LETTERS: Juneteenth does not take away from July 4

To the editor:

The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday does not take away any of the significance of the 4th of July. What Juneteenth celebrates is the final end of slavery and the promise that all people are created equal, regardless of skin color.

When the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, and had officially outlawed slavery in the Confederacy, including Texas, enforcement of the Proclamation generally relied upon the advancement of Union troops. At the time, Texas was the most remote state of the former Confederacy and had a low presence of Union troops as the Civil War came to an end. It is not unimaginable that it took two years between the Emancipation Proclamation and General Gordon Granger’s Union Army regiment arrival in Galveston, Texas. He announced the General Order No. 3, which states: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” Information and news took time to reach remote areas, and there was a low literacy rate among the general population of the United States.

The 4th of July celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the American Colonies formally breaking away from Great Britain. Juneteenth acknowledges the end of slavery and freedom for the enslaved. These are two different commemorations of independence in American history.

Jeanne Hanson
South China

SOLON & BEYOND: Four candles burned constantly

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

The following is from an old 1995 column that I wrote in the Somerset Gazette: It starts, Good morning my friends, don’t worry, be happy!

Shouldn’t do this after those words but I’m frustrated. So have to admit that monster (computer ) got the best of me this morning, well it really started last week when I pushed that print button and this column kept coming out and I couldn’t get it to stop until I pulled the plug. On a good day I cringe at the paper the thing wastes, it amazes me how people talk about saving the trees and then in the next breath say how wonderful computers are. Anyway, this morning the “Thing” wouldn’t let me in so I’m typing it! – Peter, I need your HELP! I still get frustrated with this computer, but Peter is still helping me, and I thank him very much.

This week I’m going to put in a letter that was in that 1995 paper, and its title was Four Candles Burned Constantly, by Ethel Bowen. When I look back on World War II, I think of the day when we were all let out of school so we could see our National Guard off to what we thought would be a training session. Little did we know that a few short months later the United States would be in the middle of a war, and they would be participating in it. The Skowhegan High School band escorted the “Guard” to the train station, with us lining Water Street, cheering them on.

This journey for most would end up being a horrible experience, costing some of them their lives, bringing sorrow to their families and the whole town. I can remember Aunt Bernice and Uncle Bill sending their four sons and two sons-in-law off to foreign lands to fight for their country. I lived next door to them. Aunt Beatrice burned four candles continuously, one for each one of her boys. She also had a flag in the window with four stars surrounding it. One son who was wounded three times in Germany, was sent back after recuperating from his injuries twice. The third time he was to have been sent back in a few days, but the war was declared over in the European Theatre, so he was sent home instead.

Another son contracted malaria while in the Pacific and was a long time recovering. One son-in-law lost a finger during a raid in Germany, and the other was injured in the Pacific. Of the two remaining sons, one was in the Signal Corp in the Pacific. I can still picture Aunt Bernice watching for the mail and rushing out to the mailbox hoping that she would get a letter from one of them. When she did she shared them with the rest of the family.

I can tell you, there was delight and celebration in that family when the war was declared over and they returned home. This family was very fortunate. Other families were not. The first time I saw my mother cry was when my brother left home for basic training. He came home on leave, then was sent to Germany He was fortunate as six months after he got there he stayed in the Army of Occupation until he was discharged.

And now for some good advice called The Way to Be a Friend. The way to be a friend is just To strive each day to be A firm believer in the strength Of human dignity.To teach each fellowman the way That you would like to be, With deep respect for each man’s worth And his integrity. The way to be a friend is just To keep a smiling face, To realize that laughter adds A special note of grace. The way to be a friend is just To give and give and give Of help and care and kindly words Each day that you shall live, To shun away each petty doubt And open up the heart, To let in the thoughts of love and trust, Which is how friendships start.

Sorry that this is a rather short one but we have to go to Skowhegan in the morning so Lief can get his LAST SHOT……… and we will probably celebrate big time!

New Dimensions FCU named as one of Forbes’ Best-In-State credit unions in 2021

Ryan Poulin, center, CEO of New Dimensions FCU, prepares to cut the ribbon at a special ceremony commemorating the opening of the credit union’s new Waterville location in 2020. (contributed photo)

New Dimensions FCU has been named as one of Forbes Best-In-State Credit Unions in 2021. Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider has released the awards list on June 24, 2021, located on the Forbes website.

Forbes Best-In-State Credit Unions 2021 bases the top credit unions on the results of surveys involving approximately 25,000 U.S. consumers who rated their relationships with financial institutions with the 2020 pandemic in mind. Participants made recommendations regarding overall satisfaction; they also assessed credit unions in the areas of trust, terms and conditions, branch services, digital services, and financial advice. Based on the results of 5,068 credit unions nationwide, just 3.6 percent made their list—with New Dimensions FCU listed among the Best-In-State.

Ryan G. Poulin, Chief Executive Officer, proudly states, “On behalf of the credit union, I was thrilled to find out that our credit union has achieved this great honor again for a second year. We strive to enhance the financial well-being of our members by providing solutions for anything life throws their way. We strive to provide accurate superior service with empathy and offer the latest digital products in a secure way.”

Three Mile Pond Association president presented with appreciation award

Tom Whittaker (contributed photo)

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

by Scott Pierz
President, China Region Lakes Alliance

As President of the China Region Lakes Alliance (CRLA), it was my privilege to be the keynote speaker at the Three Mile Pond (TMP) Association’s annual meeting held on Saturday, July 10, 2021. The TMP Association is comprised of residents of China, Vassalboro and Windsor, Maine.

