LEGAL NOTICES for Thursday, December 19, 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 December 26, 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- 379 – Estate of PHYLLIS L. KEENE, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Teshia N. Cates, 58 Dawes Street, Skowhegan, Me 04976 and Sean M. Cates, 40 Naomi Avenue, Madison, Me 04950 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2019-383 – Estate of DOROTHY CHARLENE DUNPHY, late of Pittsfield, Me deceased. James D. Dunphy, 122 Lincoln Street, Pittsfield, Me 04967 AND Colleen D. Martin, 223 Hamilton Ter. Pittsfield, Me 04967 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2019-385 – Estate of ANN V. FITZPATRICK, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. William J. Fitzpatrick, 15 Sweet Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02861-2144 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-387 – Estate of JAMES VICTOR RASMUSSEN, late of Cornville, Me deceased. Margaret Rasmussen, 1255 West Ridge Road, Cornville, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-388 – Estate of JEFFERY D. SALLEE, late of St. Albans, Me deceased. David Sallee, 15 Ventura Street, Lewiston, Me 04240 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-389 – Estate of ELIZABETH D. CURTIS, late of Pittsfield, Me deceased. Dianne Roy, 115 Davis Street, Pittsfield, Me 04967 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-171 – Estate of RAYMOND L. FRANCOEUR, late of Bingham, Me deceased. Darryl L. Francoeur, 61 Litchfield Road, Freeport, Me 04032 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-353 – Estate of PERLEY R. HINKLEY, SR., late of New Portland, Me deceased. Janet Grover, 583 Bog Road, New Portland, Me 04961 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on December 19, 2019 & January 2, 2020.
Dated: December 12, 2019 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
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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 January 8, 2020. 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.

2019-380 – Estate of VICTORIA JOLEEN DEERING. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Victoria Joleen Deering, PO Box 34, Canaan, Me 04924 requesting her name be changed to Victoria Joleen Richards for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: December 12, 2019 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(1/2)

SOLON & BEYOND: Received a letter from NRCM

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Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, my friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

Received a most welcome letter this week that pleased me greatly. It was from the Natural Resources Council of Maine…and it starts with these words: “Thank you for submitting your letter to the editor titled Thankful for Strong Opposition to CMP Corridor that ran on November 17, in the Kennebec Journal. We value your commitment to make the public aware of this critical environmental issue.

“We welcome you to become an NRCM member. Your letter to the editor is aligned with the work that we do. We would like you to partner with us.

“When you join NRCM you are giving the gift of clean air and clean water to the next generation. You are helping safeguard large tracts of land that are home to treasured wildlife and are our solace.

“United we can do what no person can do alone. NRCM raises the collective voice of more than 20,000 supporters in front of state and federal officials, corporations, and policy makers. We protect Maine’s environment through sound science and un wavering advocacy efforts. We connect concerned citizens – like you – with the environmental issues of our time.

“Thank you, again, for bringing awareness to concerns facing the nature of Maine. You have made a difference. If you ever have questions or would like additional information about the projects we are working on, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Please join us as a member today. Sincerely, Stacie Haines; Membership Director. Protecting the Nature of Maine. ”

I was pleased to get that letter which said that it was seen in the Kennebec Journal. I have written several letters to the editor about my feelings for the CMP Corridor through Maine’s beautiful wilderness. Some have been printed, like the one that was mentioned in this letter, but I had given up, and then it was printed.

This issue of The Town Line will be the last one until after the New Year so I am short on news….but hope you will enjoy this poem in these dark, dreary days we’ve been having…It is called All Things Bright and Beautiful. All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all. Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings, He made their glowing colors, He made their tiny wings. The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun, the ripe fruits in the garden, He made them, every one, He gave us eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell how great is God Almighty Who has made all things well. (words by Cecil Frances Alexander)

And now for Percy’s memoir called, Of Gifts of Life: Do what you can with the gifts of life and gifts of heart and mind, while they are still within our power to share with humankind – for it is seldom meant to be that gifts we own today, will be forever ours to keep or ours to give away. Don’t let them fade to trials of time or waste to dearths of age, for they are like the joys of youth and luxuries of wage, they’re ours to own for just a while,to do with as we can, that will endear our souls to God and grace our fellow man. (Words by Michael Dubina.)

