GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: What to do when things go wrong; and they will

by Dan Beaulieu
Business consultant

In business, as in life, things go wrong. It can’t be helped; we are all human, and we all make mistakes. No matter how good we are, no matter how hard we try to be careful, every so often something will go wrong. The important thing is how we recover. The trick is to “Recover Boldly” as business writers Todd and Deb Duncan write in their excellent book: The 10 Golden Rules of Customer Service.

They go on to say that the faster you solve a problem, the faster you remedy the situation, the better your company will be viewed. Indeed, I know that my clients often tell me stories about great partnerships being forged with their customers by the way they handled a problem.

Here is what you should do when a problem occurs:

  • Deal with it quickly: forget about whose fault it is, solve the problem, there will be plenty of time to figure that out lately. The problem might even have been caused by the customer herself…so what? It doesn’t matter.
  • Apologies for the problem no matter what. No argument, no dispute, just face up to the problem, apologies and get to work solving it. Remember what you feel like when you have to call a company to tell them about a problem? You expect the worst, always. So, think how relieved you feel, when the person on the other end of the phone sympathizes with you, and gets to work fixing the problem.
  • Fix the problem quickly: faster than you even said you would. Get on it immediately and problem that goes unsolved for too long, will start to rot your customer relationship.
  • Deliver a solution that is more than your promised, and more than the customer expected. This is where you have the opportunity to shine. This is where you get to recover boldly. Give the customer the solution and more. Give them a discount on their next purchase. Give them a free meal if you own a restaurant. Do something that will literally turn the proverbial lemon into lemonade. Whatever the cost of what you give them, it will be worth it in all the free advertising they will give you in return, by telling everyone they know about how you solved their problem. And if you in the end, were not the one who actually caused the problem… that’s even better!

Remember the story about the Nordstrom’s employee who took back a customers tires and refunded his what he had paid for them….even though Nordstrom does not sell tires? We’ve all heard and read that story a hundred times… and that’s the point isn’t it?

One of the best ways to grow your business is based on the way you handle customer problems. The word of mouth publicity is priceless!

THE FRUGAL MAINER: Helping with the Bulldog Closet

Items available at the Bulldog Closet. (contributed photo)

by Shell Rowe

Were you aware of the fact that approximately 35,000 of Maine’s children are impoverished? A recent Kids Count survey taken in 2018 revealed that up to 14 percent of Maine’s youngest are living in poverty.

A current trend, both state and nationwide, is to distribute essential items to needy students through in-school ‘Care Closets.’ Knowing that Lawrence High School (SAD 49) has such a program, I set out to discover the ins and outs of what they call The Bulldog Closet.

The Bulldog Closet was originally started by Beverly Poissonier during the fall of 2011. These days, Sarah Hebert, who teaches high school English, including KVCC Dual Enrollment courses, manages The Bulldog Closet along with fellow teacher Katherine Wood, the school’s JMG specialist. From its inception, The Closet’s purpose has been to provide donation-funded school supplies to all Lawrence Junior High and High School students who need them.

Traditional charity program rules typically have tight restrictions, so I was surprised to learn that The Bulldog Closet is open to the entire student body during set hours each school day and as further needed with school personnel supervision. Recipients of The Bulldog Closet are instead encouraged to reciprocate.

“We try to teach our students that it is not necessarily about the need, but more of a pay it forward program,” Mrs. Hebert said. “We all have clothes and shoes in our closets that we don’t wear anymore, but are practically still new. If a student sees something they like, they can take it no questions.”

The program’s give and take philosophy extends to their annual Pay It Forward Prom Exchange: junior high and high school students swap their old prom attire with other items (if applicable) for an updated prom style.

In addition to the in-session school closet program, last summer The Bulldog Closet launched a back-to-school program for children of all ages to provide clothing and school supplies. That first event was able to service over 200 families.

For those that would like to help students The Bulldog Closet serves, they have a general need for new or lightly worn clothing (excluding used underwear and socks) including prom dress attire. Items for donation can be delivered to the SAD 49 high school office.

When considering the appropriateness of particular clothing items to donate, Hebert suggests that donors keep in mind “the age level and the dress code” of the school. Here’s a list of personal care items that they can utilize: deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash etc., notebooks, pens and pencils, binders and backpacks. For a specific list of their current needs, visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LawrenceBulldogCloset/.

Monetary contributions, in the form of checks made out to Lawrence High School, will be used for funding special events, such as their annual Back to School Pay It Forward and Prom Exchange events or as needed for specific student needs. Please Include “Bulldog Closet” in the memo line.

