OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 11, 2021

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PAULA M. FISHER

WATERVILLE – Paula M. Vashon Fisher, 65, passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor, following a brief illness. Paula was born on March 29, 1955, the daughter of Armand and Adeline Vashon.

She graduated from Waterville High School in 1973. She then attended Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield, graduating as a Certified Nurses Assistant. She worked at Oak Grove Center, Mount St. Joseph and Northern Light Inland Hospital, all in Waterville, and the St. John Food Pantry, in Winslow.

Paula loved playing cards with friends.

Paula was married to Darrell Fisher for 35 years. They had many happy years together.

Paula was predeceased by her parents, Armand and Adeline Vashon, and her younger brother, Peter Vashon.

She is survived by her siblings, Michael and Susan Vashon, of Vassalboro, Norman and Sherry Vashon, Claire Young, Estelle and David Bucknam; sisters-in-law Janet Vashon, Sharon Clement, Cecile Goodno and Darlene Fisher; brothers-in-law Conrad and Joanne Fisher, and Lionel and Linda Fisher; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held later this spring.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. John Food Pantry, 26 Monument St., Winslow, ME 04901.

CLARENCE W. HANNAN

SOUTH CHINA – Clarence W. “Sonny” Hannan, 75, of South China passed away at his home on Monday, February 22, 2021.

Sonny retired from Huhtamaki, in Waterville, after 37 years.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, camping with friends and family, spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, chihuahua Sweetie and close friends Dennis McKenney and Joe Pilsbury.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elaine; son Todd, of South China; daughter Tina and husband Daniel, of South China; grandchildren Stephen and Jenn, Elizabeth and JJ, Ashlie and Brian; great-grandchildren Jayden, Melodie, Rylee and Scarlett; sisters Genevieve Bulmer, Viola Fuller, Betty Stratton; sister-in-law Gloria Russell; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Jake and Anna Hannan; his sisters Ruth Hannan, Roberta Warner, brother Buddy Russell; and grandson Dennis Quigley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Avian Haven Rehabilitation Center, 418 North Palermo Rd., Freedom, ME 04941.

FREEMAN A. HIGGINS

ALBION – Freeman Arthur Higgins, 72, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at his home. in Albion. He was born September 11, 1947, in Waterville, the son of Clarence G. and Laura (Rowe) Higgins.

He graduated from Besse High School , in Albion, in 1966. In 1968, he married Rebecca Piper, in Albion. He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge. He was employed for many years as a mechanic at Lee Brothers, Inc., in Albion. He was a member of Mason’s Central Lodge #45 and enjoyed gardening and woodworking.

Freeman is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rebecca (Piper) Higgins, of Albion; two sons, Lance Higgins and wife Valerie, and Adam Higgins and wife Melissa, all of Albion; two granddaughters, Abigail Higgins and Hannah Higgins, both of Albion; five brothers, Winston Higgins and wife Rebecca, and Clayton “Joe” Higgins and wife Geraldine, all of Albion, Wayne Higgins and wife Elaine, of Fairfield, Jeff Higgins and wife Raye, of Smithfield, Ronald Higgins and wife Linda, of Portland; three sisters-in-law, Wanda Boivin, of Clinton, Sharon McPhail, of Belgrade, Linda Weeks and husband Robert, of Fairfield.

He was predeceased by his parents and bothers, Clyde, Mike, and Clifton.

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, 4445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Maine, 04976.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Freeman’s memory to Veterans Voluntary Services, c/o Robert Weeks, 22 Savage Street, Fairfield, ME 04937.

SHIRLEY E. IBBITSON

VASSALBORO – Shirley “Mimmy” Ibbitson, 95, passed peacefully Thursday, February 25, 2021. She was born May 1, 1925.

She was a 1945 graduate of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School. After graduating, Shirley met and married the love of her life, Howard, on December 18, 1948. They left Hanson, Massachusetts, to reside in Vassalboro where she worked as a bookkeeper at the Vassalboro Woolen Mill. Later Shirley worked for the Gables House and also as a chambermaid at Howard Johnson’s.

After retiring, she and Howard traveled across the United States, always returning to Maine for the summers to be spent in their camp. Howard, with help from the family, built a modest camp at the top of their property so that they could look over their family, or what the kids referred to as “scooping it out”.

Shirley enjoyed knitting, painting, puzzles, sewing and her animals. She and Howard always had a dog, most recent one being a rescue named Bo, referred to as the Big Black Dog, and although she was unable to pick him up, she loved her guinea pig Sandy. Sadly Shirley had to make the decision to lay Bo to rest in January and Sandy has gone to live out his remaining days with a close family friend.

