DAR announces citizenship award winners

Winners of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Good Citizenship Award and of the American History Essay contest from left to right, Alden Wilkinson, Keith Radonis, Georgianna Davidson, Abigail Clark, Natalie Dube, Davyn Swindells. (contributed photo)

Local students from area schools have been selected as winners of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Good Citizenship Award and of the American History Essay contest.

The Koussinoc chapter, in Augusta, conducted a ceremony on March 9, at the Lithgow Library, to honor these students. The topic for the essay was, The Voyage of the Mayflower, the student took the persona of a passenger on that ship. Winners taking second place were, in sixth grade, Davyn Swindells, seventh grade, Natalie Dube and eighth grade was Georgianna Davidson. The first place winners were sixth grade Alden Wilkinson, seventh grade, Abigail Clark and eighth grade was Keith Radonis. All students are from St. Michael School, in Augusta. Abigail Clark also won for the state division and will be attending the Spring State Conference, in Augusta, in April.

Two senior students were entrants for the Good Citizen Award. Julia Basham who is a student at Erskine Academy and Makaelyn Porter, a student from Southern Aroostook Community High School. The students are chosen by faculty and student body for their qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. The student then submits a packet of personal data stating how and why they feel they show these qualities.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Life seems to have slowed down

Ice free Webber Pond.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Well, here we are. All stuck in the same place. I realize the severity of the COVID-19 coronavirus that has now taken a strangle hold on all of our normal every day lives.

But, after speaking with several other people, with the media blitz we are getting from the news, it is becoming a little much. I understand that it is suggested that we all stay in our homes, until this passes, so as to not spread the virus any more than is occurring.

Last weekend, I spent many hours in my garage, at home, while processing the maple sap I gathered during the previous week. That is always a promising time of year. The gathering of maple sap, and converting it to that sweet, homemade maple syrup, usually, in my mind anyway, marks the end of winter. At least it’s within sight. I even took the time to clean my car from the winter grime and clutter that accumulates inside the car, by what seems like mysterious ways. Where did all those receipts and cough drop wrappers come from?

The day was Saturday, and it was quite a pleasant day, save for the cold wind that would gust up from time to time. One thing I did notice was that my neighborhood, which is located in the middle of the city of Waterville, was quieter than normal. Far less vehicular traffic than in the past. No buses nor children walking home from their daily schooling. Not a sniff of diesel fuel in the air.

Oblivious of the coronavirus outbreak were the numerous birds that visited our feeders which hang from our side porch. In and out, all day long, going about their normal routine.

Squirrels scurrying about, from tree to tree, down the driveway and across the street. A never-ending process of survival. I did notice, however, that winter, and even the spring’s strong winds, had dislodged a nest from high in one of my pine trees. Do squirrels begin to build new nests, or do they bunk in together in someone else’s crib?

On Sunday, a beautiful day of sunshine without a cloud in the sky, my wife and I decided to take a Sunday drive. Something we had not done in quite some time because there was always something else to do. With our church suspending all Sunday Masses for the foreseeable future, we took advantage of the extra time to get out of the house. After all, we would be in our car, and have no physical contact with any other human beings.

We decided to do the circular drive through the towns around China Lake. Rumors had it that ice was out.

We proceeded out of Winslow and toward China on Rte. 137/202. As we approached the head of the lake, it was, “nope, ice is not out yet.” Let’s go take a look at Three Mile Pond and Togus Pond. “Eureka, ice out at both locations.” There is hope after all.

The last destination would be our lake, where we spend the summers, Webber Pond. Sure enough, ice is out on Webber Pond, except for a small portion in the east cove. Historically, that will disappear quickly as winds shift the ice.

After arriving home, we sat and discussed our little excursion of the day.

It reminded us of the “good ol’ days.” Being able to go for a Sunday drive without the problems of heavy traffic. Hardly anyone on the roads.

It almost seems like since the outbreak of this virus, life has actually slowed down.

It is interesting, though, to observe Mother Nature, at its finest, continue at its own pace, with all the wildlife going about their own routine.

The bears are awakening from their winter slumber, as are skunks, raccoons, and something I saw in the road on Sunday that I was not able to identify while driving back to Waterville along Rte. 201. Soon, we should begin to see opposum, woodchucks and other species that go into partial hibernation during the winter months.

Spring is all around us, and we anxiously await the warmer days and the time when this virus has become history and part of our memories.

Stay safe. Think about the coming of warmer weather, and the emminent all out war against black flies and ticks.

ICE OUT
DID YOU KNOW?

Ice out has been recorded on China Lake since 1874. In the 132 years between 1874 and 2005, ice went out in March on only four occasions – 1901, 1902, 1953, and 1981. In the 14 years since, March ice out has also occurred four times, 2006, 2010, 2012, and 2016. Should ice go out before next Wednesday, it will mark the fifth time in 15 years.

You could make a good case for climate change.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

How did former Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra get his first name?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, March 26, 2020

Trivia QuestionsHow did former Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra get his first name?

Answer:

It is his father’s first name, Ramon, spelled backwards.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 26, 2020

MERLAND L. O’NEAL SR.

