Pelletier named to dean’s list

Kaitlynn Pelletier of Waterville, is one of nearly 700 Lebanon Valley College students named to the dean’s list for the spring semester, in Annville, Pennsylvania. Pelletier, a graduate of Messalonskee High School, received a bachelor of arts in music at The Valley.

Browne named to dean’s list at Coastal Carolina University

More than 2,000 Coastal Carolina University students were named to the dean’s list for the Spring 2018 semester, in Conway, South Carolina.

Among those named to the dean’s list: Andrew Browne, a Communication major from Vassalboro.

Palermo’s Branch Mills Grange hosts annual awards dinner

Grange Master Ann Bako presents the Spirit of America Award to Ephraim Staples.

Palermo’s Branch Mills Grange #336 hosted its annual awards dinner on August 9. The grange presents two awards annually. Above, the Spirit of America award which is to honor a person for their commendable community service. The recipient of the 2018 Spirit of America Award was Ephraim Staples. Right, the second is the Grange Award to express gratitude for the time, effort and donations that a non-member contributes to the grange. This year’s recipient is Nancy Beekley. Grange Master Ann Bako made both presentations.

Photos by Mary Haskell

Grange Master Ann Bako presents the Grange Award to Nancy Beekley.

Obituaries, Week of August 23, 2018

SUSAN A. ALLEIN

FAIRFIELD – Susan Allein died on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.

She had been ill in several ways for some time, but death came unexpectedly. Susan was born in Los Angeles, California, and attended schools in Alhambra, becoming a Top Twenty national champion debater before entering Occidental College. She came to New England and earned a master’s degree in literature at Brandeis University.

She taught in several venues, including the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, where she originated the Women’s Studies program. Returning to Boston, she continued to teach, including a period at Open Road School, a private school in Waltham serving young people uncomfortable in the public school system. She further honed her skills as a social activist, including the organization of a Boston contingent that went to New York City to join the million- person March Against Nuclear War in 1982.

In 1986, Susan and her husband moved to Fairfield, searching for and finding an idyllic home in the country. In a short time, Susan became a volunteer in the Displaced Homemakers program, later named Women, Work, and Community. She was hired as co-ordinator for the Waterville chapter and then became regional director of the program for several counties in central Maine where she continued for 15 years until her retirement in 2007.

Bright and articulate and generous in all ways, Susan Allein acted out her highest ideals, notably a passion for peace and for justice in the world.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Flanagan, brother Lewis, and sister Karen and Patrick and wife Bryn; brother-in-law Doug; sisters-in-law Valerie and Susan; and niece Catherine; and richard’s three children, Clancy, Jay, and Michael and their spouses and children.

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

NANCY A. ANDREWS

WINDSOR – Nancy A. Andrews, 78, of Windsor, passed away on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at MaineGeneral Medical Center following a short battle with cancer. She was born in Gardiner on March 11, 1940, the daughter of Charles and Betsy (Grant) Hill.

She graduated from Hallowell High School.

Nancy worked at Health Tex for 30 years, and then worked for Uplift for 10 years. She loved spending time with her family and friends, traveling with Tammy, and watching her Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents; husband, Richard G. Andrews; and a sister, Julie.

She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Andrews, of Windsor; and several cousins.

Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

ALICE M. GOGAN

BENTON – Alice M. (Spencer) Gogan, 91, passed away at Oak Grove on Friday, July 13, 2018. She was born June 11, 1927, to Edna and George Spencer, of Benton.

She married Loring Gogan, Sr. and they had four children. Alice was a homemaker and had various jobs.

She is survived by her children, George Gogan and wife Kathryn, of Clinton, Donna Meyer, of Benton, Frances Begin and husband Thomas, of Plymouth, Lorin Gogan Jr. and wife Patricia, of Winslow; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be at Benton Grange on July 29, 12 p.m.––4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, friends can make donations to: Hospice Volunteers of Waterville, 304 Upper Main St., Waterville ME 04901.

