Chamber awards scholarship

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Sidney Knox

Sidney Knox is a 2018 graduate of Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. Sidney spends her time purchasing and cooking weekly meals for the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, organizing veterans’ care packages, and organizing the annual St. Jude’s Trike-a-thon fundraiser. At Lawrence High, she maintained high honor roll status while participating in National Honor Society, PRIDE Club, was the Renaissance Committee secretary, class secretary, a class representative and played softball. She plans to attend the University of New England in the fall to study pre-med.

The annual scholarship was established in memory of Joe Ezhaya, a community leader who was known for his generosity and dedication to civic engagement.

This $750 annual scholarship will be distributed to the recipient after the completion of her first semester four years for a total of $3,000.

VBA announces scholarship winners

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Megan Lemieux

The Vassalboro Business Association recently awarded scholarships.

Megan Lemieux, daughter of Richard and Deb Lem­ieux, will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Megan is going to Unity College, majoring in biology.

Kassie Nadeau

Kassie Nadeau, daughter of Andrew and Christine Nadeau, will receive a $500 scholarship. Kassie will be attending the Uni­versity of Maine at Orono, majoring in biology with a concentration in pre-med.

Both recipients attended Erskine Academy, in South China, and have extensive experience in volunteerism.

Submitted by Linda Titus VBA President

Obituaries, Week of June 14, 2018

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LYNN R. FRENCH

UNITY  – Lynn Rae (Marks) French of Locust Lane, Unity, died Monday, April 16, 2018, following a brief illness. She was born June 25, 1943, in Gardiner, and was the daughter of Charles F. and Bessie (Russell) Marks.

She attended schools in Randolph and graduated from Gardiner High School. She received an associate of arts degree in liberal arts from Thomas College, in Waterville, and also attended the University of Maine, in Portland.

After college, she worked for Travelers Insurance Company as a claims representative in both Portland and Bangor.

She married her husband, Dan, in 1969, and made great memories at their home on Winnecook Lake with family and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Mary Louise Smith, of Cumberland Foreside; and brother, Charles F. Marks Jr., of Randolph.

She is survived by her husband, Alton “Dan” French, of Unity; their son, Michael and his wife, Valerie Derosier, also of Unity; stepdaughter, Audrey Bishop and husband, John, of Augusta; and stepson, Andrew French, of Nashville, Tennessee; along with several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with her request, a private family burial will be held at a later date.

ELIZABETH G. MORIN

BENTON – Elizabeth G. Morin, 74, of Benton, known to her friends as “Kim”, passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. She was born April 15, 1944, in Darlington, England, to the late Rowland and Grace (Lawson) Poulton.

A military wife, well-traveled and extremely talented; a true master of many talents. Known to most by her passion for sewing, Kim also painted, knitted, and was an excellent baker.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ronald G. Morin; and her brother, Michael Poulton.

She is survived by three daughters, Tracy Zorichak and husband, Richard, Anita Fomin and husband, Dimitry, and Tina Pryor; a son, David Morin; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; her sister, Denise Beacroft and husband, Bernard; and a nephew Stephen.

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

In lieu of flowers, please give generously in Kim’s memory to: MaineGeneral Hospice Volunteers of Kennebec Valley, P.O. Box 828, Waterville ME 04901-0828.

JOYCE NICHOLS JONES

WASHINGTON  – Joyce Nichols Jones, 77, passed away on Monday, June 4, 2018, at Glenridge in Augusta. She was born in West Dummerston, Vermont, on September 29, 1940, to Charles Nichols and Vera (Baker) Nichols.

Joyce was a graduate of Waldoboro High School, class of 1958. She also attended one year of school at the New Brunswick Bible Institution. She drove truck, school buses and was a homemaker.

She attended the South Liberty Baptist Church.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Frank; and brother, James Nichols.

