Pages in Time: A parrot gives me the bird

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page8pict1by Milt Huntington

We had just come from a Celtics games at Boston Garden and had decided to stay at King’s Grant just outside of Beantown on the way home to Maine.

We had stayed there before and knew the food would be good and the rooms comfortable and quiet. The Inn boasted a delightful cocktail lounge and live musical entertainment on the weekends. A small swimming pool in the lounge was centered in a jungle-like atmosphere. It was a little steamy, but all in all, rather pleasant.

Large columns were located around the pool to add to the atmosphere, and a wooden foot bridge crossed over what appeared to be a stream feeding the indoor pool. During the course of the evening we notice a large parrot sitting in a cage behind one of the columns. When we cooed “Hello” to the colorful bird, it would politely respond: “Hello! Hello!” We kept it up until the bird got sick of the routine and refused to speak anymore.

The next morning, I woke up a little early, so I decided to don my swimming trunks to take a dip in the pool. The place appeared to be deserted, so I had the pool to myself. After splashing around awhile, I sat in a chair to dry off approximately where we were the night before, right up against a column.page8pict2

It was at that point I remembered the loquacious parrot from the previous night. I leaned forward in my chair and peered around the column. Sure enough, there was the talkative bird half-asleep in his cage. “Hello!” Hello!” I cooed to my feathery friend in a high-pitched falsetto greeting. The bird didn’t move, but the man sitting on the other side of the column moved. Did he ever move! He dashed out of the lounge as though his bathing suit was afire. He stole one quick frightened glance at me over his shoulder as he pushed through the door and out of my life forever.

It was sometime later when I told my good friend, the late John Gould Jr. about the humorous incident. That was a mistake. It was a big mistake.

John Gould, a Maine paper industry lobbyist, would frequently go to great lengths in the interest of playing a practical joke. On one occasion, he casually asked me over to his house in Hallowell for a couple of drinks. It sounded like a relaxing way to end a day of lobbying at the State House in Augusta. Upon arrival, I discovered he had neglected to tell me a candidate for Governor of Maine was also there. As it developed, I wound up writing some of the candidate’s campaign speeches. The candidate lost the election and I felt partially responsible for having written a rather biting presentation near the end of the campaign. John assured me the candidate would not have done as well as he did if not for the speech.

A few years later John had moved to Washington to take a federal lobbying job with his company. I had flown down to attend a Maine State Society banquet, and responded to John’s kind invitation to stop by his house in McLean, Virginia, for a libation before we both headed for the banquet in downtown D.C.

When I arrived at John’s home, I couldn’t help but notice a sleek stretch limousine parked in his driveway. I didn’t find that too unusual. John’s company provided him such transportation on special occasions from time to time. John’s two sons were playing basketball in the driveway. I grabbed the ball and flung it over the limo. Nothing but net! Without so much as a word, I turned and strode into the house, knowing full well I couldn’t do that again in a million years. I hope I impressed the kids. It certainly surprised the heck out of me.

I entered the house, was warmly greeted by John and his wife, and got myself another surprise. John introduced me to the then current Governor of Maine. We all rode to the banquet in the big old limousine.

Now, getting back to the parrot. As I recounted before, I had unwittingly told John of my experience in the King Grant’s cocktail lounge. He couldn’t wait to tell the Governor all about it. Then John asked me about my plans for the following day and I told him I had an appointment to meet with Senator George Mitchell on Capitol Hill. He seemed to think that was wonderful.

That next day, I walked into the Senator’s office, and announced very formally: “Mr. Huntington to see Senator Mitchell. I have a 10 a.m. appointment. The receptionist and the entire officer staff broke into a falsetto chorus of “Hello! Hello!”

I guess you could say they gave me the bird!

Milt Huntington is the author of “A Lifetime of Laughter” and “Things That Make You Grin.”

Peach Delivery Cancels Movie of the Month

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Because of a late spring frost on the peach blooms in northern New Jersey, obtaining those luscious peaches was looking iffy this year, but the Living Communities Foundation finally got access to a limited quantity of them.  Peaches will be arriving at the Palermo Community Center on July 29, August 12, and August 19.  A full case, 38 lbs., will cost $37 this year, and the half box will cost $23.

These peaches can be ordered by calling Connie at 993-2294, or by e-mailing pwhitehawk@fairpoint.net as soon as possible.  Please include your desired delivery date and your daytime phone number, so Connie can call to confirm your order and call to let you know when you can pick them up.  The Palermo Community Center volunteers thank you for your support, and hope we can continue to bring you quality products at a good price.

