Kennebec Historical Society to present “A History of Camp Keyes”

This photo was taken sometime in the 1950’s from atop the hill adjacent to Camp Keyes. Vehicles pictured include a mixture of different Army trucks from the time period. (Photo: Maine Army National Guard archives)

For over 100 years, Camp Keyes has been known as the headquarters for the Maine National Guard, in Augusta. But how did that site on the hill come to be chosen? Who is it named for? Who trained there, and why? Come listen as Captain Jonathan Bratten (historian for the Maine National Guard) answers those questions and describes the role that Camp Keyes has played in five different conflicts and for generations of Maine soldiers and airmen.

The February speaker, Captain Jonathan Bratten, is the Command Historian for the Maine National Guard. In this capacity, he has produced multiple articles on the history of Maine’s soldiers, appearing in such publications as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Army History, On Point, and Army Magazine. He has also appeared in the Smithsonian Channel documentary, Americans Underground: Secret Cities of World War I and served as a historian in France for the Army’s World War I Centennial commemorations. Additionally, Captain Bratten is the commander of the 251st Engineer Company and a veteran of Afghanistan. He and his wife live in Portland.

The Kennebec Historical Society February Presentation is free to the public (donations gladly accepted). The presentation will take place on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at 6:30 p.m., at the Hope Baptist Church, located at 726 Western Avenue, in Manchester.

Fun on Ice

Opening day at the Old Mill skating rink. (Photo courtesy of Victor Esposito)

Vassalboro resident Ray Breton has opened an ice skating rink right next to the Old Mill and gift shop, on Main St., in Vassalboro. The facility is available to both children and adults. This was the opening day.

Photo courtesy of Victor Esposito

John Veilleux is Winslow’s police officer of the year

Officer John Veilleux displays his award. (Photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff)

Officer John Veilleux began his career with the Winslow Police Department as a part-time officer in May 2012. Officer Veilleux was hired into the full-time ranks November 2013. The process for Officer of the Year (2018) was unique. The process consisted of all the enlisted employees conducting peer surveys amongst themselves and rating who they believed was most deserving of the award. Once the surveys were completed, the scores were determined by command staff resulting in Officer Veilleux being chosen as Officer of the Year.

China scouts officiate at morning worship

Scouts from China Boy Scout Troop #479 are seen during Scout Sunday on February 3. Front row, from left to right, Michael Boostedt, Sam Boynton, Hunter Praul, Bryson Pettengill and Cameron Rossignol. Second row, Ayden Newell, Rémy Pettengill, Ron Emery, Sean Boynton and Aiden Pettengill. Back, Scott Adams, Tucker Leonard and Lee Pettengill. (Photo courtesy of Ron Emery)

On February 3 – Boy Scout Sunday – the Boy Scouts from Troop #479, along with some of their leaders, provided the Morning Worship Service at the China Baptist Church. The Scouts, under the leadership of Scoutmaster Scott Adams, have taken part in Scout Sunday Worship service for the over 26 years.

Very few Boy Scout troops in the Kennebec Valley District are provided this opportunity. The Scouts from Troop #479 were invited to prepare most of the worship service by Rev. Ronald Morrell.

Under Rev. Morrell’s direction and with assistance from Troop Committee member Ron Emery, the worship service gave each of the Scouts a chance to participate in the Sunday Morning Worship, as follows: Call to Worship, Scout Aiden Pettengill; Invocation and the Lord’s Prayer, Scout Rémy Pettengill; Responsive Reading, Scout Hunter Praul; Preparation for Prayer, Scouter Tucker Leonard; Pastoral Prayer, Scouter Lee Pettengill; Children Message “The Pledge of Allegiance” by Scouter Ron Emery; Offering by Scouts Sam Boynton, Ayden Newell, Aiden Pettengill, and Rémy Pettengill; Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication, Scout Sam Boynton; A Psalm for Scouts and Scouters by Scout Ayden Newell; Message by Ron Morrell and Benediction by Michael Boostedt.

Music was provided by the senior choir. Greeters were Ayden Newell, Cameron Rossignol and Bryson Pettengill. The twelfth point of the Scout Law, a Scout is Reverent, was exemplified by the Scouts.

A large congregation including boys and leaders in uniforms enjoyed the Sunday service. The China Baptist Church sponsors Boy Scout Troop #479.

Fellowship Hour was hosted by Troop 479 in the vestry.

Obituaries for Thursday, February 14, 2019

FLO SEVEY

FAIRFIELD – Flo Sevey, 80, passed away on Monday, January 31, 2019. She was born April 7, 1938. She married Clyde Sevey on March 14, 1953, and were married for 65 years.

Flo loved to cook, camping fishing, and driving fast. She loved God with all her heart.

