Obituaries for Thursday, July 25, 2019

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BRENDA E. McKAY

OAKLAND – Brenda E. McKay, 70, passed away in her beloved home on Snow Pond in Oakland, the morning of November 3, 2018, following a 10-month-long fight with pancreatic cancer, in Augusta, and then Boston. She was born in Farmington on March 28, 1948, the daughter of Edward and Katherine Pillsbury.

Brenda graduated from Farmington High School, Farmington, in 1966 and Eastern Nazarene College, Quincy, Massachusetts, in 1970 with a degree in teaching. After graduation Brenda received her first teaching assignment and it was not for the faint of heart. A one room schoolhouse teaching first through sixth grade in the very rural town of West Forks. Across the street from the school was a family’s home which the local postmaster lived and worked out of the front. The postmaster and Brenda became quick friends; she was Joan McKay. When Joan’s son came home from the Navy after graduating from flight school as a Naval pilot in September 1970, Joan told Bill he must meet the local “school Marm” teaching in the same room Bill had attended years before. Joan told Bill that Brenda was from the Farmington area and since Bill had graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington before enlisting in the Navy, he figured he must have made her acquaintance at some point. Bill walked right into the classroom, disrupting Brenda’s lesson. She said, “Can I help you?” He looked at her and said, “Huh, I guess I don’t know you…” and walked out. The rest is history as they soon started dating and were married on October 21, 1972, and had 42 wonderful years of marriage until Bill’s passing in September 2014.

Brenda’s family and friends meant everything to her and she was always there for them with an ear to listen, shoulder to lean on, the warmest smile, cheek pinch, hug, infectious laugh and, oh, did she love to hoot at a sports game and tell a joke, and even if she messed up the punchline or the joke wasn’t that funny you just had to laugh because she was just that cute. She was simply the best, most loving, God fearing wife, mother and friend anyone could have ever asked for.

She is survived by her son, Cameron McKay and wife Jessica, and their children, Rylee, Grace and William; her daughter, Katherine McKay and her two children, Brooke and Ross, all of Oakland; her brother, Roger Pillsbury and sisters, Diane Mosher, Debbie Grant and a predeceased brother, Ferran.

Her extended family consisted of dear friends, from her sisters-in-law, local friends of Maine, and her college friends, forever to be named the “Ogunquit Girls,” although they had spread their wings from Ogunquit in more recent years, and you all know who you are, what your friendships meant and how forever grateful Brenda was for all of you.

A graveside burial where Brenda’s ashes will be placed by her husband’s will be held in Bingham, on Route 201, right on the river at 10 a.m., on Sunday, August 11. There will be a celebration of life following at T and B’s Banquet Center, in Skowhegan, on Route 201 from noon – 2 p.m., where refreshments will be served.

JUDITH A. TURMELLE

FAIRFIELD – Judith A. Turmelle, 73, passed away Friday, July 12, 2019, at her home, in Fairfield. She was born November 10, 1945, in Waterville, the daughter of Alphonse and Adele (Dube) Turmelle.

She attended Immaculate Heart of Mary School and graduated from Lawrence High School, both in Fairfield, in 1963. She was employed at Huhtamaki (formerly Keyes Fibre), in Waterville, from 1967 to 2011 when she retired after 44 years, to spend time with her family. She was also a bookkeeper, then worked for the Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville. Judith was a member of the USW Paper Workers Union and enjoyed spending time with her two cats, “the little ones,” Hunter and Austin, spending time and talking to her granddaughter, Bella and daughter, Jaimie.

Judith is survived by her daughter, Jaimie Turmelle, of Exeter, New Hampshire; granddaughter, Bella Garland, of Exeter, New Hampshire; three sisters, Antoinette Duguay and husband Albert, and Juliette Thomas, all of Fairfield, and Jeanette Michaud and husband Andrew, of Biddeford.

She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Turmelle and wife Dorothy; brother-in-law, David Thomas.

A graveside service will be held Friday, July 26, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Francis Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville, followed by a gathering at 29 Savage Street, Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Judith’s memory c/o Jaimie Turmelle, 7 Adler Street, Exeter, New Hampshire 03833.

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

LEON N. ADAMS

BENTON – Leon N. Adams, 91, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2019, at Northern Light Inland Hospital, in Waterville. He was born April 2, 1928, in Benton, the son of Leon C. and Mildred (Nightingale) Adams.