She is survived by sons, Frank E. Jones Jr. (Kathleen), Steven Jones (Penny), James Jones (Toni), and Daniel Jones Sr. (Elaine), all of Washington; daughters, Cynthia Peaslee, of Pittston and Carol Kilbreth (John), of Washington; sisters-in-law, Betty Baker, of Hermon and Phyllis Nichols, of Augusta; 16 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Condolences can be shared with the family at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce’s name may be made to Hall Funeral Home, P.O. Box 363, Waldoboro ME 04572, to help defray costs of services.

THERESE M. FORTIER

WINSLOW – Therese M. Fortier, 91, passed away on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, following a long illness. Therese was born on May 5, 1927, in St. Come, Canada, the daughter of Mathias and Marie-Anne Belanger (Jacques).

Therese married Antonio Fortier on September 6, 1948, and was blessed to have 61 years together until he passed in 2009.

Therese worked at the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, prior to raising her family. She made many new friends when she opened the area’s first clothing consignment store, “Terry’s Thrift Shop,” on College Avenue, in Waterville. She was an excellent seamstress and kept her young family in the latest fashions as well as her granddaughter’s Barbie and Ken dolls.

Therese was a very loving and caring wife and mother, always putting her family first. She was an outstanding cook, much to the delight of those who attended her Sunday dinners. She also enjoyed fishing, playing cards, gardening, and cake decorating.

She was predeceased by her husband, Antonio Fortier; her brothers Stanley and Gregoire Belanger; and her sisters Ann Guillemette and Marguerite Dorin.

She is survived by her three children, Roger Fortier, Elaine and husband Roy Stinneford, and Steven Fortier and wife Brenda; three grandchildren, Ericka and husband David Puccio, Jean-Luc and Danielle Fortier; and one great-grandson, Max Puccio; three brothers: John Belanger and wife Denise, Henry Belanger, and Gerard Belanger and wife Marlene; brothers-in-law, Norman Fortier and Joseph Douin; as well as several nieces and nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in her memory to: Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, 304 Upper Main Street, Waterville ME 04901.

DELORES T. SIMPSON

BENTON – Delores T. Simpson, 86, passed away on November 11, 2017, following a two-year battle with multiple myloma. She was born in Benton Falls on October 1, 1931, the daughter of Albert and Ruth Thompson.

Delores was a lifetime member of the Fairfield VFW and American Legion. In 2004-05, she was VFW Auxiliary president of the year. Among her hobbies were playing cribbage and was very talented at knitting and crocheting.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lloyd W. Simpson; and older sister Flotie Nordle.

She is survived by two daughters, Loretta O. Vaught and her two children Troy and Raven Rusconi, of Clinton; son William J. Simpson and wife Christina Simpson and their daughter Livia I. Simpson, of Brazil; siblings Arthur C. Thompson, of Oakland, and Lois Mary Derapps, of Fairfield; many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held on June 16, 2018, at the Fairfield VFW, Main St. It will be a potluck dinner at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Brown Cemetery, in Benton.

OTHERS DEPARTED

ELEANOR M. CLARK, 92, of North Belgrade, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2018, at her home. Locally, she is survived by sisters Shay Perryman, of Oakland, and Ida Noonan and fiancé Jeremy Clement, of Vassalboro.

Vassalboro voters elect two incumbents

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by Mary Grow

At the polls June 12, Vassalboro voters re-elected two incumbent town officials and re-approved the 2018-19 school budget initially approved at the June 4 open town meeting.

Town Clerk Cathy Coyne reported that Selectman John Melrose received 808 votes and school board member Jolene Clark Gamage 786 votes.

The vote on the school budget was 620 in favor and 247 opposed, Coyne said.

She called the turnout “pretty good” for a primary election, with voters coming steadily all day.

VASSALBORO: Interlocal agreement reached

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by Mary Grow

The interlocal agreement between Vassalboro and its former partners in AOS (Alternative Organizational Structure) #92, Waterville and Winslow, became effective June 4. It provides for the three municipalities to share central office services previously provided by the AOS office as follows:

  • For special education for all three towns, Waterville will employ a part-time director for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade and an assistant director for grades six through 12; Winslow will employ an assistant director for kindergarten through fifth grade.
  • Winslow will employ a curriculum director and an instructional specialist who will work for Vassalboro and Waterville as well, and a finance director who will work only for Winslow and Vassalboro.
  • Waterville will employ a food service director, a technology director and “personnel to administer business functions including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, insurance, and reporting; and administration of facilities maintenance; administration of student transportation; and will maintain Infinite Campus technology to be shared among the Parties.”

