Obituaries, Week of December 13, 2018

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RED (ORA) BENNETT

ALBION – Red (Ora) Bennett, 81 of Albion, passed away at his home on Saturday, November 24, 2018. He was born on January 15, 1937, in Albion, the son of Rinaldo and Izetta (Boody) Bennett.

He attended Besse High School, in Albion.

Red was the oldest of five children. After the passing of his parents at age 16, he chose to live in Albion with the Bessey family: Grete, Floyd, Burdell & Hillard.

Red worked as an equipment operator for Lee Bros., in Albion. In 1964 he went to work as a crane operator for Warren Bros. He opened and operated Bennett Ski-Doo, in 1970. Red retired in 1997 from Tilcon as equipment superintendent. He made lifelong friends while working there, including Bob Costain whom he considered his “brother” for over 55 years. Red went into the gravel pit and firewood business with Bob, and processed and sold firewood from 1989 until his passing.

Red was an avid hunter and sportsman for over 70 years. Deer hunting was his passion he shared with Mary, his family and many friends including Dave Mason and Steve Bard who were eager to hunt with him every season.

Red spent the last 38 years with the love of his life, Mary who cherished every moment they spent together. Their love for each other was unconditional.

Red cherished the many holidays, birthdays and special events in all of our lives. He had a special bond with his faithful companion and friend Aubrey Dog. She loved being with “grandpa” daily and taking rides in his Jeep.

Red is survived by his life partner Mary Bragdon; daughter Brooke Doore and partner Derek Grenier; granddaughter Amaiya Doore; grandson Aiden Doore; sister Nancy Martin, of Corinna, step-son Jeff Singleton and partner Jim Singleton; many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents and sisters: Marlene Vance, Barbara Capehart, and Joan Woods.

Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with Red’s family.

A Celebration of Red’s Life will take place on Saturday January. 12, 2019, (inclement weather date Sunday, January 13) at noon at the Waterville Elks Lodge, 76 Industrial Rd, Waterville ME.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Red’s memory to: Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

ALBERT C. ARBOUR

WINDSOR – Albert C. Arbour, 72, passed away Friday, November 30, 2018. He was born on June 29, 1946, in Brookton, to the late Alfred Arbour and Iris (Fish) Arbour.

He enjoyed doing many things, he was a jack of all trades. He worked at the old Bates Mill, Lipmans, managed properties, and was extremely talented in the mechanics and carpentry. He would always talk about his time working in the woodshop where he built furniture. His most enjoyable time was spent with family.

Before his health took its toil, he would go fishing, bowling, and he loved spending Thanksgiving with his loved ones. He was a kind, compassionate man, rough on the edges but would do anything for anyone.

He was an amazing dad, grampa, brother, partner and friend.

He was predeceased by his parents, Alfred Arbour and Iris (Fish) Arbour; and sister, Paula Arbour.

He is survived by his children: Joanne Crocker, of Fairfield, Jesse Arbour, of Westbrook, Carl Jackson, of Readfield, Karryann Jackson, of Randolph, Danny Jackson, of Mercer, Jessica Arbour, of Chelsea, Autumn Mercado Gatlin, of Chelsea, Travis Arbour, of Windsor, Megan Pearl, who he considered a daughter, of Windsor; his siblings, Jackie Bowden, of Mercer, Frankie (Cookie) Arbour, of Whitefield; many grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He will be sadly missed by many.

A gathering of his life will take place at a later date with the scattering of his ashes.

DEBORAH HAMM

WINSLOW – Deborah “Debbie” Hamm, 67, born November 2, 1951, lost her short battle with cancer Thursday, November 30, 2018.

Debbie was a very hard working and caring person who touched the lives of everyone who knew her and she will be sadly missed.

She is survived by her brother Tom; children Willie, Richie, Bert, Tammy and Eddie; grandchildren Mikayla, Savannah, Jacob, Summer and Corey; great-grandchild Bradley.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent in care of Willard Hamm to 17 Monument St., Apt. 2, Winslow ME 04901, where her Celebration of Life will be held on December 29, 2018, at 2 p.m.

MONA B. MCCREADY

UNITY – Mona Blake McCready, 80, of Unity, passed away at her home on Monday, December 3, 2018 following a challenging and courageous period of declining health. Mona was born on January 1, 1938, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the daughter of Raymond F. Blake and Iona Drew Blake, of Kittery Point.

