July 2013



Vol. 19 Issue 4 ● July 2013
Inside This Issue:
Hermon Cub Scout Places First in Penobscot Valley
District Pinewood Derby Championships
Hermon Elementary PTA..2
Hermon School Calendar..3
Election Results..4
Ecotat Gardens...4
Home Compost Bins..4
Economic Development.6
Hermon (then and now).6
Sidewalk Grant...6
Hermon in Review..8
Boy Scouts..9
Public Works.10
Hermon Recreation Dept....11
Fireworks Ordinance12
Citizens Help Needed..12
Wolf "Speedy" Nolan Raymond of Hermon Cub Scout Pack 25
Town of Hermon
Roger Raymond

PO Box 6300
Hermon, ME 04402
2078481010
Fax: 2078483316
[email protected]
www.hermon.net
Wolf “Speedy” Nolan Raymond of Cub Scout Pack 25 captured the first place
spot at the Penobscot Valley District Pinewood Derby Championships held this spring.
Nolan received a medal representing the fastest second grader, and the coveted first
place trophy for PV District. Nolan’s Baltimore Orioles car was named, “The Flying
Oriole”.
This is the third time a Hermon Cub Scout has ever won this title. Nolan’s
older brother Kent placed first in 2008, and Nolan took the top spot last year as well.
Eighteen packs were represented by their four fastest racers, with nearly
eighty Cub Scouts participating. Each car competed in three heats, and the times
were averaged to determine the quickest racer. In addition, the top three competed in
a raceoff. The races were organized and officiated by Katahdin Area Council, and
hosted by Bangor Baptist Church.
The names for the photo from Left to Right are:
Gavin Mahar, Lynne Estes, Krisitn Preble, Lucas Mahar, Stacey Modursan, John Estes, Principal Mrs. Barbara Libby,
Nancy Foley, Meghan Mahar, Michele Mahar, Lucas Modursan, Glen Modrusan, and Allison Jewell
Hermon Elementary School PTA ended the school year by presenting a $5,000.00 “check” to
principal Barbara Libby on June 11th. “Wanting to make an impact and raise funds with a goal in mind was the thought
behind the recent Smart Board / Technology Campaign at Hermon Elementary School, promoted by HES PTA,”
according to CoChair, Kristin Preble.
One or two Smart Boards, which would enhance interactive learning in the classroom, was the
original goal and a campaign designating ‘Box Tops for Education’ was created. Hermon families rose to the occasion
by clipping and sending in box tops, each worth .10 cents, and over $1,100.00 was raised through this effort.
An opportunity for a matching $2,000.00 grant from Modern Woodmen of America by Heidi
Fairbrother, Modern Woodmen Activities Coordinator, was presented and the campaign grew with the hopes of providing
the funding for all three third grade classrooms to receive a smart board.
Generous donations from the HES Talent Show were designated for the growing campaign. Also contributing
was an employee match donation by Mary Cameron and employer, AMGEN PAC. Then, finally, a recent spaghetti
dinner held at Dysart’s new location on Broadway and Griffin Road in Bangor brought in the remainder of the amount
needed for the matching grant and topped the campaign to $5,000.00! Dysart’s generosity in providing the facilities and
local donations by Angler’s Restaurant, Dennis Paper & Food Services, the Henderson Family, LaBree’s Bakery, PFG
North Center, and Sysco made the dinner a complete success with 100% of the profit going to the
Smart Board / Technology Campaign.
HES PTA is a group of dedicated people working together to support Hermon Elementary School and our
greatest assets of the future  our children of Hermon. Any Hermon resident is welcome to participate and can be
directed for further information by calling the school.
2
3
Municipal Elections Results
The municipal elections were held on Tuesday, June 25,
2013. In total, this was the lowest turnout since 1999 with
only 244 out of an estimated 4319 registered voters going
to the polls.
Alden Brown, Tim McCluskey and William Scott were all
reelected for the Town Council.
John Snyer and Ron Sherman were reelected for the
School Committee.
The fiscal year 20132014 school budget, town
budget and the school budget validation process all
passed.
Home composting can divert an average of
700 lbs. of organic waste per year!
The Town Office has compost bins for sale for $55.00
each. They are made by The Earth Machine and include
4 screw pegs to secure the composter to the ground, a
twistlocking pest resistant lid, side ventilations, a locking
Harvest door and a compost turner.

