Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Governors with Kennebec ties

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Gov. Enoch Lincoln (left) was the first Maine governor to die in office; Gov. Percival Baxter (middle) was the driving force behind the creation of Baxter State Park; Gov. Janet Mills (right) became the first female governor in 2019.

by Mary Grow

Here follows the third and probably final piece on Maine’s governors and the second that lists those with a connection to the central Kennebec River valley, with some random notes that might be of interest.

William T. Haines, Maine’s 49th governor, was born in Levant and was valedictorian of the Class of 1876 at the University of Maine. With a law degree from Albany Law School, in New York, he opened an office in Oakland in May 1879 and moved to Waterville in October 1880. Between 1882 and 1905, he was, successively, Kennebec County Attorney, State Senator, State Representative. State Attorney General and member of the Governor’s Executive Council under Governor John Fremont Hill (See The Town Line, July 9, p. 10). He was inaugurated as governor on Jan. 1, 1913, failed to win re-election and left office Jan. 6, 1915.

Burton Melvin Cross was, by one of those oddities mentioned in earlier discussions, Maine’s 61st and 63rd governors, with Nathaniel M. Haskell, from Portland, serving as #62 for 25 hours in between. A Gardiner native and Cony High School graduate, Class of 1920, he held city and then state offices and was President of the state Senate when he was elected governor in the fall of 1952.

Cross’s predecessor, Frederick Payne, resigned Dec. 25 because he had been elected to the U. S. Senate. Being Senate President, Cross took over until his Senate term ended, Wikipedia says at 10 a.m. Jan. 7, 1953. Haskell, the new Senate President, then became governor until Cross was inaugurated the next morning.

The State Office Building behind the Capitol was built in 1952 and in 2001 was renamed the Burton M. Cross Building.

Edmund Sixtus Muskie, the 64th Maine governor, who succeeded Cross and governed Maine from Jan. 5, 1955, to Jan. 2, 1959, set off another succession oddity: elected to the U. S. Senate in the fall of 1958 to succeed Payne, he too left the governorship early and another Haskell, Robert from Bangor, was governor for five days. Muskie, Maine’s first Roman Catholic governor, was born in Rumford. He graduated from Bates College in 1936 and Cornell University Law School in 1939 and practiced law in Waterville before and after his service in the Navy in World War II.

One of Muskie’s interests as Maine governor was environmental protection. In his later national career, as Senator he was a chief author of the 1970 Clean Air Act and the 1972 Clean Water Act. He was also a vice-presidential and presidential candidate (1968 and 1972) and Secretary of State under President Jimmy Carter, who awarded him a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981.

Clinton Amos Clauson was an Iowan by birth and a World War I veteran who opened a chiropractic office in Waterville in the 1920s. He was inaugurated as governor #66 on Jan. 5, 1959, and died on Dec. 30, 1959, before finishing his first year in office. Wikipedia credits him with increasing the state sales tax and creating the lodging tax, both to provide more money for education. A 1961 Maine Legislative Resolve named the planned Interstate 95 bridges across the Kennebec River connecting Fairfield and Benton the Clinton A. Clauson Memorial Bridges. The bridges opened in 1964.

Paul Richard LePage, of Waterville, served two terms as Maine’s 74th governor, from Jan. 5, 2011, to Jan. 2, 2019. A Lewiston native, he graduated from Husson College and earned an MBA from the University of Maine. His Waterville connection began with a position at Scott Paper Company; in 1996 he became general manager of Marden’s Surplus and Salvage. After serving on the Waterville City Council and as the city’s mayor, he was elected governor with 37.6 percent of the vote in 2010’s five-candidate race and with 48.2 percent against two other candidates in 2014.

LePage left office after serving the two-term limit created by a 1957 amendment to the state Constitution. Earlier in 2020, news reports said he was a legal resident of the State of Florida and that he planned to run for the Maine Governorship again. On July 9, the Associated Press reported that the 71-year-old ex-governor is now a resident of Edgecomb, happy to be back in Maine and planning to resume his political career with the 2022 elections.

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Besides Clauson, three other Maine governors died in office.

The first was Enoch Lincoln (#6), whose history was summarized in the July 9 issue of The Town Line.

Joseph R. Bodwell (#40) was inaugurated Jan. 5, 1887, and served until he died Dec. 15, 1887. Bodwell lived in Massachusetts until 1866; he was in the granite business, and part-owned a quarry on Vinalhaven by 1852. In 1866 he opened quarries in Hallowell; by 1869 he was elected mayor of Hallowell, and in 1886 he was elected Maine’s governor.

