IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of October 20, 2016

Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

WALLS, you have the book! What’s more, I didn’t know Longfellow wrote some of those poems! Well, faithful readers, there’s another history lesson coming your way! Yes, you know I love history, but Longfellow did not know that the Denises would be staying in a room at the famous Wayside Inn, in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Well, of course, it is called Longfellow’s Wayside Inn by everyone who knows.

Yes, I felt compelled to read this new antique book and, wow, WALLS, memories were a popping, for sure. In fact, faithful readers, if you’ve stayed in a hotel or motel, you know that the telephone’s ringing wakes you up if you have asked for a wake-up call. Not at the old Wayside Inn, however, as, just like in Longfellow’s day, there was a knock on the door for wake-up time. Yup, faithful readers, so it was when Denises lived there for a few days in 1961.

Thank heavens, our three kiddos were with Nana Roxie and Poppy Henry in Maine but everyone was eager when our house on Dutton Road was ready for occupancy. However, we had some interesting experiences there. Russell attended nursery school next door to our house. That was ‘lou-lout’s house.’

Yup, she had a horse that the students could ride, but one day, when Daddy Joe was on the tall ladder patching holes in the outside of our house that a woodpecker found inviting, the horse decided to join Joe. So Joe descended in a hurry and equally so, Lou-Lou got her horse back!

Yes, WALLS mentioned memories a bit ago, because Longfellow had written about the people gathered in the Wayside Inn’s living room in his Tales of a Wayside Inn. Longfellow mentions men gathered around and listening to stories (who said women do all the talking!) and there was a musician playing a violin. Applause sounded occasionally.

Frankly, WALLS, can you picture the men? In those days of the 1700s, they even wore beautiful suits with ruffles and on their heads were wigs! In today’s world, men have shaved heads, beards of all lengths and the women have long-long-long hair! Someone has said that times change and surely changes have taken place in so many ways…..whether attire or other grooming.

Well, WALLS, since I did mention the three Denis young’uns, I will close with a salute to our local….in Maine…. local schools. Those three Denis students eventually ended up in Madison schools and, frankly, we were so fortunate that, when growing up in East Madison, they received a really great education right here in Madison! I know that none of the teachers that taught Craig, Russell and Lynn are still active in their calling, but this is a good time to let you faithful readers know that I am definitely appreciative of what they did in giving our children an education and not using them as experiments. Oh, teachers in Massachusetts didn’t know that was happening, but we knew that back in Maine ‘our young folk’ were being guided to their respective future.

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of October 20, 2016

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

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

The East Madison Historical Association is hosting a hunters breakfast/brunch on Saturday, October 29, from 9 a.m. – noon, at the East Madison Fire Station, just north of the village on East Madison Rd.
The Wildwood Band will be playing at the Embden Community Center Gym on Saturday, October 29, at 7 – 11 p.m. Dance/Show. Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume.

The Anson-North Anson Snowmobile Club will hold its annual craft fair at Carrabec High School on Saturday, November 5, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Snowmobile Club will continue to sell hot food and desserts as a fundraiser.

The Solon Congregational Church will be holding their holiday craft fair at the Solon Elementary School on Saturday, November 12, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The kitchen will be open for breakfast and lunch. They are doing a couple of new things this year such as a Kids Room, which will feature inexpensive, gently used items for kids to buy for their family members for Christmas gifts and gift wrapping will be included! Also, there will be several themed gift baskets and other items for a Chinese Auction table.

Jennifer Hebert sent me the information and she wrote, “We are always hoping for more and more crafters/vendors each year, and feel that we have some great offerings thus far. Our plan is to expand out of the gym with spaces hopefully.” To call for a table rental , the number is 643-2180.
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #39, of Madison, is holding its 31st Annual Craft Fair at the American Legion Post #39, at 20 S. Maple St., Madison, on Saturday, November 12, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The table fee will be $ 10. Because of the popularity of this craft fair they are implementing two table maximum per crafter. An early response would help them to plan the spaces to the best possible advantage of everyone and insures you a reserved spot. For more information you may call Robin Turek at 6968289.

The Embden Thrift Shop is having a bag sale on all children’s clothing (babies, children, and teens)this week. It is open Wed., Fri. and Sat. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Lending Library is open on those same days and hours.

The Pilgrim Fellowship Youth Group of the North Anson Congregational Church went to Houston Brook Falls after church last Sunday, their were over 20 of them including leaders. Ages for joining this fellowship are grades 5 through 12 and they meet twice a month, their next meeting is on Sunday, November 6, from 6 – 7:30 pm. For more information you may call Mary Walz at 635-2137.

Lief and I spent last week in Rangeley and we had a wonderful time. Was going to write about one of the adventures we had, but it would take up too much space, perhaps another time. The colors were absolutely out of this world, there aren’t enough words to describe them! We took a ride up to Saddleback Mountain one day, we were lucky to catch someone there to talk with. He was on his cell phone for quite awhile, and when he got off the phone he said, “Do you want to buy the place? For $40 million you could have it up and running!” We declined the offer. But it is so sad that someone with lots of money couldn’t start it up again. There are lots and lots of empty condos that go with the place, and the views on this perfect fall day were spectacular.

And so to Percy’s memoirs: If I had my life to live over, I would perhaps have more actual troubles but fewer imaginary ones, eat more ice cream and less beans. (words by Harold Kushner). And now some advice from George Washington, a respected president. “When government takes away citizens’ right to bear arms it becomes citizens’ duty to take away government’s right to govern.”

Kaplan University’s nursing students stage mock casualty training exercise with local police, fire

Local police and fire departments, in collaboration with students from Kaplan Univer­sity’s  bachelor’s in nursing program, participated in a mock mass casualty training exercise late last month on the University’s Augusta campus.

