Waterville’s Light Up the Town winners announced

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Santa and Mrs. Claus, right, arrived in Waterville, Maine, USA, on Thanksgiving afternoon. Linanne and Chris Gaunce, left, owners of Central Maine Motors Auto Group, a major sponsor of the event, pose for a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Friday, November 27, to kick off the event. (photo by Mark Huard/ Central Maine Photography)

by Amarinda Keys
Director, Children’s Discovery Museum

This holiday season, the Children’s Discovery Museum hosted a city-wide light celebration! Light displays moved outside of just Main Street this year, as businesses and individuals decorated their properties with lights to celebrate the holidays. The registered parties were then compiled into a city-wide map available for members of the community so they can drive by and admire the decorations!

The event kicked off on Friday, November 27, 2020, and Santa made a loop around to visit many of the properties, waving to the participants as he went by. The properties were also visited by a panel of judges who carefully selected the winner: Chris Griswold’s World, at 12 Woodlawn Drive, in Winslow. Runners up include A Whale of a Holiday, at 585 Clinton Ave., in Winslow, A Merry FrankLin Christmas, at 39 Franklin St., in Waterville, 75% off, at 45 Roosevelt Ave., in Waterville, Frosty’s Corner, at 310 Cemetery Street, in Vassalboro, and Forest of Trees, at 451 Cushman Rd., in Winslow.

St. Michael School students donated over 2,400 food items to Augusta Food Bank

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Students and staff at St. Michael School, in Augusta, donated over 2,400 items to the Augusta Food Pantry. (photo courtesy of St. Michael School)

Students and staff at St. Michael School, in Augusta, donated over 2,400 items to the Augusta Food Pantry. (photo courtesy of St. Michael School)

Students at St. Michael School, in Augusta, participated in a “Week of Giving” food drive that generated not only a massive collection of food (four pictures below) for people in need, but reinforced the importance of giving back to the community that has given them so much.

“The drive began on Monday, December 7, and went through Friday, December 11,” said Denise Levesque, marketing director at St. Michael. “Each day was dedicated to a different food item, including canned pasta, canned vegetables and fruit, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, and canned beans.”

Initial calculations show a donation of over 2,400 food items, or four truckloads, to the Augusta Food Bank, which was established in 1981 to provide food to local individuals and families in need.

“Bob Moore, the director of the food bank, estimated that this is the second largest food drive they had in 2020,” said Kevin Cullen, principal of St. Michael.

For every item that a student donated, their name will go into a drawing for three gift card prizes.

“We could not be prouder of our students and the generosity of our school families for all the donations that seemed to keep pouring in each day,” said Levesque. “We are so thankful that they supported this cause as so many people in our community are struggling with food insecurity.”

Students and staff at St. Michael School, in Augusta, donated over 2,400 items to the Augusta Food Pantry. (photo courtesy of St. Michael School)

Fairfield Cops Care For Kids goes on COVID style

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Members of the Fairfield Police Department, from left to right, Officer Shanna Blodgett, Officer Casey Dugas, Sgt. Matthew Wilcox, Sgt. Patrick Mank, Chief Tom Gould, The Grinch, Det. Capt. Paul St. Amand, Officer Dakota Willhoite, Officer Jerico Champagne and Officer Nolan Allen. (photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff.)

Text by Mark Huard

Even though the Cops Care for Kids program looked slightly different this year, the officers from the Fairfield Police Department didn’t let that stop them from making sure the boys and girls of the Fairfield Community got their annual delivery of toys. The Fairfield Police Department carries on the memory of Kingston Paul and delivered presents on December 23 to the smiling faces of all the great children of their community. They look forward to this event all year long and feel blessed to be part of this program.

VASSALBORO: Two annual activities successful despite disruptions

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro School Board members again got upbeat monthly reports from school officials at the Dec. 15 board meeting.

Vassalboro Community School Principal Megan Allen said two traditional annual activities were successful despite the disrupted year. The Giving Tree program was so well supported that five more families were helped this year than last year. And the virtual December Viking Pride Assembly recognized honor roll students and those who exemplified the Pride virtues of respect, responsibility and kindness. Remote learners were included, Allen said.

She reported that the number of students choosing to learn entirely remotely increases gradually, and services to remote learners are increasing as well.

She also said that Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) Master Specialist Victor Esposito and Guidance Counselor Meg Swanson organized a school-wide door decorating contest that resulted in a variety of creative additions.

Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer said the listing of a coronavirus outbreak at Vassalboro Community School during the Dec. 14 briefing by Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Nirav Shah was old news; CDC is no longer investigating.

The CDC epidemiologist who gave Pfeiffer and Allen advance notice of the public mention praised their handling of the situation and their overall policies, Pfeiffer said. He, too, offered thanks and congratulations to everyone involved, school personnel, students and parents.

School Nurse MaryAnn Fortin seconded Pfeiffer’s report. “Things are looking pretty good right now, fingers crossed,” she said.

(In his Dec. 18 report to the media, Shah said there are few if any cases of in-school transmission in Maine or nationally, and praised school personnel, students and parents for their efforts.)