At one time she attended Pins and Needles at the old St. Bridget’s Church, in Vassalboro, and enjoyed field trips with the Muskie Center, in Waterville, when she was able to go. Shirley loved to go. It didn’t matter where, as long as she was in the car. Russell would often bring her to town whether it was for her shopping, a ride around the lake, or just an errand that he may have. She looked forward to breakfasts with Matthew, Cathy and the girls and she also looked forward to her weekly trip to the Winslow VFW with Paul and Lisa, where she was a lifetime member and also part of the Women’s Auxiliary. She was always greeted by the regulars as she was escorted in to have her one “toddy” made by her favorite bartender Peter, with whom she formed a special bond with and would exchange trinkets and gifts.

Shirley also loved her yearly trips with Bimp to Cabbage Island, a tradition that Crystal was able to continue for a few more years. Even though the trips had to end for Shirley due to her ailing legs, Crystal substituted them for Girlz Dayz and Ladies Lunches, a new tradition that Shirley loved just as much. Casey will always be able to cherish the last two trips to the ocean with her Mim.

There was no way that she was going to leave her home and for the last nine years, her family has made sure of it. Although her declining health, Shirley made her own meals and kept her home up until her last days, with some extra help.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Howard, her only daughter Cindy Douglass, and daughter-in-law Belinda Ibbitson.

She is survived by her four sons, Russell, Paul and wife Lisa, both of Vassalboro, Mickey and wife Tina, of Waterville, and Tommy and companion Crystal, of Lebanon; her first granddaughter Crystal and husband Ed Drake, of Vassalboro, Misty and husband Fernando Barrios, of San Diego, California, Jenna Poulin and husband Adam, of Whitefield, Brittney, of Winslow, and Shari and husband John Bryant; of Caanan; great-grandchildren. Casey Starratt and companion Roy Prue, of Gardiner, Matthew Starratt and companion Cathy Batchelder, of South China, Nicholas Olivera, of Miami, Florida, Kai Barrios, of San Diego, California, Paislee Poulin, of Whitefield (who is going to be a big sister to a new little), Devon and Justin Brown, both of Portland; great-great-grandchildren. Milayna and Letty Starratt, children of Matthew and Cathy.

There will be no funeral at this time. A burial and celebration will be later in the spring.

SAMUEL A. BARTLETT

WHITEFIELD – Samuel A. Bartlett, 89, of Mills Road, died Thursday, February 25, 2021, at V.A. Maine Healthcare Hospital at Togus, following a brief illness. He was born in Somerville, on July 7, 1931, the son of Samuel L.A. Bartlett and Grace (Jones) Bartlett.

Mr. Bartlett served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a salesman and mechanic at Bartlett’s Auto Sales for several years.

He enjoyed hunting and spending time with his family.

He was predeceased by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.

Surviving are two sons, Samuel L. Bartlett and Kenneth Bartlett, both of Whitefield; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, Maine.

A graveside service, with military honors, will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, March 12, 2021, at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta, Maine.

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

GEORGE JOSEPH

WATERVILLE – George “Tony” Joseph, 89, of Waterville, passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. Tony was born on February 1, 1932, the youngest son of David and Tamamie (Karem) Joseph. He was one of 22 siblings.

Tony was raised at the Head of Falls and Front Street, in Waterville. He graduated from Waterville Senior High School in 1950. He was active in sports excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. Tony was a proud participant on the 1949 state champion basketball team. He also was vice president of the class of 1950.

Tony joined the U.S. Air Force shortly after graduation from high school. Upon his return from serving time in the Korean War he attended and graduated from Thomas College, in Waterville, on a GI bill, with an associate degree, in 1957. While in the Air Force he received many honors, the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

After graduating from Thomas, he worked at Joseph’s Billiard Academy, he opened Tony’s Italians on the rotary, and then enjoyed a career at the post office, all in Waterville.

Tony was active socially. He was a member of the Elks Lodge #905, Bouque-Lanigan American Legion Post #5, and the Lebanon Youth Society, all in Waterville. Tony loved the family camp on China Lake, where there are so many memories from family reunions, weddings, christenings, and class reunions. Anything to do with family usually started at China. Tony was the “draw” and had so many stories to tell.

Tony was an avid sports fan. He followed his children’s and grandchildren’s sports teams, always supporting and cheering them on. He also followed and loved the New York Yankees and Notre Dame University. He enjoyed playing cards with friends and family. He was drawn to the water and enjoyed trips to the coast.

Tony was predeceased by his brothers, Joe Dave, Elias, James, Alfred, Naseeb, John and Phillip; brother-in-law, Douglas Day; sisters, Lena Fotter, Julia Campion, Selma Thompson, Celia John, Madeline Joseph, and Marianne Perry.