She is survived by three daughters, Linda, Joyce and Betty, and one son, James; 11 grandchildren, Hayden, Anna, Mike, Josh, John, Sarah, Seth, Caleb, Genny, Vangie and Stacy; 28 great-grandchildren; and 40 foster children.

She will be missed by all who knew her.

A memorial serving will be held on Saturday, Feburay, 23, at 3 p.m., at 151 High Street, (Kingdom Life Church) in Oakland.

Memorial donations may be made to the Truth Fellowship in care of Rev. Gene McDaniel, 123 Davis Road, Fairfield, ME 04937.

RYAN W. WORSTER

FAIRFIELD – Ryan W. Worster, 43, passed away Saturday, February 2, 2019, in Anson. He was born August 25, 1975, in Skowhegan, the son of Sheldon W. Worster and Corinne B. (Guenette) Mathieu.

He graduated from Skowhegan Area High School in 1995. He was employed at Canaan Superette for five to seven years and then went to Valley Distributors where he had been employed for 18 years. Ryan enjoyed camping, fishing, ice fishing, hunting, motorcycle riding, kayaking, 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, spending time with family and friends and always spending time with his step-father, Ronnie, doing many different things together. He also loved to spend time with the boys, Nick, Jacob, and Ethan, doing the things that boys do.

Ryan is survived by his mother, Corinne (Guenette) Mathieu and husband Ronnie, of Canaan; father, Sheldon Worster and fiancée Elaine Carll, of Skowhegan; significant other, Mindy Stoddard and her children Nick, Jacob, and Ethan, all of Fairfield; sister, Shelley Corson and husband Michael, of Madison; nephew, Alex Corson, of Madison; step-sister, Denise Lang and husband Brad, of Skowhegan; nephews and nieces, Tyler, Ticy, and Telena, all of Skowhegan; grandparent, Selma (Worster) Grant, of East Machias; many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

He was predeceased by three grandparents, Guy Worster, Gus Guenette, and Elinor Guenette; step-sister, Leona (Mathieu) Abbott.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 16, 2019, at noon, at the Poulin-Turner Union Hall, 653 Waterville Road, Skowhegan with Rev. Mark Tanner officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow the memorial service.

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

J.E. REGINALD BIZIER

VASSALBORO – J.E. Reginald “Reggie” Bizier, 92, of Vassalboro, passed away on Sunday February 3, 2019. Reggie was born November 28, 1926, in Winslow, to Dominique John and Alice (Fontaine) Bizier.

Following graduation from Winslow High School, class of ‘44, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Frybarger D-E705. After being discharged in July 1946, he served in the Naval Reserve for another seven and one half years.

In 1951, Reggie founded Bizier Construction, which later became Bizier Homes.

In the late 7’0s, Reggie also established Bizier Developers.

Reggie was an accomplished craftsman, who in his spare time built boats, clocks, decoys, and hand-carved decorative ducks. When not in his workshop, you would find Reggie at the tennis courts or at Moosehead Lake enjoying his camp and fishing Rockwood, skiing at Sunday River and Mount St. Anne or duck hunting with his sons, grandsons and friends.

Reggie was a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Winslow, in what is now known as Corpus Christi Parish. He was known for his altruism, both locally and nationally.

Reggie married the former Dollis (Tardiff) Bizier on July 19, 1947. They raised eight children.

He is survived by his four daughters, Monique Studholme and her husband, Richard, Genevieve Gosselin and her husband, Gerald, Alice King, Denise Benson and her husband, Walter, and three sons, Marc Bizier, Robert Bizier, and Paul Bizier and his wife, Sarah, and daughter-in-law, Hope Shorey and her husband, Thomas. Reggie has 28 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews; sister, Mariette Roy and her husband, Edward, sister-in-law, Patricia (Clement) Bizier, and sister-in-law, Lillian and her husband, Raymond Quirion.

Reggie was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Dollis; a son, D. John Bizier; his three brothers, Marius, Leonce “Lee”, and Dominique (Clement) Bizier; and two grandchildren, Courtney Alicia Gosselin and Seth Bizier.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Travis Mills Foundation, 89 Water St., Hallowell, Maine 04347, or MaineGeneral Hospice Care, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04901-0828.

ALTHEA M. NOEL

WATERVILLE – Althea Marie (Tardiff) Noel, 98, passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2019, at the home of her daughter, Patricia, where she has lived for the past 19 years. She was born May 5, 1920, on a farm in Clinton, to Annie (Aspiro) and Fred Tardiff.