Given the success so far, board members agreed to continue what they’ve been doing, including leaving winter sports canceled “out of an abundance of caution,” Pfeiffer said.

The board also approved continuing the current school schedule through February. The schedule has different groups of students alternately in the building and learning from home, and Wednesday afternoons set aside for teachers’ preparation time and extra connections with students at home.

When board member Jessica Clark asked when students could return to in-school classes full time, Allen said not until social distancing requirements are removed. She and Assistant Principal Greg Hughes are monitoring space use, looking for a chance to bring students who most need in-school work – some in special education programs, for example – into the building more often.

Pfeiffer added that the administration’s goal is to get students back into the building, but doing so safely is the priority.

Finance Director Paula Pooler said the business office that serves Vassalboro, Waterville and Winslow school departments is still extremely busy with the necessary paperwork for extra federal and state funding. But, she said, the additional aid has kept the budget in balance so far, and Vassalboro is about to add four new buses to the one acquired earlier this fall.

Board members approved appointment of Tanya Thibeau as new special education director for Vassalboro Community School (not to be shared with Winslow, as former Director Amy Benham was). Allen said Thibeau was the selection committee’s unanimous choice from four candidates, and she looks forward to having her full-time in the school.

The meeting was followed by an executive session. Afterward, Pfeiffer said he and board members agreed he will serve as superintendent for another year. He prefers one-year terms, to give the school department and himself flexibility.

The next Vassalboro School Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, January 19, 2021.

China broadband members adopt two motions

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by Mary Grow

China Broadband Committee members unanimously adopted two motions on the agenda for their Dec. 16 meeting. Both required approval from China selectmen, who postponed action on the major one.

The major committee action was acceptance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for expanded broadband service in China, prepared by consultants Mission Broadband. The 27-page RFP and supporting documents are posted under the Broadband Committee on the China website, china.govoffice.com.

The RFP, to be distributed as widely as possible, invites interested parties to propose ways to provide improved and expanded internet access. All technologies will be considered. One of the accompanying documents is a scoring matrix intended to help Mission Broadband personnel compare replies.

Consultants and committee members planned on selectmen’s approval Dec. 21 and distribution of the RFP Monday, Dec. 28. The deadline for submitting bids is 3:45 p.m., Jan. 31, 2021. They expect potential bidders to have questions and are allowing time for answers.

However, not all selectmen received the draft before the afternoon of Dec. 21. With so little time to review it, they postponed action to a special meeting scheduled for Dec. 28.

Broadband Committee members agreed that, if selectmen approved on Dec. 28, distribution Dec. 29 would give bidders adequate time.

Mark van Loan from Mission Broadband said assuming a proposal is recommended by the committee, put on the May 18 annual town business meeting agenda by the selectmen and approved by voters, work could begin by July 2021.

The second motion on the Dec. 16 Broadband Committee agenda was to ask selectmen to choose one of their number to serve on the Broadband Committee. At the Dec. 21 selectmen’s meeting, Selectman Irene Belanger volunteered and was promptly accepted.

The next Broadband Committee meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11.

Selectmen approve RFP

China selectmen unanimously approved the Broadband Committee’s RFP at their Dec. 28 meeting, after 10 minutes of clarifications. Board Chairman Ronald Breton wanted assurance the contract issued to a successful bidder would include financial incentives to finish the work completely and on time; and Selectman Wayne Chadwick wanted a guarantee of lower rates for broadband users, for at least the first few years, after an improved system was in place.

Broadband Committee Chairman Robert O’Connor said John Dougherty of MissionBroadband told him the organization’s standard recommended contracts include penalties for missing the final deadline and withholding of full payment until work is completed.

The question of guaranteed rates would now be part of discussions with bidders, O’Connor said.

Vassalboro Community School honor roll

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

HIGH HONORS

Grade 3: Aliyah Anthony, Sophia Brazier, Grace Clark, Xainte Cloutier, Twila Cloutier, Wyatt Devoe, Dekah Dumont, Mariah Estabrook, Riley Fletcher, Camden Foster, Dawson Frazer, Lucian Kinrade, Sarina LaCroix, Isaac Leonard, Arianna Muzerolle, Olivia Perry, Elliott Rafuse, Juliahna Rocque, Cassidy Rumba, Isaiah Smith, and Cameron Willett. Grade 4: Emily Clark, Keegan Clark, Basil Dillaway, Harlen Fortin, Tess Foster, Fury Frappier, Baylee Fuchswanz, Allyson Gilman, Kaitlyn Lavallee, Cheyenne Lizzotte, Elizabeth Longfellow, Mia McLean, Elliot McQuarrie, Kackenzy Monroe, Weston Pappas, Emma Robbins, Grace Tobey and Ava Wood. Grade 5: Benjamin Allen, Tristyn Brown, Dylan Dodge, Jasmine Garey, Drake Goodie, Zachary Kinrade,, Drew Lindquist, Paige Perry, Judson Smith and Reid Willett. Grade 6: Madison Burns, Ryley Desmond, Josslyn Ouellette and Taiya Rankins. Grade 7: Emily Almeida, Jacob Lavallee, Ava Lemelin, Mylee Petela and Hannah Polley. Grade 8: Sofia Derosby, Allison Dorval, Ava Kelso, and Greta Limberger.