Tony is survived by his wife, Joyce (Day), to whom he was married to just one month shy of 69 years; his children Ricky and his wife Cindy, of Decatur, Illinois, and their daughters, Caitlin Pellitier and husband Zach, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, and Antonia Joseph, of Boise, Idaho; daughter, Lisa Joseph, of Maine; son, Kevin Joseph, of Waterville, and his son Tyler Joseph, of Portland, and daughter Kayla Joseph, of St. Thomas, USVI; sister, Josie Laflay, of Virginia; sister-in-law, Lolita Day; many nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass and celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

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

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

Tony was proud of his lifelong church. He was schooled there until he moved to junior high. He was the son of parents who were part of the building of the church and lifelong communicant.

Donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Maronite Church, 3 Appleton St., Waterville, ME 04901.

GAIL NOBLE

CHINA – Gail Noble, 75, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021. She was born August 3, 1945, the daughter of Elden and Myrtle Pullen.

She grew up in Sidney and graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, in 1964. Soon after she married and had three children. She worked various jobs and owned and operated Our Place restaurant for 14 years with daughter Julie. She enjoyed gardening cooking hooking rugs friends family. Gail loved her dog Lu Lu Belle.

Gail was predeceased by both parents, Elden and Myrtle Pullen; sister and brother-in-law Ethel and Cecil Phair, brother George, and granddaughter Alyssa Savage.

She is survived by son Phillip Mckenney; daughter Naomi Savage and daughter Julie Mckenney; son-in- law Billy Mayberry; grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

No services were requested.

ELIZABETH J. CUNNINGHAM

WINDSOR – Elizabeth “Betty” Joan Cunningham, 76, of Windsor, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021, following a long illness. She was born in Waterville on August 13, 1944, the daughter of Harold Glen Dale and Helena Davenport Tibbetts.

She lived in South China as a child and attended Erskine Academy, in South China. She worked for the state of Maine and retired from AMHI after 25 years.

Betty loved to sew and made most of her children’s clothes. She made matching Easter dresses for her three daughters and many shirts for her son. She also made several wedding dresses and brides-maid dresses for her children and other family members. Betty was truly a master seamstress. She began quilting over the past 20 years and made countless quilts for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She participated in local craft fairs for years with many repeat customers who were always looking for her to be there.

Betty was an avid gardener and passed her love for this to her children. Her favorite flower was the yellow rose. She loved to go camping with her husband and family and was part of the Good Sam Club. She loved to travel to Tennessee and Florida and the Great Smokey Mountains were her favorite destination. She also enjoyed going to Dollywood and listening to gospel music.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Clinton and her brothers, Sherwood and Ronald Dale.

She is survived by her son, Ronald Peaslee and his wife Rhonda, of Windsor; her daughters, Judith Eugley and her husband Raymond, of Windsor, Jessica Gunning and her husband Mark, of Old Town, and Julie Ferguson and her husband Mike, of Sandy River Plantation; her sister, Beverly Dale, of Augusta; her grandchildren Raymond, II, Joshua and Richard Eugley, Ronald Peaslee, Jr. Zachariah Peaslee, Sharon Gunning and Hank Gunning; and her great-grandchildren, Kassidy and Silas Eugley and Vada-Leigh Yvette Peaslee; and was looking forward to the arrival of another great-grandchild in August.

A celebration of life will be held at her residence, 171 Legion Park Road, in Windsor, Saturday, May 22, at 11 a.m., with a luncheon to follow.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church Street Augusta, ME.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

Those who would like to honor Betty can donate to Christian Life Fellowship, 1158 Eastern Ave., Chelsea, ME 04330.

MARISA A. GRIFFIN

WATERVILLE – Marisa A. Griffin, 64, of Waterville, died unexpectedly, on Sunday February 28, 2021. She was born on March 20, 1956, in Fairfield, the daughter of Ross and Marguerite Griffin.

She was raised in Waterville and educated in the Waterville school system. Over the years, Marisa enjoyed working for her father in his asphalt paving company, The Maine Dept. of Transportation, and eventually the health care field where she found work at local nursing home facilities providing care and comfort to others.

Marisa was a person that was known for her outgoing and playful personality. She could make anyone laugh and had a great sense of humor! She loved to go out and socialize. She participated in dance classes, and enjoyed listening to music and singing to the radio. Marisa also liked to cook and this was one of the ways she showed her love to people. She enjoyed travel and had opportunities to visit France and Sweden.

Marisa lived out of state in Colorado and New Hampshire for a number of years after graduating from high school. She eventually moved back to Maine to be closer to her family and raise her children.

At some point, Marisa’s health began to decline and took her away from many of the things that she loved doing. However, during the last few years of her life, Marisa found great enjoyment in her five grandchildren. She will always be remembered for being “Grammy Marisa”, her generosity and for her ability to make people find laughter and humor where others could not.

Marisa was predeceased by her mother, Marguerite Griffin and father Ross Griffin Sr., infant son, Marion Benoit, and her sisters, Marjorie Chase and Marguerite Bickford.

