He shoots, he scores!

Central Maine Spartans player Chase Lawler, 7, scored a goal during the Central Maine LAX Jam on June 9. (photo by Sarah Fredette, Central Maine Photography staff)

 

(photo by Sarah Fredette, Central Maine Photography staff)

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, July 11, 2019

Which Red Sox player has hit the most home runs in All Star games: Jim Rice, Ted Williams or Carl Yastrzemki?

Answer:

Ted Williams with four.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: It was a case of mistaken identity

Carrion beetle

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

No, we’re not going to talk about the David Ortiz shooting.

A couple of weeks ago we talked about these beetles that appeared in a bucket at our camp (See The Town Line, June 20, 2019).

At first, through some research, especially the website of the Iowa State University Department of Entomology, they were identified as Glischrochilus, or better known as picnic beetles or beer bugs.

Well, it has come to my attention that I was mistaken.

The beetles bear a strong resemblance to each other. According to Michael Parisio, of the Maine Forest Service, my contact in that department, the bugs are actually called carrion beetles. He wrote: “Although I was not able to tell from the low quality photo of the actual beetle recovered from your bucket, I believe you might have a case of mistaken identify here and would like to offer another explanation. I suspect you’ve recovered what are commonly referred to as carrion beetles, family Silphidae, which is what is actually pictured in the stock photo used at the beginning of this article. These beetles rely on the carcasses of small dead animals for their young to develop, such as mice, and were likely attracted to the lingering smell of dead mice infused into the bucket used for your mouse trap. These are commonly recovered in the reservoirs of wet traps used for catching other insects, since carrion beetles are attracted to the smell of anything decomposing.”

So, back to the internet.

Silphidae is a family of beetles that are known commonly as large carrion beetles. They are sometimes known as Sexton beetles.

These beetles are ubiquitous and are most abundant in the temperate zone – that would be us. They are quite rare in the tropics although there are species endemic in the region. It is thought that ants, flies and other carrion feeders out-competing them in these regions.

Their life cycle begins when the prospective parents begin to dig a hole below the carcass. While doing so, and after removing all hair from the carcass, the beetles cover the animal with antibacterial and antifungal oral and anal secretions, slowing the decay of the carcass and preventing the smell of rotting flesh from attracting competition. The carcass is formed into a ball and the fur or feathers tripped away and used to line and reinforce the crypt, where the carcass will remain until the flesh has been completely consumed. The burial process can take around eight hours. Several pairs of beetles may cooperate to bury large carcasses and then raise their brooks communally.

The female lays eggs in the soil around the crypt. The larvae hatch after a few days and move into a pit in the carcass which the parents have created. Although the larvae are able to feed themselves, both parents also feed the larvae in response to begging. They digest the flesh and regurgitate liquid food for the larvae to feed on, a form of progressive provisioning. This probably speeds up larval development. It is also thought the parent beetles can produce secretions from head glands that have antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi, on the vertebrate corpse.

At an early stage, the parents may cull their young. They do this to match the number of larvae to the size of the carcass so that there is enough food to go around. If there are too many young, they will all be underfed and will develop less quickly, reducing their chances of surviving to adulthood.

The adult beetles continue to protect the larvae, which take several days to mature.

These beetles are not usually considered a nuisance to humans. They help the environment by laying their eggs on carcasses and the larvae break down the disintegrating materials, which prevents accumulation of deceased organisms. They will sometimes occupy human-inhabited areas and become pests to farmers by using crops as a second source of nutrients.

In the future, entomologists will explore the social behavior of the beetles to a greater degree. The Silphidae are typically the first to come in contact with carrion.

It was interesting to note that when I wrote that article three weeks ago there were six beetles in the bucket. With only water at the bottom of the bucket, because the carcasses had been removed weeks earlier, I later found 19 beetles were now occupying the water, and had obviously drowned. I guess I’ll have to do a better job cleaning the bucket next year.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which Red Sox player has hit the most home runs in All Star games: Jim Rice, Ted Williams or Carl Yastrzemki?

Answer can be found here.