HONORS

Grade 3: Zander Austin, Lukas Blais, Samantha Carter, Kaylee Colfer, Samantha Craig, Branson Fortin, Peter Giampietro, Aubrey Goforth, Landon Lagasse, Jade Lopez, Agatha Meyer, Addison Neagle, Bruce Sounier, and Haven Trainor. Grade 4: Mason Brewer, Ariyah Doyen, Isadora Duarte, Zoe Gaffney, Bayleigh Gorman, Jack LaPierre, Aiden McIntyre, Kalyee Moulton and Naseem Umar. Grade 5: Bentley Austin, Logan Cimino, Zoey, DeMerchant, Jennah Dumont, Ryleigh French, Cooper Lajoie, Caleb Marden, Katherine Maxwell,Brandon Neagle, Ryder Neptune-Reny, Trinity Pooler, Kayden Renna, Landon Sullivan, Leigha Sullivan, Hannah Tobey, William Trainor, Jade Travers, and Alana Wade. Grade 6: Sophie Day, Eilah Dillaway, Wyatt Ellis, Scott Fitts, Caspar Hooper, Jack Malcolm, Natalie Rancourt and Bryson Stratton. Grade 7: Quinn Coull, Mckenzie Duenne, WilliamEllsey, Madison Estabrook, Paige Littlefield, Alexandria O’Hara, Daniel Ouellette, Leahna Rocque and Addison Witham. Grade 8: Noah Bechard, Brooke Blais, Brady Desmond, Ellie Giampetruzzi, Kaylene Glidden, Brandon Hanscom, Kailynn Houle, Kaelyn Pappas, Seth Picard, Ava Picard and Emma Waterhouse.

HONORABLE MENTION

Grade 3: Chanse Hartford, and Meadow Vaney. Grade 4: Caylie Buotte, Gabriella Duarte, Jaziah Garcia, and Jaelyn Moore. Grade 5: Dominick Bickford, Lucas Cornier, and Bentley Pooler. Grade 6: Kiley Doughty, Madison Field, and Adalyn Glidden. Grade 7: Elisha Baker, Moira Bevan, Saunders Chase, Mason Decker, Leigh-Ann Gagnon, Kaiden Morin, Taylor Neptune, Lilian Piecewicz, and Leah Targett. Grade 8: Landen Blodgett, Evan Brochu, Bodi Laflamme and Alysha Opacki.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Reported sightings of mountain lions on the upswing in Maine

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This photo of what appears to be a mountain lion, was taken by a game camera in the backyard of a home near Mark Pantermoller’s home, in Fairfield. (photo courtesy of Mark Pantermoller)

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

There has been a long-going debate as to whether mountain lions, also known as cougars, are present in Maine.

The official word from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is that they do not exist. Officials at the department state, “No known cougar populations exist in Maine.” Although Maine once had a cougar population, they have long been officially listed as extirpated. Wildlife spokesmen say that, “if cougars existed here, we would have trapped one by now, or killed one on the highway.”

I have maintained for years that they do exist. I have not personally seen one, but many signs have been spotted. However, my son, who lives in Rome, told me he saw one in his driveway one day about seven years ago. He described to me what he saw and it fit the description of a mountain lion to a “T.” It was large for a cat, light brown/beige, and exhibited the long tail that seems to drag on the ground, and it was club-like on the end. But not seeing it, I could not definitely say it was one.

While hunting on a logging road in Windsor one year, I came across some feline paw prints in the mud that measured four-and-a-half inches across. Mighty large paw prints for a house cat, or even a lynx or bobcat.

On a fishing trip up north on Harrington Lake, outside my friend’s lodge, one morning, again in the mud near some remnants of that winter’s snow, I, again, saw the same size print.

All signs, but yet no sightings.

Uncropped version of photo above.

Another time I became aware of an actual sighting was several years ago, when a woman from Palermo called me to say she had spotted a cougar at the end of her driveway, near the road, because she had been alerted by her barking dog. When she looked out the window to see what the fuss was about, she spotted the large cat. Needless to say, she went outside to retrieve her dog.

All fine and good, but still no clear photographs of an actual cougar.

Well, then came Christmas morning of this year. While going through my emails, I saw one from Mark Pantermoller, of Fairfield, who sent a photo shot from a game camera near his property, that was definitely a clear, crisp photo of a mountain lion.

I’ve been criticized in the past for saying that mountain lions existed in Maine, but I think we now have the proof that is necessary to uphold my beliefs.

In an article written by V. Paul Reynolds, in a Special to the Piscataquis Observer, dated July 27, 2020, he states:

“In a way, the elusive and mysterious cougar has become somewhat of a Maine folklore icon, the Maine equivalent of Bigfoot in the Pacific Northwest. Anybody who spends time in the outdoors and enjoys the pure anticipation of sighting wild animals, has to be intrigued by the mere idea that there might be a real mountain lion around the next corner on a woods road, or over there along the edge of that meandering dead water.”