Have a wonderful happy, Merry Christmas!

Obituaries for Thursday, December 19, 2019

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ELIZABETH E. JOLICOEUR

WATERVILLE – Elizabeth E. “Betty” Jolicoeur, 90, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2019., after suffering a massive stroke on September 30, and did not recover.

During her final week, her daughter, Judy, son, Joel, and adopted son, Frank, were by her side in support and honor of her dignity and all her final wishes.

Betty was a good and beautiful soul upon this earth and loved by many. Her greatest joy was being a Mom. It was in her heart, even in her final months. She was fiercely independent and liked to have her way…especially about what time we opened the Christmas presents! She was fun and goofy and loved music. She sewed the most beautiful quilts and pillows by hand and was well known for that. She made delicious home cooked meals and was extremely devoted to her children’s education and artistic pursuits. She made the best peanut butter fudge and spaghetti sauce. She loved animals and watching the Boston Celtics and New York Yankees. She loved watching her son and daughter play music and went to every concert she could, often singing along and dancing in her chair. She donated to many charitable causes, especially for veterans and animals.

She is survived by her son, Joel Jolicoeur, her daughter, Judy Jolicoeur, and her partner Frank Nava; her brother, David Burbank and his wife Marlene; cousins; and many nieces and nephews, including great and great-great.

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 her honor, donations can be made to the Kennebec Valley Humane Society or any other animal shelter

SCOTT H. BLODGETT

BENTON – Scott H. Blodgett, 46, of Benton, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, December 1, 2019. Scott was born in Waterville on November 17, 1973, the son of Thayer and Evelyn (Achorn) Blodgett.

He attended Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, class of 1992. He was employed at Huhtamaki for 10 years.

Scott loved NASCAR races, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. He will always be loved by his family and friends.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Hugh and Irene Achorn.

Scott will be sadly missed by his parents; his sisters, Jill Johnson, of Norridgewock, and Cindy Blodgett, of Wakefield, Rhode Island; his nephews, Christopher Kilbreth, and Owen Blodgett Lizzy, his niece, Brooke Johnson.

At the family’s request, graveside services will be held in the spring. 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.

BEVERLY RIDEOUT

WATERVILLE – Beverly Rideout, 83, of Waterville, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville, following a long illness. She was born on June 23, 1936, the daughter of Delores Mendelson and Norman Nimon.

She enjoyed being a majorette and graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1954. She enjoyed playing cards and bingo but most of all spending time with family and friends. Her life took her from Maine to Wyoming and then back to Maine in 1994.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim Rideout; daughter Terri Starrett, son James Rideout Jr.; grandson Chris Hallee; sister Marsha Nimon, and brother Arnold Mendelson.

She is survived by her daughter Lisa Arbour and former son-in-law Denny Arbour, son Richard Nelson and wife Lori, daughter Stephanie Swonger and husband Wes, daughter Judi Moore and husband Jim, her deceased daughter’s life companion Scott Bryant, stepdaughters Lynne Kerschner and husband Jim, and Pam Evans; sister Maureen Vinci and husband Pete and brothers Tony, David, Jim, Michael, and Dan, her special cousin and friend Sandra Paulette; and several grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beacon Hospice, 5 Community Dr., Suite A, Augusta, ME 04330.

RICHARD W. NASH

FAIRFIELD – Richard W. Nash, 84, died Saturday, December 7, 2019, following a brief illness, at Sebasticook Valley Hospital, in Pittsfield. He was born June 10, 1935, in Washington, the son of Alfred E. and Jennie L. (Pierpont) Nash.

He was educated in the schools of Washington and graduated from Washington High School in 1954. He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army until his honorable discharge. He was employed in construction from 1960 to 1972 and for many years as a truck driver for various freight companies including Coles Express from 1972 to 1982. He enjoyed gardening, mowing his lawn, landscaping and spending time with his cat Shadow. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #203, in Washington.