I asked Hebert if there was anything else she would like the public to know in regards to The Bulldog Closet. She stated, “The public should know that we greatly appreciate them and all of their efforts over the years. Our students are very lucky to have had so many caring individuals looking out for them.”

The Bulldog Closet’s pay it forward philosophy can serve as a model for all of us Mainers.

Area churches prepare for virtual services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday

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

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, April 5, and continues through Easter Sunday, April 12. Below, you will find a list of livestreamed Masses and liturgies at local parishes during Holy Week. All of the information is also listed at www.portlanddiocese.org/HolyWeekLiveStreaming (this webpage will be updated frequently as additional parishes submit schedules and when changes are made to schedules).

Corpus Christi Parish, Waterville

www.facebook.com/CorpusChristiMaine

Palm Sunday – 9 a.m.

Holy Thursday – 6 p.m.

Good Friday – 6 p.m.

Easter Sunday – 9 a.m.

St. Michael Parish, Augusta

Website: www.stmichaelmaine.org/our-virtual-parish

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StMichaelMaine.

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/channel/UCR6PMvJoqkRRBztsSqKRFpA

Palm Sunday – A taped Mass will be available on the parish website (under virtual parish), on the parish Facebook page, and on the parish YouTube channel by 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 4.

Holy Thursday – A taped Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be available on the parish website (under virtual parish), on the parish Facebook page, and on the parish YouTube channel by 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 9.

Good Friday – A taped Good Friday liturgy will be available on the parish website (under virtual parish), on the parish Facebook page, and on the parish YouTube channel by 6 p.m. on Friday, April 10. A taped Stations of the Cross is currently available on the YouTube channel and will soon be available on both the website and Facebook pages.

Holy Saturday – The Easter Vigil Mass will be live-streamed at 8 p.m. on the parish Facebook page and website.

Easter Sunday — A taped Easter Sunday Mass will be available on the parish website (under virtual parish), on the parish Facebook page, and on the parish YouTube channel by 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 12.

Winslow Congregational Church to offer online Holy Week services

Live-stream online church services from Winslow Congregational Church, led by Rev. Kim Shrader, will be available during Holy Week on YouTube. Services and starting times will be: Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m. / Good Friday, 2 p.m. / Easter Sunday sunrise reflection, 5:50 a.m; Easter worship 10:30 a.m. Live streaming is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSqXn3KhHXs&feature=youtu.be

For more information, please call (207) 872-2544.

Palermo Christian Church streaming services

The Palermo Christian Church is currently streaming Sunday morning services at 9 a.m. on YouTube and Facebook. The links can be found on their website, www.palermochristianchurch.org. They will do this for Easter Sunday as well, and all other services have been canceled until further notice.

Ezhaya scholarship deadline announced by Chamber

photo: Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce

Joe Ezhaya was a community leader who distinguished himself with his warmth, enthusiasm, generosity and particularly, his friendships. Successful candidates for this scholarship should share Joe’s interest in citizenship, community service and exemplify his spirit and vitality.

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce is encouraging all eligible students to apply for its Joseph B. Ezhaya Scholarship. This $750.00 scholarship is awarded annually for all four years to a recipient upon successful completion of his/her first semester of college with a 2.0 GPA or better. Criteria for application are:

Must demonstrate an invested interest in citizenship and community service;

Must be attending a Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce area high school: Lawrence, Winslow, Mt. View, Waterville, Messalonskee, MCI, Erskine, Calvary Temple, Maine Arts Academy or Good Will-Hinckley;

Must maintain an academic average of a “C” or better in high school;

Must complete a required essay on citizenship;

Must show evidence of community service and involvement;

Must be enrolled in an accredited New England College or University

Please visit www.midmainechamber.com/cms/joseph-b-ezhaya-memorial-scholarship for more information or call the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce at 207-873-3315.

All applications must be received before April 17, by 5 p.m.

Someday we’ll look back…

by Melissa Martin

The future will find us looking back on the pandemic of 2020. Articles in newspapers will be archived. Children will grow up with school cancelation tales. Each individual will have a similar, yet a distinctive story about the coronavirus. The days of COVID-19 will be transcribed in history books.

I grew up inside of books. Escaping between the front and the back covers brought solace from external and internal chaos. Traveling faraway, but still staying home was possible within the pages. Each person is a story and each person has a story. Whether fiction or nonfiction, stories R US.

