Letters to the editor, Week of September 28, 2017

Small act of environmental kindness

To the editor:

My letter regarding roadside waste, published a couple of weeks ago, was not terribly uplifting. However, I’m writing this short note to add a positive postscript. This morning, Monday, September 25, I was on my bike for a bit of a ride and had just turned onto the Dirigo Road from Rte. 3. As I went up the slight rise, I noticed a lot of round white covers from sheet rock “mud” containers; I would guess they blew out of the back of a pick-up. I stopped and started to pick them up with the intent of piling them next to the road and retrieving them on my next trip to the transfer station. As I was working my way along, another pick-up went by and then backed up and stopped. The driver got out, picked up the covers I hadn’t reached and put those and my handful on the passenger side of his vehicle. We talked for couple of seconds, shook hands and off he went. He said he hadn’t realized what I was doing as he passed the first time, but returned when he did.

Long story short, this small act of environmental kindness is the perfect example of what we all should be willing to do to help save the world around us. I didn’t get the driver’s name but to the guy with the reddish hair and the blue pick-up, you’re a great representation of what we need. Keep it going!

Bob Bennett

Big oil will always control us

To the editor:

Something for you readers to digest and maybe recall President [Dwight D.] Eisenhower, when elected, uttered these famous words: “Beware the industrial/military complex.” Think he meant arms manufacturers as well as other nice people?

As per the authoritative Oil and Gas Journal (Oct. 13, 2011, Pg. 104), “Big oil will control some 82.8 percent of future Iraqi crude oil production: Exxon-Mobil 22.7 percent, British Petroleum (BP) 20.6 percent, LukeOil 20 percent and Shell 19.5 percent.

This to me is just another transfer of wealth from the Americans who shed their blood and paid treasure to open Iraq for exploitation by the West to the international super rich who, as we all know, run the world while the rest of us poor folks just go on plugging with our heads in the sand.

PS: Too bad Mr. Burns, in his documentary Vietnam, didn’t expose how many bombs were dropped there and what it cost, along with 58,000 poor GIs.

Frank Slason
Somerville

Erskine homecoming schedule 2017

Erskine Academy, in South China has released the schedule of events for this year’s homecoming:

  • Wednesday, September 27, Cross Country – Girls 4 p.m., Boys 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday, September 29, Pep rally 1 p.m.; Girls JV Soccer vs. Lincoln Academy 3:30 p.m.; Boys JV Soccer vs. Lincoln Academy, 5 p.m.; Parade (meet at South China Detailing shop) 6:30 – 6:45 p.m.; Tailgating event—bring a donation for HOPE (music, games, food, etc.) 6:45 – 8 p.m.; FBLA Movie Night (*for students only*) 8 – 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 30, Varsity Field Hockey vs. Lincoln Academy, 9 a.m.; Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Lincoln Academy, 10 a.m.; Leo Club Car Wash 10 a.m. – noon; Girls JV Field Hockey vs. Lincoln Academy, 10:15 a.m.; Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Lincoln Academy, 11:30 a.m.

EA Boosters will be selling concessions and Erskine apparel throughout the day.

Join them on the EA Campus to support our students, enjoy the activities, and share memories of your experiences at Erskine Academy!

As a follow up to their successful efforts to raise food and funds for the community through the participation in WGME’s School Spirit Challenge last fall, the goal is to help those within their own school community this year. The Helping Others Persevere at Erskine (HOPE) Club at EA assists students with food and other basic needs through their backpack program. Donations for HOPE will be accepted during lunches on Thursday, September 28, and Friday, September 29, as well as allow entrance to the tailgating party on Friday night.

Most items currently needed are canned tuna or chicken, peanut butter and jelly, canned vegetables or fruit, macaroni, spaghetti sauce, shampoo, soap, toothpaste and tooth brushes.

Ball control – Winslow Soccer 2017

Winslow U-14 travel soccer team member Owen Axelson takes control of the ball during a recent game with Dirigo Soccer Club, on September 10. Winslow won the game, 4-0. Photo by Kevin Giguere, Central Maine Photography staff

First Jeep owners show raises $3,600 for Elks

Employees at Central Maine Motors Auto Group, in Waterville, display a check for $3,600 that benefited Waterville Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #905 veterans committee. The funds were raised during the first Central Maine Jeep Owners Show. From left to right, Curran Quinlan, Scott Pinnette, Linanne Gaunce, Shaylie Morrison, Allen Perkins, Rohen Gay, Julie Morrison, Shane Morrison, John Jones, Jean Jones, Don Young, Jamie Oullette and Dan Berard. Contributed photo

Vassalboro bus driver honored for years of service

Vassalboro Community School bus driver Bev Smith, right, was recognized recently for her 40 years of service. Presenting her with a pin is Vassalboro Community School Principal Dianna Gram. Contributed photo

Local women to compete in strongman competition

Clockwise from top left: Alysia Farrington, Helainia Lake, Lori Rioux, Grace Parker, Caitlin McGouldrick, Nancy Danforth.