The first peach delivery happened to coincide with the monthly Dinner-and-a-Movie event, which had to be cancelled this month.  However, August’s movie, “Spectrum – A Story of the Mind” will be showing on August 26.  It deals with the form of awareness we call autism, and its causes.

Maine International Film Festival 2016 has four days to go!

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Text and photos
by Bonnie N. Davis

Opening Night

The 19th Maine International Film Festival ((MIFF) began last Friday evening, with the showing of “Seasons,” a film with beautiful photography about creatures from insects to birds and beasts who occupied the verdant primordial forests.

Shannon Haines

Shannon Haines, MIFF festival director, at Waterville Opera House on opening night.

Introductions this year were short and homey, creating an atmosphere of family gathering together for a reunion.  Uri Lessing, board president of the Maine Film Center, began the festival by giving credit where it is due – to MIFF director Shannon Haines, of Waterville.

“When she’s president in your community, your community grows,” Lessing said.

“The big news is that we have two honorees this year – an unprecedented occurrence for MIFF – with Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Robert Benton and Mid-Life Achievement Award honoree Gabriel Byrne,” Haines said.  “This is the 2nd Annual World Filmmaker’s Forum, which will include VJ Suave – pronounced sah-vay, not sauve – with films from Mexico, Uruguay, Brazil and South Africa.”

Robert Benton

Robert Benton accepts MIFF’s first Lifetime Achievement Award.

Haines thanked Waterville Creates for their generous grant as well as festival sponsors, the supportive community and volunteers.

Ken Eisen, MIFF program director and moving force behind Railroad Square Cinema, chooses about 100 films for MIFF each year from between 500 to 1000 submissions.  While some come from the official submissions process, most are from filmmakers, distributors and friends. Other selections are associated with special guests, award winners, with a few top restorations of great older films.

“Everyone has their own festival.  You cannot see all of the films.  Everyone is their own programmer,” Eisen said, encouraging people to view at least eight films that they would not usually chose.

“This year’s festival is dedicated to the wonderful Kathryn Altman, who’s been up (to MIFF) the past few years and who passed in March of this year,” Eisen said.  “Robert Benton, our Lifetime Award Winner, had his second film as a director, “The Late Show,” by Kathryn’s husband, Robert Altman.”

Short Delights

According to Karen Young, MIFF’s shorts programmer, short films are gaining popularity and the

Uri Lessing

Uri Lessing welcomed guests to the festival as if they were close friends and family, creating an intimate atmosphere.

category is growing.  This year, MIFF hosts a panel, “The Art of the Short Film,” on Saturday, July 16th at 11AM, at The Center, 93 Main St.

“Due to the abundance and exceptional quality of the Maine shorts submissions, there will be TWO programs of them this year,” Young said.  “Only four American shorts will be screened – they are in a program called “Crime Doesn’t Pay!” and are, as the title indicates, about crime – don’t bring the kids!  There will also be a “World Shorts Program” with entries chosen from seven countries.   These are not films about people sitting on a couch – you will know you are in that country.”

Check one of the broadsheets or go to MIFF.org to view times and venues for these fantastic short films.

“Make it your mission to come to at least one shorts program – you will not be disappointed,” Young said.

Festival Highlights

Robert Benton received the Lifetime Achievement Award last Sunday evening after a screening of “Nobody’s Fool, starring Paul Newman, with a host of other familiar faces, including Jessica Tandy – it was her last film.  Benton was both screenwriter and director.  Other Benton films include “Kramer vs. Kramer,” “Places in the Heart,” “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Superman” and “The Late Show.”  On hand to present the award was Maine’s own Richard Russo, author of “Nobody’s Fool.”

“We’ve worked on several films together,” Russo said of Benton.  “As a film maker, he’s a national treasure.”

“Now you know why Richard Russo is one of our greatest fiction writers,” Benton said.

Gabriel Byrne is this year’s Mid Life Achievement winner.  The Dublin born actors’s films include, “The Usual Suspects,” “Miller’s Crossing,” “Jindabyne” and “Louder Than Bombs.” His award ceremony will be held at the Waterville Opera House on Friday, July 15, 6:30PM with a screening of “The Usual Suspects.”

Another festival highlight is the 39th Maine Student Film and Video Festival, held on July 16, at the Waterville Opera House.  This venue is free.

“I hope visiting filmmakers and directors will support this festival to give students encouragement and advice,” Huey said.  He is the force behind the student film festival.

Closing night ceremonies are at the Waterville Opera House, beginning at 7:00PM with the showing of “Little Men,” followed by a party at Mainely Brews.