Mona married Eric G. Gustafson in 1955, and together they lived in Portsmouth and Rye, New Hampshire, where they raised their three children. Over her working life, Mona was a bookkeeper, first in her family’s business, Blake Insurance Agency. She later worked for a fire protection company, owned her own craft shop, and worked for a dentist in central New Hampshire.

In 1996, Mona married Alan R. McCready. Together they lived in Allenstown, New Hampshire, until 2006 when they retired and moved to Unity. Mona had a passion for the Red Sox and rarely missed watching a game. She loved horses, enjoyed summer visits to Islesboro and loved her Newfoundland dogs.

Mona is survived by her children, Kristin A. Gustafson, of Windsor, Karen J. Edgeton, of Bay Lake, Minnesota, and Brian E. Gustafson and his wife, Bonnie, of Barrington, New Hampshire; grandchildren, Nathan A. Edgeton, Casey L. Edgeton and husband Michael Borzamate, Brittany M. Gustafson, and Eric B. Gustafson; and a great-grandchild, Ari J. Edgeton. She is also survived by step-children, Marie Pinto and husband Tony, Alan McCready and wife, Lily, Donna Nicholson and husband, John, Kristen Hayes and husband Scot; step-grandchildren, Meghan, Brittney, Mariah, Jacob, Danielle, Taylor, Sarah, Donovan and Logan; and step-great-grandchildren, Avery, Benjamin, Noah, and Hayden.

The family will have a private service in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Forgotten Felines of Maine, PO Box 264, Gouldsboro ME 04607

RANDAL L. REYNOLDS

UNITY – Randal L. Reynolds, 72, passed away at his home on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinsons Disease. He was born in Unity on May 31, 1946, the youngest son of Alton and Olive (Walton) Reynolds.

He was a 1964 graduate of Unity-Freedom High School. Randy was a hard worker and had many different jobs over the years. He worked at Northeast Shoe, in Pittsfield, and Ethan Allen, in Burnham, then worked for Sheridan Corporation, in Fairfield, for several years. He was a self-taught land surveyor and owned and operated Reynolds Land Surveying before his disease forced him to retire in 2012.

Randy married his high school sweetheart, Juanita Bryant, on October 18, 1963, and together they raised three children. He found great joy in attending events where his children and grandchildren, were involved. He particularly enjoyed spending holidays with his family. He took pride in teaching each of his grandchildren how to drive and liked to take credit for the skill that each of his daughters has in backing up with a horse trailer attached.

Randy enjoyed traveling and had fond memories of his trips to Florida and Alaska. In his younger days, he enjoyed week-long snowmobile trips to “The County”, and to Canada. For several years, he volunteered with the CHIPS (Child Identification Program) sponsored by the Masonic Lodge. Randy had a quick wit and a quirky sense of humor.

For several years, Randy was a member of the Unity Volunteer Fire Department and also Kennebec Proprietors. He was a member of the Snow Dusters Snowmobile Club, Star in the West Lodge Masonic Brotherhood, and Anah Temple Shriners.

Randy was predeceased by his parents; two sisters, Barbara Chadwick, and Mildred Sprague; two grandchildren, Matthew Reynolds and Michelle Reynolds.

He is survived by his son, Kevin and wife Debbie, of Fairfield; daughters Pamela Edwards and husband Bill, of Sabattus, and Cheryl Crummett and husband Mark, of Newcastle; three grandchildren, Gilson Edwards, Damon Crummett, and Taryn Crummett, and Damon’s special friend, Jayden Gilbert; three brothers, Alton Jr., of Unity, Donald and wife Pam, of St. Albans, and Forest, of Jefferson; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Avenue, Skowhegan.

In lieu of flowers, Randy would rather you make a donation to the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation, PO Box 430, Holden ME 04429 or Star in the West Lodge #85, Charitable Relief Fund, PO Box 577, Unity ME 04988

JEAN M. FORTIER

FAIRFIELD – Jean M. Fortier, 94, passed away Monday, December 3, 2018, at Mount Saint Joseph Resi­dence and Rehabilita­tion, in Water­ville. She was born February 21, 1924, in Fairfield, the daughter of the late Lloyd A. and Olive E. (Elmer) McAuley.

She graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1940, where she played on the state champion basketball team and graduated from Thomas College, in Waterville, in 1941. She worked for Keyes Fibre Company, Central Maine Power Company, Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, and 49 years for Thomas Teague at his businesses. Jean was a member of the Fairfield United Methodist Church, also a member and past president of the Fairfield Women’s Club. She lived and dedicated her life to raising her four children.

Jean is survived by three children, Richard J. Fortier and wife Margaret, of Fairfield, Jane A. McQuillan and husband Billy, of Embden, Steven A. Fortier and wife Lynn, of Jacksonville, Florida; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great- grandchildren

She was predeceased by her parents, Lloyd and Olive McAuley, of Fairfield; sister, Anita and husband Nelson Ward, of Winslow; brother Lloyd McAuley, of Greenfield, Massachusetts; her daughter, Carol and husband Gordon Meisenheimer of Meridian, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Jean’s memory to the Fairfield United Methodist Church, PO Box 313, Fairfield, ME 04937.

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

TERESA E. OLEYAR

FAIRFIELD – Teresa Ellen (Williams) Oleyar, 70, passed away on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Nursing at Graybirch, in Augusta. She was born March 3, 1948, in Portland, the daughter of Theldon H. and Doris L. (Wood) Williams.

She attended South Portland High School and in 1970, she married David T. Oleyar, Jr., in South Portland. She was employed by Fairchild Semiconductor and was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. Teresa enjoyed watching TV and being with her grandchildren.

Teresa is survived by her husband of 48 years, David Oleyar, Jr., of Fairfield; son, David Oleyar III and wife Marilyn, of Norridgewock; daughter, Leanne, of Fairfield; two grandsons, Gabe, of Norridgewock, Leon, of Fairfield; granddaughter, Taylor, of Norridgewock, plus numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Theldon (Bud) and Doris; sisters, Loretta, Carol and Patty; brothers, Theldon and Robert.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Teresa’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.

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

OTHERS DEPARTED

CHRISTOPHER M. WINSLOW, 45, of Londonderry, New Hampshire, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at his home. He was born in Waterville, and graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta. Locally, he is survived by his uncle Kelly Winslow and wife Jennifer and their children Makenzie and Camaron, all of Winslow

CHARLOTTE E. STEVENS, 94, of Augusta, passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2018, at the Augusta Center for Health & Rehabilitation. Locally, she is survived by a daughter Karen Stevens Willits, of Augusta, son Alan C. Stevens and wife Catherine Kimball, of Waterville, and brother Robert E. Clark and wife Barbara, of Jefferson.

EDWARD R. CARRELL, 87, of North Belgrade, passed away on Saturday, November 24, 2018, at MaineGeneral Long Term Care Facility at Glenridge Drive, in Auguata. Locally, he survived by a son, Robert Carrell and wife Linda, of Vassalboro.

IONA M. DONNELL, 90, of Augusta, passed away Thursday, November 29, 2018, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care at Glenridge. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Vickey Gray, of Windsor.

GEORGE W. CUMMINGS SR., 84, of Livermore Falls, passed away suddenly on Friday, November 30, 2018, at his home. Locally, he is survived by a daughter, Stacey Lynn Linehan and her husband Patrick, of Oakland.

JANET M. KOLLER, 74, of Clinton, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor. Locally, she is survived by her husband Charles Koller, of Clinton; children Richard Koller, of Clinton, Sanda McCausland and husband Craig, of Vassalboro, and Stephen Koller, of Clinton.

Police chief’s job description finally approved

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by Mary Grow

At their Dec. 6 meeting, Vassalboro selectmen finally approved the police chief’s job description they have been revising for the last couple months, with one final revision.

They also approved Town Manager Mary Sabins’ plan for a town staff pre-Christmas party.

Otherwise, they continued discussion of ongoing items, like emergency services dispatching, the role of the Budget Committee and potential solar power development and added a new – and expensive – topic, the Public Works Department’s aged grader and other needs.

The dispatching issue matters to emergency services in most Kennebec County municipalities because of proposed changes at the county and state level. Sabins expected to have more information for the selectmen’s Dec. 20 meeting, after a Kennebec County Commissioners’ meeting and a county town managers’ meeting at which she hopes the issue will be discussed.

At previous meetings, selectmen have been given preliminary information suggesting that in 2019-20 the cost of dispatching fire, rescue and police services could double, from about $30,000 a year to about $60,000 a year.

