2021 District 5 champions

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Messalonskee U-10 All-Stars defeat Skowhegan Riverrats, 16-10, for the District 5 championship
Advance to state tournament

Members ofthe Messalonskee 10U All-Star team, in Oakland, include, front row, from left to right, Brandon Frowery and Scout Engleright. Middle row, Anthony Parisi, Owen Laplant, Bennett Pottle, Kolby Pelletier and Hunter Poulin. Back row, Kolby Bernier, Preston Ponitz, Kyle Cummings, Caven Gooding and Chase Dempsey. (contributed photo)

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Do moose and deer ever get their antlers caught in trees

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Last week, I received an email from a colleague, and follower of this column, asking the question, “Why don’t deer and moose get their antlers caught in trees?” Well, it isn’t uncommon to find deer with their antlers caught in trees. But it usually occurs following adverse conditions, especially from flooding or being frightened into a desperate retreat.

Well, actually, that was a question I always wondered myself. I always thought that maybe their antlers were like whiskers on a cat, using them as feelers to determine whether they can pass through an opening.

It turns out I probably wasn’t far off with my assessment.

I turned to my contacts at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for an answer. According to the state moose biologist Lee Kantar, “As the moose antlers grow, the moose ‘develop’ a sense of their width.” I can only deduce that the same holds true for deer.

Following the fall rut, male deer and moose will shed their antlers. In spring or early summer, March or April, the new antlers begin to form, growing out from a pedicel bone, a bony stalk situated on the frontal bone of the skull. The antlers begin to grow at a rapid pace. During growth, they are covered with a skin, called the velvet, a living tissue, which contains many blood vessels for the nourishment of the growing bone tissue.

“During antler growth,” said Kantar, “the antlers are highly vascularized and the moose can feel where those antlers are, touching other surfaces during the growth phase.”

When the antlers have reached the size and shape characteristic for the particular species, the blood circulation in the velvet is stopped, the velvet dies, and the buck or bull then rubs off the dead skin against branches,

In the case of moose, “During antler growth this velvet layer of hair that covers the antlers are the ‘feelers’ for the antlers,” the biologist continued.

“At the end of August into September the antlers essentially harden into bone and the velvet is rubbed and sloughed off as the bull thrashes and rubs against vegetation. By this time, the bull has essentially ‘learned’ the dimensions of his new antlers for his travels.”

Deer and moose have played a very important role in the history of our country, especially deer. The American Indians and European settlers depended on deer for food clothing, implements, ornaments, ceremonial items, tools and weapons. The hides provided shelter and protection from the weather.

Did you know the term “bucks” when referring to money comes from the American Indians. Deerskins were considered valuable for clothing and the skins were called “bucks.” They were traded for various other articles.

The Netsilik Inuit people made bows and arrows using antlers, reinforced with strands of animal tendons braided to form a cable-backed bow. Several American Indian tribes also used antlers to make bows, gluing tendons to the bow instead of tying them as cables. An antler bow, made in the early 19th century, is on display at Brooklyn Museum. Its manufacture is attributed to the Yankton Sioux.

Throughout history large deer antlers from a suitable species, like the red deer, were often cut down to its shaft and its lowest tine and used as a one-pointed pickax.

Antler headdresses were worn by shamans and other spiritual figures in various cultures, and for dances. Antlers are still worn in traditional dances.

Gathering shed antlers or “sheds” attracts dedicated practitioners who refer to it colloquially as shed hunting, or bone picking. In the United States, the middle of December to the middle of February is considered shed hunting season, when deer, elk, and moose begin to shed.

In the United States in 2017 sheds fetched around $10 per pound, with larger specimens in good condition attracting higher prices. The most desirable antlers have been found soon after being shed. The value is reduced if they have been damaged by weathering or being gnawed by small animals. A matched pair from the same animal is a very desirable find but often antlers are shed separately and may be separated by several miles. Some enthusiasts for shed hunting use trained dogs to assist them. Most hunters will follow ‘game trails’ (trails where deer frequently run) to find these sheds or they will build a shed trap to collect the loose antlers in the late winter/early spring.

Lewis and Clark might never have been able to finish their journey from St. Louis to Oregon if the hunters they took with them had not furnished them with deer meat along the way. For the four months they wintered in Oregon, they had little to eat other than deer meat.

Have you ever seen a set of deformed moose antlers on a mount, and wondered why? Well, if a bull moose is castrated, either by accident or chemical means, he will quickly shed his current set of antlers and then immediately begin to grow a new set of misshapen and deformed antlers that he will wear the rest of his life without ever shedding again.