A family history describes him as enterprising, energetic, a reluctant politician who nonetheless was an able and vigorous governor and ran a successful, business-like administration. He was interested in agriculture, and in addition to his Hallowell farm cooperated with livestock-breeder Hall Burleigh, in Vassalboro.

Frederic Hale Parkhurst (#52) was a Bangor native who graduated from Columbian Law School, in Washington, D. C., Class of 1887.

(Columbian Law School, not to be confused with Columbia Law School, was chartered in Washington as a college in 1821 and in 1826 added a law school, which closed after a year due to lack of students and money. It reopened in 1864 and graduated its first class in 1867. In 1904, Columbian University became The George Washington University.)

Parkhurst returned to Bangor to practice law, but gave it up to join his father’s leather business. His political career began on the Bangor City Council in 1893; he served in the state House and Senate and on various Republican state and national bodies before running successfully for Governor in September 1920. After the election, he caught pneumonia; he was able to attend his inauguration on Jan. 5, 1921, but died Jan. 31, after only 26 days in office.

Senate President Percival Baxter, of Baxter State Park fame, finished Parkhurst’s term and in 1922 was elected in his own right.

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Janet Mills is Maine’s 75th governor, but Wikipedia says only 70 people have held the position, because the four who served non-consecutive terms are counted as two people. They were Edward Kent (#12 and #15), John Fairfield (#13 and #16), John Dana (#19 and #21), and Burton Cross (#61 and #63).

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Maine has had four sets of governors who had the same last name. Two were closely related; two apparently were not.

The state’s first governor, William King, was probably not an ancestor of the seventy-second governor, Angus Stanley King Jr.

Anson Peaslee Morrill (#24), born in 1803 in Belgrade, was the older brother of Lot Myrick Morrill (#28), born in 1813.

Two Plaisteds, Harris (#38) and Frederick William (#48) were father and son. It was the son who directed the removal of Malaga Island’s mixed-race population in 1912. The island, at the mouth of the New Meadows River, is now a preserve owned and managed by Maine Coast Heritage Trust.

Nathaniel Haskell (#62, the 25-hour governor) and Robert Nance Haskell (#65, the five-day governor) were not closely related.

Main sources

Web sites, miscellaneous

SOLON & BEYOND: Alumni reunion canceled for this year

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

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

My apologies to all of you for not having any column in for several weeks. That computer of mine got more contrary than ever and refused to work, and so some of this news should have been in several weeks ago.

Received the following letter from Linda Rogers French: Dear Alumni and Friends, Because of the Covid-19 we will not be having the reunion this year as there is no way to predict if it will be safe by then. We have to make our plans now, and right now it is not safe. This will put a big dent in our scholarship fund so we are hoping that folks will still donate to the scholarship fund as we are still going to give out the scholarship and have already picked the recipients for next year. The scholarships this year will be Lilyana Aloes and Chantel Lee Whittemore.

Last year we had 54 alumni and friends attend the reunion. We made $1,020 on the auction from sales and donations. Diane Oliver Poulin was the auctioneer.

Deaths reported were Ruth Hunnewell Fluet, class of 1947, Mary Andrews Jackson, class of 1948, Odber Andrews, class of 1949, Harriet Cross Dolan, class of 1949, Issac Davis Jr., class of 1956, Jean Quimby Wooster, class of 1969. Also Clara Greenlaw and Carroll Greenlaw.

So since we won’t be able to have an auction this year if anyone would like to make a donation to the scholarship fund it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be sent to our treasurer, Jo Rancourt Holden, 66 Parkman Hill Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

Please make checks payable to Solon Alumni Assn. Thank you all and let’s pray that we can all get through this that we will be able to have our reunion next year. God bless. Sincerely Linda Rogers French, Sec.

And now for some more news from the Solon School News. Please join us in saying good-bye to a special teacher, Mr. Terry Corson, who is retiring this spring.

Mr. Corson has taught 40 years, all but two of those years at Solon Elementary School. He has coached many different sports including soccer, basketball, softball, and tennis. Mr. Corson also served as lead teacher at our school for a number of years.

Mr. Corson will be remembered for his love of math, sports, teaching, and children, and his sense of humor. He always wanted students to enjoy the learning process. One of the many things that Mr. Corson will be fondly remembered is the Kitty Kats Basketball Program, which he started in 1983 at our school. This program gave all of the students who were Kitty Kats over the years a chance to develop their skills to learn team work and to have fun.