(Infinite Campus, according to its website, is an educational software company that helps schools “streamline educational processes, promote stakeholder collaboration and personalize learning.”)

Each municipality will have a superintendent of schools. For the present, former AOS Superintendent Eric Haley plans to stay in Waterville; former Assistant Superintendent Peter Thiboutot is Winslow superintendent; and Vassalboro is hiring a superintendent for one day a week.

Haley and school board members explained that one day a week does not mean the superintendent will be in Vassalboro for eight or 10 hours one day and not seen again for a week; he or she is more likely to split the time among several days as meetings and other events require.

The superintendent and/or school board of the system hiring the shared personnel listed above will make all hiring and firing decisions. They may consider recommendations from the other superintendents.

Each school’s costs for the shared personnel will be apportioned by the formula used to divide central office costs before voters dissolved the AOS in a March referendum: half on the basis of municipal valuation, half on the basis of student population.

The agreement will run until June 30, 2021. It can be amended or terminated earlier by written agreement of all three school boards.

Some Vassalboro Budget Committee members and selectmen criticized the interlocal agreement on two counts: they suggested the school board should have explored more options and perhaps found comparable services at a lower price, and they think a three-year commitment is too long.

Haley replied to both criticisms. With state education officials’ idea of regional service centers instead of AOSs and RSUs (Regional School Units) so new, there are not yet a lot of options organized, he said. And a three-year agreement has two benefits: the additional staff he hires will have at least a three-year commitment, and Vassalboro board members will have time to adapt to the new system, see how it works and, if dissatisfied, look for an alternative.

Vassalboro planners approve four permit applications

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Planning Board members approved all four permit applications on their June 5 agenda, two for auxiliary buildings, one for a seasonal farm stand and one for a new auto repair garage.

Receiving permits were:

  • John and Paula Libby to build a 30-by-40-foot garage, with no plumbing, at 325 Webber Pond Road, in the Outlet Stream shoreland zone 200 feet from the water. • Forrest and Gloria Young to build a 12-by-16-foot shed, on skids rather than a foundation, at 208 Austin Road, 150 feet from Three Mile Pond.
  • Parker Denico to build and operate a seasonal vegetable stand at 991 Main Street in North Vassalboro.
  • Heather and Eric Smith and David York to open an auto repair and body shop in a section of the old mill at 960 Main Street in North Vassalboro.

Denico previously received a site review permit, but could not get the needed shoreland zoning permit without a variance from setback requirements, because the building will be less than 100 feet from Outlet Stream. The Vassalboro Board of Appeals approved his variance request at a May 15 meeting, clearing the way for final approval of the project.

The Smiths and York plan to reuse a part of the mill previously used for a similar purpose. Their business name is Overkill Garage LLC, Heather Smith said. Their main business will be automobile repairs and body work, but they talked about working on anything with an engine, including ATVs, lawnmowers and chainsaws.

Planning board members were concerned about a trench across the floor that serves as a drain, of unknown age and with an unknown outflow. Board Chairman Virginia Brackett guessed it empties into Outlet Stream.

The first idea was to cover it over, until Heather Smith remembered that it channels rain that leaks in and Codes Officer Richard Dolby suggested it might also be connected to roof drains. Planning board members and the applicants agreed on some kind of barrier to make sure no motor fluids get into the drain.

Dolby said the planning board already has applicants to be heard at the next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday evening, July 10.

He also reported that Jonathan Blumberg asked the board of appeals to reconsider its May 22 denial of Blumberg’s appeal of Dolby’s issuance of a permit to Bernard Welsh (see this article). The board of appeals is scheduled to meet Wednesday evening, June 20, Dolby said.