Obituaries for Thursday, July 11, 2019

GARY CLANCY

CHINA – Gary Clancy, 67, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, following a heroic struggle with cancer. Gary was born in Troy, New York, on November 12, 1951, the son of John and Rosaline Clancy.

Gary graduated from La Salle Institute, a Catholic college preparatory school in New York, studied liberal arts at Hudson Valley Community College, received an associate’s degree in culinary arts from Schenectady Community College, a bachelor’s degree in food service administration from SUNY Empire State College and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from  SUNY, at Albany.

As a young musician in the ‘60s and early ‘70s Gary had an illustrious career  touring the east coast, sharing the stage with or opening for many renown national acts (garyclancy.wixsite.com/gary-clancy/old-skool-recording).  Early in his professional career Gary took a respite from music, becoming, a food service administrator for numerous hospitals in Boston, Massachusetts.  However, passion for music brought Gary to Mid Coast Maine to pursue his dreams. Gary became the owner/music director of the “Dr. Music” program from June 1985 until June 2004.  Gary brought music students to a higher level of playing and education.

From June 1985 until 2013 Gary was a music educator/private instructor, teaching a variety of instruments and music related topics at Northern Kingdom Music.  As owner of FNA Recording productions and Rosewood Recording Studio from July 1988 to October 2000, in Bremen, Gary created and produced a variety of multimedia recordings for TV, radio, film, and CD release.  As an adjunct professor of jazz and contemporary music at University of Maine in Augusta and Rockland,  from 1987 to present , Gary taught the music business curriculum, guitar, bass and ensembles.  His latest endeavors included guitar and bass instruction at Mid Coast Music Academy and owning Old Skool Recording Productions, in South China, a complete multimedia recording and production facility.

He is survived by his wife Dara Sorchini Clancy; siblings Jack Clancy and wife Kelly, Deb Clancy Wager, and his brother from another mother, “Texas Joey;” his nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles; the extended Sorchini family and Sugar Shey.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit from 2 – 4 p.m., Saturday, July 20, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a celebration of Gary’s life will begin at 4 p.m. As a founding faculty member of Midcoast Music Academy, Gary’s passion for music and education will live on through the Gary Clancy Memorial Scholarship Fund. This will help fulfill the mission of allowing any dedicated student to study music regardless of financial constraint. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Gary Clancy Memorial Scholarship Fund, by visiting  www.midcoastmusicacademy.com or contact MCMA directly by phone 207-701-7410, email info@midcoastmusicacademy.com or at Midcoast Music Academy, 279 Main Street, Suite 5, Rockland, ME 04841.

To share a memory or story with Gary’s family, please visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

RAMONA A. POTTER

PALERMO – Ramona A. Potter, 82, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2019, at Northern Light Inland Hospital, in Waterville, following a long illness. She was born October 30, 1936, in Freedom, the daughter of Percy and Sylvia (Jones) Bessey.

She was a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China. On June 25, 1954, she married Richard L. Potter, in Palermo. She was employed for many years as a foreman at Lipman’s Poultry, in Augusta, then as a certified nurse’s aide for 25 years at the Augusta Center for Health and Rehabilitation until her retirement. Ramona enjoyed gardening, playing Bingo, and casinos. Holiday cooking for her children and grandchildren was a passion in her life, carried down from her mother.

Ramona is survived by her son, Bryan Potter and wife Darleen, of Waterville; grandchildren, Shannon Potter, of Freeport, Ammanda Potter, of Waterville, Jesse Potter, of Portland, Angiemarie Manter and husband Lewie, of Pittston, Karrianne Potter-Maxwell and husband Jason, of Cape Elizabeth, Richard Potter and wife Danica, of Owls Head, Smitty Potter and wife Kim, of Carmel; brother, Chester Bessey and wife Irene, of Syracuse, New York; nephew, David Bessey and wife Beth, of Mexico, New York; son-in-law, Gary Vannah, of Waldoboro; several great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Richard Potter; mother, Sylvia Bessey; daughter, Bonnie Potter Vannah; son, Richard C. Potter; and daughter-in-law, Marrianne Potter.