We thank Mr. Corson and wish him the best as he begins his retirement. We hope he will return to substitute or just visit with us, as he is greatly missed.

Would like to let all of you know the new shop, Simply Rustic, on the River Road, in Solon, is having an open house on July 18, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. There will be 10 percent off storewide and 20 percent off crystal jewelry.

And now for Percy’s memoir: Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life. Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. (words by Dr. David M. Burns)

Now with a fluttering heart and a great big long prayer I’m going to try to send this along to Roland!

REVIEW POTPOURRI: English writer H. E. Bates

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H. E. Bates

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

English writer H. E. Bates

The prolific English writer, H.E. Bates (1905-1974), published his novel The Purple Plain in 1947 and it was made into a 1954 film starring Gregory Peck, of which I have only the vaguest memories when it was shown on one of the Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Movies programs of Maine’s channel 8 during my youth of the very early ‘60s. The author spent some time in World War II Burma and was inspired to write this novel.

The main character Forrester is a very skilled pilot flying medical personnel and supplies around the country amidst dangerous conditions. He is also battling with his own personal demons and taking on very dangerous missions more out of a death wish.

The reasons lie mainly in losing his wife during a honeymoon dance at a London nightclub when a bomb lands on it from German warplanes. He miraculously survives but is tormented by the gamut of depression and survivor guilt since then.

He is already stationed in blisteringly hot Burma at a desert medical station, where he and a colleague Blore share a tent as their living accommodations, when the novel opens. He then meets a Burmese nurse Anna and their professional relationship starts to blossom into something special. Meanwhile a Japanese bombing raid has all hands on deck and Forrester is doing doctoring, too. But he and Anna are having joyful moments too and his will to live increases.

Halfway through the book, Forrester is flying himself, Blore and his navigator Carrington elsewhere when the plane crashes in the middle of the desert. All three men survive miraculously, but Carrington’s legs are badly burned; Blore and Forrester sustain some burns but are forced to carry the navigator while trying to walk 30 miles to safety with a thermos of water and little else for nourishment; and several chapters of survival in the desert ensue. The book concludes with triumph.

What makes the novel special was Bates’s gift with words ­– those details that kept me reading, that created sympathy for, and identification with, the characters. Examples abound but I only have room for a few:

“He felt himself to be lost in the center of a vast and dusty arena blistered by relentless sun.”

“Before he could say anything more, she turned away and began to walk back along the track. She turned and smiled for a moment and he lifted his hand, standing for a moment or two longer to watch her go.”

Now the last sentence of this 308 page novel.

“Outside, the plain was purple in the falling dusk, and the long day was over.”

LEGAL NOTICES for Thursday, July 16, 2020

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STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
COURT ST.,
SKOWHEGAN, ME
SOMERSET, ss
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
18-A MRSA sec. 3-801

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the estates noted. The first publication date of this notice July 9, 2020

If you are a creditor of an estate listed below, you must present your claim within four months of the first publication date of this Notice to Creditors by filing a written statement of your claim on a proper form with the Register of Probate of this Court or by delivering or mailing to the Personal Representative listed below at the address published by his name, a written statement of the claim indicating the basis therefore, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed or in such other manner as the law may provide. See 18-C M.R.S.A. §3-804.

