OBITUARIES for Thursday, November 5, 2020

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ARTHUR A. BOLDUC

FAIRFIELD – Arthur Auguste Bolduc, 78, passed away on the evening of Wednesday, October 21, 2020. Arthur was born on May 2, 1942, in Waterville, son of Albert and Shirley Bolduc.

He proudly served his country in the USCG from 1960-1964. He married his beautiful and loving wife, Carolyn Jean Paradis, daughter of Robert and Esther Paradis, in 1964. He treasured her his whole life, and together they shared many, many happy years. Arthur and Carolyn raised their six children with great joy and steadfast love. He was a kind, compassionate, hard-working, and truly good man of exemplary character that never wavered. His optimism, wisdom, love of life and humor taught us to live with integrity, see goodness, enjoy our time on this earth, and especially appreciate the great gift of family.

He loved the outdoors, especially on the lake in his boat with Carolyn, football games, and dearly enjoyed family gatherings. He lived with gratitude and happiness. He will forever have our love and respect, and we thank him for being the wonderful person he was.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Philippe; his in-laws; and nephew, Lance.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his children, Roberta Hersom and husband John, Michelle Weeks and husband Mark, Arthur Bolduc and wife Jodi, Philippe Bolduc and wife Renee, Suzette Foley and husband Stephen, and Aimee Oliver and husband Andy; his grandchildren, Thomas and wife Kathryn Hersom, Michael Hersom, John “Jack” and wife Malorie Hersom, Theodore and William Weeks, Spencer and Kaeden Bolduc, Tyler and Holly Bolduc, Carolyn and Cian Foley, and Elisabeth, Robert and John Oliver; and his great-grandchildren, Jocelyn and Isabelle Hersom, and Maddax and Mason Hersom; his brother-in-law, Robert and wife Cecile Paradis and their family; his brother’s sons and their families.

As were his wishes, a private service and internment will take place at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville, with a celebration of his life with family and friends planned for a later date.

DAVID J. SIMPSON

OAKLAND – David Joseph Simpson, 70, passed away unexpectedly onThursday, October 22, 2020, at his home, in Oakland. David was born, in Waterville, on March 19, 1950, to Julienne Simpson (Fortin) and Wilfred Simpson.

He graduated from Waterville High School. He married Cathy Couture and had three beautiful daughters, Kristie, Marsha and Tricia.

He worked and retired from the Maine Central Railroad, in Waterville. In 1986, while on strike, he opened Simpson’s Auto Body, in Oakland, with his brother James Simpson. David was a hardworking, self-made man that never stopped; he was always lending a helping hand.

David enjoyed going to car races, playing corn hole, bowling, hunting, fishing, picking fiddleheads and being in God’s Country, on Whetstone Pond. He shared his favorite place with so many friends and family over the years. He was a member of the Waterville Elks Lodge #905 and the Le Club Calumet, in Augusta,.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Johnny and Peter; as well as several close friends.

David is survived by his significant other of 15 years Theresa Whitcomb; her daughters Jennifer Ruzzo, husband John, and grandchildren Cordelia and Johnny, all of Rhode Island; Sarah and Brian King, of Sidney, and grandchildren Katie and Christopher; his daughters Kristie Warren and significant other Scott Saucier, of Sidney, grandson Davis Warren, of Oakland; Marsha Simpson, of Yarmouth; Tricia Simpson, of Oakland; grandson Zachary Simpson, of Enfield, Connecticut; and granddaughter Marisa Stuart, of Oakland; his siblings Julie Marr, Patsy and Pete Pelletier, Nancy and Willie McDowell, Linda and Kirby Rowe, James Simpson, Jane and Timothy LaPlante; several nieces and nephews.

A service was held on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at Notre Dame Church, Waterville. Graveside followed at St. Francis Cemetery, on Grove Street, Waterville.

Arrangements are under the care of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Waterville Elks Lodge #905, 76 Industrial St., Waterville, ME 04901.

BRIAN A. REED

VASSALBORO – Brian A. Reed, 62, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Brian was born on July 7, 1958, the son of Harold and Shirley Reed, in Ellington, Connecticut.