An audience of around 55 people attended and information was presented about the programs offered by the CRLA, including its Courtesy Boat Inspection (CBI) program, the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program, as well as the statewide LakeSmart Program.

During the final portion of the meeting a formal presentation was made to the TMP Association President, Thomas Whittaker, for his leadership and commitment to the TMP Association.

Seen in the photo is Tom Whittaker receiving a hand-made woodcut of Three Mile Pond and its watershed created by George Gunning, a master woodcarver who, along with his wife Donna, have been members of the Three Mile Pond Association for over 50 years. Seen in the background is Bob Moore, TMP Vice President.

Congratulations Tom Whittaker and the rest of the TMP Association’s Board of Directors for their great work!

PHOTO: Play ball!

Vincent Bricker, a member of Brownie’s Landscaping Augusta Little League team makes a one-handed catch during a recent game. (photo by Mark Huard, Centrral Maine Photography)

Augusta Little League Brownie’s Landscaping catcher Justin Veilleux receiving a pitch during a recent game. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Why are those trees dripping on me?

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Have you ever noticed during the summer, especially when we head into the more humid days, that trees begin to drip on you? It isn’t sap, just water.

Well, the simple answer is the tree is “sweating.”

Now, for the more scientific explanation.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the process is actually called transpiration, and it is the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as from leaves but also from stems and flowers. Leaf surfaces are dotted with pores, similar to our skin, which are called stomata, and in most plants they are more numerous on the undersides of the foliage. The stomata are bordered by guard cells and their accessory cells that open and close the pore. Transpiration occurs through the stomatal apertures, and can be thought of as a necessary cost associated with the opening of the stomata to allow the diffusion of carbon dioxide gas from the air for photosynthesis. Transpiration also cools plants – again similar to our sweating – changes the pressure of cells, and enables mass flow of mineral nutrients and water from roots to shoots.

Mass flow of liquid water from the roots to the leaves is driven in part by capillary action, but primarily driven by water potential differences. In taller plants and trees, the force of gravity can only be overcome by the decrease in water pressure in the upper parts of the plants due to the diffusion of water out of stomata into the atmosphere. Water is absorbed at the roots by osmosis, and any dissolved mineral nutrients travel with it through the xylem (the woody portion of the plant).

Plant transpiration is pretty much an invisible process, since the water is evaporating from the leaf surfaces, you don’t just go out and see the leaves “sweating.” Just because you can’t see the water doesn’t mean it is not being put into the air, though. During a growing season, a leaf will transpire many times more water than its own weight. An acre of corn gives off about 3,000-4,000 gallons of water each day, and a large oak tree can transpire 40,000 gallons per year.

The rate of transpiration is also influenced by the evaporative demand of the atmosphere surrounding the leaf such as humidity, change in temperature, wind and incident sunlight.

Soil water supply and soil temperature can influence stomatal opening, and thus transpiration rate. The amount of water lost by a plant also depends on its size and the amount of water absorbed at the roots. Transpiration accounts for most of the water loss by a plant, but some direct evaporation also takes place through the cuticle of the leaves and young stems. Transpiration serves to evaporatively cool plants as the escaping water vapor carries away heat energy.

Transpiration rates go up as the temperature goes up, especially during the growing season, when the air is warmer due to stronger sunlight and warmer air masses. Higher temperatures cause the plant cells which control the openings (stoma) where water is released to the atmosphere to open, whereas colder temperatures cause the openings to close.

As the relative humidity of the air surrounding the plant rises the transpiration rate falls. It is easier for water to evaporate into dryer air than into more saturated air.

Increased movement of the air around a plant will result in a higher transpiration rate. This is somewhat related to the relative humidity of the air, in that as water transpires from a leaf, the water saturates the air surrounding the leaf. If there is no wind, the air around the leaf may not move very much, raising the humidity of the air around the leaf. Wind will move the air around, with the result that the more saturated air close to the leaf is replaced by drier air.

When moisture is lacking, plants can begin premature aging, which can result in leaf loss, and transpire less water.

So, if anyone asks you why the trees are dripping, you can go into the long, scientific explanation, or you just simply say, “the tree is sweating,” and watch for the looks you will get.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Who played for both the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Celtics?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, July 15, 2021

Trivia QuestionsWho played for both the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Celtics?

Answer:

Gene Conley. (Celtics 1958-61, and Red Sox 1961-63). Has one World Series ring (Milwaukee Braves 1957) and three NBA championship rings (Celtics).

OBITUARIES for Thursday, July 15, 2021

CHRISTIE G. SNOW

VASSALBORO – Christie G. Holmes Snow, 88, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, following a very brief illness. Christie was born in Bath on October 13, 1932, the daughter of Bill and Thelma (Erskine) Holmes.

She married her husband Alfred Snow Jr. of 47 years on December 17, 1954. They began their family and lived in South Gardiner for several years where she worked at Associated Grocers. They later moved to Vassalboro where she and Al worked as poultry farmers. She worked at the Maine State Library and retired in 1994.

Christie was a founding member of the Riverside Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary in Vassalboro.

Christie was most happy spending time with her family. She was an avid reader and enjoyed camping with Al, family and friends. She loved being a mom, a grandmother and then a great-grandmother. She was known to many in the neighborhood as Aunt Christie and then as Nana Christie.

