Letters to the editor, Week of August 10, 2017

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Sad to see mill gone

To the editor:

A few weeks ago, driving through Branch Mills village, I was stunned and saddened to see that the old Dinsmore mill had been completely destroyed and trucked away. It was once just about the last surviving water-powered grist and sawmill of its size and integrity in this part of Maine. Before cheap fossil fuels, mills like this literally built Maine. Starting from the earliest settlements they sawed most of the lumber, shingles and other wood products and ground most of the flour and feed for the region using nothing more than the power of falling water.

About 20 years ago Steve Coombs bought and began renovating the mill with the intention of restoring it to an operating gristmill, processing locally-grown grain. A fully functioning water powered mill would have put Branch Mills on the map as tourist destination, and would have been a great way to add value to local agricultural products. No one who has been in a working water mill, with its turning shafts and wheels and machinery driven by the low rumble of falling water, can forget the magic of the experience. I got to know Steve through selling him firewood. He seemed to have a good vision and the experience and skills to make it happen.

You might think that local and state government officials would do all they could to encourage and facilitate the rejuvenation of this historic mill. But after a year or two Steve told me that he was running into walls of bureaucratic opposition, from building codes enforcement in the town of China to the state DEP and Department of Agriculture. He said the food inspection people wouldn’t let him operate unless he tore out all the old wooden grain storage bins and conveyors and replaced them with metal and plastic. The people who had built camps on the pond (created by the mill dam) complained when Steve lowered the water level to work on the dam. The fish people were demanding that he put in a ladder so that migratory fish could pass upstream.

After several years Steve apparently ran out of resources and endurance and left the project on hold. I understand there were more lawsuits and regulatory actions since then. No one I’ve spoken with seems to know the full story. I can only speculate that if just some of the money and effort expended on lawyers and bureaucracy had been invested in actually fixing the mill, it would be a going concern and a wonderful local attraction today.

Of course, if what happened is any indication, most people couldn’t have cared less about the old mill. Now it’s gone and we will almost certainly never see the like of it again. Shame on all of us for not doing more to preserve it.

Eugene Bryant
Palermo

Tobey’s: a true community-minded business

To the editor:

Our last China Community Days chicken BBQ was a great success. This was made possible by the meat counter at Tobey’s. We had ordered 100 half chickens but discovered Friday morning that we had 50 whole chickens. I made a call to Tobey’s and was told to bring them over. Within 10 minutes I had 100 half’s without a bill!

Tobey’s is truly a community friendly supermarket. Thank you again!

Neil Farrington
Commander, American Legion Post #179

Throwing in the towel as a PUL

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COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

by Richard Dillenbeck of China

Well, dear readers, it’s time to retire from PUL (Picking Up Litter). I’ve reached the reported retirement age for PUL.ers, I suppose they think we old people will get run over, creating more litter. Nineteen years is enough, maybe someone else can step forward.

I guess I should be glad to know the Bud Light guy(s) are still littering Lakeview Drive by tossing out emptied cans and disposing of evidence along the way. As a kid I sometimes used to walk home from basketball practice at Erskine and still remember the ‘singing’ telephone lines on cold nights and really never thought of litter because it simply wasn’t there.

When I counted over 700 pieces of litter along just two miles yesterday, it seemed to confirm what my son-in-law told me somewhat sarcastically when I started…“good luck.” It seems some of our otherwise thoughtful citizens simply enjoy littering and since they are the only ones who can change things, I also say…good luck. I note even the town office has deleted “PLEASE DON’T LITTER” from its digital signboard, I guess the writing is on the wall. I thank others who PUL. And to the majority of our citizens, enjoy the scenery while you can.

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of August 10, 2017

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

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

The very first thing that I need to do this week is apologize to Dotty Dunphy for the wrong name under the group picture in last week’s paper, I am very sorry.

The next Embden Historical Society meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 14, at 7 p.m. at the Embden Town House. Jean Schipke will give a presentation along with slides on “My Memories of Devereux.” Refreshments will follow. All are welcome. My many thanks to you Carol for being so dedicated with sharing interesting news, keep up the good work.

Many of you have told me how much you enjoy the stories I sometimes write about living in Flagstaff before we were flooded out. This last weekend was our “Old Home Weekend” held at the little chapel in Eustis.