The Maine cougar question has become intriguing because the scientific community and the general public seem to contradict each other. The state officials continue to contend the cougar does not exist in Maine.

Again, according to Reynolds,

“On the other hand, anecdotal cougar-sighting reports by laymen have been on the upswing. And this doesn’t seem to jibe with pronouncements from officialdom.”

According to the Piscataquis Observer article, “Last month the Northwoods Sporting Journal invited readers to share their mountain-lion sighting reports. The monthly outdoor magazine received more than 20 cougar-sighting accounts from readers, and published some of them. Witnesses ranged from loggers, trappers and hunters to housewives and fall leaf peepers. Personal interviews suggested that witnesses seemed credible, rational and sincere. All but one reported seeing a large, long-tailed sandy or tawny-colored cat. This past winter in Lubec the town was abuzz with cougar sightings reports. Reporter Karen Holmes recounted in the Quoddy Tides more than a half dozen cougar sightings by Lubec area residents!”

On one occasion, a retired biologist with the California Fish and Game department, who worked with mountain lions on the west coast and owns a camp near West Grand Lake, Maine, says he saw a black mountain lion not far from West Grand Lake. He says it was 15 feet away from him when it ran off. A sighting claim by a man who worked with the animals out west, and more than likely, knows one when he sees one.

Unfortunately, many game cameras have captured the elusive cat in its lens, but the quality of the photos have been so poor that biologist poo-poo them as either Canada lynx or bobcats. But in every photo is the prolific, long, club-like tail of the mountain lion.

Whether you believe it or not, evidence is continuing to mount, along with eye witness accounts from people who seem credible and sincere, that the mountain lion has made a comeback in the state of Maine.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Name the six teams the New England Patriots have defeated in their Super Bowl victories.

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, December 31, 2020

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Trivia QuestionsName the six teams the New England Patriots have defeated in their Super Bowl victories.

Answer:

St. Louis Rams, Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams.

SOLON & BEYOND: Budget committee ready to prepare warrant

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

To All Budget Committee Members: This is the notice of the annual budget meeting where the budget committee will give their recommendation on the articles in the annual town meeting warrant.

The budget package will be available for pick up at the town office on Wednesday January 13. If you want a package mailed let the town office know before January 13. If you want a package emailed to you, call Leslie with your email address prior to January 13th.

They are considering doing this meeting with an in-person option by Skype for those who do not want to attend in person due to the coronavirus. If you want to attend the meeting by contact the town office to give your email address so they can send you the invite to the meeting.

The town is planning a road paving project in 2021 for the Brighton Road, Grant Road, French Hill Road, Hole in the Wall Road ( the already paved section), Pleasant Street, and possibly School Street and York Street. They will have the estimated cost by the budget meeting.

The Fire Department plans to build an extension on the north side of the fire station for equipment storage in 2021. They will be asking for permission to use Fire Department Capital Reserve funds and Municipal Buildings Maintenance Reserve funds or Rainy Day Funds to fund the project. The Fire Department was not able to do any of their fund raisers this year and have used up their Fire Department Reserve Fund on purchasing gear and equipment for the fire department. They will discuss the cost and funding options at the budget meeting.

Ann Padham has resigned from the budget committee because she has moved to Madison. Beverly Gephart will move up to a full member and Hether Forsten will join as an alternate member.

Nomination papers are available for a three-year selectmen position, a three-year school board member and a one-year Road Commissioner position and are due back by Monday, January 5. The nomination papers will be available from the town clerk and are required to have the signatures of at least 25 registered Solon voters when they are turned in.

This piece of old news was from January 21, 2005; and it starts with these words: Good Morning My Friends, Don’t Worry be Happy. WOW! The sky ‘s the limit!

Here I sit, (overwhelmed) as I contemplate what I have done. Have told you before how much it means to me to share the news with you, and give you love and laughter along the way. But…. never in my wildest dreams did I ever believe that I would attempt to be an editor/publisher of a little paper. Not sure how many issues there will be, but presently they can be picked up at Griswold’s, in Solon Corner Market’, Solon Superette, and Pinkham’s Elm Street Market, in North Anson.

Would like to send the following words by Alin Austin, out to all of you who dare to dream: You Can Do It: Look within. And listen to your heart. You can do it. You can reach that goal. You can make that new reality instead of accepting things the way they used to be… You Can Do It. All of your highest hopes are with you. Nothing will hold you back but your own fears. And if those fears were created by you, they can be dealt with by you… and said good-bye to. You can do it: Say it to yourself, and believe it in your heart. Make every single day a positive a start leading to a better and bright tomorrow. You can do it. You really can.

