LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Close Town Landing Road

To the editor:

Amidst the drama at the recent Selectmen meeting, I noted Tom Michaud is busily repairing fire roads throughout the town. In addition, he is taking suggestions for repairs to other fire roads “to reduce run-off.”

I would like to nominate Town Landing Road to this list. While technically not a “fire road,” it is in serious disrepair. Ditches that were dug a few years ago are not serving their purpose, and continued run-off is clearly evident. Further, the Town should give serious consideration to closing the road permanently for boat access to the lake. Most boats are getting launched at other locations that have been built for this specific purpose, and the road has become a popular nighttime location for illegitimate activities. Closing this road would not affect any local businesses, as there are none in South China Village.

Closing Town Landing Road would serve to protect the Town’s most precious resource, China Lake. I hope town officials will consider this seriously. If that cannot be done, please add it to the repair list.

Geoff Hargadon
South China

Reynolds observe 50th anniversary

Everett and Sandy Reynolds

Everett and Sandy Reynolds were recently honored at a surprise party on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary at the Old Mill, in North Vassalboro, given by their son Scott and daughter-in-law Jean, and daughter Shelly. Friends and family attended from North Dakota, Texas, Arizona, New York and neighboring towns.

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY: Question 2 makes people with disabilities part of the election process

by State Representative Bruce White

Election Day is right around the corner. At the polls, you’ll see two ballot questions that come from our work in the Legislature. The first asks if you’d like to authorize a $105 million bond for transportation infrastructure projects, things like road and bridge repairs. The second question comes from a bill I submitted last session and aims to make the political process more inclusive and accessible. This bill had bi-partisan support in the legislature.

Question two will read, “Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to allow persons with disabilities to sign petitions in an alternative manner as authorized by the Legislature?” This would allow persons with physical disabilities who cannot sign their own name to use an alternative method to sign citizen’s initiative petitions and people’s veto initiatives.

Alternative signatures for people with physical disabilities are already approved for the purposes of voter registration, change of party enrollment, candidate nomination petitions and Maine Clean Election Act forms. This question simply expands the existing provision and helps ensure all Maine residents are given the opportunity to participate in our political system.

The original idea for this bill came to me from the Secretary of State’s Office, and I was immediately excited and honored to sponsor the legislation. By allowing people with disabilities to use a signature stamp or authorize another resident to sign on their behalf, we’re getting more Maine voices involved in solving the issues our state faces. I look forward to you all having the opportunity to weigh in on this matter on Nov. 5.

AARP SCAM ALERT – ID Theft: What to do next

We take a lot of precautions to protect our personal information, but we’re not the only people responsible for our data. So many different entities have our personal information it’s hard to keep track of. Our banks, health providers, email TV and Internet provider, retailers and more all have our data and many of them have been hacked. The reality is that most Americans have already had their identity compromised. So what can we do to protect ourselves after the fact?

Here are three steps to protecting yourself after your personal information has been stolen.

1) Sign up for credit monitoring that will alert you if someone tried to open an account in your name.
2) Place a free security freeze on your credit to help stop identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name.
3) Establish online access to all of your bank accounts, credit cards and retirement accounts and check them frequently.

Be a fraud fighter!  If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork  or call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 to report a scam or get help if you’ve fallen victim.

Black Raiders defeat Purple Panthers

Winslow High School senior Cody Ivy carries the ball as he attempts to get away from the grasp of Waterville High School’s Nate Weir, during the annual, regular season ending game between the two arch rivals, at Drummond Field, in Waterville, on October 26. The Black Raiders dominated the Purple Panthers, 57-16, winning for the 10th consecutive time between the two teams, including playoffs. (Photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography)

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Squirrels in the compost pile

Noisy, plentiful acorns; obscure beech nuts

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

While preparing breakfast last Saturday, I glanced out the kitchen window towards my recently cleaned up garden plot. As I looked around I noticed some movement, and commented to my wife: “I think I have a title for a new country song, ‘There’s a squirrel in the compost pile.’”

I’m not sure how that translates to pickup trucks, bass boats and lost loves, but I’m sure it has a place in there somewhere.

Anyway, that prompted me to ask myself what could be in the compost that would interest a squirrel. After all, it has nothing more than plant stems, vines from squashes and various roots and stalks. There were a few tiny, fledgling fruits from these items that didn’t have a chance to mature, but that would be it.

