Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, May 28, 2020

Trivia QuestionsWhich Red Sox slugger led the American League in home runs in 1977, 1978 and 1983?

Answer:

Jim Rice.

SOLON & BEYOND: Clarence Jones and the river drives

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

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

Now I will continue with the article in last week’s column called, Memories of a Lost Art. I tried to get a picture of the life-sized carving of a river driver done by Rodney Richards, of Rangeley. The carving was placed in a bateau which sits in front of the Dead River Historical Society Museum, in Stratton, and it was named “Clarence Jones” in honor of his many years as a river driver, and boatman on many drives.

Clarence told a story he had heard about long logs being driven down through Spencer Gut many years ago. In that part of the river cliffs go straight up 40 or 50 feet high for a mile or so and when a jam would form in there a dynamite man would be lowered by a rope and when the charge was placed he would signal to be hauled up fast. It seems that one man got a bumpy ride down one day and the guys at the top thought he had given the pre-arranged signals on the rope to be hauled up, and so he got two rides down with the same charge of dynamite.

Another quote from Salt states, “The drive was a fascinating example of man’s ingenuity, guts and daring.”

When I asked Clarence if the men saw much wildlife on the drive he told about one day when they were driving the south branch at Screwaugor Falls and they had their bateau in a little eddy, a deer ran down into the river probably being chased by a bobcat or coyotes. It jumped into the river and started to swim across but saw the men on the other side so it turned and came back and washed right into the little eddy beside their bateau. Clarence said they could have reached out and touched it before it swam back to shore.

River driving was outlawed after 1976 by the state legislature. Those who voted to outlaw river driving came to the conclusion the logs were polluting the rivers. And so came the end of an era.

My thanks again to Clarence for sharing a bit of history about the lost art of river driving.

Clarence always looked forward to the River Drive each spring. As I remember the whole episode, there was quite a bit of controversy over the whole thing, (I could be wrong.)

Griswold’s Dining Room is open again, but they are still doing curbside and take-out. Kitchen hours Sunday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Monday – Wednesday 5 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Thursday – Friday 5 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. The store is open Sunday d7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday – Friday 5 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Saturday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The New Portland Library will be open the regular hours, if nothing changes with state mandates, starting June 1. There are some restrictions so please check the front door for instructions.

With that said they have quite a few new items to read and watch. All overdue items are now back to the library in the drop box; no charges apply.

The Library Club winners for June are Jean Antonucci and Alan and Kay Michka – congratulations and thank you for your support of the library.

They are hoping inter-library loans will soon commence. Please keep checking their Facebook page and the front door of the library for updates. Also, do check their Facebook page for lots of websites for learning and fun activities and sites. (Please note there are two Facebook pages for the library; please check both at New Portland Community Library.)

The summer hours at the library are Tuesday 9a.m. – noon, Wednesday 4 – 6 p.m., Thursday 1 – 3 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. – noon. You can reach them by calling 628-6561 or e-mail at newportlandcl@gmail.com.

And now for Percy’s memoir: “When Words Fail,” There is a time for silence, A time for us to withdraw, From the good we’re pursuing, That we may accomplish more. There is a time to repair, To a favorite quiet nook. There is a time to desist, From words that so often fail, And turn to good example which more surely will prevail. (words by Sr. Mary Gemma Brunke).

OBITUARIES for Thursday, May 28, 2020

PATRICIA F. NADEAU

WATERVILLE – Patricia “Pat” Frances Tulley Nadeau, 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Oak Grove Senior Center, in Waterville, where she had been a resident since May 2019. She was born in Waterville on February 12, 1940, the daughter of Francis and Beatrice (Pooler) Tulley.

Pat graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1958 and briefly attended nursing school. Pat married Aime Nadeau in 1959 and for years they lived happily in central Maine raising four children and always worked hard.

Throughout Pat’s life, she was a switchboard operator, a chicken and dairy farmer, a custodian and a security guard with the State of Maine, a soap and candle maker and a writer. Family was always the centerpiece of Pat’s life and the center of her heart as she was a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to so many who often sought her out for her wisdom, support and humor.