The day-long event provided an opportunity for emergency personnel to evaluate response time and effectiveness when dealing with similar situations and allowed them to identify areas for improvement in their approach.  The mock scene involved evaluating preparedness, responsiveness, and community coordination while helping students achieve course objectives in community and public health nursing.

Fire and rescue personnel participate in a mock disaster response. Internet photo

Fire and rescue personnel participate in a mock disaster response.
Internet photo

Nearly 100 participants played important supporting roles in the training, but only a handful of leaders knew of the details providing a very realistic experience.

Lieutenant Kevin Lully of the Augusta Police Department said, “On behalf of the Augusta Police Department and City of Augusta, we are pleased to be able to share in this type of proactive and team-oriented networking.  The utilization of police and fire services, incorporated with the eagerness and energy of Kaplan University students resulted in a very dynamic and diverse training.  Although this particular training event has been in the planning stages for the past couple months; given recent national events, the timing could not be more appropriate. We look forward to our on-going partnership with Kaplan in the future.”

As part of the Community Health Nursing course at Kaplan, students learn the various roles nurses play in the community including collaborating with community partners, evaluating processes/procedures relating to community needs, and educating based on needs of individuals as well as communities.

Dr. Shannon Packard, director of nursing for Kaplan University’s Maine BSN program, added “The amount of planning and collaboration that goes into an event like this really affords students an opportunity to implement the nursing process from a different perspect­ive.  Collaborating with community partners, planning and implementing within a group also strengthens teamwork skills, leadership skills, and communication skills.  All necessary skills within the nursing profession.”

China: Many residents oppose event center proposal

by Mary Grow

The China Planning Board has postponed action on Parris and Catherine Varney’s application to host commercial events in the barn on their Neck Road property to the Oct. 25 board meeting.

A public hearing on the application at the board’s Oct. 11 meeting drew more than two dozen people, mostly residents of Neck Road and fire roads off it. The majority of those who spoke opposed the application. Planning Board Chairman Frank Soares began the hearing by inviting the Varneys to respond to questions a neighbor submitted in advance. The Varneys said:

• They plan to host events like weddings, wedding and baby showers, birthday parties and conferences. They foresee a maximum of four events a month, mostly from May through November and mostly on weekends.
• Most events would last from four to six hours, after a day or two of preparations. They plan an 11 p.m. closing time for all events.
• The only thing outside the barn, besides the portable toilets they intend to provide, might be a tent, for example if a couple wanted to exchange vows outdoors. They plan no outdoor music and no fireworks, hayrides or other features that would extend beyond their property.
• They expect those attending to park in the grassy field behind the barn, not along the road.
• They would be willing to notify neighbors in advance of each event.

Most of the 20 or so people who spoke at the hearing expressed concerns about adverse effects on the neighborhood, including noise, erosion of the parking area, traffic congestion and the lack of local law enforcement to deal with problems that might arise. The project, they argued, did not belong in a residential and agricultural area on a narrow dead-end road.

Because the Varneys intend to allow liquor at their events, several neighbors fear guests who overindulge will drive recklessly or trespass on neighbors’ properties. Two of the three people supportive of the application asked if the applicants and the neighbors could work out a compromise to allow the business without undue disturbance.

After half an hour of testimony, Soares closed the hearing and board members voted to table the issue until Oct. 25, to give themselves time to consider issues raised and the Varneys time to consider modifying their plan.

Codes Officer Paul Mitnik presented a second, unrelated issue involving discomfort in a rural area, saying he had received numerous complaints about odors from Ralph and Linda Howe’s Dirigo Road property. He and former Codes Officer Scott Pierz said after the China Planning Board rejected the Howes’ application for a biodiesel plant on Dirigo Road in 2005, they received a permit for the plant in Oakland, and are storing waste from the Oakland facility in the barn on their China property. Soares asked Mitnik to seek legal advice on what, if any, authority the town has over the waste lagoons.

Planning Board members unanimously approved the only other application on their Oct. 11 agenda, giving Dylan Fortin a permit for an auto repair business at his home at 427 Pleasant View Ridge Road. The permit is conditional on a letter from China Village Fire Chief Timothy Theriault saying Fortin’s property has adequate access for emergency vehicles; Fortin said Theriault gave him a verbal assurance.

Obituaries, Week of October 20, 2016

VIVIAN S. DANIELS

WHITEFIELD––Vivian S. Daniels, 90, of Whitefield, passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2016, at home, from congestive heart failure. Vivian was born in New Jersey on December 13, 1925.
She lived and worked in Florida for 15 years before moving to Whitefield in 1977, where she lived for the last 39 years.

She worked at the Winthrop Mineral Shop for several years before retiring in 1990.

Vivian was a longtime member of the Young at Heart Senior Citizens Club, of Whitefield.

She was an avid bingo player, playing twice a week in Wiscasset and Gardiner. She enjoyed doing word search and picture puzzles.

She was predeceased by her parents, Frederick N. Scott and Maybele Winford Garnier.
Vivian leaves behind sons, Dale G. Daniels and wife Jalaine Bryant, of Whitefield, and Frederick A. Daniels and wife Debbie, of Patalaska, Ohio; daughter, Grace Daniels, of Whitefield; grandsons, John, and Matthew and wife Melissa Daniels, of Whitefield; great-grandchildren, Reece, Mary, and Marc; step-grandchildren, Steven, Nicole, Chris, Shane, Julia; and step-great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Keema, Reynatio, Laney, Carl, McKenzie, and Rhyder.

GLENNA A. BRAGG

WINSLOW––Glenna Adams Richardson Bragg, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 7, 2016. She was born in Caswell on January 5, 1919, the daughter of the late Benjamin H. and Addie Mae (Montgomery) Adams.