She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Albert, husband Jeff Albert and their four children, Joseph, Anna, Elizabeth and David Albert, of Wayne; son, Damien Benoit and wife Becka Benoit and their daughter, Anaya Benoit, of Waterboro; siblings, Mary Chase and Ross Griffin, of Waterville; nieces and nephews, Jeri Hume-Cole, Chris Cole, and Christian Trott, of Waterville, and Bobby Young, of Portland. Marisa is also survived by extended family members including many cousins.

A spring burial will take place at the Maplewood Cemetery, in Fairfield, with a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the High Hopes Club House, 26 College Ave., Waterville, ME 04901.

BEVERLY J. RICHARD

OAKLAND – Beverly Jean Richard, 86, passed away peacefully, on Monday, March 1, 2021, at home. She was born on March 28, 1934, in Hallowell, the daughter of Adjutor Pare and Alma Childs.

She graduated from Hallowell High School class of 1952. She married Leon Omer Richard, on February 12, 1955. Beverly and Leon resided in Vassalboro, where they raised their six children.

Beverly was a caregiver to many. After she raised her children she went back to school. She graduated from Kennebec Valley Technical College, in Fairfield, in 1982, as a medical assistant. She worked for Dr. J. Stephen Anderson for many years.

She loved making a difference for people in need. She enjoyed working at Levine’s Department Store, in Waterville, during the holidays. Beverly was a remarkable woman, who took great pride in her role as a nurturing wife, mother, grandmother “Mimi” and great-grandmother. She loved her husband, six children, 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, wholeheartedly and unconditionally. She could often be heard saying “I love you” to each of them, and she gave the gift of many hugs.

She was very proud of her family and loved to be surrounded by them whenever she could be. Next to her family, Beverly loved sports. She so enjoyed watching the Red Sox, Bruins, and the New England Patriots.

Beverly’s love for her family and life, as well as her strength and her selflessness were inspiration to all who knew her. She was a strong woman who “loved all ways, always”, and will forever be admired and cherished.

She will be sorely missed, but her infinite love and her legacy will live on, through her loving family.

She is survived by her six children, Pam Jacques and husband Joe, of Rotonda West, Florida, Ammie Breton and her husband Alan, of Oakland, Tammie Richard and her sweetheart Tim Warren, of Smithfield, Leon Richard and wife Liezl, of Nikiski, Alaska, Carla Caron and husband Keith, of Winslow, Gene Richard and wife Alicia, of Rome; sister Patricia Chase and husband Walter, of Lewiston; sister-in-law Emily Loiselle and husband Leo, of Fort Myers, Florida, sister-in-law Maureen Richard, of Camden; grandchildren, Brian, Kelly, Jeffery, Jessica, Ashley, Casey, Derek, Justin, Jacey, Louise and Leon; great-grandchildren, Brian-Alan, Anthony, Bailey and Kannon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adjutor Pare and Alma Cain; sister Edith (Bunny) Shirley; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Maine Street, Fairfield.

Windsor selectmen deny request for community food sovereignty ordinance

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by The Town Line staff

At the February 16 Windsor selectmen’s meeting, Windsor resident Sherri Talbot sent an inquiry about the possibility of having a food sovereignty ordinance drafted for the town. She provided information for the board to review. Town manager Theresa Haskell read the proposal and stated that if the board had any question, they could call Talbot during the meeting.

Haskell then distributed information she received from the Maine Municipal Association legal department which included details about local food sovereignty and what the municipal liability could be. Selectman Ronald Brann made a motion, under the advisement of legal counsel, that creating the ordinance could potentially put the town at an unnecessary legal risk. The board denied the request to put the issue on the upcoming town meeting warrant.

The board also stressed they are very supportive of local agriculture. It was noted the town is not qualified to see if it is safe and they do not have the training or skill sets, nor the desire to do this. They suggested a farmers market.

In other business, the board was informed that the transfer station has started using coin trays to help with the close out at the end of the night. It seems to help with organizing the counting of all the coins collected that day.

Sean Teekema, interim transfer station supervisor, said he will seek measurements for a new bucket for the salt container. They may also get a cover the container. Other possibilities at the transfer station include new lights and a new sign.

Haskell said the town received a snowmobile reimbursement in the amount of $1,039.34. That amount will be divided between the WJW Snowmobile Club, 75 percent or $779.51, and the remaining 25 percent, in the past, has been divided between the Windsor Boy Scouts, Windsor Brownie Troop and the Windsor Youth Association. That amounts to $86.61 for each of the three organizations.

Discussion on the employee manual was wrapped up with the finalization of the retirement match. The board unanimously passed the motion as presented with changes being made to the Valic Retirement match.

At the previous meeting, the board of selectmen were given a draft of COVID procedures to be followed by the best of everyone’s ability. That measure passed by a vote of 4-1, with Selectman Richard Gray Jr. the lone dissenter.

