SOLON & BEYOND, Week of July 28, 2016

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

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

The Solon High School Alumni Association held its annual meeting on July 16 with 65 alumni and guests present. The class of 1966 celebrated its 50th anniversary with two members; Mark Rogers and Richard Poulin. Emma Pluntke  received a scholarship of $ 1,000. Others celebrating were Alice Heald, 76th anniversary; Arlene Meader and Albert Starbird, 75th; Mary Heald Bishop, 73rd; Marie Poulin, 67th; Jack McCarty, 65th; Pat McCarty Coro, 62nd; Betty Tolman Smith, 60th; Doug Hayden, Chloe Hayden Collins, Ann Rogers Edwards, 58th; and James Tolman, 57th.

Jay S. Hoar, a former teacher of Solon attended.

The last class to graduate from Solon High School was the class of 1969. This class always shows up in large numbers to celebrate. This year they had seven members show up to celebrate 47 years. They were Reggie Padham, Arthur Myers, Penny Rogers McQuilkin, Linda Stickney Steward, Dana Parsons, Bobbie Tewkbury Proctor and Jo Rancourt Holden.

Officers are Ann Jackson, president, Reggie Padham, vice president, Linda French, secretary, and Brenda Whitney Padham, treasurer. Alice Heald is news committee, Judy Bishop, lunch committee, and Kathy Swett, awards.

Class members traveled from California, Betty Smith; Arizonia, James Tolman; Oklahoma, Richard Poulin; Florida, Mark Rogers and Bobbi Proctor.

An auction was held and $415 was raised for the scholarship fund. This money was matched by Reggie and Brenda Padham. They wanted to insure people that their money would be safe and used for what it was intended for. Betty Heald was the auctioneer.

A luncheon was held and catered by the Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club under the direction of Eleanor Pooler.

Sorry, but this is all I could gather up for news this week, with people not wanting any of their personal news printed anymore, it makes it tough. But…Percy is still able to help out with some pleasing memoirs…May you have enough happiness to keep you sweet. Enough trials to keep you strong, Enough sorrow to keep you human; Enough hope to keep you happy; Enough failure to keep you humble; Enough success to keep you eager; Enough friends to give you comfort; Enough wealth to meet your ne3eds; Enough enthusiasm to look forward; Enough faith to banish depression; Enough determination to make each day better than yesterday.

Mark Rogers and Richard Poulin

Mark Rogers, left, of Florida, and Richard Poulin, of Oklahoma, were the only two members of the Solon’s class of 1966 to attend their 50th reunion, on July 23. Photo courtesy of Marilyn Rogers-Bull

LakeSmart comes to Sheepscot

The Sheepscot Lake Association has launched the LakeSmart program on Sheepscot Lake, in Palermo.

China Lake Association

Carol, left, and Roger Blomquist receiving their award from Joe Burke, trained LakeSmart evaluator. Contributed photo
Photos courtesy of Scott Pierz

Under the auspices of the Maine Lakes Society, the program focuses on preventing shorefront erosion and pollution of lake water caused primarily by rain and storm water runoff.  Property owners like the Blomquists on Hoffman Shore request an evaluation which is carried out by trained volunteers.  The evaluation is free and provides a summary of findings along with any recommendations.   Owners are under no obligation to make changes and the report is not shared with any outside entity.

The Blomquist’s property was awarded the LakeSmart designation and they now proudly display their award signs lake side and road side.

Lakes are not an everlasting natural resource and zipping up the shorefront is the last line of defense against murky, smelly water, algal blooms, fish kills and resulting lowered property values.  For more information email: uburke.lakesmart@gmail.com

China residents have seven days to comment on proposed ordinance changes

by Mary Grow

People who did not attend the China Planning Board’s July 26 public hearing on proposed ordinance changes have seven days to submit written comments if they want to, Chairman Frank Soares said.

Soares said board members will consider public comments as they prepare a final draft of the ordinance.  Current plans are that the final draft will be the subject of another public hearing to explain – but not amend – it before it is submitted to voters on Nov. 5.

In addition to board members, the board secretary and Codes Officer Paul Mitnik, 10 people attended the hearing: four selectmen; two newspaper people, representing the Central Maine newspapers and The Town Line; a non-resident needing a community meeting for her graduate work; Harry Fraser, a summer resident primarily interested in ordinance provisions about seasonal conversions; Noah Whitt, a year-round resident concerned about lighted signs; and China Lake Association president and former codes officer Scott Pierz.