Glenna was educated in Caswell and Limestone schools. She was employed in various occupations including Hathaway Shirt Co., in Waterville, for 12 years, and Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, for 12 years, retiring in 1989.

She loved music, especially country music. She enjoyed playing the harmonica and the tambourine. Glenna had a green thumb, and loved her plants and flowers.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Stanley H. Bragg; her granddaughter, Kristen Caouette; and her son-in-law, Henry Sartin.

Glenna will be sadly missed by her daughters, Gail Sartin, Judith Whitaker (Colby), Donna Glenn (Jerald), and Lana Phair (Cuffy); son Wayne Richardson (Dodi); sisters Katrina Hutchinson, and Nola Doody; 17 grandchildren; and over 50 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren combined.

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

GLORIA A. COLLINS

WINSLOW––Gloria A. Collins, 83, died peacefully Friday evening October 7, 2016, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. She was born in Waterville on December 31, 1932, the daughter of Patrick and Beatrice (Ferland) Rossignol.

She was educated in local schools and was a Winslow High School graduate, class of 1951. She was formerly employed as a piecework marrker at C.F. Hathaway Shirt Co., in Waterville, for many years, and enjoyed going to the Muskie Center and playing cards and having meals with her friends. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting and canningn as well as holiday gatherings with family and liked watching her favorite teams, the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox.

She was predeceased by her parents; he husband Lionel F. Collins, who passed away July 22, 2008; brother Robert Rossignol; sister Noella Rioux and brother-in-law Robert Rioux.

She is survived by her son Michael Collins and wife Cindy, of Vassalboro, her daughter Jane Bernhardt and husband Brett, of Waterville; brother Raymond Rossignol and wife Theresa, of Winslow and sister-in-law Amanda Rossignol whom Gloria enjoyed going to Sunday lunch with. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Kera Collins Knight and husbance Jake, Greg Collins and girlfriend Tammy Rego, Jessica Bernhardt Jandreau and husband Jared, and Joshua Bernhardt; one great-grandchild, Shyla Knight; and several nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be expressed and guestbook signed at www.gallantfh.com.

Memorial donations can be sent to: The Muskie Center–Senior Spectrum Generations, 38 Gold St., Waterville ME 04901.

ROLAND J. NADEAU

VASSALBORO––Roland J. Nadeau, 90, of Vassalboro, died Tuesday, October 11, 2016, in Augusta, following brief period of declining health. He was born April 4, 1926, in Clair, New Brunswick, Canada, one of 17 children of Elizabeth (Lang) and Honore Nadeau.

He attended local schools and at young age began his lifelong career working with trees.

Roland moved to Waterville when he was 18 and worked in the shipping department at Keyes Fibre Co., in Waterville. After a time he started his own business clearing trees from land and for house lots. He also worked for the city of Waterville doing tree removal. He also did building demolitions.

Roland was predeceased by his first wife of 47 years, Lorraine (Roy) Nadeau, in April 1995; and nine of his brothers and sisters.

Roland is survived by his wife of 20 years, Doreen (Cothran) Nadeau; his six children: Paula Terrio, Diane Wilson, Richard Nadeau, Larry Nadeau, Jane Silva, and Tina Murphy; his three step-children, Matthew Foster, Brenda Thurlow, and Phyllis Cote; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ronald Nadeau, and George Nadeau; five sisters, Jean Nadeau, Rita Potvin, Doris Quirion, Rena Morin, and Marie Rodrique; and a very large extended family.

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

JOHN E. WARDWELL

WINDSOR––John E. Wardwell, 72, died on Wednesday, October 12, 2016, at MaineMedical Center, Portland, following a brief illness. He was born in Castine on June29,1944, a son(Gross) Wardwell.

Mr. Wardwell was a gradate of George Stevens Academy, in Blue Hill.

He retired in 2003 from Bath Iron Works after 24 years of employment. He previously worked for Harwoods Barber Shop, Lyon Builders and, for 20 years, he was a self-employed taxidermist.

Mr. Wardwell was a member of South China Community Church, a Past Master of Bethlehem Lodge #35 and also had duel membership with Dirigo Masonic Lodge in Weeks Mills. He was a member and Past Patron of Our Rose of Sharon Chapter #13 Order of the Eastern Star, Lily of the Valley #157 Order of the Eastern Star, served as Past Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Maine Order of the Eastern Star from 2009-2010. He was a DAD advisor of the Capital City Chapter Order of DeMolay. He was also a member of the Mountain Men Association, Bass Club,  Maine Bowhunters Association and Taxidermy Association.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, camp and, most recently, golf.

Mr. Wardwell was predeceased by a brother, Dana M. Wardwell and a sister, Lois E. Donaghy.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elaine E. (Wood) Wardwell, of Windsor; two sons, Tony L. Wardwell and wife Donna, of Augusta and Todd E. Wardwell and wife Sylvie, of China; sister, Ruth Harris and husband Lee, of East Hampton, Connecticut; six granddaughters, Jessica, Tami, Ashley, Linsey, Holly and Stephany; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

Donations in John’s memory may be made to: Pine Tree Camp, 114 Pine Tree Camp Road, Rome ME 04963.

CAROL A. ECKERT

WINDSOR – Carol A. Eckert, died just past sunset on October 13, 2016, her 63rd birthday, from injuries received three days earlier in a bicycling accident in her home town of Windsor. She left our world at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. Carol was born on October 13, 1953, in Rutherford, New Jersey. page4pict1

She was valedictorian of her high school class and received her B.S. in biology and biochemistry from Douglass College in 1975. She graduated from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1979 and in 2007 earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of New England.