I am going to print an old, yellowed clipping that I found among my treasured memories that a dear friend had written just before she moved at the fast approaching flooding of the town.

It is entitled, Flagstaff – My Home Town:

” ‘Twas just a sleepy little town in a valley,
The prettiest place that I know.
In summer ’twas covered with flowers,
In winter, with a blanket of snow.
Our store was all that it needed,
The houses were all on one street;
The school offered all you could ask for,
And a quaint church made it complete.
The lake was handy for fishing,
(On hot days the swimming was grand),
“Twas also a nice place for boating,
Or a picnic nearby on the sand.
In winter, the lake was for skating,
Or you could ski up on the hill while the wind blew the snow all around you and gave your nose quite a chill.
The forests were pleasant for hiking or for camping out in the fresh air;
In winter we used them for hunting,
With our pick from raccoon or bear.
Now all of this is over – The cheerfulness is gone.
Thye people are moving far away,
And the place seems quite forlorn.
The trees have been cut by the woodsmen,
The lake filled with birch-bark and wood,
At first we swam in the river,
Now that no longer is good.
The houses left empty by neighbors,
Have been filled with men I don’t know;
They have ripped out the walls and the finish,
Leaving enough to keep off the snow.
The church has been robbed of its windows,
They have found a new home above town.
Even the graveyard is empty –
The green grass is now dark and brown.
Yes, the town is almost deserted Of all the folks that I know,
And I myself will be going,
Perhaps before the snow.
Yes, this is my home and I love it!
It’s beauties will always be mine;
And ’twill linger on in my memory From now till the end of time.”

This was written by Avis Burbank.

This poem says it all and each year there are a few missing that gather at the little chapel, which looks much like the church that was in Flagstaff. The same beautiful colored windows, the old bell and at the service on Sunday, as always, tears nearly fell as I held the old Pilgrim Hymnal (copyright 1931) as in days gone by. My good friend and classmate, Isabelle Burbank Milbank, and I graduated in 1947 from the Flagstaff High School and she called us the ‘dinosaurs,’ (now I’ve been called a lot of names, but that was a new one!) But along with her husband, Floyd, I am sure we were the oldest people of only 18 in attendance. They had traveled from New York to take part in the Old Home Days.

Now for Percy’s memoir, he and I both loved the inspirational poetry of Helen Steiner Rice. “People everywhere in life from every walk and station, From every town and city and every state and nation Have given me so many things intangible and dear, I couldn’t count them all or even make them clear… I only know I owe so much to people everywhere And when I put my thoughts in verse it’s just a way to share The musings of a thankful heart, a heart much like your own, For nothing that I think or write is mine and mine alone… So if you found some beauty in any word or line, It’s just “Your Soul’s Reflection” in “Proximity with Mine.”

TECH TALK: How technology could save our Republic

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Gerry-mandering explained. (image credit: Washington Post)

ERIC’S TECH TALK

by Eric W. Austin
Computer Technical Advisor

Elbridge Gerry, second-term governor of Massachusetts, is about to do something that will make his name both legendary and despised in American partisan politics. It’s two months after Christmas, in a cold winter in the year 1812.

Typical of a politician, the next election is forefront in his mind. And Gerry has reason to worry.

Elections in those days were a yearly affair. Between 1800 – 1803 Gerry had lost four elections in a row to Federalist Caleb Strong. He didn’t dare run again until after Strong’s retirement in 1807. Three years later, though, Elbridge Gerry gathered his courage and tried again.

This time he won.

Gerry was a Democratic-Republican, but during his first term the Federalists had control of the Massachusetts legislature, and he gained a reputation for championing moderation and rational discourse.

However, in the next election cycle his party gained control of the Senate and things changed. Gerry became much more partisan, purging many of the Federalist appointees from the previous cycle and enacting so-called “reforms,” increasing the number of judicial appointments, which he then filled with Republican flunkies.

The irony of this is that Gerry had been a prominent figure in the U.S. Constitutional Convention in the summer of 1787, where he was a vocal advocate of small government and individual liberties. He even angrily quit the Massachusetts’ ratifying convention in 1788 after getting into a shouting match with convention chair, Francis Dana, primarily over the lack of a Bill of Rights. (The first 10 amendments later became the Bill of Rights.)

But none of this is what Elbridge Gerry is remembered for.

That came in the winter of 1812 when he signed into law a bill redrawing voting districts in such a way that it gave electoral advantage to his own Democratic-Republican party.