Public Works Foreman Eugene Field told selectmen the town’s 1991 grader needs a major repair that will cost around $23,000, plus $1,400 trucking to the repair shop, and should have another $5,000 to $10,000 worth of minor repairs while it’s being worked on.

A new grader would cost around $240,000, he said, a used one from $50,000 up, rental a little over $3,000 a week if a rental grader were available when the town crew needed it. Field and crew members use the grader for unpaved roads spring and fall, and it serves as a back-up for the plow trucks in case one breaks down.

Field also warned selectmen two large culverts need major work, either replacement or repair.

The discussion ended with selectmen commenting that Fields’ problems are even more expensive than the dispatching services they’ve been worrying about.

Budget Committee Chairman Rick Denico asked how that committee’s role is defined, pointing out that last year’s pre-town-meeting discussions strayed into policy issues, like considering whether to abolish the local police department rather than merely how much it should cost.

Vassalboro residents apparently established the committee many years ago without a job description or other rules, Sabins said.

Board member John Melrose has been looking into the possibility of installing solar panels on the roof of the Riverside Fire Station. He said he received one proposal that afternoon.

Melrose suggested selectmen ask town meeting voters for authorization to proceed with exploring the topic. If voters approve, he wants to look into more than one option, as competition appears to be developing.

The next regular Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, Dec. 20.

Selectmen vote to not appeal decision on property

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by Mary Grow

The four China selectmen at a Dec. 5 special meeting voted unanimously not to appeal a legal decision involving a property on Three Mile Pond.

Town office staff foreclosed on the property because of unpaid 2015 taxes. Owner Stacey O’Connor filed suit claiming she was not properly notified of the impending foreclosure. Kennebec County Superior Court Justice William Stokes upheld her position.

Town Manager Dennis Heath explained to selectmen that initial notices went to an address in Maine. After O’Connor notified the town that she now lives in Arizona, a subsequent notice was sent by certified mail to her Arizona address and was returned unclaimed. Office staff therefore used the Maine address for the final notice; it too was returned to the town.

Town Clerk Rebecca Hapgood testified at an earlier hearing that she also sent two notices to the Arizona address by regular mail. Neither was returned to the town. In her experience, Hapgood said, people are more likely to pick up regular mail for which they do not have to sign.

Justice Stokes, citing Maine Law Court decisions, ruled that the town should have used certified mail sent to the Arizona address, even though it appeared not to have worked, in order to satisfy legal requirements for foreclosure with the strictness required by law.

Town office staff acted in good faith, Stokes wrote. But state statute requires strict compliance, and strict compliance meant sending a notice to the last known address – Arizona – by certified mail. He therefore voided the foreclosure.

Heath said the law does not require proof that a notice was received, but merely evidence that it was sent in proper form. Henceforth, he said, town office staff will follow the form.

The manager said O’Connor will be given 30 days to redeem the property by paying 2015 taxes and charges.

Selectman Ronald Breton interrupted discussion of the O’Connor case to ask whether it was proper for board Chairman Robert MacFarland, who was absent, to have appointed Jeffrey LaVerdiere acting chairman. The board responded by electing LaVerdiere chairman for the meeting.

Since then Breton has proposed creating a selectmen’s ordinance that would cover issues like choice of a temporary chairman. Board members voted unanimously after the November election that Robert’s Rules of Order will govern their proceedings.

Selectmen adopt mailbox policy; ask for opt out on business equipment tax

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by Mary Grow

China selectmen made numerous decisions as they went through a long and varied agenda at their Dec. 10 meeting, and still have topics left over for future discussion.

They unanimously adopted the mailbox policy discussed at their Nov. 26 meeting, which sets standards for placing mailboxes along state and town roads and says that if a plow truck damages a mailbox, the owner, not the town, is responsible (see this article from Nov. 29).

They unanimously approved Town Manager Dennis Heath’s wording of a resolution to the Maine legislature asking that municipalities be allowed to opt out of collecting personal property taxes on business equipment, an action authorized by voters in November (see this article from Nov. 8).

Heath’s request emphasized the personal property tax as a disincentive to business in Maine and urged legislators to promote business by amending state law to make collecting it optional.

Selectmen appointed Rebecca Hapgood to two positions that she already fills, human resources director for an indefinite term and registrar of voters for two years beginning Jan. 1, 2019.