A private family graveside service will be held Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 11 a.m., at Greeley Corner Cemetery, Route 3, Palermo. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. at the Palermo Christian Church, in Palermo.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Ramona’s memory to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

WILLIAM J. HUGHES

VASSALBORO – William J. “Bill” Hughes, 58, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2019, following a year-long battle with lung cancer and COPD. He was born in Augusta, on December 29, 1960, the son of the late Myron and Carol (Csengery) Hughes.

He graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, class of 1980, and had been employed as a mechanic in various locations throughout Maine and Connecticut, most recently at ACE Tire, in Waterville.

Bill enjoyed the outdoors, gardening and spending time with friends and family.

Bill is survived by children: Jonathan Hughes and his fiancé, Michelle Oakes, of Vassalboro, and Corrie Thompson and her husband Matt, of Southington, Connecticut; sisters, Cynthia St. Peter and Bob Bower, of Monmouth, Katie Hughes and Wayne Picard, of Vassalboro; brothers, Stephen Hughes and his wife, Lisa, and Tim and Karen Hughes, all of Vassalboro; two grandchildren, Tiffany Hughes and Payton Thompson; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at: www.plummerfh.com.

LINDA J. LIZOTTE

WINSLOW – Linda J. Lizotte, 71, passed away Sunday, June 23, 2019, following a very brief illness, at Lakewood Continuing Care Center.

She was born on January 28, 1948, in Waterville. She graduated from Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, and then went on to Holy Ghost School of Nursing, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She returned home to begin her 45-year journey of providing healing and comfort to thousands of patients. She spent 24 years at Mid-Maine Medical Center, now known at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Waterville, in the Cardiac Care Unit first at the Elizabeth Ann Seton Hospital and then Thayer Hospital. After a merger, Linda then began her 21 years of service at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home, all in Waterville. In those 45 years, she inspired, mentored and touched hundreds of co-workers to be caregiver she was.

Linda and Robert were married on June 7, 1969. They spent their lives opening their home for all their daughter’s friends for many nights of pool, pong wars and watching Tales from the Crypt. She became “mama Lizotte” to many adopted children who would see her years later and they would still call her “Ma.”

Linda was an avid sports fan. From watching both her girls and grandson become Winslow Black Raiders, she never missed a single game when not working for both her girls. She also never missed a New England Patriots or Boston Red Sox game. She was known to make a $3 bet with anyone who would take her up on it for any game, especially during March Madness. In fact, when Linda got sick, her first concern was missing the next Super Bowl.

Linda was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Cora Bolduc; her husband, Robert; her sister, Lorraine; and several cousins.

She is survived by her two daughters and their spouses, Michelle and Stan McAvoy, Renee and Jay Pfingst; and her only grandson, Joe Pfingst; cousin, Sandra; several other cousins, nieces, nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers, it would make her so proud to have any donations to the Winslow Football Boosters, c/o Danielle Newgard, 13 Paul Street, Winslow, Maine 04901.

NEIL J. FRANCOEUR

FAIRFIELD – Neil Joseph Francoeur, 66, passed away Monday, June 24, 2019. He was born in Waterville on October 18, 1952, the son of Alcide and Gertrude Francoeur.

He graduated from Winslow High School in 1972. He worked for Maine Central Railroad, Maine Track Maintenance, and Maine Eastern Railroad doing track maintenance for 37 years.

He loved fishing and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed puttering around the outside at home and working in his gardens.

He was predeceased by his father, Alcide Francoeur; his mother- and father-in-law, Neil and Alberta Macklin; his brothers-in-law, Roderick Macklin and Paul Hamlin.

Neil is survived by his wife of 43 years, Donna Macklin Francoeur; his daughters, Janet Francoeur, and Kelly Marquis and her husband Kyle Marquis; his special grandchildren Caleb Marquis and Abigail Marquis; his mother Gertrude Francoeur; his siblings Jane Bourgoin, Ronald Francoeur and wife Judy, Pearl Pawlowski, Paula Rowe and Joey Francoeur; his in-laws, June Hamlin, Jim Macklin, Susan and Harold Shaw, Dale Macklin, Peter Macklin, Robert and Theresa Macklin, Ronda and John Weeks, Jeff Macklin, Ethel Macklin, Debra Lee Marios; many nieces and nephews.