Nomination papers became available on February 26.

The new office space caused the town hall equipment account to be overspent, however, it will not affect the town overall budget because there were other funds available in other town hall expense accounts that were underspent.

In another matter, Selectman Andrew Ballantyne shared that Elwin Hussey gave him information about the town of Windsor, dating back to the 1700s. He has offered it to the town office to make a copy for public viewing.

The next board of selectmen meeting was scheduled for March 2.

China selectmen unanimously approve warrant

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by Mary Grow

China selectmen held a brief special meeting Monday afternoon, March 8, at which they unanimously approved the warrant for the June 8 annual town business meeting.

Another unanimous vote authorized Town Manager Becky Hapgood to create and mail to all residents an explanation of the questions to be voted on. The mailing will be in addition to the twice-a-month mailings from the town office; the cost is estimated at between $500 and $600.

Hapgood plans to send out the special mailing the first or second week in April, so residents can read it before the April 26 public hearing on the June 8 ballot questions. The mailing will include instructions for participating remotely in the public hearing.

Hapgood plans also to put information on the town website, china.gov.office.com.

The June 8 vote will be by written ballot. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the former portable classroom behind the town office. Instructions for voting by absentee ballot will be available well in advance of the meeting.

The next two regular China selectmen’s meeting are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Mon

China budget committee approves selectmen spending recommendations

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by Mary Grow

China Budget Committee members approved selectmen’s spending recommendations for the 2021-22 fiscal year at an hour-long meeting March 2.

Most votes were unanimous; two appropriations were recommended by votes of 5 to 1.

Tom Rumpf dissented on the vote to appropriate $26,471 to support FirstPark, the Oakland-based business park to which China and 23 other area municipalities contribute. The FirstPark question is Article 15 in the 26-article warrant.

Elizabeth Curtis dissented on Art. 26, the request to authorize spending for each category to continue at the current year’s level if town meeting voters reject the proposed 2021-22 amount. She asked if the article meant that voters would have no chance to have the question explained, objections answered and a revote held.

Town Manager Becky Hapgood replied that depending on the question, a revote could be scheduled. Because of requirements for written-ballot voting, it would take a couple months to organize a second vote.

Some committee members abstained on votes to avoid possible conflicts of interest. For example, three fire department members abstained on the vote to recommend $107,500 for community support organizations, because the total includes what used to be called firefighters’ stipends and are now considered gifts in appreciation of service.

Rumpf, president of the China Four Seasons Club, abstained on two votes related to snowmobiling, and Tim Basham abstained on the vote to fund cemetery maintenance and improvements, because Basham’s Tree Service often gets contracts to take down dangerous trees in cemeteries.

Having completed their review of the warrant, the budget committee adjourned without setting another meeting date.

Voters will act on the proposed expenditures, policy issues and other items by written ballot on Tuesday, June 8. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the former portable classroom behind the town office.

A public hearing on the town meeting warrant is tentatively scheduled for Monday evening, April 26. Hapgood plans to put as much information as possible on the town website and Facebook page and in the twice-a-month mailings from the town office.

China broadband committee: after two hours, they conclude more information needed

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by Mary Grow

China Broadband Committee members spent almost two hours March 4 trying to get their chickens and eggs in the right order – as they repeatedly expressed their dilemma – and came to what has become their usual conclusion: they need more information and another meeting.

Their next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11.

The committee’s assignment is to expand and improve broadband service in China. Consultant John Dougherty, of Mission Broadband, reminded them why the task is important, especially with more people working from home: neither new residents nor new businesses will be attracted to a town that provides inferior broadband connectivity.

Committee member Tod Detre shared Dougherty’s view. Before earlier localized improvements increased internet access at his house on China Lake, he and his wife had seriously discussed whether they would have to move out of town to continue working, he said.

Committee members agreed on two important factors: the service they recommend must cover all households in town, and it must be able to adapt to technological changes.

The committee has responses from three companies – Axiom Technologies, Sertex Broadband Solutions and Spectrum Community Solutions – to the request for proposals they issued in late December 2020. Committee members discussed the possibility of getting in touch with other companies.

They see three main issues on which they need more information to come up with a recommended plan that will meet town needs at a reasonable price.

  • They need to compare the three vendors more adequately. So far they have discussed Spectrum’s offer at most length, and have found a major obstacle.
  • They need to get more information on costs and returns and consider how to cover costs.
  • And they need to find out with reasonable accuracy how many China residents would sign up for and pay for better service.

They see the three as so interdependent that they could not decide which to attack first. The quality of service will help determine the number of users; the number of users will be a major determinant of income; income will affect costs and how they are paid; costs will affect the number of users; and so the circle goes.

