photo: www.fairfieldmehistoricalsociety.net
The Fairfield History House will be holding its annual barn and bake sale on Saturday and Sunday, October 3-4, from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Fairfield History House, 42 High St., Fairfield.
There will be furniture, sporting goods, antiques, collectibles, books, glassware and more.
This extremely popular event is generally held in-person, with over 250 ticket holders vying to win prizes donated by area businesses, increasing in value throughout the event. This year’s Coldwell Banker Plourde Real Estate Super Raffle will be a virtual pre-recorded ticketed event, with some interesting twists. Daily ticket drawings will be posted/streamed at noon each day on Facebook, YouTube, and the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce website—to be watched when convenient. Drawings will begin on September 28 and run through October 2.
While the format will be different—the event will still be fun. Ticket purchasers will all receive a prize, with values of the prizes increasing as the days pass. There is a chance to win major cash prizes of $500, $750, $1,500 or $3,000. Tickets will be priced at $125 – the same as last year. In replacement of a meal, each ticket will include a $25 gift certificate to an area Chamber restaurant, a $5 gift certificate to a member bakery for dessert, and two beverages—a Bigelow beer and a Valley Beverage wine product. Enjoy a nice dinner and drinks after you win your prize(s). Certificates will be distributed with prize(s) won.
For those who enjoy participating, there is still a chance to win the 50/50 drawing. Participants will be able to buy 50/50 chances when getting your ticket. Ticket numbers and names will be recorded at the Chamber office. The winner will be drawn and announced at the close of the prize drawings.
Approximately 40 tickets will be drawn each day, from September 28 through October 1, beginning with the lowest prize values, and continuing through the prizes up to $500 value. Tickets will be drawn by our sponsors. Filming will include the showing of each prize and reading of the winning ticket holder’s name. On Friday, October 2, the last ten ticket holders will be invited to the Mid-Maine Chamber boardroom and filmed live for prizes valued at $500 or more, with the final three competing for three large cash prizes of $750, $1,500, and $3,000.
Throughout the drawings, there will also be Plinko wheel prize drawings filmed at New Dimensions Federal Credit Union, and a second chance $500 cash prize drawing, courtesy of Choice Wealth Advisors.
The format may be virtual—but the fun and cash will be real. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy a great week of entertainment, while helping the Chamber to support our local businesses.
Special thanks go to major sponsor, Coldwell Banker Plourde Real Estate for their continued support —and their special prizes. Don, Irene, and Jamie Plourde and their entire organization are excited to continue with the proud tradition of this Super Raffle event.
Tickets will be on sale through September 22 – be sure to get your ticket today. For more information contact the Mid-Maine Chamber at 873-3315 or email cindy@midmainechamber.com.
Sandhill cranes photographed in Chelsea by Gary Kennedy.
by Roland D. HalleeSeveral people now have shown me photos of a large bird that is seen grazing in the fields of central Maine. I’ve seen them before, but reports of sightings have become more frequent. They would be sandhill cranes.
The sandhill crane, Antigone canadensis), is a species of large crane of North America and extreme northeastern Siberia. The common name of this bird refers to habitat like that at the Platte River, on the edge of Nebraska’s Sandhills on the American Plains. This is the most important stopover area for the subspecies.
Adults are gray overall; during breeding, their plumage is usually much worn and stained, particularly in the migratory populations, and looks nearly ochre. The average weight of the larger males is 10 pounds, while the average weight of females is just under 9 pounds. Sandhill cranes have red foreheads, white cheeks, and long, dark, pointed bills. In flight, their long, dark legs trail behind, and their long necks keep straight. Immature birds have reddish-brown upperparts and gray underparts. The sexes look alike. Sizes vary among the different subspecies; the average height of these birds is around to feet, seven inches, to four feet, six inches. Their wing chords are typically 16.5 – 23.6 inches, tails are 3.9 – 10.4 inches.