OAKLAND – Merland L. O’Neal Sr., 63, passed away on Turesday, March 10, 2020, following a courageous battle with cancer. Merl was born in Waterville on March 19, 1957, the son of Merland L. O’Neal Sr. and Thelma (Bickford) O’Neal.

He attended school in Oakland and was a graduate of Messalonskee High School, class of 1975. During his school years he was a member of the Messalonskee marching band and played the tuba.

Merl had a passion for cooking. As a teenager he had a part time job at the Coffee Pot Restaurant, on Main Street, in Oakland. After graduating high school, he went to work at the Food For Thought Restaurant, another local restaurant in Oakland. He was the head cook there for many years.

He also catered numerous weddings and events for friends and family. This man made the most scrumptious cheesecake that you could ever eat.

Later in life he went to work for C.N. Brown and worked at The Big Apple Convenience Store, in Fairfield, until he had to take an early retirement because of health problems. Merl was also a member of the Oakland American Legion and on occasion worked there bartending.

Merl’s favorite hobby was woodworking. He could build just about anything and made the most beautiful pieces of furniture for family and friends. He also liked searching through antique stores to find the most unusual and unique pieces.

Merl always put family first in his life and was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever help was needed. He was always upbeat and faced his illnesses with great courage.

He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. Merl was a generous, loving brother and a caring son who looked after his mother.

Merl was predeceased by his father, Merland L. O’Neal Sr.

He is survived by his mother, Thelma (Bickford) O’Neal; his sister, Bonnie Stratton and friend Gary Desrosiers, sister Debbie Wentworth and her husband Rick, brother Joey O’Neal and his wife Jaime, niece Tanya Kormann and her husband Eric and their children, Benjamin, Abigale, and Marley; niece, Sydney O’Neal; nephew, Gabe Wentworth and his wife Angela and their children, Hannah and Anthony; nephew, Jeremiah Stratton and his wife Paula and their children, Jack and Poppy; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

There will be a graveside service in early May at Lewis Cemetery, in Oakland, and a celebration of life following the service at the home of Leatrice and Roger Grevois. All are welcome.

Service date and time will be announced in May.

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.

HELEN F. CAREY

WINSLOW – Helen (Fortin) Carey, 88, of Winslow, formerly of Belgrade, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2020, at home. Helen was born in Waterville on March 2, 1932, the youngest daughter/child of Dan and Cecile (Parent) Fortin.

She graduated from Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, in 1950, with a deep love for God and other people, then attended Colby College, in Waterville. She met her husband, Richard “Spike” Carey, one New Year’s Eve while on a date with Gerald “Cutch” Couture. Married in 1952, together Helen and Richard raised six children.

A lifelong public servant, Helen had many jobs through the years to help support her family. She was city clerk in Waterville for many years, often bringing her work home with her on the weekends to help serve more citizens who needed hunting or fishing licenses, even on Mothers Day! She served as Deputy Registrar of Deeds for Kennebec County where she was loved and respected by lawyers, paralegals, and surveyors from all over. She worked for the LEAP Project where she met and befriended many educators and principals from across the state. She was a supervisor and enumerator for several censuses dating back to 1960. Helen was a Communicant and Eucharistic Minister at Notre Dame Church (Corpus Christi Parish), in Waterville. She served on the Parish Council and Finance Committee for several years, as well as volunteering as a CCD teacher and Eucharistic Minister to the sick at Thayer Hospital, and in many other capacities.

She was predeceased by her husband Richard; son Stephen; her parents; her sister Jeanne and niece Celeste Nadeau, of Riverside, California.

She is survived by her children, sons Michael and wife Jackie, of Barre, Vermont, Gregory and fiancée Barbara, of Waterville; daughters Denise and husband Jack Ducharme, of Madison, Martha and husband Alan Thibodeau, of Madison, and son Peter and wife Bobbie, of Fairfax, Virginia.; 17 grandchildren, Bradley Carey, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Sean Carey, Jennifer Annett, Denise Corriveau, Taylor and Riley Sinclair, Joseph and Benjamin Ducharme, Jennifer Doherty, Joshua Thibodeau, Cecile Willett, Charlotte and Jessica Thibodeau, Anna and Scarlett Carey; 31 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law Jack and wife Mariette Carey and Camille Nadeau; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian farewell will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2020, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver Street, in Waterville, followed by a celebration of life. Burial will follow in the summer of 2020, date to be determined.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences with Helen’s family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a hospice group of your choice in Helen’s name so others may encounter peace and compassion in their final days and hours

JAMES A. HOWARD

SIDNEY – James A. “Big Jim” Howard, 77, of Ginger Place, died unexpectedly, at his home on Thursday, March 12, 2020. He was born in Vassalboro on March 8, 1943, the son of Harlow and Glenora L. (Glidden) Howard.

Prior to his retirement, Jim was employed for 30 years as a heavy equipment operator by Williams Construction, later known as Ferraiolo Construction and subsequently State Paving. Jim enjoyed the outdoors and found contentment watching wildlife and grooming trails. With an affinity for cars, Jim joined the Northeast Cruisers Car Club and Maine Street Machines. Jim never met a stranger, he could strike up a conversation with anyone and never ran out of things to say.

Big Jim was predeceased by his parents; and by a son, Eddie Tourigny.

