Woolwich selectmen met Jan. 21 with representatives of Age-Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec, a non-profit group of volunteers working to improve the lives of senior residents. Deidra Murphy of West Bath, co-chair of the group’s steering committee, along with Marla Davis, the volunteer transportation coordinator, attended. 

Along with Woolwich, the organization serves Arrowsic, Bath, Georgetown, Phippsburg and West Bath by assisting senior citizens facing challenges like affordable housing, transportation, developing social connections, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Along with describing their accomplishments over the past year, Murphy delivered 25 AARP canvas “Care Bags” containing first aid kits, mini emergency lights, bottled water and other items to be distributed free to seniors in need.

According to the group's website, the goal is establishing “age-friendly” communities. To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Age-Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec, log on to: https://www.agefriendlylowerkennebec.org/

During their regular meeting, selectmen re-elected David King Sr. chairman and Jason Shaw vice chair. Selectman Dale Chadbourne had nominated Shaw for chairman, but he declined, saying he was still working full-time and didn’t want the additional responsibilities. “I appreciate the nomination but I don’t want to be chairman,” he said.

The board authorized the purchase of $47, 807 for EMS equipment – the bulk of which, an estimated $43,798 – was for a Lifepak 15 monitor for patients in cardiac arrest. The other items included $1,969 for a compartment camera and on-spot compressor and $2,100 to replace Lifepak CR2 Portable AEDS batteries. EMS Director Danny Evarts said the purchases will be covered from grant monies, unspent funds rolled over from last year, credits on the department’s Stryker account, and from the ambulance department’s AED donations account.

Woolwich EMS responded to 14 calls so far in January, Evarts said.  Fifteen patients were seen and 10 were transported; MC1 was called three times and Bath Fire & Rescue once.  Evarts told Wiscasset Newspaper, December was the ambulance department’s busiest month ever, responding to 45 calls that included a number of motor vehicle accidents and falls on ice.

Fire Chief Shaun Merrill said the fire department had responded to 17 calls so far this month. Jan 20, first responders were called to a head-on collision resulting in injuries on Route One in front of the Woolwich Post Office.

Selectman Allison Hepler said the legislative process in on track to rename the new Station 46 bridge Woolwich Veterans Memorial Bridge. A dedication ceremony will be held on Veterans Day. The new two-lane bridge is on Route One, just north of Taste of Maine Restaurant and spans Pleasant Cove and the railroad tracks. Hepler noted she would be unable to attend the board’s first meeting in February.

During public comment, Tom Stoner asked when the closed bridge on George Wright Road would be removed.  Selectman Shaw said this was part of a project administered by Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT). “My understanding is the bridge will be coming out next fall,” he commented.Stoner also asked when data on the town’s solar farm will be posted on the town’s website. Selectman Tommy Davis said the communication committee was still working on this.

The selectboard tentatively set the annual town meeting for 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 22. The meeting will be held in the Woolwich Central School gymnasium. Budget meetings are scheduled for Feb. 4 and 11 at 4 p.m.

Town Administrator Kim Dalton said WCS Principal Jason Libby notified her a new traffic pattern for student drop-off and pick-up will go into effect Feb. 2.  Libby will be invited to a March selectboard meeting to discuss how the new pattern is working.

In other business, the board renewed a liquor license for PJM Cider LLC.