Another point of agreement was that at future meetings, committee members should focus on a single topic. Committee members Detre and Neil Farrington suggested, in no particular order, discussion with Axiom representatives; discussion with Sertex representatives; plans for a community education program; and funding.

Committee member Jamie Pitney, a lawyer, pointed out the problem with Spectrum’s proposal: the town would be expected to fund it through a bond issue, but Spectrum would continue to own the lines, and in Pitney’s opinion state law does not allow a town to bond something it would not own.

The expected revised proposal from Spectrum had been received, but it offered no solution to the legal issue.

Several committee members, without doubting Pitney’s expertise, proposed getting an opinion from Town Attorney Amanda Meader as a more official statement. Janet Preston, the committee’s ex officio member representing the selectboard, volunteered to ask Town Manager Becky Hapgood if there is money left in the current year’s legal account to reimburse Meader.

Vassalboro selectmen schedule special meeting

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro selectmen have scheduled a special in-person meeting at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 16, in the town office conference room. Because the only agenda item is the annual evaluation of the town manager’s job performance, the meeting will be in executive session.

Vassalboro planners approve fishway construction

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Planning Board members have unanimously approved construction of a fishway at the China Lake Outlet Dam in East Vassalboro.

At the March 2 planning board meeting, Matt Streeter, Alewife Restoration Initiative (ARI) Project Manager for Maine Rivers, explained what will be done at the dam as part of the plan to allow alewives to migrate from the Atlantic Ocean into China Lake, via the Kennebec and Sebasticook rivers and Outlet Stream.

ARI has been removing dams or installing fishways on Outlet Stream for several years, with financial support from the towns of Vassalboro and China. A main assumption is that when alewives leave China Lake in the fall to return to the ocean, they will take with them unwanted phosphorus from the lake water.

Also, Streeter promised, during spring and fall alewife migrations people living near the stream will see “eagles, great blue herons, all kinds of new wildlife” eager to feed on the small fish.

The only remaining obstacle is the Morneau dam between East and North Vassalboro, Streeter said. He is in negotiations with the dam owners.

Maine Rivers Executive Director Landis Hudson said in an email that the Outlet Dam fishway was designed by the engineering firm of Vanasse Hangen Bruslin (VHB), based on the United States Fish and Wildlife Service staff’s concept. Streeter showed planning board members detailed plans.

The concrete fishway will be along the east side of the stream. A small new gate on the west end of the dam will “cushion the path downstream for the alewives” in the fall, Streeter said.

The plan includes protection of an area where the state Historic Preservation Commission is concerned about buried Native artifacts, erosion and sedimentation control measures and revegetation over two years with native plants and shrubs.

ARI has its permit from the Army Corps of Engineers, which is involved because a very small portion of the work will be below the high-water line. Streeter said the Maine Department of Environmental Protection does not require a Natural Resources Protection Act permit.

The plan does not include a viewing area where people can watch alewives, nor a harvesting area, Streeter said. Town officials preferred encouraging people to watch the fish in North Vassalboro. Harvesting is best done as far downstream as possible, where the fish are most numerous, because some die during the swim upstream.

The town supposedly owns the streamside land that would be affected by the fishway. Streeter said lots were first defined in the 1700s, and titles are clear until the early 1950s, when the American Woolen Company and subsidiaries gave many lots to the town without listing them individually.

Consequently, he found some pieces of land are recorded as belonging to private owners. The town attorney advised not spending money to clear the titles unless someone challenges town ownership, he said.

Planning board members decided not to make land ownership an issue and approved the permit without conditions.

In other business, Codes Officer Paul Mitnik talked briefly about pending issues with abandoned buildings and reminded board members that the April 6 meeting will be the last before he retires, for the third time.

He will continue to serve as alternate codes officer if needed, he said, but “My plan is to just have a lot of fun.”

Board members approved.

VASSALBORO: Town begins receiving solar power from ReVision Energy

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by Mary Grow

At an in-person March 4 meeting, Vassalboro selectmen made minor decisions before turning the Vassalboro Community School gymnasium over to the budget committee and introducing the draft 2021-22 budget.

The selectmen’s part of the meeting included continued planning for this year’s sestercentennial (250th) anniversary of the creation of the Town of Vassalboro on April 26, 1771; Town Manager Mary Sabins’ report on tax-acquired properties (she and selectmen welcome prior owners’ efforts to reclaim them by paying all taxes and fees); and the usual payment of town bills.

John Melrose, chairman of the selectboard, announced that the town started receiving power in February from the ReVision Energy solar installation in Skowhegan to which Vassalboro and other municipalities had contributed. The town’s electric bill went down dramatically.

Vassalboro is in a 20-year contract to buy power from ReVision. In February, solar power provided about 85 percent of Vassalboro’s electricity supply, Melrose said.

Neither he nor Sabins guarantees the decrease will continue to be as great as in the first month, but so far they are pleased with the investment.