They approved hiring Dawn Kilgore, of Sidney, as secretary to the planning board and board of appeals. Heath said Tracy Cunningham, who has been the frequently-commended planning board secretary, is resigning the position.

Selectmen reviewed Heath’s rankings of four candidates for the new position of apprentice to the codes officer and authorized him to offer the position to the highest-ranked.

The apprentice will work 18 hours a week, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at a pay rate of $15 an hour, and will be on probation for the first six months, Heath said. When the idea of an apprentice was proposed, he or she was seen as a potential successor to Codes Officer Paul Mitnik when Mitnik is ready to retire.

Heath wants to replace the current across-the-board annual raises for town employees with merit raises and bonuses. As a step in that direction, he asked for and received selectmen’s approval for $2,400 in holiday bonuses.

The manager is also revising China’s personnel policy, with input from town employees. Selectmen scheduled a special workshop meeting on the policy changes, which need their approval, for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27.

Another change Heath recommended was sending his draft of the 2019-2020 budget to the budget committee by mid-January and having the budget committee forward it to selectmen, instead of starting with the selectmen as in past years. After discussion of the reversal and of the pre-March-town-meeting timetable, Selectman Jeffrey LaVerdiere suggested, and his colleagues and Heath agreed, that the two boards should review the proposed budget simultaneously and hope they reach the same recommendations.

The next regular China selectmen’s meeting is currently scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 21, because it would normally have fallen on Christmas Eve. By then Heath hopes to have more information on the extended warranty on the public works department’s new Ventrac tractor, which public works head Gary Cummings expects will be delivered before Christmas.

Give Us Your Best Shot! Week of December 13, 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!

NICE LOOKING FELLA: Logan Parker, of North Palermo, snapped this black-capped chickadee looking at its reflection in a puddle of water.

 

COOLING HOT FEET: These two bald eagles seem to be cooling their feet in China Lake, as captured by Michael Bilinsky, of China Village.

 

LATE SEASON FRUIT: Joan Chaffee, of Clinton, photographed this robin taking advantage of some late season fruit.

Remembering Katiebug: A short, bright local light

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Katie with her older sister, Julia, at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, in Portland, during one of Katie’s many hospital visits this past year. (Contributed photo)

by Eric W. Austin

A child’s death, even when expected, is never easy.

“We’ve always lived with the idea that it could happen,” Sarah Watson, of Vassalboro, tells me. It’s November 6. Outside, the rain is coming down in torrents. It’s been two weeks since the death of Sarah’s daughter, Katie. She was 19.

“Even though you live with the possibility, it’s still shocking when it does happen,” she says. “We thought we had gotten past everything this summer, so even though we were prepared for it, we weren’t.”

Katherine Grace Christina White – Katie or Katiebug to everyone who knew her – was a fighter from the moment of her conception. She had to be. While still in utero, doctors diagnosed her with acute spina bifida, a condition where the neural tube in the developing baby, which later becomes the central nervous system, does not form properly, resulting in part of the spinal cord growing outside the bony canal which normally protects it. The result is often full or partial paralysis.

Further, little Katie suffered from another fetal developmental defect that is commonly associated with spina bifida, Arnold Chiari Type II malformation, which occurs when the lower part of the brain, the cerebellum and the brain stem, extend beyond the base of the skull, impeding the flow of excess spinal fluid, leading to a build-up of fluid on the brain.

She wasn’t expected to live beyond the age of five.

“It was bad,” Sarah recalls. “She had paralysis. Along with that is, usually, hydrocephalus – which is fluid on the brain.”

Katie’s first year of life was touch and go. The surgical shunts inserted to drain the excess fluid and relieve pressure on her brain became infected. The trauma that resulted caused damage which stunted her cognitive development. “So,” her mother explains, “she was kind of stuck in that Sesame Street stage.”

But woe to anyone that might suggest these tragic beginnings should dictate the rest of her life. Through all her struggles, Katie displayed an infectious optimism which often lifted up the rest of her family.