Something Edgy

As a final note, MIFFONEDGE will be extra edgy this year focusing on animation, according to Haines.  Visit the last three days of EDGE at Common Street Arts on 93 Main Street between 2-9PM this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of July 14, 2016

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Solon and Beyondby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

The Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club met at the fire station on July 9 with president Adam Peters presiding.

Plans were made to do the Solon High School reunion dinner on Saturday, July 16. Several members and parents are planning to help along with two leaders.

The members voted to take part in the parade at Skowhegan Fair on August 14 which is 4-H Day. Plans were made to have a small float as well as marchers walking as a club.

The 4-H educational exhibit was discussed with each member being asked to take part.

Exhibits for Bangor Fair will come in on Tuesday, July 26, and for Skowhegan Fair on Monday, August 8. The members will set up their educational exhibit on Tuesday, August 9.

The members enjoyed doing sand art using small milk bottles.

A cookout with Rance cooking the hot dogs was enjoyed by all.

The next meeting will be on Monday, August 22, at 6 p.m., at the fire station.

The Solon Historical Society will be holding its July meeting on Monday, July 25, with Albert Starbird doing the program on the Solon Lumber Company. The meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Gray Merrill House, 28 South Main Street, in Solon. Dues are $5 per person or family, payable at the annual meeting in September.

Officers are president, Lois Starbird; secretary, Marie Poulin; treasurer, Albert Starbird; and financial secretary, Marie Poulin. Trustees are Jeff McAllister, Rance Pooler and Chris Shaw. Publicity, Marie Poulin and Marilyn Rogers-Bull. Program: Juanita McAllister, Neil Hunnewell and Ann Padham. Scrapbook, Alice Heald.

Summer suppers are continuing to be served at the Community United Church in North Anson from 5 to 6 p.m. on July 23 and July 30.

The North Anson Congregational Church is serving breakfasts through the month of July on SaturdaysJuly 16, 23 and 30 from 7 to 10 a.m.

Lief and I have been traveling up to the ‘County’ to celebrate one of the June birthdays in his family: his brother, Eric was honored on his 60th birthday with a party at Long Lake Resort. We spent a couple of nights up there visiting with his family and attending that party; it was a great time.

Lief also had a birthday on the June 29 and my son Marks’ birthday is June 28, so we met Mark and Karen at Governor’s Restaurant, in Waterville, and celebrated their birthdays.

It will sound like all we do is eat, but Lief’s sister, Judy Ellis and her husband Elwood took us to the Lobster Trap, in Winslow,  for a lobster dinner for his birthday; um um, good! And they asked us to their home for a barbeque on July 4, thanks so much.

We were invited over to North Anson for supper on the actual day of his birthday and had another birthday party with Mary, Dave, Amanda and Alexander with a delicious supper and birthday cake and presents.

It had been raining when we were at Mary and Dave’s that night and as we traveled home the most beautiful rainbow that I have ever seen appeared! It was a perfect arc all around, and huge with another fainter rain-bow above it, with the beautiful colors reversed. Hope a lot of other people saw the rainbow that night, to me it was God’s handy work on display!

Now for Percy’s memoir: “Things work out best for people who make the best of the way things work out. (words by John Wooden.)

Windsor Elementary students receive Bikes for Books

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Dirigo Lodge A.F. & A.M. and Lily of the Valley #157, OES, awarded Bikes for Books at the Windsor Elementary School on June 1. Pictured are the students who earned the bikes through a reading program, along with T-shirts.

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Contributed photos

Obituaries, Week of July 14, 2016

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DOROTHEA E. HURLEY O’REILLY

WINSLOW––Dorothea Ellen Hurley O’Reilly, 70, of Winslow, passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2016. She was the daughter of Peter F. Hurley, Ret. N.Y.P.D., of Galway, Ireland, and Bronx, New York, and Mary Winters Hurley, Leitrim, Ireland and New York.
She grew up in the Highbridge section of the Bronx, New York, attended school in Manhattan, and worked at the New York Society Library after school.

Dot became a poet, artist, avid reader, gardener, cook and canner, a good listener and secret-keeper to many friends and her family. She was most happy at home in her garden, with a book or having a cup of tea with her family who will miss her very much.

She was the widow of James J. O’Reilly, of Morrisville, Pennsylvania, formerly of New York; mother of Robert F. O’Reilly, James E. O’Reilly with Sherry A. McCullough, and Eva V. Wagner, wife of Peter R. Wagner, all residents of Maine. She was the grandmother of Kathryn Rose O’Reilly, Phoebe Margaret and Heron James Wagner, Oisin Ronan Malakie McCullough and Seamus Faelan O’Reilly. She is also survived by siblings, Peter F. Hurley Jr., of Pennsylvania, Kathleen Ney, of Connecticut, and Joan Gensch, of Florida; and many nieces, nephews and friends near and far who loved her dearly.