KATHLEEN BARRETT

WINSLOW – Kathleen Barrett, 72, of Winslow, died unexpectedly on Thursday, July 12, 2018, at Inland Hospital. She was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 16, 1945, a daughter of Alice (Lange) and Roland Huggard.

She attended and graduated from Cambridge schools.

Through the years Kathleen worked as an administration assistant for mechanical engineering firms, retiring as office manager for Trimont Engineering Co. She was an avid reader and when not reading could be found outdoors, working in the yard tending to her flower gardens. She also enjoyed the company of her cats.

Kathleen will be remembered for her many fine qualities of loyalty, honesty, her ability to listen, friendship and love of others. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, John Barrett, of Winslow; her daughter Jodi Mezzanotte, of Scarborough; her granddaughter Paige Lemieux, of El Paso, Texas; her grandson Nathan Lemieux, of London, england; her sister Diane Clark, of Bremen; her nephew William Clark and wife Jennifer and their children: BJ, Nathan, and Austin, all of South Bristol; her step-daughter Anji Barrett, of Austin, Texas; her step-son John Barrett, Jr, of Austin, Texas.

Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Damariscotta at a later date.

Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Kathleen’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Kathleen’s memory to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Attn: Memorial/Honor Program, PO Box 1000 Dept. 300, Memphis TN 38148-0552

SYLVIA A. PEASLEE

VASSALBORO – Sylvia Alicia (Campbell) Peaslee, 83, of Vassalboro, passed away at her home, on Thursday, July 12, 2018. Sylvia was born in Augusta on January 15, 1935, the daughter of Elmer and Marian Campbell.

She attended Cony High School where she met her soulmate, Keith Peaslee. They fell in love and were engaged. After two years at the University of Maine at Farmington, and Keith being away in training for the U.S, Army, they decided to marry on October 6, 1956. They shared 63 years together.

They built a home and decided to have children. Whether it was working in the garden or tending the animals on their farm, Sylvia enjoyed work and was always willing to help.

she worked for the U.S. Army , in the commissary, while they were stationed in Governors Island, New York. She sold Avon briefly and was a very successful saleswoman for Electrolux. She put in countless hours at her church as a deaconess, Sunday school teacher, handy woman, and she also worked with the Chapel on Wheels ministry at the fairs. Sylvia;s caring and loving heart put others before herself. Always prepared with a firm, but kind, word of wisdom, a delicious meal, or a hug only she could provide, no matter how bad you felt before you arrived, you knew you’d feel much better when you left.

Sylvia inspired her family to be kind, honest, hard working, and to appreciate the little things.

She was predeceased by three siblings, Ruth Dow, Richard Campbell, and Bruce Dow.

Surviving is her husband, Keith Peaslee; son, Daniel Peaslee; daughter, Kathleen Hinkley; son-in-law, Peter Hinkley and wife, Nancy Camelio; granddaughters: Shila Hammond, Samantha Peaslee, Heather Peaslee and Zack Oxley, Melina Peaslee, Diane Cook and husband, Tim, Crystal St. Onge and husband, Jacques, Alicia Hinkley and James Paine; great-grandchildren: Christopher Hammond, Mariah Hammond, Paige Cook, Carly Cook, Khloye Cloutier. Gabriel Wachter, Tyson Pooler, James Jolly, Shiloh St. Onge, Solomon St. Onge and Jaelyn Paine; her sister, Phyllis Dore; also many nieces and nephews.

MURRY B. McINTOSH JR.

VASSALBORO – Murray Bernard McIntosh Jr., 86, passed away on Sunday, July 15, 2019, following a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Murray, also known as Bob to family and friends, was born April 23, 1932, in Caribou.

He faithfully served the Lord with the gifts God gave him for over 50 years. He helped build and maintain churches and served in various church leaderships. Bob visited Swaziland, Africa, twice in his later years, where he helped feed hungry, needy children and literally gave the shoes of his own feet to a man who had none.

Bob was a skilled craftsman and enjoyed working with his hands. He was a welder by trade and worked for United Technologies for over 30 years. He was a dedicated father and grandfather and used these skills to help his family and anyone else in need.