She loved tracing genealogy and annually traveled with her husband to Fort Kent and Québec to learn about their French Canadian heritage. She always looked forward to seeing her “old buds” from high school, family reunions and she was happiest when she was visiting with family. She enjoyed knitting, singing, gardening, family events, taking “Sunday drives,” sitting at the beach, watching the Red Sox, eating lobster rolls, and just adored her family pets.

Pat could always tell a good story and would make quick friends with anyone.

She is survived by her daughters, Luci Dow and her husband George Dow, of South China, Angela Nadeau, of Bluffton, South Carolina; her son, Aime “Butch” Nadeau, of Auburn; her brother, Mike Tulley, of Fairfield; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and innumerable nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Aime Nadeau; son Ricky Nadeau; and her parents, Francis and Beatrice Tulley.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a funeral service will be held in the fall.

Arrangement are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, Waterville.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial donations to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

CHAUNCEY CHAPMAN

FAIRFIELD – Chauncey James Chapman, 36, of Fairfield, died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 10, 2020, in Waterville. He was born August 14, 1983, the son of Frederick and Mary Chapman.

Chauncey was an outdoorsman at heart. He spent many of his years fishing, hunting, hiking, cutting wood alongside his dad, and spending time outside with his mom. He also was an avid hockey player and enjoyed watching the sport over the years. Chauncey worked very hard as a metal roofer.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Stoddard and Margaret Stevens and paternal grandparents, Calvin and Alice Chapman.

Surviving are two daughters, Riley Stratton and Bella Donnell; a sister, Brooke Chapman; a niece, Alice Denis; and both his parents Fred and Mary. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Chauncey was loving and cared tremendously for his family and friends.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a Celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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 http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to help fight the opioid crisis here in Maine.

ALLEN T. KNIGHTS

ALBION – Allen Thomas Knights, 86, of Albion, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 15, 2020, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. He was born, in Albion, on July 2nd, 1933. The son of Roy and Lillian (Gill) Knights.

Allen graduated from Freedom Academy in Freedom, in 1952, followed by two years of active duty in the US Army.

In 1954 he married the former Mura Shibles, of Troy, Maine.

Allen was a dairy farmer/carpenter most of his life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Allen and Mura enjoyed many years of traveling.

In 1956, Allen joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a loyal member for 63 years. He was a past District Deputy Grand Master of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Maine, a past Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of Maine, a past Department Commander of the Department Council of Maine, and a past District Deputy President of the Rebekah Assembly of Maine.

Allen was a member of the Albion and Unity Volunteer Fire departments and one of the first members of the Unity Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years Mura (Shibles) Knights; daughters Glenda Knights, and Marilee (Knights) Perkins and her husband Rodney; grandchildren Erin Hunter and significant other Jordan Labbe, Miranda Perkins, Jessica Perkins and fiancé Jim Duffy, and Kevyn Knights; great-grandchildren Aidan and Addison Witham; sisters Catherine Parks, Beverly Dixon and her husband Buster; brothers-in-law Phillip Shibles, Richard Shibles and his wife Mary, Brian Shibles and his wife Nancy;many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Dorothy White, his sister-in-law Marilyn Kitchen, and brother-in-law Kenneth Shibles.

According to Allen’s personal wishes there will not be a public service.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to donate in Allen’s memory may do so to Albion Lodge #149, 22 Main St., Albion, ME 04910, or VA Hospice, 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330.

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

NORMAN A. SCOTT

FAIRFIELD – Norman A. Scott, 85, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2020, following a brief illness. Norman was born in Waterville on November 14, 1934, to Norman and Della Scott.

Known to many as “Scotty,” he worked as a truck driver until his retirement from Cole’s Express in 1998. He was a big man with a big heart and created many lasting friendships with his fellow workers and customers. On August 6, 1953, Norman married the former Gwendolyn Doody. Together they raised five children that brought them great joy: Steven, Danny, Doreen, David, and Penny. Norman was a great dad, and a great “grampy.”

He loved his grandchildren and spent many a Friday night and Saturday afternoon at his grandsons’ football games.After retirement Norman took up woodcarving and made many beautiful gifts which he just loved to give away. The people who were fortunate enough to receive one of these carvings will cherish it always. He was especially proud of the Christmas Tree ornaments her carved for the Festival of Trees, in Hinckley.