The half-hour-long hearing was preceded by Mitnik’s presentation summarizing some of the major proposed changes.  Most involve adopting the state Department of Environmental Protection’s 2015 guidelines, either in place of or in addition to current language.

Pierz commented in detail on some of the proposed changes.  Many he believes will be beneficial, making enforcement easier and not damaging the environment.  In some cases, he pointed out, there appear to be inconsistencies or lack of clarity.

Whitt objects to the proposed provision that would allow digital signs to remain lighted from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., even if business hours are shorter.  He argued that signs should go dark when the business closes for the day, as a courtesy to neighbors.

Under the ordinance, businesses open 24 hours a day would be allowed lighted signs at all times.

Selectman Joann Austin was also concerned about sign requirements.  Fraser supported the state’s standards for converting a property from seasonal to year-round use.  Selectman Ronald Breton, seconded by Pierz, asked planning board members to add amended wording for conditional use criteria, an ordinance section previous planning boards have worked on.

Soares asked those who spoke to submit the gist of their remarks in writing for the board’s review.

The draft amendments are available on the town’s website, and there should be paper copies left over from the hearing.

The next China Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, Aug. 9, at the town office.

China Lake Association meeting focuses on alewives, LakeSmart progress

The 2016 annual China Lake Association meeting, held on July 23, was another great meeting, attended by over 70 people.  What a fantastic turnout….

Frank Rich­ards, of Vassalboro, was the guest speaker.  Frank is a retiree who has served as the president of the Webber Pond Association

Frank Richards

Webber Pond Association president Frank Richards gives presentation on alewive restoration at China Lake Association annual meeting.

since 2001, and he has dedicated many years toward the improvement of water quality on Webber Pond.  He is a steadfast supporter of the Alewife Restoration Initiative (ARI), and has written two books: A Guide to Wilderness Canoe Fishing and An Introduction to Ice Fishing.  Frank spoke to the assembly and provided a general education on lake water quality, with specifics on Webber Pond and the introduction of alewives and improved water quality experienced by that water body.  He eloquently energized the attendees and gave encouragement about the potential positive effects of the introduction of alewives into China Lake through the Alewife Restoration Initiative (ARI).  Both Nate Gray (Maine Department of Marine Resources) and Landis Hudson (Maine Rivers) also spoke on behalf of the ARI and answered questions raised by the audience.

Marie Michaud reported on the winners of the annual poster contest; prizes were awarded.  Elaine Philbrook, the newest China Lake Association board of directors member, assisted her in the presentation of awards.

Bob O’Connor Scott Pierz

Bob O’Connor, left, was presented with a gold watch by China Lake Association President Scott Pierz for his 25 years of volunteer service to the organization.

Bob O’Connor gave his annual loon count, reporting that the loon counters observed 38 adult loons and three chicks this year.  On behalf of the association, Bob was awarded with a gold watch for over 25 years of service, involvement, and dedication as the longest-standing association member and loon count coordinator.

Maggie Shannon, Maine Lakes Society’s LakeSmart director, spoke on the benefits of LakeSmart and presented a video on the LakeSmart Program.  She also recognized and applauded our local LakeSmart program coordinator Marie Michaud for Marie’s high-energy and commitment to LakeSmart.  Marie and her LakeSmart team have had a successful summer, and she reported on specific LakeSmart awards (including Ray and Joanne Kelsey’s recent award seen in The Town Line’s edition of July 21, 2016).  For a peek at the Maine Lakes Society’s great video please go to this link: http://mainelakessociety.org/lakesmart-2/lakesmart-video-2/.

Also, Jim Hart, president of the China Region Lakes Alliance (CRLA), spoke about the CRLA’s Courtesy Boat Inspection and Youth Conservation Programs operating here in China and in the region.

Thanks go to all those who contributed to the annual newsletter, including Nate Gray (Maine Department of Marine Resources), Landis Hudson (Maine Rivers), Jennifer Irving (Sebasticook Regional Land Trust), Marie Michaud and Maggie Shannon (LakeSmart), Jim Hart (China Region Lakes Alliance), Matt Zetterman (Kennebec Water District), Bob O’Connor (Loon Count Coordinator), and especially Frank Richards (Webber Pond Association).  Appreciation also goes to Tim Axelson for his financial report and to Jamie Pitney for conducting the election of directors and the association’s officers.  Special thanks to Tom Michaud for all his help along the way….