Surviving is his wife, Helen (Edwards) Perry, of Sidney; two sons, James G. Howard, of Topsham, and Ray Tourigny, of Durham; daughters, Pamela Ann Yenco, of West Bowdoin, Ginger Howard, of Thomaston, and Lori Padden, of Hallowell; a nephew, Walter “Gator” Willey, of Fairfield; eight grandsons, Mark A. Padilla, of Kingsland, Georgia, Parker J. Howard, of Topsham, Tyler J. Howard, of Patchogue, New York, Joshua N. Underhill, of Gardiner, Jesse S. Tozier, of Augusta, Kameron J. Tourigny, of New Port Richey, Florida, Samuel R. Tourigny, of Durham, and Camden E. Tourigny, of Durham; two granddaughters, Brooke N. Howard, of Topsham and Kalie A. Tourigny, of Augusta; seven great-grandchildren.

There are no public visiting hours and no public funeral services scheduled.

A Celebration of life to be announced at a later date.

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

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.plummerfh.com. Memorial donations can be made toyour local Humane Society.

FAITH M. BRANN

COOPERS MILLS – Faith Marie Brann, 67, of Coopers Mills, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2020. Faith was born in Portland, on June 8, 1952, the daughter of the Late Jeanette L. (Smith) Burnham Brann and Gerald J. Leveque.

Faith is survived by her husband of 50 years, Robert A. Brann, Sr. Robert and Faith married on October 30, 1970, in Coopers Mills

They had two children, a son, Robert A. Brann, Jr. and daughter, the late Jennie Lynn Marie (Brann) Ouellette.

Faith enjoyed animals and spent many years raising her beautiful Golden Retrievers. Faith was definitely a “golden girl” and all who knew her would agree.

In Faith’s earlier years she worked in the healthcare system as a caregiver. Faith enjoyed NASCAR and would spend countless hours on the phone with either her baby sister Amy or her side-kick Hope, while they would argue back and forth about who was in lead. Faith spent many years enjoying the fact that she could tease her little sisters and light a spark in them.

Faith had a laugh that was infectious. She had such an incredible zest for life that shined throughout from her soul. Faith loved her Jesus and would spend hours enjoying and listening to her old time gospel music; oh how she could sing. Faith was perhaps the best cook this side of Maine, and perhaps the best hostess you would ever meet. Through the years you could not visit Faith Brann and ever leave her home hungry. Faith had the gift to make a stranger feel like they were her best friend, before that stranger left her house.

She was predeceased by daughter Jennie Lynn Marie Ouelette, and daughter-in-law, Kristy Brann.

Faith is survived by her son Robert A. Brann, Jr. of Coopers Mills; her son-in-law Brian Ouelette, Sr., of South China; two granddaughters Kayla-Lynn Brann, of Lewiston, and partner Mike Olcott, Robin (Brann) Jones, of North Carolina, and husband Justin; two grandsons Robert Andrew (Andy) Brann, of Coopers Mills, and Brian Michael Ouellette, Jr., of South China; four great-grandchildren Bentley Olcott, of Lewiston, Koleman, Molly and Cooper Jones, of North Carolina; Faith’s siblings, three brothers Royal W. Burnham, Jr., of Leeds, Mark Burnham and John Burnham, both of Florida; four sisters Hope Ellis and husband Dan, of Hartland, Patience (Pati) Eaton and husband Jeffrey, of Washington, Eilene (Tinker) Labonte and husband Norman, of Augusta, Cora (Amy) Lane, of Winslow, two sisters-in-law, Linda Brann and June Brann, both of Coopers Mills; many nieces and nephews.

There will be no official funeral service, but rather a family gathering will be held at a later date. Family and friends will be contacted personally. Thank you for your understanding.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations directly to Breast Cancer Research in honor of “Jennie Lynn Marie (Brann) Ouellette”

BRUCE P. ARNOLD

VASSALBORO – Bruce P. Arnold, 63, of Arnold Road, died March 13, 2020, at Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following a brief illness. He was born in Augusta, on September 25, 1956, the son of Paul Arnold and Louise (Young) Arnold.

He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, boating ATVing and camping. He was a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, of Augusta.

Bruce was the assistant branch manager of Cameron Ashley Building Products for 26 years.

He was predeceased by his mother, Louise Arnold.

Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Vicki L. Arnold, of Vassalboro; three sons, Troy Richards, of Windsor, Daniel Arnold, of Vassalboro, and Devan Arnold, of Augusta; his father, Paul Arnold ,of Vassalboro; his brother, Brian Arnold, of Augusta; and six grandchildren.

There will be no public visiting hours. A Celebration of Bruce’s life will be held Friday April 3, 2020, from 1-3 p.m., at Western View Golf Course & Event Center, 130 Bolton Hill Road, Augusta, ME.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

ROLLAND R. CHURCHILL

SKOWHEGAN – Rolland Robert “Bob” Churchill, 91, passed away Friday, March 13, 2020, at Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta. He was born August 2, 1928, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, the son of Dewey R. Sr. and Frieda M. (Wood) Churchill.

He married the former Elizabeth “Bette” Ladden on November 5, 1949, at the Sacred Heart Church, in Groton, Connecticut. Rolland was a veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during World War II until his honorable discharge.