Christie was predeceased by her husband, Al.

She is survived by her children Dana, of Norwich, Connecticut, Wayne and his wife Paulette, of Washington, North Carolina, Jerry and his wife, Cathy, of Winthrop, Michael and his life partner Debbie Mosher, of Raymond, and Crystal and her husband Russell Peaslee, of Vassalboro; her grandchildren Jennifer, Mary, Lynn, Adam, Elliot, Caitlyn, Taryn, Benjamin, and Michele; great-grandchildren Penelope, Kyla, Arlo, Jubilee, Kayla, Teisha and Brianna; her brothers Stanley, of California, and Bill and his wife Ida, of Arizona.

A graveside service was held at the Cross Hill Cemetery, in Vassalboro, on Tuesday, July 6.

Memories and condolences may be shared at http://www.ripsotafh.com.

DENNIS C. PARENTEAU

WINDSOR – Dennis Camille Parenteau, 74, of Windsor, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. Dennis was born on December 10, 1946, in Augusta, to Camille Parenteau and Frances (Snell) Parenteau.

He graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 1966 and following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a fireman on the USS Puget Sound until 1973.

In November 1974 he married the former Sharon McCamish and they began a family of their own. He worked at Hussey’s General Store, in Windsor, and Togus VA, in Augusta, as a carpenter in the early years of their marriage. In the 1980s he opened up Delta Video Store in the basement of their home and later expanded the business to an addition attached to the house. He loved shooting the breeze with all the people who came in and it brought him great joy to have Delta Video Store sponsor local race car driver, Todd Cummings’ #69, during his racing career at Unity and Wiscasset raceways in the late ‘80s early ‘90s.

When VHS movies became a thing of the past, he closed the video store and finished his career at Hannaford, retiring in 2012.

Dennis was predeceased by his father, Camille Parenteau and mother, Frances (Snell) Parenteau, both of Weeks Mills.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sharon (McCamish) Parenteau, of Windsor, and their three children, Chelby Leeman and her husband, Justin, of Palermo, Amy Adams and her husband, James, of Windsor, and Chad Parenteau, of Windsor; eight grandchildren, Conner, Garrison and Brooke Leeman; Abigail, Jacob and Gabriel Adams; and Izabella and Keagan Parenteau; his brother, Leslie Randall, and wife Hilda, of Weeks Mills; his sister Joan (Randall) Jones and her partner I.D. Thornton, of Windsor; several nieces and nephews

Family and friends may gather at the American Legion Auxiliary Post #179, at 79 Legion Memorial Drive, in South China, for a celebration of life on July 17, 2021, from 2- 4 p.m.

A private burial for immediate family will be held at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery, in Augusta, on July 20, 2021.

Condolences and stories can be shared through Riposta Funeral Home at http://www.ripostafh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Travis Mills Foundation at http://www.travismillsfoundation.org.

GARFIELD H. PEASLEE

WINDSOR – Garfield “Guy” H. Peaslee, 92, died on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at his home. He was born July 2, 1928, the oldest of eight children of George and Gwendolyn (Suitter) Peaslee.

Guy was born in Augusta, grew up in Windsor and attended Cony High School, in Augusta. On September 1, 1951, he fell in love and married the former Mary Ellen Hold, a graduate of Erskine Academy, South China. The two settled in Windsor, raising their two daughters, Jenny and Beverley. Guy was employed as a locksmith and foreman carpenter at Augusta Mental Health Institute for 22 years. Hobbies included farming, camping, hunting and woodworking. He loved working with Maine grown trees, white pine, oak and cherry in particular, that grew on his property.

He made custom kitchen cabinets to tables, picture frames and small kicknacks. He was a member of the Maine State Grange, Maine State Employees Association, and was a strong supporter of the Historic Pittston Farm.

A man of deep faith, he was also a member of the North Windsor Baptist Church and Penney Memorial United Baptist Church, in Augusta, where he enjoyed volunteering on various boards.

Guy was a generous man in giving of his time and efforts not only to his family, but strangers as well. He, along with his wife, Mary Ellen were devoted sponsors for many individuals in AA and Al-Anon. In retirement, Guy and Mary Ellen enjoyed traveling and in the last few years with the help of daughter, Jenny, and son in law, Bob, were pleased to be “Snowbirds” in Clermont, Florida, and Windsor, the rest of the year.

He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer S. Mills and husband Robert, and Beverley A. Michaud; three grandchildren, Garfield Mills and wife Jeni, Ira Michaud and wife Kristen, and Amber Michaud; ten great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Keith Peaslee, Clarence “Hank” Peaslee and wife Lib, Judith Hutchinson and husband Richard, Pamela Gorden; and sister-in-law Marion Peaslee Casey; as well as countless nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife of 66 years, Mary Ellen Peaslee; son in law, Wayne Michaud; siblings, Neal Peaslee, Jerry Peaslee, Molly (Peaslee) Van Syckel, sister in law, Joyce Peaslee, Sylvia Peaslee, and brother in law’s Daniel Gorden and Don Van Syckel.

There are no planned visiting hours. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., on Sunday, July 18, at Penney Memorial United Baptist Church, 393 Water Street, Augusta, ME.

Burial will take place at Dyer Hill Cemetery, in Windsor.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Penney Memorial United Baptist Church, “Memorials Fund” in his honor.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, ME.

