SCORES & OUTDOORS: Those giant mosquitoes buzzing around at night

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Crane fly

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Have you ever gone to bed on a warm summer night, and seen this thing flying around that resembles a large mosquito?

It happens to me all the time at camp.

Sitting up in bed, grabbing the book I’m reading, or possibly a magazine for some light and quick reading. And, there it is, buzzing around the light, and becoming extremely annoying. It looks like a giant mosquito.

One of my relatives recently posted a photo on Facebook of that exact same insect on her arm. In the posting, she notes, “it’s a good thing I’m not afraid of spiders.” Wait a minute, this insect has six legs. All arachnids have eight legs. That is not a spider.

Well, I quickly fired off an email to my biologist contact at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, along with the photo. It didn’t take long to receive a reply.

His response was, “this is a cranefly, a true fly in the order Diptera, and probably from the family Tipulidae. There are over 1,500 species of Craneflies in North America and possibly several hundred in Maine. The adults are harmless, some species not feeding at all, and some species feeding predominantly on nectar.”

In colloquial speech, the cranefly is sometimes called Daddy Longlegs, a term also used to describe opiliones, or harvestmen, both of which are arachnids. The larvae of the cranefly are known commonly as leatherjackets.

Craneflies are found worldwide, though individual species usually have limited ranges.

The adult crane fly, like mentioned earlier, resembles an oversized mosquito, and has stilt-like legs that are deciduous, easily coming off the body.

The adult female usually contains mature eggs as she emerges from her pupa, and often mates immediately if a male is available. Adult craneflies have a lifespan of 10 – 15 days. Cranefly larvae (leatherjackets) have been observed in many habitat types on dry land and in water. They are cylindrical in shape, but taper toward the front end, and the head capsule is often retracted into the thorax. Larvae may eat algae, microflora, and living or decomposing plant matter, including wood. Some are predatory.

The sole purpose of the adult crane fly is to mate and, for the females, to lay eggs for next spring’s crop of flies. Crane flies are harmless to handle, so the next time one makes its way indoors, simply cup it gently to release outdoors. Think of it as a romantic gesture.

Some lavae species consume some living aquatic insects and invertebrates, which could potentially include mosquito larvae. Many, however, because of their short lifespan, never eat at all.

Numerous other common names have been applied to the crane fly. Many of the names are more or less regional in the U.S., including mosquito hawk, mosquito eater, gallinipper, and gollywhopper.

There are other misconceptions about the crane fly.

There is an enduring urban legend that crane flies are the most venomous insects in the world, but have no ability to administer the venom; this is not true. The myth likely arose due to their being confused with the cellar spider as they are also informally called “daddy longlegs”, and although the arachnid does possess venom, it is not especially potent.

Despite widely held beliefs that adult crane flies prey on mosquito populations, the adult crane fly is anatomically incapable of killing or consuming other insects.

Crane flies are generally thought as agricultural pests. Since the late 1900s they have become invasive in the United States. The larvae have been observed on many crops, including vegetables, fruits, cereals, pasture, lawn grasses and ornamental plants.

Should you kill crane flies? Adult crane flies are harmless and do not feed on blood. However, crane fly larva, known as leatherjackets, can cause damage to your lawn. You can kill the flies immediately with an insecticide or you can take preventative measures by killing their larva.

First, you must use home remedies with essential oils to prevent adult crane flies. It will also prevent them from laying their eggs in your garden or lawn. There are many essential oils that you can use to make your treatment, the most common being lavender, and peppermint oil.

It is harmless to humans, can be a nuisance to agriculture, but I wish it would stop reading over my shoulder.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which Red Sox relief pitcher appeared in a record 81 games during the 2005 season?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, August 26, 2021

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Trivia QuestionsWhich Red Sox relief pitcher appeared in a record 81 games during the 2005 season?

Answer:

Mike Timlin.

SOLON & BEYOND: Painting Pals revisited in old article

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

I came across this March 25, 2010, issue of The Town Line newspaper with those who paint together, stay together article written by Lyn Rowden. “Welcome to Painting Pals club,” greeted Marilyn Rogers when my son, Aaron, and I turned up at MSAD #54 Adult Education to see what this unusual little club in Skowhegan is all about.

They have been getting together weekly for years to express themselves and share their talent and hobby with each other. We enjoy art so we came to take a peek. Expecting rudimentary student art in progress I was surprised to find high quality artwork in various stages of completion set up on personal easels all around a large science lab. The intensity of the artists was impressive, as well as the obvious camaraderie. Members worked amidst the delicate scents of oil paints and the brownies graciously provided by the Life Skills class next door. That may sound strange but to us artists it was delightful. Marilyn invited Aaron and me to take up a small canvas and some paints and join the Painting Pals for the evening while she told us about their group.

It all began about four years ago, when the adult education art teacher, Peggy Riley, was leaving. Her students had formed such a close community they wanted to stick together and keep on painting. But how could that be possible when they came from all over the district and had no art teacher.