Bob is survived by six children, Julie and husband Mark, of Oakland; Laura and husband Joseph, of Georgetown, Gary and wife Elise, of Reno, Nevada, Mary and husband Tim, of St. John, Virgin Islands, Laurie, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Glenn and wife Kathy, of Westminster, South Carolina; grandchildren Olivia, William, Christel, Justine, Jennifer, Ben, Peter, Therese and many great-grandchildren; three brothers, Dewey Jr., of Sunnyvale, California, Richard, of Freehold, New Jersey, Stephen ,of Marana, Arizona.

In lieu of a public service the family asks that friends remember Bob with their own loving thoughts and prayers.

Friends and family wishing to donate in Bob’s memory please do so to Maine Veterans Home – Activities Fund, 310 Cony Road, Augusta, Maine 04330.

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

ERIC J. LaPORTE

FAIRFIELD – Eric J. LaPorte, 48, died unexpectedly on Friday, March 13, 2020, at his home, in Fairfield. He was born on August 5, 1971, in Skowhegan, the son of Everett and Marilyn (Keyes) LaPorte.

Eric was a 1989 graduate of Skowhegan High School, and a graduate of Becker College, in Worcester, Massachusetts. He also served in the Army Reserves.

Eric was a 17-year employee, store manager, and construction product connoisseur at Gagne & Son Concrete Block, in Topsham. His passions included family, youth football, officiating local football games, attending concerts, sporting events, and last but definitely not least, hanging out with The Boys. New England Patriots games, Kenny Chesney, and Jimmy Buffett concerts were certainly his favorites.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Anna Cowette, Chester Keyes, Ruth and Gerald Strickland, and Harold and Josephine LaPorte; and his aunt, Joyce Howard.

Eric is survived by his mother, Marilyn LaPorte; his father and stepmother, Everett and Jackie LaPorte; his sisters, Stephany Sherman and her partner Paul Moody, and Jill Fowler and her partner Dan Spooner; his nephew, Devin Sherman, his nieces, Brandi LaPorte, and Cassandra Manson; his uncle, James Howard; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins.

A celebration of Eric’s life will be held at a later date.

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.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations in Eric’s memory be made to: Fairfield Pal Football c/o John Stewart, 376 Canaan Rd., Clinton, ME 04927.

JOAN C. COLEMAN

WINSLOW – Joan Claire (Pinckney) Coleman, 85, died Saturday, March 14, 2020. She was born May 7, 1934, in Staten Island, New York, the daughter of John S. and Doris Pinck­ney.

She attended Hunter College before transferring to Cornell University, from which she graduated in 1956 with a degree in nutrition. Following her marriage to George Coleman she moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where she attained membership in the American Dietetic Association while working in the student union at the University of Kansas.

In 1963 she moved to Waterville where her first undertaking was revision of a diet manual which served all Waterville hospitals. She was employed as a dietitian at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, where she was director of food service when it merged with Seton Hospital to form Mid-Maine Medical Center. She later became assistant administrator, then assistant to the president. As assistant administrator she introduced several elements of management; she was proudest of adapting Quality Circles to the health industry.

She served as president of the Maine Dietetic Association, and declined requests to stand for a national position. She also served on the board of directors which formally merged the Waterville Girls and Boys Clubs.

After leaving Mid-Maine Medical Center, she worked at Thomas College, in Waterville, where she organized seminars for their Small Business Institute, introduced Elderhostel programs, and bartered teaching undergraduate courses for taking graduate courses to earn her MBA in 1990.

She then worked at the Maine Veterans Medical Center, at Togus, beginning as assistant to the chief of nutrition and food service, later becoming chief. Her experience in management techniques led to her inclusion as part of a team that adapted Baldrige management principles to the V.A.’s annual awards. Her last few years at Togus were spent as chief of quality management for the post.

Following retirement from the V.A. she turned her attention to a variety of undertakings. She became an avid fly-fisher, travelling all over the state seeking new streams and ponds; that led to fly-tying and the construction of fly rods. She also learned woodworking, wood carving, and wood turning. A life-long gardener, she sought to have something in bloom throughout the summer.

Joan was predeceased by her parents John S. and Doris (Hildebrandt) Pinckney.

She is survived by three daughters, Sue and husband Thomas Reid, Leigh and husband Alan Burgess, and Beth Ellen and husband James Roberts; grandchildren Caitlin Merithew and husband Harold, Colin Whalen and wife Amelia, Austin Higgins, Samantha MacIntyre, Tess Burgess, Ted Burgess and wife Elicia, and Niklas Burgess and wife Maria; former husband George Coleman; and several great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 20, 2020, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Waterville, Maine.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

HAZEL H. GUSTAFSON

CLINTON – Hazel H. Gustafson, 88, of Clinton, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Glen­ridge Nursing Home. Hazel was born in Canaan on August 11, 1931, to Aratus and Louise Ames.

She graduated from Skowhegan High School. She married Gustaf Gustafson on August 18, 1948. They had two sons, Greg and Gary, and together they operated a dairy farm until 1981.

She decided to go to nursing school while in her 40s and became an LPN. She worked at Seton Hospital, in Waterville, on the Third Floor Rehab Unit for many years. She loved being a nurse and made many friends and acquaintances while there.