Brian moved to Vassalboro 1980 after marrying his wife of 40 years, Tammy Reed.

A self proclaimed “Jack of all trades and master of none,” there wasn’t anything at which Brian wouldn’t try his hand. Plumber by trade and mechanic at heart. He helped restore classic vehicles for each of his children and several for himself which he enjoyed driving and showing. He was also an accomplished horseman and lifelong animal lover; fostering and adopting several horses and dogs. Brian devoted many years volunteering at the Maine Special Olympics Equestrian Games and was very passionate about supporting them.

Over the last few years he had begun honing his woodworking skills and had gifted several of his pieces to family. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with family and friends which was often spent at the family camp on Three Mile Pond.

Brian is survived by his wife Tammy Reed; children Josiah Reed and fiancée Christine Holt, Kailah Gayton and husband Kevin Gayton, Dale Kimball Jr. and wife Kimberly Kimball; grandchildren Jase and Gage Kimball; brothers Allen Reed and wife Debbie Reed and family, Shannon Reed, Derek Reed, Christine Reed Davis, and Gary Reed. As well as many other family members.

A celebration of life will be held summer 2021 at the camp on Three Mile Pond. Details will be posted at a later date.

Donations in his honor can be mailed to Special Olympics Maine attn: Equestrian Program, 125 John Roberts Rd. #5, South Portland, ME 04106.

Fond memories and/or photos from over the years may be posted on his page which will be memorialized.

JEFFREY M. HUMPHREY

BENTON – Jeffrey M. Humphrey, 53, died on Friday, October 23, 2020, at his home, in Benton. Jeff was born on July 17, 1967, in Waterville, the son of Francis M. Humphrey Jr. and Kathleen Martin Humphrey.

He graduated from Freeport High School with the class of 1985 and received his degree from Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, in Presque Isle.

Jeff enjoyed his solitude and had a good sense of dry humor. He liked walking, riding his bike, hunting and surfing the web.

He is survived by his mom, Kathleen Humphrey, of Benton; two brothers, Gregory Humphrey and wife Stacey, of North Carolina, and Glenn Humphrey, of Benton; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Francis Humphrey Jr; and his grandparents, Henry and Julia Martin and Francis and Helen Humphrey Sr.

He will be laid to rest in the Brown Cemetery in Benton.

To leave a message of kindness or to share a memory, please visit http://www.shoreynichols.com.

Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield.

HEIDI B. PROVENCHER

FAIRFIELD – Heidi Belinda Provencher, 41, passed away Friday, October 23, 2020, following a lingering illness that she bravely fought for a long time, at Klearview Manor, in Fairfield. She was born September 21, 1979, in Lewiston.

Heidi was a miracle baby from God at birth. Heidi loved life and those around her, especially her Lord God. She always had a beautiful smile and a contagious laugh. Heidi was a devoted Catholic where she attended the Church of Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville, every Sunday.

She was most happy when she was active and on the go. She enjoyed swimming, taking walks, going to the movies, camping, skiing and traveling. Mostly, she was happiest being with her family and friends. Heidi graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, with honors, class of 2000. While attending school, she was in a play, in girl scouts and on the high school cheerleading squad as a helper. Until the coronavirus hit, she volunteered for Dr. Dunbar Dentistry and at the Corpus Christi Parish Church food pantry. She also attended SKILLS.

When she wasn’t volunteering, she spent time with friends. She has traveled with her parents to Lourdes, France, and vacationed at Disney World twice with her mom and Klearview Manor friends.

Heidi leaves behind her mother, Belinda Brandt-Samson, of Hebron and partner, Richard Lapointe; her father, Peter Provencher, and his wife, Linda (Dionne), of Lewiston; sister, Amanda Provencher, of Lewiston; brother, Philip Provencher and his wife Ashley, of Dixfield; and niece, Emmalynn; maternal grandparents, Alvin and Betty Brandt; step-grandparents, Rene Dionne and Claudette Dionne.