From the beginning of the beginning, humans lived and then told narratives about tragedy and triumph. Themes of birthing and themes of dying – foundation of humanity. Themes of relationship and religion. Themes of love and lust, faithfulness and infidelity, fulfilled hearts and broken hearts. Themes of what was lost and themes of what was found. Good vs. evil. Right vs wrong. Rich vs poor. Tales of acceptance and tales of betrayal. Anecdotes about sex, kids, money; three salient aspects of daily living—full of drama. And chronicles of plagues, epidemics, and pandemics. Science fiction thrillers about diseases that devour humankind get made into movies. Fantasy, reality, or both?

Did the high school years of reading Harlequin Romance paperbacks insult my cerebral cortex? Probably. A masculine hero always rescued the fragile female. Girls were often portrayed as feisty, frigid, or frumpy. Love was the sickness in these mindless books—but also the medicine.

I grew up inside of an ink pen. With millions of words dancing inside my head, I tried to empty them out onto paper. Swirling-twirling words full of adolescent angst. Using poetry to alleviate the confusion and problems brought on by puberty. Journaling the day’s events into a pastel-colored diary with a key. Hiding it away from prying eyes of others. Years of writing for personal turned into writing for public. Through phases, stages, and ages, a writer writes. Because stories R US.

“Like many others who turned into writers, I disappeared into books when I was very young, disappeared into them like someone running into the woods. What surprised and still surprises me is that there was another side to the forest of stories and the solitude, that I came out that other side and met people there. Writers are solitaries by vocation and necessity. I sometimes think the test is not so much talent, which is not as rare as people think, but purpose or vocation, which manifests in part as the ability to endure a lot of solitude and keep working. Before writers are writers they are readers, living in books, through books, in the lives of others that are also the heads of others, in that act that is so intimate and yet so alone.” – Rebecca Solnit, in her essay Flight, from The Faraway Nearby

A recent article in Forbes is telling how to author our story. “COVID-19 has many of us hunkering down in place and social distancing. If you are a writer, and have all your survival needs met (food, shelter, support), then it might be the opportunity you need to get your story written. Whether it is a memoir (and boy will some be coming out about these times), or a novel, as an author and widely published writing coach who teaches for Writer’s Digest and NYU, I can share some tips on how to make the most of your story.”

Writer Garrett Graff is seeking stories from a wide range of US residents to compile a portrait of a nation in the grip of Covid-19. “We are living history every hour right now, for better or for worse, with little sense of which it is…My goal with this oral history project will be to capture the messiness and uncertainty as this pandemic unfolds.” Read more www.wired.com and email your stories to covid@wired.com.

One does not need to be a professional writer to compose her/his own account of the pandemic of 2020. Just follow the basics. A story needs to have a narrative arc (a beginning, middle, and end). The best character arc reveals an inner transformation, not just a change in circumstances.

You are part of the pandemic story and so am I. Write your own story and send it to your newspaper’s Letter to the Editor. Stories R US.

Melissa Martin, Ph.D. is an author, columnist, educator, and therapist. She lives in Ohio.

Maine Department of Labor announces new alphabet system for unemployment claims

Maine Department of Labor

After receiving an unprecedented number of unemployment claims due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) announced a new alphabetical-by-last-name call-in schedule for Maine people filing for unemployment benefits. The new schedule will help reduce phone line congestion as the Department ramps up its capacity to receive and process claims.

Starting Monday, April 6, Maine people seeking to file for unemployment by calling the 800 number with last names beginning with A-H should call on Monday; I-Q on Tuesday; R-Z on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday will be left unassigned for those who miss their alphabetical day or need to call at that time.

Unemployment insurance: Online (available 24/7) at https://www.maine.gov/unemployment/

By phone: 1-800-593-7660 (8 a.m.-12:15 p.m.)

TTY users call Maine Relay 711

For password resets and basic questions, contact a Career Center: https://www.mainecareercenter.gov/locations/index.shtml.

For more information and resources, visit the Department’s COVID-19 page: https://www.maine.gov/labor/covid19/, and follow the Maine Department of Labor on Facebook @MElabor and Twitter @maine_labor.

Federal Family First Leave Policies: On Wednesday, April 1, the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act went into effect. This federal Act requires some employers in Maine to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded medical leave for reasons related to COVID-19. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) is responsible for implementation and enforcement of the Act. For more information: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic, including answers to a wide range of anticipated questions from both employees and employers. The website also includes posters that employers will be required to display at their worksites.