I know I wandered off the initial subject, but I found all this information fascinating. I hope you did, too.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Name the last NFL team to win back-to-back Super Bowls.

Answer can be found here.

SOLON & BEYOND: News from various groups and organizations

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

Seems as though all I do lately is apologize about something . Have received some recent news and didn’t get it in in time because of my computer acting up again ­ – and thanks to Peter, he has solved the problem once again, and I thank him from the bottom of my heart.

The following one was sent to me by Susan Lahti; Here is the information for the East Madison Historical Association Yard and Bake Sale, at 1108 East Madison Rd., Madison, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., each day. We love seeing folks from the area checking us out! It sounds like a great sale and this is some of the items that will be for sale: Furniture, books, pies, bread, baked goods, jams, jellies, tools, glassware, clothes, small appliances, toys, games, HP printer and cartridge – like new, and much more.

Received the following bit of news from Mary Ann Frear. Just wanted to let you know the Community United Church, in North Anson, will not be holding their usual community suppers this summer. However, we are planning a chicken barbecue later.

Always enjoy your articles in The Town Line! Keep up the good work. Sincerely, Mary Frear. ( My heart felt thanks go out to you Mary, for all that information, and your remarks about enjoying this column; That means a lot. )

The following letter was sent to me by Linda Rogers French:

Dear Alumni And friends,

We have decided to wait one more year before having the reunion. With only half of the people vaccinated it seems the safe thing to do. Also the school is not open to the public yet and we don’t know when it will be. We will still be giving out the scholarships because of the generous donations of the alumni. If anyone wants addresses to get in contact with their classmates and meet in smaller groups I can provide those. You would have to provide your own meeting place and agenda.

Deaths reported were Berl Grover, class of 1960 – 1/20/20, Ronald “Bunny” Giguere, class of 1962 – 7/10/20, Lewis Cahill, class of 1961 – 8//27/20, Albert Starbird, class of 1941 – 1/2/21, Alice Davis Heald, class of 1940 – 1/6/21, Terry Cahill, class of 1966 – 2/25/21/, DouglasHayden, class of 1958 – 3/28/21, Betty Lou Tolman Smith, class of 1956 – 4/13/21. Also Kevin Marcel Morin – 7/13/20, Michael Giguere – 1/25/21, and Viola Tolman Hayden – 3/17/22.

Donations to the Scholarship Fund would be greatly appreciated and can be sent to our treasurer: Jo Rancourt Holden, 66 Parkman Hill Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976. We received over $1,000 in donation last year. Thank you all. Please make checks payable to Solon Alumni Assn. Thank you all and we will see you next year. God bless.

Sincerely, Linda Rogers French, Sec.

There is some Solon School news that I didn’t have space for last week….New Garden At Solon Elementary School: We hope you have noticed the new raised beds garden on the front lawn of the school. These beds were built by Mrs. Campbell’s husband so we could install a garden dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Pat Miller, who passed away in February. Mrs. Miller taught at Solon Elementary School for 38 years until 2008, and continued to substitute and volunteer at our school until this fall when she took ill.

Besides Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, we also want to thank Don Mayo for helping to build the beds and Kathy Tingley for donating flowers for the garden. And we couldn’t have a garden that is growing well and looking beautiful without the green thumb and tender care of our custodian Dan Haes.

On June 2, Solon Elementary School held its annual Field Day for the Pre-K – fifth grade students. The weather was perfect, and we had a great time! Each class of students rotated between stations to play games and do activities such as tie-dying, sack races, beach ball spoon race, chalk drawing, corn hole, wheelbarrow races, water musical chairs, and red light/green light. Our cook Cindy Lawrence prepared a barbecue lunch for us with help from Mrs. Hines and Chad Hebert. Students were able to sit outside on the grass to enjoy lunch. We thank Ms. Rich and Mrs McFadyen for their work planning and organizing Field Day for us.

And now for Percy’s memoir about Friendships : Great minds think alike; There’s no doctor like a true friend. Perfect friends who were once perfect strangers. Friendship – the older it grows, the stronger it is. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Friend: those who’ve heard the worst about us, yet refuse to believe it. I’d give you the shirt off my back! Even the best of friends must part. Forever a friend without an end.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, June 24, 2021

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MARGARET M. WOODBURY

WATERVILLE – Margaret M. (Lagasse) Libby Woodbury, 86, passed away Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Glenridge Comfort Care Center, in Augusta. She was born March 11, 1935, in Waterville, the daughter of Joseph and Eleanor (Vigue) Lagasse.