Gus and Hazel traveled many enjoyable miles in their motor home across the U.S, Canada, Mexico and Alaska, with their favorite traveling companions, Stanley and Pat (Hazel’s brother and sister-in-law). Hazel led a full life. She brought love and kindness to all the hearts she touched along with way. Hazel will be remembered as a kind and gentle woman, devoted wife, mother and loving grandmother. She loved family gatherings and spent many hours at her parents’ home in Canaan on Sunday afternoons where she would get caught up with what was going on with her brothers and sisters.

Hazel is survived by two sons, Greg and his wife, Laurel, and Gary and his wife, Linda, all of Clinton; grandchildren, Garrett and his wife Danielle, of Brunswick, Katie Haley, of Fryeburg, Andrea Pelletier and her husband Nick, of Clinton, and Nathan and his wife Amanda, of Winterport; great-grandchildren, Ella, Hannah, Natalie, Wyatt, Quinton, Gus and Francis; her sisters: June Jewell, Darlene (Sonny) Corson, Polly (Bernard) Willey, and Sharon (Clayton) Cooley; brothers Robert (Betty) Ames, Stanley (Pat) Ames and their extended families.

She was predeceased by her husband, Gus; her sisters, Violet Miller and Virginia Gustafson; her brothers, Linwood Ames, Aratus “Joe” Ames, Richard “Dickey” Ames, and Thomas “Tommy” Ames.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.

NORMAN V. GRANT

VASSALBORO – Norman “Buzz” V. Grant, 65, passed away at home on Sunday, March 15, 2020. He was born in Ban­gor, the son of Norman E. Grant and Leona “Lea” Peirce Grant.

He graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1972. Buzz owned his own business, Maine Flooring and Construction.

He was married to Patti Roy, sharing 47 years, and 33 years of marriage.

He belonged to the Vassalboro Masonic Lodge #54 and the Anah Shriners, in Bangor. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, 4-wheeling and snowmobiling. His camp on Moose River, in Rockwood, gave him many hours of pleasure as did being with his friends at Rockwood Bar and Grill. Most of all he loved his family, always willing to help them and his friends in any way that he could.

Buzz is survived by his wife, Patti; son, Justin, and partner, Candy, of Burnham; and granddaughter, Kylie, of Unity; his mother, Lea Grant, of Vassalboro; his sister, Nona Quirion, and husband, Ken, of Vassalboro; niece, Devon Redman, and husband, Ryan, and grandnieces Alyssa and Victoria Redman, all of Vassalboro; uncle, Charles Berry, of Glenburn; In-laws, Bea Roy, of Winslow, JoLyn Craig, of Vassalboro, Pam and Bernard Lemieux, of Vassalboro, Rick and Lisa Roy, of Denver, Colorado, Jeff and Cindy Roy, of Fairfield, Sheldon and Sue Roy, Florida, AJ and partner Judy, of Norridgewock, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Norman E. Grant; aunt, Nonie Berry, and aunt, Elsie McNally.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Shriner’s Hospitals For Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive,Tampa, Florida 33607.

SUELLEN P. LUCE

FAIRFIELD – Suellen P. Luce, 77, of Fairfield, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at Redington-Fairview General Hospital, in Skowhegan. She was born in Waterville on January 10, 1943, the daughter of the late Bernard and Roberta (Gurney) Pomerleau.

Suellen was a graduate of Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. She was very respected in the food service industry, retiring from Sysco following many years of dedicated service. She was an avid reader, and especially enjoyed reading works from Elisabeth Ogilvie.

She also enjoyed rides, music, the outdoors, being at camp in Kingfield, and fishing with her grandsons, but most important in her life was her family. She was a very dear mother and a very kind woman that loved her family dearly and was the glue that held the family together.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by a sister and a brother.

Suellen will be sadly missed by her son, Harry Luce and his companion, Nikki St. Peter; her grandchildren, Kaitlyn and her fiancé Matt, Jacob and his wife Cyndney, and Jared.

Per her request there will be no public services.

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.

CAROLYN TOWNE

WATERVILLE — Carolyn “Connie” Towne, 81, passed away peacefully in hospice, on Monday, March 16, 2020, after losing a hard-fought battle with cancer. Connie was born in Au­gusta on September 2, 1938, to Judge James and Alice (Hastings) Reid.

She graduated from Hallowell High School in 1956 and earned her associates degree from Lasell Junior College School of Nursing, in Massachusetts, in 1958, where she made many lifelong friends who shared her passion for living each day to its fullest in service.

Connie led an extremely active and social lifestyle, on the go until the very last week of her life. Never one to stay still, Connie had a lust for life unrivaled and admired by all that had the pleasure of knowing this incredible woman. No one loved a party more than Connie. One of her favorite memories was dancing with her husband and family to the music of the Pete Collins’ Dixieland Jazz Band during their many celebrations, especially those in which her brother James played the drums back in the good old days in Boston, where she and her husband met.

Connie was a Registered Nurse in the State of Maine, was employed by MaineGeneral Health for more than 25 years and had a passion for nursing driven by her love for helping people.