Melrose had prepared a slide presentation introducing the proposed 2021-22 budget for the budget committee, with an aerial view of the solar farm on the cover. Among highlights:

  • Excise taxes provided the largest share of Vassalboro’s current-year (2020-21) revenues, at 34 percent. Property taxes were second at 22 percent.
  • From 2015 through 2019, Vassalboro’s local tax rate was lower than the average for Kennebec County and the average for the State of Maine.
  • Money from property taxes was allocated as follows in the current year: 80 percent to education, 12 percent to municipal government and eight percent to the Kennebec County tax.
  • Within the municipal budget, public works got the largest share, 22 percent. Administration was second at 20 percent; paving and road maintenance claimed 18 percent; and solid waste disposal required 14 percent.
  • Looking at the municipal budget in terms of total wages or salaries and benefits for all departments, Melrose found personnel costs were 31 percent of the municipal total. In his summary, he pointed out that the “Payroll/benefit package is market sensitive,” a point Road Commissioner and Public Works Director Eugene Field has made repeatedly as he advocates for locally competitive wages for his department employees.

The budget committee’s first action was to re-elect Rick Denico as chairman. Committee members then briefly discussed parts of the proposed 2021-22 budget with Sabins and selectmen.

Half-way through the discussion, Selectman Robert Browne commented cheerfully that it looked as though the tax rate might go down.

However, budget committee members do not know what school board members plan to request. They are scheduled to meet with the school board at 7 p.m. (the school board meeting will begin at 6 p.m.) Tuesday evening, March 23, at Vassalboro Community School.

The next budget committee meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11, again in person in the school gymnasium. Members decided the main topic will be development of questions to ask selectmen, with answers expected when the two boards meet Thursday, March 18, selectmen at 6 p.m. and the budget committee at 7 p.m.

Mia Dawbin Pine Tree Council’s first female Eagle Scout

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Mia Dawbin, of Sidney Boys Scout Troop #1776, became the first female Eagle Scout in Maine. (contributed photo)

Member of Sidney’s Boy Scout Troop #1776

by Chuck Mahaleris

Mia Dawbin, of Troop #1776, in Sidney, is the first female Eagle Scout from the Pine Tree Council which covers half of the state of Maine.

Dawbin, daughter of Karinna and George “Butch” Dawbin, of West Gardiner, had her Eagle Scout Board of Review on February 8 where she met with Scouting volunteers who reviewed her Scouting career including her leadership positions within the troop, merit badges earned, challenges along the way and her Eagle Scout Service Project during which she found a need, led a team of volunteers and performed 265 hours while putting together care packages for those staying in local shelters. Her Eagle Scout application has since been approved both locally and nationally and she is part of the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts.

“Mia is a trailblazer, role model, and mentor to the girls in our troop,” Scoutmaster of Troop #1776 Danielle Hileman said. “She has shown in her daily life and community involvement what it truly means to be an Eagle Scout. We are so proud of her and her accomplishments.”

Mia spoke about her Eagle Scout project: “Each volunteer was wearing a mask and gloves to help make sure there was no risk of spreading Covid-19. Buying shampoo, conditioner, and sanitizer by the gallon was far less expensive than buying individual bottles, so I had lots of help from volunteers to divide them into four-ounce bottles. Menstrual products are among the most expensive hygiene products, so each bag for teen girls/adult women included a month or more supply of pads and/or tampons.”

“We may take a warm place to stay and toys/other fun items for granted, but not every child gets that kind of experience. Due to some really generous contributions from community members, we were able to include toys, games, puzzles, play dough, teddy bears, hats, and gloves in every child’s care package,” Dawbin said. “Each of the adult/teen masks were handmade and donated. We put a total of 370 reusable masks into 200 care packages, meaning everyone was able to receive one – two masks. The color coded bags were then sorted into deliveries for eight separate shelters based on the number of people/demographics of each. I wanted to help support the shelters since I know that the CDC guidelines make things difficult for them. So I decided to put together care packages that included reusable masks, hand sanitizer, hygiene products for one month, and a couple of other necessities to each person currently staying at each of eight area shelters including three teen shelters and two domestic violence shelters.” Her project included fundraising, public awareness, collecting items and then distributing the bags to shelters and was completed last Fall during the pandemic.

Mia’s life ambitions include attending college to study psychology, education and wilderness therapy. “As a career I am most interested in becoming a child/school psychologist or working in the wilderness therapy field.”

“For the past few years I’ve really enjoyed working in the Nechemis Program (new Scouts) at Camp Bomazeen, which I intend to continue in the near future. I’ve also liked being a part of National Youth Leadership Training staff for the 2019 course which was held at Camp Bomazeen.” At Maine Connections Academy, she has served as President of the National Honor Society.

