NORWAY — Retiring Recreation Director Debra Partridge thanked the Select Board and residents Thursday night for their support during her 26 years with the recreation department.
Partridge, whose last day was Friday, is retiring as assistant town manager and director of Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries. Originally scheduled to retire in December 2022, she agreed to stay until her successor for the Recreation Department was named, as well as to assist Town Manager Dennis Lajoie, who has twice extended his retirement date.
Deven Pendexter will take over as the director of Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries, while Angie Paine will serve as the recreation program coordinator.
Partridge took on the role of assistant town manager less than two years ago.
“It’s been quite an adventure,” Partridge said. “I’ve been very lucky to fully enjoy what I’ve been doing.”
Partridge highlighted some of the projects that were completed during her tenure, including many parks, recreation and athletic facilities. She recalled the construction of a new youth baseball field with a 200-foot fence. The cost should have been $50,000, but with the help of local contractors and others, the field cost the town just $5,000.
She also noted the partnership with New Balance, which operates a factory in town. Grants from the company have allowed the town to build a new outdoor basketball court, playground, a warming hut at the ice skating rink and other recreation facilities.
Lajoie, who is slated to leave office at the end of the month, revealed that he has contacted a couple of retired town managers about the possibility of serving as interim town manager until the Select Board chooses a successor.
In other business, the board scheduled a special town meeting Thursday, April 20, to approve spending $50,000 from the undesignated funds to cover a budget shortfall at the Norway-Paris Solid Waste facility. Paris will pay the other half of the $100,000 shortfall caused by higher costs for trucking, fuel, tipping fees and other items, combined with less revenue for recyclables.
If Norway-Paris Solid Waste does not get the funding, the facility would have to close May 1 until the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.
The Select Board accepted a $2,500 donation from Daddy O’s Acts of Kindness Foundation. The funds from the Oxford restaurant’s charitable foundation will be used for residents who need assistance, but are not eligible for General Assistance. The money can also be used by the recreation department for youths who cannot pay the registration fees.
Three BYOB and six catering permits were issued for activities at The Victorian on Main venue at 230 Main St. through May 25. Each event requires a separate permit.
The board also approved:
• An outdoor festival license for the annual Stephens Memorial Hospital Run for Wellness 5K, scheduled for Saturday, June 4.
• A liquor license and a special amusement permit renewal for Norway Gelato Co. at 427 Main St.
• A liquor license for the Wook Nook, a listening room at 495 Main St., which is scheduled to open in June.
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