2020-106 – Estate of MARJORIE J. DORMAN, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Ronald W. Dorman, 678 Main Street, Canaan, Maine 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-130 – Estate of JAMES H. FOX, late of Athens, Me deceased. George H. Fox, 38 Hurricane Road, Gorham, Me 04038 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-133 – Estate of ROBERT J. BUSHEY, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Judith Bushey, 3 Harvest Lane, Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-135 – Estate of DAVID JEFFREY WRIGHT, late of Brighton Plantation, Me deceased. Michael Stephen Wright, 398 Sawyer Street, South Portland, Me 04106 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-136 – Estate of FRANCIS J. ARSENAULT, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Gale Whittemore, PO Box 534, Skowhegan, Me 04976 and Sheila Sherburne, 9 Lawton Street, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2020-140 – Estate of RUSSEL E. SAVAGE, late of Cornville, Me deceased. Gail M. Rowe, 344 West Ridge Road, Cornville, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-148 – Estate of CAROL A. SWALLOW, late of Concord Township, Me deceased. Ann M. Forte, 12 Joyce Ann Drive, Smithfield, RI 02917 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-150 – Estate of PATRICIA A. ELLIS, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Cindy Worthley, 75 Timberview Drive, Skowhegan, Me 04976 and Rick L. Pomerleau, 115 Sophie Mae Lane, Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2020-152 – Estate of NORMAN A. SCOTT, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Steven Scott 222 Taylor Road, Winslow, Me 04901 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-153 – Estate of ALAN H. WOLMAN, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Gale A. Merle, 7 Orchard Lane, Lynnfield, MA 01940 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-155 – Estate of CHRISTOPHER J. KINNEY, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Jason Works, PO Box 24, Hinckley, Me 04944 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-156 – Estate of PETER A. COOLEY, late of Harmony, Me deceased. Randi M. Wilson, 49 Wildwood Drive, Southborough, MA 01772-1989 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-160 – Estate of DAVID E. STRICKLAND, late of Embden, Me deceased. Bernard V. Newell, PO Box 582, New Portland, Me 04954 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-161- Estate of CATHERINE S. MAHEU, late of Anson, Me deceased. Celeste A. MacDonald, PO Box 228, Anson, Me 04911 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-162 – Estate of DONALD F. DOAK, late of Madison, Me deceased. Bonnie L. Pohorene, 824 E Madison Road, Madison, Me 04950 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-163 – Estate of EMILY G. PINKHAM, late of Jackman, Me deceased. Steven R. Pinkham, 44 Sea Avenue, Quincy, MA 02169 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-164 – Estate of JOHN C. WALSH, late of Hartland, Me deceased. Lauren C. Walsh, 109 Dodge Road, Livermore Falls, Me 04254 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-167 – Estate of ROBERT B. TUPPER, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Donna Chapman, 29 Oakland Road, Fairfield, Me 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-168 – Estate of HENRY G. SIROIS, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Gregory H. Sirois, 10 Fawn Road, Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-169 – Estate of LEONARD JACOBS, late of Madison, Me deceased. Tyler Jacobs, 38 Pleasant Street, Solon, Me 04979 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on July 9, 2020 & July 16, 2020.
Dated: June 29, 2020 /s/Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(7/16)

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Let’s continue our journey through the world of moths

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The Polyphemus moth (left) and the Luna moth (right). (photos by Roland D. Hallee)

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Over the last few weeks, we have had more moths show up at The Town Line office than visitors. The appearances continue. Following the moths we covered last time, this week we will cover the Polyphemus moth and the Luna moth. One other that has made its presence known more recently is the Brown-tail moth, which we covered a little while back, especially about the effects of the hairs from the caterpillar.

The hairs from the Brown-tail moth caterpillar continue to linger in the air as my wife and I have experienced several rashes (Me, 4; She 2).

The Polyphemus moth, Antheraea polyphemus, is a North American member of the giant silk moths family. It is a tan-colored moth, with an average wingspan of six inches. The most notable feature of the moth is its large, purplish eyespots on its two hindwings. The eyespots give it its name – from the Greek myth of the cyclops Polyphemus. The species was first described by Pieter Cramer in 1776. The species is widespread in continental North America, with local populations found throughout subarctic Canada and the United States. The caterpillar can eat 86,000 times its weight at emergence in a little less than two months.

The life cycle of the moth is much like that of any other giant silk moth species. It lays flat, light-brown eggs on the leaves of a number of host plants, including birch, oak, maple, hickory, beech, honey locust, walnut, cherry, elm, plum, peach and apricot trees.

Squirrels have been known to consume the pupae of Polyphemus moths, decreasing the population greatly. Pruning of trees and leaving outdoor lights on at night can also be detrimental to the moths.

The Polyphemus moth uses defense mechanisms to protect itself from predators. One of its most distinctive mechanisms is a distraction display that serves to confuse, or simply distract, predators. This involves the large eyespots on its hindwings, which give the moth its name (from the cyclops Polyphemus in Greek mythology). Eyespots are also startle patterns, a subform of distraction patterns, used for camouflage via deceptive and blending coloration. Most startle patterns are brightly colored areas on the outer body of already camouflaged animals. (Another example of the use of startle patterns is the gray tree frog, with its bright-yellow leggings. When it leaps, a flash of bright yellow appears on its hind legs, usually startling the predator away from its prey.) Distraction patterns are believed to be a form of mimicry, meant to misdirect predators by markings on the moths’ wings. The pattern on the hindwings of the Polyphemus moth resembles that on the head of the great horned owl.