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

JOEL E. WILLIAMS

SOMERVILLE – Joel Edwin Williams, 48, passed away on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. He was born in Waterville, Nov. 6, 1972, the son of Herm and Cathy Colby Williams.

Joel grew up on Togus Pond. He attended Cony High School, in Augusta, where he graduated in 1991. He was a Jack of all trades, but his true passion was in the agricultural industry. He went on to create his own business called Crooked Creek Cannabis, that he put his heart and soul into up until his passing.

He was a biker. His favorite thing to do was throw on his leather jacket and ride his Harley. Rain or shine he was ridin’. He loved spending time with his family.

He was predeceased by his brother, Corey Williams.

Joel is survived by his parents, Herm and Cathy Williams, of Pittston; his daughter Kyley Williams and her fiancé Richard Poirier; grandchildren Noah and Elliot Poirier; son Joel Williams and many other family members.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 1 p.m., at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, followed by interment in Resthaven Cemetery, Windsor.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. Checks should be made payable to Maine Medical Center and mailed to Maine Medical Center Philanthropy Department, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04102.

BENJAMIN WHEELOCK

JEFFERSON – Benjamin “Ben” Wheelock, 87, of Jefferson, Maine died Thursday, July 1, 2021, of complicated health issues. He was born December 3, 1933, in Calais, to David C. and Mabel (Sherman) Wheelock and was the last surviving child of 16 who grew up in Coopers Mills.

After graduating from Erskine Academy, inSouth China, in 1952, he worked in the local cotton and paper mills to help support his mother. He also proudly served in the Army Reserves for eight years. He moved to Norwich, Connecticut, to work at Electric Boat, the shipyard in Groton. After 10 years of working on submarines, he moved back to Maine and purchased Brownies Restaurant and ran it with his wife and children for 40 years, a job he truly loved. It was a very social profession, and he considered his customers his family.

Fifty years ago, he and his wife, Carline, built their own summer home on Big Dyer Pond, along with the children, teaching them lifelong carpentry and “fix it yourself” skills.

He considered himself very lucky to winter in Florida for the past 25 years, enjoying the warm winter weather with new friends and visitors from the “north”. Known for his warm personality, quick wit, and easy conversation he was fun to be around and always had a quirky story to tell. His interests included travel in his blue Chevy van, playing cards, flea markets, going to the fairs, a good cup of “chowdah” and harness racing. In his earlier years he enjoyed sulky racing and drove his own horses, Fire Island and Adam Butler, following the local race circuit.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carline (Beaulieu) Wheelock; his three daughters, Marlene and Matthew Colvin and their son, David; Teresa and Richard Holmes and their sons, Chad Maillet, Rick Holmes, and his partner, Jackie Gershman-Mannocchi, Ian Holmes and Justin (Juliet) Holmes; Valerie and Bill Worthing and their children, Benson (Lauren) Merrill, Marlaina and Lillyann Stickney; and his only son, Gary (Francine) Wheelock and their children, Cameron (Audra) and Chase; 14 great-grandchildren are Benjamin, Bella, Helaena, Elias, Graeff, Andrew, Eli, Luke, Jude, Addison, Grace, Eden, Raylee and Baylee; and nephew, Willie Wheelock, of Augusta.

A committal service with military honors was held on Saturday, July 10, at St. Joseph Cemetery, in Gardiner.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 17, at 1 p.m., 10 Overlook Drive, West Gardiner.

Arrangements are in the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, where condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

GENEVA AHEARN

WINSLOW – Geneva Ahearn, 86, passed away peacefully at the Alfond Center for Health on Friday, July 2, 2021. Geneva was born in Winslow on April 18, 1935, the daughter of Martin and Etta McCaslin.

Geneva graduated from Winslow High School in 1953. Geneva married Joseph Ahearn in 1955 and they made their home in Winslow with their six children. Geneva worked at the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, and as a Special Education secretary with the Winslow school system.

Geneva enjoyed reading, gardening, and knitting. Everybody enjoyed receiving a pair of her coveted Grammy socks! She was a volunteer for the Winslow 4th of July events for many years. Geneva enjoyed rooting for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Geneva was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Ahearn; her son, David J. Ahearn; her daughter-in-law, Kathleen Ahearn; her grandson, Jesse J. Ahearn; her brothers, Raymond McCaslin and Bernard McCaslin; and her sister, Virginia Lang.

Geneva is survived by her sons, Timothy J. Ahearn and wife Melissa, of Oakland, Stephen J. Ahearn and wife Hillary, of Norwalk, Connecticut, Kevin J. Ahearn and partner Daniel Sears, of Boston, Massachusetts, Keith J. Ahearn, of Cleveland, Ohio; her daughter, Wendy J. Porter and husband Donald, of Hartford.; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, August 14, at the Village Cemetery, Cemetery Street, Vassalboro, Maine 04989.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, donations in Geneva’s name can be sent to the Library at Winslow Elementary school at the following address: Winslow Elementary School, Attention Pamela W. Couture Library, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow, Maine 04901.

PATRICIA FLEURY

WINSLOW – Patricia Fleury, 85, passed away at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, on Sunday, July 4, 2021. Patricia was born in Boston, Massa­chusetts, on February 13, 1936, the daughter of Katherine Kenney.