She was predeceased by her paternal grandparent, Maurice and Michelena Provencher; great-grandmothers, Sadie (Olivia) Nelson, Josephine Yurchuk and Lydia Provencher; aunts, uncles; cousins; Klearview staff and residences and many friends. Heidi loved you, all.

A graveside service was held November 3, at Center Hill Cemetery, in Minot.

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

In lieu of flowers, please send donations, which will be used to help other residents enjoy special activities or supply much needed equipment, to Klearview Manor Hospitality, 149 Skowhegan Rd., Fairfield, ME 04937.

CARLETON E. MITCHELL JR.

SIDNEY – Carleton E. Mitchell Jr., 83, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2020, following a short illness, at Bella Point, in Sidney. He was born in North Vassalboro on May 28, 1937, the son of Carleton and Grace (Webber) Mitchell Sr.

Carleton is survived by his two sisters, Jeannette Leighton and her husband, David, and Rose Dubois and her husband, John; his aunt, Virginia Boudreau, of Clinton; and several nieces and nephews.

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

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Carleton’s memory to Bella Point, P.O. Box 478, Oakland, ME 04963.

VIRGINIA L. CULLIVAN

PALERMO — Virginia L. (Kenerson) Cullivan, 97, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at Mt. St. Joseph nursing home, in Waterville, following a brief illness. Virginia was born on September 22, 1923, in Abington, Massachusetts, the daughter of Arthur and Pauline Kenerson.

Virginia was the wife of the late William H. Cullivan of Palermo.

Virginia and the family lived in Rockland, Massachusetts, on their family farm until 1987. There Virginia and family enjoyed raising a variety of livestock. In 1963 they bought the Arthur Plummer farm, in Palermo, for the family summer home. Virginia took great joy in her gardens; she took pride in growing vegetables and beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed crafting, canning and reading.

She loved her cat “Pumpkin”. Virginia always had an open door and always enjoyed cooking and visiting friends. They made Palermo their residence in 1987 and built a beautiful new home in 1993. After his passing (1997), she purchased her new Florida snowbird home in Hobe Sound, Florida. She enjoyed spending winters there tending her beautiful flowers and socializing with friends.

Virginia is survived by her children Sandra Carl, of Albion, Diana Cutting, of Manomet, Massachusetts, Gary Cullivan and wife Linda, of Liberty, and Edward Cullivan, of Clinton, and William Cullivan and wife Marcia, of Palermo; daughter-in-law Jean, of Vassalboro; grandchildren, Paul Carl, Lisa Barney and husband Joseph, Dennis Cutting and wife Erin, Chris Cutting and wife Kara, Dale Cullivan and wife Charelle, Brad Cullivan, Lindsay Lizzotte and husband Jay, Adam Cullivan and wife Marguerite, Jesse Cullivan and wife Liz, Renee Anderson and husband Charles, and Ryan Cullivan and wife Krystal; great grandchildren Abigayle, Kassandra, Chase, Kellen, Devon, Ethan, Dayson, Denver, Garrett, Acadia, Cheyenne, Tucker, Charlotte, Josie, Lucy, Saralynn, Keith, Kensleigh, Deaglan and Rhea; five great-great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, siblings and husband, Virginia was predeceased by her two sons-in-law, Paul Carl and Charles Cutting.

Virginia’s graveside service was held at Smith Cemetery, on Level Hill Road, in Palermo, on Monday, November 2, 2020.

In lieu of flowers donations in Virginia’s memory may be to the Travis Mills Foundation, 747 Western Ave., Manchester, ME 04351, or foundation@travismillsfoundation.org

Arrangements are in the care of the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

ROSANNA M. JOSEPH

WATERVILLE – Rosanna Marie Joseph, 71, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at Alfond Center for Health, MaineGeneral Medical Center, Augusta. Rosanna was the daughter of Charles and Rose Marie Joseph, of Waterville.

She graduated from Winslow High School and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Maine. She worked as a school teacher at St. John Regional Catholic School, Garand Street, and Winslow Junior High School, until her retirement. During retirement, she volunteered at the Waterville Public Library.