She attended schools in Waterville and graduated from Waterville High School. She was employed for many years as a secretary for Caswell’s Liquidation, in Waterville, and for the Boys and Girls Club, also in Waterville, after retirement. Margaret enjoyed taking trips to Canada, dancing with friends, going to concerts for various French Country and Western singers and bands and spending time with loved ones. She was a life-time member of Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville.

Margaret is survived by five sons, John Libby and wife Jeanine, of Winslow, James Libby, Daniel Libby, and David Libby, all of Waterville, Anthony Libby, of Tampa, Florida; grandchildren, Adam Libby, Daniel Libby, Rebecca, Tiffany, and Alan; countless nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a daughter who died shortly after birth.

There will be no funeral service.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Margaret’s memory to Boys and Girls Club, Alfond Youth & Community Center, 126 North St., Waterville, ME 04901.

NANCY L. DECCA

WATERVILLE – Nancy L. (Kendzierski), 72, passed away on Wednes­day, May 12, 2021. She was born on September 21, 1948, in Putnam, Connecticut, to Michael A. Kendzierski and Alda E. (Morin) Kendzierski.

She was raised in Danielson, Connecticut, where she attended Killingly Memorial School and was raised alongside her two brothers, David and Michael and two sisters, Arlene and Sally.

Nancy was predeceased by her ex-husband James F. Easler Sr., of Waterville; husband Richard P. Decca Sr., of Waterville; son James F. Easler Jr., of Waterville,; daughter Carolyn M. (Easler) Standring, of Waterville; grandson Michael A. Gentile, MM3 (SS), of Fairfield; and great-granddaughter Kya M. Standring, of Waterville.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Rose M. (Easler) Varney, of Waterville; sons Chad E. Decker Sr., of Waterville, and partner Krystal Brown, of Berlin, New Hampshire, and Eric P. Decker and partner Shelley Williams-Decker, of Waterville; grandchildren Mathew Danforth and partner Danielle Rosen, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kacee Standring, of Waterville, Randy Ruest II, of Warren, Kevin Easler, of Waterville, Jeremy Gentile and partner Brawn Palizzolo, of Waco, Texas, Kelley Easler, of Waterville, Anthony Curtis, of Waterville, Chad Decker Jr., of Waterville; as well as several great-grandchildren.

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

Arrangements under the direction and care of her son Chad E. Decker Sr, 12 Autumn St, Waterville, ME 04901

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Nancy’s memory to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

GEORGE M. STONE

ALBION – George M. Stone, 65, passed away peacefully at his home in Albion on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. He was born November 5, 1955, in Lewiston, the son of George and Virginia Stone.

George was a graduate of Hebron Academy. He worked for L.L. Bean and Johnny Selected Seeds.

He was devoted to the love of his life, his wife of 38-1/2 years, his children, grandchildren and his mom. Terri and he were making so many plans for retirement years. He loved visiting family, gardening and raising his chickens but most of all and loved by all was his cooking and baking.

He is predeceased by his father and his brother, Robert Stone.

He is survived by his wife, Terri-Ann Stone; his mother, Virginia Stone and his brother, Gregory Stone, and his wife Lise Stone; his son, Christopher Stone, his wife Heather Stone; and children, Anthony and Autumn; his daughter, Jamie Stone and children Brandon, Kimberlee and Greyson; and several nieces and nephews and one great-niece.

There was a graveside service held at Puddledock Cemetery, in Albion, on Wednesday, June 16.

MARIE M. WILLIAMS

WINSLOW – Marie M. Williams, 74, passed away on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at the Wood­lawn Nursing Facility and Rehabilitation Center, in Skowhegan. She was born on February 16, 1947, the eldest of seven children of Fernand and Annette Martin in Van Buren.

She was a 1965 graduate of Presque Isle High School, and earned her R.N. degree in 1968 from St. Mary’s General Hospital School of Nursing, in Lewiston. She began her nursing career at the Aroostook Medical Center, in Presque Isle, and subsequently worked for Dr. Gerald Donahu,e in Presque Isle, and Drs. Michael Kellum and Norman Seder, in Caribou.

In 1968 she married her high school sweetheart Thomas Williams. From that union was born one son, Gregg Martin Jorgenson.

In 1988 Marie suffered two cerebral hemorrhages, which changed her life forever. But she met the many challenges head-on. She never complained about what life had dealt her. She had no time to feel sorry for herself; she was always in good spirits.

In 2002 she relocated to Winslow to be closer to family. She was a devout Roman Catholic and was a faithful communicant at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Winslow, until she moved into Woodlawn last year. She was an active member of EmPower and attended the Brain Injury Support Group.

Marie was predeceased by her parents, one sister Isabelle O’Brien, and her only brother, Arthur Martin.