“Even when she was in pain, even when she had an infection that would make any of us miserable, she was always smiling, saying ‘Hi!’ and giving everyone hugs,” Sarah remembers. “Her ability to be happy through the worst stuff was ridiculous. We would look at her and think, ‘I have no reason to be in a bad mood, because look at everything she’s dealing with, and she’s happy.’ That always taught me so much, because it’s so easy to get into the mentality of ‘Poor me! Why me?’ – all those things. But when you see this kiddo, who’s fighting for her life and still happy as hell, you think, ‘I need to check myself.’”

Katie loved the PBS children’s program Sesame Street. “She loved Elmo,” Sarah says, with her first real smile of the interview. “Gawd, this kid! She could literally mimic his laugh – it was so funny. She was just so happy all the time. So easy to please. People would say, ‘Oh, but her quality of life’ – and I’m like, are you kidding me? This kid was happy all the time. She had people that loved her; she was well-cared for. She really had the best quality of life.”

The last year of Katie’s life was a difficult one though. “I could have lost her years ago,” Sarah says quietly, almost to herself. “She’s been fragile all her life. We’ve been really lucky to have her as healthy as she was, to have kept her out of the hospital.”

It started with a bowel obstruction last fall. That quickly led to a blood infection which in turn led to a shunt infection. She was in and out of the hospital all year. Then in October, on another mad ambulance dash down to Portland’s Maine Medical Center, she suffered a seizure and became unresponsive. She hung on just long enough for her sister, Julia, who is attending college in New Jersey, to rush home to hold her hand and say good-bye.

The night of Katie’s passing, Sarah and her husband, Tyler, grabbing a quick dinner after an exhausting day at the hospital, talked about how to honor Katie’s memory. Sarah’s first inclination had been to donate her daughter’s organs. She hoped in that way some of the happiness Katie had brought into the world would continue after her. When the doctors told her it would not be possible because of the blood infections Katie had suffered in the last months of her life, Sarah was crushed. That night at dinner, the couple searched for another idea.

“I want to start a foundation to fund medical equipment for sick kids,” Sarah said suddenly. Tyler smiled. “That’s a great idea,” he agreed immediately. “Let’s do that!”

One of the on-going struggles of Katie’s life – and that of her parents’ – was the constant fight with insurance companies to cover needed care. For the past two years, the family had been trying to gain approval for the purchase of a new hospital bed for Katie. The bed she had was nearly as old as she was and, according to her mother, “being held together by zip ties.” It was so ancient, in fact, that the parts needed for repair could no longer be ordered.

Sarah and Tyler decided the best way to honor Katie’s memory was to help other parents avoid those same kinds of stressful encounters. They set up a GoFundMe webpage to begin raising money and scheduled an appointment with an attorney to get to work setting up a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

The response to her GoFundMe campaign was surprising and swift. Friends and family, neighbors and co-workers rallied behind her. A tweet she sent out around election day went viral. It was retweeted nearly 3,000 times (including by actress Patricia Arquette) and garnered more than 12,000 likes. As of this writing, they have raised $8,820 of their initial goal of $10,000, with another $5,000 promised by a private donor once the foundation is set up.

The meeting with the lawyer, on the other hand, was a bit of a wake-up call. “Honestly,” Sarah told me afterwards, “the process is daunting and expensive. I have to form a board of directors if I want to have tax exempt status, and it has to be non-familial, which makes it more difficult than I expected.”

But one thing parents of disabled children have in abundance is determination. “Katie overcame obstacles every single day of her life and she did it with a smile,” Sarah Watson insisted fiercely. “For me to give up because it got tough would be the opposite of what she embodied.”

The Watson family aims to have the Katherine G. White Foundation up and running by the end of the year. Local parents of disabled children looking for financial help, those wanting to donate to the cause or get involved are encouraged to contact them by email at KGWFoundation@gmail.com. They are also currently looking for conscientious community members to serve on the foundation’s board of directors.

After spending nearly 20 years raising a disabled child of her own, I asked Sarah if she had any advice to pass on to parents in a similar situation.

“Don’t ever give up,” she tells me. “If you run into a wall, get a sledgehammer. If there isn’t a way, if it doesn’t exist, create it. Nurses are your best friends, and nobody has your best interests at heart more than you do. Learn to question. Demand a second opinion. Be your own advocate.”

Where does Sarah Watson get the determination and strength to keep on keepin’ on in the face of so much adversity? Why, from Katie, of course. “Her determination and happiness,” Sarah says, “even when she was sick, were such an inspiration.”