On Sunday, October 1, six area woman from GeVolution Fitness, of Augusta, will be traveling to Norwalk, Connecticut, to compete in the annual Battle of the Belles #8, at Punch Gym, to honor breast cancer awareness month. This is a all woman Strongman competition with partial proceeds going to the Bennett Cancer Center in, Stanford, Connecticut.

Alysia Farrington, of China, Lori Rioux, of Winthrop, and Grace Parker, will be competing in the masters division; Helainia Lake, of Augusta, will be competing in the light weight open; Nancy Danforth, of Gardiner, and Caitlin McGouldrick, of Augusta, will both be competing in the heavyweight novice division.

Implements competing with will be axel clean and press for reps, axel deadlift for reps, farmers carry for 100 feet, yolk walk with keg carry, and Atlas stone to shoulder.

TECH TALK: The Equifax Hack – What you need to know

ERIC’S TECH TALK

by Eric Austin
Computer Technical Advisor

Do you have a coin? Flip it. Tails, you are about to be the victim of identity theft. Heads, you’re safe — maybe. That’s the situation created by the recent Equifax data breach.

The hack exposed the personal information of 143 million Americans. That’s half of everyone in America. Names and addresses, Social Security numbers, birth dates, and even driver’s license numbers were stolen, as well as 209,000 credit card numbers.

“This is about as bad as it gets,” Pamela Dixon, executive director of the World Privacy Forum, a nonprofit research group, told the New York Times. “If you have a credit report, chances are you may be in this breach. The chances are much better than 50 percent.”

As a precaution, the widespread advice from financial advisers is to request a freeze of your credit from each of the three big credit reporting agencies: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. Each freeze request will cost you $10 – although, after some seriously negative press, Equifax has decided to wave their fee until November 21.

The details of the hack and Equifax’s handling of it are also concerning. According to the Times, Equifax detected the breach in July, but didn’t warn consumers until September. It’s estimated hackers had access to Equifax data from mid-May until July 29, before the hack was finally discovered.

The New York Post first revealed the cause of the breach: a vulnerability in the software package Apache Struts, an open-source, web development framework used by many big financial institutions. The developer of the software discovered the vulnerability back in March, and issued a fix for the problem, but Equifax neglected to update their systems.

After the public announcement in September, Equifax set up a website, Equifaxsecurity2017.com, where consumers can check to see if they are among those affected. According to the company, at the site you can “determine if your information was potentially impacted by this incident.”

You can also sign up for a free year of identity protection through their service, TrustedID. Initially, Equifax received some backlash when it was discovered that consumers signing up for the program were forced to agree to a “terms of service” that waived their rights to sue for damages. The language has since been altered, and Equifax recently released a statement insisting that using the service will not require individuals to give up any of their rights to participate in a class-action lawsuit.

Other troubling reports have come to light as well. The day after Equifax discovered the data breach – but over a month before it was disclosed to the public – three Equifax executives, including the company’s chief financial officer, unloaded nearly two million in corporate stock. The company’s stock value has fallen more than 35 percent in the days since, and Congress is calling for an investigation into possible insider trading.

Equifax’s recent activities in Washington have only added to the bad press. In the months leading up to the hack, Equifax was busy lobbying Washington to relax the regulations and safeguards on the credit reporting industry. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the company spent more than $500,000 seeking to influence lawmakers on issues such as “data security and breach notification” and “cybersecurity threat information sharing” in the first six months of 2017.

This includes an effort to repeal federal regulations upholding a consumer’s right to sue credit reporting companies. In July, as reported by the Consumerist, an arm of Consumer Reports, Congress passed the Congressional Review Act in a slim, party-line vote. If upheld by the Senate and signed by the President, the resolution would overturn certain rules created by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to regulate the financial industry. This agency was set up as a safeguard for consumers after the financial crash of 2007-08. Among the rules under danger of repeal are measures meant to protect consumers by “curbing the use of ‘forced arbitration’ in many consumers’ financial contracts.”