Richard is survived by daughters, Rebecca Nash and friend Rocky Leavitt, Lynne Nash, Jacqueline McLaggen and husband Randy; sons, Ricky, Nelson and wife Vicki; six grandchildren; one great grandson; sister, Barbara Gushee; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother Marshall; sisters, Lycille Flye, Marie Nash, Marietta Spencer, and life partner, Doris Ifill.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, December 22, 2019 from 10 a.m. – noon, at Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service (Adams Chapel), 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Richard’s memory to the Somerset Humane Society, PO Box 53, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

ELLEN M. GILBERT

WINSLOW – Ellen M. Gilbert, 83, died at Lakewood Continuing Care Center, in Waterville, on Saturday, December 7, 2019. She was born in Auburn on December 8, 1935, to parents Hollis and Lillien (Hartford) Brown.

Ellen graduated from Waterville High School in 1954. She married Carl Gilbert, on August 18, 1954, and enjoyed 55 wonderful years of marriage with him.

Ellen spent 22 years living throughout the world as a military spouse before settling in Winslow where she took a job as a cook for the Winslow school system for many years. She found extreme joy in doing crafts and helping others. Her favorite hobbies were knitting, crocheting, sewing, ceramics, cake decorating, reading, playing cards, puzzles, and traveling. She loved making mittens, sweaters, afghans, and baby outfits for family members, friends, and local charities.

Ellen is survived by her three children, Donna Rowland and her husband David, of Ohio, Deborah Craig, of Winslow, and Paul Gilbert and his wife Kim, of New Hampshire; eight grandchildren, Charity, Ronald, Heather, James, Steven, Melissa, Jennifer and Gregory and respective spouses; multiple great- and great-great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews. Ellen was predeceased by her husband, her parents, brothers and sisters, and son-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ellen’s memory may be made to The Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, 93 Silver Street, Waterville, ME 04901 or via online at https://www.mainechildrenshome.org/how-to-give/donate.

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

MICHAEL A. PIRRUCCELLO

BENTON – Michael A. Pirruccello, 66, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2019. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 10, 1953, the son of Salvatore “Sam” Pirruccello and Robin (Brydone-Jack) Pirruccello.

Mike was a self-employed master electrician, musician, and sound engineer for many years. A passionate songwriter, horticulturist, skeptic, youthful adventurer, and storyteller extraordinaire.

He was predeceased by his father in 2015 and his ex-wife, Jackie Pirruccello.

Surviving is his wife, Fawn Pirruccello; his mother, Robin Pirruccello; four daughters, Leslie Richmond, Jessica Sloan, Bobbie Pirruccello and Billie Pirruccello; one stepson, Jeremy LaPointe, two stepdaughters, Crystal LaPointe, and Ahlea Ware; three brothers, Samuel Pirruccello, Joseph Pirruccello and Matthew Pirruccello; several grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no public visiting hours. A private memorial mass will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.

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

GORDON G. PROVOST

SKOWHEGAN – Gordon G. Provost, 72, passed away from lung cancer on Monday, November 23, 2019. “Gordy” died in the log home he loved in Skowhegan. He was born October 3, 1947, in Waterville, the son of Gerald G. and Violet L. (Hatch) Provost.

Gordy graduated from Skowhegan High School in 1965. He served as a sergeant in the United States Army and was stationed in Key West at the missile site there. Later, he served one tour of duty in Vietnam lasting 14 months. Gordy used his GI Bill funds and graduated from UMF in 1973. He completed the Ironworkers Apprenticeship Program and was a Journeyman Ironworker for 33 years. He served on the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee and the Executive Board for 25 of those years. Gordy married the former Sharon Hennings, in Mercer. They made a life together for 44 years. Gordy and Sharon had two sons Grant Alan Provost and Gordon “Ashley ” Provost.

Gordy loved the outdoors. If you came up his driveway, you would find him outside, puttering around. If his family needed something, he just invented it – booster seats for picnic tables, spice racks from an old Model A wheel, and a wine rack/liquor cabinet. Gordy loved a project. He was renovating an old camp at Wesserunsett and had revived an outhouse at Clearwater. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do, make or fix.

Fishing and eating were two of Gordy’s favorite activities. He could be seen fly fishing Wesserunsett, in Madison, and Spencer Stream, in Eustis, in warm weather and ice fishing Sibley Pond, in Canaan, during winter. Gordy was never happier than when Sharon started cooking from Bon Appetit Magazine. However, a proper barbecue must always include red hotdogs.