Then my mind rewound to the recently closed down camp, and the food sources out there. Nearby there is a large oak tree and a mature, but fairly young beech tree. Most of you have probably heard acorns when they fall from the trees, and land on something substantive. They sound like gunfire, exploding bombs or branches falling. They make quite a loud noise. The presence of Beech nuts, on the other hand, are hardly even noticeable.

Wildlife that consume acorns as an important part of their diets includes birds, such as jays, pigeons, some ducks and several species of woodpeckers. Small mammals include mice, squirrels and several other rodents – ahh, squirrels. Large mammals include pigs, bears, and deer. Acorns are in high demand.

Acorns are attractive to animals because they are large and efficiently consumed or cached. They are rich in nutrients and contain large amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fats, as well as calcium, phosphorus and potassium, and the vitamin niacin.

Acorns are too heavy for wind dispersal, so the spreading of the seed is dependent on animals like the squirrels who cache the nuts for future use. Squirrels scatter-hoard the acorns in a variety of locations in which it is possible for them to germinate and thrive. On occasion, the odd acorn may be lost, or the squirrel may die before consuming all the acorns it has stored. A small number of acorns may germinate and survive, producing the next generation of oak trees.

As far as humans go, acorns have frequently been used as a coffee substitute. The Confederates in the American Civil War and the Germans during World War II, which were cut off from coffee supplies by Union and Allied blockades, respectively, are particularly notable past instances of this use of acorns.

As far as the beech nuts go, again going back to camp and the beech tree near our site, there doesn’t seem to be much activity by squirrels in the area of the tree. Of course, the beech nut seems to defy gravity. It is a small nut with soft-spined husks. Although it is high in tannin content, they are bitter. The nut can be extracted by peeling back the husk, but your fingers may hurt dealing with the spines. Maybe that is why they are not that attractive to squirrels.

Nowhere in all my research did I find any reference to wildlife that feast on the beech nut.

Beech trees are better known for other things than producing a source of food. The Beech bark is extremely thin and scars easily. Carvings, such as lovers’ initials, remain because the beech tree is unable to heal itself.

On a different note, slats of Beech wood are washed in a caustic soda to leach out any flavor and is used in the bottom of fermentation tanks for Budweiser beer. This allows a surface for the yeast to settle, so that it doesn’t pile up too deep. Beech is also used to smoke Westphalian ham, various sausages and some cheeses.

The American beech tree occurs only in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. It is believed that it was found coast to coast prior to the Ice Age. Now they can only be found east of the Great Plains. You will rarely find the beech tree in developed areas unless it is a left over of a forest that was cut for land development.

The beech tree is also temperamental. Some trees never produce nuts while others only spawn edible nuts in certain years.

So what was that squirrel – I could not discern whether it was Martha or Stewart, my two resident rodents – looking for that day? Probably just window shopping.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

With the World Series going past October in recent years, who was the first MLB player to hit a home run in November?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, October 31, 2019

With the World Series going past October in recent years, who was the first MLB player to hit a home run in November?

Answer:

Derek Jeter, of the New York Yankees, in the 2001 World Series. Although the game was played on October 31, it went into extra innings, past the midnight hour, making his game-winning home run the first ever hit in November.

Obituaries for Thursday, October 31, 2019

EDWIN H. BROWN

OAKLAND – Edwin H. Brown, 70, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2019, at his home in Oakland. He was born November 18, 1948, in Oakland, the son of Edward and Marguerite (Collar) Brown.

He graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland, in 1968, and was employed for many years in the railroad industry as a rail maintenance technician and carpenter. He enjoyed tying flies, fly fishing, hunting and four-wheeling.

Edwin is survived by his wife of 21 years, Kathy Brown, of Oakland; daughter, Amy Theriault and husband Roland, of Sidney; son, Edwin Robert Brown, of Oakland; step-daughter, Michelle Dudley and husband Pete, of Virginia; two sisters, Leota Clark and husband Robert, of Oakland, Marylou Maheu and husband Raymond, of Oakland; brother, Theodore Brown and wife Jean, of Oakland: four granddaughters, Britney Rideout and husband Jared, of Oakland, Brandi Lane and husband Clark, of Smithfield; Rylee Taylor, of Missouri, Arlei Dudley, of Virginia; four grandsons, Austin Brown, of Augusta, Logan Dudley, of Hallowell, Kody Dudley, of Virginia, Noah Dudley, of Virginia; a great-granddaughter, Adriana Hague, of Oakland; a great-grandson, Chase Rideout, of Oakland; several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Edwin’s memory C/O Kathy Brown, 16 Greeley Street, Oakland, ME 04963.