Along the way she picked up her loving husband, Jeffrey Frankel. They married on May 24, 1974, and embarked on the great adventure of their lives when they re-located to Maine for Carol to start her medical residency at Maine-Dartmouth Family Practice Residency, in Augusta. Upon completion of the residency in 1982, Carol began her practice at Sheepscot Valley Health Center, in Coopers Mills.

Her commitment to and compassion for her patients was legendary. And delivering babies was the best part of the job.

She remained at SVHC until 2013, at which time she became a float physician for the 11 health centers operated by HealthReach Network, the parent organization of SVHC. After a good day at work at the Lovejoy Health Center, in Albion, she pedaled off for a relaxing bike ride but never made it home.

Carol was the mother of two great kids who adored her: Sam, 34, and Hannah, 27. Nothing made her happier than spending time with, cooking and baking for her family. Bicycling, hiking, climbing, yoga, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, plant foraging, reading and drinking coffee were her passions in life, along with hobbies, interests and pursuits too numerous to mention. She was a vegetarian for decades, and loved coordinating food orders for the Jefferson Food Co-op and receiving her weekly bag of CSA produce.

In addition to her work at HealthReach, Carol served as medical director of the Maine Community Accountable Care Organization and was a medical consultant for Social Security Disability Services.

Carol gave of herself to many volunteer and non-profit organizations. These included many medical missions to the Dominican Republic with the University of Southern Maine nursing program, harvest season health clinics with the Maine Migrant Health Program, the Maine Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Maine Labor Group on Health, the Windsor School Board, 30 years’ membership on the Maine Pesticides Control Board, plus many others.

Carol leaves behind her husband, Jeff. He will forever remember the smile in her voice, the hoarfrost in her hair, and the boundless love and devotion she showered on him during their years together.

Carol is also survived by her mother, Anne Scerbak, of Harwich, Massachusetts; son Sam Frankel, of Portland; daughter Hannah Frankel and fiancé Ryan Nill, of Austin, Texas; sister Nancy Eckert, her husband Jay Benkovich and nephew Jonathan Benkovich, of Rutherford, New Jersey; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Deborah and Armando Mantilla, nephew Aaron and niece Sarah, of Fair Lawn, New Jersey; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Marsha Frankel and Bill Natali, step-niece Crystal Taylor and children Kaitlyn Miller and Isabel Disla of Orlando, Florida.

A celebration of Carol’s life will take place at 2 p.m., on Saturday, October 22, 2016, at the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department, Route 105, Windsor. Cards can be mailed to 30 Erskine Road, Windsor, ME 04363, and remembrances can be posted at https://www.simplecremationonline.com/component/scremation/?view=tribute&id=134.

Memorial donations can be made to Bicycle Coalition of Maine, P.O. Box 15272, 34 Preble St., Portland, ME 04112.

Arrangements by Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, ME. Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

GEORGINA L. GERMON

BENTON––Georgina Lou Germon, 86, passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2016, at Bedside Manor, in Oakland. She was born in Warwick, Rhode Island, June 5, 1930, the daughter of the late George and Mabelle (Page) Bither.

Georgina worked various jobs over the years. She was a lifetime member of the Benton Grange. She also was a past member of East Benton Christian Church where she held the position of treasurer of the Ladies Aide.

Georgina was a very good mother, and always was willing to help those in need. She enjoyed knitting mittens for family and for those less fortunate. She also enjoyed sewing, braiding rugs, gardening, canning, cooking, and baking.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Thomas F. Germon, who passed away September 21, 2013; brother, Roger Bither; infant twin sisters, Pauling and Corrine; and grandson, Jeremy Germon.

Georgina will be deeply missed by her children, Thomas Germon Jr., of East Benton, Audrey Morneau and husband Norman, of China, Dale Germon and wife Linda, of East Benton, and Wendell Germon and wife Leah, of Canaan; twin sister, Mabelle Nealley, of Winterport; sister, Jackie Hayes, of California; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at: www.lawrybrothers.com.
Memorial donations may be made to Benton Grange, c/o Mary Colson, 8 East Benton Road, Benton ME 04901.

NAJLA (NAWFEL) JOSEPH

FAIRFIELD––Najla (Nawfel) Joseph, 91, died Thursday, October 13, 2016. Najla was born April 4, 1925.

She was a star high school basketball player. In a time when girls were only allowed to play half-court ball, on a team led by a coach who wasn’t sure if “Lebanese girls” should share the floor with “regular” girls, this was no small endeavor.

Najla’s warm demeanor, her disarming personality, and her stubborn nature were just the right mix to allow her to make the team, and ultimately become its star player; and this was just the beginning of an exemplary life.

Najla loved to ride her baby-blue bike all around town. And when she was a bit older, loved driving her baby-blue Volkswagen Beetle. Najla was a force; through her entire life she lit up a room with her smile and made all those around her feel at ease.

In 1946, she married Harold Joseph. Together they raised three daughters, Paula, Sharon and Tenley, and ran a wonderfully successful store in Fairfield, Joseph’s Clothing and Sporting Goods. Naj always made sure customers received the warmest welcome and fairest deal, all while ensuring the bills were paid and creditors happy.

Najla learned, from her mother, the art of making the deeply satisfying Lebanese food.

She was predeceased by her parents Sam and Adma (Daghir) Nawfel; sisters, Laura and Amera Nawfel and Zanie Hikel.

In addition to her daughters, grandchildren, and great-granddaughters, Najla is survived by her brother, Dr. Michael Nawfel and wife Dolores, as well as soons-in-law, Kris Baxter and Jon Eustis.

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

Memorial donations can be made to: Lawrence High School, Scholarship Fund, Attn: Brenda Thomas, 9 School Street, Fairfield ME 04937; or Fairfield PAL, c/o Frank Bouchard Jr., P.O. Box 362, Fairfield ME 04937.