He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the U. S. Army during the Korean War until his honorable discharge. He was employed for many years as a Mill Wright/Carpenter Union. He was a member of the American Legion, Masons, Scottish Rites, Shriners, and Elks #905, Waterville. Leon participated in the Farmers Market at the Two-Cent Bridge, in Waterville, and volunteered at the Fairfield Food Bank. He enjoyed trapping and hunting.

Leon is survived by his children, Rebecca Adams Kudagama, Martha Adams Hall, Anthony Adams, Beth Adams Sylvester and husband Richard; grandchildren, Chad Doyon, John Doyon, Matthew Sylvester, Micheal Corson, Joshua Sylvester, Ashely Hall, Tiffanie Adams; many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Jean (Cram) Adams and son, Otis Adams.

A Celebration of Life will be held August 1, 2019, at 2 p.m., at Brown Memorial Methodist Church, in Clinton. Private graveside service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Leon’s memory to Maine Trapper’s, Central Maine Chapter, CMC, C/O Dan McAllister, 54 Patterson Road, Hampden, ME 04444.

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

DAVID P. STEWART

ALBION – David Paul Stewart, 72, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2019, at the Togus Hospice House after having fought a courageous battle with cancer. David was born on August 12, 1946 in Lewiston, the son of Paul Stewart Sr. and Wilma (Clark) Stewart.

David attended schools in East Thorndike and Brooks. David returned to night school later in life and earned his GED. David loved to go the local store and play pool and talk to his friends. David coached both his sons when playing baseball. He also liked to attend the local stock car races.

David served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany. It was during basic training he met his best friend, Carl McCue, and later married Carl’s sister, Mary. David owned a business spraying barns and roadsides for pest control. David became a self-employed poultry farmer in 1981 until 1997, when he became disabled. David belonged to the American Legion, in Unity.

David leaves behind his wife, Mary, whom he was married to for 45 years. David also has two sons and a daughter. Heidi Wilson and husband, Steve Wilson; grandson, Andrew Stewart, and great-grandchildren, Abby and Cody; Michael Stewart and wife, Nicole Stewart, grandchildren, Abbi, Sage, Ashtynn, Ryan and Mikey; Shaun Stewart and wife, Suzette and grandchildren, Ethan, Nathan and Jacob and Erica Stewart and Chip Clapperton, of Fairfield. He also has a brother, Paul Stewart Jr. and wife, Laura, nieces, Samantha and Jessica and nephew, Nick; nephews, Kurt Parker and wife Kerri, and Randy Parker and wife Holly.

David was predeceased by his mother, Wilma and father, Paul; and a sister, Linda Parker and husband Jerry Parker.

A celebration of life will be held on July 27, at 1 p.m. at the Benjamin Berry Legion Hall, in Unity. Burial with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. on August 12, at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery on the Mt. Vernon Road, in Augusta.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the surviving spouse or American Legion, Benjamin Berry Post #50, Unity, Maine 04988.

OTHERS DEPARTED

MARILYN C. GIROUX, 91, of Smithfield, passed away on Friday July 12, 2019. Locally, she is survived by a granddaughter, Stephanie Giroux Bouchard and husband Ryan, of Waterville, and grandson Anthony Giroux and his wife Meghan, of Winslow.

SHIRLEY I. MARDEN, 91, of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Sharon and husband Bob, of Winslow; brother-in-law, Donald Marden and wife Anne, of Oakland, and stepmother, Cathy Marshall, of Waterville.

LOCAL TIES

DEBORAH A. COTTER, 51, of Washington, DC, a former Waterville resident, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 17, 2019, at her home. She was a graduate of Oak Grove-Coburn School, in Vassalboro, receiving the headmaster’s award. Following graduation from Wells College, in Aurora, New York, she worked her entire career starting with U.S. Senator George J. Mitchell, and then moving on after his retirement to the office of the Senate Historian, the National Archives and then to the nonprofit sector.

CHINA: Selectmen postpone excavator decision for fourth time

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by Mary Grow

“We’ll make a decision shortly, Shawn,” China Selectboard Chairman Robert MacFarland promised Public Works Manager Shawn Reed as selectmen for the fourth time postponed action on his recommendation that they buy an excavator for the town.

Reed first made the suggestion at the June 10 selectmen’s meeting. There were follow-up discussions at the June 24 meeting and July 8 meetings; by then Reed had a specific proposal with a price, and the town had a contract to rent an excavator for 2019-2020. Selectmen asked Reed to find out how long the dealer would hold the price.

At the July 22 meeting, Reed and Town Manager Dennis Heath reported Chadwick-BaRoss will hold the price on the Volvo machine Reed favors until Dec.1, but will not promise to hold the machine if someone else wants it. Two of the three selectmen present were initially willing to approve the purchase, but eventually all three voted to postpone a decision until a full board is present.