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

VIRGINIA R. BELANGER

WATERVILLE — Virginia “Ginny” Roy Belanger, 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 3, 2019. Virginia was born in Waterville on April 4, 1931, the daughter of Harry and Lena Roy.

Virginia was a lifelong resident of Winslow and active member of St. John the Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir for many years.

Ginny worked 30 years for the town of Winslow School Superintendent and volunteered 17 years at MaineGeneral Medical Center – Waterville Campus.

She had an infectious laugh and sense of humor. Ginny enjoyed spending time with her family, walking, playing cards, and baking. Her chocolate chip cookies were legendary.

She is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Laurent Belanger; infant daughter, Deborah; three brothers, and two sisters.

She is survived by her children, Barbara Page, South Portland, Brenda (Jim) Bird, Bonita, California, Jeffrey (Karen) Belanger, Tuscumbia, Alabama, Jane (Jim) Kiser, Hampden, Michael (Kelly) Belanger, Wilton, New Hampshire; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren across the United States; her sister, Joyce Roy, Augusta; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Nov. 22, 2019 at St. John the Baptist Church, 21 Monument Street, Winslow. A reception will follow at the Elks Club, 76 Industrial Street.

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

In lieu of flowers a memorial gift may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, P.O. Box 282, Waterville, ME 04901, Sunset Home of Waterville, 114 College Ave., Waterville, ME 04901, or Alzheimer’s Association, at www.alz.org.

JAMES P. AUSTIN

SOUTH CHINA — James P. Austin, 69, of South China, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2019. Jim was born in Hallowell on December 12, 1949, son of Sumner and Clara Austin.

He was a bus driver for many years for the China school department then went on to work for Employment Specialists of Maine before retirement.

Jim spent his final years with his significant other, JoAnn “Jodi” Small. They had a wonderful life together, living as a team. He loved to work around the yard and tinker on automobiles. Jim enjoyed making others laugh and feel happy.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Sumner and Clara. He was also predeceased by his brother, Sumner “Skip” Austin, his sisters, Judith Austin (infant) Barbara Austin, Beverly Austin, Bette Taylor, and Jaqueline Austin.

He is survived by his former wife, Sharon Laliberte (August 1972 – July 1991) with whom they had his only son, James “Jim” Austin; nephew, Anthony “Tony” Austin, of Augusta, Donald Austin and his wife, Lisa, of Augusta, and his niece, Stacie Austin, of Standish; and his only grandchild, Gabriel James Austin.

The family will be holding a private service for Jim at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in a loved one’s name to Alfond Center for Cancer Care.

GERALDINE H. MICHAUD

WATERVILLE — Geraldine “Gerry” Helen Michaud, 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at MaineGeneral Rehab and Nursing Center at Glenridge. Geraldine was born on October 2, 1942, to Merrill and Pearl (Frost) Safford.

Geraldine graduated from Waterville High School in 1962 where she was a member of the Drill Team and FHA. She was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville, where she was part of the rosary sodality. Geraldine worked in the laundry at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Waterville, for 10 years. She also worked as a Nanny for 16 years. Geraldine also liked to spend time crocheting, baking cookies, knitting, playing cards, and camping. Geraldine loved being with her family and opened her home every Friday night to friends and family for, “Family Night.” Geraldine never judged anyone and always had a listening ear.

Geraldine is survived by her husband, Ronald Michaud; son, Steve Michaud and his wife Angelique, daughters, Deborah Smith and her husband James, Michelle Ruhlin and her husband Christopher, Rhonda DeRosby and her husband Paul; brother, Larry Safford and his wife Athea, sister Mabelle Miller; and her grandchildren, Makayla Michaud, Jamie and Justine Smith, Ethan and Eleanor Ruhlin, and Jessop, Kaysie and Rylee Derosby. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Geraldine was predeceased by her parents, Merrill and Pearl (Frost) Safford; and her sister, Marylin Safford.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on November 9, 2019, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville. There will be a gathering after the Mass in the church hall that all are invited to attend.

