Area veterans take part in parade
Members from various service organizations in the Waterville area participated in the Veterans Day parade, in Waterville, on November 11. Photo by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography
Carrabec High School first quarter honor roll
Grade 12, high honors: Avianna Boucher, Dustin Crawford, Taylor Cyrway, Allyn Foss, Bobbie Peacock, Samantha Taylor and Sara Taylor; honors: Whitney Coro, Lexie Cowan, Jade Fortin, Evan Gorr, McKayla Gray, Paul Kaplan, Mariah Langton, Eric Libby, Abigail Longley, Brooklynn Moore, Olivia Tewksbury, Sydney Trudeau, Isaiah Walls and Emily Witham.
Grade 11, high honors: Rhiannon Ambrose, Patrick Dube and Katrina Mason; honors: Jacob Atwood, Melanie Clark, Kelsey Creamer, Kaitlin Dixon, Bailey Dunphy, Ariana-Lee Dunton, Daryl Foss, Courtney Fuller, Michael Hargreaves, Jackson Lawler-Sidell, Samantha LeBeau, Brooklyn Miller, Peter Mouland, Tonya Thibodeau, Sierra Turcotte and Dylan Willette.
Grade 10, high honors: Tristan Bachelder and Sidney Small; honors: Lilyana Aloes, Lillian Johnson, Lindsay Lesperance, Lauren Rafferty and Makayla Vicneire.
Grade 9, high honors: Annika Carey and Scott Mason; honors: Emily Avery, Skyler Chipman, Caitlin Crawford, Shay Cyrway, Ariel Guinn, Skylar Karr, Laney Murray, Abby Richardson and Dalton Way.
Husson U. president’s list
The following area students have earned honors for the 2016 spring semester at Husson University, in Bangor. President’s list students carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a grade-point average of 3.80 to 4.0 during the period.
Hannah Ainslie, of Augusta, is a senior enrolled in the psychology program.
Erin Bolduc of Augusta, is a junior enrolled in the educational studies with a concentration in elementary education program.
Emily Bowers, of Augusta, is a sophomore enrolled in the nursing program.
Noah Gallagher, of Augusta, is a sophomore enrolled in the mass communications with a concentration in marketing communications program.
Shaun Gallagher, of Augusta, is a sophomore enrolled in the communications technology with a concentration in audio engineering program.
Aaron Haynes, of Augusta, is a sophomore enrolled in the communications technology with a concentration in live sound technology program.
Lauren Raymond of Augusta, is a senior enrolled in the healthcare studies and master of science in occupational therapy program.
Laurel Whipkey, of Augusta, is a senior enrolled in the kinesiology — human movement science and doctor of physical therapy program.
Morgan Clifford, of Brooks, is a junior enrolled in the kinesiology — human movement science and doctor of physical therapy program.
Hunter Belanger, of Chelsea, is a senior enrolled in the criminal justice program.
Lea Cone, of Chelsea, is a senior enrolled in the communications technology with a concentration in WebMedia program.
Danielle Lefebvre, of Freedom, is a senior enrolled in the business administration with a concentration in management and master of business administration program.
Tiffany Camire, of Madison, is a junior enrolled in the nursing program.
Victoria Mullin, of Madison, is a sophomore enrolled in the health sciences program.
Kirsten Wood, of Madison, is a junior enrolled in the kinesiology — human movement science and doctor of physical therapy program.
Sharlene Stanton, of Norridgewock, is a sophomore with an undeclared major.
Macy Mansir, of Sidney, is a sophomore enrolled in the kinesiology — human movement science and doctor of physical therapy program.
Hunter Clark, of Skowhegan, is a senior enrolled in the mass communications with a concentration in marketing communications program.
Natasha Thompson, of Skowhegan, is a senior enrolled in the sport management and master of business administration program.
Heather Lupo, of Smithfield, is a sophomore enrolled in the healthcare studies and master of science in occupational therapy program.
Hallee Breton, of South China, is a senior enrolled in the kinesiology — human movement science and doctor of physical therapy program.
Shayla Pillow, of South China, is a junior enrolled in the kinesiology — human movement science and doctor of physical therapy program.
Helen Roy, of South China, is a senior enrolled in the paralegal studies program.
Nicole Scharer, of South China, is a graduate student enrolled in the doctor of pharmacy program.
Sarah Stevens, of South China, is a senior enrolled in the business administration with a concentration in financial management and master of business administration program.
Tasha Dutil, of Vassalboro, is a sophomore enrolled in the healthcare studies and master of science in occupational therapy program.
