Carrabec High School third quarter honor roll 2020

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Carrabec High School

Grade 12

High honors: Annika Carey, Jacob Copeland, Paige Giroux, Scott Mason, Cheyenne Sirois and Skye Welch. Honors:  Cassidy Ayotte, Isaac Boucher, Caitlin Crawford, Shay Cyrway, Caroline Decker, Olivia Fortier, Olivia Gonio, Ricky Gordon III, Olivia Hassell, Lemuel Kimball, Mary-Jenna Oliver, Jasmyne Pray, Cheyeanne Stubbs, Dalton Way and Cameron Wooster.

Grade 11

High honors:  Sierra Corson, Elizabeth Manzer and Sarah Olson. Honors: Mikayla Oliver, Jaiden Patterson and Samuel Scott.

Grade 10

High honors:  Emma Baker, Cheyenne Cahill, Abigail Luce and Trinity Slate. Honors: Lilly Augustine, Alexander Cloutier, Xavier Cloutier, Charlee Davis, Tyler Edwards, Shyanne Holmes, Sean Olson, Courtney Rollins, Seth Sayles, Aislinn Slate and Brandon Smith.

Grade 9

High honors:  Jessica Benedict, Luke Carey and Isabelle Slate. Honors: Zebadiah Burnham, Twyla Carpenter, Laci Dickey, Kyle Frey, Joel Gehrke, Lindsay Hamilton, Christopher Latoraco, Caitlyn Oliver, William Price II and Hunter Sousa.

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: Out of adversity comes innovation

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Growing your businessby Dan Beaulieu
Business consultant

What do Hewlett Packard, Disney, Hyatt, MTV, CNN, Microsoft, Burger King and GE all have in common? They all started in periods of economic recessions. The ideas for these companies came from periods of great uncertainty, times when the world, especially the economic world seemed unsafe.

Does this sound familiar? Has there ever been a time of greater uncertainty than today? If so, not many. As strange as this is going to sound, and forgive me in advance for saying it, but those of us in business should never waste a good crisis. Right now, with the world upside down and people not really knowing what path to take, this is a time when those proverbial cooler heads will prevail. This is the perfect time, yes, right now to sit down and figure out in what direction to take your business.

Whatever that business might be from a Mexican restaurant, to a plumbing and heating business, to a landscaping business, this it the time to take a look at the world around you, your customers, your market and figure out first what they are going to need and, secondly, how can you and your company meet that need.

It has almost become a cliché to say that the world will never be the same, but it’s true isn’t it? We all know for a fact that after that sunny and clear Tuesday in 2001, September 11, the world has never been the same. If you don’t believe me you have not been to an airport since then. If you don’t believe me ask our service men and women who have been fighting in wars, still are fighting in wars almost 20 years later that resulted from that one day in 2001. Think of all the industries that sprang up in the aftermath of that one day. Everything from better security devices to small clear shampoo bottles, to a rise in the number of firearms, not to mention defense and aerospace equipment that has kept our military industrial community thriving since that one day.

So, what has this to you with you, small business owner in Kennebec County, Maine? It has everything to do with you and your business. It’s time you looked around and figured out how the world is changing and how you use those changes to expand your business.

Let’s take a peek at what we are watching change as we write this:

  • Germ Free Service Companies: Your customers are going to be more wary of people coming into their homes to do work. So, you’d better have a plan to assure them your company practices safe policies from now on.
  • Delivery services: Deliver services are booming, if you’re in the food industry, no matter what your cuisine, you should get even more creative at take-out meals, not only while this pandemic is happening but long after as well. Speaking of home delivery, services like Instacart are thriving. People don’t want to hang out in grocery stores anymore. So, what does that mean for you? Maybe people want to support a local delivery service rather than an expensive national service.
  • Medical safety products: Companies producing everything from disinfectants, to wipes, to gloves and mask and shields are thriving. This is not going to go away. Maybe you have the tools to produce some of these products.

Are you getting my point? And this is only the beginning. Look around and see what you can do to adapt to these changing times and come up with new and innovative ways to grow your business.