China Lake Association

Approximately 70 lake association members attended the China Lake Association annual meeting on June 23.
Photos courtesy of Scott Pierz

The China Lake Association will continue to advocate for the Alewife Restoration Initiative; promote environmental education in our school system; and seek an increase to the association’s membership through awareness and involvement of the community and our constituents.  For additional info go to our website (http://chinalakeassociation.org/) and check out our Facebook by typing: China Lake Association Facebook into your favorite browser.

Finally thanks also to the board of directors, RSU #18 for the venue at the China Primary School, the Green Bean Cafe for refreshments, the town of China for its support, along with all who attended and our general membership.

Have a great summer and I hope to see you next year….

Submitted by Scott Pierz,  President China Lake Association

Dry conditions continue to plague central Maine lakes

by Roland D. Hallee

Dry conditions throughout the state have brought on low water levels in central Maine lakes.

Webber Pond, in Vassalboro, has experienced water levels twice as low as is normal for this time of year. The water remains four inches below the spillway at the dam off the Webber Pond Road, when normally, it is kept at two inches during summer months.

Similar conditions exist on China Lake, according to lake association president Scott Pierz. He deferred to Matt Zetterman, of the Kennebec Water District, which monitors water quality on China Lake and maintains the water levels based on the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s lake level order. It is all part of KWD’s mission of improving water quality for China Lake.

Zetterman said that China Lake is experiencing a similar situation as Webber Pond.

“We started the year with a low amount of snowfall which led to a low volume of spring runoff,” he said. Continuing, Zetterman emphasized, “we had planned for it so we actually started the summer with a surplus of water in the lake.

“Fast forward to today, and we’re now an inch or so below our summer target, and without rain, the lake will continue to drop.”

Zetterman went on to point out the lake experienced a similar situation last summer and ended up six inches below the target by Labor Day.

Zetterman concluded with, “As much as rain ruins plans for the summer time, we desperately could use the rain to help build up the lake level.”

Open auditions for Titus Andronicus

Recycled Shakespeare Company is holding open auditions for Titus Andronicus on August 1 and 3 from 5pm-7pm both days. Auditions will be held in Fairfield Memorial Park, rain or shine.

Co-directors, Emily Rowden Fournier and Jakob Sutton, will be casting all roles, and, as is Recycled Shakespeare Company tradition, any who audition will receive a part. Any level of acting experience will be accepted. Although the directors plan to take an artistic approach to this Shakespearean tragedy, due to the graphic content of the script children under 12 years of age will not be accepted for auditions and minors will need parental consent to participate.

Recycled Shakespeare Company is a not-for-profit community theater troupe that specializes in Shakespearean theater while using recycled materials to create theater on a minimal budget. There is no cost to join the company.

Anyone who wishes to participate should be familiar with the script but need not prepare anything. Auditions will consist of cold readings in groups or alone. The performance date for this show is October 15, 2016. The rehearsal schedule will be available at auditions.

For more information, contact Emily Rowden Fournier at 207-314-8607 or email recycledshakespeare@gmail.com.

Albion Neighbhood News, Week of July 28, 2016

by Mary Lee Rounds

There are probably less than 10 pharses in the U.S. that will turn your blood cold. “I want a divorce….,” “You are pregnant”…  and “You have shingles…”  The dreaded diagnosis most of us have heard of and know someone with them.  I must be falling into that age group where it becomes more prevalent. I heard that exact diagnosis this week.  Yes, there is pain and disgusting looking skin, but the itching is what I can’t deal with.  And as with all itches the orders are “Don’t Scratch!”

I came down with this on Tuesday so have not paid much attention to town. Field Day is May 28-30. That I do know.

Have a great week.

Obituaries, Week of July 28, 2016

CHARLENE E. MATHIEU

OAKLAND––Charlene Eva Scott Mathieu, 86, of Hobe Sound, Florida, and Oakland, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2016. Charlene was born in Wytopitlock on January 11, 1930, the daughter of Walter and Eva Scott.

She graduated from Clinton High School in 1948, and the Sisters School of nursing in 1951. She spent the next 37 years working in her chosen profession before retiring in 1988.

In 1951 she married,Roger Mathieu. Charlene and Roger were married for 57 years until his passing in 2008. Their married life was filled with many happy years, sharing their love of dancing, skiing, travel, playing cards and socializing with friends and family. After retirement they greatly enjoyed spending winters in Florida and summers in Maine.