Adam Pelletier, of Vassalboro, is a junior enrolled in the criminal justice and master of science in criminal justice administration program.
Kyle Bishop, of Waterville, is a senior enrolled in the physical education program.
Miranda Shepherd-Bussiere, of Waterville, is a senior enrolled in the psychology program.
Dylan Atkins, of Winslow, is a graduate student enrolled in the doctor of pharmacy program.
Marissa Charette, of Winslow, is a senior enrolled in the healthcare studies program.
Megan Richards, of Winslow, is a senior enrolled in the kinesiology — human movement science and doctor of physical therapy program.
Molly Ware, of Winslow, is a sophomore enrolled in the nursing program.
Obituaries, Week of November 25, 2016
LINDA M. FRANCIS
VASSALBORO––Linda M. Francis, 60, died Friday, November 11, 2016, following an unexpected illness. She was born February 28, 1956, to Henry James Sr. and Georgiette Noella (Smedberg) Francis. She came from a family of 13, being one of the eldest siblings; she helped to raise her brothers and sisters. This is just one of many aspects that helped to mold her into the caring, loving person that she was.
She was an avid animal lover; she spent years helping abandoned, abused, and neglected animals. Linda was a member of the Wagmatcook First Nation, located in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. She was a very proud and strong Native American woman, belonging to the Mi’kmaq tribe.
Linda loved being a mother and grandmother; she was very loving, protective and nurturing. She was an amazing cook and loved to have big dinners, surrounding herself with her family and friends, as she was a second mom to many. She will be missed by all those who have been blessed to have known her, and thought of daily.
Linda and William met at the young age of 16 and fell in love. Together, they had three wonderful children.
She was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Georgiette Francis; mother-in-law Louella Jane Spaulding; and brothers-in-law Timmy Spaulding and Roy Spaulding.
She is survived by her husband, William Spaulding, of Vassalboro; their three children, William Francis and spouse Danielle Gagnon, of Smithfield; Shelly Francis, of Waterville; and Heather Spaulding, of Vassalboro; six grandchildren, Billy Edmunds-Francis and wife Kelly, and their two daughters, Mackenzie and Lakelynn Grace, of Patten; Chris and Alexis Fillyaw, of Waterville; Brittney and Brennen Francis, of Smithfield; and Jaidynn Higgins, of Vassalboro; a niece who was there every day helping her, Courtney Rowe, of Fairfield; father-in-law, Edward Spaulding, of Waterville; brothers-in-law, Eddie, Bert, Danny, and Woody Spaulding; sister-in-law, Lisa Madore; brothers, Henry, Frankie and Jamie Francis, of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia; sisters, Lena Collette, of Maine; and Vickie Price, Merry Francis, Diane Francis, Nancy Ricker, and Madeline and Theresa Francis, of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan.
Memorial donations may be made to a Humane Society of your choice.
PRISCILLE B. HALLEE
WINSLOW – Priscille B. Hallee, 81, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2016. She was born on April 11, 1935, the second daughter of Edgar and Yvonne (Boulette) Poulin.
She spent all of her life in the Winslow/Waterville area. She attended Notre Dame Parochial School, and Waterville Junior High School.
On November 26, 1953, she married Terence “Terry” Hallee, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, on Water Street, in Waterville at 7 a.m., on Thanksgiving Day.
Pris is survived by her husband of 63 years, Terry Hallee; sons, Marc Hallee, of Orlando, Florida, Luc Hallee and wife Cheryl, of Brandon, Florida; granddaughters Amber and Chelsea, both of Brandon, Florida; sister, Jeanne and her husband E. Roger Hallee, of Waterville, Claire Donley, of New Seabury, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Francine Pepin and her husband Dr. Andrew Pepin, of Great Falls, Virginia; brother, Arthur Poulin and his wife Gail Frazer, of Greenwich, New York; brother-in-law, Clarence Hallee and his wife Joy, of Hermon; Jerome Hallee, of Amhurst, Nova Scotia, Bernard Hallee and his wife Sandy, of Georgetown, Texas; sister-in-law, Marlene Hallee, of Mesa, Arizona; brother-in-law Richard Ouellette, of Atlantic Beach, Florida; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents; her in-laws, Albert and Leonie Hallee; sister, Claudette Ouellette; sisters-in-law, Priscilla Riley and Celeste Goldrup.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic School, 15 South Garand St., Winslow, ME 04901 or Sisters Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, 101 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901.
RACHAEL J. GOODWIN
WINSLOW –– Rachael J. Goodwin, 98, of Winslow, passed away Sunday, November 13, 2016, at Inland Hospital, in Waterville, following a brief illness. Rachael was born February 28, 1918, in Madison, the daughter of Edward and Grace (Ouellette) Mathieu.