There was other news and then it ended like this! Early Wednesday morning I was reading the daily paper and looked up to see Percy proudly strutting toward me with a live mouse hanging out of his mouth. I looked into the imploring eyes of the mouse, who seemed to be pleading, “HELP-p.p.p!” I looked away, hardening my heart, and forcefully told Percy, “Don’t you dare let him go!” Sure enough, he disobeyed yet again and I stood up in my chair and kept muttering, “Oh, oh,oh” as the lucky mouse scurried to and fro around and under my chair, with Percy in hot pursuit. He hasn’t caught it yet to my knowledge. The last time I saw it was when I preparing to go to bed that night. It peeked out at me from under a stand then dashed under the couch! Needless to say, I was quite perturbed with Percy, and even went so far as to think I wouldn’t let him give any advise this week. But as usual I softened my heart and since we are in this newspaper business together, he has approved of the following message:

The world is divided into two classes: those who go ahead and do something and those who sit and inquire, “Why wasn’t it done this way?” (Editor’s note: Have always had a problem with commas, and hence I threw them in hither and yon, with the idea that the editor would place them where they should be… and so please bear with me on that one. It always tickles me in this modern world when there are workshops on “Creative Writing,” in my old-fashioned way, I still blunder along in my crazy writing habits, and yet you seem to enjoy it, and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Oh yes, one more thing, I really do hope those beautiful words, by Alin Austin, will inspire some of you to try the impossible, even though it may seem out of the realm of sanity. But I must warn you, without prayer I wouldn’t recommend it.)

Can’t remember how many of the above papers I continued to write as editor and owner of a little paper, it was fun but quite a project! Then I got called to write for a real paper, again.

I still miss Percy to this day, he was quite a special cat even though he had a mind of his own. I can’t thank Roland enough for letting me put in Percy’s memoirs every week.

This week’s memoir is as follows: If the offence was committed against you, remember your own undeserved forgiveness; draw from that abundant supply and share what has been given to you… it is not yours to hoard. (The title of the little book this saying was in is, Hugs to encourage and inspire.)

May you have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

OBITUARIES for Thursday, December 31, 2020

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NELSON L. BROWN

JEFFERSON – Nelson Leonard Brown, 75, of Jefferson, passed unexpectedly on Friday, November 27, 2020. He was born in Jefferson on May 13, 1945, to Weston and Bertella (Whittier) Brown, the youngest of five children.

Nelson was educated in local schools and was drafted into the U.S. Army in the summer of 1966. While home from boot camp he married Louise Vannah, of Waldoboro, on September 12, 1966.

On December 23, 1967, Sgt. Nelson Brown was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action against hostile forces on August 3 and 4, 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam.

He held various jobs including driving truck for R. C. Moore and George Hall and Son.

Nelson was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Wendall, Myron and Laurice.

He is survived by his wife, Louise; sister Hilda Benner; nephews Matthew (Catherine) Moore, Michael (Beth) Moore; sister-in-law Bonnie (Burton) Orff; brother-in-law Ernest (Colleen) Vannah; and many nieces and nephews.

Per Nelson’s wishes, there will be no services.

Friends and family are invited to share their memories of Nelson by visiting his book of memories at http://www.hallfuneralhomes .com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home 949 Main Street Waldoboro, ME 04572.

Contributions may be made in Nelson’s memory to Jefferson Fire and Rescue, PO Box 5, Jefferson, ME 04348.

BRUCE W. HAMILTON

WATERVILLE – Bruce Wayne Hamilton, 72, of Waterville, passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2020. He was born on February 1, 1948, to Charlotte and Harold Hamilton in Hartland.

After graduation he began his career at Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, where he worked as a machine tender for 30 years.

Bruce loved his children and grandchildren first and foremost. He was loving and generous father and grandfather and will be

Bruce is survived by his son, James Hamilton; daughter-in-law, Jill Hamilton; granddaughters, Kayla Smith and husband Eric Smith, and Julia Hamilton and fiancé Brody Thompson; daughter, Carrie LaCroix; son-in-law Douglas LaCroix; grandson Charles LaCroix and wife Mariah LaCroix; granddaughters Evelyn and Lucia LaCroix; sister, Theresa Bradbury and brother, Gary Hamilton.
greatly missed by all who knew him.

At this time there will be no funeral service. Family will have a celebration of life gathering privately.

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

VICTORIA BRIGGS

WATERVILLE – Victoria “Vickie” Briggs, 83, died Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at Mount Saint Joseph, in Waterville. She was born February 5, 1937, in Burlington, Vermont, the daughter of Chester and Florence (Bruleigh) Blow.

In 1955, Vickie graduated from Milton High School, in Milton, Vermont, and married George M. Briggs. She provided home day care for children for most of her life and graduated from Appalachian Bible College in 1978.

Vickie enjoyed traveling, especially bus tours, and getting together with the girls and playing cards on Saturdays.

She was predeceased by her two daughters, Bonnie Lee Briggs in 1962 and Julie Victoria Briggs in 1964, her husband, George, in 1988, her parents.

Vickie is survived by her brother, Leon Blow and his wife, Carol, of Georgia; her sister-in-law, Amy Morway, of Vermont; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at the Kennebec Valley Baptist Church, Waterville.

Burial will be in Grande Isle Cemetery, Grande Isle, Vermont, with her husband and daughters.

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

Memorial donations may be made to the Clinton Baptist Church, 10 Spring St., Clinton, ME 04927 or Kennebec Valley Baptist Church, P.O. Box 704, Waterville, ME 04901-0704.