The next moth is the unmistakeble Luna moth.

The Luna moth, Actias luna, is another moth of a group commonly known as giant silk moths. It has lime-green colored wings and a white body. The larvae (caterpillars) are also green. Typically, it has a wingspan of roughly 4.5 inches, but can exceed 7 inches, making it one of the larger moths in North America. Across Canada, it has one generation per year, with the winged adults appearing in late May or early June, whereas farther south it will have two or even three generations per year, the first appearance as early as March in southern parts of the United States.

As defense mechanisms, larvae emit clicks as a warning and also regurgitate intestinal contents, confirmed as having a deterrent effect on a variety of predators. The elongated tails of the hindwings are thought to confuse the echolocation detection used by predatory bats. A parasitic fly deliberately introduced to North America to be a biological control for the invasive species gypsy moth appears to have had a negative impact on Luna moths and other native moths.

Described and named by James Petiver in 1700, this was the first North American giant silk moth to be reported in the insect literature. The initial Latin name, which roughly translates to “brilliant, feather tail”, was replaced when Carl Linnaeus described the species in 1758 in the tenth edition of Systema Naturae, and renamed it with luna derived from Luna, the Roman moon goddess. The common name became “Luna moth”. Several other North American giant silk moths were also given species names after Roman or Greek mythology.

The Luna moth is found in North America, from east of the Great Plains in the United States – Florida to Maine, and from Saskatchewan eastward through central Québec to Nova Scotia in Canada. Luna moths are also rarely found in Western Europe as vagrants.

Based on the climate in which they live, Luna moths produce different numbers of generations per year. In Canada and northern regions of the United States they are univoltine, meaning one generation per year. Life stages are approximately two weeks as eggs, 6–7 weeks as larvae, nine months as pupae, finishing with one week as winged adults appearing in late May or early June. In the mid-Atlantic states the species is bivoltine, and farther south trivoltine, meaning respectively two and three generations per year. In the central states the first generation appears in April, second in July. Even farther south, first generation appears as early as March, with second and third spaced eight to ten weeks later.

The parasitic fly, Compsilura concinnata, native to Europe was deliberately introduced to the United States throughout much of the 20th century as a biological control for gypsy moths. Due to its flexible life cycle, it can parasitize more than 150 species of butterflies and moths in North America. Researchers reported that when Luna moth larvae were placed outside for about a week and then collected and returned to the laboratory, four parasitoid species emerged, the most common being C. concinnata. The researchers concluded that this parasitic fly causes collateral damage to Luna moth populations.

The larvae of Luna moths feed on several different species of broadleaf trees. The larvae do not reach population densities sufficient to cause significant damage to their host trees. Host trees include white birch, American persimmon and American sweet gum plus several species of hickory, walnut and sumac. Other tree species have been identified as suitable are black cherry, cottonwood, quaking aspen, white willow, red oak, white oak and tulip tree, but reported very poor survival on these seven tree species even though older literature had identified them as hosts. The host plant utilization may differ regionally, so that larvae collected from one region may not tolerate host plants readily consumed in another region.

In popular culture, the Luna moth appeared on a first class United States postage stamp issued in June 1987. Although more than two dozen butterflies have been so honored, as of 2019 this is the only moth.

The American rock band R.E.M. references Luna moths in their song You off their 1994 album Monster.

The band Big Thief references the Luna moth on their song Strange from the 2019 album U.F.O.F.

The Luna moth appeared in Livingstone Mouse, by Pamela Duncan Edwards.

The Luna moth has been used previously in advertisements for the insomnia medicine Lunesta.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

The Red Sox 1967 World Series 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, Jim Lonborg was the winning pitcher in two of the games. Who was the winning pitcher in the third win?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, July 16, 2020

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Trivia QuestionsThe Red Sox 1967 World Series 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, Jim Lonborg was the winning pitcher in two of the games. Who was the winning pitcher in the third win?

Answer:

Gary Waslewski.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, July 16, 2020

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FRANK H KENT

AUGUSTA – Frank H. Kent, 79, founder of B and F Vegetables, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, following a long illness. He was born on September 4, 1940, in Benton, and graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield.

Frank was a true sports enthusiast and loved watching his grandchildren play sports. He lived life his way and was thought of fondly by many.

Frank was predeceased by his parents Edward Kent Sr. and Pauline Brown Kent; his brother Edward Kent Jr., sister Betty Pomroy, and long-time partner Beverly Knight.