Maine Catholic schools to re-open for in-school learning

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photo: mainecatholicschools.com

Distance learning Option to also be provided

The Office of Maine Catholic Schools is pleased to announce that schools will be open for in-school learning for the 2020-21 school year. Barring unforeseen developments, classes will be held five days a week with a full day schedule. Both before and after care at the schools will also reopen.

“In conjunction with the Diocese of Portland, our administrative team has been and will continue planning for a safe and efficient opening in the fall for our schools,” said Marianne Pelletier, superintendent of Maine Catholic Schools. “Following CDC guidelines for reopening schools, we are in the process of modifying our classrooms and facilities to successfully comply. Additional cleaning supplies have been ordered, and extra staff is being brought on to assist. We are confident that our schools’ health protocols and processes will keep our school environments as healthy and as safe as possible for all members of our communities.”

The schools overseen by the Office of Maine Catholic Schools are All Saints School (St. John Campus/St. Mary Campus) in Bangor, Holy Cross School in South Portland, St. Brigid School in Portland, Saint Dominic Academy in Auburn and Lewiston, St. James School in Biddeford, St. John’s Catholic School in Brunswick, St. Michael School in Augusta, and St. Thomas School in Sanford. If you would like to enroll or learn more about Catholic schools in Maine, visit www.mainecatholicschools.com.

In March, Catholic schools, along with all public schools across Maine, closed their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two days later, Catholic schools in Maine successfully opened their virtual doors, providing a high-quality, distance learning program for all of their students across the state, efforts that were lauded by both school families and the wider community.

“Our Catholic schools continued to nurture the souls of our students while providing a comprehensive academic plan, building on their tradition of excellence,” said Pelletier. “The excellence was visible in both our attendance data and parent surveys. On average, 96% of our students participated daily in direct instruction offered virtually by their classroom teachers.”

Administrators at the schools believe and recognize that learning and formation are at their best when occurring in a classroom, but in acknowledgement that some families might not be comfortable sending their children to school during this academic year, Maine Catholic Schools is offering a solution.

“The Diocese of Portland is assisting each of our schools in developing a virtual, distance-learning option where interested families will still be able to receive instruction for children in core content areas while remaining connected to their local school community,” said Pelletier.

Due to social distancing requirements that will be in place in classrooms, families are encouraged to enroll their student or students soon.

“We recognize that parents are the first teachers of their children, and we fully understand that they are making a cognizant choice to offer their child a Catholic education,” said Pelletier. “Though there are many alternatives to Catholic education, there are no substitutes, and we thank everybody for their continued support and prayers.”

Critter Chatter: Speaking of quarantine, part II…

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by Jayne Winters

All wild animals are hosts to parasites: internal, such as tape, hook, pin or round worms, or external, such as mites, ticks and fleas. Some of these little buggers (literally!) are also zoonotic (as noted in May’s article about rabies) and can infect animals as well as people.

Mange is an itchy skin disease caused by mites that burrow and feed under the skin or hair follicles. It’s common in foxes, but sometimes porcupines and raccoons suffer from it as well. Hair loss and crusting from scratching and biting are usually seen and may result in secondary skin infections and poor general condition. Sadly, Donald Cote, of the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center, in Vassalboro, has had first-hand experience with this intense skin itching after disposing of a dead fox he found in the woods; a trip to the ER confirmed diagnosis and he endured several weeks of treatment.

Animals suspected to have mange must be isolated from others. It is imperative to provide consistent treatment, with thorough spraying and cleaning of pens, bedding (hay is burned), and feeding dishes. Treatment is typically an oral paste and/or topical rinses over 3-5 weeks; correct dosage is important, especially in small animals, as too much can be toxic and cause death. When ready for release, the animal is relocated to a totally different place in the wild than where it was found to avoid re-infestation from shared dens or litter mates in the area. In fact, the site is avoided for any release for a full year. I found it interesting to learn that although the Cotes had been advised any mites left in the ground during the fall would freeze over winter, they later found mites not only survived cold temps, they also moved 25 feet away to other enclosures!