One member, Marilyn Rogers, of Solon, was relaxing on a beach far away in Florida when she dreamed up an idea. Upon her return she asked the adult ed department if she could rent classroom space for the same cost as a class would, to use it as an art forum, for experienced painters. The school was so enthusiastic they offered them the room for free. They had to have a name so the group came up with “Painting Pals Club”. Today, for business purposes the school charges a small fee but all the members are willing to pay for this opportunity to paint, critique their art, and encourage each other.

Marilyn explained this group does not have a teacher and is not for beginners, but that was obvious from the beautiful paintings being worked on by each and every member. Landscapes, flowers, portraiture, still life, and animals in action – every subject matter was being depicted in oils, watercolor and acrylics. Most agreed that at their weekly meetings is when they get most of their artwork done. Suzanne Carrier, of Skowhegan, is working on a very large canvas depicting the Disney castle, inspired by a recent vacation. She explained how coming to this club each week helps her make time to do what she loves doing, to get out her art supplies and paint. “People don’t have time to paint, so this is ideal,” said Shirley Foxwell, of Norridgewock, who was working on a floral piece and also enjoys portrait painting. She like others took time to visit with their fellow artists to watch the progress, offer advice and become inspired in this self-directed “class.”

Many of the artists are prize winners, and not hard to see why. Exquisite detail marks the work of Don Albertine, of Lexington, in his flowers; likewise in the feathers of an eagle by Richard Greenstreet, of Madison, in the house by Gerda Pilz, of South Solon; and in the precise work of Lief Bull, of Solon. A softer palette was deftly applied by members Marilyn Giroux, Linwood Turcotte, of Norridgewock; John Alsop, of Cornville, Donald Berry, of Embden; Dr. Alex Paqulski, of Skowhegan; and Barry Dana, also of Skowhegan. By the way, Aaron finished a miniature landscape based on a modernistic set design he had done. I had time to get in just enough brush strokes to recall how wonderful oils are and to be inspired to do more. Thanks Marilyn and Painting Pals Club.

As far as I know, the school will be offering the Painting Pals Club again this year; Lief and I are looking forward to seeing all you former members, and new ones who love to paint!

The following is from Somerset County News, also back in the same paper: And it starts out with these words Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy! I thank all of you who have commented on my column in the March 11 issue, or who attended the Solon Town Meeting, it is very much appreciated. I heard from people in other towns, by phone and e-mail and people in Solon. One person who is a member of the Solon Budget Committee, called and said they wondered how the machine was paid for, but didn’t have the nerve to ask.

All of this took place before Percy came into the picture, but as you all know he is honored each week by Roland with his memoir: Don’t wait with longing for the day When better times might come your way. Discard the fears that may depress; Live now and garner happiness. It’s such a waste to dwell on gloom. Though you have problems, find the room For loving when the path is rough; For laughter when the going’s tough. To fully live means you must face Whatever comes with humble grace. And if you mourn, turn it to praise. How much to do, how few the days! ­ by Amy C. Ellis.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, August 26, 2021

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RONALD J. POULIN

WATERVILLE – Ronald J. Poulin, 69, passed away at his home on Friday, August 6, 2021. He was born July 11, 1952, in Waterville, son of Robert and Dorianne (Paquette) Poulin.

He attended Winslow schools.

He worked at Huhtamaki for many years.

He was an avid outdoorsman; fishing, hunting, fiddlehead and mushroom picking were his passions.

He was predeceased by his mother, father; and brother, Reginald.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; his son, Aaron and wife Justine; his daughter, Michelle and husband Ryan; three grandchildren, Samantha and Raymond Krumm Poulin and Aara Nast; siblings Robert and Raymond Poulin; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no public visiting hours per Ronald’s request.

ANN A. MICHAUD

WATERVILLE – Ann Alice Michaud, 85, passed away on Thursday, August 12, 2021. Ann Alice Michaud was born Ann Alice Pellerin on July 26, 1936, the daughter of Arthur and Juliette Pellerin.

Ann was raised in Winslow by her parents and graduated from Mount Merici Catholic School, in Waterville. Ann was a person of many interests amongst them being toll painting, sewing, and gardening. Ann’s greatest passion was for her family, they were at the center of her life. Whether it was sewing clothes for “her girls” or baking a continuous stream of toll house cookies for all to enjoy, most everything Ann did involved one or more family members on the receiving end of her selfless acts.

Driven by her love for her Lord, Ann lived a life that was one of servant leadership. Never putting her needs ahead of others, she found the greatest service to herself was through service to others. True to form, her last spoken words were to ensure that her children would look out for one another once she passed, leaving her with peace of mind when her time came. Ann has left her mark of caring and selflessness on all of us, a mark we will always cherish and try to emulate.