He is survived by his children, Teddi Blakney and husband Mark, Polly Kent, Frank Kent II, and Kathy Pettengill and husband Travis; his sister Evelyn Sandy, brother Eugene Kent, sister-n-law Janice Kent; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces, and nephews

There will be a graveside service on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Howard Cemetery, in Winslow.

SYLVIO NORMANDEAU

WINSLOW – Sylvio Normandeau, 92, of Winslow, passed away peacefully at Gray Birch Nursing Home on Friday, June 26, 2020. Sylvio was born to Arthur and Josephine Normandeau, in Rumford, on December 18, 1927.

He was the youngest of three children.

Sylvio worked at the mill in Rumford through high school, continuing even after he graduated in 1945. He then decided to enlist in the Army. While in the Army, he volunteered to work on the Manhattan Project, an American lead effort to develop a functional atomic weapon during World War II, which allowed him to stay in the states and close to home.

After returning from the Army, he met his wife to be of 48 years, Julia Rokos, and was married in 1948. Through his wife, he met Vincent Kirschner, his future employer. Sylvio started as a truck driver with the Joseph Kirschner Company and was promoted to a purchaser throughout his 36 years of employment. In 1985 Sylvio started working for E.A. Buschmann as a salesman. He worked there until he retired in 2000. Sylvio was an active member of the Waterville Elks Lodge #905, and was the Exalted Ruler in 1994-1995. He was a King Lion in the Lions Club, he was also a member of the American Legion and was part of the Knights of Columbus and Toastmasters.

Sylvio was a lifelong devoted parishioner of Corpus Christi Parish where he was a Lector for both the English and French Masses.

In 1991, Sylvio started his fundraising journey for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. It wasn’t until 1997 when his wife, Julia, passed away from cancer that he truly made raising money for Maine Children’s Cancer Program his life mission. Sylvio set up shop at local businesses grilling hot dogs and all would always hear him say, “Give me a donation; I’ll give you a treat, a thank you and a smile.” Sylvio raised over a half million dollars in his lifetime.

In 2007, Sylvio was awarded the “6 Who Care Award” from Channel 6 News for his tremendous dedication in raising money for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. This award was created to honor volunteers and agencies making a difference in our communities.

His greatest joy was his family and making people smile. For many years, he played Santa Claus for family, friends and his community.

Sylvio is survived by his five children, 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Surviving him are his sons Roland (Jen), of Oakland, Richard (Mary), of Albion, and daughters Rhonda (Bob) Remick, of Westbrook, Rebecca (Dave) Zarko, of Winslow, and Rochelle (Ron) Loubier, of Winslow; grandchildren, Ryan, Randy, Raelyn, Megan, Renee, Mary, Ricky, Robbie, Robyn, Nicole, Alaina, Danny and Rachel.

Sylvio was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Josephine Normandeau; his wife Julia; siblings Roland Normandeau and Theresa Lutick; sister-in-law Linda Rokos and brothers-in-laws, Rev. Richard Rokos and Daniel Rokos.

A Mass of Christian burial will be by invitation only, due to current state restrictions.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Maine Medical Center of Development Office ,Attn: Maine Children’s Cancer Program, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102.

CYNTHIA L. PRESCOTT

WATERVILLE – Cynthia L. Prescott, 55, died Friday, June 26, 2020, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, following a brief illness. She was born in Augusta on July 12, 1964, a daughter of Franklin E. and Nancy S. (Porter) Seigars.

Ms. Prescott attended Windsor Elementary School and was a graduate of Cony High School, in Augusta, class of 1982, and continued her education, becoming a speech translator for the deaf.

She was a homemaker for most of her life, marrying Stuart Burns in 1983.

Cynthia loved laughing, loud music, the outdoors and her family. Her favorite things in life were being a Mom and Gramie, and the pride she had in all of her children and grandchildren.

Ms. Prescott was predeceased by her father, Franklin E. Seigars; her paternal grandparents, Dexter and Madeline Seigars and her maternal grandparents, Afton and Doris Porter.

She is survived by her children, Derrick and his wife Virginia, Bethanie and her husband Jon, Kristin and her husband Ben and Meagan and her husband Alex; her grandchildren, Tyler, Mason, Cooper, Easton, Chase, Abigail and Evelyn; her mother, Nancy S. Seigars; her sister, Susan and her husband Dennis, brothers, Daniel and his wife Terry and Dennis and his wife Robin; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Rest Haven Cemetery, Windsor. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Please check http://www.plummerfh.com for further updates.