Three more sisters, Marian Haugh, Eileen O’Shaughnessy and Patricia Sullivan, predeceased her.

Dorothea was a member and valued employee of China Baptist Church.

A memorial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 18, at the China Baptist Church, 36 Causeway Rd., China. An online guestboook may be signed and condolences expressed at: www.gallantfh.com.

Memorial donations may be sent to MaineGeneral Hospice, 10 Water Street, Suite 307, Waterville ME 04901.

MARILYN LIVINGSTONE KOZIUPA

UNITY––Marilyn Livingstone Koziupa, 86, of Unity, passed away following a brief illness at MaineGeneral Hospital, in Augusta, on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Marilyn was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on July 27, 1929, to Marjoire E. (Pomeroy) and Edgar A. Mattson. She was the stepdaughter of Howard L. Hutchins.

Marilyn attended CCRI and Boston University, where she earned a M.B.A. degree in education shortly before moving to Maine.
She retired from the Fairfield public school system following a career of teaching special education reading. A published writer, Marilyn also enjoyed singing and playing the piano. She was a devoted Christian.

Marilyn was predeceased by her brother, Kenneth A. Mattson; and her husband, Michael A. Koziupa.
She is survived by her sons, Lloyd Livingstone, of Fort Bragg, California, and Wayne Livingstone, of Woodland Park, Colorado; grandchildren, Lucas Livingstone, of Saigon, Vietnam, Sheana Livingstone, of Pt. Townsend, Washington, and Caroline Livingstone, of Copenhagen, Denmark; three great-grandchildren; half-sisters, Cynthia Jacobson, of Chepachet, Rhode Island, and Janice Presbrey, of Hyannis, Massachusetts; nephew Keith Mattson, of St. Petersburg, Florida; and step-children, Diana Koziupa, of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, and Raymond Koziupa, of Solon.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at: www.lawrybrothers.com.

JOHN FEDOROVICH

WINSLOW––John Fedorovich, 94, a life-long resident of Winslow, passed away at home Sunday, June 26, 2016. He was born in Winslow on March 23, 1922, the son of Walter and Christine Fedorovich.

He attended Winslow schools, graduating in 1941. He was active in sports, music and other activities.
John served in the U.A. Army from 1942 to 1946. He saw active duty during World War II in France and Germany, where he achieved the rank of sergeant. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and several decorations.

On July 19, 1947, he married Constance Mathieu. Together they raised three sons. He worked at New England Telephone Company until his retirement in 1985. Following his retirement, he and Connie wintered in Bradenton, Florida, for many years.

John was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and golfing, sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge with family and friends. He also enjoyed gardening and playing bridge.

In 2014, he lost his wife Connie. He was also predeceased by his parents, siblings and a granddaughter, Melissa.
He is survived by his three sons: Michael and his wife Cyndy, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; James W., of Winslow, and John Brian and his wife Trisha, of Winslow; six grandchildren: Stacey, Emily, Eve, Cassie, Jackson and Jonah; and several nieces and nephews.

To share condolences, memories and tributes with his family, please visit: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.
Memorial donations may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, 10 Water Street, Suite 307i, Waterville ME 04901.

LESLIE THOMAS CLARK

WINSLOW––Leslie Thomas Clark, 77, of Winslow, died on Monday, June 27, 2016, at his home. He was the husband of the late Shirley

Lydia Clark who died on May 25, 2009; they were married for 39 years.

He was born on January 3, 1939, a son of the late Nason and Edith (Thomas) Clark in Merrick, Long Island, New York.
Leslie worked for the Waterville Morning Sentinel newspaper and then went to work for Wal-Mart following his retirement. He enjoyed walking, reading and browsing garage sales.

Leslie is survived by his children Scott Michael Audet, of Clarksville, Tennessee, Christopher David Clark, of Round Rock, Texas, and Ryan Matthew Clark, of Portland, Oregon. He was also the brother of the late Sandra O’Rouke, Cynthia Omasta, Lucille Kitchen and Joseph Clark.
Please visit www.advantageportland,com to sign Leslie‘s guestbook and leave memories and condolences for the family.

RICHARD R. BLAISDELL

FAIRFIELD––Richard Ralph Blaisdell, 83, formerly of Winthrop, passed away Monday, July 4, 2016, at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice House, in Auburn, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Educated in Augusta schools, Richard was a graduate of Cony High School, class of 1951.