Fun Things “To Do” at
Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum
● Walk the gardens
● Hike the trails
● Geocache
● Picnic
● Bird watch
● Attend a concert or event
For those of you unfamiliar with geocaching, it’s a free,
outdoor treasure hunt where you use a GPS to hide and
seek containers with others who participate. Requirements
and guidelines are available online at ecotat.org
Coming Events:
Art in the Garden
Six Basin Street Dixieland Band
Hydrangea Wreath Workshop
Living a long life is likely;
Planning for it is a necessity.
Your life today is all about choices.
It makes sense that you want a range of options when it
comes to planning for the future.
Building a retirement strategy is about living the way you
want to live. That’s why including a long term care
discussion for retirement helps you prepare with a
greater sense of security.
Talk to me today to learn how to help protect yourself and
your family with a strategy for long term care.
Christopher Lancaster
Long Term Care Insurance Agent
(207) 9748629
[email protected]
Licensed Agent of Genworth Life
Insurance Company
1261468 11/13/12
4
5
So you think you know Hermon
(then and now)
In what year did Hermon become part of the
newly formed Penobscot County and from what County
did they separate?
Year__________County____________.
Answer to May question:
In 1945 when the High School Students board
ed the bus at the end of the day what did the bus driver
take home and return the next school day and what did
it contain ? 