Burial will take place in the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta at 2 p.m. on November 12, 2019. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville.

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

CHARLIE D. WILSON JR.

WINSLOW — Charlie D. Wilson, Jr. , passed away unexpectedly Thursday, October 17, 2019. He was born July 1, 1969, the son of the late Charles D. Wilson Sr. and Betty A. Wilson.

Charlie loved his dogs, walks in the woods, disc golf and his amazing disc golf community. Music and dancing were his passion but his greatest happiness came from “Bertha,” his Harley Davidson. He loved his wind therapy most and let’s not forget the tattoos.

He was predeceased by his beloved father, Charles D. Wilson Sr.; and brother Kevin Wilson.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa A. Wilson; his four children, Victoria Evans and husband Brady Evans, Cameron Wilson and wife Shena Wilson, Falyn Darge and partner Bill County and co-parent and friend Will Darge, Faith Wilson and partner Richard Clayton; ten grandchildren, Kaylynn, Jada, Autumn, Avah, Lillyannah, Isabella, Adam, Lil’ Richard, Raistlyn and Elora; his mother Betty A. Wilson; sister Serena Trask and husband Bob Trask, sister Tammy Kincaid and husband Brian Kincaid; and mother-in-law Roseanna Belanger; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

EDWARD P. BECKETT

FAIRFIELD — Edward Perry Beckett, 91, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 17, 2019, in Augusta. Edward was born in Waterville on June 22, 1928, the son of George Beckett and Charlotte (Theriault) Beckett.

He attended school in Fort Fairfield, joining the U.S. Navy before graduating. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a deep-sea salvage diver during World War II and the Korean War, receiving an honorable discharge in May 1955.

Edward spent many years in the furniture business, starting a large retail store in Fort Fairfield, Beckett’s New and Used Furniture. Later he opened a mattress store in Waterville.

He had his pilot’s license and his own plane. He enjoyed flying to the Bahamas.

Being an ardent animal lover, he supported humane societies, and gave many dogs a very happy life. After retiring he gave his caring ways to people, volunteering many years for Meals on Wheels.

He is survived by his cousins, Robert McKechnie, Floralie Ellis, and Jean Cubbage; as well as many second cousins.

A private service will be held at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

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.

TAMMY C. FORTIER

FAIRFIELD – Tammy C. (Williams) Fortier, 52, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2019, at her home, in Fairfield. She was born December 8, 1966, in Waterville, the daughter of Richard and Jean (Willette) Williams.

She was educated in the schools of Fairfield and graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1985. She continued her education at Kennebec Valley Technical Institute, in Fairfield, and graduated in 1986 as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She was employed at Mount St. Joseph Nursing Home, in Waterville, for 35 years.

Tammy enjoyed crocheting, boating, camping, fishing, puzzles, motorcycling, and being with family.

Tammy is survived by her children, Chad Bagley and partner Vanessa, Erica Smith and husband Barrett, Samantha Steward and husband Todd; parents, Richard Williams III and partner Melody; mother, Jean Nawfel and husband Kenneth; grandchildren Mikey, Molly and Karmyn; brothers, Bruce Williams and wife Melissa, Thomas Williams and wife Elizabeth and Devon Weeks; life-long friend, Edward Fortier; nieces and nephews, Christin, Robert, Mya, Alea; many aunts and uncles.

She was predeceased by grandparents, Richard and Norma Williams Jr., and Norman and Luona Willette Jr.; step-father, Thomas Bailey; and two uncles, Stanley Samson and Claude Willette.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 10 a.m., at the Fairfield Methodist Church, Rtes. 104 & 23, Fairfield, followed by a graveside service at Tozier Cemetery, then to return to the church for a potluck style celebration of life. Those able to bring a dish, please contact one of her children.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Tammy’s memory to Bob Smilie Pancreatic Cancer Memorial Fund, 305 Nason Road, Shatleigh, ME 04076, (207) 459-6434 or blsmilie@aol.com

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

LOUIS L. LeMAY

OAKLAND — Louis Ludger LeMay, 96, passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2019. Louis was born July 31, 1923, in Harpswell, to Grace (Moody) and Edgar LeMay.