These cranes frequently give a loud, trumpeting call that suggests a rolled “r” in the throat, and they can be heard from a long distance. Mated pairs of cranes engage in “unison calling”. The cranes stand close together, calling in a synchronized and complex duet. The female makes two calls for every one from the male.
Sandhill cranes’ large wingspans, typically five feet, five inches to seven feet, seven inches, make them very skilled sflyers, similar in style to hawks and eagles. Using thermals to obtain lift, they can stay aloft for many hours, requiring only occasional flapping of their wings, thus expending little energy. Migratory flocks contain hundreds of birds, and can create clear outlines of the normally invisible rising columns of air (thermals) they ride.
Sandhill cranes fly south for the winter. In their wintering areas, they form flocks over 10,000. One place this happens is at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, south of Albuquerque, New Mexico. An annual Sandhill Crane Festival is held there in November.
Sandhill cranes have one of the longest fossil histories of any extant bird. A 10-million-year-old crane fossil from Nebraska is said to be of this species, but this may be from a prehistoric relative or the direct ancestor of sandhill cranes and not belong in the genus. The oldest unequivocal sandhill crane fossil is 2.5 million years old, older by half than the earliest remains of most living species of birds
Sandhill cranes are fairly social birds that usually live in pairs or family groups through the year. During migration and winter, unrelated cranes come together to form “survival groups” that forage and roost together. Such groups often congregate at migration and winter sites, sometimes in the thousands.
Sandhill cranes are mainly herbivorous, but eat various types of food, depending on availability. They often feed with their bills down to the ground as they root around for seeds and other foods, in shallow wetlands with vegetation or various upland habitats. Cranes readily eat cultivated foods such as corn, wheat, cottonseed, and sorghum. Waste corn is useful to cranes preparing for migration, providing them with nutrients for the long journey. Among northern races of sandhill cranes, the diet is most varied, especially among breeding birds. They variously feed on berries, small mammals, insects, snails, reptiles, and amphibians.
Sandhill cranes raise one brood per year. In nonmigratory populations, laying begins between December and August. In migratory populations, laying usually begins in April or May. Both members of a breeding pair build the nest using plant material from the surrounding area. Nest sites are usually marshes, bogs, or swales, though occasionally on dry land. Females lay one to three (usually two) oval, dull brown eggs with reddish markings. Both parents incubate the eggs for about 30 days. The chicks are precocial; they hatch covered in down, with their eyes open, and able to leave the nest within a day. The parents brood the chicks for up to three weeks after hatching, feeding them intensively for the first few weeks, then gradually less frequently until they reach independence at 9 to 10 months old.
As a conspicuous ground-dwelling species, sandhill cranes are at risk from predators, which are probably the main source of mortality. Mammals such as foxes, raccoons, coyotes, wolves, cougars, bobcats, and lynx hunt them given any opportunity, the first three mainly hunting large numbers of young cranes, the latter four types more rarely taking full-grown cranes in ambush excepting the prolific bobcat. Corvids, such as ravens and crows, gulls, and smaller raptors such as hawks (largely northern harriers or red-tailed hawks) feed on young cranes and eggs.
Cranes of all ages are hunted by both North American species of eagles. Mainly chicks and possibly a few adults may be preyed on by great horned owls and even the much smaller peregrine falcons has successfully killed a 6.8-pound adult sandhill crane in a stoop.
Sandhill cranes defend themselves and their young from aerial predators by jumping and kicking. Actively brooding adults are more likely to react aggressively to potential predators to defend their chicks than wintering birds, which most often normally try to evade attacks on foot or in flight. For land predators, they move forward, often hissing, with their wings open and bills pointed. If the predator persists, the crane stabs with its bill (which is powerful enough to pierce the skull of a small carnivore) and kicks.
In the 20th century, sandhill cranes were generally extirpated east of the Mississippi River. Although sandhill cranes are not considered threatened as a species. Resident populations, not migratory birds, cannot choose secure breeding habitat. Many subpopulations were destroyed by hunting or habitat change. Their desirability as a delicious game bird brought them the nickname of “Rib-eye of the sky” by a small group of modern hunters. The greater sandhill crane proper initially suffered most; by 1940, probably fewer than 1,000 birds remained. Populations have since increased greatly again. At nearly 100,000, they are still fewer than the lesser sandhill crane, which, at about 400,000 individuals, is the most plentiful crane alive today.