DANIEL E. BEARCE

SOMERVILLE – Daniel Everett Bearce, 62, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at his home in Somerville. Daniel was born in Waterville to Doris and Orrin Bearce on December 18, 1956, and was one of seven children.

Daniel graduated from Waterville High School in 1975. In 1978, Daniel’s first son, Jacob Daniel, was born to him and his first wife Pamela Thomas. Daniel then married Katherine Thimble in 1983. They then had two children, Joseph Everett and Jessica Joyce. In 1983 they moved to Frye Road, in Somerville, where they then lived for the next 21 years. In 2005, they moved only a few miles, remaining in Somerville.

Daniel spent most of his working career in the tire business. Daniel had a passion for cars and enjoyed time standing at the counter of Lee’s Tire, in Hallowell, speaking with customers and friends, talking about anything from tires to fishing and most everything else that came up. Daniel then retired in 2004 due to physical ailments.

Daniel spent much of his younger years hunting and fishing. Daniel traveled across the state seeking out new areas to fish and explore. He spent the summers trolling on any number of lakes and in the winter, he could be found on the ice, fishing for hours. Following his retirement, he continued to spend as much time as he could handle outside, but his focus changed to his 13 grandchildren. Daniel loved seeing them whenever possible, always making sure he had a gift or present for each of them.

Daniel is survived by his son, Joseph Everett Bearce his wife Monique Marie Bearce, and their two children, Aleeya and Avry, of Windsor; his daughter, Jessica Joyce Bearce Mathews and her husband Jacob Norman Mathews, and their six children, Alexia, Katie, Grace, Caroline, Charlotte, and Johnathan of Whitefield; his son, Jacob Daniel Bearce his wife Misti Annalee Bearce and their five children, Brandon, Dustin, Anna, Sophia and Sawyer, of Waterville; his brothers, Jeffrey and wife Joanna Bearce, John and wife Patty Bearce; sisters, Kathy Bearce, Lisa Mitchell and husband Steve, and Paula Katyryniuk and husband Ron.

Daniel was predeceased by wife, Katherine Ann; his parents, Orrin and Doris Bearce; and sister, Deborah Bearce Walsh.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Aable Cremation Service, LLC, Waterville..

In lieu of flowers, Daniel requested that donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. www.cff.org.

MERTON D. RICHARDS SR.

BENTON – Merton David Richards Sr., 88, passed away on Friday, June 28, 2019, at his home in Benton. He was born on November 19, 1930, to David and Hildred (Shores) Richards, in Benton.

In 1969, Merton and Virginia purchased the farmhouse that he was raised in, and started his dairy farm, Richards View Farm. Soon after, he purchased his first dump truck, and that was the beginning of Merton Richards, Inc. He was happiest behind the wheel of a dump truck or on a tractor. He was a farmer at heart, and took great pride in his land. His weathered hands showed all the years of hard work. He took great pride in making sure each and every job that was done, big or small, was a job well done. None of which could have been done without his other boys, Ronnie Harris, Bruce (Little Man) Gerow, Tim Bickford, Gene Robinson, Tim (Tea-Pot) Gerow, Keith (cooter) Webber, Merlin Irving, David Drew, Anthony Adams, and the many more who have come and gone over the years.

Mert will be remembered for his teasing jokes, his entertaining stories, his unfailing work ethic and that generous smile. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife, all his boys, his grandchildren, Benjamin, Randall, Payton, Kaitlin and Maurisa. All the relationships that he built throughout his lifetime that all had a special place in his heart, and usually a place in one of his many stories.

The many ups and downs that Merton faced in the last few weeks would not have been possible without his daughter-in-law, Meca, who never left his side.

He was predeceased by his brother, Lawson James.