Richard found employment driving a bus between Augusta and Gardiner and later worked for the state of Maine as a mason in the grounds/maintenance department at Augusta Mental Health Institute before transferring to Bangor Mental Health Institute, retiring in 1998.

He is survived by two daughters, Sandra Pierce and her husband, Ron, of Emerado,North Dakota, and Susan Baker and her husband, Rob, of Monmouth.

To view the entire obituary or share memories, condolences and photos with the family, go to the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

JEFFERY L. HALL

SOUTH CHINA––Jeffery L. Hall, 60, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, July 2, 2016. He was born in Waterville on December 3, 1955, the son of the late Lawrence and Glennis (Low) Hall.
Mr. Hall was a graduate of Erskine Academy in China, class of 1975. He had been employed for 20 years at Clean Sweep and later worked at Lakewood Nursing Home, in Waterville.

Jeff was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan and enjoyed going to High Hopes Clubhouse, in Waterville, every day.
Mr. Hall is survived by two sisters, Marcia A. Hall, of South China, and Cheryl Whitten and her husband David, of Palmyra; four nieces, Belinda, Jennifer, Victoria and Angel; a nephew, Theodore; seven great-nieces and two great-nephews; one great-great-niece and two great-great-nephews; his girlfriend, Angela Rowe, of Waterville.

Arrangements were under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Rte. 32, Windsor. Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

ROBERT J. MATHIEU

WINSLOW––Robert J. “Hobby” Mathieu, 62, of Winslow, died peacefully Sunday, July 3, 2016, at the Maine Veterans Hospital, in Augusta, following a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born December 10, 1953, in Watervillle, the son of the late Roland and Blanche (St. Pierre) Mathieu.

Hobby graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1972. After graduation, Hobby served his country from 1974 to 1979 in the US Air Force, after which he was honorably discharged with the rank of AIC. His working career was in retail sales, mostly with Thompson’s VW, in Waterville, and Key Appliance, in Skowhegan.

He was an avid N.E. Patriots fan and loved old cars. He was a long time member of the Bourque-Lanigan American Legion Post #5, as well as a member of the American Disabled Veterans.

Hobby is survived by his daughter, Christa Mathieu Campbell; two grandchildren, Noah and Kenzie Campbell; three brothers, James and wife Jean, Gary and wife Jean, Ronald “Peewee” and significant other Nivette, all of Winslow; sisters, Sandra (Mathieu) Doyon and Brenda (Mathieu) DeBlois and husband Todd, all of Waterville; and many nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be expressed at www.hobbymathieu.com.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

GLORIA A. ROBICHAUD

PALERMO­­––Gloria A. Robichaud, 7i6, died unexpectedly at home on Monday, July 4, 2016. She was born in Augusta on May 28, 1940, the daughter of the late Ernest and Rose Yeaton.

Gloria attended Augusta schools, and had been employed by Hallowell Shoe, Health Tex, and Carlton Woolen Mills.

Gloria enjoyed family and friends, camping, swimming, dancing, snowmobiling and playing cards.

Gloria was predeceased by her husband, Gerard M. Robichaud; a sister, Grace Arbour; and a brother, John Yeaton.

She is survived by five daughters, Geraldine and husband Stacy Hamel, of Palermo, Bonnie Robichaud and Brenda and husband Keith Ross, all of Winthrop, Ann Taylor, of Saco, and Sandra and husband Joe Andres, of South Cardiner; her son, Maurice Robichaud, of Richmond; five brothers, Ernie and wife Beverly Martin, Ernest Rice and partner Kathy Brown, Robert Yeaton, and Arthur and John Closon; five sisters, Ruth and husband Willard Michaud, Sue Bromiley, Roberta Yeaton, Louise Ridley, and Donna Yeaton; 11 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

JOHN G. BURNS JR.

VASSALBORO––John G. “Tardy” Burns Jr., 81, passed away on Monday, July 4, 2016.

He graduated from Cony High School in 1953. He was then drafted by the Milwaukee Braves Farm Team in Columbus, Georgia, as a pitcher.

He later was inducted in the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.

He worked as a Teamster truck driver and also worked with his son, Bob, of Bob Burns Construction.

He enjoyed his camp and all the animals and spending time with his family.

He was predeceased by his wife, Alyce Burns; parents John and Mary Burns; brother Michael Burns and his son Robert Burns.

He is survived by his wife Pamela Burns; children, Kathy, Linda, Peter and Rick; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Tim Burns, Gary Burns and wife Carolyn.