And Equifax is likely to profit from this act of negligence, as it fuels existing paranoia about online privacy and will inspire millions to spend money on the pseudo-security of identity protection services, including Equifax’s own TrustedID.

The fallout from this hack is still being assessed, and likely won’t be fully known for years, if ever. This is the Deepwater Horizon of data breaches, and it should serve as a similar wake-up call for consumers.

We need a higher standard of accountability in the financial industry. These institutions no longer simply protect our money. Now they guard our very identities. Their servers should be as secure as their bank vaults. Money is replaceable, but most of us have only the one identity.

Obituaries, Week of September 28, 2017

NANCY A. GRENIER

WATERVILLE – Nancy Ann Grenier, 60, passed away Friday, April 21, 2017, at Maine General Medical Center, in Augusta, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born March 22, 1957, in Hartford, Connecticut, the oldest child of four to Richard and Cecile (Jalbert) Grenier.

She worked many years as a secretary for her uncle at Grenier Florring Company, and briefly at Family Dollar, both in Waterville, eight years at Kohl’s Department Store, in Augusta. She stopped working to care for her ill mother with help from her sister, Rose.

Nancy was a long-time fan of the New England Patriots, and the Boston Bruins and also enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren. She especially enjoyed grocery shopping and taking walks with her sister, Rose. They were always together. If you saw one, you knew the other wasn’t far. She was loved by everyone and had a “heart of gold.”

She is survived by two sons, Teny Grenier, of Florida, and Jason Grenier, of Waterville; five grandchildren; three siblings, Rose Vigue, of Waterville, John Grenier, of Waterville, and JoAnn Grenier, of Cushing; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

TERRI L. STRATTON

WINSLOW––Terri L. Stratton, who was born on January 8, 1958, in Bangor, passed away on Friday August 18, 2017, following a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.

She enjoyed traveling with her lifelong companion. They visited 49 of 50 states. She had planned to go to Florida and to go to England to visit a special friend, but time did not allow those dreams to come true. She enjoyed crocheting, and doing arts and crafts. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family and having a good game of cribbage.

She was predeceased by her lifelong companion, Dawn Hot, who passed away December 20, 2013.

She is survived by her sister, Candace McKeen, of Winslow; her daughter, Katrina Cyr, of Sabattus; her son, Richard Emery, of Waterville; and a special daughter-in-law, Jessica Gable, of Fall River, Massachusetts; niece, Michelle Champagne, of Skowhegan; and a nephew, Nathan Arbo, of Palmyra, New York; a granddaughter; five grandsons; an extended grandson; two great-nieces; and three great-nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held October 21, 2017, at the American Legion, 86 Upper Maine St., Fairfield, from 1–4 p.m. Everyone, please bring your cribbage board.

Memorial donations may be made to Beacon Hospice, 45 Commerce Dr., Suite 12, Augusta ME 04330, or Maine Breast Cancer Coalition, 499 Broadway, PMB 362, Bangor ME 04401.

JUDITH M. DELFRANCO

FAIRFIELD – Judith M. DelFranco, 68, of Fairfield passed away peacefully on September 12, 2017 at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta. She was born in Hollywood, Florida, on March 17, 1949, daughter of Harry L. Whaples and Elizabeth (Moore) Mangino.

She graduated from North Haven High School, in North Haven, Connecticut, in 1967 and later attended the Computer Processing Institute and the South Central Community College, both in Connecticut.

In her younger years she worked in waitressing, bartending, bookkeeping and computer programming. She later worked for the Maine State Legislature for 25 years, she held various positions there, eventually retiring as the Assistant Secretary of the Senate in 2011.

She was always young at heart and enjoyed traveling, amusement parks, movies, shopping, playing on the computer, and board games. She also enjoyed reading and listening to her books on tape. But mostly she enjoyed being home and around her family. She was a loving and caring person who would do anything for anyone and always had a soft spot for people and animals in need.

Judi is survived by two daughters, Sheri Meucci and husband Steven, of Winthrop, Lori DelFranco, of Fairfield; four grandchildren, Nicole DelFranco, of Augusta, Daniel Hawes III of Fairfield, Mario Meucci, of Winthrop and Antonio Meucci, of Winthrop; a brother, Basil Mangino, of airfield.

Judi was predeceased by her father Harry L. Whaples and mother Elizabeth (Moore) Mangino.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

JODY A. BARNES

WHITEFIELD––Jody A. Barnes, of Whitefield, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. He was born in Damariscotta on May 13, 1960, to Barbara Barnes Dixon and Robert Barnes Sr.