Pat spent her youth on a farm in Pownal, and later moved to Mexico, Maine. She graduated from Mexico High School in 1954, where she played basketball, softball, and was a cheerleader. She went to work as a bookkeeper at Lazaro Motors, in Mexico, where she met her husband, Emerson, to whom she was married to for 61 years.

Pat and Emerson moved to Kennebunk, where she fell in love with the ocean. She worked at the Biddeford Hospital as an EKG technician, and eventually moved to her lifelong home in Winslow, where she worked as a bank teller. She enjoyed working, but her favorite job was being a stay-at-home wife and mother to her family.

Pat enjoyed sewing and knitting and was a talented artist. She enjoyed many artistic hobbies, spending hours in her cozy craft room, tole painting, scrapbooking, making greeting cards, and enjoying her massive collection of rubber stamps, which she used to craft her custom-made greeting cards for friends and family. She was a great fan of the Boston Red Sox, the Boston Bruins, and loved ice skating. Their home at Ginger Avenue was known for the backyard ice rink, where Pat showed her children and their friends, how to skate as kids.

Pat was predeceased by her mother, Katherine Kenney.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Emerson Fleury, and their four children; Kevin, Kathy, Shawn and his wife Kathleen, granddaughter Isabella; and Pat’s youngest daughter Kelly, and her boyfriend Kevin Fabian.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, July 17, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, Maine 04901.

Burial will be held in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery following the Mass. A reception will be held at 1 p.m. following the burial. The location of the reception will be announced at the Mass.

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

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

PATRICIA A. HASKELL

SIDNEY – Patricia A. (Harding) Haskell, 77, passed peacefully on Monday, July 5, 2021 at her son and daughter-in-law’s home after several years of declining health. Patricia was born in Waterville on April 15, 1944, to Virgil and Jeanette (Rancourt) Harding and grew up in Oakland and attended Oakland schools.

On February 16, 1963, she married David Haskell and moved to Sidney where they raised their family and had many joyful years together until David’s death in 2010.

When Patricia’s children were grown, she rejoined the workforce, first at Buddies Grocery, in Oakland, and then at Pleau’s Market, in Winslow, until she was forced to retire in 2018 due to her declining health. Pat loved to work and considered her co-workers at Pleau’s as a second family.

Pat grew beautiful flowers, vegetables and raspberries.

Pat was a member of the Sidney Trail Riders, enjoyed bus trips, NASCAR, the coast and fairs.

Patricia is survived by her daughter LeeAnn and son in law George Lizzotte; son James and daughter-in-law Nancy Haskell; grandchildren Benjamin Lizzotte and spouse Kristin, Tarra Bouchard and spouse Brendon, Samantha Haskell, Kyle Haskell and spouse Katlyn; as well as several great-grandchildren; brother Robert Harding, sister-in-law Ann Harding; her sister Pauline Gorham; and her brother Raymond Harding and spouse Sharon; sister-in-law Ethel Stevens and spouse Glenn; many nieces and nephews.

Patricia was predeceased by her husband David, parents, in-laws, her brother Ronald Harding, sister-in-law Nancy Harding, and granddaughter Emily Andrews.

There will be no funeral and a celebration of Patricia’s life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

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 Patricia’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; email: donors@stjude.org.

COL. ROBERT E. NIXON

WINSLOW- Colonel Robert Edward Nixon Sr., 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The son of John and Alice Nixon, he was born in Houlton on August 1, 1931.

Bob married his high school sweetheart, Beverly in 1952. He graduated from the University of Maine in 1954 where he was a member of Kappa Sigma and the UMaine basketball team. After graduation, he served active duty in the military for two years in Wildflecken, Germany. He retired from the military in 1985 as a ranking Colonel. After serving active duty, he served as the athletic director for 33 years at Winslow High School.

Bob devoted his life to his family and to coaching numerous athletic teams from high school to youth sports, affecting the lives of many. His accolades and impact on the community of Winslow are too numerous to list.

Bob is survived by his children, Robert Nixon Jr. and wife Debbie, Janice Souviney and husband Jim, Nathan Nixon and wife Tara, William Nixon and wife Alexandra; five grandchildren, Mystie Grant and her husband Joe; Katie Souviney and fiancé David; Nick Souviney and his wife Trisha; Cody Souviney and wife Katie; Nathan Nixon and wife Chantelle; and ten great-grandchildren, Malachi, Gailan, Marin, Cooper, Bethanny, Nixon, Jaclyn, Lillian, Colton, and Brantley.

He was predeceased by his wife Beverly, and his four siblings, Jack Nixon, Joe Nixon, Walter Nixon, and Betty Boudway.

Family and friends of Bob are welcome to a Celebration of Life at the VFW, in Winslow, on Wednesday, July 28, from 2-5pm.

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

DORIS A. GIROUX

WATERVILLE – Doris Arlene Cormier Giroux, 84, passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. She was born on June 15, 1937, the tenth of 11 children to Aldrich and Marion Libby Cormier.

She was the last surviving sibling. She has two sisters-in-law, dozens of nieces and nephews, dozens of great-nieces and nephews, and many great-great-nieces and nephews.

She graduated from Waterville High School in 1955 where she was an active FHA member and secretary and a member of the Art Club. She was employed at C.F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, as a stitcher. She stepped in to coach the Winslow High School cheerleaders in the 1980s. Doris spent most of her life as a homemaker who loved her gardening, knitting, sewing, jigsaw puzzles, and her soap operas.

She is survived by her husband, Norman Giroux, who she married in April 1956.