She was educated in the local schools and graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1936.
She married Louis Goodwin, on August 12, 1939, and they shared 76 years together until his death July 22, 2016.
Rachael was a communicant of Saint Sebastian Catholic Church, in Madison, and a member of the Daughters of Isabella.
For a time, Rachael worked as an instructional aide at the Weston Avenue school in Madison.
Rachael had a real zest for life, which was evident in her determination, tenacity and boundless energy. She loved to bake, knit and play bingo, where she made many good friends.
In addition to her husband, Rachael was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Lawrence Mathieu and Francis Mathieu; and sisters, Bernadette Daigle and Jeanette Spenard.
She is survived by two sons, Peter Goodwin and wife Rae, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Paul Goodwin and wife Jennifer, of Madison. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Michelle Goodwin, Mark Goodwin, Anita Krazenski, Danny Goodwin, Christina Sylvestre, Erica Violette, Ryan Goodwin and Adam Goodwin; nine great-grandchildren; niece, Patricia Tobey and husband Harry; as well as several other nieces and nephews.
OTHERS DEPARTED
HAROLD RINGUETTE SR., 69, of Saint Cloud, Florida, passed away on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at the Saint Cloud Hospital, following a brief illness. Locally, he is survived by his children, Lisa Pullen and husband Kevin, of Winslow, Jonathan Cote and wife Cheryl, of Vassalboro, Harold Ringuette Jr. and partner Tara Fecteau, of Vassalboro; sister Meta Vigue, and Sylvia Pressey and husband Robert, all of Winslow; aunt, Mary King, of Waterville.
Nadeau Chiropractic welcomes Dr. Tyler Barnes
Nadeau Chiropractic & Wellness Center announces the hiring of Dr. Tyler Barnes as of September 26. Dr. Barnes is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Barnes received his degree in biology from the University of Maine at Orono and obtained his doctorate in chiropractic from New York Chiropractic College. Dr. Barnes provides safe and effective chiropractic care that is individualized and patient-centered. He has worked extensively with collegiate athletes and has a special interest in the treatment and management of sports-related injuries. Dr. Barnes is a participating member of the Maine Chiropractic Association as well as the American Chiropractic Association. He has experience working collaboratively with other health care professionals in effort to provide integrated care resulting in the best possible outcome.
Dr. Barnes is a Maine native and has spent the last four years practicing in Farmington. He resides in Belgrade, with his partner Jenna and is excited to transition to the Kennebec Valley area. His hobbies include snowboarding, hiking, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors. Additionally, Dr. Barnes is an active board of director for L.E.A.P, a local nonprofit that assists people with intellectual, physical and emotional disabilities.
Nadeau Chiropractic & Wellness Center is located at 3 Health Dr., in Augusta. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Barnes please call our office at (207) 623-0720.
School board hears reports from AOS officials
by Mary Grow
Vassalboro School Board members held a short and uneventful monthly meeting Nov. 15, mostly receiving reports from AOS (Alternative Organizational Structure) #92 officials and board member Elizabeth Mitchell, who attended the recent Maine School Board Association meeting.
Afterward, Superintendent Eric Haley commented that with the school year under way and the next year’s budget not started, November school board meetings are often short in all three AOS #92 municipalities (Vassalboro, Waterville and Winslow).
Vassalboro Community School (VCS) Principal Dianna Gram reported that the school’s pre-kindergarten program reached its enrollment limit of 16 students. A state reviewer visited the program and reported that it meets all applicable state standards. Gram also reported that eighth-graders in Vassalboro’s highly regarded JMG (Jobs for Maine Graduates) program, led by Victor Esposito, have taken part in a public speaking series with the Augusta-based Kennebec Valley chapter of Toastmasters International. One of Vassalboro’s students participated in a conference in Toronto.
JMG students are running a wreath sale at the school, with a December 29 deadline for orders. People interested can get information and place orders by calling VCS at 923-3100 and asking for Esposito.
The school’s Parent-Teacher Organization is presenting two pre-Christmas events open to the public. On Saturday, Dec. 3, Santa’s breakfast will be held from 8 to 10 a.m., with crafts, a pancake breakfast and a picture with Santa for $5 plus a sale of gifts from Santa’s Workshop.
The movie “Polar Express” will be shown Friday, Dec. 9, starting at 6 p.m. Admission is free; those who wish may buy a golden ticket, a silver bell, a photo with the Polar Express as the background and cocoa and a homemade cookie for $3, and there will be a concession stand.