China selectmen decide to fill the controversial fire pond

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by Mary Grow

China selectmen voted at their June 11 meeting to fill in the fire pond they and town voters authorized last year to provide protection for Neck Road residents.

Voters appropriated $8,500 for the pond in November 2017. The money has been spent, mostly for a contractor to enlarge an existing pond on Tom Michaud’s land into a fire pond that is too steep-sided to be safe and so close to Neck Road that selectmen fear its crumbling walls could eat into the road shoulder.

Board members have been considering guard rails, at an estimated cost of $6,000. At the June 11 meeting Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux had an estimate of $3,500 to survey the area, including establishing the boundary with the neighbor’s property and share of the former, smaller pond, and to design a safer pond.

The manager estimated legal costs at around $2,500 so far, and suggested making a safe pond could cost another $20,000.

Selectman Neil Farrington moved to abandon the project and fill the hole, with L’Heureux and his successor, Dennis Heath, to get Michaud’s consent and a cost estimate and deal with any other legal or administrative issues.

The clay that was dug out to make the pond has been spread on one of Michaud’s fields and is not available for fill. Nonetheless, selectmen believe filling is the less expensive choice. The four board members present, Farrington, Irene Belanger, Donna Mills-Stevens and Chairman Robert MacFarland, voted unanimously to undo the pond.

Neither Michaud nor China Village Fire Chief Timothy Theriault was at the meeting. MacFarland said he had made clear to Theriault his concerns about and displeasure with the pond.

In other business, Farrington said Hussey Communications, of Winslow, will conduct the planned test of current broadband access next week. The plan is to put temporary equipment on two towers on either side of China Lake’s long basin and measure signal strength at various locations, especially along the shore.

Farrington invited people who would like to be included in the test to call the town office.

Belanger said managers of the new Fiberight trash facility in Hampden are inviting municipal officials for tours. Non-official residents are also welcome if space permits; anyone interested should call the town office. The next tour appears likely to be in early to mid-July.

After discussion with Highway Department Manager Gary Cummings and the outgoing and incoming town managers, selectmen accepted bids for winter sand, materials and equipment for summer road work and paving, choosing the low bidder in each category.

They authorized Cummings to buy a plate compactor, essential for installing culverts, instead of continuing to rent one, figuring the new machine will pay for itself in less than three years. The expected $3,592 cost will come from China’s equipment reserve fund.

Selectmen and Cummings also talked about replacing the town’s 2012 pickup truck, which Cummings said has 140,000 miles on it, and the 20-year-old loader. Selectmen asked for more information on both proposed purchases.

Frank Soares, Four Seasons Club President, recommended approval of a $41,000 bid for an ATV and snowmobile trail from Lakeview Drive near the town office and Four Seasons clubhouse to the Central Maine Power Company line that runs from south to north the length of China. Selectmen unanimously approved, with money to come from the TIF (Tax Increment Finance) Fund, as previously approved by voters.

According to the China website, the next selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 25.

Give Us Your Best Shot! Thursday, June 14, 2018

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To submit a photo for The Town Line’s “Give Us Your Best Shot!” section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@fairpoint.net!

FANCY MEETING YOU: Michael Bilinsky, of China Village, snapped this photo of a downy woodpecker with what appears to be a redwing blackbird.

 

PICTURE POSTCARD: Betty Dunton, of Gardiner, photographed this cardinal in a tree shortly after a snowfall last winter.

 

STRETCHING: Tina Richards, of Clinton, caught this bald eagle as it landed in a field seeking some food.

China dedicates bicentennial monument

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Bicentennial Committee Chairman Neil Farrington explains the history of the town of China. (Photo by Eric Austin)

by Eric W. Austin

The obilisk that will stand near the China Town Office until the time capsule is opened on the first day of summer 2118.

On June 9, Neil Farrington, chairman of the China Bicentennial Committee, along with selectmen Bob MacFarland, Irene Belanger and new town manager Dennis Heath and his wife Mary, together with a small crowd of local citizens, formally dedicated the China Bicentennial Monument to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of China.

