchise with Comcast.
The hearing was well attended.  Town Manager Orsini went over the basic details of the contract:
Comcast will build out their infrastructure to provide service to the entire town (although private roads may not be served).  Comcast is providing 40% of the cost of the build out.  The town will provide the other 60% of the cost.  This will be paid through a $2 per month charge on cable customers’ bills over ten years.  As more customers come on cable, the $2 per month charge would be adjusted downward to adjust for the greater revenue.  Customers will also pay a 2% franchise fee to build a fund for public access.  Ms. Orsini gave the example that if a customer has a cable bill of $10, the franchise fee would be 40 cents. Ms. Orsini explained that that money will be available for the town to use for public access broadcasting and can be used for whatever technology would be applicable at the time the town chooses to begin public access broadcasting. (more…)

Monday, September 8
Public Hearing: Comcast Franchise
6:30 PM - Auditorium Hall
The Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday September 8, 2008 at 6:30 pm to receive public comment on the proposed Cable Television Franchise with Comcast.
Download a copy of the contract.

Monday, September 8
Town Council
6:30 PM - Council Chambers
Unfinished Business
1. Take action on zoning ordinance amendments 140.26D, 140.77G, & Land Use Table A.
2. Take action on Cable TV franchise with Comcast.
3. Discuss/take action on Grant Procurement Policy.
New Business
1. Take action on resignation from Zoning Board of Appeals.
2. Take action on resignation from Solid Waste Committee.
3. Take action on resignation from Planning Board.
4. Discuss/take action on junkyard permits.  (If PH date set-suggest Sept 22nd @ 6:30 & 6:35).
5. Take action on special revenue account for fuel assistance.
6. Take action on Fall Bond Bank Issue.

Tuesday, September 9 Monday, September 8 (Update:  Date changed on the Town website)
Building Committee
7:00 AM - Town Hall Kitchen
Architect Selection Process
Finalize list of architects for interviews, notify all submitting architects of status for interviews and not being selected for interviews.
Establish the schedule of interviews
Review informational packets for architects to study, and transmit to firms to be interviewed.
Develop Information Packet for Short List Interviews
Review Timetable
Funding Options

Tuesday, September 9
Town Council Workshop
6:00 PM - Council Chambers
The Town Council will meet in a workshop to discuss the Library and the Day property.

Tuesday, September 9
Planning Board Special Meeting
Guidelines for the Public at Regular Meetings and Public Hearings - Continued discussion.
6:50 PM - Planning Office, First Floor

Tuesday, September 9
Planning Board Workshop
7:00 PM - Planning Office, First Floor
B-1 Zone - Continued discussion.

Wednesday, September 10
Special Town Council Meeting
6:30 PM - Council Chambers
New Business
1. Executive Session – 1MRSA 405.6A – Personnel – manager search.
2. Discuss interview process.

 South Berwick is going to be buzzing with activity this weekend.  If the weather looks threatening, best to check with the event sponsors to find out about any weather related changes in schedules.

South Berwick Yoga Gallery:  Anne O. Smith
Artist Anne O. Smith’s September 1st - October 31st art exhibit at the SBY Gallery is entitled “NatureScapes.”  This Strafford, NH artist combines abstract elements with realism. This description suits her view of the natural world where a combination of mind, emotion, and sight are necessary to truly reflect its’ complexity. The exhibition reception will be on Sunday, September 7th, from 3-5pm at the 4 Portland Street, South Berwick, ME gallery location.  Light refreshments will served.

South Berwick Community Garden
Open Garden Day is Sunday, September 7, 10 AM-12 noon. Join the Second Annual Open Garden Day at the South Berwick Community Garden, located off Willow Drive by the soccer fields. Please stop in to learn about what we do and why we do it! The Community Garden plays a very important role in some of our citizens’ lives, and we’d like to tell you about it! This year we have two plots devoted to the Plant-a-Row-for-the-Hungry program, and have donated to the South Berwick Food Pantry on a weekly basis.  Hope to see you there! For more information contact Mimi Demers 384-5258 mimiandray@gwi.net

Celebrating Sarah Orne Jewett
Sunday, September 7, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m, Sarah Orne Jewett House, South Berwick, Me.
Admission: $5 Historic New England members, $10 nonmembers
Please note: Registration required. Info: 207-384-2454 or website
Join Historic New England for a celebration of Sarah Orne Jewett. Celebrate the life and works of Sarah Orne Jewett at this annual birthday party. Join Jewett enthusiasts and community members for an enjoyable afternoon listening to readings of selected works by Jewett that relate to people and scenes of South Berwick found in her work. Refreshments and birthday cake will be served. There will also be a Jewett walking tour at 1:30.