Her mom, Karinna Dawbin, said, “I am so excited for the first female Eagle Scout in K-Valley, and as far as I know, the first one in Maine! This girl works so hard to do her best in everything she does. She’s been handed so many obstacles, but she doesn’t let anything stop her from achieving her dreams.”

Luanne Chesley, Advancement Chairman for Kennebec Valley District, organized Mia’s Board of Review. “Becoming an Eagle Scout is the highest honor in Scouting and it’s not just given to you. Mia never looked at challenges while working on her achievement as obstacles. She kept following her dream to be a part of her family’s long line of Eagle Scouts and everything it stands for. Mia is a true role model for others to look up to and admire. Mia is now a marked woman. An Eagle Scout.”

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Why Some ‘Super Ager’ Folks Keep Minds Dementia-Free

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by Amy Norton
HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, Feb. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Researchers may have uncovered a key reason some people remain sharp as a tack into their 80s and 90s: Their brains resist the buildup of certain proteins that mark Alzheimer’s disease.

The study focused on what scientists have dubbed “super agers” — a select group of older folks who have the memory performance of people decades younger.

Compared with older people who had average brain power, super agers showed far less evidence of “tau tangles” in their brains, the researchers found.

Tau is a protein that, in healthy brain cells, helps stabilize the internal structure. But abnormal versions of tau — ones that cling to other tau proteins — can develop as well.

In people with Alzheimer’s, the brain is marked by a large accumulation of those tau tangles, as well as “plaques,” which are clumps of another protein called amyloid.

For years, amyloid plaques have gotten most of the attention as a potential target for Alzheimer’s treatment, said researcher Tamar Gefen, who led the new study.

But a body of evidence tells a different story: It’s the buildup of tau — not amyloid — that correlates with a decline in memory and thinking skills, said Gefen, an assistant professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago.

These latest findings on super agers, she said, are in line with that research.

It’s not clear how many super agers are out there. One reason is that there’s no single definition of the term, said Claire Sexton, director of scientific programs and initiatives at the Alzheimer’s Association.

This study involved people aged 80 and older. But other research, Sexton said, has narrowed the focus to unusually sharp 90-somethings, or even centenarians.

The million-dollar question is: What does it take to be a member of this elite group?

It’s likely super agers have genetics to thank, in part, according to Sexton.

But in all probability, she said, it’s a mix of good genes, lifestyle factors and exposures over a lifetime, from physical activity, to social engagement, to mentally stimulating experiences.

In fact, previous research at Northwestern has shown those are common habits of super agers.

Gefen and her colleagues have also found brain differences between super agers and their peers with typical brain power: For example, super agers have more tissue volume in a brain region involved in processes like motivation and decision-making. Super agers also show a greater density of cells called Von Economo neurons, which are linked to social intelligence.

For the current study, Gefen’s team analyzed brain tissue from seven super agers — all women — who had died in their 80s or 90s. The results were compared with brain studies from six elderly adults who’d had normal thinking skills before their deaths.

The super agers had all taken standard memory tests, and scored at or above the norm for people 20 to 30 years younger.

The researchers found that both super agers and their peers harbored similar amounts of amyloid plaque in the brain.

They differed, however, when it came to tangles: People with average memory and thinking skills had three times the amount of tau tangles in a memory-related brain region called the entorhinal cortex.

Sexton agreed the findings align with other evidence on the importance of tau.

“It’s been understood for a while that tau tracks better with cognitive performance than amyloid does,” she said.

These findings, Sexton said, suggest a role for tau in the “secrets” to super-aging.

That does not mean plaques are unimportant, however. Abnormal amyloid and tau may interact with each other, and with other factors, to fuel Alzheimer’s brain changes, Sexton said.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it’s thought that as amyloid increases in the brain, it hits a tipping point that triggers abnormal tau to spread throughout the brain. And that’s when memory and thinking skills head downhill.

Gefen agreed that it’s probably a complex mix of factors — nature and nurture — that allows super agers to resist typical age-related declines in brain power.

It’s unlikely to be a magic something that can be turned into a pill, she said.

More broadly, Gefen said far more work is needed to understand tau tangles, including why they zero in on memory cells.
Suggested

That’s not to say tau has been completely ignored: Tau-targeting therapies for Alzheimer’s are under development, Sexton said.

For now, it seems clear that few people will become super agers. But, Sexton said, there are ways for everyone to support their brain health, including controlling heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes, getting regular exercise, eating healthfully and staying mentally and socially engaged.

The findings were published Feb. 17 in the journal Cerebral Cortex.

More information

The U.S. National Institute on Aging has more on super agers.

SOURCES: Tamar Gefen, PhD, assistant professor, psychiatry and behavioral sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago; Claire Sexton, DPhil, director, scientific programs and initiatives, Alzheimer’s Association, Chicago; Cerebral Cortex, Feb. 17, 2021, online