Rosanna was a devout Catholic and an active member of Saint Joseph’s Maronite Church, in Waterville. She had a passion for teaching and a love for children.

Rosanna was predeceased by her father, Charles Joseph, her mother, Rose Marie Joseph; and her brother, Charles Joseph Jr.

She is survived by a sister, Janis Joseph McGhee; two nieces, Jessica and Ashley McGhee, two nephews, Bruce and Matt McGhee; several great-nieces and nephews; and cousins.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Waterville Public Library, 73 Elm St.,, Waterville, ME 04901 or Saint Joseph’s Maronite Church, 3 Appleton St., Waterville, ME 04901.

CAROL A. MANSON

OAKLAND – Carol Ann (Dudley) Manson, 54, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. She was born May 21, 1966, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the daughter of Larry Winston and Shirley Marie (Brasil) Dudley.

She attended Waterville Adult Education and graduated in 1994. On June 20, 1987, she married Clifton Manson, at the Winslow Congregational Church.

Carol had a strong love for her family, she loved gathering her boys together and their friends, so much so that many of them lived with her a time or two. She cherished her time with her grandsons, she was very proud of them.

Carol held various jobs in her lifetime, her most treasured job was being a mother and Mimi, she waitressed, she drove school bus for the Waterville school district for many years and also worked in the healthcare field doing home health.

Carol is survived by her husband of 26 years, Clifton Manson, of Oakland; three sons, Larry Dudley, of Crystal Beach, Florida, Chad Manson and wife Casandra, of Fairfield, Michael Manson and partner Kristin Gauthier, of Leadville, Colorado; brother, Ronnie Dudley and fiancée Norma Allen; sister, Tammy Loder and husband Jeramy, of Clinton; two grandsons, Logan and Austin Manson, both of Fairfield; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She held a special place in her heart for Shanon Gilley, Nate Bellavance and her sister-in-law, Brenda Dudley.

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday October 31, at the United Steelworkers Union Hall, 577 Benton Ave., in Winslow.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Carol’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

In China, 2 incumbents, newcomer gain selectboard seats

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by Mary Grow

In Nov. 3 local elections, China voters re-elected two incumbent selectmen and chose Blane Casey to fill the seat vacated by Donna Mills-Stevens.

Results of the five-person race for three positions, reported by Town Clerk Angela Nelson well after 11 p.m. on Election Day, were as follows: Blane Casey, 1,445 votes; incumbent Janet Preston, 1,148; incumbent Ronald Breton, 1,030; Brent Chesley, 722; and Jeanne Marquis, 719.

The rest of the candidates’ ballot had no contests. Voters re-elected four incumbents: Toni Wall and Jim Wilkens to the planning board, with 1,901 and 1,778 votes respectively; and Tim Basham and Tom Rumpf to the budget committee, with 1,928 and 1,864 votes respectively.

There were numerous write-in votes for three positions without listed candidates: Planning board District 4, Budget Committee secretary and budget committee at-large member. Nelson said town office staff will determine that those who received the most votes for each position live in the proper district and are willing to accept election.

Two amendments to China’s solid waste ordinances passed by generous margins,1,380 to 782 and 1,360 to 793. Both replace references to stickers for admission to the transfer station with references that cover the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system now used.

Complete China results, including votes for national and state elective positions, are available on the town website, china.govoffice.com.

Nelson said voters started arriving before 6:30 a.m., half an hour before the polls opened, and kept coming all day; the average time waiting in line was an hour. “People were patient,” she said, though some complained when election officials did not hand out the usual “I Voted Today” stickers.

China TIF committee reviews past, future activities

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by Mary Grow

Members of China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee spent most of their Oct. 27 virtual meeting reviewing a list of past and planned future activities.

Pending items include proposed amendments to the town’s TIF document that, if approved by voters, will make the list longer, for example by authorizing funding assistance to out-of-town projects that benefit the town. An example given was the Alewife Restoration Project (ARI). The project goal is to allow alewives access to China Lake to improve water quality, by removing or modifying dams on Outlet Stream in Vassalboro.