Althea’s mother died while giving birth. Weighing only 1.5 lbs., her maternal grandmother placed her in a shoe box on the oven door to keep her warm. Always amazed with the story of her birth, she would frequently share it with others. From the day she was born, Althea was raised by her maternal Grandmother Grenier. After her grandmother passed, she, at the age of 15, was welcomed into the home of her Uncle Reny, his wife, Grace, and their children, Alton and Pauline; who became like brother and sister to her.

After attending Winslow public schools, Althea worked at Hollingsworth & Whitney, in Winslow, where she would meet her soon to be husband of 53 years, Raymond (Bill) Noel. After her retirement from Scott Paper Company, in Winslow, Althea worked in the school kitchen at the Sacred Heart School. In 1990, she retired as head cook of Waterville Senior High School, a position she loved dearly. For many years after her retirement from Waterville High School, she provided daycare to her great grandson, Zachary, with which she shares a special bond.

Althea enjoyed reading, playing bingo, jigsaw puzzles and most recently, solitaire played on her iPad. More than anything, she loved her family and their summers spent together at their camp on Snow Pond. The laughter and memories made while sitting by the lake, sharing stories of old, will be cherished by all.

Althea was predeceased by her husband, Raymond (Bill) Noel; parents, Frederick Tardiff and Annie (Aspiro) Tardiff; maternal grandmother, Malvina (Aspiro) Grenier; sister, Theda Talbot; stepmother, Anna (Cyr) Tardiff; half-brothers, Gerard and Norman Tardiff; half-sister, Alfreda Tardiff; step-sisters, Jeanine (Cormier) Blait, Loretta (Cormier) McDonald and Pauline (Cormier) Cloutier; son-in-law Elliott Vintinner.

Althea is survived by her two daughters, Patricia (Noel) Vintinner, of Waterville, and Cynthia (Noel) St. Pierre and husband, Robert (Sanky), of Waterville; seven grandchildren, Andrea (Vintinner) Disch and husband, Robert, of Waterville; Allison (St. Pierre) Fluet and husband, Steve, of Cumberland, Jennifer (Vintinner) Cabana, of Waterville, Jeffrey Vintinner and wife, Kris (Zack), of West Gardiner, Danny St. Pierre and wife, Angel (Barry), of Belgrade, Jody (St. Pierre) Nutting and husband, Dan, of Scarborough, Joey St. Pierre and wife, Crystal (Bolduc), of Waterville; 16 great-grandchildren, Tyler Cabana, Griffin Fluet, Zachary Disch, Zoey Fluet, Emily Cabana, Sarah Cabana, Justin Vintinner, Mackenzie St. Pierre, Maddy St. Pierre, Phineas Nutting, Paige St. Pierre, Brady Fluet, Blake Vintinner and Hudson Nutting; stepgrandchildren, Katie Zack and Johnny Zack; two sisters, Sister Doris Tardiff, SGM, of Lexington, Mass., and Sister Anne S. Tardiff, CSC, of Alexandria, Va.; one sister-in-law, Julie Donahue of Benton; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

JOSEPH L. N. VIGUE

WINSLOW – Joseph L. N. “Joe” Vigue, 86, of Winslow, died Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. He was born in Winslow on September 28, 1932, the son Adolph and Antoinette (Quirion) Vigue.

He attended Waterville schools.

On October 21, 1961, he married the former Pauline Marquis and raised three children.

Pauline and Joe were married for 53 years and were inseparable during retirement. They enjoyed breakfasts at Eric’s restaurant and socializing at the VFW and Elks lodge on a regular basis. Joe was an avid candlepin bowler his entire life.

As a teenager he worked at the Waterville Metro Bowl setting up pins, then later bowling on many leagues through the years. He was known as one of the best around Maine, with many trophies to show, winnings of money and prizes, including a new car.

Joe was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Winslow, worked construction for the laborers union until his retirement and was a member of the Waterville Elks Lodge #805 for 50 years, during which he was one of the original people that established the chicken barbecues to raise money for the lodge and different charities. He cooked the chicken, and his wife, Pauline, made the strawberry shortcake. Later on, he also did chicken barbecues at the Winslow VFW. He watched countless hours of old war movies over the years and enjoyed socializing with the crew at the Winslow VFW. Joe coached midget football in Winslow back in the ‘70s with friends Norman Nicolos and Reed Cammick. Anyone who knew Joe, knew he was a huge New York Yankees fan for his entire life, and jokingly harassing Red Sox fans. He was predeceased by parents; brothers, Leo and Richard Veilleux; sisters Fern and Evette Veilleux and Juliette Dube.

Joe is survived by daughters, Joline Gagnon and husband Greg, Bonnie Audet and husband Chad; son, Norman and wife Renee; eight grandchildren, Greg Jr., Christine, David, Heather, Aaron, Christopher, Derrik and Luke; six great-grandchildren, Dakota, Jacob, Brayden, Zachary, Colby, and Kayden.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com.

