New China committee looks at additional space for town office

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by Mary Grow

At their Sept 23 meeting, members of the China Building Committee officially named themselves the Municipal Building Committee (MBC) and proceeded with preliminary plans for recommending additional space at the town office.

Their main focus is on storage space, but as they looked ahead three decades they also considered whether more, or differently arranged, office and work space should be part of a recommendation to selectmen.

Committee Chairman Sheldon Goodine had sketched a plan for a separate building south of the present building, reached by a corridor from the meeting room on the west end, as a starting point for discussion. He considered it more attractive than a right-angled extension.

Another suggestion, from Codes Officer and committee member Jaime Hanson, was a three-sided “bump-out” on the south side.

Town Clerk Angela Nelson explained which records town officials are required to keep forever and which they are allowed to discard after a certain number of years. Related issues were which materials need to be in a climate-controlled area, which require fire-proof storage and how much security is required.

Committee members considered the possibility that paper records will become obsolete. They do not foresee an immediate change to all-digital record-keeping.

The town office also stores voting machines, decorations and supplies for holidays (like Christmas and China Community Days) and other miscellaneous things.

Goodine and Hanson gave themselves assignments as the next step in drafting a plan. They will estimate the present storage space and the volume of material in it; Hanson will measure and photograph the building as it is and will locate underground lines and pipes; and Goodine will interview office staff members individually to get their suggestions.

Hanson will also look into legal requirements. For example, he said, building codes require a certain amount of natural light. If the requirement applies to a storage facility, a windowless space, as Goodine suggested for security, would be illegal.

Committee members set no deadline for presenting a recommendation to the selectmen. As of Sept. 23, they do not anticipate asking for building money in the 2022-23 town budget.

They scheduled their next meeting for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28.

China Transfer Committee discusses raising transfer station fees for Palermo residents

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by Mary Grow

China Transfer Station Committee members held a special Sept. 21 meeting to talk about increasing fees charged to Palermo residents. The meeting was consistently cooperative and courteous, with each town’s representatives expressing appreciation to the other’s.

According to the discussion, the 17-year contract allowing Palermo residents use of China’s transfer station was signed in June 2016 and was effective Jan. 1, 2017. It prescribes an annual $18,000 payment from Palermo to China; sets fees for Palermo mixed solid waste, which must be in bags that China buys and Palermo residents pay for; and includes China’s right to increase fees charged to Palermo, with at least six months’ notice.

China cannot increase fees by more than the cost-of-living increase (a prescribed measurement and time period are in the contract), except as needed “to cover any ‘pass-through’ costs (such as increases in tipping [disposal] fees) and federal or state mandated policies” that increase transfer station costs.

Representatives of both towns had calculated the consumer price increase since the beginning of 2017. They presented similar figures: China Committee Chairman Lawrence Sikora figured about 13.3 percent, Palermo representative Bob Kurik about 12 percent.

The two men agreed the consumer price increase would justify a recommendation to increase the price of a large trash bag from $2 to $2.25.

China Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood observed that the large bags now used are 33 gallons, not the 30 gallons specified in the contract. There are also 15-gallon bags, priced in the contract at $1.25; they are so little used that over the years the price has been reduced, Kurik and Hapgood said.

There was a long discussion of pass-through costs before committee members agreed that they include four components: tipping fees; transportation; state or federal mandates (no one was aware of any); and higher costs for the Town of China buying the bags.

They do not include pay increases for transfer station staff, because those are defined as part of operating costs that China pays.

Committee member Ashley Farrington had reviewed records from 2017 to Aug. 1, 2021, to prepare information on tipping fees and trucking costs. Committee members did not translate them into a figure to be recommended as an increase.

The trash bags are used for mixed solid waste, the stuff that goes into the hopper at the transfer station. Another component of trash is larger items like furniture and carpets. Sikora and Farrington had collected information to start a discussion of fees for such items, but committee members made no decisions.

Sikora prepared a table based on average weight of different items, as listed in an on-line guide for moving companies. It appeared that if the transfer station charged the new 10-cents-a-pound fee for demolition debris that selectmen approved Aug. 30, disposal fees for some items would increase significantly.