Political cartoon from the early 1800’s.

The move was highly successful from a political standpoint, but unpopular. In the next election, Gerry’s Democratic-Republican party won all but 11 seats in a State Senate that had – only the year before – been controlled by the Federalists. This, despite losing a majority of the seats in the House by a wide margin, and the governorship as well as: his old Federalist nemesis, Caleb Strong, came out of retirement to defeat him.

According to a legendary account from the period, someone posted a map of the newly-drawn districts on the wall in the offices of the Boston Gazette. One of the editors pointed to the district of Essex and remarked that its odd shape resembled a salamander. Another editor exclaimed, “A salamander? Call it a Gerry-mander!”

Thus the first “Gerry-mander” was born.

Today the process of redrawing district boundaries in such a way as to favor one party over another is referred to as “gerrymandering.”

It is mandated in the Constitution that states be divided into districts of equal population. So, every ten years when a census is taken, states redraw voting districts based on population changes. In many states, the party that controls the state legislature at the time also dictates this. Predictably, gerrymandering is most dominant in these states.

By strategically drawing the district lines to give the ruling party election-advantage, that party can maintain their legislative power even if the majority of the population moves away from them in the following years.

According to a 2014 study conducted by The Washington Post, Republicans are currently responsible for drawing eight out of ten of the most gerrymandered districts in the U.S. This has resulted in the Democrats being under-represented by about 18 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives “relative to their vote share in the 2012 election.”

The most gerrymandered districts in the United States. (image credit: Washington Post)

Maine is one of the few states that has given this decision to an independent, bipartisan commission instead. That commission then sends a proposal for approval to the state legislature. Of course, we have it a bit easier, with only two districts to worry about.

For much of the nation, gerrymandering is still one of the most prevalent and democratically destructive practices in politics today.

It’s also notoriously difficult to eradicate.

The problem is that someone has to decide on the districts. And everyone is biased.

Even in the few cases where legal action has been brought against an instance of partisan gerrymandering, how does one prove that bias in a court of law? The quandary is this: in order to prove a district was drawn with bias intent, one must first provide an example of how the district would look if drawn without bias. But since all districts are drawn by people, there is no such example to use.

Because of this difficulty, in 2004 the Supreme Court ruled that such a determination constitutes an “unanswerable question.”

But that may be about to change.

There is currently a major redistricting case before the Supreme Court. Professor Steve Vladeck, of Texas University’s School of Law, calls it “the biggest and most important election law case in decades.” It involves a gerrymandered district in Wisconsin.

The reason the courts are now taking these cases more seriously is because of recent advances in computer-powered analytics: technology may finally provide that elusive example of an unbiased district.

This week, August 7-11, a team of mathematicians at Tufts University is holding a conference on the “Geometry of Redistricting” to look at this very problem.

A number of mathematical algorithms have already been proposed to remove the human-factor from the process of redistricting.

Brian Olson, a software engineer from Massachusetts, has developed an algorithm which draws districts based on census blocks. His approach aims to make districts as compact as possible while maintaining neighborhood integrity.

The debate is still going on about which factors are most essential to a redistricting algorithm, but eventually one method will become standard and the days of gerrymandering will be over.

Poor Elbridge Gerry. After losing the Massachusetts governorship, he became vice president under James Madison and then died in office, becoming the only signer of the Declaration of Independence to be buried in America’s capital. But he’s mostly remembered for the despised political practice that bears his name. Hopefully, soon even that will be forgotten.

Good riddance Elbridge Gerry, I say. Good riddance, sir!

The difference a computer makes: The top image shows the districts of North Carolina as they are drawn today. The bottom image are districts drawn by an unbiased computer algorithm. Which looks more fair to you? (image credit: Washington Post)

Monument dedicated for Waterville native, and pro football veteran John Huard

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John Huard, center in floral shirt, was honored at Purnell Wrigley Field with a monument donated by his teammates, pictured with him, of the University of Maine 1965 football team, which competed in the 1965 Tangerine Bowl against East Carolina University. Photo by Tawni Lively/ Central Maine Photography staff

by Mark Huard

On July 28, Maine State Cal Ripken Baseball Commissioner Reggie Hatfield was on hand to announce the selection of Waterville being host of the New England Cal Ripken Baseball Championships. The tournament included all of the New England State winners and took place from July 28 to August 3, at Wrigley Field, in Waterville.