KAREN L. CUCCI

ALBION––Karen Lee Cucci, 67, of Albion, passed away peacefully Friday, October 14, 2016, at the V. A. Togus Springs, in Augusta.

For 48 years she was the wife of Jeff Cucci.

Born in New Philadelphia, Ohio, she was the daughter of Richard and Joan Shonk. Serving her country, she joined the U. S. Army on August 29, 1967, and was honorably discharged June 30, 1969.

Besides her husband, she is survived by her two adult children Beth Wallinga and Ben Cucci, their spouses, and seven grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to the Central Maine Family Christmas Dinner, P.O. Box 1621, Waterville ME 04903.

Letters to the editor, Week of October 20, 2016

Theriault and solar, my choice, Glowa

To the editor:

I was very disappointed in our current Maine Representative for Albion, Benton and China, Tim Theriault. He essentially voted against the Solar bill LD1649, “An Act To Mordernize Maine’s Solar Power Policy and Encourage Economic Development” during the last legislature. This win-win bill would have lead to a big ramp-up of solar in Maine. This bipartisan bill had support from Maine solar companies, the environmental community, workers, towns, community leaders, and many others.

This bill passed in the Maine House and Senate but was vetoed by the governor. The night before the legislature was to attempt to override the vote. I spoke with Tim and he said that he “Supported Solar” and he even has solar panels on his own home. He did not say to me, “but I do not support this bill.” He did say this to my wife when confronted in the statehouse the next day before he “walked” with five other representatives. He can say, “I didn’t vote against it.” He just didn’t vote and the veto was sustained. Bummer! We need a legislator who can stand up for what they believe and vote against Gov. LePage on bills like this that have bipartisan support. This is why I plan to vote for John Glowa. I hope and expect a new solar bill like this will pass in January by a veto proof majority.

Bob OConnor
South China

Clarifies candidate’s visit

To the editor:

Mr. Glowa, this letter is to clarify your response to Mr. Carrol White printed in The Town Line on October 13, 2016. I was one of quite a few people sitting around the campfire the evening you came campaigning. First of all, you should have assumed that some sort of function was taking place and excused yourself saying that you could return to discuss your campaign at another time. We were not having an alcohol-consumed party as you try to make it out but rather we were all family members gathered around grieving the death of our dad, husband and grandfather that passed away the morning before. Yes, it is true some of us were having an alcoholic beverage but is it a crime and should that have even entered into your response at all? The only reason you would have brought this matter up, in your response, would be to make the readers believe we were a bunch of rowdy drunks.

Some of us commenced to ask you questions regarding your thoughts on subjects that were important to us. We asked you questions regarding hunting, fishing, trapping, our governor’s accomplishments and how you felt about the North Woods National Park not the North Woods National Monument (two entirely different things) to which you replied it was a “no brainer.” A “no brainer” in your mind perhaps but that was not our sentiments. Because the majority of us did not agree on any subject we discussed you became very rude, defensive and almost to the point of being confrontational. You were asked to leave because our conversations were obviously going nowhere. You did not leave as asked and at that point you were ordered to leave….you still did not go. You left only after one of my siblings escorted you to your vehicle.

Is the main goal of your campaign to insult peoples’ intelligence because our philosophies differ or to ridicule us for consuming alcohol on private property? Regardless of your answer I can guarantee that everyone there that evening will not be voting for you on election day. Our votes will go to [Tim] Theriault. He is someone we could trust to tell the truth and would not become rude and confrontational should it be we disagreed.

Laura Pierce
China

Rebuttal to the rebuttal

To the editor:

I re-iterate again the fact that this country is on a Titanic path, and to be concerned about the wolf population in Maine is ridiculous. We have those who, even with the Obamacare nonsense, can’t afford medical care; we have families going hungry, businesses that can’t afford the premiums required to cover their employees and the on-going mess concerning abortion rights. For John Glowa to state that he never advocated bringing wolves into Maine doesn’t square with what he has been advocating for years. I have a copy of an email sent by Glowa congratulating Tim Theriault on his election to the House [of Representatives] and suggesting a multi-faceted submission of wildlife legislation. Glowa founded the Maine Wolf Coalition and this has been his major concern for a number of years, and has been frustrated by the legislature for not acting on his wishes.

He also writes: “it is my hope as one of your constituents, that unlike your predecessor, you make your mark in the legislature and do more than just keep your chair seat in the State House warm for the next eight years.” There are very few people that were more dedicated than Dave Cotta in his legislative duties during the time he served, as well as his answering the call from his country during the Vietnam era. I can assure you that he didn’t just keep his seat warm. A sophomoric political statement and confirms your propensity for personal attacks.

Then, there is the Carroll White situation. I wasn’t there, but I have known the family for over 50 years, and during my 22 years of serving on every elective and appointive position in town, his father-in-law, Roy Dow, was one of the most honest, good and hard-working men I’ve ever known. When you arrived, the family was celebrating his life after the funeral, and you stated, “a number of people were sitting around a campfire consuming alcohol.” My goodness, they were having a drink which, if I’m not mistaken, is perfectly legal. Why would you say that? Are you suggesting that there was too much alcohol involved which caused the confrontation? You also state that the last five to six years you were employed you were given so little work that you had nothing to do some 90 percent of the time, and you were not proud of that. This brings up the questions of why you were not given any work to do, and why did you stay in such a situation?

Tim Theriault needs no further accolades from me, they’ve already been stated and he deserves to be re-elected.