Condolences, photos and stories may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

Donations may be made at the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/x3z2rp-funeral-expenses-for-our-mother?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet.

JUDITH A. TEAGUE

AUGUSTA – Judith Anne Teague, 79, of Augusta, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 27, 2020. She was born August 25, 1940, in Waterville, the daughter of Rondal Arthur and France (Grondin) Noyes.

She was educated in the Oakland area schools, graduating from Williams High School, in Oakland, in 1959.

She worked at various jobs including dispatcher for the Winthrop Police Department, however, her favorite position was that of hospice caregiver. She enjoyed kayaking, golfing, oil painting, landscaping, camping, and antiquing.

She is survived by her two daughters, Lisa Plossay and husband Tim, of Brownville, and Rachel Audet and husband David, of Winthrop; her five grandchildren, Kyle, Garrett, and Brogan Plossay, and Olivia and Layne Audet; and her sister-in-law, Pam Noyes.

She was predeceased by her son, Christopher Allen Williams; parents, France and “Arthur” Noyes; and brother, Rondal Arthur Noyes II (Spike).

As per Jude’s request, there will be no funeral service or celebration of life.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service.

JAMES J. QUIRION

WINSLOW – James Joseph Quirion, 87, of Winslow, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, June 29, 2020. He was born in Waterville on January 8, 1933, the son of Henry and Eda (Landry) Quirion.

He graduated from Water­ville High School where he played football and ran track.

James married his soulmate and best friend, Beverly C. (Gilbert) Quirion on February 16, 1957. Together they raised four children in Winslow.

He was a member of the United States Army and served during the Korean War. James was a retired packer and utility worker for 35 years at C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, Waterville. He was very active in the union, serving as secretary, treasurer, and chief steward.

James loved fishing, feeding hummingbirds, bird watching and gardening. He enjoyed watching and cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events. He was a huge Patriots fan and loved watching football, never missing a game.

He loved being in the kitchen, and helped cook many meals, as official stirrer, and worlds best potato peeler.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Henry, Donald, and Edward, and sisters, Geraldine Michaud and Dora Mae Blair.

James is survived by Beverly, his wife of 63 years; daughters, Stephanne Smith and husband John of Albuquerque, ew Mexico, and Jessica Levesque and husband Monte, of Winslow; sons, Wyatt, of Winslow, and Luke Sr., of Cornville; six grandchildren, Eric, Desanne, Angela, Luke Jr., Laura, and Colby; five great-grandchildren, Andrew, Danielle, Kaden, Colin and Alexander; brother, Leo and wife Lorraine, of Waterville, sister, Joanne Gaulin, of Winslow; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at noon on Friday, August 14, at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Civic Center Drive, Augusta.

Due to Covid-19 pandemic the service will be conducted under the CDC and State of Maine guidance of no more than 50 people with social distancing and wearing of face covering.

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

FAYLENE A. HOLT

FAIRFIELD – Faylene Ada Holt, 85, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2020. Faylene was born in Waterville on June 30, 1934, to the late Vernal and Lura (Gilley) Hersom.

She belonged to the First Baptist Church, in Fairfield, for many years, where she was also a part of the Women’s Missionary Fellowship.

Faylene loved to garden and really enjoyed eating out, especially Sunday brunch with her church family.

Faylene was predeceased by her husband, Melzie Holt; her children, Cheryl and Brian Holt.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Annie Hite and her husband James, Crystal Goguen, and her husband Jason; and her great-grandchildren, Dakota, Jayson, Payton Goguen.

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 donate to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

MURIEL E. GREENLEAF

VASSALBORO – Muriel E. Greenleaf, 90, of Vassalboro, passed away on Monday June 29, 2020. She was born in Hallowell on October 30, 1929, the daughter of William and Elva (Smith) Harp.

She had three siblings, George White, Josephine Starrett and Marion Murphy. Muriel would often ride her bike to the Augusta train station to travel to Somerset to live summers with her aunt V. Those were some of her fondest memories from her childhood. She retired from L.L.Bean in 1990.

Muriel enjoyed camping, knitting, trips to the Maine coast and was an avid animal lover. Muriel was married three times, to Charles Garland with whom she had six children, to Kenneth Laughton and to Daniel Greenleaf. Her adult life was dedicated to loving and looking after her children, never faltering in her devotion to their well-being and happiness.

She was predeceased by her parents; and siblings.