They were more decisive on another public works issue, approving Heath’s recommendation to spend almost $10,000 of the 2019-2020 maintenance budget for tools so that new employee Josh Crommett can take over much of the work that’s been done by private garages.

Heath also recommends buying a software program to track maintenance records. He is looking for the program most suited to China’s needs.

He said Crommett has already done five jobs on town vehicles and estimated a $1,500 savings, counting Crommett’s pay as part of the cost.

Reed reported he rented a second excavator for one day’s ditching work, a large machine with a two-ton hammer for breaking up ledge. China’s crew used to blast ledge, which he said was much more expensive.

The public works department continues to deal with beavers, Reed said. The current major problem is that they have blocked the new six-foot culvert on Bog Brook Road.

Replying to a question from MacFarland, Reed said China is buying road salt but no sand for next winter, expecting the current sandpile to last another two or three years. The state Department of Transportation (MDOT) offers annual training on salting roads with minimum risk of contaminating groundwater or surface water. Selectman Irene Belanger asked if China has salt contamination insurance; Heath will investigate.

In another related matter, Heath reported on negotiations with the MDOT about turning over the Weeks Mills Road to the town. The current proposal is that the state will pay for this year’s resurfacing before the transfer.

In other business July 22, board members unanimously chose Belanger as one of China’s representatives to the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments. Belanger invites anyone interested in serving as the second representative to get in touch with her to discuss the position.

Town Clerk Rebecca Hapgood commended staff member Kelly Grotton for her work organizing the annual China Community Days celebration, scheduled for Aug. 2, 3 and 4. The Community Days schedule is on the town website and on paper at the town office and other public places.

Hapgood praised summer intern Hannah Kutschinski for her skills and attitude.

Heath said the revolving loan fund to provide bridge loans for China business owners from the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund is in operation. The TIF Committee will meet Monday evening, July 29. Its duties include reviewing loan applications.

TIF Committee member Tom Michaud complained that the guardrails along the head of China Lake east of the new causeway bridge were not removed as he recommended so that participants in the Community Days fishing derby could reach the water. The guardrails are part of the first phase of a TIF project to build the new bridge and improve access to the lake for recreation.

Heath said the project engineer recommended against removal because of potential liability; instead, openings were made. Michaud fears the openings might present new hazards.

The next regular China selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, Aug. 5.

VASSALBORO: Money is topic at selectmen’s meeting

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by Mary Grow

At their July 18 meeting, Vassalboro selectmen talked about money (funding for the Vassalboro Sanitary District [VSD] expansion and buying a police car) and people (creating a new town solar committee and appointing its members, a change in codes officers and a neighborhood dispute).

Richard Green of Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, engineers for the VSD project to connect Vassalboro’s sewer system to the Winslow-Waterville one, gave selectmen an estimated budget, including estimated sewer user fees.

Planned costs for the connection total $7.768 million, but Green hopes it will come in under budget. The money will come from federal and state grants and loans and from Vassalboro’s TIF fund. Green’s budget showed $290,000 in TIF money already granted and, he said, mostly spent. Selectmen said VSD officials asked for another $120,000 (see The Town Line, June 20).

Green said the plan for the future is to use town money for three purposes:

  • Helping homeowners who will now have the sewer line available pay the estimated average $5,000 to connect to it, including running a pipe from the street to the house and rearranging internal plumbing;
  • Providing the reserve fund required by one of the federal loans; and
  • Creating an annuity account to help offset debt service costs.

His report estimates the average annual user fee at $1,382, although he said the figure will be affected by many variables, including operating costs and annual charges from the town of Winslow once the system is operating and how many new users sign up.

Also, he said, using TIF dollars as planned could save each user about $50 annually.

Green estimated about 30 houses along about another 3,000 feet of Route 32 in North Vassalboro will be able to connect; Duratherm Window also intends to hook in, he said. No homeowner is required to connect unless his or her septic system fails. The more users, the lower the fee will be per user.

Selectmen thought the cost to users too high; Board Chairman Lauchlin Titus feared some residents’ sewer fees would be higher than their property tax bills. Green called his figures probably a worst-case scenario, with costs likely to be lower than expected and revenue perhaps to be higher.

After discussion, board members appropriated another $100,000 from the TIF fund to the sewer project on a 2-1 vote, with Titus and Robert Browne approving and John Melrose, who argued for a lower figure, opposed. They propose considering funding again in a year when VSD officials will have more complete information.