The most conspicuous example was a sleeper sofa, for which a transfer station user is now charged $10. If the typical one weighs 275 pounds, as the guide said (committee members had doubts), the new disposal fee would be $27.50.

These fees for special items apply to China and Palermo residents equally.

Committee member Mark Davis warned his colleagues not to recommend fee increases so big that residents would resort to roadside dumping.

He extended his comments to ask whether the transfer station is supposed to make a profit, or to provide a service to residents. Sikora reworded the issue; it is not a question of profit, but of seeking the appropriate balance between defraying costs and providing service.

Transfer Station Committee members scheduled their next regular meeting for 9 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 12.

PHOTOS: Young gridiron warriors

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Waterville Youth Football grades 1/2 members, front row, left to right, Noah Cyrus, Noella Mathieu, Mason Sheets, Jayden Bradley and Vito Isgro. Middle, Jaxon Troxell, Kayson Glidden, Ben Veilleux, Isaac Chase and Hudson Farrand. Back, Coach Dennis Troxell, Coach Nick Isgro and Coach Matt Veilleux. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)

Waterville Youth Football grades 3/4 members, front row, left to right, Tatum Vaughan, Mikeeridan Sheets, Blake Masse, Peyton Ross, Sal Isgro and Connor Jones. Second row, Coach Matt Vaughan, Jace Spaulding, Tucker Thoopsamoot, Donovan Saint Martin, Leo Norris-Rossignol, Judah Young, Malahki Klaiber and Coach Devin Rossignol. Back, Coach Trafton Gilbert. Absent from photo, Jackson Farrand and Coach Jeremy Jones. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Photographs are probably wolves in Maine’s north woods

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Trail cameras set up by MWC captured these images. (photos courtesy of John Glowa)

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

This week, I’m going to give up my space to a China resident. In the past we have done articles on wolves in Maine with mixed reactions. Some people believing there are wolves in Maine, and some others saying no.

John Glowa, of China, is a member of the Maine Wolf Coalition, Inc., and has advocated for wolves in the past. The following is a press release from Glowa:

In 1993, a young female wolf was killed by a bear hunter north of Moosehead Lake. In 1996, a second wolf was killed by a trapper east of Bangor. Since then, there have been many sightings of possible wolves in Maine.

In 2019, in response to the failure/refusal of the state and federal governments to assess the status of wolves in the northeast, the Maine Wolf Coalition (MWC) began a search for wolves in Maine. Due to the proximity of wolves in Canada, and the abundant habitat and prey in the northeast U.S., wolves are attempting to recolonize the northeast. Unfortunately, widespread killing of large canids by hunters and trappers in the U.S. and Canada is likely preventing or hindering their natural recovery in Maine.

Trail cameras set up by MWC captured these images. (photos courtesy of John Glowa)

In 2019, MWC documented the first live Eastern wolf in Maine through its scat. In 2021, MWC set out trail cameras to attempt to photograph wolves. Two of the cameras were placed where the wolf scat was found. These two cameras photographed at least two adult animals. A third was placed in another area where we previously found large canid scat which could not be analyzed. This camera photographed a litter of up to seven canid pups.

Here is a link to the video which is a compilation of photos. They show at least two wolf-like adults. They are very different in appearance, possibly owing to the fact that Maine may have both gray and Eastern wolves and hybrids of both. The morphology of these animals shows the wide variation in wolves and wolflike canids. Wolves in Maine may range in size from less than 50 pounds to more than 100 pounds and they may vary in color from white to black and various shades of brown and gray.

We continue to maintain trail cameras and collect canid scat in Maine’s north woods. Given the information we have gathered to date, we would like to see the state and federal governments and universities/colleges conduct similar research to further assess the status of wolves in Maine including whether or not there is a breeding population. Unfortunately, the federal government recently removed federal protection for wolves in Maine and elsewhere, in part due to their unfounded claims that Maine has no wolves. In addition, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife refused to close a relatively small portion of Maine’s woods to coyote trapping to protect possible wolves and the Province of Québec allows wolves to be killed legally to the Maine border.