Don Pauley
China

A nation for all peoples

To the editor:

I am writing in response to Mr. Gene V. Graves letter in the October 13, 2016, issue of The Town Line, entitled “Christians Need to Get Involved.” While I applaud Mr. Graves for urging ordinary people to get involved in our political process, I object to him perpetuating the falsehood that the United States is somehow a “Christian Nation” and that our Founding Fathers were all of the Christian religion or based our nation on “Christian principles”.

This is a myth spread by the Christian Religious Right, and not only is it insulting to those who do not fall under the Christian persuasion, it is downright false.

John Adams said, “The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.”

And Thomas Jefferson, who published his own bible (the “Jefferson Bible”) in which he removed all of Jesus’ miracles and all references to the resurrection, once wrote in a letter to John Adams, “The day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus by the Supreme Being in the womb of a virgin, will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter. … But we may hope that the dawn of reason and freedom of thought in these United States will do away with all this artificial scaffolding….”

Thomas Paine, author of the The Age of Reason, was a deist, called Christianity “a fable” and made a public confession of faith where he said, “I believe in one God, and no more; and I hope for happiness beyond this life. I believe in the equality of man; and I believe that religious duties consist in doing justice, loving mercy, and in endeavoring to make our fellow-creatures happy.”

Were there Christians among our Founding Fathers? Of course. And I’m not saying otherwise. I’m simply pointing out that our Founding Fathers believed many things and to imply that they were of a single religion is not only not true, but unnecessarily limiting.

In fact, our Founding Fathers went to great lengths to ensure that we would not be considered a Christian Nation, but a nation for all peoples. I would challenge Mr. Graves to find a single mention of God anywhere in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. Our Founding Fathers very intelligently used the term “Creator” in the Declaration of Independence rather than God because even atheists can recognize nature as their creator (lower case ‘c’ though), and the term excludes no one.

And that is why I dislike this myth that we are a Christian Nation: because it is exactly opposite to the spirit our Founding Fathers intended. It excludes rather than includes.

People should be ashamed of spreading this falsehood in an era of information where ignorance is so easily rectified. I recommend Mr. Graves meet Google and do some research into the actual founding of our great nation.

Eric W. Austin
South China

Stan Zeigler supporter

To the editor:

I’ve known Stan Zeigler, of Montville, for a long time. He is running for the Maine House in District #96.

When I first met him he was working in the woods of northern Maine as a professional logger. He then worked for several years with handicapped and abused teenagers. He often took the young people on supervised trips in order to broaden their horizons. One of his traits is to do more for others than is expected, without being showy about it.

In the late 1970s, Stan went back to school in marine technology at the University of Southern Maine. He got a job on ocean-going vessels as a seaman and proceeded to work his way up the ladder to third mate, then second mate, first officer, and, in his last service, as captain of the Research Vessel Marcus Langseth. He has seen a lot more of the world than most of us, but his anchor is here in Montville, where he built his house with his own hands and lives with his wife, Bernice.

About 20 years ago, part of the aluminum roof on my barn blew off in a January storm. There was a crop of hay inside and animals to feed. The roof had to be repaired before the next storm. Stan was home from the sea and came every day up a ladder in the cold wind until that roof was nailed down again. He never asked for anything, and he has been equally generous with his time with many others.
Stan’s main policy concern is with rising local property taxes. Most Mainers have been squeezed by increasing property taxes in recent years. The statistics show that middle and lower income Americans now typically pay a larger percentage of their incomes in taxes – when you include all taxes – federal, state and local – than do the wealthiest Americans. It’s no secret that the after-tax income of the top one percent has skyrocketed. The candidate at the top of the Republican ticket this year has pronounced himself smart for paying little or no federal income taxes, even though he is one of the wealthiest men in the country. His and Governor [Paul] LePage’s solution to our economic problems is more tax cuts for upper income people. Please vote for someone who will work hard for real tax fairness, Stanley Paige Zeigler.

Eugene Bryant
Palermo

Vote No on Question 3

To the editor:

As a former member of the NRA and owner of a pistol and rifle, and also passed a background check, the following dawned on me.

Question 3 needs to be defeated because, too late for me and others who passed, but in my opinion this law is a government “stealth” way to keep records on all us law abiding citizens. Why? Just like in Nazi Germany in the 1930s, the regime feared a possible uprising. How to be ahead of this possibility? Have all citizens register their weapons. By the late ‘30s, with all gun owners registered, the Gestapo quickly confiscated all the registered guns, claiming “national security.” Sound familiar? Vote “No” on Question 3, and remain free.

Frank Slason
Somerville

China selectmen issue ballot question summary

The China board of selectmen has issued the following summary of ballot questions for residents to use when deciding on how to vote. It is a refinement that is intentionally brief because of the amount of information.

Question 1. Shall amendments to the “Town of China Solid Waste Flow Control Ordinance” be enacted?

Question 2. Shall amendments to the “Town of China Solid Waste Disposal Ordinance” be enacted?
The Select Board asked the Transfer Station Committee to review and update the town’s dated ordinances, to reflect current day realities in solid waste processing.

Question 3. Shall amendments to the “Town of China LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE,” Chapter 2, LAND USE ORDINANCE and Chapter 11, DEFINITIONS be enacted?

The Planning Board reviewed the town’s respective sections of the China Land Development Code and proposed specific changes to reflect current State Law.

Question 4. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the municipal officers/Select Board to acquire land, more specifically described as Map 38, Lot 010-C, and further to appropriate $12,000 from the town’s Unassigned/Unrestricted Fund Balance for the acquisition of the land and further to authorize the Select Board to execute said transaction as they deem in the best interest of the Town of China.

The town has an opportunity to purchase a parcel of land adjacent to the town office property at a reduced price, assessed value of $21,000. The property would allow the town to determine use of adjacent property. It could be incorporated in the town’s long term plan for a community center or any other centralized concept plan.