Town Manager Mary Sabins said the TIF fund had almost $144,000 available. Resident Michael Poulin again urged selectmen to expand the development projects for which TIF money can be used. It is currently limited to the sewer expansion and the Alewife Restoration Project (ARI); Poulin would like capital improvements at the transfer station added, and perhaps an improved outhouse at the East Vassalboro boat landing (see The Town Line, June 20, 2019, p. 3, and July 11, p.4). Selectmen asked Sabins to consult the state Department of Economic and Community Development, which sets rules for using TIF funds.

On another financial issue, Police Chief Mark Brown, asked to investigate options for the new police car voters authorized at the June town meeting, brought selectmen a recommendation for an SUV from Quirk Ford, in Augusta, for $36,303, less than the amount voters approved. Selectmen accepted Brown’s recommendation unanimously. They agreed to decide on financing later, as Brown said, delivery will be 12 to 14 weeks after the order is placed.

The newly-created Solar Study Committee is to be charged with recommending a company to install a solar generating system to serve several town buildings, again as authorized by town meeting voters. After considering residents who expressed interest, had relevant experience or both, selectmen appointed Donald Breton, Arthur Kingdon, Barbara Redmond, John Reuthe and Clough Toppan to the committee, hoping all will agree to serve.

Selectmen also appointed Patricia King a new member of the Conservation Commission.

Sabins reported that Codes Officer Richard Dolby has resigned, effective in mid-August, and will be succeeded by former Codes Officer Paul Mitnik, who resigned from his position in China at the end of June. Mitnik had already been hired by the town of Wayne, to whose officials he has given notice.

The Priest Hill Road neighborhood dispute comes under Dolby’s and/or Mitnik’s jurisdiction. Alan Johnston attended the selectmen’s meeting to complain about unlicensed vehicles, old trailers and other items he considers junk on Howard Crosby’s property across the road. He wants Vassalboro’s junkyard ordinance enforced. Later, Crosby and his wife Joanne told board members they are willing to get rid of things as weather and their resources permit.

The next regular Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, Aug. 15. At either that meeting or a special August meeting to be announced they intend to set the 2019-2020 tax rate so bills can be mailed out. The first of four quarterly tax payments will be due Monday, Sept. 23.

Easton camp property receives China LakeSmart award

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Marie Michaud, left, China’s LakeSmart coordinator, presents Bonnie Easton McGann, with a LakeSmart award at the China Lake Association annual meeting on July 20. (photo courtesy of Elaine Philbrook)

Family-owned camp since 1937

Glen H Easton purchased this property on Killdeer Point in 1937. He was the supervising naval officer assigned at Bath Iron works in those days. The camp was well built boasting a lovely cathedral ceiling. Bonnie Easton McGann, oldest of the 9 grandchildren, continues to shares family ownership of the camp.

Of particular lake friendly buffers on the Easton Camp property are the deep natural canopy of tall trees at the lake front and the 40-foot deep stand of hemlock trees that are kept trimmed to ensure that the Easton family can enjoy a nice view of the lake.

Effective water front buffers protect our lake from harmful runoff and can allow a nice view of the lake!

LakeSmart Volunteers are available to provide suggestions to lake front property owner to help protect the lake. If you are interested in having a LakeSmart Volunteer visit your property or would like more information about a visit, please contact Marie Michaud at ChinaLakeSmart@gmail.com.

Give Us Your Best Shot! Week of July 25, 2019

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To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@fairpoint.net!

GOT AN ITCH?: While walking her favorite trail in Winslow, Tina Richard, of Clinton, captured this eagle taking care of an itch.

FREQUENT VISITORS: Rachel and Will Kahn, of the Neck Rd., in China, have had these two porcupines visiting them for the past few weeks.

China Lake Association holds annual meeting

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Members listen to Matthew Scott, director of the Maine Lakes Society, at the China Lake Association annual meeting on July 20. (photo by Eric W. Austin)

Members hear about lake restoration from director of Maine Lakes Society

by Eric W. Austin

“We’re part of the problem,” Matthew Scott, the keynote speaker at this year’s China Lake Association annual meeting, told an audience of about 40 people on Saturday, July 20. “We’re also part of the solution.”

Matthew Scott, a director at Maine Lakes Society, was the keynote speaker at this years China Lake Associations annual meeting. (photo by Eric Austin)

His talk was entitled, “All Maine Lakes Are Vulnerable, Some More than Others.” Matthew Scott is the founder and past president of the North American Lake Management Society, and former chairman of the Maine Board of Environmental Protection. Currently, he serves as a Director for the Maine Lakes Society. He has been studying the health of Maine’s lakes since 1959.