He was home schooled his first two years by his mother, second through eighth in Harpswell Public Schools, and graduated from Brunswick High School in 1940. Louis worked at Torrey Roller Bushing Works, in Bath, until 1943. He then joined the U.S. Navy, where he was assigned to an LCI #147; which he picked up in Oregon and was stationed in the Pacific Theater until being discharged in December 1945.

He met the love of his life, Thalia Bailey, two days before he shipped out to the Pacific. Their love grew through letters written during these two years. They were married June 27, 1946, and celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary this year. Many of their first years on Sundays were spent at the baseball field where he and his brothers had a team. He started LeMay’s Service, Inc., in 1955 and retired from there in 1985. For the next 20 years they wintered in Largo, Florida, and came home to their cottage on North Pond, in Smithfield. He was an active shuffleboard champion, bowler and bingo caller. He also was an avid Red Sox fan. They enjoyed their travels to Switzerland, England, Scotland, Wales, the cruises to the Caribbean, several trips to Hawaii, and almost all 50 states.

Louis was predeceased by his mother and father; his brothers, Arnold (Virginia) and their daughter Nancy, Joseph (Dorothy) their daughter, Kathleen and grandson, Tommy; his sisters, Dora and son-in-law Philip Bibber, and Lillian (Daniel) and their son, Daniel Jr.; and son-in-law, James Murray.

He is survived by his wife, Thalia; his daughter, Julianne; his son, Steven (Daphne), their daughter Jessica (Owain) and their son Joshua; two great-granddaughters, Bronwyn and Addien; nieces, Carol, Donna Lee (Norm) and Judith (Rob) and one nephew, Tim (Linda); eight grandnieces and nephews; and several great-grandnieces and nephews.

There will be no visiting hours. Graveside services will be at the Hillcrest Cemetery, in Harpswell, for the immediate family. The family extends an invitation to family and friends to stop at their home at 102 Fairfield St. at any time.

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

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the:VA Togus SpringsHospice Unit1 VA CenterAugusta, ME 04330.

JOHN AUDET

OAKLAND — John Audet, 71, lost his battle with lung cancer Sunday, October 20, 2019, Springbrook Center, in Westbrook.

John graduated from Waterville High school, class of 1967, and worked from his teenage years until his retirement in the mailroom of the Waterville Morning Sentinel. John loved animals and was very interested in pipe organs and their history. He had an active imagination and was mechanically gifted, building a unique motorized cycle, at the age of 8 or 9, from a junk bicycle frame and a discarded lawnmower engine.

John was predeceased by his parents, Vincent and Martha Audet, of Waterville.

He is survived by his sister, Sylvia O’Neal, of East Hartford, Connecticut; his brothers, Thomas, of Westbrook, and Michael, of Scarborough. John will also be missed by his good friend, Anthony Johnston, of Oakland. There will be no services per his request

ROBERT J. GODFREY

WATERVILLE — Robert James Godfrey, 92, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2019. Robert “Bob” was born on April 1, 1927, in Litchfield, to Roland and Leona Fish Godfrey.

He was a graduate of Litchfield Academy in 1944 and loved to note that he graduated third in his class….out of five students! He enlisted in the United States Navy prior to graduation to serve in World War II. In the U.S. Navy, Bob served aboard the U.S.S. Tarawa, an aircraft carrier that patrolled the eastern coast of the United States.

Following the war, Bob worked at Park Motor Mart, in Auburn, the town of Freeport, the Maine Department of Transportation, Farrah Brown, in Augusta, and Beneficial Finance Company, initially in Gardiner, then transferring to Waterville as manager. He remained at Beneficial Finance until 1968 when he joined the Harry J. Smith Company, an automobile and truck service garage, in Waterville.

A highlight of Bob’s career was working at and owning the Harry J. Smith Company, in Waterville. He began work at Harry J. Smith’s in 1968 and became co-owner in 1972. He co-owned the garage until 1980 when he became sole owner until his retirement in 1988. He was proud of leading a tremendous group of individuals who he often claimed were the best group of mechanics north of Boston.