She is survived by her son Gregg Martin Jorgenson (Brian), of Denmark; her sisters Anne Bochniewicz (Frank), of West Hartford, Connecticut, Rolande Phillips (Keith), of Yorktown, Virginia, Gabrielle Martin (Norman Breton), of Augusta, Michelle Sprague (Jack), of Biddeford; numerous nieces and nephews.

Per Marie’s request, there will be no funeral or visiting hours. There will be a graveside service at St. Mary’s Cemetery, in Presque Isle, on August 3, 2021.

Condolences may be posted at http://www.duncan-graves.com .

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Services in Skowhegan, and Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, in Presque Isle.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Corpus Christi Parish, 17 South Garand St., Winslow, ME 04901.

PATRICIA J. FURBUSH

WILLOWBROOK Illinois – Patricia “Patty” Joy (Gullifer) Furbush, 75, of Willowbrook, Illinois, passed away on Thursday June 10, 2021. She was born in Waterville on June 4, 1946, to Phil and Patricia Gullifer.

Patty was a skillful and hardworking business woman who enjoyed a long career in the automotive industry.

She married R. Norman Furbush, of Waterville, in 1975. Throughout their 39 years of marriage, they enjoyed working together, gardening, cooking, dining out, the companionship of very special felines, and spending time with family.

Patty was an avid reader. Since Norman’s passing in 2014 she was blessed by the company of her children and grandchildren, especially that of Ethan, Emma and Justin.

Patty was predeceased by her parents, her brother Phil “Jime” Gullifer, her husband, her niece Autumn Gullifer, of Gardiner, her daughter Jaye Furbush, of Oakland, and her grandson Seth Gosselin, of Auburn.

She is survived by her daughter Brandy Glashin and husband Garrett; son Andre Furbush and wife Kathy; daughters Ann Farrington and husband Mark, and Alyssa Tarr and husband Jason; nephew James Gullifer; stepbrother Gene; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.

In remembrance of Patty, please consider a donation to the American Kidney Fund or your local animal welfare society.

PHILIP BUSQUE

WINSLOW – Philip “Jimmy” Busque, 70, passed away suddenly at his home on Friday, June 11, 2021. He was born in Augusta to Forest and Lorraine Busque on February 8, 1951.

He married his wife, Barbara, on February 27, 1971. They were married for 50 years. Together, they raised three children, Kevin, Keith, and Kelly.

Jimmy loved big Sunday dinners, eating his wife’s home-cooked dishes around the kitchen table with his family. He was an avid New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan, and he enjoyed going camping and hunting with his brother and friends in Northern Maine. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge, the VFW, and the American Legion.

Jimmy is survived by his mother, Lorraine Busque; wife, Barbara Busque; three children, Kevin Ballard, Keith Ballard, and Kelly Turner; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; brother, Steve Busque; sisters, Collette Woodcock and Patricia Busque.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Michael Busque and Richard Busque.

At his request, no service will be held.

You are invited to offer your condolences and share fond memories with the family by visiting “Jimmy’s” guestbook at http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

A service of Veilleux & Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, Maine 04901. (207)872-7676.

Donations may be sent to the Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pethaven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330.

CHELSEA A. MERITHEW

WATERVILLE/SEARSPORT – Chelsea Ann Merithew, 27, following her courageous battle against Leukemia, passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at a Portland Hospital. She was born in Portland, the daughter of Theresa A. (Haupt) and Patrick B. Merithew.

Chelsea was an energetic, independent, and creative person who loved spending time with family and friends. In her downtime, she was an avid reader and enjoyed watching all genres of movies especially horror, as was evident by her favorite holiday Halloween. She had an eclectic taste in music with a preference for ‘80s big hair bands. Chelsea loved caring for others, this led her to a fulfilling career in mental health care. Her caring spirit was not limited to humans, she also loved and cared for animals; throughout her life she often brought home rescues and strays.

Chelsea is survived by her mother and father; fiancé Justin Sularie; many relatives and friends.

A graveside service was held on June 22, 2021, at Merithew Cemetery, in Searsport.

In place of flowers, the family asks that you bring plants to grow Chelsea’s Memorial Garden.

A celebration of life will be held on July 24, 2021, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Moose Point State Park, in Searsport.

Arrangements are under the care of Young Funeral Home Searsport. (mitchelltweedie-young.com).

CURTIS A. SMITH JR.

SIDNEY – Curtis A. “Skip” Smith, Jr., 67, of Pond Road, passed away on Sunday, June 13, 2021. He was born on July 24, 1953, in Augusta, to Curtis A. Smith, Sr. and Betty (Freeman) Smith.

Skip attended school in Sidney and graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, in 1972. In August 1974, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Mary, and soon began a family of their own.