She is survived by her children Karen and her spouse, Gerry Rancourt, and Timothy and his spouse, Paul Anctil; four grandchildren, Jill and her husband, Jeff Merckens, John Rancourt, Todd Rancourt and his wife, Jenn, and Ryan Rancourt and his wife, Megan and her two sons; four great-grandchildren, Rylee, Bridgette, Alex, and Todd Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument St, Winslow, ME, on Thursday, July 15. Private committal services to follow at a later date.

Please visit http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share your memories and condolences with Doris’ family.

Memorial donations may be made to Northern Light Lakewood Continuing Care Activities Group, 220 Kennedy Memorial Dr., Waterville, ME 04901, or to Beacon Hospice, 5 Community Dr., SuiteA, Augusta, ME 04330, or to Pine Tree Camp, 114 Pine Tree Camp Rd., Rome, ME 04963.

MILFORD A. THOMAS

SOUTH CHINA – Milford Allen Thomas, age 85, died Thursday, July 8, 2021, at the home he and his wife, Carol, built in 1958. He was born in Weeks Mills, on June 1, 1936, a son of the late William and Juanita (Pierce) Thomas.

He met Carol when she moved to Weeks Mills in 1947. They attended the one room school house for a short time until China School, on Lakeview Drive, was built. Carol and Milford continued their education at Erskine Academy, in South China, where he graduated in 1954.

On June 22, 1957, he married the former Carol Crane, who also graduated from Erskine.

For over 30 years, he worked at Marriner’s Paving, Inc., in Rockport, and retired in 1993.

He was a member of Dirigo Lodge #104, AF & AM, of Weeks Mills. He was a past member of Maine Good Roads Assoc. For several years, after his retirement, he served on the road committee and the appeals board for the town of China. He always enjoyed helping when the town roads were paved each year. He was instrumental in restoring the one-room school house in Weeks Mills.

Mr. Thomas was predeceased by his sister, Marilyn Gray.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carol C. (Crane) Thomas, of South China; two daughters: Cheryl Foss and her husband Kenneth, of Wales, and Barbara Brann and her husband Dean, of Whitefield; four grandchildren: Matthew Brann and his wife Kirsten, Meghan Brann, Andrew Foss and Benjamin Foss and his wife Kelsea; four great-grandchildren: Aiden, Kiley and Wyatt Brann and Thomas Foss; two brothers, Barry Thomas and his wife Sandra, of South China, and Wayne Thomas and his wife Diane, of Foley, Alabama; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

At his request, there will be no public visiting hours. A funeral service, with Masonic services, was held on July 13, at Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Rt. 32, Windsor. Burial and committal prayers followed in Chadwick Hill Cemetery, Rte. 32, China.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Dirigo Number 104, c/o Thomas Squires, 89 Greeley Rd., Windsor, ME, 04363.

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

GAYLE H. PINKHAM

WINDSOR – Gayle Hewett Pinkham, 62, passed away at home on Friday, July 9, 2021, following a long courageous battle with cancer. Daughter of Maynard and Gladys Hewett, she was born on March 18, 1959, and grew up in Weeks Mills.

Gayle attended Erskine Academy, in South China, and graduated in 1977. During her four years of high school, she was very active in sports – including field hockey, cheering, and softball – and she excelled in academics and was Salutatorian of her class. She met many of her lifelong friends at Erskine, but most importantly she met her soulmate, Cameron Pinkham.

After high school Gayle attended The University of Maine at Machias and graduated in 1979 with her associate degree. She would later return to school to complete her bachelor’s degree in accounting. Cameron attended Machias with her and after graduating they decided to spend the rest of their lives together and they married later that year on September 8, 1979. Soon after marrying, they moved to Wyoming for a couple years before returning to Windsor to build a house and start a family.

Gayle and Cameron welcomed their first daughter, Melanie, in 1988, and then their second daughter, Michele, in 1991. Gayle was a dedicated mother who loved staying home to raise her daughters. She did it all; extra curriculars, chaperoning field trips, helping with homework, Girl Scout Troop leader, instilling values, and preparing them for the “real world”. She was an exceptional mom.

As her children grew up, she went back to work, part time at first, then eventually full time. She revisited some of her lifelong passions, such as reading, and branched out to other hobbies. She became very physically active and spent years attending fitness classes and enjoyed walking in particular. In her later years she took up knitting, creating beautiful handmade gifts for family and friends. Perhaps her favorite way to relax was to spend sunny summer days at camp, in Pemaquid, sitting by the water with Cameron – oftentimes even bringing their chairs right into the water to sit in the gentle waves.

Without a doubt, the absolute highlight of her life was her three grandchildren, Landon and Kamryn Ritchie, and Efstratia “Tia” Gayle Xamplas.

Gayle is predeceased by her father, Maynard Hewett.

She is survived by her mother, Gladys Hewett, of Windsor; her husband of 42 years, Cameron Pinkham, of Windsor; her two daughters Melanie Ritchie and husband Kyle, of Orrington, and Michele Xamplas and husband Peter, of Australia; three grandchildren: Landon Ritchie, Kamryn Ritchie, and Efstratia Gayle Xamplas; four sisters: Marilyn, Gloria, Joyce, and Brenda; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside celebration of life will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, in Windsor, on Saturday, July 17, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are under Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Rte. 32, Windsor.