JOSEPH G. E. RODRIGUE

WATERVILLE – Joseph G. E. Rodrigue, 77, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. He was born November 3, 1943, in Waterville, the son of Albert and Juliette (Vellieux) Rodrigue.

He graduated from Waterville High School in 1978. He was employed as a custodian at the Waterville Elks Lodge and was a member of the Forrest J. Pare VFW Post #1285, in Waterville. He enjoyed going to garage sales and junk stores. He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge.

Joseph is survived by his daughter, Nancy Clowes, of Waterville; three brothers, Albert Rodrigue Jr. and wife Jeanne, John Rodrigue and wife Bernadette, James Rodrigue and wife Barbara; sister, Theresa Rodrigue; and nephew, Scott McAdoo.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

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

DARWOOD G. COREY

WATERVILLE – Darwood G. Corey, 86, passed away Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Woodlands Center, in Waterville. He was born May 1, 1934, in Waterville, the son of James and Sadie (George) Corey.

He attended Waterville High School, Lincoln Welding School and was a trained Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician. On June 24, 1960, he married Mary Ellen Hamlin, who predeceased him in 2018.

He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and medic, with special training in jungle warfare, in Panama, until his honorable discharge in 1956. He continued to serve in the Army Reserves until 1962. After his military service he became a welder and in 1962 became a call firefighter with Waterville Fire and Rescue and in 1971 became a career firefighter/EMT until his retirement in 1994.

Darwood was a member of the American Legion and an avid year-round hunter and fisherman. He greatly enjoyed fly-tying and puttering in his garage. Friends and family came to him for his vast knowledge on many subjects and his great company.

He will be especially missed by his cousin and hunting/fishing partner, Payson George and his family.

He is survived by daughters, Lore (Corey) Wing and Darus Vear and husband Bob; sons, Jed Corey and Drew Corey and wife Rachel; brother, Antone Corey and wife Bernadette; grandchildren, Shana (Corey) Page and husband Les, Sara Wing, Brittany Corey, Jessica Tomaszewski and husband Igor, Nikkia-Ria Vear, Bekah Johnson, Maggie Morgan and husband Ryan; great-grandchildren, Joey Page, Helena Page, Makenzie Burton-Wing, Amelia Burton-Wing, Henry Tomaszewski, Willow Morgan, Osiris Morgan, and children of Nikkia-Ria; sister-in-law, Barbara Finnemore and children.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, at the convenience of the family.

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 to may make donations in Darwood’s memory to the Travis Mills Foundation, 747 Western Ave., Manchester, ME 04351, email: foundation@travismillsfoundation.org.

VIVIANE G. FOTTER

BENTON – Viviane G. Fotter, passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2020. Viviane was born in Waterville, the daughter of Emelia and Ernest Gagnon, and was gifted in drawing and crafts at a young age.

She would display them in her home for all to see especially at Christmas for many years. In her teenage years at Waterville High School she excelled at the violin and in her later years would give the violin to a granddaughter, Danielle, who would play jigs and reels for her at her home in Belgrade Lakes.

In 1948 she married the love of her life, Perham L. Fotter, and they were married for 54 years until his passing in 2002. During those years they raised six sons. They both worked at Diamond International, in Oakland, for many years and even with very limited wages and much sacrifice, the boys never went without. Everyone who knew Viviane knew that she was the strongest woman they had ever known. She worked non-stop her whole life.

At a very young age she developed Rheumatoid Arthritis which seriously affected her body the rest of her life. Despite years of countless surgeries, hospital visits and rehab she never complained of her illness and always was more concerned about her family than herself.

Viviane had some bucket list wishes while living with her son Stephen and his wife Linda during the last five months of her life. The wish she wanted the most was to ride a horse for the first time. Her wish was granted, spearheaded by her grandson Joseph Fotter who was with her the entire ride.

Viviane was predeceased by her husband Perham L. Fotter; two sons Phillip E. Fotter and Gerald L. Fotter, who recently passed away from complications due to Covid -19; sisters Martha Pelham, Edwina Bolduc, Eva Hubert, Pearl Frost, Ernestine Parisi and brother Edward Gagnon.

She is survived by her son Bruce Fotter and wife Betty, of Warsaw, Indiana; daughter-in-law Rose Marie Fotter, of Belgrade Lakes; sons Stephen Fotter and wife Linda, of Benton, Peter Fotter and wife Tammy, of Rome, and James Fotter and wife Karen, of Gray; 14 grandchildren; 16 great- grandchildren; and two great-great- grandchildren. A graveside service will be held in the spring with Rev. Bill Meyers officiating.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Funeral Alternatives.

Condolences may be expressed at http://www.funeralalternatives.net.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ShineOnCass Foundation, 64 Heritage Rd., Oakland ME 04963.

ARLEEN M. SMITH

FAIRFIELD – Mrs. Arleen M. (Reynolds) Smith, 87, passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Mt. St. Joseph, in Waterville, following a lengthy illness. She was the wife of Henry Howard “Howie” Smith with whom she shared 64 years of marriage. Arleen was born August 11, 1933, in Clinton, the daughter of the late Elmer and Mary (Stewart) Reynolds.