Jody was a paraplegic as the result of a terrible car accident early in the winter of 1988. In spite of his constant pain and many challenges, he lived independently, complained rarely, always ready with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was generous of heart and would give his last two pennies to help someone in need. He loved family, and though he never had children of his own, he was a beloved Uncle Jody to many.

He was predeceased by his mother; father; and brothers, Scott Barnes and Jeffrey Sondergaard.

He is survived by sister, Robin Barnes Rushlau and husband Geoffrey; brother, Robert (Cisco) Barnes II; his stepmother, Betty Barnes; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alpha One Now (Center for Independent Living), that enabled Jody and thousands of others with disabilities to live more fully and more independently, at http://alphaonenow.com/donate.htm.

Condolences may be made online at www.Daiglefuneralhome.com.

WALTER W. SCOTT JR.

WINSLOW––Walter W. Scott Jr., of Winslow, passed away Tuesday, September 12, 2017, at MaineGeneral Medical Center. Walter was born in Wytopitlock, to Walter W. Scott Sr. and Eva (Faulkner) Scott on February 18, 1935.

Walter grew up in Clinton, where he attended school. While in high school, he played on the Clinton basketball team. Walter graduated from Clinton high School in 1953, and then joined the US Army, serving in Korea, and was discharged in June of 1956.

Walter spent most of his life as a contractor doing remodeling and roofing. Walter ran his own company, Winslow Roofing, for many years.

Walter was a life time member of the Waterville Forrest J. Pare VFW #1285 where he enjoyed spending time with friends.

Walter was predeceased by both of his parents; his son Kevin W. Scott Sr.; and a grandson Mickeal Klaiber.

He is survived by two daughters, Rebecca klaiber, of Ottisfield, and Lisa Scott, of Jefferson; his partner Maryann Levesque, of Waterville, and her two children, Mary Goodwin and husband Paul, and her son Jack Levesque; five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Waterville VFW, 51 Water St., Waterville ME 04901.

AMY LYNNE STANTON

WATERVILLE – Amy Lynne (Howard) Stanton, 38, of Waterville, passed away unexpected on Thursday, September 14, 2017, at Inland Hospital, in Waterville, due to a cardiac arrest. She was born March 21, 1979 in Waterville, the daughter of Della (Coro) Howard and Henry Howard and biological father, Richard Nye.

The mother of Jerron and Joey Jr was a life-long Waterville resident and attended Waterville public schools. Her most favorite things were to be surrounded by the love and laughter of her family and friends, especially the joy of her world, her son Joey. She loved all of her fur babies, was a frog collector and enjoyed going for rides “anywhere.”

Amy is survived by her son, Joey Stanton Jr., of Waterville; mother, Della (Coro) Moulton-Howard, of Waterville; “second dad,” Henry Howard, of Brunswick; two sisters, Jamie (Howard) Maheu and husband Rick, of Waterville, Julie (Rowe) Courtney and husband Amos, of North Anson; two brothers, Scott Stratton and partner Holly Reed, of Waterville, Rickey Nye, of Fairfield; three aunts, Opal Irwin and husband David, of Waterville, Darlene Mosley, of Winslow, Regina Breard and husband Darryl, of Waterville; three uncles, Steven Nye and wife Diana, Tim Nye and Jerry Nye, all of Waterville; nine nephews; three nieces and cousins

She was predeceased by her son, Jerron Tremayne Stanton; biological father, Richard Nye; grandmothers, Elizabeth Miller, and Alice Nye; uncles, Kevin and David Miller; aunt, Melissa Rowe and a niece, Pearl Mower.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 7, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Waterville Elks Lodge, 76 Industrial Street, Waterville.

Memorial donations may be made to help with future financial cares for her son, Joey. Please send to Della Moulton, 19 Ash Street, Apt. #2, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

RAYMOND P. CAYOUETTE

WINSLOW – Raymond “Shorty” Paul Cayouette, 78, passed away September 14, 2017, at Maple Crest Nursing Home, in Madison. He was born July 23, 1939, in Waterville, the son of Fred and Doris C. Cayouette.