If you have a news story or article for publication in
the next edition of 
please send it to:
[email protected] or [email protected]
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: August 23, 2013
Hermon receives grant from Maine
Department of Transportation for
Village sidewalk.
It was recently announced that Hermon has
been awarded a grant for $502,400 to cover 80% of the
cost of a sidewalk that will extend from the High School
to the Billings Road intersection.
This project began with the formation of a
Village Planning Committee in 2008. A Village Master
Plan was completed in 2009 with active participation
from residents. This Plan identified the need for side
walks and crosswalks as the highest priority.
The sidewalk will improve safety, provide pedes
trian access to businesses and schools, promote healthy
lifestyles by encouraging exercise and will provide
connections to trails.
This is a very competitive grant program and
represents one of the largest awards ever received by
the Town. Construction is expected to begin in 2015.
If you have questions about economic develop
ment in Hermon or business referrals, pleased contact
Ron Harriman at 9478595.
Recent Economic Development Activity
We have had quite a lot of good news for the local
economy recently. New businesses that have opened recent
ly include the following:
Bangor Auto & Truck Center recently completed construc
tion of a new facility located at 26 Dave’s Way in the
Coldbrook Business Park. Bob and Tina Muecke quickly
outgrew their previous leased space also located in the same
park and decided to expand in Hermon. They employ 10
people and expect to increase that number very soon. The
new facility constructed by local contractor Jeff Brown is
11,000 square feet and opened at the end of May.
Ground Shipping facility Plans have been filed for
construction of an 85,000 square foot ground shipping facility
to be located in Coldbrook Business Park. I began working
with site selection officials over a year ago who were scouting
the region for a suitable location. The recently approved
expansion to the Coldbrook Business Park met their criteria.
Construction is scheduled to begin this summer with a June
2014 completion date. Preliminary projections indicate up to
90 jobs may be created by this development.
Ntension is presently located in Pinewood Business Park
and is owned by Scott Biehn. This company began designing
and manufacturing trade show display products in 2007 and
has been very successful.
They currently have 45 employees and a major expansion
scheduled for this year includes plans for additional
employees and construction of a new 40,000 square foot
facility. Ntension can be reached at 8487700.
Maine Paper & Janitorial Products was started in 2006 in
Pinewood Business Park and is owned by Gregg Burpee and
Mark Hawes. This successful company already employs 18
people and needs to expand. They will keep their business in
Hermon and have purchased lots in the same park for
construction of a 30,000 square foot building that will be
underway this year. Maine Paper & Janitorial can be reached
at 8487711.
Bangor Glass is owned by Steve Roberts and recently
opened at 60 Freedom Parkway (Freedom Commerce Park).
This is an auto glass repair and replacement company. They
specialize in auto glass and provide inshop and mobile
service. Steve has 20 years of experience in this business.
He can be reached at 8489800.
North East Window Tinting has opened at 34 Freedom
Parkway and is owned by Aric Merrow. His company
completes window tinting for residential, commercial, marine
and government. They are fully insured and can be located
at: Office 6053943, or email [email protected]
PanikSwitch Cycles has opened at 2010A Hammond Street
and is owned by JD Blaine. This company specializes in mo
torcycle repairs and restorations. They can be reached at
6050009.
We would like to thank each of these businesses for
selecting Hermon for their new or expanding company.
residents are encouraged to contact these companies for
their services.
6
7
Town of Hermon 20122013 In Review
Another fiscal year is over and the Town has realized a number of changes and major accomplishments. As your Town
Manager, I am pleased to report on behalf of the Town Council the following:
—
The Town Council appointed Roger Raymond as town manager upon Clint Deschene’s departure in June 2012.
—
The Town Council approved a contract with Hermon Volunteer Rescue Service to provide emergency medical service to the
citizens of the community and for the Hermon Fire Department to provide first responder service to victims at the scene of an
accident prior to emergency medical service arriving.
—
The Town acquired the necessary property to expand Snow’s Corner Cemetery that will allow for 1,577 new burial plots and
approved the design plans.
—
The Town Council included the necessary funds in the 20132014 budget to complete Phase I of the expansion at Snow’s
Corner Cemetery.
—
The Town Council reviewed and approved the final plans for improvements for the reconstruction of the intersection at
Route 2 and the Billings Road. The project cost is estimated at $1.4 million and the project is scheduled for construction
during the 2014 construction season.
—
The Town Council approved plans for construction of a new sidewalk along Route 2 commencing at the Billings Road and
extending 250’ southeasterly of the Hermon High School road entrance.
—
The Town secured funding in the amount of $502,400 from Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) to complete the
sidewalk project while an additional $300,000 has been secured from MDOT to complete shoulder and drainage
improvements. In addition, the Town Council has identified Tax Incremental Financing Revenues to cover the cost of the
local share for the project.
—
The Town Council appointed Ruth Nickerson as the new town clerk upon departure of Eric Glidden in May 2012.
—
The Town secured a grant in the amount of $58,800 from Department of Conservation to complete improvements at Jackson
Beach.
—
The Town completed codification of all ordinances for the Town of Hermon.
—
The Town Council approved a new Comprehensive Plan and five year Capital Improvement Plan.
—
The Town Council adopted new personnel policies, job descriptions, Workfare Program and Land Use Ordinance.
—
The Town Council approved and funded a wage study of the target area that includes a section of Route 2 from the Billing
Road to the Coldbrook Road and section of the Coldbrook Road from Route 2 to Autocar Lane in order to qualify for grant
funds from the Office of Community Development and Rural Development to be used to provide public water and sewer with
in the target area, and updated plans for the project.
—
The Town Council obtained the services of the Maine Chiefs of Police Association to complete a study of the Hermon
Community Policing Division and have since implemented some of the recommendations.
—
The Town Council has approved a contract with the Penobscot Sheriff’s Office to provide management and supervisory
services for the Hermon Community Policing Division.
—
The Town approved funding for one additional fulltime deputy to increase law enforcement services at Hermon Schools and
to implement a Community Policing Program.
—
The Town Council established a Bicentennial Committee and provided funding to cover some of cost for the celebration.
—
The Town Council established and implemented several initiatives to encourage economic development activities.
—
The Town Council lobbied the Legislature regarding the anticipated loss of $1,000,000 of municipal funds in conjunction with
Governor Lapage’s proposed 20142015 Biennium Budget. The final result was the loss of $80,000 of Revenue Sharing
Funds.
—
The Town Manager developed and the Town Council and citizens approved a municipal budget for the period 712013 to
6302014 that absorbed the loss of $80,000 in revenue sharing and reflected a reduction of $6,600 from property taxes.
8
Hermon Boy Scout Mentors Cub Scouts for Ecotat Gardens Conservation Project
Boy Scout Kent Raymond of
Hermon Troop 25 recently completed a
conservation project at Ecotat Gardens.
Kent designed and built birdhouses
customized for species observed at the
Hermon gardens: Robins, Phoebe, and
Bluebirds. In addition to leading his
Patrol in Troop 25, Kent is the Den Chief
for Hermon's Cub Scout Pack 25 Wolf
Den. In this role, Kent mentors the young
Scouts and provides assistance to the
leaders, while sharing new opportunities
for the boys. Kent developed the idea as
his Second Class service project, and
decided to create a learning experience
for the Cubs. In addition, the project
fulfilled requirements for the Wolf Den to
Boy Scout Kent Raymond of Hermon Troop 25 displays the Bluebird
complete their Conservation Good Turn
house he designed, built, and installed at Ecotat Gardens
and Outdoor Activity Awards. Gaynor
Reynolds of Ecotat generously gave up an afternoon to provide a guided tour for the Scout group.
Scouts were allowed to enjoy the property's many features while learning about the vast selection of
plant species present. In addition, Mrs. Reynolds assisted the boys in the location and installation of
the birdhouses. Kent and the Wolves plan to return to Ecotat with their families to check and main
tain the birdhouses.
Hermon Cub Scout Pack 25 Wolf Den joining Kent as birdhouses are installed
9
PublicWorksSummer2013
Understanding where your property rights begin and end is critical when trying to decide if you can do work
that is near your property lines, but that may be in the public right of way owned by the Town. The Town of Hermon
Appreciates residents who take great care to mow and trim their ditches in order to improve their properties appearance.
People who take pride in clearing culverts and storm water ditches of excessive grass and leaves not only increase their
properties curb appeal, but also help the way the engineered road design was intended to work concerning storm water
and drainage.
Here are a few common questions we receive each spring and summer season:
 