When Bob wasn’t working, he was fishing. Faithfully accompanied by the love of his life, Murial. He enjoyed fly fishing as she watched him and knitted on the bank of the river. Most of the time, they didn’t even keep the fish Bob caught. Instead, he would think of someone who could use it more and gave it away. Together they loved camping, long rides through the back roads of Maine and showering friends and family with their unending hospitality.

Bob was predeceased by Muriel, his wife and friend of 61 years; his son Rodney McIntosh; and infant son Basil McIntosh.

Bob is survived by daughters, Julie and husband Larry Rowe, Mary Ann and husband Danny Quirion; son Bernard and wife April McIntosh; 17 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

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

GERALD M. POTTLE

PALERMO – Gerald M. Pottle, 80, passed away on Sunday, July 15, 2018. He was born July 18, 1937, in Palermo, the son of Robert G. and Esther L. (Reed) Pottle.

Gerald was an over the road trucker, wood cutter––taking pulp to the mill every night. He also did earthwork, including airstrips a golf course,and many ponds––the last one being a work of art as a legacy to his family. His passion was flying his airplane.

He was married to Shirley (Barton) Pottle for 34 years. In 2005, he married Yvonne (Temple) Pottle.

He was predeceased by his first wife Shirley; his son David; his brother Norman; and his parents.

He is survived by his wife Yvonne; his brothers Robert (Bobby) Pottle, Neal and wife Theresa Pottle; children Sandra Gould and husband Steve, of Sherman, Lindy Bausch and husband Jarry, of Jewett City, Connecticut, Cindy Pottle, of Palermo, Donna Beaulieu and husband Steve, of Clinton; stepchildren Lisa Chambers and husband Donnie, of Burnham, Stan Garnett, of Vassalboro, Todd Garnett and wife Tina, of Knox; several grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

KATHLEEN AHEARN

OAKLAND – Kathleen “Kathi” Ahearn, 60, passed away on Saturday, August 4, 2018, following a long illness. She was born on September 30, 1957, in South Portland, the daughter of Clinton “Bud” A. Shaw and Lois J. Palmer.

Kathi graduated from Winslow in the class of 1975. She was a member of Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, Stitching Witches Quilting Group, Pine Tree Quilters Guild, Pink Panters Susan G. Komen Three Day Walkers and a Notary Public.

She enjoyed quilting, walking, hiking, kayaking, looking for sea glass, volunteering as a puppy raiser for NEADS, and sunsets on East Pond.

Kathi formerly worked as a church administrator at Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, and Human Resource Manager at Eye Care of Maine, Waterville, SHRM Certified Professional.

Kathi was predeceased by her parents Clinton Shaw, Lois Palmer; stepfather Edgar Palmer; father-in-law Joseph Ahearn; and brother-in-law David Ahearn.

She is survived by her husband, Tim, of Oakland; son Matthew, of Northport; daughter Meghan, of Orlando, Florida; brother Jeffrey Shaw; stepmother Joanne Shaw; Howard Crosby and spouse Ann, Wanda Farley and spouse Marvin; mother-in-law Geneva Ahearn; sister-in-law Wendy Porter and spouse Donnie; brother-in-law Stephen Ahearn and spouse Hillary; brothers-in-law Keith Ahearn and Kevin Ahearn and partner Daniel; many nieces and nephews.

Donations in Kathi’s name may be made to the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church or MaineGeneral Health Walk for Hope.

Arrangements are were under the care of Kincer Funeral Home, 130 Pleasant St., Richmond ME.

OTHERS DEPARTED

PERLEY A. RODERICK, 90, of Waterville, passed away on Thursday, August 9, 2018, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. Locally, he is survived by a daughter, Patricia Rancourt and husband Richard, of Oakland.

MARGUERITE D. BEGIN, 99, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, in Melbourne, Florida. Locally, she is survived by a son, James and Kimberly Begin, of Winslow.