He worked at Frank X. Pomerleau, Inc., in Augusta, in appliance repair during the early years of his marriage but it was his desire for auto body repair that resulted in a career change. In the late 1980s, he then became the owner and operator of West Sidney Auto Body, doing what he loved the most. In 2010, he also decided to follow in his late father’s footsteps and take on a side job driving school bus for RSU #18 where he was able to bring joy, laughter, and lifelong memories to the kids he drove to and from school.

Skip was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend and a firm believer in God. For most of his Christian life he worshiped at West Sidney Baptist Church but in recent years has been in faithful attendance with his family at Church Hill Baptist Church, in Augusta.

He and his family spent a lifetime of weekends and vacations at the camp on Moxie Lake where he loved to fish, dune buggy, ATV ride, and snowmobile. He also raced snowmobiles during the oval ice track days from the ‘70s to the mid ‘90s when he then decided it was time to hang up the race helmet, but never gave up his passion for snowmobiling for fun with his family by his side. He also loved to build and fly R/C planes where he would always draw an audience.

Skip was predeceased by his father, his uncle Henry N. Smith and aunt Mary L. Smith, all of Sidney.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary A. (Michaud) Smith, of Sidney; their four children and seven grandchildren, Laurie Elsemore and her husband Kerry, of Windsor, and their children Cody and his wife Grace and Jacob; Carrie Smith, of Waterville, and her children Simon and Ava; Jamie Higgins and her husband Kevin, of Sidney, and their children Jasmine and Shawn; Jeremy Smith and his wife Jaimie, of Vassalboro, and their son Isaiah; his mother, Betty, of Sidney; seven siblings, Linda Smith, Carol Smith, Barbara Tobey, Donald Smith and his wife Doreen, Ronald Smith and his wife Julie, Andrew Smith and his wife Lisa, Dixon Smith and his wife Laurie, sister-in-law Brenda Cadwallader and her husband Mike of West Gardiner; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at, 1 p.m., on Friday June 25, 2021, at Church Hill Baptist Church, 258 Church Hill Rd., in Augusta.

Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Belgrade.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

SHARON R. SHAW

UNITY – Sharon R. (Chase) Shaw, 72, passed away on Sunday evening at her home, June 13, 2021. She is the wife of Dale R. Shaw, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage.

Sharon was born October 16, 1948, in Bangor. She is the daughter of the late Raymond Chase and Marie (Washburn) “Lou” McGregor.

She grew up in Troy until her family moved to Unity where the family had a dairy farm. She graduated from Mt. View High School, in Thorndike, class of 1966, where she met Dale. She went on to further her education and received her associates degree from Bliss College in 1968

Sharon retired in 2008 due to health reasons. She was on dialysis for the last six years. Sharon remained at home throughout her illness which would not have been possible without the care from her husband Dale. Sharon never complained about any of her health issues.

Sharon began her career in banking at the Federal Trust Bank, in Unity. She remained employed at Northeast Bank, in Lewiston, until her retirement in April 2008 after 37 years in banking.

Sharon loved to spend time with her family especially with her children and grandchildren. She and Dale took many trips to Prince Edward Island, Canada, and enjoyed many lobster dinners surrounded by her family. She also enjoyed taking rides with Dale on the motorcycle and playing cards. Sharon loved the Christmas holiday from decorating, shopping and cooking for her family.

In addition to her husband Dale, Sharon is survived by her two sons Scott R. Shaw, of Unity, and Travis B. Shaw, of Winslow; her brother Richard Chase and his wife Joyce, of Unity, her sister Rosealee Loader and husband Robert, of Virginia, sister Dorothy McArthur, of Wales; her three grandchildren Brook L. Shaw, Kodi S. Shaw and Vanessa Sparrow; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Sharon was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Tammy Shaw; her brothers Roland and David Chase.

Sharon’s graveside service took place at Pond Cemetery, Kanokolus Road, Unity, on Monday, June 21, 2021.
Arrange­ments are in the care of the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, where condolences to the family may be shared on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sharon’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Assn., 45 Forest Ave., Portland, ME 04101 or United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 146, Unity, ME 04988, c/o Sandra Fernald.

DANIEL R. MILLS

WATERVILLE – Daniel R. Mills, 80, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021, in Maine Medical Center, Portland, following a lengthy illness. Danny was born July 1, 1940, in Lewiston, the son of the late Frank E. and Pauline A. (Yates) Mills.

He is the husband of Patricia A. (O’Brien) “Pat” Mills. He resided in Waterville for most of his life and grew up in Oxford.