Prior to 1970, China Lake was a clear, blue-water lake teeming with salmon and trout. Over the next decade, however, the China area experienced a population explosion and, along with it, a period of high — and mostly unregulated — rural development. Pollution from new construction, poor septic standards and runoff from agricultural production resulted in a change in the chemical make-up of China Lake. Phosphorous levels rose and dissolved oxygen levels fell.

As a result, in 1982 China Lake experienced its first algae bloom. An algae bloom is a rapid explosion in the growth of algae as a result of high levels of nutrients in the water.

Other lakes around the state would later experience similar changes for similar reasons, but China Lake was the first, and it gave its name to the new phenomenon, which came to be called “the China Lake Syndrome.”

Beyond the unsightly appearance, high levels of algae in the lake have other consequences. As the algae dies, it sinks to the bottom and starts to decay. The bacteria that aid in the process of decomposition suck oxygen out of the water. This impacts the populations of fish living in the lake, especially those species which prefer the high oxygen content of the dark, cool depths in the deepest parts of the lake, like trout and salmon. These species, once so common, began to disappear from the lake.

Dying algae can cause another problem as well – poisonous water. “What happens is that the algae die,” says Scott, “and when they die they release an endotoxin [called microcystin].” While toxin levels in China Lake have not risen above acceptable amounts laid out by the DEP, Scott thinks we can expect to see a greater need for microcystin testing in the future.

Part of these problems are also the result of Climate Change, says Scott. “We’ve recorded temperature changes since 1895,” he says, “and [average temperatures in Maine have] increased about three degrees Fahrenheit. That’s raw data. That’s real data. It’s a scientific fact.” Scott insists, whether or not you agree that Climate Change is the result of human activity, the world is growing warmer and we need to adapt.

“Maine is getting warmer and wetter,” Scott says. His data suggests we will see an increase in future snowfall in Maine by 40 percent along the coast, 20-40 percent in central Maine, and up to 20 percent for inland Maine.

Warmer weather results in warmer water, which is ideal for algae growth, and greater snowfall means more runoff into the lake when the snow melts, which puts greater importance on constructing vegetative buffers along the lake to help filter the runoff.

Scott sees the primary drivers of lake water quality as: Landscape fragmentation from development; seepage from faulty septic tanks; agricultural runoff from the use of fertilizers and certain pesticides; pollution and runoff from roads, driveways and nonpoint sources; and, finally, Climate Change.

Although Climate Change is certainly a factor, Scott says, it is these other sources with which we should be most concerned. “We all talk about Climate Change,” he says, “and people try to hang their hat on Climate Change and what it’s doing, but we are the problem, okay? We are the ones causing the problem.”

He’s talking about population growth, but concedes that growth is inevitable. “We’re not going to see that change,” he says. “[But] we’re going to have to control people’s activities through regulations, ordinances, laws and rules.”

Scott doesn’t think there are any silver bullets when dealing with lake water quality, but there are some promising options. One popular choice is “alum treatment,” which is the process of introducing a mix of aluminum sulfate and sodium aluminate into the lake. The aluminum sulfate chemically binds with the phosphates in the water, which then settle to the bottom and are no longer available to provide nutrients for algae growth. The sodium aluminate is used to control pH levels during the treatment. This sort of treatment has shown success in other lakes, but it is expensive, and Scott emphasizes that it should not be considered until the phosphate sources feeding into the lake have first been identified and eliminated.

Another option that generated discussion is the reintroduction of alewives into the lake. Alewives are a migratory fish which feed on the phosphate-rich plankton in the lake. The fish spend most of their lives in the ocean, but return to fresh water to spawn. After spawning, when they return to the ocean, they take the phosphates they’ve consumed with them. The problem is that there are so many dams constructed along the rivers between the lake and the ocean that these migratory fish have had trouble returning to the sea after spawning. If they are unable to return to the ocean, they become trapped, eventually dying and returning those phosphates back to the lake instead.

Landis Hudson, executive director of the nonprofit Maine Rivers, spoke about the work they are doing to clear a path along Maine’s rivers for migratory fish like alewives. “Lakes are connected to rivers, rivers are connected to the ocean,” she tells the audience, “and my work with Maine Rivers is to restore connections between lakes and the ocean, and to make the habitat more accessible and healthier for native creatures, including alewives. What we’re aiming to do is restore a self-sustaining population of up to a million adult alewives that should be returning [to the lake].”