Duck Pond’s first case of parvo virus was in 1991. Carleen wrote a column about its heartbreaking devastation: of 50 raccoons she had cared for, many since infancy, only nine survived. Despite extensive decontamination of the building with chlorine bleach, it resurfaced in July 1992, with only seven of 40 coons surviving. The next three years were disease-free as the Cotes isolated coons as they arrived until they were relatively sure they carried no diseases.

Parvoviruses affect carnivore species, are highly infectious and environmentally persistent. Transmission occurs when the virus is shed in the feces of an infected animal and ingested by another; young animals are at greatest risk, especially among litter mates. Clinical signs include lethargy, depression, lack of appetite and after a few days, vomiting and diarrhea. The virus can be detected in fecal samples or tissue cultures.

There is no cure, however, for parvo and it can live in the ground for years, even in the absence of sick animals. It is very difficult to treat and control once a facility has been contaminated and is resistant to many common detergents and disinfectants, as well as to changes in temperature and pH.

Although the incubation period in wild animals is extremely variable, new admissions are typically quarantined for at least two weeks and ideally tested before being in contact with other animals. Quarantine is for animals that have potentially been exposed, while isolation is for infected/symptomatic animals. A parvo isolation area must be a separate, easily disinfected area (a physically separate building is recommended) with dedicated equipment and restricted access; protective clothing should be required when entering the space (boots, gloves, water resistant clothing).There is a canine vaccine which is typically given to kits at six weeks of age, but it’s semi-live and doesn’t necessarily kill the virus in coons. Donald now prefers to send raccoon intakes to other wildlife rehabbers until they are determined to be parvo-free.

Donald Cote operates the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a nonprofit federal and state permitted rehab facility which is supported by his own resources and outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. EMAIL CORRECTION: thewildlifecarecenter@gmail.com.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, July 9, 2020

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JOSEPH L. DUGUAY

TOGUS – Joseph Lionel (Nel) Duguay T/Sgt USAF (Ret.), 87, passed away Monday, May 25, 2020, at the VA Hospital, in Togus. Nel was the son of Rosanna (Pepin) and Abraham Duguay.

He was raised in Winslow. During his more than 20 years in the Air Force he was stationed in several overseas bases, often used as an interpreter for the base and local officials. During his military career he was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal and a Bronze Star.

After his retirement he worked at Scott Paper Company, in Winslow. He was active and a former commander (1987-1988) of VFW Post #8835, Winslow.

He is survived by daughter, Samantha Thompson and husband Patrick; grandchildren, Brian and Leroy, of Brewer; two sisters, Lorraine Esty, of Waterville, and Rita Sanborn, of Winslow; two brothers, Florian, of Hermon, and Reginald, of Winslow; 17 nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by sisters, Constance Veilleux, of Spring, Texas, and Carmen Ouelette, of Winslow, a brother Donald, of Winslow.

He was laid to rest at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, on June 23, 2020.

Memorials in his name can be made to VFW Post #8835, 175 Veterans Dr., Winslow, ME 04901.

JAYLIN D. BURGESS

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Jaylin Dyer Scott Burgess, 47, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at Ohio State University Hospital. Born Jaylin Cecilia Laree Dyer on February 1, 1973, in Torrance, California, she was the only daughter of Thomas C. Dyer and Linda Lohner Scardina.

Jaylin grew up as the youngest of six children in the home of her aunt and uncle, Marion and Bob Foster, in Albion. She was a graduate of Lawrence High School and Kennebec Valley Community College School of Nursing, both in Fairfield.

In 1992, she married George Scott, of Columbus, Ohio, at the Benton Falls Church and moved to Ohio. In 1996, they moved back to Fairfield, with their three young boys, Tyler, Morgan and Timmy. A fourth son. Jeffrey, arrived in 1998 and their long awaited princess, Mallory, came home from Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, in a limousine, in 2000.