His mild manner, generosity, and calming influence benefited all who worked with him at 13 Sanger Avenue.

In 1948, he met Nancy True ,of Monmouth, while she worked one summer at Tacoma Lakes, in Litchfield. On June 4, 1951, they were married in Monmouth and celebrated with a honeymoon to Québec, driving off to their destination in a 1941 Plymouth.

Bob and Nancy settled initially in Litchfield above True’s General Store. In 1958, they moved to Oakland where they raised their three children, Faye, Peter, and Paul. Their first house was on Waterville Road and they remained at this location until they had a new home built on the Belgrade Road in 1975. Building a new home was an exciting time for everyone. This home was a source of pride and joy to Bob and Nancy. He loved to take care of his yard, mowing the lawn and puttering in the garage. Neighbors and family often claimed that you could eat your meals off of the garage floor because it was so clean. He would constantly fill the many bird feeders around the yard and made sure that the U.S. and state of Maine flags were proudly displayed on the flagpole. Bob and Nancy remained at this location until 2005 when they moved to Rosswood Green condominiums on the Country Club Road, in Oakland. He enjoyed this location as he was given a reprieve from yard work but happily picked up numerous golf balls that strayed into their yard. Their last move was to Park Residences in Waterville in 2017. Bob’s last few months were at the Lakewood Continuing Care Facility, Moonlight Bay unit, in Waterville.

Bob loved to travel. He and Nancy traveled extensively, especially in retirement. They traveled to Canada, England, Europe, Hawaii, many Caribbean islands and all across the United States, much of which was either in their camper or motor homes. They traveled to almost all the states in this country, each time returning with amazing pictures and stories of the sites they had seen. Their family dog Ginger accompanied them on many of these camping trips. Many winters were spent in either Florida or Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Special activities included square dancing in the 1970s as members of the Central Maine Square dancers where he and Nancy traveled and participated in several square-dancing events. The entire family enjoyed snowmobiling for many years and numerous cold winter weekends were spent snowmobiling with family and friends to Rangeley and East Carey Pond. Bob was also an avid candlepin bowler on the Harry J. Smith team, an average team always having an above average time on the lanes.

First and foremost, he loved his family and spending time with them. He had a great sense of humor and shared that with all who were close to him.

He loved to volunteer, spending more than a decade volunteering for Meals on Wheels, Evening Sandwich Program and at the Osteopathic Hospital, in Waterville. His gift was his ability to talk with people. He was an active member of the First Congregational Church, in Waterville, where he served as a deacon and on the finance committee for many years. Robert was also a member of the Waterville Lions Club. Finally, he was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge of Maine, Morning Star Lodge No. 41, serving as master for many years. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living past master with over 70 years of service.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Nancy; his children, Faye Trafton and her husband Gary, of Manchester, Peter and his wife Cheryl, of Oakland, Paul and his wife Mary, of Cape Elizabeth. Also surviving Bob are his grandchildren, Heather, Sara, Samantha, Dana, Ali, Adam, and Marianna; and his great-grandchildren Logan, Piper, Cameron, Wyatt, Valentina, Bentley, Giovanni, and Eleanor; his sister, Joann Deming, of California, sisters-in-law, Eleanor Godfrey, of Oakland and Noella Safford, of Monmouth; brothers-in-law, Norton True, of Gardiner, Gary Safford, of Monmouth, and Lewis Gustin, of Greene.

He was predeceased by his brother Elwin, of Oakland.

There will be no visiting hours at the family’s request. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at the First Congregational Church in Waterville at 7 Eustis Parkway, on Saturday, November 30 at 2 p.m. A reception will be held immediately following the celebration.

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

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Waterville Meals-on-Wheels program, Bob’s favorite charity, in his name, care of the Muskie Community Center, 38 Gold St., Waterville, ME 04901.

GRACE M. POPE

WATERVILLE — Grace M. Pope, 84, passed away at her Waterville residence on Tuesday, October 22, 2019. She was born in Fairfield on April 23, 1935, the daughter of the late Everett and Villa (Green) Otis.

Grace graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and would get together with some of her former classmates on a monthly basis.

She married Robert W. Pope on December 6, 1959, and the couple shared many wonderful years together until his passing on April 27, 2011.