Matt Streeter, a project manager with Maine Rivers, spoke about the progress they are making. “There were six dams on Outlet Stream,” he says. “There are now four dams remaining. This year, 2019, we’re working on a fishway at Ladd Dam. Next year, 2020, we’re going to be working on a fishway at Box Mill Dam. Those are the first and second dams on the river. The next year, 2021, [we’ll be installing a fishway at] Outlet Dam. The final piece will be Morneau Dam, probably in 2022 — although we haven’t decided yet if that will be a fishway or a dam removal. We fully expect that by 2023 there will be a returning round of alewives into China Lake, with full outgoing fish passage as well.”

Robbie Bickford, from the Kennebec Water District, spoke about their work with China Lake. (photo by Elaine Philbrook)

Robbie Bickford, the Director of Water Quality for the Kennebec Water District, then stepped forward to speak about how KWD is working with local communities to improve water quality. (He recently took over the position, as of July 1, from Matt Zetterman, who was also present.) “The Kennebec Water District monitors transparency data, and dissolved oxygen and phosphorous levels in all three basins of China Lake,” Bickford says. “Over the last six years, there’s been a pretty good trend of transparency data getting better.” Transparency is a gauge of how clear the water is based on how far below the surface an object can be seen. “July 3 actually marked the best transparency data that we’ve seen in the west basin since 1971, at 8.3 meters (26-1/2 feet),” he reported. “The best [data] we’ve ever seen since 1971 in any basin was 8.4 meters, so that’s awesome. The average that we’ve seen in July this year is still well above the ten-year average. That’s fantastic.” Bickford noted that phosphorous levels in the lake have improved as well.

The Kennebec Water District has operated the Outlet Dam, which controls lake levels, for the last ten years. However, this year they were unable to renew their contract with Vassalboro because of a dispute over certain cost increases they were requesting. As a result, the Vassalboro Public Works Department is now operating the dam. Everyone agreed that the current lake levels are unusually high for this time of year, but Bickford and Zetterman confirmed that water levels are within the guidelines set by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Scott Pierz, president of the China Lake Association, suggested the town of China could purchase the dam in order to operate it themselves, but such a move would need to be voted on at the town business meeting next year. This was confirmed by China Town Manager Dennis Heath, who was in the audience.

Bob OConnor reports on the loon count for China Lake. (photo by Elaine Philbrook)

Richard Dillenbeck spoke briefly about the litter initiative he has been organizing with the China for a Lifetime Committee. “We’ve started this year an official approach to picking up litter along our highways,” he said. “We’ve gotten partial success so far. We’ve got it covered from Erskine Academy [in South China] to portions down the Neck Road [at the north end of China Lake]. We have about 30 volunteers who have stepped forward, but we need more. There are some portions that are still not covered. If you’d like to play a role, or know someone, please have them contact me.” This was greeted with raucous applause, but no volunteers. Dillenbeck can be contacted at 445-8074 or rvdillenbeck@knology.net.

Marie Michaud, coordinator for the LakeSmart program on China Lake, got up to present awards and speak about the progress they’ve made. She spoke about the importance of the program in educating lake residents on how to construct vegetative buffers to prevent phosphorous run-off into the lake. They are also beginning a LakeSmart ambassador program to help spread the word.

Finally, Bob O’Connor reported on the loon count for China Lake. This is his 30th year running the program. “We have 48 loons,” he reported. “We haven’t had that many loons since 2003. So, that’s really great. And there were four chicks!”

Contact the author at ericwaustin@gmail.com.

Sheepscot Lake Association’s first boat parade

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The Miller family from Bald Head Island, Eric, Anna, Kyndra and Jenny participated in the Sheepscot Lake Association’s first boat parade on July 4. There was a great turnout as 18 boats took part, all decorated in red, white and blue. (contributed photo)

Give Us Your Best Shot! Week of July 18, 2019

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To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@fairpoint.net!

PLENTY OF ACTION (part 1): Pat Clark, of Palermo, photographed a woodchuck crossing her backyard.

PLENTY OF ACTION (part 2): Pat Clark, of Palermo, also photographed this family of geese near a pond.

RETURNS: Janet Soucy snapped this one-footed duck at Pellerin’s Campground, on China Lake. She says it has returned the last four years, and they have named her Peggy Sue.

Legal Notices for Thursday, July 18, 2019

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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 July 11, 2019

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.