As always, our frequently updated FAQs on unemployment insurance and COVID-19 measures—we update them several times a week — can be found: https://www.maine.gov/labor/covid19/.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Observations while riding out the stay at home order

How to work from home when the office is closed.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

I think this week we will make a diversion from the usual. To paraphrase an old adage, “Even though our ancestors came across on different ships, we are all in the same boat, now.”

I don’t mean to beat a dead horse, but I will present my take on observations I have made since the outbreak of the pandemic and the subsequent order to stay at home.

Because I am one of those deemed essential workers because of my job in the media, I get around a little, but I don’t flaunt it nor abuse it. It’s from the house to the car, to the office, which is closed to the public, confined with one other worker. At the end of the day, it’s back to the car and back home.

Because I am doing some work from home, I discovered last Friday that my printer was out of ink. Figuring it was essential that I go get some, we traveled to Staples, where the store was practically empty. We only saw three people. My wife and I needed a few items at home, so we figured while we were out, we would do that task so we could hunker down for the rest of the weekend. We avoided Walmart where the line was almost never-ending. We have friends who went there over the weekend and stood in line for two hours. Not a healthy situation.

So, we went to Hannaford where there was a short line – everyone obeying the six-foot markers that had been installed on the sidewalk. Something wonderful happened. Everyone, young and old, was extremely patient and cordial, even though we were standing in the rain. Something else developed. There we were, actually having conversations with total strangers. How refreshing was that?

They were only allowing 50 patrons at a time in the store. Once my wife and I were permitted to enter, we considered all the other people waiting in line, and hurried as best we could to get what we needed, going our separate ways in the store to gather the items, check out and let someone else enter the store, and out of the weather. We wondered how many other people did that. They even had toilet paper, which we took only one 4-pack, leaving some for others. Again, thinking of our neighbors.

The following day, we continued our early and accelerated spring cleaning. Following that, we dressed warmly, and went off for a walk through the neighborhood and around the nearby park. A power walk that took about 20 minutes. Once home, on a relatively quiet day, weatherwise, we sat on our side porch to enjoy the rest of the afternoon until the temperature starting dropping.

In that hour we sat there, we couldn’t help but notice people in the neighborhood still going about their routines – and some not so routine – while the rest of us conscientious citizens stayed home in the hopes it would help mitigate this pandemic. We watched one building, which we couldn’t help because it is located right across from us, where a group of young people – mostly teenagers – as they came and went out of the apartment all day long, piling into cars and pickup trucks, and certainly not practicing social distancing. We wondered what it was they were doing that was essential.

Obviously, there are people out there that are not taking this crisis seriously. Also, from our home, we can see one of Waterville’s more traveled streets, and the flow of vehicles was non-stop, all day long.

This is not meant to complain, but to alert some people that this virus is for real, and we need to take the appropriate measures to try to end it sooner than later.

On Sunday morning, we attended church services, at home, of course. It was a little strange to see it live and not being able to actively participate. We also noticed over 200 other parishers were viewing the service. It made us think how very fortunate we are to not be among the infected, and to live in a rural state like Maine, away from the “hot spots” in the country, and separated from all the congestion of everyday living in the more populated regions.

So, to everyone else out there, let’s be smart, considerate, patient, and above all safe. The bottom line is that everyone else’s safety depends on you.

DEFIANCE

Did you hear about the doctor who decided it was OK to play a round of golf at the Augusta Country Club, despite Gov. Janet Mills’ order for all golf courses to close in conjunction with the stay at home order, and social distancing? It seems he essentially claimed the order didn’t pertain to him because no one was profiting. Nice example, doc, for the rest of us.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Name the four Boston Red Sox batters to have hit 200 or more home runs at Fenway Park?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, April 9, 2020

Trivia QuestionsName the four Boston Red Sox batters to have hit 200 or more home runs at Fenway Park?

Answer:

Ted Williams, Carl Yastzemski, David Ortiz and Jim Rice.

SOLON & BEYOND: Stroll reminded me of happy times with walk group

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

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

Today as I sit here at my computer, I’m thinking about the walk I took this afternoon; it brings back many happy days in the past. As many of you know who have been reading this column back in the good old days about a walking group I started. It was made up of many good friends over the years, and we were eventually named The Solon Chapter Beer Drinking, Chowder Eating, Marching and Singing Society, (SCB DCEMSS) by someone in Solon!

Now for some news that I received: The Embden Historical Society April 13, 2020, meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m., at the Embden Community Center, has been canceled (Speaker Jack Gibson’s presentation on “Properties, Trails & History” of Somerset Woods will be rescheduled in 2021). Thanks Carol, for keeping us informed.