He is survived by Affie Mae, Grace Hazel, Winthrop Randolph, Lorraine Hildred, Roger Henry, Gary Paul, Sherry Lou, and Linda Kay. Merton; his wife of 51 years, Virginia E. (Brann) Richards; two children; Brian and Merton Richards Jr.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

ELAINE E. WILSON

OAKLAND – Elaine Esther (Harris) Wilson, 83, passed away on Monday, July 1, 2019. Elaine was born December 2, 1935, at the home in East Newport, the third child of Philip Byron Harris and Jean Culleton Harris. and joined older sister Joyce and older brother David.

After graduating from Waterville High School, she went to work for the Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, and in later years she could be found at the KMD McDonald’s as a cook on the breakfast crew.

In 1959 she married John Cresap McCoy and their first child Linda May was born. They then moved to Damariscottta where John managed a Reny’s Department Store. John-John, born March 1966 and Tommy born January 1969, were both born in Damariscotta. They lived there for a few years then moved back to the Waterville area.

In later years Elaine married Harold Wilson ,of Ohio Hill Road, Fairfield Center. They enjoyed many happy years together until Harold’s death in May 2015. A couple of years later Elaine sold their home and moved to her daughter Linda’s home in Oakland where Linda’s daughter Shelby also resided. Shelby’s daughter, Lyla Poussard, was a frequent visitor and needless to say was a special treat for Elaine.

Her hobbies included sewing, knitting pretty wool socks, making fancy quilts with friend Nancy, baking and reading.

A faithful servant of the Lord, Elaine performed all church callings with spiritual goodness. She was loved by many members of the Skowhegan Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As well as from the Waterville, Maine Ward. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Mayflower Society and for many years did volunteer service at Inland Hospital.

Elaine is survived by her daughter Linda May McCoy; her stepsons Jeff Wilson and his wife Sherry, of Unity, Greg Wilson and wife Donna, of Benton, and Gary Wilson and wife Debbie, of Clinton; her grandchildren Brian Matthew Bolduc and wife Meredith, of Standish, Matthew John Bolduc and wife Janelle, of Mt Laurel, New Jersey, Allan Dennis Bolduc and wife Candice, of Minot, North Carolina, and Shelby Petersen, of Oakland; Jeff Wilson’s children, Chris and his family and Corey and his wife Sarah and their children; Greg Wilson’s, children Daniel Wilson Julie and Jason Bearce; great- grandchildren Logan, Charlotte and Amelia Bolduc, children of Matthew and Janelle, Corbin, son of Brian and Meredith; multiple nephews, nieces and cousins; two sisters, Bonnie Drouin and her husband John, of Oakland and Joyce Thompson, of Pennsylvania; brother Byron Harris, of Pennsylvania.

She was predeceased by her brother David Lewis Harris who passed away on August 3, 2016, and his wife and bride of many years “Dottie” passed away recently, March 23, 2019.

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.

OTHERS DEPARTED

NANCY L. AKERS, 72, of Waterville, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2019, at her home. Locally, she is survived by her husband David J. Akers Sr., of Waterville, daughters Alice Fletcher and husband John, of China, Melissa Fletcher and husband Mark, and son David J. Akers Jr. and wife Rachel, all of Albion.

DAVIS P. CROWELL, 73, of Washington, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2019, at his home. Locally, he is survived by a daughter Dorothy Wyman and husband George, of Washington.

MICHAEL G. TOMAN, 68, of Crystal River, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, following a brief illness. Locally, he is survived by his mother, Lois Ozias, of Jefferson, and his stepmother, Joyce Toman, of Winslow; and sister-in-law, Jidith Martin, of Jefferson.

JOHN H. PARLIN III, of Waldoboro, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2019. Locally, he is survived by a grandson, Derek Brilyea, of Jefferson.

TOM D. LARRABEE, 71, of Hallowell, passed awaty on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at his home, following a long illness. Locally, he is survived by a son, David G. Larrabee and wife Kimberly, of South China.

Local residents receive degrees at WPI

Two local students received degrees from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in Worcester, Massachusetts, in their recent commencement.