Norman is survived by his sons, Steven and his wife,Cynthia, of Winslow, Danny, of Canaan, and David, of South Carolina; his daughters, Doreen and Penny, both of Fairfield; his eight grandchildren, Chris, Brian, Kevin, Bradley, Rory, Rose, Bobby, and Heather; and his eight great-grandchildren.

Norman was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Della; his wife, Gwendolyn; twin children at birth; his brother, Carl, his sister, Gloria Dodge; his brother-in-law, Don Adams; and parents-in-law, Earl and Florence Doody.

Due to Covid-19, a graveside service will be held at a later date.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to theFairfield Interfaith Food Pantry, Fairfield, ME 04937, or to your local food pantry.

KEVIN LeCLAIR

RIO VERDE, Ariz. – Kevin LeClair, 71, of Rio Verde, Arizona, passed away peacefully at the Eckstein Hospice Center, in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Sunday, May 17, 2020. Kevin was born on August 18, 1948, in Jackman, to Roland and Anna LeClair.

He was the eldest son of three children and graduated from Waterville High School in 1966. He continued his education after high school and graduated as an accountant from Thomas College, in Waterville. He married his college soulmate, Patricia Weed, in 1972, and they shared 47 years of marriage.

Kevin enjoyed being an entrepreneur in his life and had his own picture framing business, L and M Framecrafters, in Maine, and was the broker of High Performance Real Estate Services, in Arizona. Kevin and Patricia spent countless hours glamping throughout the U.S. visiting national parks and gorgeous sites, hiking and enjoying being in the great outdoors.

He was a very devoted husband, loved his cats and was a perfectionist at whatever he did. Whether he was designing and working on the landscaping or creating a new meal in the kitchen, his optimism was infectious and he always looked on the bright side of everything.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Patricia Weed; sister Darlene LeClair Franklin, of Palmetto, Florida; brother Kerry LeClair, of Waterville; aunt and uncle, Stanley and Jackie Redmond, of Bingham; sister-in-law, Sharon Thomas and husband Ronald, of Tucson, Arizona; brother-in-law, Curtis Weed and wife, Lucile, of Brunswick; as well as nieces and nephews.

There will be no funeral services.

SCOTT E. LaVERDIERE

OAKLAND – Scott Evariste LaVerdiere, 59, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2020, following a long battle with cancer.

Scott was an avid sportsman and loved hunting, fishing and competitive target shooting. At one time, he was in the top ranked target shooters in the state of Maine and was offered the opportunity to compete on the national circuit.

He graduated from Unity College with a bachelor of science in aquaculture. He was one of Unity College’s first students to have a scholarly article published while still an undergraduate. (Northeastern Naturalist, Vol.4, Enchanted Pond’s Resident White Suckers). He also was privileged to discover a new species of fish while working in his field of study.

Scott will be remembered for his dry wit and bottomless generosity. He adored all of his nieces and nephews, and each loved him immensely in return. He was his brother Bruce’s best friend and, in his last days, Bruce and his wife Shari honored his wish to stay with them until his passing. He was faithfully attended by friend and caregiver, Cecile Studley.

He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Charlene LaVerdiere .

He is survived by his siblings, Bruce LaVerdiere, Audrey Yotides and Susan LaVerdiere; and many nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins.

Regretfully, due to Covid-19 restrictions, a graveside service will be held for family only.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Scott’s honor, to Good Shepherd Food Bank P.O. Box 1807 Auburn, ME 04210.

JOSEPH L. GAGNON

VASSALBORO – Joseph Leroy Gagnon, 63, passed away from natural causes on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. He was born January16, 1957, the son of Joseph and Gloria Gagnon.

He was a skilled machinist who worked in many areas in central Maine. He loved helping coach his children in sports and boating. In his later years he loved riding his Harley Davidson and being with his children and grandchildren. He always was there for his children when they needed him especially when it came to their cars. He will be forever remembered by his grandchildren as Crazy Grandpa and Peepa.

He was predeceased by his father Joseph, mother Gloria, and brother Jerry.

He is survived by his children Joseph and wife Julie, Jaimie and significant other Ryan Gunzinger, and Jennifer and husband Nicholas Langella; his grandchildren Madelyn and Joseph Gagnon, Gabriella Reynolds, Raya and Nathan Langella; his brothers Jeff and wife Barbara, and Jim and wife Rose. He has many nieces and nephews.