She grew up in Clinton and moved to Fairfield. She attended Clinton schools and Lawrence High School, in Fairfield.

For many years Arleen ran a daycare in Fairfield, she loved taking care of the children from all around Fairfield. She did this for many years until her retirement.

She adored her grandchildren and treasured the time she spent with her family and friends. She was very active at the Interfaith Food Pantry and was one of the founding members.

A lifelong member at Fairfield Center United Methodist Church, where she was also a member of the Methodist Women’s Club and the choir. She was also a member of the Rebecca’s and the Eastern Star. She and her husband Howie loved dancing at the former Fox’s Den and the White Owl Pavilion dance halls, in Fairfield. Arleen also enjoyed going for walks with her friends, toll painting and doing ceramics.

Arleen is survived by her children, Dale H. Smith, of Fairfield Center, Dean H. Smith, of Fairfield, and Darcy J. Smith, of Fairfield; her brothers, Alden Reynolds and his wife Andrea, of Fairfield, and Randy Reynolds and his wife Sally, of Old Orchard Beach; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Arleen was predeceased by her sisters Gale, Sharon and Joyce Elkins and her brothers Gary, Roger, Dwayne, Tank and Merlin “Buba”.

Her funeral service were held privately in the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, in Fairfield.

Interment will be in Tozier Cemetery in the Spring of 2021.

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

RONALD G. SABATTUS

WATERVILLE – Rodney G. Sabattus died Saturday, December 12, 2020, at his home in Waterville. Born in 1951 in Calais, he was the son of Merrill Sabattus and Eileen (Sydleman/Sabattus) Frost.

Rod attended Immaculate Conception Catholic grade school, was a 1969 graduate of Calais Memorial High School and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 1974 with a B.A. in economics. Rod had a 35-plus year career with the Internal Revenue Service beginning as an RO and subsequently holding various positions within management until his retirement in 2009.

RG and Robin (Adams) met in the fall of 1982 while he was on assignment to the Augusta Office. Married in November 1984, they shared a deep commitment and love for one another.

In his youth, Rod served as an altar boy at the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, in Calais. A person of faith in Our Lord God, Rod worshipped in the communities of Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville, and China Baptist Church.

Rod was a courteous and kind person with a quiet, dignified presence. He enjoyed listening to jazz and reading mysteries, including the Rumpole stories by John Mortimer. A reader of both local and national news, Rod kept abreast of current and international affairs. His travels always included reading the local newspaper and searching for national newspapers which were not as available in central Maine. He was a sports fan of UMO hockey and the New England Patriots and he himself was a “legendary” golfer.

He loved animals and, over the past few years, enjoyed the simple pleasures of watching and feeding the birds. He appreciated the many community members he would meet while volunteering for the collaborative walking program offered between MaineGeneral and Colby College.

Rod is survived by his wife of 36 years, Robin; his aunt, Betty Moreside; sister-in-law, Nancy; brothers-in-law, Lawrence and wife Vikie, and Scott and wife Priscilla; several cousins; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be at a later date with burial at China Extension Cemetery.

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

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

Memorial donations may be made in Rod’s memory to the charity inspired by his aunt , Berlin, New Hampshire 03570.

KITTY I. GILLUM

VASSALBORO – Kitty Irene Gillum, 96, of Waterville and Vassalboro, died at home, in Vassalboro, on Saturday, December 12, 2020. Irene was born on December 19, 1923, at Trara, in Fredrikstad, Norway, the first of three children and only daughter of Finn and Judith Nilsen.

She was predeceased by her two brothers, Arnulf and Arvid, and by her husband, Kemp Frederick Gillum.

Irene came to the United States in 1925, returned to Norway in 1928, then in 1934 came back to live permanently in the U.S.

The BSN program in nursing at Northwestern University prepared Irene for a career in nursing at Kenosha Hospital, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and then at Thayer Hospital, later MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Waterville, for 25 years. After retirement, Irene took part in the early development of the Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, serving as an organizer, volunteer, and teacher of volunteers for close to 20 years.

Irene is survived by two daughters, Karen Judith Gillum and Mae Elizabeth Simmons, and by son-in-law, Dennis Simmons, sister-in-law, Arlene Edquist Nilsen; five nieces and five nephews and their families.

A family ceremony was held on December 12, at home in Vassalboro. A memorial will be scheduled at some time next year.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, 304 Main Stree, Waterville, ME 04901, http://www.hvwa.org, or to Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, 19 Colby Street, Waterville, ME 04901, http://www.shelterme. org.

PETER W. GOLDEN

OAKLAND – Peter W. Golden, 70, of Oakland, passed away Saturday, December 12, 2020, at Northern Light Inland Hospital, in Waterville, following a brief illness. He was born, in Gardiner, on May 13, 1950, to the late Robert J. Golden and M. Pauline Dodge Golden.