Madison Michaud, of Vassalboro, was awarded a bachelor of science degree in biomedical engineering with distinction.

Brady Snowden, of Sidney, was awarded a bachelor of science degree in computer science with distinction.

VETERANS CORNER – A love story: saying goodbye to a dedicated professional

Veterans Affairs Regional Benefit Office Togus, ME

Gary Kennedyby Gary Kennedy

We veterans of many years don’t really like our visits to the Togus VA facility, however, there is a bright side to this happening, especially for those of us who frequent this facility at least monthly and through the years have had to be admitted for periods of time for both physical and in some cases emotional situations. For disabled veterans this is a way of life.

For most of us, we are thankful for the aid and assistance we receive in helping father time stay his hand in regards to our time here with family and friends. Some vets as seen through the eyes of the medical team can be very difficult to deal with. It takes a big caring and understanding person to look through eyes of compassion and understanding but many do. There are some veterans that actually feel love because of those who try to understand.

With all the new systems that have been put into place recently many things have changed. More and more vets are being allowed to join with private practices and are also being allowed to pick up prescriptions with three months supplies. Here I am addressing all veterans but in particular those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The reason for this is veterans suffering with this disorder get use to life being addressed a certain way and hopefully for them, no surprises or negative changes. When things do happen that negatively impact a veteran’s life it can be very threatening. Most veterans will tell you that they are use to things being done a certain way and by certain people. I understand that very well and so does Togus VA.

When my doctor of many years retired, I was beside myself with anxiety. I began an extensive search through the system to find a physician that could replace the one I had lost. I was a lucky guy and found one that turned out to be caring and compassionate and who had my best interests at heart. We have all had our share of bad experiences and most of us have found an alternative to the past.

However, along the way a person or persons will enter our lives which we never realized could mean so much to us until they are gone. I have recently spoken with some veterans who were beside themselves because they had just realized they had lost a friend. Most of us know of this event but there are still some who do not.

Marilyn Farley Emery, whose beautiful smile and warm caring words, recently passed away. Most of us didn’t know she was sick and she wasn’t about to tell us. Marilyn joined the VA Pharmacy team some 25 years ago at age 55. Her husband was the late Robert Emery. They had two children and several grandchildren. She was a member of the Randolph United Methodist Church and has family here in China. So most of this event is known by her family.

However, there are still some veterans who aren’t aware and hopefully this article will be a gentle way of letting them know. I, for one, will miss Marilyn’s beautiful smile and wit. It was always a joy to spend a few minutes with her. She knew us by name and always looked out for our best interest. No, she can never be replaced but hopefully her replacement will have the same passion for veterans as she did. If this becomes an issue for you, use the blog site and we can talk. Thank you Marilyn for the many years you gave with love and care to the veterans. God be with you our very dear and missed friend. You will always be one of us.

KBH announces college scholarship recipients

Kennebec Behavioral Health has announced its 2019 college scholarship recipients. This year, the following students will each receive a $1,000 scholarship upon successful completion of their first semester at their chosen college or university.

Local recipients include:

  • Leah Allee, Cony High School, Augusta.
  • Jenna Butler, Erskine Academy, South China.
  • Brenna Saucier, Lawrence High School, Fairfield.
  • Sydney Noonan, Skowhegan High School, Skowhegan.
  • Aubrey Fossett, Waterville High School, Waterville.
  • Dakota Estes, Winslow High School, Winslow.

LETTERS: Trash pick up response exceptional

To the editor:

The response for volunteers to pick up litter on July 13 on the main roads of China has been exceptional. We now have it covered from Erskine Academy to Rte. 3, South China village itself, Rte. 202 to China village, China village itself, the causeway, and a portion of the Neck Road from China village south.

It’s been suggested we do this on the second Saturday every month. When the snow flies, we may have to take a break and resume whenever it’s melted. Appreciation to the volunteers who have stepped forward and thanks also to the town office staff and the transfer station staff. It does indeed need the cooperation of everyone.

As Dennis Heath, town manager, said in a recent communication, it would help enormously if all property owners would take responsibility to pick up along their own frontage on China’s roads.