She coached Cony High School girls tennis team for several years, leading them to win a state championship in 1994. She was a champion tennis player, a true terror on the court, but also a very good sport, and accumulated more tennis (and running) trophies than one can reasonably expect to display without feeling extremely boastful. She was a mainstay of The Washingtonians Ski Club, a social ski group that meant the world to her and her husband. Connie holds the unofficial record for the most trips to the Swiss/French Alps out of the group. She also loved to cross-country ski, in recent years at the Quarry Road Recreation Area, in Waterville.

Finally, she was an avid gardener, a respectable golfer, and loved both gourmet cooking and international travel.

Connie volunteered for many charitable organizations, serving on the Board of the Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, the Alfond Youth Center, the Waterville Boys & Girls Club, and the Thayer Osteopathic Seton Combined Auxiliaries (TOSCA). She was a long-time member of the First Congregational Church UCC, in Waterville, and chaired the Christian Education committee there for many years.

Connie was predeceased by her parents; as well as her brothers James L. Reid, Jr. and Jeff Reid.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Dr. John W. Towne; two children, Allison DiMatteo, of Saco, and Nathan Towne, of Waterville; and two grandchildren, Anna and Simon DiMatteo.

A celebration of Connie’s life will be held at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Waterville Opera House, where she very much enjoyed watching her family perform, or a hospice organization of your choice in Connie’s name so others may experience the peace she experienced in her final days and hours.

Sacred Heart church, rectory, office building on the sale block

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waterville (photo: Google streetview)

Corpus Christi Parish has announced that it will place the Sacred Heart property, located on Pleasant Street, up for sale. The property includes a rectory, parish office building, and Sacred Heart Church, which has not hosted a weekend Mass since July of 2006. The decision to place the property up for sale was made prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Placing this property on the market is the shared opinion of our parish’s finance and pastoral councils,” said Fr. Daniel Baillargeon, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish.

Sacred Heart Church needs major structural work as does the rectory, which hasn’t been used in over eight years. The church was dedicated on Easter Sunday in 1930. Prior to its opening, the church’s basement served as a place of worship for 21 years.

Though Masses are temporarily suspended right now due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Corpus Christi Parish traditionally offers Masses at Notre Dame Church on 116 Silver Street in Waterville (Saturday at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Sunday at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12:15 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday at 12:15 p.m.) and St. John the Baptist Church on 26 Monument Street in Winslow (Saturday at 4 p.m.; Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.; and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8 a.m.). In addition, the parish operates St. Helena Church on Route 27 in Belgrade Lakes from June 30 to Labor Day. During the academic year, a Mass is celebrated at Colby College in Waterville on Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

“Notre Dame Church, in Waterville, and St. John Church, in Winslow, have been completely renovated and both feature ample room for parish liturgies and celebrations,” said Fr. Baillargeon. “As we live in the present and look toward the future, putting this property up for sale seems the most prudent thing to do.”

The parish administration is currently working with organizers of the soup kitchen that operates out of the church’s basement and will support their efforts in finding a new location to continue this important ministry.

For more information, contact Kevin Fletcher of Northeast Commercial Brokers at (207) 754-9311 or kevin@maineccim.com.

AARP OUTREACH: Financial planning for the future

by Japhet Els

Three glass Ball jars were arranged on the kitchen table. From my perspective as a nine-year old, they seemed large. One jar was labeled, “College Fund.” Another, “Short-Term Savings.” And the last jar, “Long-Term Savings.” My mother was pretty straight-forward and the labels reflected her simplicity in teaching the basics of money.

“With each dollar you earn, you’ll have to put at least 25 cents into the college jar. And another 25 cents into the long-term saving jar. After that, it’s up to you.” I didn’t realize it then, but my mother was teaching me the habit of how to save money. Three jars. Three goals. Three ways to build some security for the future.

I was lucky. Not everyone is taught these lessons early on, but it’s never too late to learn.

Maine is facing a retirement savings crisis that could put us on the financial mat in the near future. One-third of Mainers 65-plus rely entirely on their Social Security check which averages just $1,100 a month. The average working Maine household has just $2,500 in retirement savings. That’s not a nest egg. It’s barely an emergency fund. Shockingly, 46 percent of all private sector workers in our state don’t have access to a retirement savings program through their workplace, often because they work for a small business that doesn’t have the time or money to shoulder that burden.

The coming wave of financial insecurity will not only stress Maine families, but important programs like Social Security and Medicare, too.

Retirement savings participation hasn’t changed much in more than 40 years. Despite education campaigns and awareness efforts, there’s been only a slight increase in the number of workers putting money away in a retirement account since the 1970s.

So what can be done? It’s not just about educating younger workers, or giving them a “kick in the pants” to do the right thing. We know what works when it comes to saving for the future. U.S. workers are 15 times more likely to save for retirement when we can do so through our own paycheck. We’re 20 times more likely to do so if that savings is automatic.

The good news is there’s a solution and it is building momentum. LD 594 is a bill currently working its way through the Maine State House. It would establish a public-private partnership allowing any Mainer not currently offered a retirement program through their workplace to start saving for their future. Here are the key parts of the bill that we think make it a “no brainer:”

  • No requirements or burdens on the small business owner including no liability and no matching requirement.
  • Smart government opens up new markets, enabling businesses to connect with underserved consumers. LD 594 would finally allow small business employees the chance to save with approved financial institutions who are currently out of reach for the typical Maine worker.
  • Portable: The employee retirement account follows the employee from job to job making it easier to save for seasonal workers and part-time workers.
  • Education: Each employee who participates will learn the value of saving for the future, even if at first the savings are small.