Another e-mail that I received was from Sarah, Karla and Mary Lou of Happyknits and it states: Dear Yarn Friends, Sometimes there are events in life that force us to slow down and take stock. We recognize that the most important thing now is to help those who are out there helping others.

Starting today, Happyknits will be closed until Governor Mills’ Stay Healthy at Home order expires, currently April 30. While it will be difficult to lock the door and walk away today, it was not a difficult choice to make. Just know that we will be here for all of you once this ordeal is over, ready to see your smiling faces walk through that door. Until then, we wish all of you and all those you care about the best of health.

Let us know via Facebook or e-mail and what you are doing. What are you knitting or crocheting? Are you finishing those UFOs? Doing some deep stash diving? Reconnecting with old friends? Reach out! We love to know.

I’m going to continue with a little more about living in Flagstaff from the articles that were published. Would the pace of modern-day living have reached Flagstaff? Some of us didn’t have electricity or plumbing, and yet I don’t feel underprivileged because of the pleasant memories I treasure.

The skiing and sliding on Jim Eaton Hill, skating on Flagstaff Pond in winter and swimming in summer. Everyone in town turned out for school socials and plays. It was a wonderful place to grow up. But all during my childhood, every so often during the grown ups conversations, mention was made of a dam being built and having to move. The thought was intolerable, and yet it did come to pass, and in the fall of 1949 the people of Flagstaff and Dead River went their separate ways.

As I wrote last week, my brother Larry is very interested in what growing up in Flagstaff was like, and so that brought back lots of memories. One of them being that we didn’t have indoor plumbin, and quite a few stairs to get there. It was a three holer and quite breezy…. But what I’m getting at is for the benefit of all you people out there who are having a hard time to get enough toilet paper in this terrible situation!

Way back in those days, the Sears Robuck catalogue was used for that purpose! Don’t know if that company is still in business, but there are many other catalogs that might work! Good Luck.

And now for Percy’s memoirs, we hope to cheer you up! This one is entitled Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled: When the days are long and the way seems dark and you can’t hear the song of a bluebird or lark, May the words in this verse brighten your day and chase your worries and cares away. Whenever I am troubled and lost in deep despair I bundle all my troubles up and go to God in prayer… I tell Him I am heartsick and lost and lonely, too, that my mind is deeply burdened and I don’t know what to do… But I know He stilled the tempest and calmed the angry sea, And I humbly ask if in His love He’ll do the same for me… And then I just keep quiet and think only thoughts of Peace, and if I abide in stillness my “restless murmurings” cease. (words by Helen Steiner Rice)…..and this quick one, Even a fish wouldn’t get in trouble if it would keep it’s mouth shut.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, April 9, 2020

GERALD E. CARVER

WINSLOW – Gerald E. Carver, 82, passed away unexpectedly at his home, in Winslow, on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. He was born in Orneville, on September 21, 1937, the son of Harold and Gladys (Davidson) Carver.

Gerald grew up in Union where he attended Union schools until leaving for the United States Army in 1955. He served in the Army Corps of Engineers and rose to the rank of sergeant. Gerald was in France, Belgium, and Germany while in the Army, primarily engaged in bridge construction.

Upon returning home, Gerald found employment at a granite quarry in Union, where he was a foreman. In the mid-1960s, Gerald moved to the Winslow area to work in the trucking industry. On December 18, 1965, he married the former Grace Marie Watts. In December 1966, they had their first child, Christopher, followed by the birth of Jeffrey in December 1967. From the late 1960s until the mid-1980s, Gerald worked as an over the road driver for several companies, including Barrow’s, Mayflower, Roadway, Sanborn’s, and United Van Lines. In the mid-1980s until his retirement in 2003, he worked as a driver for Yellow Freight, where he won recognition in 1997 for driving over one million miles without an accident.

Gerald was an avid hunter into his 80s, and he enjoyed fishing and ice fishing with his boys. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife to nearly all the U.S. states and to Europe. His favorite trip was to Yellowstone National Park. He also enjoyed hiking, especially in the Great Smoky Mountains and the Grand Canyon.

Surviving him are his wife, Grace; sons Christopher and Jeffrey and their spouses, Deborah and Shelley, respectively; grandchildren, Garrett, Brooke, Jessica, and Monica; sister, Katherine (Carver) Estes; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

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

GLORIA POULIOTTE

WATERVILLE – Gloria Pouliotte, 95, a long-time resident of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday March 18, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. Gloria was born in Waterville on October 5, 1924, to Leo Lamarre, a local Waterville businessman, and Mattie (Dube) Lamarre.