Memorial donations may be made to: Chrisianne Burns Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Michael’s School, Attn: Jane Carr, 56 Sewall Street, Augusta ME 04330 or Chrisianne Burns Scholarship Fund, c/o Cony High School, Attn: Barbara Haskell, 60 Pierce Drive, Augusta ME 04330 or to the National Brain Tumor Society, c/o Kelly Burns, 207-215-4817.

SHANNON L. KENNEDY

UNITY––Shannon L. Kennedy, 30, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, in Knox. Shannon was born on March 18, 1986, at Womack Army Hospital in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the daughter of Kathy Bane, of St. Albans, and Tony Kennedy, of Glenburn.

She had two sisters, Julie M. Bane and Jessica Russell, both of St. Albans.

She attended Nokomis Regional High School, in Newport. During her school years, she enjoyed camping, fishing, show chorus and Girl Scouts. She met the love of her life, David Belch, on July 22, 2004, and they had two daughters, Alyssa M. Belch and Rosa L. Belch.

Shannon was employed by Harbor Hill Center Genesis HealthCare, in Belfast.

She was predeceased by her grandfather, Andrew Bouley Sr. and grandmother, Marjorie Pierce.

She is survived by her boyfriend of 12 years, David Belch; two daughters, Alyssa and Rosa; two sisters, Julie and Jessica; her grandmother, Kathleen Clark, of Newport; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

To leave a message of kindness for the family, please visit www.shoreynichols.com.

THERESE B. TARDIF

WINSLOW – Marie-Thérèse Fleurette (Bernier) Tardif, 88, died on Monday, July 4, 2016. She was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on October 5, 1927, the daughter of Georges and Eugenie (Giroux) Bernier, and resided there until she married.

She was educated in Montreal schools.

She met her husband, Louis Tardif, in Maine in 1953. They were married on April 11, 1955, in Montreal, Canada, and settled down in Waterville, moving to their current home in Winslow in 1960. Mr. Tardif passed away in 2011.

Mrs. Tardif was employed as a secretary in Montreal prior to relocating to the United States in 1955. She was a housewife and mother her entire married life and assisted her husband during his tenure as treasurer for H & W Relief for 24 years. She was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow, and enjoyed traveling and other leisurely activities, including annual trips to Montreal, visiting her mother-in-law at her camp on Webber Pond, in Vassalboro, and day trips to the coast, with her husband and their four children. Mrs. Tardif was an excellent cook and seamstress, knitting, ceramics, plastic canvas crafts, and word puzzles.

Mrs. Tardif was predeceased by her parents; five sisters, Fleurette Granger, Georgette Bernier, Charlotte Paradis, Berthe Pelletier, Marguerite Langevin; and one brother, Georges-Edouard Bernier, and their spouses; her mother-in-law, Amanda (Giroux) Tardif Bouchard and sister-in-law, Violet (Tardif) Dutill and her husband.

She is survived by her daughter, Lucie, of Portland; three sons, Michael and his husband, Harvey Cohen, of Kensington, Maryland; Marc and his wife Karen (Trappen) and their daughters, Allison and Amanda, of Franklin, Massachusetts; and André, of Waterville; a brother, Rev. Robert Bernier. P.M.E., of Laval, Quebec, Canada; two closest nieces, Danielle Pelletier, of Montreal, and Lise (Granger) Bourgeois, of Joliette, Quebec, Canada; brother-in-law, Leo Bouchard, of Montreal; three other nieces and a nephew, of Canada, two nephews, of Maine; as well as great-nieces and great-nephews in the United States and Canada.

To share condolences, memories and tributes with her family, please visit: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com .

MARTHA A. BRANN

SOUTH CHINA – Martha A. Brann, 86, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 8, 2016, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. She was born in Fairfield on May 13, 1930, the daughter of Joseph and Susan Speck.

She graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, in 1948, and married Delbert F. Brann, Jr. in 1951. Together they had two children, Delbert F. Brann III, and Dawn (Brann) Spoden.

She worked for the State of Maine, Bureau of Taxation for 26 years. She was known for her love of family and friends, and her contagious smile with a positive outlook on life.

She enjoyed knitting, baking, playing bingo, and spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Brann was a member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #179, Eastern Star Lily of the Valley Chapter #187, and Antique Treasures of Maine (ATOM), an antique car club.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her son, a sister, Roberta Eugley, two brothers, Robert and Joseph Speck, and her son-in-law, Vernon Spoden.

Surviving is her daughter, Dawn Spoden and her friend Harold Grant, of South China; sister, Edna Allen, of Augusta; two granddaughters, Angela Hinds and her husband Dustin, of Windsor, and Andrea Swasey and her husband Eric, of Andover; great-grandchildren Hayley, Braydon, Camden, Adalyn, and Avery.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday July 15, 2016 at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, ME. Burial will follow in Chadwick Hill Cemetery, South China.