Helping more Mainers save for retirement is a rising tide that lifts all boats. This isn’t just a personal finance issue, it’s a state and community finance issue. Maine spent $28 million on vital social services for older Mainers in 2016. This number will only go up as more and more Mainers age with fewer and fewer dollars saved for retirement. If we can make it easier for more working Mainers to save for the future, it will mean more savings for taxpayers in the future.

The bottom line is we can either pay a little today or a lot tomorrow. We can either work on smart policy to modernize retirement savings in the nation’s oldest state, or we can point the finger at educators and parents while doing nothing to address the problem.

We (and you, dear Reader) can do something. Call and email your local state legislator and urge them to support LD 594. It’s common sense legislation for Maine workers, and common sense savings for Maine’s future.

We may be the oldest state, but we’re primed to lead the way on the most important issues facing our multi-generational communities. We owe it to those who’ve helped shape the Maine of today through hard work and grit, to continue to develop and build the Maine of tomorrow.

Japhet Els is Outreach Director for AARP Maine.

Vassalboro school board hears plans for schools during shut down

Vassalboro Community School. (source: jmg.org)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro School Board members held their first virtual meeting March 24, and thanks to the technical expertise of David Trask and Will Backman it worked efficiently. From their homes, board members and administrators discussed issues and made decisions as though they were sitting in the same room.

Much of the discussion involved reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic that made the virtual meeting necessary. Vassalboro Community School (VCS) has not held classes since Friday, March 13; decisions included unanimous votes to retroactively approve the closure from March 16 to March 27 and extend it to April 27.

Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer congratulated staff and administrators on their response to the situation. He has spent a lot of time coordinating action and exchanging ideas with state education officials and other area superintendents, he said.

VCS Principal Megan Allen said she has focused on keeping teachers and students connected and parents informed. Plans being made for April include daily check-ins with students via video, email or other technologies; sending lists of virtual learning opportunities students may visit if they choose; robocalls sharing new developments; and information about when and how best to reach a teacher.

Teaching staff are expected to spend at least five hours a week doing on-line professional development. Some might choose to explore more ways to communicate from a distance, Allen said.

Rather than eliminate school breakfast and lunch programs, VCS bus drivers and volunteer staff members are using big yellow buses for morning and noon meals-on-wheels deliveries, Pfeiffer said.

Allen said about 300 meals go out on each run. VCS’s enrollment is about 418, she added. There is plenty of food available, Pfeiffer said, but one item on his to-do list is finding out whether state education officials approve of the program.

At one point, the superintendent said, VCS ran low on bags for the meals. Bus driver Bob Hall appealed to Carl and Phyllis Farris, owners of Lakeview Lumber, in China, and the Farrises donated an ample supply of bags.

On other topics, school board members unanimously accepted the resignation of Kyle Irvine as Educational Technician I, Life Skills Program, and hired Tanya Doyon as his replacement. Pfeiffer said Irvine is pleased to be moving into a vacant position on the custodial staff, and welcomed Irvine’s experience and skills.

Allen and Waterville-based central office Special Education Director Amy Benham said Doyon had been at VCS only a week when the school shut down, but both said she had already made a good impression.

Board members discussed their involvement with the town-sponsored solar energy project. Pfeiffer and Jessica Clark, school board representative on the town solar committee, said the latest proposal is to buy into an out-of-town solar farm rather than have one built in Vassalboro, and the question is whether school board members are still interested. A decision was postponed to the special board meeting scheduled for 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, mostly for more work on the 2020-21 school budget.

The next regular school board meeting is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, “hopefully in person,” Board Chairman Kevin Levasseur said.

CFAL committee meets to discuss volunteer needs and efforts

CFALC members, left to right, Eric Austin, Jeanne Marquis, Christopher Hahn, and Dan McKinnis. Out of frame, Laurie Lizotte, Ann Austin, Irene Belanger, and Theresa Wight. (contributed photo)

by Eric W. Austin

On March 19, the China for a Lifetime Committee (CFALC) met to discuss the best ways to provide assistance to members of the community that are especially vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes high risk individuals like the elderly or those with underlying respiratory conditions which makes possible infection especially dangerous.

Five members of the committee gathered in the main conference room at the town office, sitting at least six feet apart as advised by the CDC, and others logged into a conference call set up for the purpose or watched the meeting live via the town’s live streaming service. The committee was also joined by Dan McKinnis, China Rescue Chief, who advised the committee on important safety measures, and Theresa Wight, from Head Start, who spoke about her work to supply food to needy area families with young children. China town manager, Dennis Heath, watched the meeting live and supplied suggestions via text chat.

McKinnis, who reminded the team that he was not an expert on the coronavirus but relied on best practices set down by the Maine CDC, told the group that it is important that they treat everyone as a potential infection risk. Gloves can be an important safety measure, but the Maine CDC has warned that gloves can also make people less cautious. Gloves need to be changed or washed as often as one would wash your hands, as any contamination on the gloves can then be easily transferred to other surfaces.