Ann is survived by her husband, Roland of 65 years; her son, Michael and wife Karen Michaud (Harfoush), of Winslow, and their children Jacob Michaud and wife Britney Michaud, of Belgrade, and daughter Kimberly Boutin, of Winslow; her daughter, Esther (Tess) Carter and husband Donald Carter, of China, and their children Michael Loubier and wife Meghan Loubier, of Winslow, and Jasmine Carter and husband Chris Vogt, of Arlington Massachusetts; daughter Lucie Loubier, of Winslow, and her children Adam Loubier and Wife Mindy Loubier, of Winslow, Benjamin Loubier and wife Heather, of China, and son Nathan Loubier, of Portland. Her deceased son Lee Michaud’s son Dan Michaud and his wife Angie, of Athens; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers Arthur Pellerin and wife Sandra Pellerin, of Winslow, Fred Pellerin, of Florida, Paul Pellerin and wife Theresa, of Winslow, and Robert Pellerin and wife Rhonda Pellerin.

Ann was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Juliette Pellerin, her son Lee Patrick Michaud, sisters Evangeline Bourassa and her husband Nell Bourassa and Esther Poulin, son-in-law Mark Loubier, husband of daughter Lucie Loubier.

Services will be announced at a later date. Donations can be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Hospice of Maine.

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.

HOLLIS E. TOWERS

BENTON – Hollis E. Towers, 73, of Benton passed away unexpectedly Thursday, August 12, 2021, at a local hospital. He was born August 21, 1947, to Bertha Buzzell and Archibald Towers.

He is survived by his wife, Marjory; sons, William Towers Hollis I and partner Penny Oneil, of Waterford; stepson, Michael Lamontagne and wife Courtney, of Bangor; brother Edward, of Clinton; two sisters, Arlene Cannon and husband David, of Madison, Marion Wing and husband Joe, of Clinton; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Hollis was predeceased by a daughter, Anna Towers, two brothers, Walter, and Archibald Junior Towers.

Hollis served in the U.S. Army for several years before being honorably discharged. He was a hard worker, and held several jobs over his lifetime. Most notably Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, until its closure. Hollis then became a truck driver, working until his retirement at CMD. Hollis enjoyed NASCAR, wrestling, doing puzzles, reading, camping with his wife.

He loved attending country fairs with his boys. We can’t forget Hollis’ love for John Wayne movies. He rarely missed one on TV. Hollis will be greatly missed.

A short graveside service will be held at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Monday, September 13, at 1 p.m. for close friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Hollis’ name to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675, or at WoundedWarriorProject.com.

TODD A. FOLSOM

OAKLAND – Todd A. Folsom, 57, passed away Friday, August 13, 2021, at his home in Oakland. He was born April 2, 1964, in Waterville, the son of Lawrence and Sharon (Littlefield) Folsom.

He was employed for many years as an accomplished chef working on the west coast, including Alaska, New Mexico, Oregon, Colorado and California, with his most recent work at the Last Unicorn, in Waterville, with Joe Plumstead.

He enjoyed sports track (breaking track records earning the nickname “Flash”), cross country, swimming, gymnastics and football. He participated in chorus under Gerry Wright and Kevin Rhein and was part of a barbershop quartet.

Todd was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1994. He was always proud of remaining in his home and living there until his passing. His mother, Sharon, was an integral part of his support system, especially after he became a quadriplegic. She was in his corner at every turn, fighting ceaselessly to make sure he had the best care and maintaining an upbeat home that ultimately helped Todd to remain the beautiful, kind spirit that he was.

Anyone who spent time with Todd, came away knowing he was reaching out to know you and saw beyond his own limits.

He is survived by his mother, Sharon (Littlefield) Folsom, of Oakland; daughter, Haley Eden Folsom, of Oregon; son, Devin Alexander Folsom, of Waterville; three aunts, Louise Wentworth, of Camden, Bette Matevia and husband George, of Corinna, Donna Littlefield, of Oakland; sister, Crystal Churchill and husband Bud, of Smithfield, and their children, Molly and Mitchell, of Smithfield; many cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Todd’s memory to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Maine Chapter, 77 Preble Street, Portland, ME 04101.

JAMES E. BOULETTE

WATERVILLE – James (Jim) E. Boulette, 80, of Waterville, passed away on Sunday August 15, 2021, at Northern Light Inland Hospital. Jim was born in Waterville on January 20, 1941, the son of Ernest and Viola (Mitchell) Boulette.

He attended Waterville schools prior to joining the Navy in 1961 where he served until 1963. After being honorably discharged, Jim followed in his father’s footsteps in the trade of plumbing and pipefitting. He was a member of Local Plumbers and Pipefitters Union #131 and most of his career was spent on large commercial projects, energy plants and paper mills all over New England. He worked hard always sacrificing to support his family.

When he wasn’t working, Jim had a passion for outdoor activities. He loved fishing most of all, and especially looked forward to his spring fishing trips to Moosehead with lifelong friends. Jim also enjoyed hunting and snowmobiling with friends and family. His other favorite pasttime was playing cards, particularly cribbage, a pasttime passed down from his parents. Jim was a brother of the Waterville Elk’s Lodge #905 and a member of the Forrest J. Paré VFW Post #1285, in Waterville. He could often be found playing cards and swapping fish stories at either of these places.

He was predeceased by his parents, a sister Jeanette (Boulette) Hubbard, his first wife, Judy (Young) Boulette and his mother-in-law Cecile Tardiff.