Memorial contributions may be made to: American Legion Unit 179 Auxiliary, P O Box 413, South China, ME 04358. Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

OTHERS DEPARTED

PEGGY ANN JASON, 75, of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, following long-standing health issues. Locally, she is survived by three sons, Jeffrey Jason and partner Gale Lizzotte, William Jason and wife Kathy, and Bradley E. Jason II, all of Winslow.

LOCAL TIES

REV. PAUL A. PLANTE, 73, of Falmouth, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2016, at the rectory of the Parish of the Holy Eucharist, in Falmouth. He was pastor of St. John Parish, in Winslow, from 1993-2004.

Board decides no permit needed for home business

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Planning Board members decided Tammy McGrath does not need a planning board permit for her proposed new business at her North Belfast Avenue home.  McGrath says her confectionary products will be sold on-line and perhaps at farmers’ markets and local stores, so there will be no unusual traffic at the house.  She plans no new building or other external changes. Board members therefore decided no permit is needed from them.  McGrath said her kitchen requires state approval, which she is in the process of obtaining.

In other business at the July 5 board meeting, Codes Officer Richard Dolby asked board members to consider proposing amendments to the Building Permit Ordinance.  The current ordinance says no permit is needed for various accessory structures, and without a permit, Dolby said, there is no requirement for a setback from neighbors’ property lines.

Other town ordinances have setback requirements for various types of development.  Dolby would like setbacks added to the building permit ordinance to apply to temporary garages and storage sheds and small accessory structures and decks.

Board Chairman Virginia Brackett and Dolby eventually agreed that permits should be required in the shoreland zone.  Brackett was hesitant to support any change, for three reasons.

First, Brackett said, the planning board did not write the ordinance; it was produced by a previous codes officer, presented to selectmen and approved by voters.   Dolby nonetheless believes the planning board should recommend any changes.

Second, Brackett and audience member Ray Breton feared requiring setbacks would make it impossible for people on small lots, for example in parts of North Vassalboro, to add a temporary shed or garage.  Dolby said should a property be offered for sale, banks would probably deny a mortgage if setbacks were not required.  Brackett replied it is not the planning board’s responsibility to keep people out of trouble with banks.

And finally, Brackett said, she suspects the ordinance is non-restrictive as an expression of Vassalboro residents’ traditional attitude toward regulation.

She summarized the attitude as “You live next to people, and sometimes they really tick you off with what they do with their property,” but freedom from regulation is – or at least used to be – a higher value.

Planning board members intend to meet again Tuesday evening, July 19, to continue work on proposed revisions to the shoreland ordinance.

Selectmen tackle doubts about alewives, speeding and transfer station

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by Mary Grow

China selectmen heard from residents and committee members on a variety of topics at their July 11 meeting, finding time to make a few decisions afterwards.

Resident Al Althenn asked selectmen to be more involved in the proposal to introduce sea-run alewives into China Lake, a plan he thinks has potential bad results.

Half a dozen China Village residents asked for enforcement of speed limits on Main Street and Causeway Road before someone gets hurt or killed.

Transfer Station Committee member Paul Lucas attended to join in discussion of transfer station issues.

Althenn argued that “the state is pushing alewives on us” without a risk-benefit analysis or adequate unbiased research.  Nate Gray of the Department of Marine Resources, a proponent of alewife introduction, is acting in the interest of the Gulf of Maine fisheries, not China Lake, Althenn alleged.

He fears an unlimited number of alewives will eat everything else in the lake.  Already, he said, China Lake is no longer a natural lake, because of what he has claimed for years is state Department of Environmental Protection mismanagement of the water level; alewives he fears will be the final disaster.

Selectmen listened and asked questions, but proposed no action.

Kyle Pellerin, speaking for himself and neighbors, told selectmen drivers speed on Main Street and Causeway Road and around the sharp corner where those two roads and Neck Road meet.  With a dozen young children now living in the area, plus other pedestrians going to and from the lake, he fears a fatal accident.

“It’s getting very, very scary,” he said.

More law enforcement would help, he said, but only when law officers are there.  He and others asked for more permanent measures, like speed bumps, crosswalks, a second stop sign at the south end of Maine Street or more conspicuous speed limit signs.

Since Neck Road and Main Street are state roads, Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux said state transportation officials should be consulted.
Selectmen promised more law enforcement, especially during hours when residents said there is the most fast traffic.  L’Heureux said costly speeding tickets have helped reduce speeding in other parts of town.

Transfer station issues included relocating the swap shop and adding Palermo residents as transfer station users.