The Maine Wolf Coalition, Inc. is a non-profit 501c3 Maine corporation dedicated to wolf recovery in Maine through research, education and protection. For more information, contact John Glowa at 207-660-3801 or at jglowa@roadrunner.com.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

What manager led the Boston Red Sox to their first championship in 86 years in 2004?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, September 30, 2021

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Trivia QuestionsWhat manager led the Boston Red Sox to their first championship in 86 years in 2004?

Answer:

Terry Francona.

Transformation Project

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Palermo Christian Church (photo from the church’s Facebook page)

The Bible says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

The Palermo Christian Church believes in lives being transformed and thought it would be great to apply that to a transformation of the bulletin board at Palermo Post Office.

One of the Small Growth Groups at Palermo Christian Church recently spruced up the bulletin board. The frame was straightened, new doors with Plexiglas were installed, fresh coat of paint, turf carpeting was laid, and flowers added a special touch. Many nodded their head of approval for the improvements.

During one break Jeff Twitchell, donated a delicious apple pie. They thoroughly enjoyed and had an opportunity to share with three individuals while they were picking up their mail.

A big thank you to SD Childs Construction and Kempton Tobey & Son who provided gravel and loam.

Blessing of the Animals set for October 2-4

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Animal lovers from around Maine are invited to flock to have their animal companions blessed outdoors in celebration of Saint Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day (October 4). All pets are welcome to attend any of the Blessing of the Animals events. As prayers are offered, the pets will be gently sprinkled with holy water.

Saint Francis of Assisi was known for his love of all of God’s creatures. The Blessing of the Animals remembers Francis’ love by invoking God’s blessing on the animals and thanking God for letting us share the earth. Here are the confirmed events in chronological order (new events will be added as scheduled at www.portlanddiocese.org/Blessing-of-Animals-2021):

Monday, October 4

Grotto of St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, at 6 p.m.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, September 30, 2021

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SHIRLEY A. KNOX

OAKLAND – Shirley Ann (Poulin) Knox, 93, longtime resident of Oak­land, passed away Sunday, September 12, 2021. She was born in Waterville, August 2, 1928, to Elmer and Leona (Kelley) Poulin.

On October 30, 1948, Shirley married Richard E. Knox and together they raised four children. Throughout her life Shirley was involved in the Oakland Extension, Girl Scouts (as a leader), and the Oakland Sno-Goers Snowmobile Club.

She was an accomplished seamstress sewing many wedding dresses and formal wear, unique and intricate Halloween costumes, outerwear, home decor and custom alterations for family, extended family, and others. Shirley was a devoted supporter of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their activities, attending countless sports games, concerts, dance recitals and other events locally and throughout the country.

Later in life she became a hard-core member of the Red Sox Nation. She celebrated every Yankees loss and often engaged in playful banter with family members who cheered for the Bronx Bombers.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Richard; her grandson, Caleb Damren; and her siblings, Bernadette, Violet (Sylvester), Elmer Jr., Carol, Arlene (Choate), Phyllis (Garvey), Janice (Glovski), Eugene, Martin, Delores (Paglia), Monty, Lawrence, and Belva (Jalette).

She is survived by her children, Lynda (and former spouse Richard) Pooler, Karen (and Peter) Damren, Steve (and Jody) Knox and Kelley (and Donny) Thompson; her grandchildren, Ty Pooler, Jaime (and Joey) O’Neal, Devon Pooler, Ian (and Stacey) Damren, Caitlyn Damren, Stevey Knox (and significant other Nick Leavitt), Ashley (and Scott) Drake, Cale Knox (and significant other Nicole Smith), Kylee (and Mitchell) Eden, and Saige Knight; her siblings, Richard, Betty Jo (and George) Foster; and sister-in-law, Sue Poulin; her great-grandchildren, Tylen (TJ) Pooler, Jayden Pooler, Sydney O’Neal, Mckyah Pooler, Brayden Robideau, Madison Robideau; and several nieces and nephews.