Jim is survived by his wife of 40 years Nancy (Bernard) Boulette; daughters Wendy Bard and husband Jon, Cathy Hotham and husband Fred, and Lori Simpson; and a son Jeff Gilbert and wife Sharon; grandchildren Dustin Davidson, Matthew Davidson, Chris Lavalley, Tyler Bard, Charles Simpson, Meaghan Gilbert and Caleb Hotham; three great-grandsons and a great-granddaughter on the way.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 25, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville.

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, the family asks that you consider a donation to one of the many local charities supported by the Waterville Elks Lodge.

BRENDA A. SUTTER

VASSALBORO – Brenda A. Sutter, 73, passed peacefully on Monday, August 16, 2021. Brenda was born in Gardiner on November 28, 1948, to parents Robert C. Bodge Sr. and Pauline E.A. (Smith) Bodge.

Nanny had struggled most of her life with many health issues, but always overcame the odds, and surprised the doctors with the help of the Lord. She was supposed to lose her leg as a child due to a tumor, she was never supposed to walk again after the age of 18, and she was going to spend the rest of her life in a nursing home after being on life support in 2002; but that’s not the end of the story.

She was still walking and living with her daughter, son and two oldest grandsons up until the day the Lord decided her race was over. When asked how she did it by many doctors, nurses, and others, she would always answer, “me and the Lord, one step at a time.” Nanny is now enjoying paradise with the Lord, and a glorious reunion with those who went before her and were saved.

We know she is there because of the scriptures, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved,” (Romans 10:9). Brenda was saved in 1973, at the same time she met her husband of 28 years, Ronald C. Sutter Sr.

She was raised and graduated from high school in Richmond. She worked many jobs that she talked about often, the fish factory, the woolen mills, shoe shops, Digital, but her most important and fulfilling job was that of wife and mother. She lived in West Gardiner with her husband and four children from 1973 until December 2020, when she moved with her daughter to Vassalboro.

She has been an active member of Church Hill Baptist Church, in Augusta, for 20 years, and will be greatly missed by an amazing church family.

Her favorite hobbies were collecting Coca Cola memorabilia, many types of crafting, spending as much time with her children and grandchildren as possible, and most recently, watching Maine Cabin Masters on television, and yelling at them when they do something wrong.

Brenda was predeceased by a son, Ronald C. Sutter Jr., in 1985, her husband, Ronald C. Sutter Sr., in 2001, her parents, and brother William Robbins.

She is survived by daughter Ronnette Partridge and husband Gary, of Litchfield; daughter Paula Gravelle, of Vassalboro; and son Paul Sutter, of Vassalboro; six grandchildren who brought her amazing joy, Ronnie, Avery, Megan, Cameron, Kylie, and Kaleese.

A Celebration of Life was held at Church Hill Baptist Church, in Augusta, on Monday, August 23, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Church Hill Baptist Church at P.O. Box 5190, Augusta, ME 04332.

RICHARD P. VACCO

CHINA VILLAGE – Richard P. Vacco, 80, of China Village, a long-time resident of Londonderry, New Hampshire, passed away on Monday, August 16, 2021, following a period of failing health. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the son of Pasquale and Mary (Gynowicz) Vacco, he graduated from Central High School, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Colby College, in Waterville, where he was a member of the football team.

He went on to Suffolk University Law School where he graduated first in his class and was editor of The Suffolk Law Review. Mr. Vacco was a member of both the New Hampshire and Massachusetts Bar Associations, and had a private law practice in Londonderry.

In 1980, he was sworn into the Bar of the United States Supreme Court. He taught thousands of students as a professor at Suffolk University Law School over 43 years, and was always known and appreciated for his sense of humor and ability to balance it with rigorous instruction of the law.

He took particular interest over the years in the activities of his children as well as his six grandchildren. He served in many volunteer roles during his lifetime, with organizations such as Little League baseball, Boy Scouts of America, The Rotary Club, and the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Nashua.

Dick had varied interests, including model trains, maintaining his home and pool, karate, and the New England Patriots.

He welcomed everyone into his home, and would often extend invitations to those who did not have plans for the holidays to join him and his family.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marjeanne (Banks) Vacco; a son, Jeffrey Vacco and his wife Elizabeth (Harris), of Pembroke, New Hampshire; a daughter, Kristin McCool and her husband Joseph, of Amherst, New Hampshire; and six grandchildren: Lindsay, Erin, Matthew, and Sean McCool, and Nicholas and Hannah Vacco; a brother, Roger Vacco, and his wife Ellen and their family.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, https://give.mainegeneral.org/hospice. To mail a donation directly to MaineGeneral Hospice, please send it to P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828.

JOAN E. WALDRON

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – Joan E. Waldron, 88, died peacefully Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at En­glewood Hospice House, in Port Charlotte, Florida. Joan was recently a resident of Port Charlotte Rehabilitation Center since October 2020 and has been dealing with a bad hip and dementia. Joan was born in Sidney on June 29, 1933, the daughter of the late Paul and Greta Getchell (Forsythe).