LARRY W. RICKER

VASSALBORO – Larry Wayne Ricker, 68, of Vassalboro, died unexpectedly on Monday, February 4, 2019, at his home. He was born in Skowhegan on January 17, 1951, a son of Lucille (Burns) and Clarence Ricker.

His father died when he was two, however, Lucille would marry Forrest Pinkham, a man who had what it took to be a dad to her children.

Larry graduated from Anson Academy, class of 1969. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, saw action in Vietnam and was awarded the Air Medal for outstanding and meritorious achievement during flight operationss. He was a member of American Legion Post #179 in South China.

In 1986, Larry had the good fortune to marry Carolyn Tobey and found in her, his soulmate. Throughout their 32 year marriage, Larry could make Carolyn smile and laugh. Over the years, Larry worked as a machinist and mechanic, was a trucker with C & L Ricker Trucking, worked for Statler Tissue, Dan’s Used Cars, R & K Auto with Charlie Jones, or was self-employed. He also built four race cars, his most recent being #60, which Caleb Willette has been driving for the past eight years. He was a member of the Wicked Good Vintage Racing Association.

Larry loved hunting (among his trophies, a moose weighing over 800 pounds), fishing, snowmobiling, camping, four-wheeling and traveling. He had a spontaneous spirit and was always ready to go anywhere, anytime. Trips to New Zealand, Germany, Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, Yellowstone, the Redwood Forest, PEI, Lake Ontario and Cape Breton are just a few cherished memories. He was known for his “heart of gold” that was always ready to help anyone in need. Add to that his easy going personality, his fondness for being a jokester, love of country music and being able to play guitar and set up impromptu “picking parties” these all point to a man who was easily and greatly loved by all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his sister, Patricia Granberg.

Larry is survived by his wife Carolyn; his brother, Wendell Ricker and his wife, Linda; his brother, Alan Pinkham and his wife, Gayle; his brother-in-law, Paul Granberg; his nieces, Angela, Tammy and Sherri-Ann; his nephews, Ron, Andrew, Chad, Chris, and Jeff.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, at Branch Mills Cemetery, Branch Mills Road, in China. Please visit www.redingtonfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with Larry’s family.

RODERICK A. FORBES

VASSALBORO – Roderick A. Forbes, 74, of Vassalboro, passed away on Monday, February 4, 2019, after battling an illness for many years. He was born in Lewiston on May 17, 1944, the son of the late James Forbes and Violet Forbes.

Known as Rick and Papa to his family and friends, he attended schools in Lewiston and Waterville. Prior to finishing high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, with the permission of his mother, at the age of 17, and went to serve his country in the war in Vietnam. After he returned from the war, he went back to finish his high school education, and graduated from Waterville High School. He then went on to earn a degree in accounting from KVCC, in Fairfield. He worked for the Waterville school system in the maintenance department for over 26 years until he became disabled from complications from illnesses while serving in the military.

On June 19, 1970, he married the former Tyline Beaulieu, of Presque Isle, and raised four children together. He took great pride in providing for his family, protecting them and helping them all during difficult times.

For enjoyment, he would spend hours snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, and enjoyed watching movies with his family. His greatest passion was fishing. He spent many hours on the lake constantly in search of that record size bass. But his most valuable time was spent with his wife Ty, of 49 years. You could always find them together working in the yard, putting up firewood for the winter, painting, ending to animals, repairing equipment in which both would express opinions on the right way to do it. Those acquainted with Rick always knew where they stood with him and what his opinion was, whether you asked for it or not.

Rick was predeceased by his parents, James and Violet Forbes; and his brother, Herbert Forbes.

Survivors include his wife Tyline, of Vassalboro; sons, James and wife, Stephanie Clark, of Skowhegan, Van Clark and Christina DiBiase, of Waterville, Rick Forbes, of Vassalboro; a daughter, Charity Poulin and Ryan Poulin, of Sidney; and grandchildren, Jamie Clark, Corey Clark, Jared Clark, Tayla Clark, Megan Forbes, Dawson Poulin, Gabriel Forbes, Aiden Clark, Haley Clark, Addison Poulin and Emily Forbes; great-grandchildren, Ethan Clark, Gracie Clark, Jaden Clark, and Owen Clark; and one brother, James Forbes, of South Carolina.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield, Maine.

KARLA G. DANFORTH

FAIRFIELD – Karla Gene Danforth, 53, passed away peacefully from cancer on Tuesday, January 29, 2019. Karla was born on July 20, 1965, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to Ralph Lane Sr. and Maryann (Gurney) Campbell.

Karla graduated from Lawrence High School and received her associate degree in respiratory therapy from Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield.