As part of the opening ceremony Waterville native and NFL pro football player John Roland Huard was surprised by his former 1965 University of Maine Tangerine Bowl teammates. They arrived via bus and helped dedicate the John Huard monument at Purnell Wrigley Field. Hundreds of friends and fans showed up for this special surprise.

John, a former Waterville Boys & Girls Club member, played pro football for the Denver Broncos (defensive captain), of the American Football League, and New Orleans Saints, of the National Football League, Montreal Alouettes, and the Toronto Argonauts, of the Canadian Football League. He also coached at the pro and college levels. In 2003 he was inducted into the University of Maine’s “Ring of Honor.” He was elected to College Football Hall of Fame in 2014. His monument will be in-between Coach John Winkin College Baseball Hall of Fame inductee and Clyde Sukeforth, the Maine native baseball scout who signed Jackie Robinson to a professional contract, making him the first African-American to play in baseball’s major leagues.

About the Purnell Wrigley Field Project

Purnell Wrigley Field joins the Harold Alfond® Fenway Park, in Oakland, as the only two licensed replica turfed fields in the country – located right here in Central Maine. CEO, Ken Walsh of the Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA at the Alfond Youth Center said, “These fields give kids the opportunity to feel like real Major League players! The turf not only gives everyone the chance to play but extends the baseball season here in Maine, giving kids more time to develop their skills and learn sportsmanship while playing the game they love. The Purnell Wrigley Field is truly a grass roots community project built on the support of many and varied contributors of monetary and in-kind gifts. It’s a wonderful project honoring the legacy of some terrific ‘home town’ heroes. John Huard is certainly one of our hometown heroes. His strong character, spirit and love of the game started here in Waterville. His legacy will remain strong within our community forever.”

F.M.I. Contact Ken Walsh, CEO Alfond Youth Center 207-649-1824 or kwalsh@alfondyouthcenter.org.

Waterville South End Festival a success

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Sophia Poulin, 2, of Winslow, checks out the firetruck with firefighter Scott Holst during the South End Festival.

by Jackie Dupont, Chairman of South End Neighborhood Association

In 2001 a group of concerned residents and supporters became the group now known as the South End Neighborhood Association (SENA), a group driven to revitalize the neighborhood. Along the way community champions and partners rose up to support the work of SENA, to promote a brighter future and invigorate pride and community spirit through programs, activities, and advocacy. These endeavors would not be possible without investment from neighbors, local businesses, and community groups.

Their contributions to the festival enable SENA to continue making a difference such as:

A bigger and better bike repair and swap where close to 100 children received bikes, learned rider safety, and connected with adults in meaningful ways that foster better self-esteem;

Expanding the readership of the community newsletter, on and offline, through 11 different locations throughout the city and the neighborhood;

Bradley Dickey, 12, of Waterville, enjoying the rock wall climbing at the South End Festival, on August 1. Photos by Mark Huard, owner
of Central Maine Photography

Community events such as WinterFest, Halloween Block Party, South End Officer Meet and Greet, and the Annual Clean Up, engaged residents of all ages inside and outside of the neighborhood.

Crime watch signs were replaced, a walking trail was established on Leeman Island, and playground equipment was improved at Green Street Park.

When we look back on all of our accomplishments we can not help but see the reason why we all love this neighborhood and this city. It’s because we work together to lift each other up. The South End Neighborhood’s family friendly events reached over 600 people this past year and that number continues to grow. The South End Festival is the largest event held in collaboration with KVCAP and the city of Waterville. Close to 500 people attend this festival!

We continue to work with the Waterville Police Department and the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program and dozens of community partners to provide this event each year, free of charge so that all of our neighbors and their children can participate. Over 70 percent of the families and elderly residents in the South End live at or below the poverty line. Business contributions help to ensure that everyone can enjoy the event, including games, activities, and BBQ, sponsored by our local police and fire departments and health and civic groups.

Obituaries, Week of August 10, 2017

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ARLENE L. BOYDEN

FAIRFIELD––Arlene Louise Boyden passed away on Monday, July 17, 2017. She was born in Fairfield on November 3, 1934, the daughter of Walter and Mae (Higgins) Quimby.

She attended schools in Fairfield. In June of 1951, Louise married Irving O. Boyden, of Clinton; he passed away on February 5, 1986.