Joan attended Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and worked as a librarian for the State of Maine Library and for Cony High School, in Auguta.

She married Robert Waldron in 1949 who passed away in January 2016 after 67 years of matrimony. They were both active members of the Fairfield Baptist church until they moved to Clearwater, Florida in 1988.

Joan was predeceased by her brother, John Getchell, of Clearwater, Florida.

She is survived by a brother, Paul Getchell, of Fairfield; and sisters, Sandra Getchell, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Susan Getchel, of Lewiston; and sister-in-law Judith Getchell.

Joan was predeceased by her son, Gary, who passed away after a watercraft accident in 1996. Joan is survived by Gary’s wife, Vicki Cosby and her husband Milton of Pell City, Ala. Joan also had three other sons. Her oldest son, Daniel Waldron and his wife Nancy of North Port, Florida, her son, Ron Waldron and his wife Jodi, of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, and her youngest son, John Waldron and his wife Fiona, of Orlando, Florida; several grandchildren: Serena Rockett and husband Jim, Tonya Johnson and husband Wesley, Travis and Todd Waldron, Justin Marks and wife Eva, Tony Dessent and wife Michele, Kim Dessent, Nicole Reed and husband Nick, and Meagan Gregoire; several great-grandchildren: Savannah Church, Skylar and Reeves Johnson, Samantha Benatchez, Paige Brown and husband Keron, Kelsie and Nick Dessent, Isla and Camden Marks, and Caton Reed; several nieces and nephews.

No services are planned except for immediate family. Any correspondence can be mailed c/o Daniel Waldron 5617 Whispering Oaks Dr., North Port, FL, 34287.

Correspondence can also be sent to Dan Waldron’s email address FamilyWaldron6@GMAIL.Com.

BEATRICE HAFENECKER

WINSLOW – Beatrice “Aunt Bea” Hafenecker, 88, passed peacefully on July 28, 2021. Bea was born in Waterville, on October 11, 1932, to parents John Julius Haf­enecker and Lorette Brochu.

She was also greeted by an older brother, John, who passed away on April 16, 2020.

Bea was blessed with a wonderful family and extended family. After the death of her mother at age 8, she went to live with her grandmother. After graduating from Winslow High School she went to live with the Pelletier family, which eventually consisted of 12 extra brothers and sisters! That meant also many extra aunts, uncles nieces, nephews and cousins that she would claim as her own! Bea loved those family reunions!

Bea had worked 35 years at Levine’s Store for Men and Boys, in Waterville, until they closed in 1996 and she was forced to retire. She enjoyed sports during and after her high school years. She played softball, basketball and was a member of the cheering squad. She later enjoyed golfing and bowling ten pin and candlepin and won several trophies.

More recently she became an active part of Getchell Street Baptist Church, in Waterville, where she was on the Social Committee. She loved helping any way she could, but behind the scenes doing dishes, helping prepare the meals or cleaning up. She enjoyed ladies Bible study and we could count on her to bring in a “treat” to share like brownies, a cake or her deliciously sweet peanut butter fudge. A lot of people knew her for this fudge!

She had five “boyfriends” at church whom she made sure had an occasional batch!

Aunt Bea especially loved helping Diane Glazier, her boyfriend, Steve Pelletier and her daughter, Brianne Plante prepare veggies for sale each year at the Farmers Market, in Fairfield. She loved the Friday pizza night at their home! And we can’t forget the dishcloths she made and handed out to anyone she met or sold at the Farmers Market! She was an especially giving woman and will be missed by many!!

Bea is survived by her sister-in-law, Lori Hafenecker, of Waterville; nephew, John Gary Hafenecker, of Colorado; niece, Cheryl Daly and husband Tom, of Waterville, and niece, Leslie Dolan and husband Patrick, of Madison; many great and great-great nephews and nieces as well.

She was predeceased by her mother and father, brother, John and a nephew, Kyle Hafenecker.

In her extended family she is survived by “sisters”, Barbara Barrows, Mae Landry, and “brothers”, Lawrence, Robert and Donald Pelletier. With a family of 12 siblings there are also many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins as well.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Getchell Street Baptist Church of 3 Getchell Street, Waterville, Maine on Saturday Aug. 28, 2021 at 1 p.m., with light refreshments following. Please come and share a story or memory of Bea if you could! If you aren’t able, an online guest book may be signed, condolences and memories may be shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

Bea loved her cats, so in lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road Waterville, Maine 04901.

China budget committee urges “no” vote on broadband expansion

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by Mary Grow

China Budget Committee members recommend voters not approve the bond issue for broadband expansion on the Nov. 2 local ballot.

At the Aug. 23 committee meeting, members talked with representatives of the China Broadband Committee (CBC) before deciding to disagree with them.

The vote on a motion to add a “No” recommendation under the ballot question was 4-1, Chairman Robert Batteese announced. He, Tim Basham, Kevin Maroon and Tom Rumpf voted to recommend against the bond issue. Trishea Story dissented.