Town Manager Becky Hapgood intends to have questions about upgrading the TIF document on the warrant for the 2021 annual town business meeting, currently scheduled to be held in May.

Expanding broadband access in China is one project the TIF Committee is helping finance. Committee members approved recommending that China selectmen appropriate $5,750 from TIF funds toward the project.

Four Seasons Club President Tom Rumpf asked for continued TIF funding in the 2021-22 budget, and presented information on the financial benefits users of Four Seasons Club trails bring to town businesses. The trails, he added, are open to everyone, not just for snowmobiling and four-wheeling, but for walking and other recreational uses.

Committee members postponed action on the club’s request until their next meeting. Committee Chairman Tom Michaud said the trails are well regarded by town and area residents.

Michaud gave an update on the causeway project at the head of China Lake’s east basin (see The Town Line, Oct. 29, p. 1). The new bridge and the planned walkway and other related improvements are a major TIF expenditure.

An issue involving the Revolving Loan Fund subcommittee was on the Oct. 27 agenda, but most of the subcommittee members have resigned from the TIF Committee. No action was taken.

China’s TIF is funded by taxes Central Maine Power Company pays on its power line running north-south through town and its substation in South China. Under state law, money can be used for economic development, with voters approving expenditures for different projects. Yet another job of the TIF Committee is recommending changes in allocations of funds among projects.

Committee members scheduled their next meeting for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17. Michaud hopes they will be able to meet in person.

Vassalboro ballfields discussed, final action possible Nov. 12

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro selectmen got rid of one item of continuing business at their Oct. 28 meeting: they learned that the Vassalboro Conservation Commission seems on the way to reviving itself, and decided they did not need to discuss its future again.

An issue raised at their Oct. 15 meeting, use of the town ballfields during the coronavirus epidemic, was rediscussed, with final action possible at the Nov. 12 selectmen’s meeting.

Town Manager Mary Sabins had drafted a policy for selectmen’s review. Board members suggested three changes, including making it clear that management of school fields is up to school officials, even though the school is now a town department.

Melrose, who had been listening to news on his way to the meeting, shared information on the alarming increase in Covid-19 cases in Maine provided during a hastily-scheduled Oct. 28 news conference by Dr. Nirav Shah, director of Maine’s Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Governor Janet Mills.

At Sabins’ request, board members reviewed the draft request for bids on the Gray Road culvert prepared by Calderwood Engineering of Richmond. Most questions they left to Sabins and the firm’s representative to resolve.

An issue of particular local importance is how long the Gray Road will be closed. The bid specifications say 30 days; board Chairman John Melrose wondered whether giving the chosen contractor less time would be possible, and if possible, would increase the price.

Current plans are to seek bids early in 2021, with the work to be done in the summer. State regulations limit in-stream work to the period from mid-July to the end of September, Sabins said.

Sabins’ financial report for the first quarter of the fiscal year that began July 1 indicated the town is “doing okay,” with revenues slightly higher than expected, Melrose summarized.

Melrose raised two issues related to plans for Vassalboro’s 2021 semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary celebration. Fellow board members Robert Browne and Barbara Redmond endorsed his plan to look for a safe place for a fireworks display. No one could suggest a historic place, he said, because no one could remember a public fireworks display in town.

The Vassalboro Historical Society has talked with a craftsman who will begin restoring the damaged statue of a Civil War soldier in the East Vassalboro park beside the Historical Society building (formerly the East Vassalboro school), Melrose said. Historical Society members have a design for the project and a source of matching granite (in Rhode Island). Melrose said they plan a fundraising campaign and probably a request for town funds in the 2021-22 municipal budget.

Sabins presented the initial schedule of selectmen’s and budget committee meetings leading up to the 2021 annual town meeting, scheduled for Monday evening, June 7, and Tuesday, June 8. June 8 will also be the state voting day; in Vassalboro, voters will elect local officials, approve or reject the school budget approved at the open meeting the night before and act on any local referendum questions selectmen might propose.

If coronavirus restrictions remain in place, public meetings with 10 budget committee members, three selectmen and the town manager, plus a potential audience, might have to be virtual.