The next Vassalboro School Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, Dec. 20.
Public forum planned on new marijuana law; selectmen seek public input
by Mary Grow
Vassalboro residents with opinions on how their town should react to the state-wide vote legalizing recreational marijuana production and use are invited to a hearing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in the town office meeting room, before the 7 p.m. selectmen’s meeting.
At their Nov. 17 meeting, selectmen discussed three alternatives:
- Prepare a moratorium ordinance that would prohibit in-town marijuana operations for six months or a year to give time to create local regulations. Should they choose that route, board members need to find out whether selectmen can declare a moratorium or whether voters’ approval is required.
- Prepare a local regulatory ordinance, probably for submission to the June 2017 town meeting. Board Chairman Lauchlin Titus suggested Vassalboro’s Adult-Only Business Ordinance, adopted while the topless coffee shop was open on Route 3, could be a model.
- Take no immediate action. (ep)
Board member Robert Browne recommended asking residents’ opinions, especially on the moratorium idea, leading to scheduling the Dec. 1 hearing.
Town Manager Mary Sabins provided copies of the complete Marijuana Legalization Act voters approved, pointing out three provisions that struck her: a nine-month deadline for state authorities to adopt rules for the new industry; a requirement for municipal approval to obtain a state license for retail sale of marijuana or operation of a marijuana social club; and a provision allowing municipalities to prohibit both retail sales and social clubs.
Selectmen believe they have time to consider the issue and prepare action. Titus said with the ballot recount and the holidays, he doubts the referendum result, if confirmed, will be effective until early January 2017. He does not expect state authorities to take any action until the vote is final.
Titus and board member Philip Haines, both experienced with state services, agreed that the state cannot meet the nine-month deadline. A major rule-making process, they said, takes a year or longer. There is also the possibility that the state legislature will further delay action by discussing whether to amend the approved ballot question.
In other business Nov. 17, selectmen reviewed five applications to fill the vacant planning board seat and unanimously appointed Marianne Stevens the new alternate member, succeeding Paul Breton.
Stevens is a former Kingfield resident who served on the Kingfield Planning Board and has experience on other town and state boards.
Haines commented on the variety of knowledge and experience among the applicants and expressed the hope that they will be around if there is another planning board vacancy.
Board members contemplated follow-up actions after town voters rejected both local referendum questions on the Nov. 8 ballot. As a first step toward meeting pedestrian needs in East Vassalboro, since voters chose not to appropriate money for sidewalks, Titus asked Sabins to have Road Commissioner Eugene Field get prices for a variety of speed limit and warning signs that might add to the effect of state speed limit signs. Haines, a supporter of the shoreland zoning amendments voters turned down, favored another vote, probably at the June town meeting. Titus said it would not be illegal to seek a second vote.
Maine’s largest community solar farm grows in China
By the end of the year, South China will host the largest community solar farm to date in Maine; 3 Level Farm Community Solar Farm, on Rte. 32.
Construction of a solar farm continues at the 3 Levels Farm, in China. By the end of the year, South China will host the largest community solar farm to date in the state of Maine. Photos courtesy of Holly Noyes
Glen Wall, a resident of South China, is one of the eight members of the solar farm and serves as treasurer of the association. All members of the farm will receive credits toward their electricity bill through net metering in proportion to the shares they own. If someone owns 20 percent of the solar farm, then they would get 20 percent back in credits. “Although I own the smallest share in the farm, I still get to offset carbon and lower my electricity costs,” said Wall.
Each kilowatt of solar energy installed in Maine saves each utility ratepayer $4,000 over the lifetime of the panels, according to the Value of Solar study commissioned by Maine Public Utility Commission. Community solar farms allow greater access to solar energy. Renters, homeowners and business owners who don’t have a location or roof suitable for a solar panel array to be installed can receive the financial and environmental benefits of solar energy through a community farm membership. “When the community solar farm in South China became available, I wanted to join. In addition, if I move or sell my house someday, I will still benefit from it,” Wall said.
ReVision Energy, of Liberty, is designing and installing the project, and employs 32 people locally. ReVision Energy also has an office in Portland and two in New Hampshire with 140 employees total. Since 2003, ReVision Energy has installed over 5,000 solar arrays. The members of the 3 Level Farm Community Solar Farm and ReVision Energy will be hosting an open house for the public in early Spring.
Employees at the China solar farm, designed and installed by ReVision Energy, of Liberty, are, from left to right, Jarrett Cannan, Holly Noyes, Dryw Hunt and Justin Milliken.