2019-179 – Estate of PATRICIA R. GEHRKE, late of Moscow, Me deceased. Robin S. Skidgell, 25 Donigan Road, Moscow, Me 04920 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-186 – Estate of JEAN J. MARCIA, late of Pittsfield, Me deceased. Susie L. MacDonald, 48 Bay Road, Bowdoinham, Me 04008 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-188 – Estate of ROSELINE P. ATKINSON, late of Athens, Me deceased. Cynthia J. Petley, PO Box 139, Anson, Me 04911 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-189 – Estate of JONATHAN A. OSGOOD, late of Mercer, Me deceased. Linda F. Weeks, 407 Lake View Drive, Smithfield, Me 04978 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-190 – Estate of WALTER L. DUPLISEA, late of Solon, Me deceased. George Duplisea, 17 Rose Lane, North Grafton, MA 01536 and Fred Duplisea, 23 Winona Way, Wayne, ME 04284 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2019-191 – Estate of LEONA M. HASELTINE, late of Oakton, VA, deceased. Susan D. Haseltine, 11605 Vale Road, Oakton, VA 22124 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-195 – Estate of RANDOLPH PAUL ZIMMER, late of Mercer, Me deceased. Patricia D. Wecht, 39 Broadway, Florham Park, NJ 07932 AND Cynthia Z. Stout, 14961 Triadelphia Road, Glenelg, MD 21737 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2019-196 – Estate of MARIE ANNETTE SMITH AKA MARIE ANNETTE ANN SMITH, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Lynn M. Parise, 320 E. River Road, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-200 – Estate of IRJA N. LEHTO, late of North Anson, Me deceased. Carol A. Lehto, PO Box 164, North Anson, Me 04958 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-204 – Estate of FRANCIS A. POMERLEAU JR., late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Michael L. Cote, Sr., PO Box 111, North Anson, Me 04958 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-206 – Estate of HARRY M. WILSON, II, late of Caratunk, Me deceased. Jenifer W. Dodge, PO Box 27 Caratunk, Me 04925 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-208 – Estate of THOMAS JOSEPH DUNNE IV, late of Mercer, Me deceased. Amanda J. Ducharme, 9 Lyons Street, Rochester, NH 03867 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-209 – Estate of JOYCE ANN MEDUGNO, late of Everett, MA deceased. Neil Medugno, 100 Harrison Avenue, Wakefield, MA 01880 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-214 – Estate to JAMES E. FARLEY, SR. late of Anson Me deceased. Mary E. Farley, PO Box 104, North Anson, Me 04958 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-215 – Estate of ROBERT O. YOUNG, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Joy A. Mase, 45 Mase Lane, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on July 11 & July 18, 2019.
Dated: July 8, 2019
/s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(7/18)

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 July 24, 2019. 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.

2019-133 – Estate of JILL M. FERRARA, adult of Norridgewock, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Jill Maureen Ferrara, 25 Independence Drive, Norridgewock, Me 04957 requesting her name be changed to Jill Maureen Currier for reasons set forth therein.

2019-134 – Estate of SAMANTHA MAUREEN FERRARA, minor of Norridgewock, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Jill Maureen Ferrara, 25 Independence Drive, Norridgewock, Me 04957 requesting that minor’s name be changed to Samantha Maureen Currier for reasons set forth therein.

2019-207 – Estate of OLIVIA GRACE BENSON, minor of Athens, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Andrew B. & Alicia B. Benson, 25 Dore Hill Road, Athens, Me 04912 requesting minor’s name be changed to Eunjae Octavia Benson for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: July 11, 2019
/s/ Victoria Hatch
Registrar of Probate
(7/18)

50 years later: The Town Line staff and volunteer contributors recall July 20, 1969

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Neil Armstrong’s reflection is seen in Buzz Aldrin’s face mask as the two became the first two men to walk on the surface of the moon on July 20, 1969.

Dan Cassidyby Dan Cassidy
INside the OUTside columnist

On Sunday Evening, July 20, I was working in the Composing Room as a Linotype Operator at the Morning Sentinel. I persuaded the foreman to let me bring in a small TV set with rabbit ears to watch the spacecraft landing.

We were all amazed to watch Neil Armstrong and Edwin Buzz Aldrin set foot and plant the American Flag on the Moon surface.

I am still amazed and when there is a full Moon, I always wonder if the American Flag is still waving?

by Gerald Day
Volunteer contributor

Where was I on July 20, 1969? Somewhere between Virginia Beach and Augusta, Maine. I was working for Army recruiting at the Norfolk recruiting office and I received my orders to go back to Vietnam for my second tour of duty. With 30 days to get there, clear post then get home and leave by military flight to ‘Nam, I had to many things to clear, which meant going to Richmond and back. While my station commander did that for me, I worked on everything else. Getting my mobile home ready and transportation set up with my station commander’s held, we did it only one day; unheard of in the Army.