Grace was a very devoted caregiver to many. She was a caretaker to her father-in-law during his elder years and treated her daughter’s friends as though they were her own children. They were always welcomed into her home.

She enjoyed reading, music and writing letters to her family.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Pauline “Polly” Lougee and her brothers, George, Ernest, and Arthur Otis.

Grace is survived by her daughter, Louann Pope of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; her sisters, Ella Christensen, and Laurel “Lolly” Perry, her brothers, Raymond and Arnold “Butch” Otis; and several nieces and nephews.

Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, in Belgrade.

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

ALBERT J. POTELLE

FAIRFIELD – Albert J. Potelle, 85, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, following a long illness. Albert was born August 3, 1934, the son of Julian and Emeria Potelle and was the last of eight brothers and sisters.

Albert was a devout Catholic Christian spending every day saying the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and other prayers for his family and anyone that needed them. He enjoyed nature, having been an avid hunter and fisherman in his younger years. He was a “Jack of all trades” having an innate ability to fix most things without ever being shown how.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Potelle; and five children, Penny Harkins, John Potelle, David Potelle, Dan Potelle and Efram Potelle; many grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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.

LAWRENCE J. LANDRY

WINSLOW — Lawrence J. (Larry) Landry, 85, passed away on Wednesday, October 23. 2019, at his home, in Winslow. Law­rence was born in Waterville on June 21, 1934, to Felecite Gi­roux Landry and Henry (Babe) Landry.

He did all of his schooling in Winslow. He was employed by First National Grocery Store for 19 years, after which he went into his own business owning a franchise for Pepperidge Farm Bread and Rolls. After selling this business, he and his wife established and built a good business known as LJL Pizza Supply Co., Inc. located on Kennedy Memorial Drive, in Waterville, serving New England states and Canada with several sizes of pizza shells, breads, and rolls produced in their wholesale bakery. They also established a retail shop at the same location. The business was sold in 1985.

Larry at one time was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a past member of the Waterville Elks Club and the Waterville Country Club.

He married the former Carmen Languet, of Waterville, on May 30, 1956. He was drafted in 1957 and served in the Army from 1957-1959.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years; sons, Stephen and wife Dawn, of Biddeford, Paul, of Winslow, Anthony (Tony) and wife Celeste, of Milford, Massachusetts; grandsons Derek and wife Jessica, of Oakland, Donald and girlfriend Lexie, of Biddeford, and granddaughter Elise, of Milford, Massachusetts; geat-grandchildren Julian, Keira, and Jaxson, of Oakland; his brothers Jerome and Shirley Landry, of Winslow, Valmond and Elizabeth Landry, of Winslow; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents and Godson Peter Landry.

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

In lieu of flowers kindly consider a gift to: Peter Landry Memorial Fund, c/o St. John School, 15 South Garand St., Winslow, ME 04901.

RONALD A. WEEKS

VASSALBORO — Ronald A. Weeks, 86, died Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at the Veterans Adminis­tration Medical Regional Office Center, at Togus, following a long illness. He was born in Richmond on February 8, 1933, a son of the late Lin­wood A. and Pearl E. (Dunbar) Weeks.

Mr. Weeks was a graduate of Richmond High School and spent a year at preparatory school at Kent’s Hill. He earned two bachelor’s degrees, one from Bryant College and one from Ricker College.

He joined the Army Air Corps and spent 18 months in Korea.

He came back from overseas and was later signed by the Boston Red Sox.

He had been employed for over 25 years at Blouin Motors, in Augusta, retiring as a vice-president and general sales manager.

Mr. Weeks was a communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, in Augusta, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Kora Temple Shriners and twice past commander of the American Legion Post #132.

He was an avid hunter, and fisherman and a retired Maine guide. He enjoyed watching his favorite team, the Patriots, play football.

He was predeceased by his wife, Anne. M. (Patrick) Weeks; and two brothers, Arnold and Shelton Tesh.

Mr. Weeks is survived by his son, Wayne L. Weeks, of Vassalboro, his daughter, Rhonda K. Picard and her husband, Robert, of Vassalboro; six grandchildren, Amanda Archer, Robert Picard II, Sheena Weeks, Randy Picard, Rona Little, and Wayne Weeks II; 14 great-grandchildren, Damian, Deacan, Deanna, Destiny, Ava, Kaylene, Madison, Addy, Morgan, Madelyn, Mya, Carter, Gage and Audrey; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

Those who desire may make memorial donations in Ronald’s name to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 39105.