Louise lived a very full and active life. She held many different jobs over the years. She was a landlord for 45 years, she drove people to the Muskie Center, and she worked at Keyes Fibre.

Louise and Irving traveled extensively during their marriage. They enjoyed camping and fishing, and visited many places in the U.S. and Canada. Louise was never idle, she loved eating out, and taking her grandchildren to many Disney attractions and fun parks.

She loved to shop and finding a bargain just made the day. She was always visiting the shut-ins and enjoyed taking them meals. Louise will best be remembered for the beautiful flowers she and Gary grew and sold from her house on Main St. She will be sorely missed by us all.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Ada Winters and Annie Armour.

She is survived by her son Gary, of Fairfield, her son David and his wife Rebecca, of Hartland; two grandchildren, Ben Boyden and wife Shelby and Krissie Woodbury and husband Adam; three great-grandchildren, Garrett Woodbury, and Bridgette and Jameson Boyden; many nieces and nephews.

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

ANTHONY R. POOLER

VASSALBORO––Anthony “Tony” Pooler, 62, of Vassalboro, died peacefully Monday, July 17, 2017, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, following a life-long struggle with a debilitating disease. He was born July 25, 1954, in Waterville, the first-born son of Clifford Sr. and Joan (Trahan) Pooler.

Tony attended Vassalboro elementary schools and Winslow High School. In his youth, he worked alongside his brothers and sisters at the family poultry farm in Winslow and Vassalboro. As a young man and into his adult life, Tony, worked at Hemphill’s Horse Farm, in Vassalboro. In 1977, Tony enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After serving in the military, he worked at Massey Lumber and Morneau Lumber, both in Vassalboro. He also worked at the Cliff Pooler and Son’s family sawmill and as a foreman at Duratherm Window Corp., in Vassalboro. He also worked statewide in asbestos removal and for Patriot Siding Co., in Vassalboro. A hard worker, never at odds to find work, Tony lived a carefree, colorful life.

He lived his life to the fullest. He loved working with wood, horses, boating and fishing. He enjoyed keeping informed of world, local news and around-town gossip.

A loyal customer to the end, his daily patronization will be sadly missed at Ferris Variety, Vassalboro.

He was predeceased by his parents; sister Christie Pooler and brother Timothy Pooler.

Tony is survived by his partner and best friend Patty Ferran; and his son, George Billing; six sisters and their spouses, Diane Roux and husband, Dwayne, of Winslow, Terry Schmidt and husband Fred, of Thorndike, Tina Lagasse and husband Robert, of Vassalboro, Patty Suga and husband Dana, of Vassalboro, Kim Pooler and Missy Pooler, of Vassalboro; two brothers, Kevin Pooler, of Albion, ad Clifford “Didin” Pooler Jr., and his life partner, Cohen Leathers, of Vassalboro; several aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of Tony’s life will be held from 1–4 p.m., Sunday, August 6, at the “Ole-Mill” Community Hall, Oak Grove Rd., Vassalboro. Committal Services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, August 7, at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta.

Memorial donations may be made to Maine Chapter of Multiple Sclerosis Society, 170, US Route 1, Suite 200, Falmouth ME 04105 or Alcoholics Anonymous, Center Service Office, 47 Portland St., Portland ME 04101.

GERMAINE J. DAMBOISE

FAIRFIELD––Germaine J. Damboise, 73, passed away at her home on Friday, July 21, 2017. She was born in Caribou on May 24, 1944, the daughter of Albert O’Clair and Cecile (Theriault) O’Clair.

In 1961 Germaine married Lionel Damboise, also of Caribou, they had been married for 55 years. Together they had four children.

Germaine loved her garden and her flowers. She loved to sit on her porch and watch the birds. What she loved most of all was her family.

Germaine was predeceased by her sister Blanche St. Peter, and brothers, Henry and Gilbert O’Clair.

She is survived by her husband Lionel Damboise; her children, Dorothy (Damboise) Bailey and husband, Dennis R., of Knox, Connie Damboise, of Fairfield, Lee Damboise, of Fairfield, and Steven Damboise, of Fairfield; two grandchildren, Christopher Bailey, of Fairfield and Alicia (Bailey) Cook and husband Bruce, of Knox; two great-grandchildren, Naima Bailey, of Knox and Riley Cook, of Knox; and sisters, Anita Chambless, Gert Miner, and Mary Guerrett.