McKinnis also spoke of the difficulties of local EMT and first responders, who are on the front lines of the current crisis. Like others, they are fearful of contracting the virus themselves or bringing a possible infection home to their families. In response to the current situation, the dispatch officers who receive 911 calls are now asking qualifying questions to classify people into three possible categories: positive, negative or undetermined. These categories are helping first responders determine the risk level in responding to calls. So far, said McKinnis, China Rescue has not had any calls from likely positive individuals, but they have adjusted their procedures as a cautionary measure. If they do get a call from an individual who could be infected with the virus, they can suit up in gowns and masks for safety, but since these items are disposable and their supplies are limited, they must carefully assess each situation and respond accordingly.

McKinnis recommends that everyone practice social distancing as advised by the CDC, and suggests that those without cleaning supplies can soak a paper towel in a solution of bleach and water to wipe down frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, steering wheels, light switches and eating surfaces. The CDC recommends a solution of five tablespoons (1/3 cup) of bleach per gallon of clean water for this purpose.

Rescue Chief McKinnis also recommended to the China for a Lifetime Committee that any food deliveries to needy residents be left on front porches without contact with the resident, that no one go into the house of a resident they are helping, and that transporting anyone – such as to doctor’s appointments – should not be done because of the possible risk of contamination.

Theresa Wight, who works for the local Head Start office, spoke about the food insecurity faced by the families in her program. Currently she works with 14 local families who are finding it difficult to feed their children with local schools closed. This led to a discussion of how to identify local families in need.

The China for a Lifetime Committee has several ways for local residents to get in contact with the committee and let them know what needs they have. Residents who need help may send an email to ChinaforaLifetime@gmail.com or call the China for a Lifetime hotline at 207-200-3704. This is a voicemail-only number, but the messages are regularly checked and you will be called back as soon as possible. Please leave your name, age, phone number and explain your current need.

There are also several active Facebook groups where residents can post requests or suggestions. One is the “Friends of China, Maine” group which is managed through a partnership between The Town Line newspaper and the China for a Lifetime Committee. Another group, started by China resident Sara Casey is called “China Community Emergency Supply Drive” and is set up specifically to organize a collection of food and other essentials for distribution to needy families in China.

At the meeting, the committee identified several immediate needs. Most essential is the need for volunteers. This includes drivers to deliver or pick up items for high risk residents who are housebound for fear of infection. Volunteer drivers should be younger than 60 years of age, with no underlying respiratory health issues. For this and other volunteer opportunities, please contact the committee by sending an email to ChinaforaLifetime@gmail.com or leave a message on the hotline at 207-200-3704.

There is also a need for volunteers at the China Community Food Pantry, as many of its volunteers are older senior citizens who are now in a high risk category. To volunteer at the China Food Pantry, please contact Ann Austin at 968-2421 or email lee.ljaustin@gmail.com.

Anyone with symptoms such as a fever with a dry cough and shortness of breath – the primary indicators of the new virus – should call their local primary care physician or local hospital. Do not physically go to either location, as you could be putting yourself or others in unnecessary danger. Please start with an initial phone call to avoid overcrowding at our hospitals or local physicians’ offices. If you have questions or concerns, you may also call Maine’s information hotline by dialing 211, 1-866-811-5695, or emailing info@211maine.org.

A runny nose, said Rescue Chief McKinnis, does not seem to be a primary indicator of a COVID-19 infection and is most likely just the common cold.

In this time of crisis, the most important thing we can do is pull together as a community. If you are healthy and low risk, please volunteer to help others. If you are aware of elderly neighbors, especially those living alone, please call them and check in on them or contact the CFAL Committee and let us know they need to be checked on. Do not visit anyone “in person” as you could be putting them at risk. Instead rely on phone, email or other means to make contact while maintaining your distance.

To find out more about the China for a Lifetime Committee and for a list of local resources, please visit their website at ChinaforaLifetime.com.

Eric W. Austin writes about local community issues. He can be contacted by email at ericwaustin@townline.org.

Vassalboro Community School students at State House

On February 18, sixth graders traveled to the state capitol to be Pages for the Day. Students worked in both the Senate and the House, and met their local representatives, Sen. Matt Pouliot and Rep. Dick Bradstreet. (photo by Victor Esposito)

(photo by Victor Esposito)

Mitchell Cates earns Eagle Scout status

Eagle Scout Mitchell Cates, left, receiving his pin from his mother, Amy. (contributed photo)

Mitchell Cates, son of Brandon and Amy Cates, of Anson, was awarded scouting’s highest honor, the Eagle Scout rank, on Sunday, March 15, during a ceremony held at the Garret Schenck School, in North Anson. Mitchell built three picnic tables for the Anson Town Office for public use and a kiosk for the North Anson Post Office for people to post upcoming events in town for his Eagle Scout service project.

Amy Cates, Mitchell’s mom, pinned the Eagle Scout rank to his uniform while friends and family, including two of his three great-grandmothers, watched from the audience. Troop #481 Scoutmaster Michael Fazio served as Master of Ceremonies and presentations/congratulations were offered by State Senator Brad Farrin, of Norridegewock, and State Representative Tom Skolfield, of Weld, the Marine Corps League, the Masonic Grand Lodge of Maine and a representative from U.S. Senator Susan Collins.

Mitchell is the second Eagle in his household. His brother Zachary earned the Eagle Scout rank in 2015.