Some migratory populations of sandhill cranes face population threats due to interspecies competition with snow geese. duced offspring for annual releases into the refuge.
So, it is fair to summize that although they were generally extirpated east of the Mississippi River, they are making a comeback, as frequent sightings in the central Maine area are not uncommon.
Which Boston Red Sox player has won the most batting average titles.
Which Boston Red Sox player has won the most batting average titles?
Ted Williams (6). Wade Boggs did it five times.
Free disposal, pre-registration by Oct. 9 requiredThanks to a project sponsored by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s (DACF) Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Mainers can dispose of unusable and unwanted pesticides for free. The Obsolete Pesticides Collection Program has kept more than 109 tons of pesticides out of the waste stream since its start in 1982.
This free annual program is open to homeowners, family-owned farms and greenhouses. Collections will occur at four sites: Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, and Portland. Participants must pre-register by October 9, 2020. Drop-ins are not permitted. Collected pesticides are taken to an out-of-state disposal facility licensed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Information to register and fill out your obsolete pesticide inventory form may be found under “Resources” on the BPC website: www.thinkfirstspraylast.org.
Pesticides accepted include: herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides and similar products used in agricultural production or around the home. Past participants in the program have reported finding obsolete pesticides in barns of family properties, garages of newly purchased homes and other unexpected places. While removal of these pesticides can seem daunting, it is important for the protection of public, wildlife and environmental health, that they are dealt with properly and not thrown in the trash or poured down the drain, where they can contaminate land and water resources.
“The Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program is an excellent opportunity for free disposal of unusable and unwanted pesticides,” said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal. Register in advance, bring your pesticides to one of the designated collection sites, and let the professionals dispose of these materials responsibly and safely.
DEP Acting Commissioner Melanie Loyzim encourages Mainers to take full advantage of this free opportunity. When improperly disposed ofin the trash, poured into the environment, down the drain, or kept in storage for long periods pesticides threaten wildlife and the quality of our drinking water sources, Loyzim said.
More information about Maine Board of Pesticides Control can be found at thinkfirstspraylast.org.
by Marilyn Rogers-Bull & PercyThe only recent news I have received in time to get it printed is the following: Support your community. The Embden Community Center’s Neighbor Thrift Shop needs your help. Volunteers are needed in the Thrift Shop on Wednesdays 9 a.m. to noon, and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All Thrift Shop proceeds support the ongoing maintenance of the Community Center. As a volunteer you will get a first look at the fabulous donations we receive and a discount on your purchases. Thanks so much Carol.
In order to get any news in on time, I have to receive it by Sunday.
Those of you who read this column, know that I have been going back in time to hopefully send out news of the Good Old Days that you might enjoy in these troubled times. This week this news was published in the paper that I was writing for at that time….. the Somerset Gazette, in Skowhegan, on October 8, 1993, entitled, Rafting & More The Kennebec River, by Marilyn and Chandra Rogers.
“It came right so that I could go down to the Evergreens Campground on Wednesday morning and watch as students from Carrabec High School started on their journey down the Kennebec. The river lay heavy with a cold fog as guides from Unicorn Rafting Expeditions made sure the 36 rafts were ready for the young voyagers about to arrive in their assigned school buses. As each bus arrived, names were called for the students to embark in raft number one and so on down through the numbers and students waded in, rather gingerly at times as the water was crisp that morning. Everything was very well planned and the students were great. I heard the guy calling off the names of the students exclaim, “This is fantastic!” Along with the fun and comradeship, the students learned of the importance of the river economically and environmentally to this region.