WAYNE R. ATWOOD

WATERVILLE – Wayne R. Atwood died Thursday, May 21, 2020, at Lakewood Continuing Care Facility, in Waterville, where he resided for a little over two years. Wayne was born April 19, 1946, in New Portland, to Myra E. Atwood.

They moved to Kingfield when Wayne was a boy where Wayne attended the Kingfield school system, graduating from Kingfield High School in 1964. While in school Wayne excelled in basketball and baseball. Wayne’s love of baseball carried over to adulthood where he was a valued member of the Kingfield men’s softball team.Wayne also loved his Red Sox and Patriots, enjoying his trips to Fenway and being able to talk about players and statistics from childhood.

Wayne is survived by his sisters, Elaine and Lorraine Atwood; his daughter, Tammy Atwood and her son, Brett Hart; Wayne’s son, Todd Atwood and his wife Pamela and their children, Larry Bailey, Luke Atwood and Hannah Atwood, who recently gave Wayne his first great-grandson, Jacob. Wayne also leaves behind many cousins.

At Wayne’s request there will be no viewing or funeral.

SISTER RITA MORIN

WATERVILLE – Sister Rita Morin, formerly known as Sister Roger-Marie, 87, died Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at Mount St. Joseph, in Waterville. She was born in Lewiston, February 19, 1933, the daughter of Romeo and Marie-Laure (Pascal) Morin.

She received her early education at St. Mary’s Elementary School, in Lewiston, and at Sacred Heart Academy, in Jackman. Her college education was at St. Joseph College, in Windham, where she earned a B.A. in education. She also attended St. Michael College, in Winooski, Vermont, and the Universite Catholique de Paris for studies in Advanced French. She obtained a certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education at Bon Secours Hospital, Methuen, Massachusetts.

Sister Rita entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph, in Auburn, in February 1951, and made her religious profession in August 1958. Her teaching assignments were at Holy Family School, in Lewiston, St. Rose of Lima School, in Jay, and St. John the Baptist School, in Winslow.

She served as chaplain in the Pastoral Care Departments of Central Maine Medical Center, in Lewiston, and Mount St. Joseph, in Waterville. She also worked for Murphy Homes, in Lewiston ,where she was especially gifted with the developmentally disabled adults, treating them with immense love and respect.

She moved to Mount St. Joseph in March 2018, where she resided until her death.

She is survived by a special niece, Claire Morin Sabine, nephews, several nieces and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Roger and Adrian and her sister, Carmen.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at Notre Dame Church, Waterville, with burial at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville to follow.

Due to COVID-19 and in accord with the Bishop’s directives, only sisters and immediate family will be present. All others are asked to pray with us from home.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations for the Ministry Fund may be sent in Sister Rita’s memory to Sisters of St. Joseph, 80 Garland Rd., Winslow, ME 04901.

Vassalboro selectmen cancel May 28, 2020 meeting

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro selectmen have cancelled their May 28 meeting for lack of agenda items. Their next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, as an in-person meeting in the town office meeting room.

The meeting includes a public hearing on the Vassalboro Sanitary District’s application for $166,000 from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds for the sewer pipeline project.

Garvan Donegan of the Central Maine Growth Council is scheduled to report recommendations for future use of TIF funds, which to date have supported the Sanitary District’s sewer connection to Winslow and the Alewife Restoration Initiative (ARI), the project intended to permit alewives to migrate into China Lake.

LETTERS: Caregivers need care, too

To the editor:

I must preface this letter with a famous quote: “Caregivers need care, too!” And another quote: “I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the sovereign Lord – I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.” — Ezekiel 34:15-16NIV.

Wish I could take credit for the following but someone much wiser than me and unknown wrote the following after the preface.

“Caregivers don’t often slow down enough to consider their own needs. Even when they are physically or emotionally drained or wounded, they push on because they feel they must. Someone’s life depends on it. Sometimes we capably soldier on through our own pain, stoic and enduring. But what if we took some time in quiet, asking God to bind our injuries and supplement our waning strength? When we ask, he restores and a restored soul cares more joyfully.

“Don’t keep on keeping on. Set aside some quiet time to spend before God so he can tend to your injuries and shore up your weaknesses.