As selectmen prepared to adjourn, Melrose asked if Sabins, Browne and Redmond are comfortable with in-person meetings. The answer was yes, with the hope they can continue to open windows in the town office meeting room when the weather gets colder.

The selectmen’s meeting, held – unusually – on a Wednesday afternoon, was followed by a tour of the town’s two fire stations.

Grant request made for school generator

The day after the Vassalboro selectmen’s Oct. 28 meeting, Town Manager Mary Sabins submitted a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant request for a generator at Vassalboro Community School. The purpose is to make it possible to use the school as an emergency shelter when needed due to extreme weather or other disruptive events.

Sabins said the expected cost of a generator large enough to power the entire building is $115,000. Vassalboro will be expected to provide 25 percent of the cost, or $28,750. Voters at the June 2019 town meeting appropriated $28,000 for the project; Sabins said the money is still available, and the additional $750 could be taken from elsewhere in the budget or from the $15,000 contingency fund voters grant selectmen each year.

The town manager expressed thanks to Anne Fuchs, Director of Mitigation, Planning, and Recovery/State Hazard Mitigation Officer at the Maine Emergency Management Agency, for help in preparing the application.

Sabins does not know when she will hear whether FEMA has awarded Vassalboro a grant.

Lions hold successful food drive

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Pictured, from left, Lions Darla Frost, Teresa Rael and Dan Huard. (contributed photo)

On October 24 the Waterville Lions Club held a drive thru food drive to raise donations for local food pantries. The Club thanks the community for all the support! Food donations dropped off helped the Lions put together 28 boxes/bags of food that were distributed between the Fairfield Inter Faith Food Pantry and The Winslow Community Cupboard. Cash donations received were in the amount of $207 which the Club donated to the George Mitchell School Food Pantry. Thank you to everyone that donated food and/or cash and also to those that honked their horn in support as they drove by. It was a great day to be part of the community.

Submitted by Michelle Shores

THE MONEY MINUTE: What is the definition of retirement?

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by Jac M. Arbour CFP®, ChFC®
President, J.M. Arbour Wealth Management

What is retirement? The definition is forever evolving, and the answer depends on whom you ask. There is no list of things that can describe exactly what retirement is or what it is not. The retiree is the architect and, therefore, the decision-maker. It will be whatever he or she chooses.

However, there is one thing in common for all retirees, the need for income. How a person can derive that income are endless and, again, in the hands of the retiree.

Have you determined what your retirement will cost? Are you financially prepared for those costs? Do you know how to create the retirement income you will need—income that will last as long as you do, no matter how long you live?

For some people, the answers to these last questions are simple and straightforward. If this is you, congratulations. For many people, however, these questions remain unanswered and are causing financial worry. Whether you have it figured out or feel the need to figure it out; I hope this brief article greases the mental wheels.

Pensions are not as prevalent as they once were, and the average Social Security check is not sufficient to cover monthly expenses for most people. The stock, bond, and credit markets are volatile and can be unpredictable. Unforeseen life events can strike at any time. Understandably, as people look ahead to 25 years or more in retirement, they become concerned they will face the issue of running out of money.

Some people believe that a portfolio containing little to no market risk is the solution: “I am better off not losing anything than risking some of it,” one might believe. However, low-risk investments are not always the answer to preserving an asset base. With this in mind, we encourage clients to consider “opportunity cost” (the loss of potential gain from another alternative when one alternative is chosen) and other factors such as inflation and spending policies.

We all have needs, wants, and desires, including the desire to help loved ones and leave them a little something after we are gone. Some of us have outstanding debts, we all have taxes to pay, and we all face the impacts of inflation.

It is heavily recommended to run your household like a business, which means knowing what is coming in and what is going out each month, right down to the last penny. This makes knowing what to expect, even in the future, much easier.

Retirees will draw from pensions, part-time salaries, business or passive income, investment income, and sometimes, inheritances. Depending on which sources you will have determines the best ways to strategically create an income plan and spending policy. Withdrawal rates, taxes, inflation, investment allocations, market volatility, and legacy goals will all have an impact.