He was employed for 30 years as a sanitation foreman in poultry processing and construction for 15 years. On August 30, 1969, he married Donna Wilbur in Waterville. He was a member of the league of Sacred Heart, Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree, and the Waterville Elks Lodge #905. Raymond enjoyed playing cribbage, watching old western movies, loved listening to old music, dancing hunting, fishing, and working on old furniture.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 48 years, Donna (Wilbur) Cayouette, of Winslow; son, Peter Cayouette, of Windsor; two granddaughters, Isabella Cayouette, of West Paris and Gracee Cayouette, of Winslow; brother, Roland Cayouette, of Winslow; sister-in-law, Esther Cayouette, of Winslow; half-brother, Alan Chamberlain. He was predeceased by a son, Tim Cayouette; parents, Doris and Fred Cayouette; raised by grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Wilfred Cayouette; sister, Violet Wells; and brother, Lawrence Cayouette; half-brother, Bobby Chamberlain.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, October 6, 2017, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame – Corpus Christi Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Street, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

BARBARA D. MERRY

BENTON––Barbara Dexter Merry, 86, of East Benton, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2017, at Oak Grove Convalescent Center, Waterville. Barbara was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on June 9, 1931, the daughter of Ralph Edwin Dexter and Florrie (Lee) Dexter.

She graduated froom Hill House High School, New Haven, Connecticut, in 1949, and Bridgeport School of Nursing, Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1953, where she earned her degree as a registered nurse.

Barbara worked as a registered nurse in various Connecticut locations for 30 years. She started singing at the age of 16 in high school choir and continued singing in church choirs and coral clubs. She sang in the choir at Clinton United Methodist Church and the Clinton Coral Club, in Connecticut, for 35 years. She moved to Maine, with her husband, in the fall of 2003, and promptly joined the choir at Fairfield United Methodist Church, where she was a faithful member until her passing. Her other joys included bird watching, needlepoint, latch hooking and vacationing with her family.

She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Edward Ernest Merry, of East Benton,l and her brother Gordon Edwin Dexter and his wife, Barbara, of Winslow.

Barbara is survived by son Donald Scott Merry, of New London, Connecticut, son David Edward Merry, of Pensacola, Florida, daughter Linda Marie (Merry) Killian and husband Robert, of Manassas, Virginia, son Peter Lee Merry and wife Rutha (Davis), of Delaware, Ohio; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Alice (Merry) Chapman, of Benton; and brother-in-law, Ernest Raymond Merry, of Madison.

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

NEAL L. HAWES

WINSLOW––Neal Leonard Hawes, 92, of Winslow, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2017. He was born in Winslow on January 17, 1925. to Royal and Letitia (Wing) Hawes.

Neal was a lifelong resident of Winslow and graduated from Winslow High School in 1943. He was an ardent Black Raiders fan, so much so that the basketball boosters awarded both him and his brother Roy certificates of appreciation for being a “Fan of the Century.”

On June 19, 1948, Neal married the former Antoinette (Toni) Bolduc. They were married for 69 years and raised six children.

Neal loved farming. He spent over 20 years working on the Corbett brothers’ farm, in Winslow. Even after getting a job as a milkman at Smiley’s, he continued to work on a couple of local farms for many years. He also worked for the Winslow School Department and the Doctors’ Complex before retiring in 1998.

Neal spent many years as a behind the scenes worker at the Winslow Congregational Church. He was not much of a joiner but was always willing to give a helping hand when necessary. Whenever Toni was working for the church, you would find Neal working right beside her, whether it was preparing communion, serving the Fellowship Hour’s goodies and coffee, working on the Blueberry festival or just being helpful in general. He was a very generous man and gave of his time freely.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a brother, Arthur “Buddy” Hawes.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Toni Hawes; son, Rick Hawes and wife Jan; daughter, Cathy Cloutier and husband Mike; daughter, Pat St. Onge and husband Andy; son John Hawes and wife Michele; daughter Peg Peters and husband Jeff; and daughter Ellen Anderson and her companion Randy Wilson; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson; and his brother, Ro Hawes.

To view a video collage of Neal’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family, please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow ME 04901, or Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville ME 04901.

PRISCILLA B. HAMLIN

FAIRFIELD––Priscilla B. Hamlin, 92, of Fairfield, died Sunday, September 17, 2017. She was born in Waterville on October 20, 1924, the daughter of Philippe and Fredalise (Dulac) Begin.

She was employed by Keyes Fibre Company for over 30 years.

Priscilla was a longtime member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Fairfield, and Corpus Christi Parish, Waterville. She was a member of the Rosary Sodality, the Red Hat Society and the Touch of Class dance group that visited nursing homes providing entertainment and gifts for the residents.

Priscilla enjoyed time with family more than anything else. She hosted holiday and family gatherings at her home including the most recent years her “Christmas in September.” Another of her hobbies was making collages for her family milestones or birthdays and even one for her class reunion.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Richard D. Hamlin on July 27, 2012, and her brothers and sisters.