Karla was a longtime employee of Central Maine Medical Center, in Lewiston. For the last decade, she worked at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, in Hollywood, Florida, in the neonatal intensive care unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. She was passionate about her job and touched the lives of soo many families. Karla was voted employee of the year several times as well, and received multiple leadership, and community awards. With such a zest for life, Karla loved the beach, backyard barbeques, and concerts.

Karla was predeceased by her grandparents, Roland and Harriet Gurney.

Karla is survived by her parents Ralph Lane Sr. and Maryann Campbell; husband David Danforth; daughters Megan Danforth and Courtney Peckham and husband Kolby; stepson Noel Danforth and wife Missy, of Gaithersburg, Maryland; stepdaughter Jessica Kaniuka and husband Pierce, of Farmington; three grandsons Tadiyah Danforth, Rainer Danforth, and Kole Peckham; sisters Karen Poulin and husband Kenneth, of Hampstead, New Hampshire, Kim Castonguay and husband Darren, of Vassalboro, Kathy Roderick and husband Allen, of Bingham; brother Ralph Lane Jr. and fiancée Robin Cyr, of Fairfield; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 17, from 12-6 p.m. at the Waterville Elks Lodge, 76 Industrial St., in Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

MERLON SYLVESTER

WINSLOW AND ALBION – Merlon “Major” Sylvester, 95, formerly of Winslow, passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2019. He was born in Winslow on December 5, 1923, the son of the late Elwood and Eva Sylvester.

He married the former Christine Caron on March 7, 1946. They enjoyed 68 years of married life together.

Major worked years picking up cans of milk from area farmers and transporting it for Carroll Harding to Portland. After marrying, he worked as a self-employed farmer and woodsman.

He loved spending time with family and friends and being involved with church activities. He also had a great passion for stock car racing. He was always willing to give advice and a helping hand to all family members, especially Fred, Jeannette, and Jr., who drove stock cars. He was a dedicated spectator at Unity Raceway for many years.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Christine; his daughter, Carol; his sisters, Jessie Brooks and Irene Blomiley; and his brothers, Fred and Ralph Sylvester.

Major will be sadly missed by his children, Paulette and her husband, Richard Chapman, Jeannette and her husband, Everett Tinker, Merlon Sylvester Jr., and Fred Sylvester; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

MARGUERITE M. LINSCOTT

WASHINGTON – Marguerite M. Linscott, 72, of Washington, passed away unexpectedly at the Sussman House on January 31, 2019. Marguerite was born in Washington to Robert R. Linscott and Doris Finn Linscott.

Marguerite attended Union High School where she graduated valedictorian, class of 1964. Marguerite continued on to become a hairdresser and she taught at Central Beauty School in Augusta. He students gave her the nickname “Teach.” Her students described her as tough but thorough. Marguerite took great pride in what she did which made her one of the best in the business. She was nominated for Best of the Best award in 2004 reader’s poll for her work. After teaching she worked as a hairdresser at  Mahogany in Camden and at The Cutting Room in Camden until her retirement.

In her spare time Marguerite enjoyed working outside in her flower and vegetable gardens, cooking, and working around the house. She was an avid animal lover. She enjoyed having the company of wildlife and had a special bond with her cats and her dog.

Marguerite was predeceased by her father, Robert, in 1988; mother, Doris, in 2002; and oldest brother, Robert Linscott, in 2019.

She is survived by brothers, Mahlon Linscott and wife Barbara, of Washington, and Berkley Linscott and wife Nancy, of Washington; sister-in-law, Janice Linscott, of Union; nephews, Richard Linscott and wife Kimberly, of Washington, Milton Linscott and wife Pamela, of Florida, and David Linscott and wife Christina, of Topsham; and great-nephews, Benjamin Linscott, of Florida, and Harrison Linscott and wife Catherine, of Union.

At Marguerite’s request there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P. O. Box 1294, Rockland ME 04841.

Condolences may be shared at hallfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall’s of Waldoboro.

Selectmen give thumbs down to request for food sovereignty ordinance

by Mary Grow

Three of the residents who attended the Vassalboro selectmen’s Feb. 7 meeting brought specific requests; others came to catch up with local business.

Selectmen unanimously approved two requests, with qualifications, and refused to act on one.

Holly Weidner, a member of the informal East Vassalboro Village Area Association, asked that the speed limit on South Stanley Hill Road be reduced from 30 to 25 miles an hour, due to the number of houses, some with blind driveways, and the sharp curve before the intersection with Main Street.

Selectmen said the first step would be for the state Department of Transportation (MDOT) to review the road and make a recommendation to local officials. They voted to ask MDOT to review the whole East Vassalboro area, including the east end of Bog Road, with special attention to South Stanley Hill Road.