The committee majority’s main argument was that CBC members are getting too far ahead; they should wait until amounts and allowed uses of pending federal and state funds have been made clear.

One budget committee member added that the option of collaborating with other towns should be explored. Another objected on principle to town government rather than private enterprise providing broadband service.

CBC members advocate the bond issue, currently estimated at around $5.6 million, to cover most of the cost of building new broadband infrastructure town-wide. They anticipate grants will cover about 15 percent.

Having bond money would put China in an advantageous position for getting grants, because the usually-required matching funds would be available, CBC member Tod Detre said.

CBC member Jamie Pitney said there had been informal discussions about regional cooperation.

The problem with waiting for a private company to offer improved service is that China is too small to attract investors, Detre said. Pitney said CBC members have talked with Spectrum, the company currently providing internet service to about 70 percent of residents, and found no interest in upgrading and expanding. Meanwhile, Detre said, some residents have no internet access at all, and others have limited service.

When the CBC asked for proposals for broadband service at the beginning of the year, there were three responses, including Spectrum’s expensive and inadequate offer, Pitney said. Since then, CBC members have chosen to work with Axiom Technologies to provide a town-owned, Axiom-operated and maintained system funded by user fees, not tax dollars.

Story said better service is essential as needs increase, for example for education, and to attract new businesses to town. Axiom’s proposed monthly $55 fee for the lowest service tier is significantly less than she pays now, she said.

Pitney and Detre pointed out that authorizing the selectmen to apply for the bond does not mean they must do so. If too few residents sign up for the new service to provide needed income, or if grants are not awarded, selectmen need not act on the authorization.

At the Aug. 16 China selectmen’s meeting, Selectboard members decided their recommendation on the ballot question will be “Leave to the people” or similar wording, meaning that as a board they recommend neither for nor against the bond issue.

VASSALBORO: Despite parents’ objection, board votes to require face masks indoors by a split vote

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

On a split vote and over audience objections, Vassalboro School Board members approved requiring students, teachers and staff to wear face masks indoors when school opens Sept. 1.

The “mask mandate” was part of a multi-item school opening plan, and the only part discussed at length during the board’s Aug. 17 meeting.

Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer and Board Chairman Keven Levasseur spoke in favor of requiring masks as a safety measure.

“I don’t think we have a choice to do anything different,” since children under 12 cannot yet be vaccinated, Levasseur said. Pfeiffer said a high percentage of adults working at Vassalboro Community School (VCS) are already vaccinated.

Four of the 10 audience members argued vociferously against the mandate. They wanted the choice left to parents.

Masks are bad for children’s mental health by interfering with socialization, one woman argued. They are harmful to physical health, especially for children with illnesses like asthma, another said. And they don’t work anyway; there is no standard for an effective mask, and virus particles are small enough to penetrate most masks in common use.

[See also: CDC mask guidelines.]

The eventual vote to approve the back-to-school document, including mandatory masks, was 3-2, Levasseur announced. Principal Megan Allen said face shields instead of masks will be allowed with a doctor’s note.

Allen said other procedures in place last year, like temperature checks, social distancing and keeping windows open as often as feasible, will continue to be followed. Pfeiffer added that students and drivers on school buses will follow state regulations.

VCS will also do pool testing, nurse MaryAnn Fortin said. She explained the procedure: classroom members’ individual samples are tested in a bunch, and if there is a positive result individual tests will follow.

Aside from the mask debate, the Aug. 17 meeting was mostly upbeat. Pfeiffer set the tone with his repeated “The good news is:” school will open with students in classrooms five days a week, recess and sports will happen as in the old days.

But he kept adding, “As I sit here now,” promising he and school administrators will monitor updated rules and recommendations from state and federal governments.

Pfeiffer reported staff shortages: VCS needs substitute bus drivers, educational technicians, a sixth-grade teacher and substitute teachers, he said.

Allen reported the summer school, Viking Summer Adventure Camp, had been “hands down a success.” Six staff members and 33 students spent two four-day weeks working on projects tailored to students’ interests.

The summer course was intended to help students catch up after the disruptions last school year. Allen recommends continuing it after a return to pre-Covid normalcy.

John Hersey, new food service director for Vassalboro, Waterville and Winslow schools, said that even though school meals are now free for everyone under 18, regardless of family income, it is important that parents continue to fill out the annual applications for free and reduced-price meals.

Currently, school meals are free under a federal pandemic program that will continue through the 2021-22 school year. By a new law signed in July, the State of Maine will take over the free meal program in 2022-23, when the federal program is scheduled to end.

Applications for free and reduced-price meals brought in federal funds in pre-Covid days and will do so again, Hersey explained.

School Board member Jessica Clark seconded his reminder. She added that any parent who skipped the application for fear of taking away meals from another family need no longer worry.

“Jessica, you are spot on,” Finance Director Paula Pooler said.

Hersey also said that the school cafeteria is running into supply problems. As a result, he warned, menus may change on short notice.

Pooler’s report had two pieces of good news. She said the budget deficit that has characterized the school lunch program at many Maine schools for many years has been erased at VCS.