Gloria was married to Armand Pouliotte, originally from Winslow, in San Francisco, California, during World War II. While Armand served in the Navy during the war, Gloria worked for the Navy in San Francisco as a telephone operator. At the end of the war Gloria and Armand moved back to Waterville to settle down and start a family. Armand worked for Scott Paper Company, in Winslow, and Gloria worked as a telephone operator for New England Telephone Company. Gloria was an energetic woman who balanced work, family and friends. Gloria played golf and enjoyed many craft hobbies during retirement. She also worked for Weight Watchers part-time and took trips with her husband Armand until his death in 1987. After that, Gloria enjoyed visiting and taking trips with her family. In later years she resided part-time in Ormand Beach, Florida. She enjoyed being with people and had many friends.

She is survived by her son Jeffrey Pouliotte ,of Tallahassee,Florida; her daughter Janet (Pouliotte) Lindley, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida;, and her grandson Mathew Pouliotte, of Tallahassee, Florida.

Later this year, once the on-going health crisis passes, her family will travel to have a graveside ceremony at the Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta, where she will be interred next to her husband Armand.

Todd Wahlquist, with Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com), is assisting the family with their arrangements.

PRISCILLA L. FENNELL

ALBION – Priscilla Lillian (Perry) Fennell, 93, passed away Monday, March 23, 2020, at her home, in Albion. She was born February 13, 1927, in Sharon, Massachusetts, the daughter of Frederick and Eva (Tyler) Perry.

She attended Oliver Ames High School and on December 14, 1946, she married Robert E. Fennell Jr., in Brockton, Massachusetts. She was employed for many years as a leather fabricator in manufacturing. She loved her dog Sadie (going for rides), her cats, flowers, plants, traveling, watching the Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune and loved being a mother and a nana.

Priscilla is survived by two daughters, Virginia Fitch and husband David, of Homosassa, Florida, Debbie Fennell-Stern and husband Joseph, of West Bridgewater, Massachusetts; son, Robert E. Fennell III and partner Sue Harvey; grandchildren, David Fitch Jr. and wife Patricia, of Melrose, Massachusetts, Bridget Bolduc, of West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Robert E. Fennell IV and wife Leslie, of Orrington; two great- grandchildren, Eva Sullivan, of West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Robert E. Fennell V, of Orrington.

She was predeceased by her husband Robert E. Fennell Jr.; sister, Nellie Soucy; brother, John Perry.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family for Priscilla and husband Robert.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Priscilla’s memory to MaineGeneral Homecare & Hospice, 10 Water Street, Suite 307, Waterville, Maine 04901.

SISTER MARY PETER BACHAND

WATERVILLE – Sister Mary Peter Bachand o.s.u., 94, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday March 24, 2020, at Northern Light Inland Hospital. She was born in Sanford on November 2, 1925, a daughter of the late Louis and Eugenie (Harton) Bachand.

She attended St. Ignatious School, in Sanford. She was a devout Catholic, dedicating her life to God as an Ursuline Sister. Her ministry was that of a consecrated Religious for Community Service in Maine.

Sister Mary Peter is survived by a nephew, Steve Bachand; sister-in-law Jean Bachand; and grandniece, Michelle Bachand.

She was predeceased by her parents, Louis and Eugenie (Harton) Bachand.

You are invited to offer your condolences and share fond memories by visiting Sister’s guestbook at www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

Funeral Services will be announced at a later date. A Service of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 8 Elm St., Waterville, ME 04901. (207) 872-7676.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sr. Peter’s memory to: Retired Ursuline Sisters,1 Angela Way, Waterville, ME. 04901.

NORMAN DUPLESSIE JR.

NORTH VASSALBORO – Norman “Ned” Duplessie Jr., 71, of North Vassalboro, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2020, at the Togus Veterans Medical Center.

Ned was born on June 19, 1948, to his late parents Norman Sr. and Lorraine Duplessie. He attended local schools and graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a bachelor’s degree. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War.

Ned loved the outdoors, always loved hunting and fishing and joked that he would rather hunt than eat. He was a life member of MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post # 8835, in Winslow, Sportsmen’s Alliance of Maine and the NRA.

Ned is survived by his wife Susan McKeen; his sons Jay Duplessie, Sean Duplessie and daughter-in-law Vicky Duplessie; his brothers Robert and his wife Lynn, Jon and his wife Joyce; his grandchildren Jordan, Logan, Taylor, Brady; and his two nephews Ryan and Adam.