Peter was a 1968 graduate of Gardiner Area High School and Dartmouth College class of 1972. He went on to do graduate work for two years at the University of North Carolina. Peter worked for the Social Security Administration for 30 years, beginning his career in Rockland and ending in Baltimore, Maryland, as a computer program analyst.

At an early age Peter became interested in genealogy and it developed into a lifelong passion. He also enjoyed golfing and singing with Sacred Harp groups throughout the country. Peter had an amazing memory for dates and details and was always happy to share genealogy information with family.

Peter was a member of the Palermo Historical Society (where he served as treasurer for several years), Kennebec Historical Society and Taconnett Falls Genealogy Society.

During Peter’s times singing with Sacred Harp groups, he gained acquaintances and friends who shared his passion for music. These friends graciously recorded and dedicated songs for Peter to enjoy during his illness.

Time shared with children and grandchildren brought Peter much joy. Many happy memories resulted from watching Tobey play and coach lacrosse; coaching Andrew’s little league team; exploring Civil War battlefields with Drew; cheering on Ashley at ice hockey games; or playing the part of the handsome prince to Jillian’s princess in the family plays she wrote.

In addition to his parents, Peter was predeceased by his brother Bob Nason.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Noreen Tobey Golden, of Oakland; sons Tobey Farrington (Karen), of Scarborough, Andrew Golden (Deb), of Waterville; grandchildren Andrew Farrington, Ashley Farrington and Jillian Golden; three sisters Carolyn Goggin, of West Gardiner, Janine Brown (Ted), of Paradise Valley, Arizona, and Trish Lorenz (Al), of Brewer; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held when it is safe to gather again.

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

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

Those who wish to honor Peter’s memory could do any of the following: have a lobster cookout with family, play a round of golf with friends or become actively involved in your local historical society

RONALD GILLIS

WATERVILLE- Ronald “Randy” Gillis, 59, passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, after losing his battle with COVID-19. He was born on August 9, 1961, in Sidney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to Ronald and Florence Gillis, spending his childhood in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

Randy moved to the United States in 1984 with his then-wife, Melody, in support of her nursing career. Randy worked at Huhtamaki, in Waterville, for 33 years.

A proud Cape Bretoner at heart, Randy looked forward to going home every summer. One of his happiest moments was when he became a grandfather.

Randy is survived by his daughters, Kayleigh Love (James) and Sarah Gillis; his grandchildren, Jensen Love and Margot Love; his fiancée, Renee Michaud; his ex-wife, Melody Gillis, and mother, Florence Gillis; his brothers, Joseph (Marina) Gillis, Glen Gillis, Paul (Diane) De Ruyte, and Mark (Bin) De Ruyte; and sisters, Karen (Paul) Lowe, Nancy De Ruyte, Heather (David) Hare, and Theresa (Rick) McPhee.

He was predeceased by his father, Ronald Gillis and birth mother, Anne-marie De Ruyte.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home. Condolences and memories can be shared by visiting Ronald’s guestbook at http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

DELORIS A. McCASLIN

CHINA – Deloris A. McCaslin, 79, of China, passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020. She was born in Augusta, the daughter of Lucille (Fisher) Seeley and Perley Seeley.

She grew up in the Augusta and Windsor area, and graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 1958.

On November 29, 1958, she married Melvin E. McCaslin, at the China Baptist Church, in China.

She was employed for many years as a stitcher in the button hole department at Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville. Deloris also worked as an assistant cook in the China schools, and owned and operated The Landing Restaurant, at the head of China Lake. For several years she worked at Caswell’s Liquidation Center, in Waterville, as a cashier, where she met a very dear friend Judy Reid and her husband George, of Clinton.

Over the years Deloris loved to cook, knit, snowmobile, and going fishing and camping.

Deloris was predeceased by her parents, her husband Melvin, a very special companion Dickie Merrill, sisters Janice Mays, Gloria Norton and Marie Latulippe; brothers Raymond Seeley, David Seeley and Larry Goderre.

She is survived by her children Malcolm Small, Michael Small, Marilyn Small, John (Wendy) McCaslin, Dale Seeley, Linda Seeley and Debra McLaughlin; and grandchildren.

Services will be held at a future date.

GERENE R. LACHANCE

WATERVILLE – Gerene R. Lachance, 79, formerly a resident of Augusta, died Monday, December 21, 2020, following a long illness. She was born in Augusta on February 5, 1941, a daughter of the late Elmeune Letourneau and Diana (Roy) Letourneau Carroll.

Mrs. Lachance attended Augusta schools and was a communicant of St. Michael Parish. She had been employed for many years at the Augusta Mental Health Institute as a food service worker. She was an avid Beano player who loved playing on Wednesday’s at Le Club Calumet, in Augusta.

Mrs. Lachance was predeceased by her husband, Robert J. Letourneau; a daughter, Susan Lachance; and her brother, Roger Letourneau.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Randall, of Augusta; her grandchildren, Amy St. Peter, of Waterville, Ashley McGuire, of Augusta, Laura Atter, of Monmouth and Zachary Randall, of Augusta; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no public visiting hours. A graveside service will be held in the spring in Holy Family Cemetery, Townsend Rd., Augusta.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.