I wanted to get an idea of the trip through a student’s eyes so asked granddaughter, Chandra to write her views of this different learning process and she said she had thought of writing a letter so that you, the taxpayer, wouldn’t be disturbed at this new method of teaching and I think she puts it so well as she writes. (The following words are written by Chandra) … “Rafting on the Kennebec”…. When I first heard the idea of the whole school of Carrabec rafting the Kennebeck River, I was surprised and excited at the same time. The idea of a whole high school working together as one unit was something new and different at Carrabec.
The week started out with a day trip on Monday of traveling around the Kennebec region seeing sites of importance and landmarks. Mixed in alphabetical order, we traveled on several buses to different stops of interest. We then all learned about Wyman Dam, eating there at lunch. The last stop was at the Piper Farm. We had an entire tour and saw many demonstrations on the care of cows, soil nutrition, farming equipment and how the river affects the land and soil around the farm. The trip ended with everyone receiving a hayride back to the farm.
On Wednesday, everyone arrived at school dressed and ready to go in warm clothes for our trip down the river. We then met with our rafting crew and waited to be told to get on the bus. When they called my boat, #27, we received our lifejackets and paddles and started off. When arriving at Evergreens Campground we were directed to our boat and jumped in to start our trip. Working together, the students paddled along in the direction of the lead boat, which had a guide. Then we traveled along the gently flowing river for quite a time until we reached an island designated for eating the cookout lunch prepared by the cafeteria cooks. After relaxing and talking with friends, we shoved off to continue in the last hour of our trip. When we arrived at the dump road in North Anson, we paddled the rafts to the indicated finish line. Then the students worked together to dump the water out of their rafts and they were loaded onto a trailer.
The whole trip was great fun for everyone and taught us much about the river being a recreational resource and that teamwork can be developed even if you aren’t with your closest buddies. I want to thank everyone that was involved in making these two trips possible and taking that risk of doing something new and exciting to bring all the students at Carrabec together as one, Signed, Chandra Rogers.
Knowing, Chandra, I’m sure she did really enjoy that experience to its fullest!…… and you know, as I typed that whole 27-year-old report I thought of a brilliant idea! I’m going to tell Chandra that if I ever get the good sense to quit writing, or even before!) she should be writing……? what do you think, Roland?)
Now for a brief memoir from Percy: To know Love is to know Life; To give Love is to know Happiness.
SIDNEY – John “Chappy” Joseph Czapiewski Jr., 81, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2020, at Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta. He was born on July 16, 1939, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, the son of John Sr. and Virginia Czapiewski.
He was known for his bravery in the Navy for 30 years. He was a devoted Catholic who enjoyed watching SyFy and joking around with friends and family.
John was predeceased by his parents Mr and Mrs. John Czapiewski and wife Virginia.
John is survived by his wife Brenda King; his step-children Jason Turner and Brooke Gingerella and their children.
A graveside service took place at the Maine Veterans Cemetery on Civic Center Drive 143 Blue Star Avenue Augusta, ME 04330, on Sept. 9, 2020.
Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine. http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.
OAKLAND – Wayne Carvell Ladd, 80, of Oakland, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2020, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, following a struggle with dementia for several years. He was born in Waterville, March 30, 1940, the son of the late Beecher and Virginia (Murray) Ladd, Sr.
Wayne graduated from Waterville High School, class of 1958. He married Marilyn Vincent on October 17, 1964, at Getchell Street Baptist Church, in Waterville, where he was a member.
Wayne was employed as a machinist at Maine Central Railroad, in Waterville, for 40 years, retiring in 2002. He served as vice president and treasurer of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) District 719, Lodge 409.