Weidner and Janet Babb asked to use the town office meeting room for a weekly Drums Alive class for six weeks. Drums Alive, they explained, is a fitness program for people of all ages.

Town Manager Mary Sabins said other groups using the room pay $10 per meeting toward costs of heat, lights and cleaning. Weidner and Babb were agreeable.

Selectmen’s concern was whether drumming and music would interfere with discussions at the counter in the outer office. They approved the request with the condition that office services not be impacted.

Dylan Dillaway, of 47 Daisies Farm on Webber Pond Road, asked selectmen to put on the June town meeting warrant a Food Sovereignty Ordinance. Other Maine towns have implemented such ordinances, authorized by state law in 2017. They allow the municipality, instead of state and/or federal governments, to regulate production, processing and sale of local food products.

Board Chairman Lauchlin Titus expressed concern about food safety. Board member John Melrose asked who among Vassalboro residents would benefit if voters approved an ordinance.

Dillaway said he would not – his operation has all the state certificates it requires.

Selectmen unanimously declined to act on Dillaway’s request. Sabins said Dillaway’s next step to get an ordinance onto the town meeting warrant is to get 211 voters’ signatures on a petition to selectmen.

In other business, selectmen unanimously authorized Sabins to sign an agreement with Central Maine Power Company to convert Vassalboro’s streetlights to LED (Light-emitting Diode) lights. Titus has not yet completed his survey of existing streetlights and areas where new lights might be needed; but signing the agreement will let CMP start ordering the new lights and scheduling the change-over.

Sabins said Vassalboro has a 2007 streetlight policy, posted on the town website (under Ordinances/Policies). It defines procedures for residents to request new lights and sets criteria for a no-longer-existent Safety Committee to evaluate requests and recommend selectmen approve or deny them.

Board members approved the revised draft of a request for bids to transport solid waste for disposal, omitting reference to recyclables.

Weidner asked what recyclables residents are now supposed to separate. Titus told her only cardboard, required by local ordinance, because when the Hampden Fiberight (or Coastal Resources) facility opens, its recycling operation will be more complete and efficient than anything the town could do at a reasonable cost. (See this article from the Jan. 31 issue of The Town Line.)

Before the meeting adjourned, Sabins gave selectmen a first draft of the 2019-2020 budget to review before their Feb. 12 budget workshop. The next regular selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, Feb. 21.

Selectmen complete work on town meeting warrant

by Mary Grow

China selectmen completed their work on the warrant for the April 6 town business meeting at a Feb. 5 budget workshop, giving Town Manager Dennis Heath the direction he needed to draft the document.

Heath quickly came up with a 29-article draft warrant. The first two articles ask voters to elect a moderator and to approve or reject the annual authorization to exceed the state limit on taxes if necessary. The final three articles ask voters to approve or reject changes to three sections of China’s Land Use Ordinance.

Articles 3 through 26 deal with the proposed 2019-2020 municipal budget and the usual associated questions, like setting tax due dates.

This year’s warrant omits reports from town committees, which voters have objected to as prolonging the meeting and duplicating information in the printed town report.

To further shorten the meeting, Selectman Irene Belanger said she will make the annual Spirit of America awards for volunteerism at 8:50 a.m., 10 minutes before the meeting starts, instead of during a mid-meeting break.

The draft warrant was forwarded to the budget committee for its review at a meeting scheduled for Feb. 11 (see related story here).

Selectmen made several changes in the draft warrant.

They are asking voters to increase their annual stipends from $1,000 to $1,800, a figure board member Ronald Breton said is still below the $1,900+ average for selectmen in towns China’s approximate size. At Breton’s suggestion, supported by board Chairman Robert MacFarland, they reinstated cost-of-living pay increases for town employees and deleted funds for the merit raises Heath had recommended.

Heath said a potentially costly legal issue might be pending, so selectmen increased the recommended amount for 2019-2020 legal expenses from $10,000 to $20,000.

They added the Crisis and Counseling Center to the list of out-of-town social service agencies requesting town funds. The Center’s request is for $528.

Stipends for volunteer firefighters were again discussed at length and both the allocated amount of money and the proposed procedure adjusted. The public works budget saw minor changes.

The next regular China selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, Feb. 19, because the town office will be closed Monday, Feb. 18, for the Presidents’ Day holiday.

Budget committee agrees with selectmen on all but two articles

by Mary Grow

China Budget Committee members agree with the board of selectmen on all but two of the money-related articles in the warrant for the April 6 town business meeting.

At a Feb. 11 meeting, the six members present voted unanimously to support most proposed expenditures, including the major ones for the town administration, highway department and transfer station.