Gordy is survived by his wife, his son Grant and his wife Kelly, their son Roland Hatch Provost, of South Berwick, and his son “Ashley,” of Bangor; son Mark Chance, of Whitefish, Montana.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ironworkers Union Hall, 277 Hinckley Road, Clinton, Maine. We will be there on Saturday, December 28, from noon to 2 p.m. Let’s do potluck finger food, completely optional.

In lieu of flowers, Gordy would want you to plant a tree or just go fishing.

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

China TIF members recommend two expenditures

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After the Dec. 9 TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Committee meeting, Chairman Frank Soares reported committee members recommended two expenditures of TIF money in 2020, in addition to those approved at previous meetings.

Soares said China’s Thurston Park Committee, represented by Jen Smith, requested more than $20,000 to repair trails do tree work and buy a bush hog and a beaver deceiver. The latter is a shaped fence designed to protect culverts from being converted into beaver dams.

Four Seasons Club President Tom Rumpf asked for $50,000 for bridge work on recreational trails and $25,000 to build an equipment storage and repair building, for a total of $75,000.

The next TIF Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, Jan. 14.

China planners review two commercial plans

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by Mary Grow

With two newcomers, Randy Downer and Natale Tripodi, joining Tom Miragliuolo and Jim Wilkens (and continuing member Toni Wall absent), China Planning Board members began their Dec. 10 meeting by electing Miragliuolo and Wall co-chairmen.

They reviewed two commercial plans, making no decisions on either. SunRaise Investments’ proposal for two solar arrays near Route 3 was a preliminary rather than a complete application, and board members agreed unanimously that James Nichols’ application for a self-storage facility was also incomplete.

SunRaise Investments Vice-President of Construction said one project, accessed from the Arnold Road, would be in the field behind Michael Willette’s gravel pit, an area that is mostly meadow with a bit of forested wetland. The Route 3 project would be on Daniel Ouellette’s property east of South China Village, close to the China Area Wash and Dry laundromat and the power line.

Corbett was accompanied by Lisa Vickers, Project Manager for Atlantic Environmental, who explained state permitting requirements and environmental plans, and Joseph J. Marden, Project Manager for Sitelines, who talked about construction issues.

Planning board members suggested topics to be covered in a final application, like noise, lights and security. The SunRaise team had no problem with anything proposed.

No date was set for submission of an application.

Nichols and engineer Al Hodsdon, of A. E. Hodsdon, briefly discussed additional information board members want before they review the proposed self-storage facility on Vassalboro Road. Codes Officer Bill Butler had questions about the planned holding tank for wastewater from a bathroom; he also asked Nichols and Hodsdon about the condition of the wet ponds that Hodsdon said his firm designed in 2002 as the planning board approved the adjoining car wash.

Preliminary discussion of local marijuana regulations took up the rest of the meeting. November’s approval of medical marijuana facilities led planners to consider regulating that aspect; now they are considering expanding the question to regulation of recreational facilities.

Resident Dawson Julia is circulating a petition for a town meeting warrant article that would ask voters to repeal the existing Ordinance Prohibiting Retail Marijuana Establishments in China and replace it with an ordinance that would allow and regulate such establishments.

Julia said almost two dozen Maine towns and cities have adult-marijuana-use regulations. Butler had two samples and will look for others that might help planners draft a China ordinance.

Miragliuolo said the November referendum showed that China voters do not have a negative view of marijuana establishments for medical purposes. Now the board will look at regulating non-medical uses if voters want them. Planners are not trying to influence residents’ attitudes, he emphasized.

Board members were not sure they could produce a draft for the April 4 annual town business meeting. The next voting opportunity would be in June.

The next regular China Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, Jan. 14.

CORRECTION: Planning Board member Natale Tripodi was incorrectly referred to as Natale Tripoli. It has been corrected, and we apologize for the error.

China unveils new emergency notification system

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A postcard similar to this will soon be mailed out to residents to announce the new system.

by Eric W. Austin

China’s town manager, Dennis Heath, is excited about a new emergency contact system the town is rolling out next year. Called Hyper-Reach and developed by Ashergroup, based in Rochester, New York, the application is an opt-in emergency broadcast system that can notify residents of important announcements, weather advisories and emergency alerts.