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

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Alfond Cancer Center, c/o MaineGeneral Office of Philanthropy, 35 Medical Center Parkway, Augusta, ME 04330, in her memory.

JUNE E. JABAR

WATERVILLE – June E. Jabar, 92, of Waterville, passed away at her home on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. June was born in Bar Harbor, in 1929, the daughter of Chuck and Elizabeth Nawfel.

She was a graduate of Waterville High School. She was employed as a sales representative with multiple companies and was considered a real people person. June and her husband Herb lived in Waterville but loved spending their summers on Great Pond. They also loved spending time with their family and friends.

June was married to and predeceased by her husband, Herbert Jabar.

June is survived by her son Michael S. McConkie, and his wife Lisa, of Fairfield; and stepchildren, Stephanie, Tammy, Lori, Michael, Gregory; and several grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, June 30, at June’s home at 28 North Street, in Waterville.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

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

WAYNE J. DELAWARE

WATERVILLE – Wayne Joseph Delaware Sr., 82, of Waterville, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Maine General, in Augusta. Wayne was born in Waterville to Gertrude (St. Peter) and Gilbert Delaware on November 4, 1938.

He attended Waterville schools. He worked for Fred’s Vending, inWaterville, for many years, as well as Colby College and Thomas College, both in Waterville, in dining service. He also attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Waterville.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Annie Delaware, of Gardiner; his son, Wayne Delaware Jr., and his wife, Melissa, of Pittsfield; his daughter, Debbie Delaware, of Winslow; his granddaughters, Skylar D’Orio and her husband, Dakota, and Sophia Delaware; his grandsons Josiah Griffeth and Grayson Davis; and by many nieces and nephews.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents Gertrude and Gilbert Delaware; his twin sister, Jane, his sister, Juliette “Honey” Manson, his brother, Richard Delaware, his sister, Jean Houston, and his brother, Gilbert “Dud” Delaware.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 17, at MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, in Winslow, from 3 to 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

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

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

BYRON R. NORTON

WINDSOR – Byron Ralph Norton, 68, of Windsor, passed away peacefully at home, on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, following a long, hard-fought battle.

Byron is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lovina (Joslyn) Norton; their daughter Jessica Norton; and their son Jacob Norton with wife Jessica (Dunn) and children Elijah, Aubrey and Isaac Norton, all of Windsor; three sisters, Laurie Mullens with partner Richard Cummings, of Whitefield, Patty Preservati, of Somerville, and Pamela Metten, of Chelsea; a brother-in-law Don Joslyn with wife Cheyenne, of Sidney; and two sisters-in-law, Debbie Landry, of Jefferson, and Pam Norton, of Somerville; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Eugenia (Moxcey) Norton, and his brothers, Richard and Timothy Norton.

In light of the pandemic, a funeral service was delayed. Those who knew and loved Byron are now invited to attend a graveside service on Saturday, July 17, at 1 p.m., at Resthaven Cemetery, on the corner of Maxcy’s Mills and Ridge roads, in Windsor. A celebration of life gathering will follow immediately after at 142 Griffin Road, in Windsor.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: RODERICK BELANGER

There will be a graveside service for Roderick (Wee-Wee) Belanger, who passed away on April 25, 2021, on Saturday, July 24, at 2 p.m., at the Bingham Village Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow outside at North Country Rivers, in Bingham. Please, no pets.

CHINA: Sheriff’s office to provide reports on patrol shifts

by Mary Grow

China selectmen dealt with a miscellaneous agenda at their July 6 meeting, including meeting a representative of the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Department. Staff Sergeant Frank Hatch described the type of reports town officials can expect under their contract for 10 hours a week of KSO service.

Hatch said whenever a deputy finishes a shift in China, the deputy will file a summary report. Hatch will review the report and forward it to the town office.

Selectmen were pleased with the first report they had received. Hatch said reports can be expanded if selectmen decide they want more information on some topics.

China Broadband Committee (CBC) Chairman Robert O’Connor attended the July 6 meeting virtually to explain the committee’s request for $10,000 from the selectmen’s contingency fund. The committee needs to contract for a survey of current broadband infrastructure, to get an accurate estimate of construction costs to upgrade and expand service.

CBC members hoped to have a firmer figure by mid-August. They plan to ask selectmen to propose to voters a Nov. 2 bond issue to cover the costs, with the amount of the bond to be based on survey results.

A grant application to the State of Maine to fund the survey was rejected. CBC members now plan to repay the $10,000 from the bond – which, selectmen pointed out, voters might not approve. Meanwhile, the committee has learned that the survey will probably take two months, instead of the one month they had hoped would be enough.

After discussing contingencies and possible other funding sources, including China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund, selectmen postponed a decision to their July 19 meeting.

The selectmen voted unanimously to accept a $1,750 grant from New England Grassroots Environmental Fund to support the China for a Lifetime Committee’s early-November Community Build by Rockland-based WindowDressers, a non-profit organization that helps residents build insulating window inserts.

Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said the point person on the WindowDressers visit is Christopher Hahn, chairman of the China for a Lifetime Committee. People seeking information can visit the committee website, https://chinaforalifetime.com, or email the committee at ChinaForALifetime@gmail.com.

The website says the WindowDressers program welcomes residents of China, Palermo, Vassalboro and Windsor.