They declined to endorse the selectmen’s request to voters to increase each selectman’s annual compensation from $1,000 to $1,800, adding $4,000 to the budget. Budget Committee Chairman Robert Batteese supported the request; the other five members recommended rejecting it, on the ground that other departments were being asked to minimize expenditures.

A more significant disagreement is over stipends for volunteer firefighters, introduced to encourage more people to join China’s volunteer departments and more members to respond to fire calls.

At their Feb. 5 budget workshop, selectmen recommended reducing the amount for stipends from $33,000 to $22,700.

Representatives of two of the three departments protested the reduction to the budget committee. They claimed that selectmen directed Town Manager Dennis Heath to revise the figure the afternoon of Feb. 5 and acted on it that evening, without consulting firefighters. They learned of the change only when Heath emailed after the meeting, Weeks Mills Fire Chief William Van Wickler said.

South China Chief Richard Morse resented the lack of a chance to protest to selectmen and said the selectmen’s proposal “does not deal with the need to encourage participation.”

Van Wickler said stipends have increased the number of his department members who respond to calls and who stay to clean up afterward. Calling for fairness, he said he would like funds to reward those who respond most often, including the chiefs who go on almost every call. The selectmen’s proposed amount would allow each chief’s annual stipend for being chief, but would leave no money for per-call recognition.

Selectman Ronald Breton defended the selectboard’s position as part of efforts to control the municipal budget in a year when “the school and the county are gonna kill us.” Neither the Regional School Unit #18 nor the Kennebec County budget is included in the April 6 warrant.

Budget Committee members unanimously voted to raise the amount for stipends to $33,000. Their recommendation for the fire and rescue budget totals $181,499; the selectmen recommend $171,199.

At the end of the evening, the April 6 warrant had 30 articles. Heath intended to add one more, the usual request to authorize selectmen to apply for grants and appropriate matching funds if needed. Budget committee members unanimously supported adding the article.

Becky Hapgood honored for 25 years service to China

China town clerk Becky Hapgood, left, is congratulated by town manager Dennis Heath on the occasion of her 25 years of service to the town. (Photo by Roland D. Hallee)

by Roland D. Hallee

It was 25 years ago – 1994: when O.J. Simpson led police on a slow speed chase in his white Ford Bronco, Major League baseball canceled the entire season due to a strike, Lisa Marie Presley married Michael Jackson, The Shawshank Redemption was the top film, Bryan Adams and Rod Stewart topped the pop charts, Law and Order was the number one television show, Bill Clinton was president, Robert Kraft bought the New England Patriots – and Becky Hapgood began her working career at the China Town Office.

Becky was honored at a reception at the China Town Office on Friday, February 8, by the office staff and town employees. She looked somewhat surprised, but not completely. “I noticed a lot of whispering going on around the office,” she said. “Especially this morning when they couldn’t wait to leave a meeting we were holding.”

Becky started working at the town office on February 2, 1994. “Although I didn’t like politics, and still don’t, I was working at BACK’s dairy bar, owned by my parents, and having just graduated from Thomas College with a bachelor of science degree in business management, I wanted to stay local, and find something year-round and full-time,” Becky remembers. A position opened at the town office, so she applied for it. She had also worked short stints at The South China Inn and Farrington’s Clothing Store.

“I learned how important it was to provide exceptional customer service, and loved the interaction with customers,” she added.

Becky succeeded Debra Fischer as the town clerk. She oversees a staff of five at the town office, deputies Kelly Grotton, Jennifer Chamberlain, Julie Finley, Kayla Krause and Tracy Cunningham.

Throughout the 25 years, Becky has worked with three town managers, Dennis Heath, Dan L’Heureux and Gary Brown.

China Town Manager Dennis Heath presents Becky Hapgood with a 25-year certificate. (Photo by Roland D. Hallee)

“Becky’s 25 years of service is a testament to her devotion to the people of China,” said Town Manager Dennis Heath. “The reputation of the town office has grown and been positive in large part to the relationships she has forged over her decades of service.”

Over a 25-year period, many things change. “Technology,” said Becky. “Information is at our finger tips. Computers enhance our ability to provide services to our residents.”

“We are required to attend certain trainings throughout the year,” commented Kelly Grotton, deputy town clerk. “Anytime Becky has the opportunity to meet new clerks she always offers to be a mentor if they have difficulty wading through all the aspects of the town clerk world.”

Becky’s dedication to the job is obvious in her achievements. She is a lifetime certified clerk of Maine, and was awarded as the Maine Town and City Clerk’s Association clerk of the year in 2015.