These are just a few concepts to consider, and each concept has many bullet points that live below each concept. If you are interested in learning more about all things to consider when creating income as a retiree, we have a resource that explains the details

We recently finished writing a resource for retirees in search of high-quality information about creating retirement income, and it is titled: The Absolute Guide to Predictable Retirement Income. To receive your copy, please call our office at 207-248-6767. We will be happy to send it to you free of charge.

See you all next month,

Jac

Jac Arbour CFP®, ChFC®

Jac Arbour is the President of J.M. Arbour Wealth Management. He can be reached at 207-248-6767 or jac@jmarbour.com

Investment advisory services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Vassalboro school closed for two weeks

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

Alan Pfeiffer, superintendent of schools in Vassalboro, issued a letter on November 1, to inform the community that the spouse of a staff member at Vassalboro Community School recently tested positive for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID 19). The letter was sent to notify the public of the closing of the building for the next two weeks, per a strong recommendation from the Maine CDC (November 2 – November 15). “We are going to do full remote learning for the next two weeks. Our in-person learning will plan to resume Monday, November 16 – a BLUE cohort day,” said Pfeiffer. “You will be updated more as we hear from the Maine CDC.”

Maine CDC or a school representative will contact you directly if you are identified as a close contact to an individual who tested positive. Close contacts will be asked to quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the positive individual. A negative test result does not get an individual out of quarantine.

Maine CDC recommends measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include proper hand washing with soap and water, which is especially important after using the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray and wipe.

Vassalboro Community School will be cleaned according to the federal CDC guidelines.

For general COVID-19 questions, dial 211 (or 1-866-811-5695). You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or email ​infor@211maine.org​, ​www.maine.gove/dhhs/coronavirus​ or www.cdc.gove/coronoavirus​. The letter can be read in its entirety at vcsvikings.org.

Revere Bell to ring for veterans, ring for peace

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The Paul Revere bell from the belfry of the Benton Falls Congregational Church has been silent this past year. It sits on the ground beside the church awaiting repair of the belfry timbers to support its 798-pound weight. (contributed photo)

by Marion Foster

The Paul Revere bell from the belfry of the Benton Falls Congregational Church has been silent this past year. It sits on the ground beside the church awaiting repair of the belfry timbers to support its 798-pound weight. The cradle in which it swings is now intact. While work and fundraising continues so the bell can resume its proper place in the church belfry, its service to the community continues:

On Veterans Day, November 11, at 11 a.m., the bell will ring eleven times.

The bell will be one of many in churches, towns, cities, and even individuals who join Veterans for Peace in the ringing of bells; as they have done for the last 25 years in remembrance of all those killed in warfare. In 1918 bells rang out joyously throughout the world to celebrate the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. Armistice Day is now known as Veterans Day to honor all those who have fought in all wars. World War I was considered to be so horrendous that people prayed and promised that it must never happen again. Yet wars continue and peace remains fragile and elusive in the world we live in.

The following remembrance from Veterans for Peace is meant to be shared down through the ages:

“The Armistice of 1918 ended the terrible slaughter of World War I. The U.S. alone had experienced the death of over 116,000 soldiers, plus many more who were physically and mentally disabled. For one moment, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the world agreed World War I must be considered the “The war to end all wars.” There was exuberant joy everywhere, and many churches rang their bells, some 11 times at 11 a.m., November 11, when the Armistice was signed. For many years this practice endured, and then slowly, it faded away. Now we do it again.

“We ring the bells 11 times, with a moment of silence, to remember the many soldiers and civilians killed and injured by warfare, and to make our own commitment to work for peace, in our family, our church, our community, our nation, and our world.”

Remember, the Paul Revere Bell that rings forth on November 11, 2020, was cast in 1828. It has seen war and famine, plagues and epidemics. It has been pulled from the bottom of the Sebasticook River and rung from the tower of the Benton Falls Church.

It is quieter now, as are we, while a viral pandemic assaults our community, our nation and our world. As an enduring symbol, with caution and care, it will once again rise to the tower and ring forth joyously! As will we.