To save money I figured I’d make my own tow hitch to haul my car back to Maine, I tested it near my home, and in about 200 feet it broke loose, which meant it had to go to the body shop. So much for saving money. I then left for Maine with our truck loaded and a trailer to haul items we would need right away. Two weeks later I flew back to pick up the car and was told that some mouldings needed to be put on. They told me it would take about eight hours. I told them to put them in the car and I would take care of it. Did it in 15 minutes once I returned home. I left for Vietnam on July 31.

Once I arrived in ‘Nam, everybody was talking about it (the moon landing). They were surprised I hadn’t heard, as I hadn’t seen any TV or listened to any news in weeks. Since I had personal issues to take of, I let the rest of the world take care of itself.

by Mary Grow
Free lance contributor

On July 20, 1969, my mother and I were living in the China Village house. My father was in Thayer Hospital after a stroke; he was to die a week later. Mother and I visited the hospital, spent time with Louise Tracey, Peg Darlow and Peg’s son Paul (friends who lived on Neck Road) and worked in the flower garden. Louise lent us a television set and we watched Aldrin and Armstrong walk on the moon from mid-evening until 2 a.m.

The Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles that day, too. According to Wikipedia, the Sox went on to finish third in the newly-created American League East with an 87-75 record. Baltimore won the division (the Detroit Tigers were second) and defeated the Minnesota Twins to win the American League, then lost the World Series to the New York Mets.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee
managing editor

On July 20, 1969, as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, I was stationed in Southeast Asia, part of a six-member, elite CIA-supported, top secret, special operations unit. Our mission was to observe the troop movements of the North Vietnamese and report back to headquarters, where plans were then formulated for air strikes on the enemy convoys. We were working out of Vientienne, Laos, operating along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, with occasional ventures into western and northwestern Vietnam. Spending lots of time in the field, it was sometimes weeks before we could get caught up on current events.

I had read of the impending moon landing, but lost track of time, not realizing what was taking place on this particular evening. Having been given a couple days of R&R (rest and relaxation), I was strolling down a street in Vientienne when I passed a shop selling outdated black and white television sets. As a way to entice people to consider purchasing a set, they had them lined up in the storefront window, with all of them turned on. A crowd had gathered in front of the store, so I went to see what was so riveting on the TV sets. That is when I saw U.S. astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walking on the surface of the moon.

A little sense of pride rushed through me at the time, proud to be an American. We not only beat the Russians to the moon, but fulfilled the dream of the late President John F. Kennedy to put a man on the moon during the decade of the 1960s.

Emily Catesby Emily Cates
Garden Works columnist

Since I wasn’t around in 1969, I thought I’d ask my dad. He said:

“So, as I recall, I was at home in Wrentham Massachusetts, on summer break after my freshman year at Yale University. I was a great fan of the Apollo program, having dreamt about being a space traveler ever since reading Tom Swift novels during my preteen years.

“I was glued to the television set for hours that day, and especially sitting on the edge of my seat as Neil Armstrong guided the lunar lander the last several hundred feet with barely a few pounds of rocket fuel left. I watched every second of live video from the moon and upon return to earth that I could.

“The last time I can recall in my life being so glued to the television set was during the coverage of the Kennedy assassination only 5-1/2 years earlier.

“How ironic in hindsight! President Kennedy had been such an inspirational leader for space exploration and the Apollo landing has to be regarded as a crowning achievement in his legacy.

“And yet, the very same weekend that Apollo 11 landed on the moon was at the same time a terrible stain on the Kennedy family legacy, since younger brother Edward ended up driving his car off the side of the bridge on Chappaquiddick Island, in Cape Cod, and killing his passenger Mary Jo Kopechne.”

by Eric W. Austin
The Town Line webmaster, columnist and investigative reporter

Being of the generation born after the moon landing and an avid connoisseur of conspiracy theories, I first delved into this important event with the idea that the whole thing had been mocked up by Stanley Kubrick and Richard Nixon. Like most conspiracy theories, however, it fell apart under further scrutiny, and I was left only with my admiration for the courageous men and women who made it possible. It was an achievement that fueled the imaginations of millions of people from around the world, and I can only hope to be around for mankind’s next giant step, Mars. Onward ho, my fellow Americans. To Mars and beyond!