Notifications can take the form of emails, texts or automated calls, depending on the preference of the resident. Since the system is “opt-in”, residents will need to sign-up for the service before they will start receiving notifications. This can be done at the town’s Hyper-Reach portal, which can be found by clicking on the Hyper-Reach logo at the bottom left of the town’s website, or at the town office where the staff will be happy to assist residents with the sign-up process. Also, look for postcards explaining the process which will soon be sent to all residents.

When a resident registers for the service, they will be asked for their name and both a postal and street address. Depending on whether the resident wishes to receive alerts by email, text or automated phone call, an email address or phone number is also required. There are two types of alerts you can sign up to receive: Community Alerts or Weather Alerts.

Town Manager Dennis Heath says he is still working with China’s Emergency Preparedness Committee to formulate a policy for what kind of situations would initiate a Community Alert, but offered the examples of a fire at the transfer station requiring an unexpected closure, or weather conditions that necessitated closing the town office early. Heath also suggested that the system could be used to make announcements about local events like China Days, but conceded it’s possible the system should only be used in specific emergency situations. These are some of the questions he is working out with the Emergency Preparedness Committee.

The emergency notification system includes functions allowing the administrator to only select for notification of residents within a specified geographical region. For example, if there is a house fire, residents with properties near the location of the fire could be notified without sending an alert to the entire town.

The system also allows residents to sign up for Weather Alerts. Unlike Community Alerts, Weather Alerts are sent by the national weather service rather than town staff. These notifications would be sent out when there is an important weather advisory, such as for a major storm, a danger of local flooding or some other extreme weather event.

It’s important to note that neither the town staff or other town officials, such as the selectboard or town committees, will have visibility within the system to any name and address information associated with residents, and individual residents cannot be targeted for specific notices. Instead, notices sent through the system by staff must either be sent to everyone in the system or be limited to a specific geographic region. In this way, the Hyper-Reach program provides emergency notifications while still protecting residents’ individual information.

Heath also mentioned that access to the system and those having the ability to send out emergency notices would be severely limited to prevent abuse of the system. At the moment, the town manager is the sole individual with such authority, although someone on the town staff may be designated for the role in the future.

There is a second side of the Hyper-Reach system which is geared more for internal town functions. This other, “internal” side of the system is completely separate from the wider emergency functions described above. This side of the system allows the town staff to input the names of people who sit on town committees. Once this is done, notifying people of upcoming meetings or letting members know of a sudden cancellation can be done instantly and will save hours of phone time that usually requires a staff member. Heath thinks this functionality will make the office much more efficient and productive.

This internal, non-emergency functionality may also be extremely useful to committees such as the China for a Lifetime Committee which is attempting to organize large groups of volunteers for community projects, since a lot of time is often spent trying to get in touch with people.

The entire Hyper-Reach emergency system is costing the town of China $3,900 per year. Town Manager Dennis Heath says to make the system worth the money, he is hoping to get at least one thousand residents to sign up for the service within the first year. There is no charge to China residents who wish to enroll.

Any questions about the new system should be directed to the town office at info@chinamaine.org or 445-2014.

Click here to sign-up for China’s new Hyper-Reach emergency notification system. (China residents only.)

Click here to visit the China town website.

Scouts’ Camp Bomazeen celebrates 75 years

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Scout Camp Bomazeen staff in 1945. (contributed photo)

In 2020, Camp Bomazeen, the Scout camp on Great Pond, in Belgrade, will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary. In 1945, Camp Bomazeen opened to provide an adventure for Maine Scouts in an idyllic setting. Over the course of the past 75 years, thousands of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorers and Venturers have camped amongst the pines, learned new skills, made lifelong friendships, and challenged themselves.

As the Kennebec Valley District, Bomazeen Old Timers and Pine Tree Council prepare for the diamond anniversary, they are asking the public’s help in collecting photos, articles, letters, memorabilia, etc. “We want to tell the story of Bomazeen,” said Camp Historian Chuck Mahaleris of Augusta. “We want to boldly prepare for the next 75 years by first recognizing the efforts of those who came before us and laid the foundations for the camp we love.

Visionaries like Dr Frederick W. Johnson, of Colby College, Dr George Averill, of Waterville, William Hinman, of Skowhegan, J.R. Cianchette and William Springler, of Pittsfield, Henry Hall, of Madison, and Lewis J Rosenthal, of Waterville. Those were the Scouters who were part of the selection committee that founded Bomazeen in 1945.