A private service will be held at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, for family only.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

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

RONALD L. WOOD

VASSALBORO – Ronald L. Wood, 77, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2020, at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home, in Waterville. He was born October 6, 1942, in Augusta, the son of Walter and Veronica (Trask) Wood.

He graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 1960. He was employed in a variety of positions over the years including Woodbury Motors, in Winslow, newspaper delivery for the Morning Sentinel, provided cleaning services for the Silent Woman Restaurant, and was a school bus driver and custodian for the Fairfield School District. He was a member of the Center Vassalboro Baptist Church and the United Bikers of Maine, as well as the XLT Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed motorcycling, wood working and automobiles.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 47 years, Constance (Harpworth) Wood, of Waterville; two sons, Kevin Wood and Shane Wood, both of Vassalboro; daughter, Jacqueline Wood, of Trenton; two grandsons, Brandon Wood, of Vassalboro and Alex Wood, of Windsor; granddaughter, Taylr Wood, of Vassalboro; daughter-in-law, Andrea Wood, of Vassalboro.

There will be no visitation hours or funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Ronald’s memory to United Bikers of Maine, PO Box 2629, Augusta, ME 04338.

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

DAVID D. POOLER

CLINTON – David Davis Pooler, 86, passed away Monday, March 30, 2020, at his home. He was born June 8, 1933, in Skowhegan, the son of Frank and Verna (Davis) Pooler.

He graduated from Skowhegan Area High School in 1951. On December 18, 2004, he married Jean A. Boulette (Violette), in Fairfield. He was employed as a shipping foreman at Medwed Shoe and Lighthouse Shoe, was a contractor laborer and labor foreman at Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, and SD Warren and Sappi Paper, in Hinckley. David was a member of the Skowhegan Sno-Hawks Snowmobile Club and enjoyed working with other members maintaining snowmobile trails and bridges. He loved flying radio control planes, working in the woods, and cutting his own firewood as late as last year. He was a avid follower of the New England Patriots. In later years, he did a lot of traveling by car and train and enjoyed camping, as long as there was WIFI!

David is survived by his wife, Jean A. Pooler, of Clinton; son, Joel A. Pooler and wife Cheryl, of Canaan; daughter, Tracey L. Martell and husband Rick, of Skowhegan; granddaughters, Heather Nadeau and husband Tom, Nikki Pooler, Corrrin Soule, and Cassy Martell; step-children, Luann N. Mailman, of Wichita, Kansas, Edmond L. Violette and wife Leslie, of Benton, Laurie M. Foster and husband Bill, of Vancouver, Washingron, Leonard L. Violette and wife Denise, of Manchester, New Hampshire, Anna J. Donald and husband Mike, of Big Lake, also many great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Nancy N. Pooler; and second wife, Ruby “Polly” Pooler.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in David’s memory MaineGeneral Homecare & Hospice, 10 Water Street, Suite 307, Waterville, Maine 04901

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

JOHN A. BRADSTREET

PALERMO – John Alvin Bradstreet, 86, passed away peacefully Monday, March 30, 2020. He was born April 2, 1933, in Palermo, to Gertrude (Dyer) Bradstreet and Oscar T. Bradstreet.

He was educated in Palermo schools and graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, class of 1951. After high school he joined the Navy and was stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington state, and Kodiak, Alaska. After the Navy he attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering, then returned to Palermo to work at Chemtron, in Searsport.

In the 1960’s he moved to Presque Isle to work for WAGM TV where he met his wife, Donna Louise Carlo. The couple was married September 2, 1967. A change in jobs brought them to Augusta and later to Palermo where he worked for Central Maine Power Company. He retired in 1991.

He was an active member of Searsmont United Methodist Church, Sheepscot Lake Fish and Game Club, Tri-County Beekeepers, and Palermo Historical Society.

John resided in Augusta and was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Donna, and his sister Marian.

He is survived by his brother, Samuel, of Merritt of Island, Florida; daughter Heather, of South Portland, and son Stuart (Amy); and two grandchildren, Olivia and Adam, of Palermo; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Arrangements are under the direction of Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast, ME 04915, phone: 207 338-9191. After cremation, burial will be at Hannan Cemetery, Palermo.

JOYCE BUSHEY

OAKLAND – Joyce Bushey, 84, of Oakland, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at Woodlands Memory Care, of Lewiston. She was born March 25, 1936, daughter of Percy and Lena (Joseph) Fotter.