Charlene was a very loving and caring person, and was always there to help family and friends. She was a great storyteller, had a wonderful sense of humor, a hearty and infectious laugh, and always had a twinkle in her eye. She was zestful, enjoyed life, and was delightful to be around.

She was predeceased by her nephew, Kevin Scott.

Charlene is survived by her brothers Earl Scott and Walter Scott; brother-in-law Armand Mathieu and wife Bonnie; nieces, Becky Klaiber, Debbie Jensen, Melisa Silva, Lisa Scott, Julie Mathieu, Linda Nelson, and Rose Lovecchio; and her nephews, Bruce Mast and Michael Mathieu.

Memorial services will be held on August 8 at 11 a.m. at Notre Dame Church on Silver Street in Waterville, followed by a burial at St. Francis Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held afterwards at the Mathieu residence on Messalonskee Lake in Oakland.

KATHLEEN  WALTZ

JEFFERSON––Kathleen “Kathy” Waltz, 77, of Jefferson, passed away at home on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, following a lengthy illness. The youngest of eight children, Kathy was born on September 25, 1938, in Jefferson, a daughter of Lydia Sprague and Albert Weaver.

She attended local schools and proudly earned her GED later in life.

Her hobbies and interests were many. She enjoyed collecting knick-knacks, crafting, decorating for the holidays, baking and coffee and conversations with friends and relatives. The pure enjoyment of eating her minced deer meat pie and fudge will be longed for by many.

Kathy especially delighted in spending time with friends and family. She enjoyed traveling to Maui, playing cribbage and other card games, and numerous long chats with her close friend, Donna Williams. Kathy had an open and welcoming door to all, but an even larger open and welcoming heart to so many.

She was predeceased by siblings, Dot Gautreau, Maxine McKay, Esther Cheney, Ruth Peaslee, Bernice Morais, and Donald Weaver.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Frank Waltz Sr.; sons, Arthur, Frank Jr., Ira, Dana and Harlow; grandchildren, Shawna, Breanna, Frank III, Nancy, Donald, Dana Jr., Alexis, Elliott, Ruth Anne, and Harlow Jr.; and two great-grandchildren; and sister, Shirley Peaslee.

Condolences and messages for the family may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock. com.

TIMOTHY E. QUIRION

JEFFERSON––Timothy “Tim” E. Quirion, 61, of Jefferson, passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2016, following a 15-year battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease and MS. Tim was born in Augusta on January 25, 1955, the son of Romeo O. and Vivian May (York) Quirion.

Tim grew up in Augusta and attended local schools. After school Tim went to work for a family-owned taxi company, Romeo’s Taxi. Tim went on to open his own automotive business at his home in Jefferson for many years. Tim also worked as a security officer of which he was very proud.

Tim was predeceased by his parents, Romeo and Vivian Quirion; and siblings, Bruce, Shelia, Badelia, and Daniel Quirion.

He is survived by his significant other of 43 years, Diana Hinckley, of Jefferson; son Timothy Hinckley and wife Kala, of Augusta; daughters, Angel Labelle and husband James, of Washington, and Tammy Brann and husband Wayne, of Jefferson; granddaughters, Kaitlyn Kelley, Nicole Hinckley, Ashley Conklin, Melissa Brann, Miranda Brann, Danielle Brann, Amanda Brann, and Melaney Labellle; grandsons, Timothy Hinckley Jr., Camron Hinckley, and Alexander Labelle; and great-grandchildren, Kaiden Knox, Isaac and Noah Kelley, Hunter Knox, and Leland Brann; siblings, Brenda Bartlett, of Windham, Janice Quirion, of Waterville, and Linda Banks, of South Carolina.

SANDRA L. HANN

FAIRFIELD – Sandra L. Hann, 60, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2016, at her home in Fair­field. She was born Novem­ber 23, 1955 in Water­ville.

SANDRA L. HANN

SANDRA L. HANN

She attended Waterville area schools and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1974. On June 16, 2001, she married Danny Hann at the Shawmut Chapel. Sandra was employed as a scheduler and medical technician at Mount St. Joseph’s, in Waterville.

Sandra was a member of the Shawmut Chapel, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and sewing, but most of all spending time with her family and husband.