Wayne was predeceased by his parents; brother Lewis, and sister Paula. He is survived by wife Marilyn; daughters Beth Medema (Ed) of Mukilteo, Wash.; Terri Suchar (Russell) of Pittston; brother Beecher Phillip Ladd, Jr. of Pittsfield, sister-in-law Margo Vincent of Waterville; grandchildren Joel, Corey, Rebecca, Evan, Luke and Sarah Suchar of Pittston; Aunt Miriam Ladd of Belgrade; nephews and niece; and several cousins.Wayne enjoyed several outdoor activities such as bicycling, canoeing, and cross-country skiing. The family greatly appreciates the care and support given by Maine-ly Elder Care, and the nurses, doctors, and spiritual care staff at Maine Medical Center.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, or a charity of your choice.A committal service will be held at Southside Cemetery in Skowhegan on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 2 p.m., followed by an ice cream social at the Coburn Park gazebo on Water Street in Skowhegan.An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:The Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers or a charity of your choice
WATERVILLE, Maine – Alan S. Wiswell, 98, of Waterville, formerly of 9 Forrest Road, Topsfield, Massachusetts, died on Sunday, September 6, 2020, at Northern Light Continuing Care Lakewood, in Waterville. Alan was born September 3, 1922, in Bradford, Massachusetts, the son of the late Howard and Esther (Symonds) Wiswell.
A graduate of the General Electric Apprentice course, Alan also held a bachelor degree from Northeastern University.
An honorable veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Alan had served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Navarro and the USS Tidewater.
In 1950 he married Ann Peterson where they spent their lives together in the home they built, raising their family and gardening. He was also active in the church and volunteering.
With family and friends, Alan climbed all New England 4,000 foot mountains throughout the seasons. He also made a solo climb of Mt. Whitney, 14,495 feet, then the highest peak in the United States, after the close of World War II.
Alan was employed by the General Electric Company, in Lynn, Massachusetts, and also the Avco Corporation, retiring from G.E. as manager of Engineering Service.
Alan is survived by his daughter, Nancy and her husband Alan, of China; son Peter, his wife Nan, of Jackson, Wyoming, son Stephen and his wife Lori, of Newburyport, Massachusetts; his grandchildren, Kathryn, Andrew, Sam and Sydney, and his four great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife, Ann (Peterson) Wiswell, his sister Martha and brother Howard.
At this time, all services are private.
Assisting the family with the arrangements is the Peterson-O’Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) Danvers, Massachusetts.
To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.
WHITEFIELD – Harold Everett Dauphin, 75, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2020, at his home in Whitefield. He was born in Bath, December 11, 1944.
He graduated from Morse High School in Bath in 1965.
He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam war, winning many medals serving as crew chief on a helicopter.
After returning home he got his pilot’s license, purchased his own plane and became a private pilot.
He served on the Bath Fire Department until a heart attack forced his early retirement.
He was known as a master mechanic who could fix anything. He always loved doing things that made other people happy.
He was the ultimate optimist: Always seeing the good in people, and in life.
After living in Bath for many years, Harold and Kathy bought their dream home in Whitefield, overlooking the Sheepscot River. It had been Harold’s lifelong dream to live in Whitefield.
He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. He loved animals, especially his devoted dogs who were always in his lap.
His family meant the world to him and he was happiest when in their company.
He made friends easily and was often surrounded by them. He will be greatly missed.
He was predeceased by his father, Eugene O. Dauphin Jr., of Bath.
Survived by his wife, Kathy Whittaker Dauphin, after 40 years of marriage; his mother, Cynthia M. (Eaton) Dauphin, of Bath; son, Joseph Dauphin, of Phippsburg, and daughter, Vicki Bangs, of Sabattus; grandsons, Colby Dauphin, Joey Dauphin, Brady Bangs and Landon Bangs; brothers, Maurice Dauphin, of Phippsburg and Donald Dauphin, of Bath; sisters, Mary Fournier, of West Bath, Judy Nickerson, of North Bath; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date, to be announced.
SIDNEY – Wilfred “Will” Hawes, 66, of Sidney (formerly Farmingdale) lost his long and hard fought battle with Multi-System Atrophy on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Will was born May 8, 1954, in Augusta. Raised by his maternal Aunt Ida Dubriel, along with her children and his sister Mary Lou, Will learned to battle the odds from a young age. He started working for the city of Augusta in 1971 and remained there until his retirement in 2009.
In the mid ‘70s, Will met Tina Louise White and within a short time they were married on December 4, 1976. After some struggles they welcomed their son Jason in 1981.