And she said that the unaudited final report for the fiscal year that ended June 30 shows a budget surplus of around $260,000. In addition, she said, after voters approved the 2021-22 school budget, she was notified of additional state subsidy money, as a result of the legislative decision to raise state funding to the long-promised 55 percent level.

Both the left-over money and the unappropriated money will go into the school’s surplus account. As school board members plan the 2022-23 budget, they can decide how much to recommend using from the account.

Director of Maintenance and Grounds Shelley Phillips reported on building renovations over the summer, including transforming the area formerly for industrial arts into two classrooms. She said a specialist in browntail moth control will return in the fall to decrease next year’s outbreak.

Neither the new lighted sign for the front yard nor the generator that will make the school building qualify as an emergency shelter is in place yet, due primarily to delays in getting parts, Pfeiffer said.

Technology Director Will Backman cheerfully described unwrapping boxes and boxes of new computers, and said he expects another 100, enough so every student will have one. Pfeiffer said federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act funds bought the computers.

School board members heard several other reports; approved many appointments and two requested reassignments Pfeiffer had authorized; accepted four resignations; approved a variety of policies; and rescheduled the workshop postponed from August to Wednesday, Sept. 22.

The next regular Vassalboro School Board meeting will be Tuesday evening, Sept. 21.

WINDSOR: Town to receive more state revenue sharing than budgeted

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by The Town Line staff

At the August 3 meeting of the Windsor selectmen, town manager Theresa Haskell read a release from the Maine Municipal Association regarding the town receiving a $2,383 dividend check for its good performance and loss prevention program. Other financial news from the town manager is that the projected revenue sharing numbers have changed again but it still shows the town will be getting more than was budgeted.

Haskell presented the monthly report from the transfer station, showing $8,370.47 so far this fiscal year, which is up $637.62 from last year. Selectman Richard H. Gray Jr. asked for clarification on the recycling process and what could be done to get the information to the public. Haskell proposed creating a flyer to educate residents on proper recycling, and to poll other towns on how they do it.

Discussion centered around the schedule at the transfer station during Windsor Fair week. It was suggested to reduce the hours to 9 a.m. – noon on the Saturday during the week. However, this year, both attendants are asking for time off, so it was suggested to close the transfer station on Saturday, September 4. Selectmen unanimously approved closing the transfer station on that Saturday.

In other transfer station news, Gray stated that upon a visit to the transfer station, he noticed the good customer service from the attendants. Selectman William Appel Jr., also noted that other residents have complimented the transfer station attendants.

Selectmen directed Haskell to contact the Maine Department of Transportation for speed limit signs on the Reed Road, since it is now a default road, with a speed limit of 45 mph.

Selectmen suggested the flagpole at the Veterans Monument be returned to the person who purchased it. Scott Pierce has said he does not want the flagpole, and wants to sell it, and donate the money to the veterans memorial fund. The public works department will take down the old pole.

The well pump at Resthaven Cemetery has been repaired. The town is still planning to purchase the refurbished pump for $6,000.

It was noted that October 10, 2020, was the cut off date for names to be submitted to be added to the Veterans Memorial Wall. Names can still be added for a fee of $275.

In other business, Ken Knight was present to speak to the board about the possibility of doing the mulching on the sides of the roads for Windsor when needed. There was much discussion regarding this and the it was decided the work would need to out for bid.

Selectmen also unanimously approved a new contract with Transco and possibly a new copier for the town office. The new copier would have scanning, faxing and emailing options that the current copier does not provide. The new copier will save the town $30 a month. Selectmen unanimously approved the new copier.

The next meeting was scheduled for August 17.

Interviews with China Lake Association leadership; Goal is to educate, re-engage membership

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New China Lake Association president Stephen Greene, left, and newly-appointed executive director of the China Region Lakes Alliance, Scott Pierz, during a recent interview. (photo by Jeanne Marquis)

by Jeanne Marquis

The China Lake Association (CLA) elected a new president, Stephen Greene, which established Scott Pierz as the president emeritus for his seven-year service. Scott Pierz will remain active with the CLA, aid in the leadership transition while his passion for lake management will be shared to a greater area as the Executive Director of the China Region Lakes Alliance (CRLA).

In an in-depth interview, we discovered what this shift will mean in terms of strengthening the stewardship of our natural local water resources, their visions for the future and the differences in their leadership styles.

What in their backgrounds has prepared them for these roles?

Scott Pierz grew up in Connecticut and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with multiple degrees in philosophy, psychology and teaching. After teaching early in his career, he took a job with the State of Maine as one of the first program monitors of fuel assistance in the late seventies and eighties. In the mid-’80s, Pierz was the City of Gardiner’s codes enforcement officer and later that decade became Oakland’s first codes enforcement officer. After leaving that position, he became a planner with what is now the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG). In this position, Pierz wrote comprehensive plans and grants. One of these grants, a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the Town of Norridgewock gave him a job as the CDBG Director of this multi-phase project. In 1995, Pierz became the codes enforcement officer of China, serving for 19 years, where he saw first hand the direct connection between building codes and lake quality.