China planners suggest ordinance amendment on board selections

by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members met Oct. 22 with two possible ordinance changes on their agenda, amending the planning board ordinance to have members appointed rather than elected and trying to make one of the criteria for commercial development in the Land Use Ordinance easier to enforce.

Additionally, Codes Officer Bill Butler said the state Department of Environmental Protection notified him that sections of the town ordinance need to be revised to conform to state standards.

Butler suggested discussion of an appointed planning board. Appointment would reduce the work the elective process creates for town office staff, he said.

This year, for instance, there are three openings on the board and no candidates on the ballot for any of the positions. Two of the openings require the board member to live in one of China’s four planning board districts; the person who serves as the alternate can be from any part of town.

Voters are likely to write in names, some serious and appropriate, some who might serve competently but don’t live in the right district and some neither serious nor appropriate, like Donald Duck.

Town office staff record each name, tally the number of votes for each, make sure the votes are valid and get in touch with those with the most votes to find out whether they will serve.

Board member Jim Wilkens expressed several concerns about an appointed board. It might become a popularity contest, people without qualifications might be appointed and townspeople would have no direct say in the choice, he said.

Butler said would-be appointees would need to apply and selectmen (assumed to be the appointing group) would evaluate their qualifications.

Toni Wall also had doubts about appointments. Appointees might feel answerable to the selectboard, and they could be dismissed by selectmen, not voters, she said.

She suggested improvements to the election process, like posting signs asking voters not to write in anyone unless they had the candidate’s permission and an assurance she or he was willing to serve.

Based on her experience, Wall also recommended changing planning board terms from two years to five years, to give board members more time to learn their jobs.

Board members generally agreed that keeping the four planning board districts to ensure members came from different parts of town was valuable. Wilkens and Wall would like to see selectmen also elected from districts.

In August board members discussed at length ways to enforce the requirement that a commercial development not create undue noise (see The Town Line, Aug. 15, 2019). After a short discussion on Oct. 22, they decided by consensus not to recommend any change in the current ordinance.

Butler said state officials want a revised definition of “impervious surface” in China’s shoreland ordinance. He predicted the change would seriously limit enlarging small non-conforming buildings close to a water body and would not be popular.

China’s timber harvesting regulations are also out of line with state standards, he said.

Board members talked of having draft revisions ready for state review in the spring of 2020 in preparation for a November 2020 local vote.

The next regular planning board meeting has been rescheduled from the usual second Tuesday of the month to Tuesday, Nov. 19, to avoid conflicting with the Nov. 12 meetings of the selectboard (moved from the usual Monday due to the Nov. 11 Veterans Day holiday) and the Thurston Park Committee.

Breton rebutts candidates’ statements

by Mary Grow

After completion of the agenda at the Oct. 23 China selectmen’s meeting, Selectman Ronald Breton rebutted comments made by board candidates Todd Tolhurst and Wayne Chadwick at the Oct. 20 candidates’ forum (see The Town Line, Oct. 24, 2019). Speaking for himself only, Breton said:

  • Executive-session discussions are allowed and justified to protect people’s privacy, and any resulting votes are taken in public.
  • He is “insulted” by the incorrect statement that the selectmen rubber-stamp the town manager’s actions.
  • Selectmen asked voters to buy beachfront property because acquiring public lake access is a goal in China’s comprehensive plan.
  • Selectmen have not mistreated the volunteer fire departments; the town manager explained why voter-approved stipends have not yet been paid.
  • Before buying the new excavator, selectmen got estimates of future savings – $94,000 in the first 10 years.
  • The new portable building will let local police do their paperwork in privacy. It will not need a water supply, because the older portable nearby will have a bathroom.
  • Allegations of political posturing and backroom maneuvers are unsubstantiated.

Given China’s lack of debt and adequate surplus funds, “We must be doing something right,” Breton concluded.

Chadwick rebutted briefly, saying he had a right to express his opinions in reply to audience questions at the forum, and Breton should not take them personally. Chadwick, Tolhurst and incumbent Belanger are candidates for two openings on the selectboard.

Breton promised to work with whoever is elected.