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

JAMES W. EVERS

BENTON – James “Big Jim” W. Evers, 76 passed away on Friday, July 28, 2017, at the Hospice House of Androscoggin following a short illness. Jim was born August 30, 1940, in Dexter, and was the son of the late Stephen and Eleanor Evers.

Jim was raised in Fairfield, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1958. He was a standout athlete, loyal friend, loving family man who was humble, full of grace, and had a personality and sense of humor that filled a room.

Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served with the military police in Korea from 1958 through 1961. Jim returned home to propose to his high school sweetheart Patty (Rowe) Evers and they were married for 55 years.

Jim retired from SD Warren’s Hinckley plant as the director of safety and security and continued to work part time as a realtor. He devoted his personal time to his wife, children, grandchildren and community. Jim had a passion for coaching baseball and basketball, was involved in the PAL athletic programs for over 20 years, and was a huge Red Sox and Patriots fan. In addition to sports, Jim enjoyed the outdoors; he was an avid golfer, fisherman and hunter. Jim was a member of the American Legion, the planning board for the town of Benton and a devoted advocate for veterans.

Jim is survived by his wife, Patty (Rowe) Evers, of Benton, son James E. and his wife Cathy Evers, of Falmouth; daughters Jodi Evers, of Windham; Jill and her husband David Leblond, of Biddeford; son John W. and his wife Jill Evers, of Hamilton, Massachusetts; sister Carol and husband David Gilbert, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; sister-in laws, Paula Rowe of Falmouth, Pamela Rowe, of Pittsburgh, Penssylvania, and Judy Evers, of Fairfield; eight grandchildren, Danielle Quimby, Tyler Evers, Laney Evers, Travis Leblond, Wyatt Leblond, Conor Evers, Ryan Evers and Jack Evers.

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his brother’s Raymond Evers and Bobby Howlett.

Memorial donations can be made to the Arbor House through CMMC Development Office, 300 Main Street, Lewiston, ME 04240; www.cmmcgiving.org or call (207) 795-2950.

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

MARY ANNE BLAY

WINDSOR – Mary Anne Blay, daughter of Elbridge and Annie Doherty Blay, passed away Wednesday, August 2, 2017.

Born in Rumford Maine, Mary was predeceased by her parents and her daughter Aliza Blay Mason in 2007.

Mary retired from the State of Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired and enjoyed spending time in her flower gardens and time with her cat Lulu. She was a long-time resident of Windsor.

She is survived by her life partner, Joseph Russell, son Robbie Blay and his partner Rae Ann York, grandson Colby Blay and Rae Ann’s children Mark and Annie McKechnie; sisters, Elizabeth and husband Gary Coffin, Jane Blay, and Martha and her husband John Russell along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

CAPT. EDWARD E. WARD

CHINA – Captain Raymond E. Ward, 92, USN (Ret.) was born in North Vassalboro to Willis and Lizzie Ward on October 8, 1924. He had a brother Francis and sister Barbara who, like his parents, are deceased. After graduating from the Erskine Academy, in South China, he attended Northeastern University and then Tufts University, in Boston, Massachusetts, where he graduated with an electrical engineering degree.

He joined the U.S. Navy on July 1, 1943, via the V-12 Program. He served afloat on aircraft carriers, destroyers, and destroyer tenders and was stationed ashore in Norfolk, Virginia; Newport, Rhode Island; Londonderry Northern Ireland, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Boston, Massachusetts; and Waukegan, Illinois. During his career as a Navy surface warfare officer, he commanded the USS Samuel B. Roberts (DD-823), the USS Charles H. Roan (DD-853), the USS Bryce Canyon (AD-36); was Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 10; and Commanding Officer of U.S. Naval Communications Station, Londonderry, Northern Ireland twice as a LCDR and later as a captain. He retired from the Navy as financial director for CNO (OP-94) staff in the Pentagon in 1976. Captain Ward received the Navy Commendation Medal and the Legion of Merit.

Subsequent to his Navy retirement, he formed a private consultancy REWARD Associates in Fairfax, Virginia. He then held senior management positions in MAR Corp., SAMA Corp., and served in a number of volunteer positions in The Church of the Good Shepherd and with the Goodwin House retirement community.

Mr. Ward spent his summers with his family in his home in China and returned there for longer periods as he moved into retirement. Surrounded by family and friends, China was a place he loved.