Danny worked for the Waterville Public Works as a labor foreman and previously drove truck for 40 years, retiring in September 2002. Better known at work as “Danny Mills” he took great pride in working for the city of Waterville. After retiring Danny worked with his son-in-law at Stevens Dairy Farm, in China. He also cut wood and tore down buildings.

Danny treasured the time he spent with his family – he especially enjoyed when he would have all of his family at the camp on China Lake.

He will always be remembered as a very selfless man with a big heart and took great pride in sliding his grandchildren a few bucks when he was with them. He will also be remembered by all the neighborhood kids as the “Candy Man”. He enjoyed hunting, collecting guns, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the former Pete and Larry’s, in Waterville, with the love of his life, Pat, on her birthday. He also liked reminiscing about his childhood.

In addition to his wife Pat, Danny is survived by his three daughters, Rose Spaulding and her husband Dennis, of Vassalboro, Donna Mills-Stevens and her husband Elwood, of China, Susan Huff and her husband Stewart, of Burnham; his brother Bernie Mills and Mary Shelia, of South Carolina; his grandchildren Sarah Mills and her fiancé Justin Walker, Elizabeth Irving and her husband Ben, Michael York and his fiancée Erica French, and Alex Huff; his great-grandchildren Emma, Gavin, Michelle, and Arleigh; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Danny was predeceased by his brothers Frank, Edgar and Russell Mills and his sisters Betty Damon and Eileen Pratt.

His graveside service will be in the Falls Cemetery Clinton Ave Benton on Friday, June 18, 2021, at 1:00 p.m.

Following the service there will be a celebration of Danny’s life at the Best Western, in Waterville. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

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

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

Donations may be made to the Daniel Mills Hunters Safety Scholarship, Skowhegan Savings Bank, 92 Main St., Fairfield, ME 04937.

RUSSELL SMILEY

WATERVILLE – Russell Smiley, 59, unexpectedly passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021. He was born January 11, 1962, in Glens Falls, New York, a son of Robert and Eunice (Bellrose) Bowers.

He enjoyed fixing things, hunting, fishing, artistry, and most of all long conversations. He was a cheerful giver, always helping a friend or stranger in need. There was never a day that went by that he was not making plans to help someone. His gift was talking; he could talk about every subject and his sense of humor would brighten your day.

His granddaughter Natalie held a special place in his heart. She was his Natty and he was her Bampa. His nieces and nephews will always remember him as their “Uncle Bud.” His brother and sisters are grateful to have been blessed with a wonderful brother.

He is survived by his siblings, Robert Bowers, of Middlesex, Vermont, Patricia Gilbert and husband Bruce, of Dexter, Nancy Gray and husband Christopher, of Plymouth; nieces and nephews Vanessa McEwen, Beth McEwen, Christopher Gilbert, Kelsey Bowers, Marcus Bowers, Ryan Bowers; and granddaughter Natalie Smiley.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister Linda Bowers.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 18, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Dexter.

Those who wish may leave written condolences at http://www.CrosbyNeal.com.

ELIZABETH J. KING

FAIRFIELD – Elizabeth “Betty” J. King, 80, of Fairfield, passed away, June 16, 2021, at Glen­ridge Nursing Home, in Augusta. She was born in Fairfield on May 12, 1941, the daughter of the late Warren and Lucille (Gerald) Johnston.

She attended Fairfield schools, graduating from Lawrence High School.

She was married to Thomas E. King for 54 years before he passed away on September 7, 2015. She enjoyed motorcycling with her husband, Thomas, and they traveled across the country, and they also belonged to the Blue Knights and did a lot of traveling with them. Betty enjoyed spending time with her family as well.

Besides her husband, she was predeceased a son Steven King, on November 6, 1993, her brothers, Wayne, Ernest, and Barry Johnston.

Betty is survived by her son, Scott Warren King, of Fairfield; a grandson Scott Thomas King, and three granddaughters Dawn Grimshaw, Michelle Carr, and Vickki Sergent.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 1 p.m., at Maplewood Cemetery, in Fairfield.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s name may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828.

ARNOLD W. GRARD

FAIRFIELD – Arnold Wilson Grard, 85, of Fairfield, died Saturday, March 6, 2021.

He is the husband of Virginia M. (Roundy) Grard with whom he has shared 63 years of marriage.

In addition to his wife Virginia, Arnold is survived by his children, Janet Grard, James Grard; his grandchildren, Brandon Ludden, Evan Grard and Jordan Grard; his great-grandchild, Dillon Ludden; his sisters, Dorothy Trahan, Lorraine Buker, and Linda Rogers; and his brother, Rick Grard.