She attended Waterville schools, graduating from Waterville High School, class of 1954. She received a bachelor of science degree in education from Gorham State Teacher’s College in 1958 and a master’s degree in education from the University of Maine at Orono in 1962.

After spending a few years teaching in the Portland area and in Connecticut, she returned to central Maine and spent the rest of her 40-plus year career teaching U.S. and World History, Constitutional Law, U.S. Government and AP Art History in the Winslow school system, primarily at Winslow High School. She was the first woman to chair the Winslow High School history department and she introduced the first AP course, AP Art History, to the school. She took many groups of students to Europe over the years to tour various cities and museums and she was the faculty advisor to the Hi-Q quiz team.

She worked weekends and summers at Steve’s Restaurant, in Waterville. After her retirement from teaching, she built her dream home on McGrath Pond, in Oakland. She remained a substitute teacher for almost another decade.

In retirement, she was a member of the Central Maine Garden Club and hosted the annual Christmas party for many years. She was a docent at the Colby College Museum of Art and particularly enjoyed leading tours for student groups. In her spare time, she tended to her own gardens, was an avid reader, attended lectures and movies, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents; and a brother, Brian Fotter.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Sten Jensen, of Arlington, Virginia; grandsons, Peter Jensen, of Portland, Oregon, and Andrew Jensen, of Arlington, Virginia; one brother, Wayne (Kay) Fotter, of Pittsfield; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at JEBmemories@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers,donations may be madein her memory to the Oakland, Winslow or Waterville Public Library

NANCY A. SULLIVAN

PALERMO – Nancy A. Sullivan, 81, of Palermo, formerly of Malden, Massachusetts, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2020.

Nancy worked for many years as a technical writer and also worked as a hospice respite worker both in Massachusetts and Maine. Once retired, she moved to Maine and spent her days doing crafts, making new friends and enjoying her “little slice of heaven”. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Wildlife Care Center, in Vassalboro, and the Common Ground Country Fair.

She was the beloved wife of 60 years to the late Robert Sullivan, of Palermo, formerly of Malden, Massachusetts; the devoted mother of Robert F. Sullivan and his wife Kathleen (Wright) Sullivan, Robin (Sullivan) Watson and her husband Glenn Watson Jr., Lori A. Sullivan and her partner Jorge M. Leite, all of Malden, Massachusetts, Lisa (Sullivan) Thibert, of Everett, Massachusetts, Lynne Sullivan (Bardaro) and her husband Frank Bardaro of Revere, Massachusetts; nine grandchildren, two of whom preceded her in death; and three great-grandchildren.

Also preceded in death by her parents, Alice (Rice) Norman and Frederick J. Norman.

A private memorial service will be celebrated with family.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Wildlife Care Center, 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro, ME 04989.

RONALD V. ROBERGE

WINSLOW – Ronald V. Roberge, 84, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2020, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Unit, in Waterville. He was born March 19, 1936, in Waterville, the son of Alpha W. and Antionette (Pomerleau) Roberge.

On September 1, 1941, he started grammar school at St. John Parochial School, in Winslow, to the fifth grade and transferred to St. Francis de Sale Brothers Parochial School, in Waterville, and graduated from the eighth grade. On September 1, 1949, he started high school at Winslow High and attended for two years, transferred to Coburn Classical Institute, in Waterville, for one year. On June 18, 1953, he left school to join the United States Marine Corp for a three-year hitch and was honorably discharged June 18, 1956.

On September 1, 1956, to June 1, 1958, he went back to Coburn Classical Institute finishing school and upgraded himself with prepatory college courses. September 1, 1958, he enrolled in a two-year course at Maine Vocational Technical Institute in machine tool technology and graduated on June 1, 1960.

After his MVTI graduation, he went to Woburn, Massachusetts, to work as a machinist for two-and-a-half years in three different plants, Ratleons’ Spencer Laboratories, General Electric and finally Microwave Associates. In 1963, he moved back to Winslow to work as a machinist adjustor at Scott Paper Company, in Winslow. After six years, he was promoted to finishing and shipping as a maintenance manager until his retirement.

On September 5, 1960, he married the former Charlotte Nason, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Winslow.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 59 years, Charlotte (Nason) Roberge, of Winslow; three children, Michelle Roberge, of Niceville, Florida, Thomas Roberge, of Waterville, and Nancy Roberge, of Brisbane, Australia; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, at a later date at the convenience of the family

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Ronald’s memory to The Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, 93 Silver Street, Waterville, ME 04901.

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