“One thing about her job that I don’t think people think about,” Grotton continues, “is how many different sets of laws and guidelines we have to know and follow. Most of what we do is set by law. Elections, motor vehicle registration, fishing and hunting licenses, and vital statistics (births, deaths, marriages, etc.) are a few of the state agencies to whom we have to answer.” To that list you can add tax collection, the lien process, payroll, accounts payable and all the laws associated with those.

Former selectman Neil Farrington added, “Becky and I have worked together for over 14 years. She was the person I would go to when asking for advice on local government policy and guidance. The town is very fortunate to have her as our town clerk.” Then he quipped, “I believe she created the phrase, ‘Neil alert,’ whenever I came into the town office.”

Becky has become a very much sought after member of the town office staff. “Several years ago, it was decided that she should have a wall because as her job has evolved over the years, much of what she does is better done with less interruption,” Grotton said. “The concept is good but didn’t work as expected. People will come in, look around and ask, ‘Where’s Becky?’ She will have to poke her head out to reassure them that she is right there.”

“She is highly skilled and vastly knowledgeable in town government,” added Heath. “If she doesn’t already know the answer, it won’t take long for her to get it. We are exceptionally grateful for her and her loyal service.”

“Becky has spent more than half of her life working for the town of China,” interjected Grotton while Heath was presenting Becky with a certificate and pin during the short and informal ceremony. Cake and punch was served.

Selectman Irene Belanger echoed the sentiments of others, applauding Becky by saying, “Becky isn’t only a very effective, good clerk, but she is a good friend to people as well.”

“I am appreciative,” Becky admitted. “I really love my job, the people I work with and the townspeople. Every day is different. The residents and my work family help to make this career a pleasure.”

Grotton summed it up best: “It is sometimes hard to gather the right words, in the right order, to express what should be conveyed. Becky has always worked toward making the town of China reflect in the most positive of lights. She has always stressed customer service and professionalism – she expects it of us and she models it in all of her actions. She considers the residents as hers and looks out for their best interests (picture a mama bear). She has always gone above and beyond any normal call of duty, not for recognition, but because it is the right thing to do. I have been happy to follow her lead for all these years.”

Becky resides with her partner Richard Doe, and her son Sage Hapgood-Belanger, a senior at Erskine Academy, in South China. In her spare time, she has coached recreational soccer and school teams, founded China Community Days, and spearheads the Christmas assistance initiative through which 10-20 China families are usually given a very nice Christmas.

Reflecting back to 1994 and the years since, Becky shares her experience: “I didn’t know what the job would entail when I started working for the town, but quickly fell in love with the job and the ability to help people. I enjoy meeting new residents that quickly become friends. I want our town office to be the best in the state.”

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Cold, painful fingers can mean a serious disease

(NAPSI) — “Zombie Hands.” That’s what can happen to an estimated 5 to 10 percent of the population when temperatures start to fall.

In a typical case of Raynaud’s phenomenon, also known as Raynaud’s disease or syndrome, sufferers experience numbness and pain in their fingers, toes and other extremities. Fingers turn white, blue or red as the small blood vessels go into spasm within minutes of exposure to cold or stress, and they appear to be “dead” as blood flow is constricted.

Named for the French physician Maurice Raynaud, who first recognized the condition in 1862, it causes an interruption of blood flow to the fingers, toes, nose or ears. There may be associated tingling, swelling or painful throbbing. The attacks may last from minutes to hours. In severe cases, the area may develop ulcerations and infections, which can lead to gangrene.

Raynaud’s can occur as a “primary” disease—that is, with no associated disorder—or as a “secondary” condition related to other diseases, such as scleroderma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

“Ninety percent of Raynaud’s sufferers don’t seek treatment and too many physicians pay short shrift to those who do,” says Lynn Wunderman, founder and chair of the Raynaud’s Association. “Treatment is important because some sufferers may have an underlying condition such as systemic scleroderma or lupus. Awareness of such a problem may allow for earlier medical intervention.” Simple blood tests can rule out the presence of antibodies associated with diseases that have Raynaud’s as a component.

What’s Being Done

To help, the Raynaud’s Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit health organization, launched a new and assertive campaign,”Don’t Turn a Cold Shoulder to Painful Fingers,” to urge those with the disorder—and their doctors—not to dismiss the pain that Raynaud’s sufferers endure, or the lifestyle adjustments they make to minimize exposure to cold or stress.

Although there is no known cure as yet, treatment options such as calcium channel blocker drugs have been clinically proven to alleviate symptoms by opening up the blood vessels so blood circulates more freely.

How To Lend A Warm Helping Hand

You can support the Raynaud’s Association with a tax-deductible donation. Contributions help fund member mailings, the website, awareness-building efforts, and thousands of educational materials distributed each year to sufferers.

Learn More

For more facts, visit www.raynauds.org.