“Jaylin had a smile that could light up a room. She was personable, creative, and talented. She and George made one of her dreams come true when they opened the Crafters Gallery in Winslow which they owned and operated for several years.

She also had a passion for animals and loved to take in strays whenever possible. The zest for life Jaylin had made everyone who came in contact with her immediately feel welcome and a friend.

Returning from family Thanksgiving with her children in 2018, Jaylin was seriously injured in an automobile accident. She was left with health issues and she worked hard to regain her cognitive and speech abilities. While visiting her sons over Fathers Day weekend this year she suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and she passed away at the hospital the following morning surrounded by her children.

Surviving are her five children; sons Tyler, Morgan, Timothy and Jeffrey Scott and daughter Mallory and husband Jesse, of Columbus, Ohio: foster parents, Bob and Marion Foster of Albion; “siblings” and their families. Dan, Scott, Daryn, and Jeff Sinclair and Dawnilyn Walsh; Bobby, Tammy and Vicki Foster; Santo Scardina and many nieces and nephews; godparents, Lynda Hadsell and Lyle Schmidt.

She was predeceased by her biological parents, Tom and Linda.

A memorial service is tentatively planned for August 8, 2020. Burial will be in Cross Hill Cemetery, Vassalboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

ESTELLA M. WHITTEN

CLINTON – Estella Mae (Leavitt) Whitten, 76, of Clinton, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 27, 2020. She is the wife of Jon H. Whitten, Sr. ,with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. Estella was born June 20, 1944, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Muriel (Pound) Leavitt.

She moved to Passadumkeag where she was raised by Clifton and Margaret Leavitt, and attended the one room elementary school. She was a graduate of Lee Academy, class of 1962. Estella went on to further her education at Farmington State Teachers College where she received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, class of 1966.

Estella loved children, and had a passion for teaching. She was a kindergarten teacher in Waterville, and then started the Bo-Peep Nursery School out of her house with her sister-in-law, Prudence Nielsen, in 1972. Prior to retiring in 2002, Estella witnessed the second and third generation of students who attended her classes, which brought her much joy.

Estella treasured the time she spent with her family and friends, especially at their camp on Lake Wesserunsett, in East Madison. She could often be found tending to her beautiful flower gardens, enjoying the wonderful sunsets, and taking in a play at Lakewood Theater as a 45-year season ticket holder.

She was also a devoted member of the Brown Memorial United Methodist Church, in Clinton, where she sang in the choir, served on numerous committees, chaired the Candy Cane Fair, and was a valued member of the United Methodist Women. In addition, she tirelessly helped organize and cook for the annual mystery dinner theater, monthly turkey pie suppers, and will always be remembered for her famous homemade rolls. She enjoyed organizing the Tuesday’s Crafters and for over 50 years she was a contributing member of the Evening Extension, Sebasticook Riding Club and worked alongside her loving husband, Jon at the Clinton Lions Agricultural Fair.

For the last several years, Estella served as co-chairman of the Arts and Crafts building at the Fair. Estella was also a very beautiful seamstress, quilter and painter and an amazing cook. Everything she prepared was delicious because it was made with love.

In addition to her husband Jon, Sr. Estella is survived by three children, Jennifer W. Morrell and her husband Kenneth, Sr., of Standish, Julia E. Frost and her husband Dan, of Windham, and Jon H. Whitten, Jr., and his wife Chelsea Swandal, of Hermon; her 11 grandchildren, Kenneth II, Ryan, Amanda, Katelyn and, Nicole Morrell, Jacob and Rachel Frost, Atticus, Alden, Jack, and Gretta Whitten; and her three great-grandchildren Kolby and Kacee Morrell, and Brantley Clark; and Prudence and Christian Nielsen; nieces Kristin Mollison and Sherry Decker.

Estella’s memorial service took place inside at the Brown Memorial United Methodist Church, 36 Church St., Clinton, on Thursday, July 2, 2020. There was a private family interment at Riverview Cemetery.

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

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

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, you consider donating to the Brown Memorial UnitedMethodist Church, PO Box 58, Clinton, ME 04927.