The transfer station committee has proposed a new location for the swap shop intended to simplify traffic flow and reduce congestion near the waste hopper.  L’Heureux estimates the cost of the project at not more than $15,000, including ground preparation, a new building and transfer station employees’ labor as they help with the project.

Board Chairman Robert MacFarland suggested a variety of possible obstacles, like conformity with the phosphorus control plan for the transfer station lot and conformity with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Selectmen tabled action on the committee recommendation to their July 25 meeting.

Selectman Neil Farrington said Palermo officials plan to make the switch to China Jan. 1, 2017.  In the interim, they will prepare to provide bags for residents’ trash.  Under the agreement between the two towns, Palermo residents will pay a per-bag fee, and Palermo will pay China $18,000 annually.

Selectman Irene Belanger reported on a recent meeting of the Municipal Review Committee (MRC), the group sponsoring the proposed Fiberight trash disposal plant, and rebutted claims recently made in newspapers by the Penobscot Energy Recovery Company (PERC), which is competing with MRC for Maine municipalities’ trash.

In other business July 11, L’Heureux reported that the owner of a lot at the head of China Lake’s east basin across Causeway Road from the boat landing will consider selling it to the town, but has not set a price.  The lot is a little over six acres, mostly wetland, the manager said.

The proposed acquisition is based on a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee plan to expand recreational facilities at the head of the lake.  The committee wants “all the land we can get” in the area, L’Heureux said.

Selectmen unanimously approved a community policing policy L’Heureux prepared. They appointed David Crommett to the recreation committee; reappointed Belanger as representative to the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) and the FirstPark board of directors; and appointed Selectman Joann Austin as the second representative on the FirstPark board.

Belanger and fellow Selectman Ronald Breton will represent China on the Regional School Unit (RSU) #18 cost-sharing committee, set up to review the formula under which costs are apportioned among the member towns (Belgrade, China, Oakland, Rome and Sidney).

As part of preparations for the 2018 bicentennial celebration of the creation of the Town of China, selectmen voted to acquire the copyright to the China Bicentennial History, appropriating up to $1,000 from their contingency fund for expected legal fees.   The history was originally published in 1975 to commemorate the bicentennial of the first settlement around China Lake.

Austin urged prompt action on the search for a coordinator for the bicentennial celebration.  L’Heureux proposes advertising the position, for which voters at the March town business meeting approved funds.  L’Heureux said assessor William Van Tuinen wants to talk with selectmen at their July 25 meeting about personal property taxes.

On Tuesday, July 26, the planning board holds a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. at China Middle School on proposed amendments to the town’s shoreland and sign ordinances.  Austin urged everyone to read the proposed changes carefully and prepare comments for the hearing.

Winslow July 4 activities

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page1pict2 Left photo, Jocelyn Begin, of Fairfield sang At Last, by Etta James, to win the Winslow Family 4th of July Idol Competition in the 13 and over age group. She surprised an entire audience with her vocal power and accuracy at the young age of 13. She plans to compete on The Voice in a couple of years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Right photo, Members of the Winslow Junior High Music Band performed in the Winslow parade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos by Mark Huard, owner of Central Maine Photography

Vassalboro JMG students acquire grant to construct gazebo near swimming area

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Vassalboro JMG students

From left to right, JMG student Cassie Horan, town manager Mary Sabins, JMG student Paeshance-Rae Horan, builder/philanthropist Ray Breton, Oak Grove board member and VCS teacher Sue Briggs, JMG student Halley Haskell, VBA member and AgMatters CEO, Locklin Titus,VCS principal Dianna Gramm and JMG master specialist Victor Esposito.
Photo courtesy Victor Esposito

Students enrolled in Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG), at Vassalboro Community School and the remainder of the student body, along with the help of advisor Victor Esposito, recently secured a grant from the Oak Grove Foundation to be used to build a gazebo near the public swimming area in North Vassalboro.

The intention was to help build community in Vassalboro and have a downtown center focus. Ray Breton, a local builder and philanthropist, who has been making a number of improvements to the downtown area, for both young people and adults, will be building the gazebo on his property that is located next to the downtown swimming area.

They were awarded a $4,000 grant from the Oak Grove Foundation, another $1,000 has been given by the Vassalboro Volunteer Fire Department, and $100 from AgMatters, in Vassalboro. There have also been smaller donations from individuals in town. McCormick Building Supply, in Winslow, is donating $2,000 in materials, and Mitchell Roofing, of Oakland, donated $500. The total cost to construct the gazebo is $9,000. If anyone is interested in helping meet the goal they should contact Ray Breton at 207-877-2005.