Mr. Ward is predeceased by his son Michael.

He leaves his wife of almost 68 years, Patricia, daughters, Susan Swift (Brian) and Anne Monrad ( Wayne), Grandchildren Nathaniel Monrad and his wife Amy, Ian Monrad and his wife Rachel, Gwenn Swift and her brothers, Robin and Erik, as well as his great grandchildren, Maddison, Sonya, Ella, soon to be born Shelby, and many cousins and friends who will miss him.

A celebration of his life will be held at China Baptist Church on Saturday, August 12th at 1 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to China Baptist Church.

JEANNE M. HALLEE

WATERVILLE – Jeanne Monique (Poulin) Hallée, 84, of Waterville, passed away Friday, August 4, 2017, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. Daughter of Edgar and Yvonne (Boulette) Poulin, Jeanne was born June 24, 1933, the feast day of St. John the Baptist. She spent her first few years on 17 Monument Street, in Winslow.

The family moved to 19 Gold Street, in Waterville, when Jeanne started first grade at Notre Dame school with the Ursulines. During her grammar school days, she was honored with a Certificate of Achievement in French. She was active in theater and music and was a good amateur pianist. Upon entering high school, the family moved to 50 Water St.

She attended Waterville Junior High School, on Pleasant Street, and graduated from Waterville High School, on Gilman Street, in 1951. During those years, she worked at the Main Theater (Bijou) as a concessionaire and at the ticket booth. Toward the end of her senior year, she worked as a filing clerk for Joseph Motors, on College Avenue, in Waterville. After high school, she worked at Levine’s Men Clothing Store, on Main St., in Waterville, as a bookkeeper for nine years.

In the summer of 1955 she met her future husband, Eugene Roger Hallée. The two were married on June 4, 1957. She spent a two-year honeymoon in Paris, France, while Hallée completed his military obligation. She had the good fortune to visit the world’s fair in Brussels, Belgium, in 1958. She attended a pilgrimage at Lourdes, France, during the 100th anniversary of the Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin. In January 1959, she and her husband traveled throughout Germany and Austria.

Back in Waterville, beginning in September 1959, she devoted herself as a mother, raising three children. She was an accomplished seamstress creating many of her own clothes and clothes for her children, as well as costumes for her father’s plays at the Waterville Opera House.

Jeanne is survived by her husband, Eugene Roger Hallée; a son, Claude Hallée and his wife Sylvia, of Waterville, and their two children, Ryan and his wife Lauren, and Renee; daughter, Claire Breton and her husband Denis, of South China, and their daughter, Hallee; and daughter, Denise Levesque and her husband Richard, of Augusta, and their three children, Lauren, Michael and Madeline. She is also survived by two sisters, Claire Donley, of Massachusetts, and Francine Pepin, of Virginia; one brother, Arthur Poulin, of New York; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and two sisters, Priscilla Hallée and Claudette Ouellette.

At Jeanne’s request, there will be no visiting hours. A memorial Mass will be held on Monday, August 14, 11 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville.

Burial will be at the old military cemetery off Civic Center Drive, in Augusta, on Tuesday, August 15, at 10 a.m.

An online guest book may be signed and condolences may be expressed at www.gallantfh.com.

Mark Serbent inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

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Mark Serbent, of Waterville, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Serbent was initiated at United States Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Maryland.

WATERVILLE: High Hopes, police play whiffle ball

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On July 28, members of the Waterville Police Department, family members, Chief Joe Massey, Deputy Chief William Bonney, and members of the High Hopes Clubhouse got together for a whiffle ball game. They even received a celebrity visit from Waterville City Manager Mike Roy. High Hopes Clubhouse exists to improve the quality of life for those adults who experience mental illness by providing social, educational and employment opportunities. Contributed photo

Skowhegan Woman’s Club celebrates 136 years

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The Skowhegan Woman’s Club (GFWC ME) is celebrating its 136th anniversary. One of the main functions of the club is volunteering in community and lending a hand. Recently members of the GFWC, Skowhegan Woman’s Club, Debra Burnham, left, Skowhegan Woman’s Club treasurer, and Joyce Noonan, right, Skowhegan Woman’s Club fundraising chairman, hand a $500 check to Dale Jandreau, center, Skowhegan Free Public Library director.  Contributed photo