Question 5. To see if the Town will vote to accept an unconditional gift of land from Wachusett Properties, Inc., more specifically described as Map 63, Lot 008 in the town’s tax map records and located off Lakeview Drive, and further to authorize the Select Board to accept a Warranty or Quit Claim Deed on behalf of the town for said described and gifted property.

Wachusett Properties, Inc. intends to unconditionally gift a 38 acre parcel (13 lot subdivision) to the town. Conversations about use of the land focused on a potential future relocation of an emergency services building from the Causeway Road to this site. The remaining unused land could be sold; the town’s cost basis $0.00.

Question 6. To see if the Town will vote to create a Transfer Station Capital and Equipment Account in the Town of China Reserve Fund and to appropriate the Town of Palermo’s $18,000 Annual Town Contribution for the use of the China Transfer Station for the Account; the Account established for the purpose of major capital purchases or repairs of transfer station buildings and equipment, the funds in which may be used upon a majority vote of a quorum of the Select Board; and further, said appropriation of the Town of Palermo Annual Town Contribution to the Account to continue through the length of the multiple-year agreement (initial 17 year agreement with three 5-year options) between the towns of China and Palermo for Palermo residents’ use of the China transfer station.

The Town of Palermo will contribute $18,000 annually toward the capital maintenance and replacement needs at the China Transfer Station. The Select Board felt it important to dedicate those annual contributions to a China Transfer Station Capital and Equipment Account that would ultimately fund capital equipment and maintenance over the long term, helping to stabilize the town’s mil rate. The additional per bag costs for Palermo residents would accrue to the China general fund and would adjust if China’s cost of operations increases.

Question 7. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate an amount up to $3,800 from the Unassigned/Unrestricted Fund Balance to conduct a community needs assessment relating to the understanding of the challenges facing older residents as they age in China.

A recent demographic study of China indicates the general average population age to be increasing significantly. The funds requested would take a deeper dive into the needs of the community that might allow residents to “age in place”, that is, to remain in their own homes as long as possible, or move to nearby housing in China if made available to them.

Question 8. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Municipal Officers/Select Board to appropriate an additional $5,000 from Unrestricted/Undesignated Fund Balance for police services.
The town is experiencing a significant increase in calls regarding speeding and nuisance activities. The current low budget of approximately $11,000 for policing services is not sufficient to respond appropriately. The additional funds will provide for additional policing details to augment our community policing program.

Question 9. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate $100,000 from the Unassigned/Unrestricted Fund Balance for the Municipal Capital and Equipment Account of the Reserve Fund (established for the purpose of major capital repairs and purchasing and/or repairing vehicles to be used for snow plowing, grading, transfer station operations, and other public purposes), the funds in which may be used upon a majority vote of a quorum of the Select Board.

The town has significant investments in capital structures and equipment; over $1,300,000 in emergency services equipment, winter maintenance equipment and transfer station equipment. The Municipal Capital and Equipment Account, used to do major repairs to and replace that equipment has a low balance and would be able to accommodate most circumstances with this added amount to the account. It is seen as a good long term planning step in financing.

Question 10. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to sell to the South China Public Library a Portable Classroom owned by the town for $1.00 and costs incurred by the town associated with the moving of the portable, said portable to be used for library purposes; offer by the town to the South China Public Library to be valid for 60 days after town vote, if passed; and further to authorize the Select Board to execute the sale and transfer of the portable to the South China Public Library under such terms and conditions as the Select Board deems in the best interest of the Town of China.

The town recently acquired this Portable Classroom from RSU#18 for $1 and moving/relocation costs. The Board feels that repurposing this unit for use by the South China Library would be appropriate.

Question 11. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $50,000 from the Development Program Fund (established through revenues received from the Central Maine Power/China Lake Tax Increment Financing District and Development Program) for the purpose of Trails Maintenance and Bridge Capital Projects/Repairs associated with the China Four Seasons Club Trails Program; said maintenance and capital projects of the Four Seasons Club to be done on the CMP Powerline in the current fiscal year.

A main purpose of a Tax Increment Financing Program is economic development. A focus of China’s TIF Program application included trails maintenance. This request is directly related to economic development and will be used to repair trails.

Question 12. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Municipal Officers/Select Board to acquire land, more specifically described as Map 63 Lot 059-A, and further to appropriate an amount up to $10,000 from the Development Program Fund, (established through revenues received from the Central Maine Power/China Lake Tax Increment Financing District and Development Program) for the purpose of acquiring the property, and further to authorize the Select Board to execute said transaction as they deem in the best interest of the Town of China.

The town is considering economic development opportunities on the Causeway Road and this property would provide better options for the town. The improvements would positively affect pedestrian safety, lake quality, and recreational activities and also improve the aesthetics in the local area. The property to be purchased would be integral to a comprehensive Causeway Road improvement.

Palermo Community Center celebrates 20 years

Submitted by Connie Bellet

It’s not too often that a small, “kitchen table” foundation manages to make it to age 20, much less serve a broad area encompassing four counties. Moreover, the original founders, the late John Potter, Ted Bigos, Jim Osier, Dennis Sturgis, and Herb Flint, had different ideas about which community needs the Palermo Community Foundation would address. For a brief time, it was the Palermo Community Health Center and later housed Palermo Online, a community internet provider run by Mike and Sheila McCarty. Feelers were put out to house a library, but the building proved inadequate for the weight of that many books.