They had almost 33 years together before Tina lost her battle with cancer in 2009.
In 2010, Will was diagnosed with Parkinsonism which was later changed to Multi-System Atrophy. For 10 years Will used his immense amount of determination and strength to fight an aggressive and unforgiving disease. He was able to see his son married, his granddaughter born and experience moments with her that brought a twinkle to his eye.
Throughout his years, Will had a passion for woodworking, photography, mechanics, NASCAR, local short track racing, camping, fishing and collecting diecast cars. The shenanigans Will got into and his sense of humor are unforgettable.
He is survived by his son Jason, daughter-in-law Jackie, and granddaughter Julianna, all of Sidney; his sister Mary Chapman and her husband Jaime, of Bridgeton, Uncle Richard York, of Augusta, as well as, many nieces and nephews.
Will was predeceased by the love of his life, Tina.
There will be a graveside service and celebration of life on a date not yet determined. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.
ALBION – Albert Arthur Brockway, 78, of Albion, passed away at Togus VA hospital, Wednesday, September 9, 2020, following a long illness. He was born in Albion on July 9, 1942, the son of Fred and Helen (Higgins) Brockway.
He attended McDonald’s one-room schoolhouse until fourth grade, Albion Elementary, Besse High School and earned his high school diploma from the American Correspondence school.
He served in the Army from 1966-1968. After returning from Vietnam, he married Margaret Mary Gilbert in September 1968, built their home, worked at Keyes Fibre Co. (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville. and later designed, built and operated his own sawmill. Albert and Margaret were married 40 years and raised three children on the family homestead.
Albert was proud of the house he built on the foundation of his childhood home. He also enjoyed raising and training steers, spending time at home with his family, visiting over great food, was active in his church communities for many years and liked ‘coasting easy’ and reminiscing in his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and two sisters, Laura (Rood) and Ruth.
He is survived by his children, Kristie (Davis), Keith (and Alison), and Daniel; five grandsons, Toby and Caleb Davis, Trevor, Carter and Myles Brockway; four brothers, Bradley (Pam), Harry (Norraine), Guy and Dennis (Sheila), three sisters, Thelma (Norton Webber), Blanch (Alan Nutting) and Carrie (David Wriglesworth); and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, at Maple Grove Cemetery, in Albion. A reception will follow at The Big Red Barn, 701 Neck Road, South China. Lunch will be served.
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.
FAIRFIELD – Eunice Closson Michaud, 88, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at her residence. She was born in Vassalboro on February 22, 1932, and was the second child of Lillian and Wyman Closson.
In her lifetime, Eunice worked at the Francis Store and Stern’s Department Store, in Waterville, and Fossett’s Store, in Oakland. She donated her time in the Coffee Shop at the Seton Hospital, in Waterville, with her friend, Sheila Ratte.
Her favorite job, as she described it was being a “Domestic Engineer”. Her home was her pride and joy, and this was always reflected in her ability to keep everything in an orderly fashion constantly.
Eunice was known for her endless helpfulness to those in need and her ever ready smile and sparkling eyes were her lifelong gift to us all.
Eunice was predeceased by her husband of over 50 years, Lucien; by her mother a d father; a brother, a sister; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Eunice is survived by her sons, David, of Waterville, and Daniel, of Fairfield: daughter, Diana Chapman, of Thomaston; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren; sisters Madalyn Hosea, of Florida, Esther Pierce, of New Hampshire, and Sheila O’Leary, of Massachusetts.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2020, in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville. Due to Covid-19 mask and social distancing are required and no more than 100 people in attendance.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville.
An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memory shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.
Donation may be made to Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, 19 Colby Street, Waterville, ME 04901.
GILMAN, VT – Gisele C. Hallee, 75, of Washington Ave, died Monday evening, September 14, 2020, at Littleton Regional Hospital, in Littleton, New Hampshire, following a period of failing health. Mrs. Hallee was born in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada, on November 24, 1944, the daughter of Levite and Cecile (Carrier) Levasseur.