Pumpkinman Triathlon Festival
The Triathlon takes place at Spring Hill on September 6 and 7, 2008.   The festival’s second year they will host Maine’s First ever Half IronMan Race (1.2 mile swim, 56mile bike, and 13.1 run), along with the popular sprint race (1/3 of a mile swim, 14 mile bike and 5K run).  This race is a registered non-profit and all monies/proceeds are distributed to local sports and  a scholarship fund. For info:  Pumpkinman Triathlon

One more fun thing:

All-Day Sing-a-Long
Celebrate fall at Front Street Market in Rollinsford with an All-Day Sing-a-Long this Sunday!!!. Toe-Tap to Blue Grass Jammin’ with Ed and Diana MacDonald and Kathy Secrest!!  Bring your instruments, voices or just come and listen. Hand-outs will be provided with words and chords!!  Enjoy home made croissants from Café Ciabatta or lunch in the grill area whileyou shop for fresh chicken, eggs, honey and raw milk from McClary Farm. Young visitors have the opportunity to create their own “hands-on” art projects and face painting.  Buy raffle tickets to support Colleen Garrison, Rollinsford resident participating in the up-coming Washington D.C Breast Cancer Walk. Front Street Market is a street fair open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday through mid-October in the parking lot at Salmon Falls Mill in Rollinsford.   For additional information, call 603-743-2228 or email frontstreetmarket@yahoo.com.

A new face at Marshwood High School
Portsmouth Herald
When Marshwood High School opens its doors to students Wednesday, a new face will greet them.

Committee member third South Berwick official to resign in 6 months
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Since Nick Tsakiris joined the Solid Waste Committee when it formed last May, he said he has put in countless hours …

Eliot gravel pit woes mulled
York Weekly
At the Thursday meeting of the Board of Selectmen, a dozen residents living near the Great Hill Sand and Gravel pit listened …

Mega-regions: We’re in world’s 2nd-largest economy
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Across Maine’s York County, an increasing number of people are commuting to work in Portsmouth, NH, or Boston, but a lot of investment, especially with real …

Maine eyes 4-day school, work week
Portsmouth Herald
Other towns considering a similar move include Belfast, Old Orchard Beach, Kittery, Kennebunk, Fairfield, Houlton, Sebago, Etna and Bridgton, said Saco City …

Rising costs force closing of Berwick tannery 
Portland Press Herald
About 150 people will be out of work at Prime Tanning, but the company’s Hartland site will add some jobs.

South Berwick councilor won’t view complaint filed by ex-manager
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Town Councilor David Burke, who was singled out in former Town Manager Jeff Grossman’s recent complaint to the state …

South Berwick Historical Society wants to know more about woman’s …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Her gaze, neither smiling nor frowning, Mona Lisa-esque, is mysterious — and so, too, is her identity. Members of the Old Berwick …

South Berwick asks state for temporary bridge during Great Works …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
The state Department of Transportation is planning on rebuilding the Great Works River bridge in 2010 — which could …

South Berwick employees asked to keep mum on former manager
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Based on legal advice from the town’s attorney, Interim Town Manager Roberta Orsini has ordered all town employees …

Comcast to hold information hearing in South Berwick
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Officials from Comcast will hold a public information meeting on Sept. 8 about a proposed 10-year extension of the cable company’s contract…

Tuesday, September 2
Planning Board
7:00 PM - Council Chamber
Old Business
1.  Rules of Procedure and Code of Ethics: Planning Board Bylaws - Continued.
(a) General Procedures at Planning Board Meetings.
“       Attachments from Bruce Whitney, Brad Christo, Cheryl Dionne and Mimi Demers.
(b) Ex-Parte Communications: Tentative presentation by J.T. Lockman, SMRPC Planning Director.
New Business
Ordinance Updates
Other
1.      Planning Board - Updated Member Information:
“       South Berwick Planning Board Member List - Attached.
“       Planning Board Term Sheet - Attached.

Wednesday, September 3
Economic Development Committee Meeting
1:00 PM - Council Chambers
Correspondence:
1.      Roberta Orsini- adjustment to budget allocation for Planning Decisions
Member Comments:
Old Business:
1)      Economic Development Facilitator:
a.      Training session follow up - Karyn Scharf Morin.
b.      Schedule and interview list
2)      Bylaws?Review of Officers, meeting times, new Committee position, and amendments.
New Business:
Regional Industrial Park and CDBG Grant.
Grant Application and Council participation

Wednesday, September 3
Pay As You Throw (PAYT)  Informational Meeting
6:30 PM - Auditorium Hall
Watch a short video about Pay As You Throw (PAYT) and learn how South Berwick plans to implement this program.

I just spent a week on Appledore at the Isles of Shoals and one day I got to see a baby seal sunning itself on the rocks.  He/she put on quite a show; yawning:

and generally looking cute.