He was predeceased by his brothers, George Grard Jr., Hervey Grard, and sister Marion Fann.

In honoring with Arnold’s wishes there will be a graveside service in Maplewood Cemetery, in Fairfield, on Saturday June 19, 2021 at 11 a.m. Following the services there will be a celebration of Life at the Grard Family residence.

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

Vassalboro planners to meet July 6

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Planning Board members are scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, at the Vassalboro town office, with a single item on their agenda.

Peter Reny has applied to place a mobile home on the gravel pad that was the site of a former mobile home at 1100 Main Street in North Vassalboro, in the Outlet Stream shoreland zone. Reny received a permit for a new mobile home in August 2017 that has expired, Codes Officer Paul Mitnik said.

China planners to hold special workshop

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by Mary Grow

The China Planning Board will hold a special workshop meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 28, to continue editing the draft Solar Energy Systems Ordinance. The meeting will be in person in the portable building behind the town office, with virtual participation also available.

WINDSOR: Main-ly Paving Services awarded paving contract

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by The Town Line staff

The Windsor Board of Selectmen awarded the 2021-2022 paving contract to Main-ly Paving Services, LLC, of Canaan, who submitted a bid of $328,431.38, which included chip sealing, at their May 25 meeting. In all, six paving bids were submitted. All States Asphalt, Inc., of Windham, came in at $330,066.90 with chip seal and $360,118 without chip sealing. Crooker Construction LLC, of Topsham, submitted a bit of $522,043 with chip seal and Hagar Enterprises, Inc., of Damariscotta, came in at $378,313.40 without chip seal. Northeast Paving Co., of Bangor, came in at $473,620 without chip seal, and Pike Industries, of Fairfield, entered a bid of $463,089 without chip seal. The vote was 3-2, with xxxxxxxx opposed.

Cemetery Sexton Joyce Perry reported a family wanted to have a bench placed instead of a head stone that would cover within their three lots. There was much discussion since the Cemetery Committee and board of selectmen previously had said no to another request of the long-term maintenance that may be needed. Perry said she would research the different bases that coupld possibly reduce some of the maintenance.

New lighting by the Veterans Memorial will be put on hold until the removal of the vault is completed. Provost Monument, of Benton, will be contacted to add three names on the monument that were not included. The Veterans Memorial Fund now stands at $5,108.

Antoinette Turner, of The Fusion, was present to discuss her application for on premises license renewal for serving alcohol. Town Manager Theresa Haskell read that a special amusement permit may be needed to be obtained if they are to continue to have dancing or entertainment at the establishment. Haskell asked again about fixing the grass area by the cemetery fence that was dug up during winter plowing. Turner said she planted grass seeds and would be back to finish fixing the area.

In other business, the board approved, by a 4-0 vote, to complete the 2021 Ratio Declaration nand Reimbursement Application with a 98 percent Declared Ratio for an April 1, 2021 assessment date.

There was discussion on the executive order and the effect on the town office and residents. The board of selectmen agreed the social distancing signs would be removed and masks are at the discretion of the residents. Staff may choose to wear masks. The barriers will stay in place for the time being. The selectmen have decided the upstairs in the town hall is opened and available to reserve, again.

Kennebec County will be receiving money from the American Rescue Plan Act which will be used within the county to benefit all towns and cities and used per the guidelines set by the ARPA. It is not yet known the exact amount at this time. The budget committee will have to meet to decide how and where the money will be spent as it is all related to COVID-19.

VASSALBORO: Board members discuss plans for summer work

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Community School (VCS) Principal Megan Allen told school board members at their June 15 meeting that holding the eighth-grade promotion celebration outdoors at the school felt right.

Officials at the China Baptist Church Conference Center, graduation site for more than a dozen years, have been welcoming and helpful, she said, “but it’s not home.”

This year, due to Covid, the ceremony was on the school grounds, livestreamed because in-person attendance was limited. School Board Chairman Kevin Levasseur said the eight-graders’ promotion was in the VCS gymnasium in 2000; others estimated the move to the Conference Center was around 2015.

After that look backward, board members mostly looked to the future, discussing plans for summer renovation work inside the building and on the grounds. A summer school will run the first two weeks in August.

Board members scheduled an open meeting to discuss spending anticipated extra state and federal money and a strategic plan for education in Vassalboro for 5:45 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 11, at the school. They plan to invite the selectboard and budget committee and make sure interested residents are informed and can participate, virtually as well as in person.

Finance Director Paula Pooler predicted the school’s finances will be “in good shape” at the end of the fiscal year, though with two weeks’ bills still to come she could not give a specific figure.