She was raised in Edmundston and was a graduate of Cormier High School. During a training session at Frazier Paper Co., a local paper manufacturer, she met Donald Hallee, of Waterville, Maine. They married and for a few years resided in Pennsylvania but eventually settled in Gilman where Donald took employment with Georgia Pacific Paper Co., at their Gilman mill.
Gisele was an active member of the Gilman community. She was a notary public and justice of the peace but will be remembered most for her service at the Gilman Senior Center. She performed many duties as a volunteer including cooking many meals, but most notably was responsible for starting and running the Bingo games there. She also served on the board of directors as treasurer. Gisele also loved to travel and play Bingo.
She is survived by her husband Donald Hallee, of Gilman; her two children, Wayne Hallee, and his wife Jen, of Hillsborough, North Carolina, and Lisa Littel and her husband Eric, of Naperville, Illinois; four grandchildren, Caitlin and Cameron Hallee, and Ethan and Shelby Littel; a brother George Levasseur, of Gatineau, Québec, Canada; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Reginald and Susan Hallee, and Roland and Joan Hallee, all of Waterville, and Francis Hallee, of Fairfield; and 10 nieces and nephews.
Memorial visiting hours will be held Sunday afternoon, September 20th, from 3 – 5 p.m., at the Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster, New Hampshire. The family has requested attendees to wear masks and adhere to social distancing.
A service and burial will be held at the convenience of the family in St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville, ME.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made In her name to Gate of Heaven Parish 163 Main St. Lancaster NH 03584.
For more information or to send an online condolence please go to www.baileyfh.net.
To the editor:
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and as a nurse who has helped facilitate a Prostate Cancer Support Group, I have seen the importance of men and women gathering to share their prostate cancer stories. I am always amazed at the amount of warm humor, caring relationships and good advice that emerge at these monthly sessions.
Yet I know that some men or women do not feel comfortable in support groups and so, I have worked with One2One, a Maine confidential telephone connection that matches men with trained Maine volunteers who have experienced what they are confronting in their lives. (Call 207-441-5374 or 1-855-552-7200 x 801, leave a message and someone will get back to you.)
I also know that the Maine Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer (www.mcfpc.org) has information listing all the support groups currently available in Maine, many on Zoom.
Equally important is the suggestion that men who are 45 or older give thought to talking with their primary care providers about considering a PSA blood test as well as a DRE exam to establish a baseline on their prostate health. When prostate cancer is detected early, several treatment options can help individuals lead a healthy and productive life. Indeed, for many men the choice will be active surveillance or just keeping an eye on the numbers with no treatment called for. (When prostate cancer spreads, the course of action can be much more difficult and often affects quality of life as well as life expectancy).
In these troubling days of Covid-19 we somehow must still keep ourselves knowledgeable about our health, and keep our eyes on the future.
Andrea Martelle RN
Augusta
Construction on Phase One of the project in 2019. (Photo courtesy of the China Lake Association)
Submitted by China Town Manager Becky Hapgood.
China Residents & Causeway Road users,
The work on the China Lake Causeway Improvements project will be starting soon. We are very excited to finally be getting this work going and ready for a great season in 2021. The following is a tentative schedule for the work:
The contractor will mobilize to the site during the first week of October. Once the project gets started, the Causeway Road will be closed to the public. There will be signs and a detour set up for motorists that use the Causeway Road.
Part of the upgrades is to replace the existing boat launch with all new components including a much-needed new ramp. We will try to accommodate people by keeping the boat launch open during the first few weeks of the work. The launch will be completely closed after the second week of October to start the renovations to the ramp.
If you are planning to use the boat launch this fall to take your boat out, we recommend that you make plans to do this as soon as you are able. The boat launch in East Vassalboro will remain open as usual.
To accommodate phases of the work, we will be drawing the lake level down earlier than usual this year. The lake level has already started to drop this year due to the lack of precipitation and run off. We have coordinated with multiple agencies with an interest in the lake levels and have worked out a plan to minimize impact to everyone.