Eric W. Austin writes about technology and community issues. He can be reached by email at ericwaustin@gmail.com.

Learning the game of hockey

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Photo by Mark Huard, Owner Central Maine Photography

The Central Maine Youth Hockey Association Learn to Play program is helping youngsters learn how to skate and play. The program takes place at Colby College, in Waterville, and has been a great success for upcoming hockey players in Central Maine.

Photo by Mark Huard, Owner Central Maine Photography

Legal Notices, Week of December 6, 2018

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STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
COURT ST.,
SKOWHEGAN, ME
SOMERSET, ss
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
18-A MRSA sec. 3-801

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the estates noted. The first publication date of this notice December 6, 2018

If you are a creditor of an estate listed below, you must present your claim within four months of the first publication date of this Notice to Creditors by filing a written statement of your claim on a proper form with the Register of Probate of this Court or by delivering or mailing to the Personal Representative listed below at the address published by his name, a written statement of the claim indicating the basis therefore, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed or in such other manner as the law may provide. See 18-A MRSA 3-804.

2018-229 – Estate of LILLIAM M. MERRILL, late of Anson, Me, deceased. Eddie Welch, 15 Warren Hill Road, Belgrade, Me 04917 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-326 – Estate of RICHARD I. HUNT, JR., late of Fairfield, Me deceased. David F. Hunt, 59 Nyes Corner Drive, Fairfield, Me 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-328 – Estate of E. JOYCE DIPIETRO, late of Solon, Me deceased. Anna Hupper, 171 French Hill Road, Solon, Maine 04979.

2018-329 – Estate of JEFFREY P. POMERLEAU, late of Madison, Me deceased, Patricia Ouellette, 895 Beckwith Road, Cornville, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-330 – Estate of DAVID L. MITCHELL, late of Madison, Me deceased. Lester and Mary Tomlinson of 166 Golf Course Road, Madison, Maine 04950 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2018-331 – Estate of LEON EARL NASON, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Deanna L. Nason, 110 Bigelow Hill Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-332 – Estate of CATHY MARIE LASLOW, late of Anson, Me deceased. Sheila A. Laslow, 23 Cutler Ave., Apt 4, Hampton, NH 03842 and Michael L. Laslow, 67 Hennessey Road, Industry, Me 04938 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2018-333 – Estate of JOANNE P. RENDELL, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Carl Edward Rendell, 492 River Road, Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-335 – Estate of GAGE ARTHUR WEEKS, late of Canaan, Me 04924 deceased. Harry D. Weeks, 14 Stoney Park Drive, Canaan, Me 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-336 – Estate of CATHERINE AURIEMMA, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Lisa Auriemma, 21 Newhall Street, Fairfield, Me 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-338 – Estate of GRACE M. DODDGE, late of Detroit, Me deceased. Michael A. Dodge, 950 Hartland Road, Canaan, Me 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on December 6 & 13, 2018.
Dated: December 3, 2018 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(12/13)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
41 COURT ST.
SOMERSET, ss
SKOWHEGAN, ME
PROBATE NOTICES

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ESTATES LISTED BELOW

Notice is hereby given by the respective petitioners that they have filed petitions for appointment of personal representatives in the following estates. These matters will be heard at 10 a.m. or as soon thereafter as they may be December 19, 2018. The requested appointments may be made on or after the hearing date if no sufficient objection be heard. This notice complies with the requirements of 18-A MRSA §3-403 and Probate Rule 4.

2018-305 – Estate of NICHOLAS R. OUELLETTE, JR., minor of Fairfield, Me. Petition for Appointment of Guardian of Minor filed by Judith A. Smith, 1 Adams Road, Fairfield, Me 04937.

THIS NOTICE IS ESPECIALLY DIRECTED TO NICHOLAS R. OUELLETTE, SR., of address unknown.

2018-304 – Estate of JOHN M. OUELLETTE, minor of Fairfield, Me. Petition for Appointment of Guardian of Minor filed by Judith A. Smith 1 Adams Road, Fairfield, Me 04937.

THIS NOTICE IS ESPECIALLY DIRECTED TO NICHOLAS R. OUELLETTE, SR., of address unknown.