THOMAS J. VINTINNER JR., 81, of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at his home. Locally, he is survived by James Vintinner Sr., of Oakland, Darryl Vintinner, of Clinton, and Brad Vintinner, of Waterville, Tammy Ferland and Jodi Vintinner, both of Norridgewock.

ROLAND C. LESSARD

WINSLOW – Roland C. Lessard, 91, of Winslow, passed away on Sunday, August 5, 2018, at Oak Grove Center, Waterville, following a brief illness. He was born in Waterville on December 11, 1926, the son of Odilon and Alexina (Doyon) Lessard and lived in the Waterville-Winslow area all of his life.

Roland graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1944. He was employed at Scott Paper Company for 15 years and then employed by Central Maine Power Company for over 30 years, retiring in 1989.

Roland served in the U. S. Navy during World War II as a Radioman 3rd class, serving in the Pacific Area. He was a member of Bourque-Lannigan Post#5, American Legion, Waterville and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #8835, Winslow.

He was predeceased by his father, Odilon; mother, Alexina; sister, Olivette; and a son,l Jeffrey.

Roland is survived by two daughters, Cynthia Lessard, of New Jersey, and Carol A. Gaedtke and husband, Larry, of New Hampshire; two grandchildren, Christopher D. Biron and wife, Melissa, and Jamison D. Biron of New Hampshire; great-grandson, Maddox; and best friend and companion, Rose Manzo, of Winslow.

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

DENISE M. PELLETIER

WINDSOR – Denise M. Pelletier, 59, of Windsor, passed away at her home on Friday, August 10, 2018. Denise was born February 8, 1959, to parents Armand and Bertha Pelletier.

She grew up in Gardiner with eight siblings. She often spoke of helping her mom cook delicious donuts and helping her dad with his horses. She attended Gardiner High School and worked for the State of Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle. Denise loved her “girls” from work and her close friends who did so much for her while she battled breast cancer for nine years. Denise loved taking trips with her family and significant other. She enjoyed sewing quilts, doing crafts, woodworking, and her flower garden.

She was predeceased by her sister, Sheila Jackson; her parents, Bertha and Armand Pelletier; and her grandmother, Alice Cote.

Denise is survived by her four children: Amy French and husband, Chris with granddaughters, Ryleigh and Norah: Michelle Haskell and husband, Rodney, with granddaughter, Christina, and grandson, Codey; Penny Wilson with granddaughter, Elizabeth Dugas, and grandson Teddy Walen; a son Scot Wilson and wife, Deidra, with granddaughter, Mayla and grandson, Matthew; her significant other, Paul Temple; two sisters, Sandra Lambert, Brenda Owens; five brothers, Norman, Dana, Larry and David Pelletier and Ricky Hume;

Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

URI graduates local students

The following students from the area graduated from the University of Rhode Island, in Kingston, Rhode Island.

Nick Nicholas Danner, of Waterville, received a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture.

Devan Arelyn Alexandra Globensky, of Augusta, received bachelor of arts in elementary education and bachelor of arts, in economics.

Rachel Cambridge Pratt, of Cornville, received a bachelor’s of science, kinesiology cum laude

Springfield College recognizes dean’s list students

Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts, named the following local students to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the spring 2018 term.

Christopher Hayden, of Madison, studying applied exercise science.

Ryan Pellerin, of Albion, studying sport management

Local residents graduate from WPI

The following local students received bachelor’s degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in Worcester, Massachusetts.

McKenzie Brunelle, of Sidney, was awarded a bachelor of science degree in biomedical engineering with distinction.

Abigail King, of Benton, was awarded a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering with distinction

Students graduate from St. Lawrence University

CANTON, NY (06/01/2018) — Nearly 520 students received bachelor degrees from St. Lawrence University during Commencement ceremonies held on May 20 in Canton, New York.

Sydney A. Kahl of Waterville. Kahl is a member of the Class of 2018 and majored in environmental studies. Kahl received the degree of bachelor of arts. Kahl attended Plymouth Regional High School.