“Maybe God will supernaturally meet your needs. Or maybe he will send some of his children to help you. Accept their help willingly, let others serve you. Their mercy is a gift from God.

“At times, God requires that we step out of our comfort zones and ask others for help. That’s not a weakness! Ask God to show you the people who can and will meet your needs because they love Him.”

I’ll conclude with this statement: “God, I get so focused on meeting the needs of those in my care that I forget about my own. Please give me a heart that seeks and accepts your care and the care of others.”

My own words: God bless everyone fighting to beat this pandemic.

Frank D. Slason
Somerville

China planners approve second solar development

by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members have unanimously approved a second solar development by SunRaise Development LLC, this one on land leased from Daniel Ouellette on the south side of Route 3 (Belfast Road), near the China Area Wash and Dry.

The May 19 virtual planning board meeting began with a public hearing. No one from the public had signed in to speak at the hearing, and Codes Officer Bill Butler said he received no advance comments or questions.

Board members then compared SunRaise’s application to the criteria in China’s Land Use Ordinance and voted unanimously that the project met all requirements. They added conditions duplicating those in SunRaise’s earlier permit for a larger solar project off Route 32 South (Windsor Road): no more than three buildings on the site, no mowing before mid-July without prior approval (to protect ground-nesting birds) and provision of a surety bond.

SunRaise spokesman Lisa Vickers said the Route 3 project requires cutting trees taller than eight feet along the west boundary of the property. They will be replaced by native evergreens, she said, and the planning board specified native species only.

After board members completed action on the SunRaise application, Butler had two more questions for them.

The first was whether they had seen, or wanted to see, a draft ordinance regulating what are called hobby farms, non-commercial farm activities.

Butler said about two years ago a Hanson Road resident questioned the presence of multiple farm animals, including chickens and horses, on his neighbor’s property. Butler said former Codes Officer Paul Mitnik and Town Manager Dennis Heath drafted a hobby farms ordinance; neither of the two longest-serving planning board members, Toni Wall and Jim Wilkens, remembered seeing it.

Wall, acting chairman May 19 in Tom Miragliuolo’s absence, asked Butler to send copies of the draft to current board members for future discussion.

Butler’s second issue involved Amanda Gower’s Little Learners Child Development Center, on Tyler Road. The facility has a town license for 49 children, he said; pre-pandemic enrollment was 75. It appears that 75 children will not exceed space, septic tank capacity or any other standard; but the state threatens to revoke Gower’s state license unless she is in conformity with the town license.

Butler’s question to board members was whether Gower needs to file a complete re-application for the expansion in enrollment. Board members agreed unanimously that she did. They plan to review an application at their June 9 meeting if Gower submits it in time.

Vassalboro school board approves tentative plans for rest of year

Vassalboro Community School. (source: jmg.org)

by Mary Grow

At their May 19 meeting, Vassalboro School Board members approved plans, some tentative, for the remainder of this school year, the summer and the next school year, on topics from education to lunch prices to a new telephone system.

Many decisions assumed that students and staff will return to classrooms in late August 2020. Vassalboro Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer emphasized that he and other superintendents spend a lot of time monitoring constantly-changing state and federal pandemic information and guidelines. He hopes Vassalboro Community School (VCS) will re-open before Labor Day 2020, but he offered no guarantee.

VCS Principal Megan Allen said distance learning continues for the rest of this school year. Teachers completed parent-teacher conferences, she said. An important current project is defining parts of course content that have been short-changed by lack of classroom time, so they can be emphasized in the fall.

As the end of the school year approaches, staff have cleaned out students’ lockers and bagged the contents to be picked up. A virtual eighth-grade graduation, probably in the form of a video for students and parents to share, is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2. On Friday, June 5, the last day of classes, Allen and staff are working on arrangements for a parade that will pass as many students’ home as possible.

Allen said volunteers will continue to assemble meals to be delivered by bus through June 4. Beginning Monday, June 8, interim food service director Paula Pooler said the summer meal program will provide van delivery of meals to pick-up points.

In preparation for the hoped-for reopening, school board members unanimously approved a 10-cent increase in the full price of a school lunch, from $2.85 to $2.95, effective in the fall. Pooler explained that under the federal education department’s formula, Vassalboro should be charging $3. Vassalboro officials are allowed to reach the required level in 10-cent steps. Failure to comply would mean a reduced federal subsidy for the lunch program.