Originally established as Jones Plantation in 1774, two years before the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the area was eventually incorporated as the China township in 1818. The name of Bloomville had initially been proposed but was dropped after citizens of nearby Bloomfield objected to the similarity in names. Japheth Washburn, a local representative to the Massachusetts’ legislature, chose China instead, taking the name from one of his favorite hymns. (The town of Bloomfield no longer exists. It has since been incorporated into other towns but lives on in the name of Bloomfield Elementary School, in Skowhegan.)

Harlem, what is now South China and Weeks Mills, was incorporated into China township in 1822, two years after Maine became a state. The Gore, a narrow tract of land bordering Palermo, was incorporated in 1830.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Bob McFarland gets ready to place the time capsule in the base of the monument.

The Bicentennial Monument, a four-sided granite obelisk six feet in height, set on a two-foot concrete pedestal, is engraved with these location names and the dates of their incorporations. At the dedication, Farrington said: “It took 12 years for China to be complete, and it wasn’t an easy task. This monument is a testament to that history, and a symbol of the process it took for China to be whole.”

On the front-side of the monument is engraved: “A time capsule has been buried under this monument and is to be opened on the first day of summer 2118.”

Contained in the time capsule, Farrington explained, is a paper scroll six feet long, on which students from China Middle School have written about “what life is like today, and what it might be like a hundred years from now.”

The dedication was followed by a chicken barbeque and a “meet and greet” with China’s new town manager, Dennis Heath and his wife, Mary.

FOR YOUR HEALTH – Be The Boss Of Your Diabetes: Three Self-Management Tips

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(NAPSI) — Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing conditions in the U.S. Today, the number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes has skyrocketed to nearly one in 10, compared to one in 100 just 50 years ago. Chances are that you or someone you know is coping with it.

What You Can Do

Hearing from your doctor that you have diabetes can be an overwhelming experience. From that day forward, your “new normal” may involve some lifestyle changes. Managing diabetes is a 24/7 responsibility, and many people don’t know where to turn for help to get started. The good news is that diabetes self-management education classes and resources are widely available. Diabetes education can help you to navigate changes and learn simple ways to improve your overall health.

Diabetes self-management means a number of key behavioral changes, including tweaks to diet and exercise, and learning to manage your medication. And while you can attempt those tweaks by yourself, you don’t need to go it alone. Most insurance plans, Medicaid and Medicare cover diabetes self-management education. Unfortunately, studies show only 6 percent of people take advantage of diabetes classes meant to help them manage their diabetes within the first year of being diagnosed.

You can get a better handle on self-management for your “new norm” with these three tips:

  • Attend a diabetes education class. Most health care providers offer classes to help people with diabetes learn how to manage their condition. You’ll learn best practices and tips for meal planning, monitoring blood sugar, medications, stress management and more. In addition, many community organizations offer classes to support continued learning and management of diabetes.
  • Discover healthy lifestyle ideas. As diabetes becomes increasingly prevalent, more organizations are offering a variety of classes to help support healthy living. These classes can include healthy eating tips and recipes, or a variety of fitness opportunities such as ballroom dancing or yoga. You can check a nearby community center or fitness center to see what classes they offer. Some health insurers also offer diabetes resources and classes for members and nonmembers alike at brick-and-mortar retail stores. Check with your health insurer for options.
  • Get moving with easy-to-use fitness technology. Physical activity offers huge benefits for people with diabetes, including lowering blood glucose levels, helping with weight loss, and controlling blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Fitness trackers and apps for phones and tablets make it easier to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. For example, the Blue Cross “do.” app can help you choose activities and set reminders throughout the day to stand up, stretch, walk and more.

By successfully managing your diabetes, you can improve your quality of life and help prevent complications down the road—including cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, eye damage, hearing impairment and more.

A diabetes diagnosis changes your life, but your new norm can lead to changes that can help you feel better and stay healthier.

Learn More

For more information about diabetes self-management education and how you can help take control of your diabetes, go to www.bluecrossmn.com/newnorm.