HORACE F. STEVENS

CHINA – Horace Francis Stevens, 91, died peacefully at home Sunday, June 28, 2020 .Horace was born on March 8, 1929 in Augusta to Herbert Francis Jr. and Flora Morang Stevens. He graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, and Tuft’s University, Medford, Massachusetts, with a degree in Mortuary Science.

He married Lois Eva Page, on September 27, 1952. He served during the Korean War as a Medic in the U.S. Army. He moved around a lot. Tom was born in Virginia, Cindy, in Rockland, Karen, in Hallowell, Linda, in Auburn, and Charlie, in Augusta.

While in high school he worked for his father and the Plummer Funeral Home. His career involved working for the Stilphen Funeral Home, in Rockland, Kirschner’s Meats, in Augusta, Dillingham Funeral Home, in Auburn, back to Kirschner’s as manager of their institutional division, and then his ownership of the Gray Funeral Home, in Windsor.

He never fully retired. He was always speculating in real estate, fixing up and flipping fixer uppers while at home and more so when he wintered in Florida. He also worked on old cemeteries. He said the thing he hated the most about getting old was that he couldn’t work!

He traveled extensively all over the country with Lois, often accompanied by Uncle Dave and Aunt Anita. He traveled with Cindy to Australia and the British Isles. He also traveled on numerous cruise ships. He looked forward to having family around. He always bought the lobsters for everyone on Fathers Day even though this last weekend he wasn’t able to enjoy them.

Horace is survived by his children, Thomas (Lisa), of Newcastle, Cynthia (Ron), of Yarmouth, Karen (Dan), of Windsor, Linda (Richard), of Richmond, and Charles (Melissa), of Wilton; grandchildren, Casey Stevens, Sarah Stevens Ward, Mo Wark, Jason Finley, Steven Finley, Richard Gower II, Michael Gower, Mykayla Searles, Charles Stevens Jr. and Eva Stevens; 15 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; half brothers and sisters, Helen Hickman, Mary Nunan, Amy Stevens, Jacob Stevens, Susan Nay and Earl Stevens.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lois, his parents, brother Bill, half brother Owen.

A Celebration of Life will be held at his home, 20 Pond Road, South China, on Friday, July 3, at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Maine General Hospice, 21 Enterprise Dr., Augusta, ME 04330.

RONALD E. DENNISON SR.

WINDSOR – Ronald E. “Pa” Dennison Sr., 78, of Chuddy Lane, Windsor, died Saturday, June 27, 2020, at the Sussman Hospice House, in Rockport. Pa was born in Machias on September 20, 1941, the eldest son of Ralph and Annette (Colbeth) Dennison.

Pa attended Washington Academy, in East Machias. This is where he met his high school sweetheart, Donna “Mammie”. They were married on April 15, 1961, in Cutler. Together they raised four children.

Pa was a hard worker and had many trades. He worked for Coca Cola, cut wood, lobstered, did construction, and most recently was an owner/operator in the trucking industry.

Family was most important to Pa. While raising his four children, he attended all of their sporting events, competitions, banquets, and even raked blueberries with them every summer. He coached Little League baseball and he and Mammie together started a youth group which they continued for many years. Pa then moved his family to Augusta, and here his children married and settled down. Soon grandchildren were born, and if possible, Pa’s love for his family grew even deeper. Not only was he their grandfather, he was their friend. On one occasion, as Pa was leaving for one of his over the road trucking trips, one of his grandsons sat on his steps, with his head in his hands, crying there goes my best buddy. If you asked any of his grandchildren who Pa’s favorite was, they would all say themself. All children loved Pa. He was never without a pocket full of candy to give to any child he met. Pa’s fun loving, over the top personality went along with his favorite saying, “I am like the World’s Fair, I get bigger and better every year!’

Pa was always known as a whistler, you could hear him coming down the road whistling a happy tune. We are sure Mammie heard that whistle as he walked towards the Gates of Heaven.