Muriel is survived by her children and their spouses, Priscilla Long, of Thomaston, Patty Heins and husband Hans, of Knoxville, Tennessee, Charles Garland and Greg Garland, both of Vassalboro, Timothy Garland and wife Denise, of Farmingdale, Laurie Hugh and husband Sam, of Grapevine, Texas.; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A graveside service was held on Friday July 10, in the Hallowell Cemetery, Water Street, Hallowell.

Arrangements are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

JAN M. BRAGDON

WATERVILLE – Mrs. Jan M. (Libby) Bragdon, 85, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at Inland Hospital. She was the wife of the late Thomas L. Bragdon. Jan was born June 2, 1935, in Gilforde. She was the daughter of the late Ovide and Amanda (Cote) Libby.

She was a longtime resident of Waterville and was a graduate of Waterville High School.

Jan worked at the former Butler’s Department Store, in Waterville, as a clerk for over 40 years; she always had an eye for fashion and design. She and her husband, Tom, truly enjoyed their time together dancing, socializing with friends and working on their retirement home in Fairfield. Jan was a social soul who also enjoyed quality time with family, dining out with friends, shopping, and doing home gardening, decorating, and listening to music. She was a longtime communicant of Corpus Christi Parish.

Jan is survived by her son Morgan T. Bragdon and partner Andrea Knowles, of Shawmut, her daughter Roxanne Nason and her husband Wayne, of Brownville; her three grandchildren Alison Nason, Dalis Bragdon, and Tyler Bragdon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, at a date and time to be announced.

Memories may be shared and an online register book may be signed by visiting http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are in the care of the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 107 Main St. Fairfield.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: News for older Americans

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Do you need assistance finding local programs that can help you get food or address other critical needs that have arisen due to COVID-nineteen?

The Eldercare Locator stands ready to connect older adults, caregivers and professionals to local meals and community-based services that address critical needs and social isolation. One call or click to the Eldercare Locator at 800-6-7-7–1-1-1-6 or elder-care–dot–a-c-l–dot–gov, can connect older adults and their caregivers to local programs during the COVID-nineteen national health crisis. So, if an older adult in your life needs access to healthy meals, in-home and personal care services, transportation to critical medical appointments—or if elder abuse may be an issue—the Eldercare Locator can provide connections to local aging resources and support.

The Eldercare Locator is a free public service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living and is administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Find us online at elder-care–dot–a-c-l–dot–gov or give us a call at 800–6-7-7–1-1-1-6.

Taste of Waterville will go on

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Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce’s 28th Annual Taste of Waterville is planned for Sunday, October 11, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., at the Head of Falls, Downtown Waterville.

Applications are now being accepted for restaurant, bite, booth, food truck and food-related vendor participants. Contact Cindy@midmainechamber.com.

For more information as it is determined, visit www.tasteofwaterville.com.

China town office now open for business

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by Mary Grow

At their July 6 first-in-the-month meeting, China selectmen heard town department reports, submitted in writing and summarized by retiring Town Manager Dennis Heath.

The major news from the town office is that people may now enter the building to transact business. No more than two people are allowed in at the same time; masks are required; and the area is disinfected between visitors. Monday was the first day; Heath said things went smoothly.

The system is set up with a bell outdoors to let people notify those in the office that someone is waiting. Other signs give additional instructions, including a request to be patient if no one responds immediately to the bell: everyone inside might be on the phone.

The public works report said paving had started on Mann, Plummer and South roads. The crew had removed a beaver dam on Ingraham Road.

Transfer station employees have been very busy now that more services, including recycling, have reopened.

On behalf of the assessor, Heath reported enough new construction to make him “cautiously optimistic” the town’s valuation will increase when assessing is complete.

In his capacities as manager and treasurer, Heath said, “We did very well” in FY 2019-2020. Property tax collection was at 99.7 percent, he said. Revenues exceeded projections and expenditures were under budget.

He quickly added, “You’d best use caution going into this next fiscal year, because that’s when you really may see the hit on revenues.”

Heath will have retired and Becky Hapgood will have succeeded him before the next regular China selectmen’s meeting July 20. The July 6 meeting included a brief handing-over ceremony modeled on the military transitions familiar to Heath.

Heath and Selectboard Chairman Ronald Breton presented Hapgood with a personalized bison-hide padfolio made by China craftsman Travis Hill, and the three exchanged thanks and good wishes. A cake made by town office staffer Angela Nelson followed.

Hapgood intends to use her gift to “keep papers organized for meetings.”