Board members accepted the recommendation to spend $20,392 for an upgrade of the phone system, including updating what Technology Coordinator Will Backman calls its brain and buying new handsets compatible with the improved brain. Pfeiffer said the money will come from the current year’s budget, specifically from anticipated savings due to the shut-down this spring.

The board approved a 2020-21 school calendar that has classes starting Wednesday, Aug. 26. Staff will hold preschool preparatory workshops Aug. 24 and Aug. 25.

Pfeiffer reported he had signed the contract to share in a solar energy project under development in Skowhegan (in which the Town of Vassalboro is also participating). Attorney Aga Dixon advised him to expect no immediate follow-up, because the project developers are waiting for other municipalities and schools to decide whether to join.

After previous discussions, board members approved buying into the solar development to reduce electricity costs. The project is currently expected to begin providing power early in 2021 and to run for at least 25 years.

Pfeiffer reminded board members that Vassalboro’s annual town meeting, at which voters will decide on the 2020-21 school budget among other items, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday evening, June 22. Voters will assemble at VCS. Pfeiffer, town officials and others are planning safely-spaced seating and other precautions.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, June 16, and is expected to be a virtual meeting.

Scaled back Memorial Day observances in central Maine

On Memorial Day, members of American Legion Post #126, in Vassalboro, went to each veteran monument and bridge on Oak Grove Road, placed a wreath and played taps. Pictured, from left to right, James Kilbride, Kevin Labrie, Robert Whitehouse and Donald Breton. (photo courtesy of Rachel Kilbride)

With official Memorial Day ceremonies canceled in Fairfield, several people still gathered to honor the fallen heroes at the veterans monuments in Maplewood Cemetery and Fairfield Memorial Park as well as at the river. Pictured, from left to right, are Joshua Fournier who led a prayer while Emily Rowden Fournier, who organized the event, laid wreaths. Army veteran Margaret May Lambert served as colorguard. UMO student Nathanael Batson played taps with LHS band director Loren Fields (not in photo). Chris Batson, pictured, was in attendance with his entire family along with Joe Rowden, back, and several community members. (photo by Lyn Rowden)

China town manager resigns

Retiring China town manager Dennis Heath

by Mary Grow

China Town Manager Dennis Heath submitted his resignation to selectmen at their May 26 meeting, “with a heavy but grateful heart.” He asked that it become effective July 18, after the planned July 14 written-ballot town business meeting.

Heath exp­lained that because his mother in Oklahoma is in declining health, he and his wife Mary want to fulfill their longstanding commitment to be with her as her life winds down.

Selectmen unanimously accepted the resignation, with regret. They also accepted Heath’s recommendation that Town Clerk Becky Hapgood be appointed interim manager, effective July 18. They then voted to seek a legal opinion on whether they are required to advertise the position, and if there is no legal or other impediment to hire Hapgood as Heath’s full-time successor, it would become effective July 19.

Hapgood, participating in the virtual meeting, said she would be honored to accept the position.

Heath was hired to succeed Daniel L’Heureux in mid-May 2018 and became town manager when L’Heureux retired June 30, 2018.

Erskine Academy announces top 10 seniors Class of 2020

Erskine 2020 top ten seniors, from left to right, TOP: Sarah Jarosz, Hunter Praul, Miina Raag-Schmidt, Summer Hotham, Lyndsie Pelotte; BOTTOM: Ben Lavoie, Lucy Allen, Jordan Linscott, Dominic Smith, Richard Winn.

Valedictorian is Sarah Jarosz

Erskine Academy has announced the Class of 2020 Top Ten Seniors.

Valedictorian is Sarah Jarosz, daughter of Karen and James Jarosz, of Fairfield. Throughout her four years at Erskine, Sarah has participated in such activities as National Honor Society, LEO Club, Student Council, the HOPE Club (Helping Others Persevere at Erskine), Tennis, Prom Committee, and she has completed nearly 150 hours of community service projects. Sarah has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, awards of excellence in the areas of English, Social Studies, French, US History, and PreCalculus, and she is a Renaissance Senior of the Trimester award recipient. In addition, Sarah also received the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award and she is a Maine Principal’s Association Award recipient. Sarah plans to attend Colby College, in Waterville, to study mathematics and dance.