Priscilla is survived by her daughter, Debra Achorn, of Waterville, and daughter, Michelle Bard with her children, Tyler, Teya and Trey Bard; son Jason Achorn and wife Denise with sons Michael and Sean, of Oakland; son Kevin Achorn and wife Brenda with Madyson and Mikayla, of Waterville; her son, Gregg Hamlin and wife Karen, of Boxborough, Massachusetts, with son Nathan Hamlin, of Waterbury, Vermont; her son, Gary Hamlin, of Fairfield with son, Jack Hamlin, of Lima, Ohio; grandson, Stephen Abbott and wife Kelli, of Saratoga Springs, New York, with sons Zachary and Tyler; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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

JENNIE M. TITUS

WINSLOW – Jennie Marie (Warren) Titus, 89, passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at Glenridge Living Community, in Augusta. She was born June 13, 1928, in Waterville, the daughter of Reginald and Jennie Marie (Bown) Warren.

She was educated in the Waterville Public Schools and graduated from Waterville High School, class of 1946, then continued her education at Parson’s School of Design and graduated in 1949. On February 9, 1952, she married Roger S. Titus, at the First Congregational Church, in Waterville.

Jennie was a self-employed interior designer who, with husband Roger, owned and operated Titus Interior Decorators and Warren’s Orchard. She was a member of the Waterville Congregational Church and Women’s Fellowship all of her life. She also belonged to Eastern Star, Central Maine China Painters (past president), ZONTA International (past president), Heart of Maine Squares, and Central Maine Ballroom Dance Society. She enjoyed crafting, painting, furniture refinishing, cooking, reading, and dancing.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Roger S. Titus, of Winslow; son, Lauchlin W. Titus and wife Linda, of Vassalboro; daughter, Elizabeth (Titus) Bridges and husband Arthur, of Morrill; granddaughter, Morgan J. (Titus) Rau and husband Tory, of Vassalboro; grandson, Jeremiah O. Titus; great grandchildren, Sovie G. Rau, Noah L. Rau, Finn T. Rau, Evelyn M. Titus; and granddaughter-in-law, Jayme S. Titus.

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

OMISSION

In last week’s obituary for GRACE E. BRONN, of Sultan, Washington, formerly of Palermo, who passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, it was inadvertently omitted that she was predeceased by a son, Abraham Bronn.

Erskine Academy parent/teacher conferences Fall 2017

All parents of Erskine Academy students are invited to attend fall Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 4 and 5, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Progress reports will be emailed to parents by October 3.

For those parents who have not yet submitted a primary email address, please stop by the Guidance Office for a printed copy of your student’s progress report. No appointments are necessary as teachers will be available to speak with parents in their respective classrooms. However, to avoid long waiting lines, two separate evenings have been scheduled:

  • Wednesday, October 4, for students whose last names begin with A through I; and
  • Thursday, October 5, for students whose last names begin with J through Z.

The sports boosters will also have items available to purchase on both evenings.

Contact the Guidance Office at 445-2964 with any questions or concerns.

CHINA: Eight vie for three seats on board of selectmen

by Mary Grow

China voters have three contests and four vacancies on the Nov. 7 local election ballot.

There are a total of eight candidates for three seats on the Board of Selectmen. For the two-year terms currently held by Irene Belanger and Ronald Breton, Belanger and Breton are running for re-election and Frederick Glidden and former Selectman Robert MacFarland are also on the ballot.

For a one-year position to finish Joann Austin’s term there are four candidates, Wayne Chadwick, Randall Downer, Ralph Howe and Donna Mills-Stevens.

For the planning board, Steven Hadsell and Kevin Michaud seek the District 1 seat for which Board Chairman James Wilkens did not file nomination papers.

There are no candidates on the ballot for the Planning Board District 3 seat (currently held by Milton Dudley; Town Clerk Rebecca Hapgood said his nomination papers did not have enough valid signatures for his name to be on the ballot) or the alternate at-large position (currently held by Ralph Howe).

For the Budget Committee, Robert Batteese and Kevin Maroon are unopposed for re-election as chairman and District 1 representative, respectively. There is no candidate for the District 3 seat currently held by Sheryl Peavey.

China voters also have three local referendum questions asking if they want to pay up to $8,500 for a new fire pond on Neck Road; require nonprofit organizations seeking town funds to provide current financial statements; and authorize town officials to rent space on the communications tower by the town office.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 7 in the former portable classroom beside the town office.