2018-337 – Estate of CYNTHIA ANN CURRIER, adult of Skowhegan, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Cynthia Ann Currier, 48 Water Street, Suite 1, Skowhegan, Me 04976 requesting her name be changed to Cynthia Ann Sinclair for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: December 3, 2018 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(12/13)

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Christmas memories

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by Debbie Walker

I had it all figured out, what I would do for my column this week. In fact, it is about half typed and waiting its turn, but it won’t be this week.

I don’t even remember what was said that sent me back in time for a blast of the past, but I’m happy it did.

Great Grammie Smith lived across the road from us in a little bitty trailer, 30 feet of snug. I loved it, that tiny home.

I absolutely adored Gram. I sat by her poor arthritic feet with her running her crippled fingers through my hair. She had the softest touch. I know how lucky I was to have her in my life, in fact, until I was 18 and I know how unusual that is.

All of that to tell you about my 12th Christmas. I had found a teal colored (unusual color for back then) pants suit in the Sears catalog. I was in love and immediately started my campaign for it. I tormented Mom and she finally told me it wasn’t happening that year. Well, look out Gram, here I come.

And I did torment Grammie. I knew Mom didn’t order that suit, but there was a chance Gram might. Every day, I went over to Gram’s. I’d go wake her up and then I’d start searching her little trailer until she came out of the bedroom. I would be sitting in her rocking chair that she always sat in. I had hunted every nook and corner and NOTHING!

Christmas came and Dad went over to bring Grammie back to see us kids open our presents. We did; we opened our gifts and of course I was getting worried that my begging had not worked. Well, Dad pulled out a package from under the tree and it was a gift from Grammie to me. I opened it and oh my goodness, my SUIT! As soon as I realized what it was, Grammie laughed right out loud. She had put one over on me and she was still chuckling when she told me she knew I searched that trailer. She was so proud as she told me I had sat on my wonderful suit for weeks, it was under Grams cushion.

She was never to let me forget my ordeal. She always chuckled when she thought of it.

I’m just curious if any of this reminded you of any of your family’s experiences. I would love to hear the stories. Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com. Thanks for reading and please check out the changes to our website.

Going on a Christmas Tree Walk

On a weekend day after Thanksgiving our family always went on the Christmas Tree Walk. Naturally, Dad had done hours of walking throughout the year and he knew where he was walking his Christmas tree hunters this year.

We got bundles up in snowsuits, boots, hats and mittens. Of course, by the time we were ready to go out the door one of us (three of us that year) would need to make a potty visit; it never failed.

Finally, bundled and out the door, off we’d go marching across the yard and trudging through the field headed towards the woods. You have to understand the “trudging” gets tiring pretty quickly to the littlest of us. (Sled for youngest the next year!)

To put the ‘walk’ into perspective, I believe it is safe to say it may have been about the inside length of the Waterville Wal-Mart.

You guessed it, about the time we made it a few feet inside the tree line the younger ones were done in. Dad chopped the tree down, dragging it with his one hand and the other arm was used to carry Blake, Mom carried Lyn and I carried the ax, carefully, of course.

Once in the house, winter clothing discarded, we waited for our treat of hot (real) cocoa that Dad would make and we added the marshmallows.

Another successful Christmas Tree Walk was complete.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Christmas at the Brooklyn Tabernacle

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The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Christmas at the Brooklyn Tabernacle

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and Singers, with the London Studio Orchestra; Warner Alliance 9460042, CD, recorded 1995.

Brooklyn, New York’s Tabernacle church has this very good choir as part of its weekly services and worldwide ministry. This cd is one that should please those who enjoy the group’s singing.

The following list of five CDs feature the alto saxophone of the jazz musician Lee Konitz, with comments at the end. 1. Subconscious – Lee, Prestige 0JCCD1862./ 2. Konitz Meets Mulligan, Pacific Jazz. CDP7468472./ 3. Jazz at Storyville, Black Lion BLCD760901./ 4. The Real Lee Konitz, Collectables COLCD6370./ 5. Another Shade of Blue, Blue Note 7234982222.

Still living and, as far as I know, active musically, Lee Konitz had a strong influence on the alto saxophonists Paul Desmond and Art Pepper, although Konitz was younger than both of them. He and Charlie Parker were good friends but he was his own man, whereas other altoists fell under Parker’s Sway. I really like his combination of intelligence, vibrant musicianship and beauty.

The five titles, in addition to more than 200 other ones, attest to his productivity for over 70 years. For reasons of space here, those curious check further on my five very recommended choices.