She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Danny J. Hann Sr., of Fairfield; two daughters, Angelina Chapman and significant other Arturo, of Summerfield, Florida, Michelle McAlpine, of Fairfield; son Heith Hann, of Fairfield; three step-daughters, Dawn Hann and Jennifer Hann, of China, Jennifer Hann Welch and husband Alfred, of St Albans, Tia Hann and significant other Marc Bolduc, of Fairfield; two step-sons, Danny Hann and significant other Cheryl Palmer, of Sidney, Michael Hann and fiancée Sherrie Tucker, of Waterville; three sisters, Cheryl Yale and husband Paul, of Parkman, Wanda Eldridge and significant other Doug Hawk, of New Smyrna, Florida, Linda Richards, of Vassalboro; brother Don Goodale and wife Betty, of East Benton; mother-in-law, Barbara Cook, of Waterville; 26 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; three step-sisters; one step-brother.

She was predeceased by her mother, Mavice B. King; foster parents, Lindley and Celia Littlefield; and brother, Billy Goodale.

Memorial donations may be made to MaineGeneral Health Office of Philanthropy, PO Box 828, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

OTHERS DEPARTED

CHARLES B. ANDREWS, 59, of Augusta, passed away on Monday, May 23, 2016, at Gray Birch Nursing Home, in Augusta, due to complications from diabetes. Locally, she is survived a a niece, Kristen Andrews, of Jefferson.

WALTER W. HILTON, 67, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 20, 2016. Locally, he is survived by a daughter Heidi Clark and husband Jigger, of Jefferson; and brother Michael McLoon and wife Peggy, of Jefferson.

DAVID A. OBER, 80, of Savannah, Georgia, died on Friday, June 24, 2016, in Savannah, Georgia. Locally, he is survived by granddaughter Kaitlin Cosgrove and great-granddaughter Makenzie Cummings, both of Whitefield.

BARBARA L. YORK, 53, of Waterville passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 30, 2016. Locally, she is survived by her daughter, Tisha York and partner Jacob Oyler, of South China; and sister Cathy M. Nguyen, of Winslow.

LENORE V. GALLAGHER, 95, of Augusta, passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2016, at her daughter’s home. Locally, she is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Mainville, of Coopers Mills, sons David Gallagher, of Whitefield, and Earl Gallagher and wife Debbie, of Somerville.

RAYMOND A. RAWLEY, 84, of Rockport, passed away at the Sussman House on the Pen Bay Campus, in Rockport, on Sunday, July 3, 2016. Locally, he is survived by a son, Timothy Rawley and wife Lynn, of Washington; granddaughter Amy Rife and husband James, of Jefferson; and sister Dot Means and husband Charlie, of Winslow.

JEANNETTE BEAUDOIN, 97, of Augusta, passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center at Glenridge, following an extended illness. Locally, she is survived by a step-daughter Lucille Suitter, of Palermo.

ROBERT L. BOWMAN, 80, of Mount Vernon, passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2016, at Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. Locally, he is survived by a daughter Cindy Beach and husband Howard, of Vassalboro; and a sister, Donna Bowman, of Fairfield.

EDWIN R. LIBBY JR., 73, of Wiscasset, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2016, at a Portland hospital following a period of ill health. Locally, he is survived by a sister, Jaye Libby and husband Bill Staples, of Waterville.

LORRAINE R. SIROIS, 86, of Waterville, died on Sunday, July 24, 2016, at Woodlands Assisted Living Center, in Waterville. Locally, she is survived by her children, James R. Sirois, of Sidney, Linda Bouchard and husband Leo, of Oakland, Stephanie Reardon and husband Korey, of Benton, Danielle Buebank and husband Dan, of Belgrade, and James Sirois and wife Cassey, of Winslow.

Kellers celebrate 50th wedding anniversary

Dennis and Miriam Keller

Dennis and Miriam Keller, of Palermo, are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on August 6, 2016. Dennis Robert Keller and the former Miriam Althea Ulbrich were married on August 6, 1966, at the Branch Mills Union Church.

Letters to the editor, Week of July 28, 2016

Never trust again

To the editor:

My husband and I own the Locust Grove, in Albion. We have a U-Pick raspberry and blueberry operation.

Last Friday, an elderly lady came to pick blueberries. She filled some containers with blueberries and left them with her prescription sunglasses and went to pick in another section of the field. When she came back her berries and glasses were gone. She and I assisted her as she looked but no berries or glasses were to be found. Why would anyone steal her berries and sunglasses?  This lady was so distraught, and she had to drive home without her glasses. If you are out there and have this lady’s glasses please return them; you can leave them anywhere we can find them.

Most people we deal with are honest, but what happened to this lady is sad and what is saddest, is this elderly lady will never trust anyone again.

Marilyn C. Kenyon
the Locust Grove
Albion