Salutatorian is Hunter Praul, son of Erika and Darryl Praul, of China. Hunter is a member of National Honor Society and he has participated in such activities as AFS (American Field Service), Chess Club, the EA Theater Club, and he has completed 150 hours of community service projects. A student who has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, Hunter has received awards of excellence in the areas of English and Physics, and he has received a Renaissance Senior of the Trimester award. Hunter plans to attend the University of Maine where he will major in biology.

Third in academic standing is Miina Raag-Schmidt, daughter of Tarja Raag and Michael Schmidt, of Vassalboro. Miina is a member of such activities as the EA Theater Club, Math Team, the Breakfast Book Club, and the Gay/Straight/Transgender Alliance (GSTA) Club. Miina has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, awards of excellence in the areas of English, Spanish, and Advanced Art, and she has received a Renaissance Senior of the Trimester award. Miina plans to attend Lesley University with an undeclared major.

Fourth in academic standing is Summer Hotham, daughter of Heide and Charles Hotham, of Palermo. Summer is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as the EA Leadership Team, Yearbook, Prom Committee, Soccer, Basketball, and Softball, and she has completed over 300 hours of community service projects. Summer is a four year high honor roll student, she has received awards of excellence in English, Spanish, and Health, and she has received Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester awards. Summer plans to attend Thomas College to pursue studies in the area of accounting.

Fifth in academic standing is Lyndsie Pelotte, daughter of Shasta and Jerad Pelotte, of China. Lyndsie is a member of National Honor Society and she has been a participant of Student Council, the EA Leadership Team, the LEO Club, Prom Committee, and she has completed nearly 220 hours of community service projects. Lyndsie was a recipient of the SWE Certificate of Merit, she has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, she has received Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester awards, and she has received awards of excellence in Integrated Science and French. Lyndsie plans to attend Studio School Los Angeles with a major in commercial dance.

Sixth in academic standing is Benjamin Lavoie, son of Nina and Louis Lavoie, of Winthrop. Ben is a member of the Breakfast Book Club, the Cooking Club, and the Speech and Debate Team. Ben has received high honor roll distinction, awards of excellence in Algebra 2 and Chemistry, and he has received a Renaissance Recognition award. Ben plans to attend The Culinary Institute of America with a major in culinary science.

Seventh in academic standing is Lucy Allen, daughter of Shirley and Patrick Allen, of Windsor. Lucy is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as the EA Theater Club, LEO Club, the EA Leadership Team, Prom Committee, Field Hockey, Tennis, and she has completed over 200 hours of community service projects. Lucy was a recipient of the George Eastman Young Leaders Award, she has received four year high honor roll distinction and awards of excellence in Spanish and Clay, and she has received a Renaissance Senior of the Trimester award. Lucy plans to major in brain and cognitive sciences at the University of Rochester.

Eighth in academic standing is Jordan Linscott, daughter of Susan and Thomas Linscott, of Windsor. Jordan is a member of National Honor Society and she has been a participant of Student Council, the LEO Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Soccer, Basketball, and Lacrosse, and she has completed over 200 hours of community service projects. Jordan has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, and she has received awards of excellence in Algebra 1 and Watercolors. Jordan plans to attend the University of Maine with a major in biology.

Ninth in academic standing is Dominic Smith, son of Katrina and Dan Jackson, of Whitefield. Dominic has participated in such activities as the EA Theater Club, Robotics, the Breakfast Book Club, and Youth in Government. Dominic is a Rensselaer Medal recipient, he has received honor roll distinction every trimester as well as awards of excellence in Algebra 1, Integrated Science, Social Studies, Algebra 2, German, PreCalculus, US History, and Calculus, and he has received a Renaissance Senior of the Trimester award. Dominic plans to major in computer science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Tenth in academic standing is Richard Winn, son of Jamie and Jason Winn, of China. Richard is a member of the National Honor Society and he has participated in such activities as the EA Leadership Team, the LEO Club, Robotics, Prom Committee, and he has served as Class President for two years. Richard has earned honor roll status every trimester, and he has received Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester awards. Richard plans to major in medical biology at the University of New England.