By a further series of unanimous votes, Selectboard members:

Appointed Brent Chesley and Stephen Greene as members of the Board of Appeals. Greene succeeds Virginia Davis, who was not reappointed in June; Chesley succeeds Jeffrey LaVerdiere, who resigned.
Appointed David Ross to fill a vacancy on the Recreation Committee.
Appointed Hapgood as Human Resources Director, correcting an omission when they made appointments for the current fiscal year.
Approved a contract with Fowler’s Roofing, in Chelsea, to repair the roof of the barn near the town office for $1,800, with Hapgood to monitor any extra costs.
Approved a Remote Participation Policy to govern procedures at Selectboard meetings done partly or entirely remotely.

The new policy is on the website, china.govoffice.com, alphabetically under “Ordinances, Policies and Orders.”

The next regular China selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 19.

CHINA: Only half dozen attend first broadband committee information meeting

by Mary Grow

Only half a dozen residents came in person to the China Broadband Committee’s (CBC) first public informational meeting July 11, with three or four more watching virtually; but discussion was lively and varied during and after the committee’s slideshow.

The purpose of the meeting was twofold: to explain what the committee, created by China selectmen in 2017, is doing and plans to do, and to enlist support for the expanded and improved broadband service committee members hope to offer.

Sharing the explanations, committee members said their goal is to provide affordable, reliable, high-speed internet to every China householder who wants it. They talked about the need for adequate bandwidth so students can do schoolwork while parents manage their office work from home, without computers slowing.

A main advantage of the plan, in committee members’ opinions, is that the town will own the fiber network. The committee has worked for months with Mark Ouellette, President of Machias-based Axiom Technologies, and plans to contract with his company to run the system.

Replying to questions from resident Brent Chesley, Ouellette said his standard contracts run for 10 to 15 years, with “kick-out clauses” at three-year intervals in case China officials become dissatisfied. Axiom will be the internet service provider, will be responsible for all needed repairs and will hire a local service technician to provide speedy customer service.

To make the system work, a new fiberoptic network needs to be built throughout the town. The first steps in building the network are surveying existing infrastructure, notably telephone poles, and obtaining construction money.

CBC members are ready to contract with Hawkeye Connections, based in Poland, Maine, to do the survey. The cost is estimated at $10,000. So far, an application for a state planning grant has failed, and China selectmen have postponed action on using town funds to their July 19 meeting.

Until the survey is done, the construction cost is a rough estimate: $5 to $6 million. Committee members intend to ask selectmen to ask voters to approve a bond issue on Nov. 2 to cover the cost – or maybe only part, if the CBC can get one or more construction grants, committee member Jamie Pitney suggested.

Grants are definitely a possibility, ex officio committee member and Selectman Janet Preston said, because “Broadband is the buzzword right now, with federal and state governments.”

Ouellette agreed. Municipally-owned broadband is “a movement” in Maine, he said, partly because of the pandemic increasing the need for reliable service and partly because many residents are tired of the inadequacies of their commercial providers.

Another point committee members made repeatedly is that their plan will not increase taxes. User fees will cover Axiom’s costs and profit and the bond repayment. After the first two years, fees will generate revenue for the town, which will increase when the bond is fully repaid (presumably after 20 years).

The present plan is for tiered levels of service at different prices. Ouellette and committee members have repeatedly said they hope to price the lowest tier, 50 over 50 (50 megabits download and 50 megabits upload), at around $55 a month and the highest tier, gig over gig (one gigabit down and one gigabit up), at no more than $200 a month.

The construction phase is expected to last up to two years and to include free connections and hook-ups for all immediate subscribers. People who build a new house or decide they want broadband later are likely to be charged to connect; but grants, broadband revenue or some other source might control costs.

The system will have excess capacity to accommodate growth, Ouellette said.

Committee members did not ignore the uncertainties in their projections and plans. One unknown is how many China residents will sign up for Axiom’s service. Revenue projections are based on an initial rate of 35 percent, or 835 households – conservative, committee members said – and a five percent a year increase.

Construction costs are another unknown, not only because of lack of information about current facilities, but also, committee members said, because growing interest in broadband expansion could lead to higher materials prices, supply bottlenecks, contractors’ delays or all three.

Committee member Tod Detre pointed out that if voters approve the bond issue on Nov. 2, selectmen can postpone acting if too few residents have signed up, prices have gone too high or other unforeseen difficulties have arisen.

Committee members and audience member Paul Blair, a Winslow native who now lives in Silicon Valley and vacations on Three Mile Pond, hope all will go smoothly. They listed some of the benefits if China had one of the best broadband systems in the state, including offering gig over gig service:

Part-time residents like Blair could spend more time – and money – in town, because they could work from their vacation homes, visit their doctors via telemedicine and generally be geographically more independent.
Full-time residents, especially those currently poorly served or not served at all, would have faster, more reliable internet for work, education, socializing, entertainment and other on-line activities.
New businesses, especially high-tech businesses, might consider locating in China, making the CBC plan “an investment to develop the community,” Pitney said – but not to turn China into a city, Blair and fellow audience member Jeanne Marquis added.

The July 11 community meeting was recorded and is available for viewing on the town website, www.china.govoffice.com, under the Live Stream heading on the left side. The Live Stream page includes lists of previous and future meetings.

Detre has the assignment of developing a CBC website on which information can be posted between meetings. He invites anyone with website experience who would like to help to get in touch with him at tod@tod.net.

CBC members scheduled their next virtual committee meeting for 5 p.m. Thursday, July 15. One topic on the agenda will be planning future informational events.