Kylee P. Knight of Oakland. Knight is a member of the Class of 2018 and majored in neuroscience. Knight received the degree of bachelor of science. Knight attended Messalonskee High School.

New causeway bridge gets all local permits

by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members have approved the necessary local permits for the new causeway bridge at the head of China Lake’s east basin.

At the Aug. 14 board meeting, members of the Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Committee that is heading up the entire causeway project summarized the plan to replace the existing bridge with a concrete box culvert. The top of the new structure will be higher above the water, allowing kayakers and canoeists to go under the road, and significantly wider, providing highway space for larger vehicles plus a pedestrian walkway and an ATV trail.

Tom Michaud, speaking for the TIF Committee, said the project has permits from the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Army Corps of Engineers. Work is expected to start in September or possibly October and to take about three weeks.

The audience at the Aug. 14 meeting consisted of TIF Committee members and representatives of the China Baptist Church, which owns property west of the construction site. Pastor Ronald Morrell questioned whether the project will infringe slightly on church property; if so, he said, church bylaws prescribe the appropriate process.

Nearby resident Margo Allen sent an email expressing concerns about trash, noise, traffic and similar effects on neighbors. Board members had a copy of the document, and Chairman Tom Miragliuolo summarized it for the audience.

Since Ronald Breton and James Wilkens, two of the five Planning Board members present, are also TIF Committee members, they abstained on the vote on the application. It was approved 3-0, with Miragliuolo, Toni Wall and Kevin Michaud in favor.

Board members decided to cancel their second August meeting unless Codes Officer Paul Mitnik receives at least one permit application in the next week. Their first September meeting falls on Tuesday, Sept. 11.

Selectmen set tax rate at 15.8 mils, down by 0.1 mils

by Mary Grow

China selectmen have set the 2018-19 tax rate at 15.8 mils ($15.80 for each $1,000 of valuation), a decrease of 0.1 mil (or 10 cents per $1,000) from the 2017-18 rate.

Town Clerk Rebecca Hapgood said after the decision at the Aug. 20 selectmen’s meeting she expects tax bills to be mailed by the end of August. By town meeting vote, the first half payment is due at the town office by the close of business Friday, Sept. 28.

Hapgood said as of Aug. 20 four people were circulating nomination papers for three seats on the board of selectmen; there were two candidates for the budget committee, three for the planning board and one for the Regional School Unit #18 board of directors. No one had taken out papers for the at-large planning board and budget committee positions, she said.

Signed nomination papers must be returned to the town office by 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, for candidates’ names to appear on the Nov. 6 local ballot.

In other business Aug. 20, selectmen approved Codes Officer Paul Mitnik’s revised permit fee schedule. Mitnik explained that fees are increased for many permits to allow for inflation since the schedule was developed 10 years ago; they are decreased in a few cases where circumstances make a decrease seem fair. Fees for pools are added, and applicants will be charged for sending notices to abutters when such notices are required.

Selectmen had bids on three foreclosed properties. They postponed a decision on two for legal reasons and sold a Pleasant View Ridge Road property to the highest bidder.

Town Manager Dennis Heath said requests for bids have been distributed for five projects: rebuilding the Neck Road fire pond, repairing the barn south of the town office, repairing the town office roof, adding a roof over the basement entrance to the old town office and adding a bathroom in the portable building behind the town office.

Two residents offered suggestions. Tax Increment Finance Committee co-chairman Tom Michaud suggested a ground-breaking ceremony when work begins on the bridge replacement at the head of China Lake’s east basin, and consideration of designating the bridge a memorial – recommendations for an honoree are welcome. Richard Dillenbeck proposed volunteer trash pick-up along Lakeview Drive and offered to organize a trial.

A discussion of upgrading electrical service at the transfer station, which was to be continued at the Aug. 21 Transfer Station Committee meeting, led Selectman Neil Farrington to suggest selectmen consider a special meeting before their next regular meeting to try to agree on a course of action.

Because the next regular selectmen’s meeting would have fallen on Labor Day Monday, board members rescheduled it to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4.