Answer: You should always call Public Works to check on the status of your culvert. We can identify if it is part of the
engineered road design, or on your property. If it is in the Town's "right of way" (usually 33 feet from center of road) then
we can help with repairs when necessary. Residents should not attempt any changes to the storm water design created
by road engineers if the culvert is not on their property.
 
Answer: No one should ever add any rocks or dams to the ditch. If there is an issue with drainage or flow, the rocks
might have to be removed from the Town's property at your expense.
 

Answer:Mailbox posts must be sturdy enough to hold up the mailbox in all types of weather conditions, however they
cannot be so rugged that they present a hazard to vehicles that inadvertently leave the road. If a mailbox support is
struck by a vehicle, it must easily break away.
Unacceptable mailbox supports include: anything that is filled with concrete, masonry and stone structures, heavy steel
structures, and most objects that were intended for other uses (e.g. antique plows, Ibeams, and various other household
tools and objects).
See: 23 MRSA §1401A; 23 MRSA §§2701 and 3651 et seq
4

If you have a question, please call 8481010 and ask to speak with Public Works. We will be happy to come out and per
sonally visit the site with you to work on a solution. We encourage you to take some time this spring and summer to find
your property markers, look at your culvert to see if it is working properly and ask questions of our Code
Officer and Public Works when you have any questions about items near the public right of way or your property lines.

10
11
Consumer Fireworks Ordinance
Citizens Are Needed
The Hermon Town Council recognizes that
A Community Policing Committee will be estab
while the State of Maine has legalized the use of
lished by the Hermon Town Council to provide direction to
consumer fireworks, they still present a danger of
the Town Council and Sheriff’s Department regarding the
injury and fire. To enhance the public safety and
law enforcement needs of the Community. The committee
welfare of its citizens and community the Town
will consist of business leaders, town council members,
Council adopted an ordinance to prohibit use and June 17 to
August 16 at the Hermon Elementary
school representatives and citizens at large. The commit
sale of Consumer fireworks in the Town of Hermon.
Phone: 207-848-4075 • Email: [email protected]
tee will meet at least three times annually.
No person shall use, possess with
the intent is just around the corner...what are your plans?
Summertime
A Road and Street Committee was established
to use, sell, possess with the intent to sell or offer for
Hermon
Recreation
is
now
accepting
applications
forthe
ourTown
“Summer
Program”
for needed
children
sale consumer fireworks in the Town of Hermon.
several months
ago by
Council
to identify
Kindergarten
8throad
grade.
This
year’s
program
is
going
to
be
better
than
ever!
This section does not apply to a in
person
issued athrough
fire
improvements throughout the community and to rec
Exciting
schedule
groups
keeping
campers
busy
participating
works display permit by the State
of Maine
pursuantwith age-appropriate
ommend to the Town Council the priority for these improvein
to 8 M.R.S.A. 227A.
enrichment and fitness activities
such
asCommittee
“Kid Council,”
nature
walks, gardening,
cookments.
The
will meet
approximately
three to
ing, arts and crafts, organized
swimming, playground games, computer time,
fouractivities,
times annually.
Whoever violates this ordinance shall be
Summer Rec Program
and popcorn movies, just to name a few. Weekly field trips planned: UMO Planetarium,
punished by a fine of up to $1,000.00 plus reasona
Beach Party at HMS, Mad Science at
the have
Bangor
& to
Rec,
Field
with
the area
If you
anParks
interest
serve
on Day
either
of these
ble attorney and witness fees, plus costs if legal ac
recreation
departments,
“Beach
Day”
at
Peaks
Kenney—just
to
name
a
few!
Daily
dropcommittees, please contact Ruth Nickerson, Town Clerk,
at
tion by the Town of Hermon is required.
ins are welcome! Pre-registration
is required. Please visit or
www.hermon.net
forsoon
more
either [email protected]
(207)8481010 as
information
to reserve your
today—limited
spotsofavailable.
For the full ordinance, please
contactorthe
as space
possible
and let her know
your interest.
Town Office at (207)8481010.
Postal Customer
P.O. Box 6300
Hermon, ME 04402-6300
ECRWSS
Bangor, ME
Permit No. 14
PAID
12
THE HERMON
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