Pierz explained this connection, “Essentially, the knowledge I gained through my codes enforcement career with various communities, along with planning and grant writing experience, have formed the foundation of my education about municipal land use and lake ecology.”

Stephen Greene’s career has also extensively prepared him for the role as CLA president. Greene is a 1973 graduate of the University of Maine at Orono (UMO). Prior to continuing on to law school, he worked industrial construction jobs in Portland, Maine. In 1979, he graduated from the New York Law School and was admitted to the New Jersey Bar. For the next four years, Greene served as an assistant prosecutor for the Hudson County (NJ) Prosecutor’s Office and tried over 20 jury criminal cases during his tenure.

Greene was an associate attorney with Ravin, Sarasohn, Cook, Baum­garten & Fisch , Roseland, New Jersey, during 1983 to 1990 and an associate attorney with Schwartz, Tobia & Stanziale, Montclair, New Jersey, from 1990 to 1993. At these firms, he conducted civil business litigation, including some bench trials and appellate work.

After 1993 until his 2018 retirement, Greene served as Vice President and General Counsel with G&W Laboratories, Inc., South Plainfield, New Jersey, a pharmaceutical manufacturing firm.There he was responsible for all legal matters involving the company, such as FDA, mergers and acquisitions, corporate compliance, and litigation. During his tenure at G&W, he volunteered for and performed pro bono legal work for non-profit organizations under the auspices of the Pro Bono Partnership.

Green mentioned two lessons he learned in his career that he will apply in his new role as CLA president. The first is to always rely on the facts to determine a sound decision. The second lesson is to find the common ground between people’s positions.
How did Pierz and Greene develop their connections to China Lake?

Pierz has lived on China Lake since 1981. Through his 40 years of watching sunsets over the lake and hearing the calls of the loons, he feels a deep connection to the lake. He saw through his work how the lake is the heartbeat of the surrounding area and what happens within the 26 square mile watershed area surrounding the lake impacts the water quality.

Greene also has a long relationship with China Lake. He first visited the lake with his wife, Margo Rancourt Greene, who he met at the University of Maine at Orono as students. China Lake had been an integral part of her family’s life and that continued as Stephen and Margo Greene raised their own children. In 2010, the Greene’s converted their camp into a year-round residence to get more enjoyment from the lake and, now in retirement, spend the majority of the year there.

Greene explains how his passion for the lake turned into concern, “My wife and I remember very well the purity of the China Lake in the 1970s, as well as the heartbreaking changes over the next two decades. We couldn’t abandon China Lake with our deep roots here, and decided we would do something to make a difference. We joined CLA many years ago and got involved. Margo with LakeSmart and me now with the CLA board and presidency. I have been absorbing information from friends in the community, scouring regional news sources and local journalism, including The Town Line, as well as listening to non-profit groups with similar missions as the China Lake Association.”

What does Scott Pierz’s move to the China Region Lakes Alliance as their Executive Director mean to China Lake?

Pierz told us, “ My father instilled in me a nature to participate and give time, to dedicate time, to my community and that’s a community with a capital “C.” That still drives me. I’ve got more to give. There’s more to do. So that’s why I’m making the move to the China Region Lakes Alliance to continue the core programs that have been offered not only to China, but to expand them within the region, and that’s my goal.”

The CLA and CRLA will continue their strong relationship. As the executive director, Pierz will expand the core programs to serve the regional lakes – Webber Pond and Three Mile Pond – that connect with China Lake. These programs are LakeSmart, Courtesy Boat Inspection Program (CBI), Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), and the Gravel Road Rehabilitation Program (GRRP). The strategy behind this organizational shift is that China Lake will be better protected when the surrounding bodies of water are also protected.

What does Stephen Greene see as the future and the greatest challenges ahead for the CLA?

Green responded, “The CLA has been and continues to be a vibrant, effective and constant organizing voice for China Lake protection and restoration. The campaigns it conducts and programs it supports for environmental education, science-based research, watershed surveys, YCC, LakeSmart, boat inspectIons and gravel road restoration have been instrumental in reducing and slowing the phosphorus load to the lake. … As was pointed out in our recent annual meeting, the greatest threat may be the epic task of solving the lakebed phosphorus load.”

Green sees his initial calls to action are to educate, re-engage the membership, and recruit the younger generation to get involved to preserve the lake for future generations. “We owe it to our children to do all we can to secure that destiny.”

2021 Town Line Reader Survey

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LETTERS: Just a reminder

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To the editor:

Just a reminder as nothing much was mentioned about this historic event. On August 6, 1945, Colonel Tibbetts dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Three days later, Major Charles W. Sweeney dropped the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki. These two bombings hasnted the ending of World War II. It should be noted that the warship which delivered the final components for the second A-bomb started from Taiwan and was torpedoes by a Japanese U-boat killing over 800 sailors. For a more understanding of the bombing, please read Wars End by Major General Charles W. Sweeney, USAF (Ret.). He and I spoke about this and corresponded many times before he died.

Frank Slason
Somerville