The camp was named by 14-year old Waterville Scout Richard Chamberlain. Last summer, both boys and girls shot arrows at the Bomazeen archery range, made baskets at Bushcraft, learned to swim at the waterfront, and some even learned how to weld. I hope those great pioneers would be proud that the camp they started is still serving youth today.”

Those who have items to submit can contact Chuck at cmahaleris@gmail.com or by calling him at 400-9850. All items submitted will be scanned and returned. Donations also accepted for display during the anniversary season.

Sidney sisters build shelters for Benton dogs

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Sierra, left, and Macie begin assembling their project. (Contributed photo)

by Eric Westbye

As the Christmas season approaches, two local teenage sisters from Sidney are giving back to the community in a big way. Sierra Gagnon, 17, and her sister, Macie, 15, have grown up in a family that stresses giving and putting others first. This is evidenced by what they did recently for some dogs at a local shelter.

The entire Gagnon family, mother Tricia, left, and dad Jason, back, help Macie and Sierra in their project. (Contributed photo)

Last month, Sierra and Macie volunteered at Charley’s Strays, a dog shelter in Benton. They spent several hours walking dogs on a cold November Saturday and while they were there they noticed that some of the outdoor dog houses could use a makeover. They decided to take matters into their own hands and build some new homes for the dogs.

With a little help from their dad, Jason, and some donated material from Hammond Lumber, they were able to build three new, insulated, heavy duty dog houses. Three weeks ago they proudly brought the houses to the shelter.

They built each house in three parts, and along with their dad and mom, Jason and Tricia Gagnon, they assembled them on site. They designed the houses with three specific dogs in mind: two are huskies that enjoy being outside almost all winter, but will enjoy the winter even more now that they have insulated homes!

Far too often teenagers these days are labeled as self-absorbed and lazy. Not enough attention is given to the kids that do the right thing every day. These two girls are an example for us all that change starts with the person in the mirror and everyone can do something to make the world a better place.

Macie, left, and Sierra Gagnon with the completed dog houses. (Contributed photo)

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Five foster care facts

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(NAPSI)—When a child or youth is placed into foster care, their safety and well-being become the shared responsibility of the community. Organizations such as the nonprofit Treehouse are an important part of the solution. Staff and volunteers work to provide childhood experiences everyone deserves, connection to resources and a successful launch into adulthood.

With close to half a million youth in care throughout the country, numerous challenges remain. Here are five things to know so you can take action.

1. PTSD for Youth

There is emotional trauma in both being removed from home and the uncertainty that follows. PTSD for youth who have experienced foster care is twice the rate of war veterans.

2. School Challenges

Students in foster care change housing placements an average of three times, and with each move, they lose about six months of academic progress. High school graduation rates for youth in care are about 50 percent nationwide, and less than 3 percent earn a bachelor’s degree.

3. Racial Disparities

Children of color are far more likely to enter the foster care system than their white peers. They are more likely to be removed from their home, stay in care longer and are less likely to return home.

4. After Foster Care

Across the country, close to 26,000 young adults exit foster care each year. Nearly all lack the community network necessary for a supported launch into adulthood. More than a third will experience homelessness at some point by age 26.

5. Partners in Hope

Treehouse’s Graduation Success program is dramatically increasing high school graduation rates—with 77 percent of participants completing school. Through a number of programs, youth partner with Treehouse from birth to well into their 20s.

Visit www.treehouseforkids.org to learn more or make a donation. Your donation supports Treehouse programs from Graduation Success to Holiday Magic, which provides thousands of kids a meaningful holiday gift. You can even honor someone you know who has been impacted by foster care.

I’M JUST CURIOUS – Christmas 2019: Birth of a new tradition

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by Debbie Walker

I am not sure where this came from, I found it on my computer. I very much agree with what it says so I’ll ask for forgiveness if someone else wrote it. I really don’t remember. I hope it opens at least some minds. It’s also right in line with what my mom wanted in her later years.

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods – merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes, there is!

It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone – yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants – all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains – this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre..

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about U. S., encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. Forward this to everyone on your mailing list – post it to discussion groups – throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city – send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what Christmas is about?

Have a wonderful Christmas. Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com with your questions or comments.