Pa was predeceased by his wife, Donna “Mammie”, a granddaughter, Sentree Joslyn, a great-granddaughter, Ava Marable, and a brother, Cedric Dennison.

Pa is survived by his two brothers, Stanley Dennison and Eddie Dennison, of East Machias; his four children, Wendell Dennison and his wife Donna, of Machias, Stephanie Joslyn and her husband Warren, of Windsor, Ronald Dennison Jr. and his significant other Glenda, of Windsor, and Julie Tribou and her husband Robert, of Fayette; his 14 grandchildren,Veronica, Kryssi, Levi, Olivia, Shelly, Jeremy, Chuddy, Mandi, Susie, Ron-Tom, Randy, Dustin, Jason and Allison; 40 great-grandchildren.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery, Windsor.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta, where condolences to the family may be shared on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

MARIE BLAISDELL

BENTON – Marie Blaisdell, 80, of Benton, passed away at her home in Benton. She was born in Morrill, the daughter of Keith and Evelyn (Flood) Cross.

She attended Belfast High School and completed her GED with above average grades. She lived a full life and was proud of her many accomplishments.

She was the Elementary Spelling Bee Champion at her school T-W-I-C-E and had memorized all the states and capitals. Who knew this tidbit of information would come in handy later in life when she traveled. Visiting Florida, California, Washington DC, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Colorado, Nashville, Tennessee, and New York. Las Vegas, Nevada, and Atlantic City, New Jersey, were her favorites though – cause we all know how much she liked to pull those slot machine handles.

When Hollywood Slots opened in Bangor, her prayers had been answered and her car quickly learned the fastest route there and…. sometimes too fast.

She enjoyed milking cows at the family farm (NOT!) which started as early as age 11 and continued into high school.

A hard worker no matter what she did. She was employed as a school custodian at Albion Elementary School, dug graves for the funeral homes by hand and held many different positions at C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, for over 17 years.

Her hobbies included ice skating, crafting, dancing (she could boogie so well she caught the eye of the boy in the pink shirt – she’ll marry that boy someday……New Year’s Eve Day to be exact), sewing, and gardening – she could grow enough veggies to feed the town but was the Grim Reaper of any house plant that she had.

Marie was an avid bowler throwing her 12-pound bowling ball with a thunderous boom down the lane earning many awards, her fondest, the Doubles Championship of the state which she earned twice and all her others she proudly displayed in the case Duane and Connie made her. She got more than enough turkeys to brag about! Once that damn mouse decided to use her ball as an obstacle course…. her bowling days fizzled out. Who could forget that she could dicker with the best of them at any garage sale she attended, and we all know that was a lot.

She will be missed by many but the memories will forever remain.

She was predeceased by Floyd, her husband of 52 years.

To abide by her final wishes, a private graveside memorial will be done at the family’s convenience.

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

St. Anthony’s Soup Kitchen re-opens in Skowhegan

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Nora Natale and Aldea LeBlanc, St. Anthony Soup Kitchen volunteers. (contributed photo)

Community members can once again enjoy a hot meal every Thursday thanks to the volunteers at St. Anthony’s Soup Kitchen in Skowhegan.

“The soup kitchen is resuming because there is a need in the community, and most of the crew are more than ready to see our guests and meet the need,” said Nora Natale, office manager at Christ the King Parish.

“There is a definite need in this area,” agreed Aldea LeBlanc, coordinator of the soup kitchen. “None of us wanted to close during the pandemic, but it was mandated.”

After shutting down in March due to COVID-19, the soup kitchen began serving meals again on June 4, although with some precautionary measures in place. Volunteers wear masks and practice social distancing, while diners are no longer allowed in the hall of Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, where they used to gather. Instead, the meals are served in a drive-thru format in the parking lot of the church, with recipients remaining in their cars.

While the delivery method has changed, what hasn’t is the appeal of the meals. Macaroni and cheese was on the menu the first week, followed by pork chops the next. Those who drive through on June 18 will be treated to barbecue chicken legs, served with potato salad and corn.