Board members approved one appointment, Carol Kiesman as Curriculum Coordinator. They accepted three resignations: Donna Bolduc, Title 1 Educational Technician for many years; Victor Esposito, Jobs for Maine Graduates Teacher; and Sarah Page, displaced from kindergarten by covid-induced changes and moving to a kindergarten position elsewhere.

Referring to Esposito as “the legend of JMG for 20 years,” Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer said he “will still be around,” and the program will continue under new leadership.

The post-local-elections meeting began with re-elections of Levasseur as board chairman and Jolene Clark-Gamage as vice-chairman. Board members formally adopted the $8,313,609.72 2021-22 school budget approved at town meeting.

Committee members plan, as usual, not to hold a regular meeting in July. They scheduled their next meeting for Tuesday evening, Aug. 17, and authorized Pfeiffer to issue contracts in the interim, so they will not miss a good employee.

China planners continue work on two draft ordinances

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by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members continued to work on two draft ordinances at their June 15 meeting. The proposed new Solar Energy Systems Ordinance they decided is almost in final form. The proposed additional section of the shoreland ordinance, governing shoreline stabilization projects, is barely started.

Board members reversed an earlier decision to have the Solar Energy Systems Ordinance include its own definitions. Instead, definitions specific to the ordinance will be added to Chapter 11, on definitions, in China’s Land Use Ordinance.

Kevin Corbett and Scott Anderson, of SunRaise Investments, the New Hampshire solar development company with two recent projects in South China, asked planners to reconsider their decision to count solar panels as impervious surfaces for the purpose of calculating lot coverage.

China’s ordinances limit lot coverage, as one part of controlling run-off from developments. The draft ordinance counts solar panels as impervious, but allows adjustments for their tilt.

Corbett and Anderson argued that the rainwater that drips off the lower edge of each panel is not like the sheet of water that runs off a building roof or a paved driveway; run-off from solar panels falls onto the grass below and is absorbed on site.

The state Department of Environmental Protection does not count solar panels as structures, nor do most other Maine towns, Anderson and Corbett said.

Planning board members were not sympathetic, though they agreed to rediscuss the question at their June 22 meeting.

Toni Wall said the vegetation under the panels might take a long time to grow after they were installed. Chairman Randy Downer said counting panels as structures limited the area that could become mostly panels; he has heard many comments about the large solar array off Route 3 east, of August.

Board member James Wilkens said China’s lakes that are vulnerable to run-off and residents’ concern about the appearance of the landscape justify regulations that are more stringent than the state’s.

The proposed shoreline stabilization ordinance will also be on the agenda for the June 22 board meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m., in the portable building behind the town office.

The only non-ordinance issue presented June 15 was a question from Codes Officer Jaime Hanson: do Mike Marchetti and Iris Savernik need planning board review of their proposed changes on Fire Road 19? Planning Board members said yes; the lots are part of a subdivision, and board approval is needed to change a subdivision.

China Broadband Committee discusses ways to distribute fact sheet

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by Mary Grow

China Broadband Committee (CBC) members spent most of their June 17 meeting discussing ways to distribute a flyer publicizing their plans for expanded and improved broadband service in town.

The draft one-page handout introduces the proposal and invites interested residents to sign up for follow-up information via email.

Board members scheduled a public informational meeting for 4 p.m., Sunday, July 11, at a location to be determined. They hope it will be both an in-person and a virtual meeting, to allow everyone interested to participate one way or the other.

Before and after July 11 they plan to make the flyer available everywhere they can think of – as part of the informational mailings from the town office, included with the tax bills, as an insert in The Town Line, distributed at any organization meeting, church or fire department or community event that will accept copies, perhaps handed out at local businesses if allowed.

Committee members’ schedule calls for presenting a proposed referendum question asking selectmen to approve a bond issue to one of the first two August selectboard meetings, which should be Aug. 2 and Aug. 16. If selectmen approve putting the question on the Nov. 2 local ballot, voters will decide whether to borrow funds to build new internet infrastructure.

The amount to be borrowed is not yet known. Committee members applied for a state planning grant to hire Hawkeye Connections, of Poland, Maine, to evaluate existing infrastructure — telephone poles, for example — and determine construction costs.

Marc Ouellette, President of Axiom Technologies, the CBC members’ choice to provide broadband service, expects grant awards will be announced Wednesday morning, June 23. After discussion of members’ conflicting commitments, the next CBC meeting was scheduled for 3 p.m., Wednesday, June 23. It will be virtual, live-streamed.

CBC members applied for a $7,500 state grant, to be matched by $2,500 in local funds. The local funds are expected to come from the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund, which as of the June 8 town meeting includes expanded broadband service as an allowable expenditure.