I think we all realize this effort can only really succeed if the litterers change their behavior. Please keep it in the car for later proper disposal and cover trash being hauled to the Transfer Station in an open vehicle.

We also welcome anyone living on roads other than the covered routes to consider stepping forward and help create a Litter-free China!

Richard Dillenbeck
China

LETTERS: Those extraordinary fireworks!

To the editor:

I would like to personally thank whoever that family is that shot an extraordinary, brilliant, 20-minute display of wonderful fireworks last night (July 4) off the north end of John Jones Island! My family floated up a bit to see who’s got what this year, but this display was well beyond anything I’ve ever seen on China Lake. Thank you very much.

Tom Lefferts
China

Vassalboro selectmen wrap up financial matters as new fiscal year begins

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro selectmen spent most of their June 27 meeting, the last in the 2018-19 fiscal year, wrapping up financial matters and starting FY 2019-2020.

For the new year, selectmen approved a long list of committee and other appointments. Most appointments were re-appointments; the main exception was the Recreation Committee, which has six new members out of eight.

Town Manager Mary Sabins explained retiring Recreation Director Dan Ouellette recommended making the people in charge of each sport, known as “commissioners,” committee members, instead of having two different groups. Danielle Sullivan is the new director, and the 2019-2020 committee members are Stephen Polley, secretary; Jacob Marden, treasurer; Marc Cote, in charge of fundraising; Sarah Lavallee, in charge of the snack shack; Jamie Willette, soccer commissioner; Mary Presti, softball; Kyle Allen, baseball; and Scott Fitts, basketball.

At the June town meeting voters appropriated $15,730 for the recreation department.

The list of appointments includes a revived Trail Committee, composed of caretakers for various town recreational and conservation lands. Members are Selectman John Melrose, whose idea it was, and Maverick Lowery, Richard Behr, Phil Allen, Holly Weidner and Kevin Wood.

Paul Begin is the new assistant director of Vassalboro First Responders. Sabins said he succeeds Peter Allen, who moved out of town.

As required by town ordinance, selectmen met with budget committee members who need to approve all year-end transfers of funds from one department to another. This past year, Sabins said, the streetlight account was over-expended by $335.07 (in June 2018 town meeting voters appropriated $18,250; in June 2019, $18,500).

The manager recommended covering the deficit with unspent money from the 2018-19 solid waste account. Selectmen and budget committee members unanimously approved.

Budget committee member Peggy Schaffer suggested at the next town meeting, voters be asked to authorize selectmen to transfer up to a certain amount – $500 or maybe $1,500 – without budget committee approval.

In other business, Rick Denico, Jr., sought permission to dispose of a mobile home on his family property. The mobile home is empty and Denico said appears to be uninhabitable; if it is deemed abandoned, he would like approval to demolish it. Sabins said owner Roger Frost has overdue property taxes, and the town has no desire to acquire the mobile home for unpaid taxes.

Since the abandonment question might be resolved before their next meeting July 18, selectmen agreed to abate 2017 taxes and charges if Denico acquired and got rid of the building. The assessor has authority to abate 2018 taxes, Sabins said.

After South China resident Bob Bennett’s critical letter (see The Town Line, June 20), Selectmen have had inquiries and comments about the outhouse at the East Vassalboro boat landing. Sabins said the building is on Kennebec Water District land, but maintenance is Vassalboro’s responsibility.

The manager said the facility is a holding tank that does not leach into China Lake. Central Maine Disposal Company pumps it annually. After visiting it, she called CMD and was told pumping should be done early in July.

The boat landing has a carry-in carry-out policy, so there are no trash cans and people leave trash in the outhouse. Sabins intends to look into having the building cleaned and perhaps repainted.

She said a review of town records and conversations with past town managers and Water District officials gave no information on why the town has maintenance responsibility.

Board Chairman Lauchlin Titus said he had been asked to install a bench at the Webber Pond boat landing. He plans to donate one that needs some of its wooden slats replaced, and Sabins plans to see what the public works crew can do to restore it.