The actual drawdown will start soon at a reduced rate of flow to start the process. The drawdown order from the Maine DEP says that the drawdown is to take place between October 1st and October 31st. We will start dropping the lake level at the ordered rate at that time.
If you have any questions, call the Town Office at (207) 445-2014 or email info@chinamaine.org. We do not have firm dates at this time but will reach out again when we do.
by Mary GrowChina selectmen discussed multiple ongoing issues and one new one at their Sept. 14 meeting.
The new issue was a letter asking if the town would provide a public water supply in South China. The spring in a Route 3 front yard from which area residents have taken water for years has new owners who closed it to public use.
The letter-writer said her well, and other wells she knows of, have water that is undrinkable. She used to take multiple jugs from the local spring and would like to avoid paying store prices. She would be willing to make a token payment for use of a town water supply, she said.
Selectmen were not in favor of the proposal. Wayne Chadwick said a public water supply would be highly regulated and expensive. Board Chairman Ronald Breton added that if something went wrong, the town could be liable.
Discussion turned instead to how to help people with unsafe wells. Donna Mills-Stevens, participating in the meeting via Zoom, suggested state or federal agencies might help. Breton said he would forward suggestions to the letter-writer.
In other business, selectmen reviewed Town Manager Becky Hapgood’s proposed 2021 town meeting dates and resulting timelines for starting budget preparations for the 2020-21 fiscal year. They did not want to hold the meeting so early they would be lacking financial information, nor so late that if voters rejected some or all of the budget they would be delayed moving into the new fiscal year.
Breton’s recommendation of Tuesday, May 18, was unanimously approved. Board members have already decided the meeting will be by written ballot, as in 2020, not an open meeting.
Resident Tom Michaud said the test borings added to the causeway project have been done; the contractor, McGee Construction, is waiting for the results. He has asked McGee for an estimated timeline for this fall’s work, which is to install runoff controls and a walkway at the head of China Lake’s east basin.
Scott Pierz, president of the China Lake Association and the China Region Lakes Alliance, emphatically seconded the request. Work along the causeway will be correlated with the annual fall drawdown of China Lake’s water level, mandated by the state Department of Environmental Protection. The original purpose of the drawdown was to remove phosphorus that feeds algae in the lake; outflow down Outlet Stream also affects the Maine Rivers alewife restoration initiative (ARI). Pierz wanted to be sure construction needs did not override environmental goals.
Selectmen unanimously appointed Danny Boivin a member of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee. Breton said TIF Committee Chairman Frank Soares has resigned for health reasons and thanked Soares for his long service on the committee.
Hapgood reported Kevin Rhoades has resigned from the transfer station staff. The town office staff will be back to full strength when new part-time employee, Tammy Bailey, starts work Sept. 28, she said.
A new sign is to be installed at the transfer station. Grant money is paying for it, Breton said.
On the Nov. 3 local ballot, Hapgood reported there will be five candidates for three seats on the Board of Selectmen: incumbents Breton and Janet Preston, and Blane Casey, Brent Chesley and Jeanne Marquis. There are no contests for planning board or budget committee positions. Absentee ballot applications may be filed any time, she said; ballots will probably be available about Oct. 5.
The manager reported that finances for the current fiscal year are “looking good so far,” except for the elections budget. Because of changes in schedules and procedures caused by Covid-19, money appropriated for elections is more than half spent already, she said.
The next regular China selectmen’s meeting will be Monday evening, Sept. 28.
Sept. 28 meeting to be preceded by public hearings
The Monday, Sept. 28, China selectmen’s meeting will be preceded by two public hearings, at 6 and 6:15 p.m. in the town office meeting room.
The 6 p.m. hearing will be on state amendments to the appendices to the town’s General Assistance Ordinance, an annual requirement. The selectmen will act on the amendments during their meeting after the hearings.
The 6:15 p.m. hearing will be on proposed amendments to the Solid Waste Disposal Ordinance and the Solid Waste Flow Control Ordinance. The amendments, which can be read on the town website under Elections, will be on the Nov. 3 local ballot.