The bounty of the community garden in full bloom. Photo by Connie Bellet

The bounty of the community garden in full bloom.
Photo by Connie Bellet

Nonetheless, the original idea of providing a community meeting space for social bonding, education, art, and music was written into the bylaws and continues today. To date, the foundation, which is now known as the Living Communities Foundation, has never accepted any tax money and is totally supported by the people it serves. All of the people who help make up the board of directors and “staff” are volunteers. That situation is also unique, considering how much work it takes to manage and maintain a building constructed of donated materials and built largely by very talented volunteers. This is why there are no “business hours,” as such. The Community Center, which is located on Turner Ridge Road across from the ball field, is open by appointment (call Connie at 993-2294 or e-mail pwhitehawk@fairpoint.net) or for various meetings and events.

 

Volunteers Peter Nerber Jr., right, and Marina Grant, sorting vegetables for the food pantry. Below, members of the Great ThunderChicken Drum. The drum meets every Tuesday evening from 7 - 9 p.m. and is open to all. Photo by Connie Bellet

Volunteers Peter Nerber Jr., right, and Marina Grant, sorting vegetables for the food pantry. Below, members of the Great ThunderChicken Drum. The drum meets every Tuesday evening from 7 – 9 p.m. and is open to all.
Photo by Connie Bellet

For the last five years, the Community Center has hosted the Palermo Food Pantry every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to noon. For nine years, the center has sponsored a potluck dinner-and-a-movie on the last Friday of the month. This month’s feature is “Cracking Your Genetic Code ” on October 28. The Great ThunderChicken Drum meets on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m., for a rousing, yet soothing, practice session and welcomes newcomers. On October 26 at 6 p.m., Jock Robie will join the Waldo Organic Growers to harvest worm castings and maintain worm bins. The Community Center has also been used for classes in biblical scripture and American sign language, as well as for weddings, Thanksgiving dinners, musical concerts, and computer classes. The foundation gave away some 300 refurbished computers to disabled seniors and students, and sponsored four Palermo World’s Fairs, with exotic foods and entertainment from many cultures. There is also a large community garden with 32 raised beds that helps to supply the food pantry.

All told, there are many reasons to help support the Living Communities Foundation. The building does need a new roof, and any amount would be received with great appreciation. Donations may be sent to LCF, care of Connie Bellet, P.O. Box 151, Palermo ME 04354. Food may be dropped off on Tuesday mornings before 10:30 a.m. Many thanks go to Joel and Annalisa Miller of Wild Miller Farm, to Good Shepherd Food Bank and to Hannafords for their support.

Phil White Hawk, Cindy Keller, Tom Thornton III, and Laura Sullivan. Standing, Mike Dunn and Judy Thornton

Front row, from left to right, Phil White Hawk, Cindy Keller, Tom Thornton III, and Laura Sullivan. Standing, Mike Dunn and Judy Thornton. Absent from photo is Connie Bellet.

Kennebec Historical Society to hear Lincoln Paine on Kennebec History

In this talk, maritime historian Lincoln Paine will use the history of the Kennebec River as a lens through which to examine Maine and American history since the pre-Columbian period. Examining the different ways that people have approached the Kennebec over time provides us with a new way of reading and understanding the history of the United States and its people. Abenaki culture was deeply informed by the way that people related to the Kennebec, which also helped shape patterns of exploration and settlement by early European settlers and the subsequent commercial and industrial development of the late colonial and post-independence period.

While the Kennebec has often been viewed in terms of its importance to navigation – both for shuttling goods and people between the hinterland and the sea, as well as for shipbuilding – it has also been a source of industrial power, a conveyor belt for the lumber industry, a source of harvested ice, and latterly a showcase for environmental restoration. In this respect, the many uses of the Kennebec offer a periodization of history that affords us a more nuanced appreciation of how Maine and the United States developed.

Lincoln Paine is a maritime historian, author, editor, and curator whose books include the award-winning The Sea and Civilization: A Maritime History of the World (2013), Down East: A Maritime History of Maine (2000), and Ships of the World: An Historical Encyclopedia (1997).

The Kennebec Historical Society October Presentation is free to the public (donations gladly accepted) and will take place on Wednesday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Augusta City Center, located at 16 Cony Street in Augusta.

Legal Notices, Week of 13, 2016

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Pursuant to the Order of Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale docketed in Skowhegan District Court on 06 July 2016, Docket Number SKOWDC-RE-15-00084, in an action brought by Timothy and Nancy Ames, against Lisa M. and Michael S. Heaton, Defendants for the foreclosure of the Land Installment Contract recorded in the Somerset County Registry of Deeds in Book 4987, Page 64, the statutory ninety (90) day period having elapsed without redemption on 04 October 2016, notice is hereby given that there will be sold at public sale on 14 November 2016 at 1:00 pm, at the offices of O’Donnell, Lee, McCowan & Phillips, LLC, 112 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine, all and singular the Premises described in said Mortgage.

The property to be sold is located at 11 Benjamin Way, Madison, Maine. Madison Tax Map and Lot: 007-56-B. For a more particular description please refer to the Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale recorded in the Somerset County Registry of Deeds in Book 5063, Page 116, which description is incorporated herein.

Terms of Sale: The Premises will be sold to the highest bidder. The purchase price is payable as follows: Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) in certified funds payable to O’Donnell, Lee, McCowan & Phillips, LLC as a non-refundable, earnest money deposit; the balance in certified funds within thirty (30) days thereafter. The property is being sold AS IS, WHERE IS, WITHOUT RECOURSE and no representations are made as to the condition of the property. Seller expressly reserves the right to modify the terms of the sale set forth above and to add additional terms as it so wishes. Other terms and conditions of sale, including any modifications or additions of the terms set forth above will be announced at the time of the public sale.

Timothy A. Ames and Nancy E. Ames by attorneys O’DONNELL, LEE, MCCOWAN & PHILLIPS, LLC, Bryan B Ward, Esq., 112 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine 04901, (207) 872-0112.

(10/27)