“We will continue to do full meals on Thursdays. We also provide a vegetable and fruit of some kind, as well as donated desserts and bread,” said Aldea. “The meals are served from 4:30 to 5 p.m. ,to anyone who pulls up.”

The soup kitchen is entirely volunteer run, and while not all have immediately felt comfortable returning, those like Aldea plan to be there to cook, serve, and welcome guests with warm smiles, even if they are hidden behind masks.

“I plan to stay on volunteering for the foreseeable future,” she said.

St. Anthony’s Soup Kitchen was first established in 1991, then shut down in 2017 while the parish sought funding and someone to lead it. Aldea stepped forward, along with Steve Watrous, and the kitchen began serving meals again in November 2018. Patrons not only come from Skowhegan but from surrounding communities such as Athens, Bingham, and Canaan.

New Dimensions FCU moves into new space

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Ryan Poulin, center, CEO of New Dimensions FCU, prepares to cut the ribbon at a special ceremony commemorating the opening of the credit union’s new Waterville location. (contributed photo)

Ryan Poulin, CEO of New Dimensions FCU, prepares to cut the ribbon at a special ceremony commemorating the opening of the credit union’s new Waterville location. On June 23, representatives from the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, Central Maine Growth Council, City of Waterville, and Bowman Construction joined New Dimensions FCU’s Board of Directors and employees at a ribbon cutting ceremony at its beautiful, new location on Silver Street in Waterville. The credit union opened its new branch at 94 Silver Street, on June 29. All services at the 61 Grove Street location will be discontinued.

Presby on dean’s list at Lasell University

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Lasell University, in Newton, Massachusetts, has recognized Dylan Presby, of South China, for earning a spot on the dean’s list during Spring 2020. Dylan is the son of David and Michelle Presby, of South China.

Vassalboro School Board approves amendment to interlocal agreement

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Vassalboro Community School. (source: jmg.org)

by Mary Grow

At a very brief – less than five minutes – virtual special meeting, Vassalboro School Board members approved an amendment to the interlocal agreement among the former members of Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) #92.

The effect of the change is to make Paula Pooler, former AOS finance officer, the financial director for the Vassalboro school system.

Amanda Dunn, who had been Vassalboro’s finance director, will take the same position for Winslow. Vassalboro Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer said Winslow Superintendent Peter Thiboutot was presenting a parallel motion to the Winslow School Board.

The change is probably the first of several, as Vassalboro, Waterville and Winslow school officials review the three-year interlocal agreement that succeeded the AOS, dissolved by voters in the spring of 2018.

The goal, Pfeiffer says, is to determine which sharing arrangements work well and to revise those that should be improved.

The next regular Vassalboro School Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, Aug. 18.

China selectmen close out fiscal year, make appointments

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by Mary Grow

China selectmen held a special meeting June 30, the last day of the 2019-2020 fiscal year, to pay year-end bills and make appointments for the new year beginning July 1.

Most appointments were reappointments. The main change was that Angela Nelson becomes town clerk as of July 19, when current town clerk Rebecca Hapgood takes over as the new town manager.

The meeting was followed by the second and final public hearing on the local town meeting warrant articles that voters will decide by written ballot on July 14. To another very small audience, Town Manager Dennis Heath again summarized the post-Covid-19 shutdown changes in the proposed 2020-21 budget and the effect on taxes (see The Town Line, June 18, p. 3).

As of June 30, Heath anticipates the proposed budget will cause a slight increase in the tax rate. However, he pointed out the rate is not firm. There are still uncertainties in proposed expenditures; voters in Regional School Unit #18’s five member towns (Belgrade, China, Oakland, Rome and Sidney) will not approve the 2020-21 school budget until July 14. And China’s assessor has not finished updating property valuations, the basis for taxes.

Recordings of the June 30 meeting and hearing are posted under Live Stream on the Town of China website. Absentee ballots for local and state questions are available at the town office. Polls will be open in the former portable classroom behind the office from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 14.

Selectmen are scheduled to hold a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 6.