Give Us Your Best Shot! Week of November 17, 2016
BREATH TAKING: Tom Lohnes, of China Village, snapped this photo on Oct. 17 between Banff & Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.
Turkeys not included in our first Thanksgiving celebration
Benjamin Franklin preferred the turkey as the national bird of the United States, but he never publicly voiced his opposition to the bald eagle.
In a letter to his daughter, Sarah Bache, on January 26, 1783, he wrote how he disapproved of the Society of Cincinnati, which he described as a chivalric order, for having a bald eagle in its crest.
He wrote, “Others object to the bald eagle, as looking too much like a Dindon [turkey]. For my own part I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen the representative of our country. He is a bird of bad moral character. He does not get his living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead tree near the river, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the labour of the fishing hawk [osprey]; and when that diligent bird has at length taken a fish, and is bearing it to his nest for the support of his mate and young ones, the bald eagle pursues him and takes it from him.”
The wild turkey, throughout its range, plays a significant role in the cultures of many Native American tribes all over North America. Eastern Native American tribes consumed both the eggs and meat. They provided habitat by burning down portions of forests to create artificial meadows which would attract mating birds, and thus making the hunting of the turkeys much easier.
Of course, clothing and headdress of many chiefs and significant people of the tribe were made from turkey feathers.
Thanksgiving is next week, but do we really know anything about the bird that we cherish at our dinner tables on that day?
There are two species of large birds in the genus Meleagris native to North America. The domestic turkey is the bird most commonly referred to when the term “turkey” is used.
Turkeys have a distinctive fleshy wattle that hangs from the underside of the beak, and a fleshy bulge that hangs from the top of its beak called a snood. As with many species, the female (hen) is smaller than the male (tom or gobbler), and much less colorful. With wingspans of almost six feet, the turkeys are by far the largest birds in the open forests in which they live, and are rarely mistaken for any other species.
When Europeans first encountered turkeys in the Americas they incorrectly identified the birds as a type of guineafowl, also known as a turkey-cock from its importation to Central Europe through Turkey, and the name of that country stuck as the name of the bird. The confusion is also reflected in the scientific name: meleagris is Greek for guinea-fowl.
The name given to a group of turkeys is a rafter, although they are sometimes incorrectly referred to as a gobble or flock.
Several other birds which are sometimes called turkeys are particularly closely related: the Australian brush-turkey and the Australian Bustard. The bird sometimes called a Water Turkey is actually an Anhinga.
While the large domestic turkey is generally unable to fly, the smaller wild turkey can fly extremely well. This is usually enough to perch in the branches of trees, however, it is an ineffective method of transportation. Turkey chicks are unable to fly for the first two weeks after they hatch.
And what about the first Thanksgiving? Many myths.
As the Puritans prepared for winter in 1621, they gathered anything they could find, including Wampanoag supplies.
One day, Samoset, a leader of the Abenaki, and Tisquantum (better known as Squanto) visited the settlers. Squanto was a Wampanoag who had experience with other settlers and knew English. Squanto helped the settlers grow corn and use fish to fertilize their fields. After several meetings, a formal agreement was made between the settlers and the native people and they joined together to protect each other from other tribes in March of 1621.
One day that fall, four settlers were sent to hunt for food for a harvest celebration. The Wampanoag heard gunshots and alerted their leader, Massasoit, who thought the English might be preparing for war. Massasoit visited the English settlement with 90 of his men to see if the war rumor was true.
Soon after their visit, the Native Americans realized that the English were only hunting for the harvest celebration. Massasoit sent some of his own men to hunt deer for the feast and for three days, the English and native men, women, and children ate together. The meal consisted of deer, corn, shellfish, and roasted meat, far from today’s traditional Thanksgiving feast. Notice, there was no turkey.
Although prayers and thanks were probably offered at the 1621 harvest gathering, the first recorded religious Thanksgiving Day in Plymouth happened two years later in 1623. On this occasion, the colonists gave thanks to God for rain after a two-month drought.
Much of what most modern Americans eat on Thanksgiving was not available in 1621.
The peace between the Native Americans and settlers lasted for only a generation. The Wampanoag people do not share in the popular reverence for the traditional New England Thanksgiving. For them, the holiday is a reminder of betrayal and bloodshed. Since 1970, many native people have gathered at the statue of Massasoit in Plymouth, Massachusetts, each Thanksgiving Day to remember their ancestors and the strength of the Wampanoag.
One other thing about the turkey. Did you know that it missed by one vote of being our national bird instead of the bald eagle?
Kind of gives you some food for thought, doesn’t it?