A private burial will be held at Lewis Cemetery in Oakland. An outdoor Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

JENNIFER J. MOORS

WINSLOW – Jennifer “Jen” J. Moors, 48, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of Monday, September 13, 2021, at MaineGeneral Medical Center (MGMC/T hayer) ER. She was born December 27, 1972, in Waterville, daughter of Gerald J. and Glenna “Bee” (Denis) Joler.

She graduated from Waterville Senior High School in 1991 and attended the University of Maine Orono. On August 19, 2006, she married the love of her life, Lonnie Moors.

Jen was employed by MGMC for 20-plus years in various positions. Her most recent position was as a medical assistant in Express Care, which allowed her to spend more time with her husband Lonnie and their two children Aubrey and Ryan. Her husband and her children were her world, she loved them with all of her heart and soul. She was very proud of each of them.

Jennifer is survived by her husband of 15 years, Lonnie Moors; her two children, Aubrey and Ryan; her mother Glenna Joler; six sisters, Linda Genest (James), of Waterville, Barbara Reed (Allen), of Wiscasset, Carolyn Hunter (Stephen), of Winslow, Elaine Sullivan (Doug), of Bristow, Virginia, Jane Woodman (Michael), of Clinton, Cheryl Quirion (Timothy), of Randolph, and one brother, John Joler (Laurie), of Waterville; her father-in-law, Daniel Moors (Darlene), of Corinth; sister-in-law, Makayla Moors Thompson (Robert), of Corinth, brother-in-law, Timothy Commeau (Calvin), of Bangor; and sister-in-law, Amy Woodman (Josh), of Levant; several nieces and nephews, Christopher, Jared, Stacey, Joshua, Charlene, Cynthia, Aaron, Katelyn, Nicholas, Trevor, Marisa, Sarah, Erica, Daniel, Alayna, Jordan, and Brooklyn; a great-niece, Quinn and a great nephew, Lucas.

Jennifer was predeceased by her father, Gerald J. Joler.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville, and burial followed at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Grove St. Waterville.

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

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared, and a more detailed obituary viewed at http://www.gallantfh.com. Due to church limitations of two arrangements total, please do not send flowers.

EVELYN Y. ELLIS

OAKLAND – Evelyn Yvette Rousseau Ellis, 83, died Monday, September 16, 2021, following a long battle with cancer. Lynn was born in Waterville on July 9, 1938, the daughter of the late Alfred and Christine Rousseau.

Lynn graduated Cum Laude from Waterville High School in 1956. She lived in Japan, Texas, and Colorado while her husband was in the USAF. She loved watching the birds, crafting, and spending time with family.

Lynn is survived by her husband of 63 years, Raymond Ellis; her son Duane Ellis and wife Bonnie; son Gary Ellis and wife Connie; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren and sister Carmen Ey and Ben Foster; sister, Carmenline Fredette and husband Harvey, brother, Carl Rousseau and Delores Toothacker, brother-in-law, Robert Ellis and wife Marcia, sister-in-law, Claudette Lagasse and husband Donald, sister-in-law, Patricia Ellis-Surdam and husband Rob, brother-in-law, Larry Ellis; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be held at Kennebec Valley Baptist Church, 91 Marston Road Waterville, Maine, 04901 on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home and Cremation Services Bucksport. (www.mitchelltweedie-young.com).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lynn’s memory to Kennebec Valley Baptist Church.

CHARLES GOODWIN JR.

BREWER – Charles “Chuck” Goodwin Jr., 58, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021. Chuck was born July 22, 1963, to Charles and Lorraine Goodwin.

He graduated Lawrence High School , in Fairfield, class of 1982, and University of Maine, Orono, class of 1987, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

He had a long and successful career with Pine State Trading. People that knew Chuck would all agree he was a wonderful husband and father, son and brother, kind friend who was always there when needed. A hard worker who was always full of joy with his big infectious laugh.

He was predeceased by his sister, Kimberly, and by his father, Charles Sr.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Shannon and their daughter, Lilly, who was his pride and joy; mother, Lorraine, of Shawmut; brother, Jim and wife, Tara, of Benton; sister, Jennifer, of Orono; sister-in-law, Amanda and fiancé, Brandon, of Lincoln; brother-in-law, Jamie and fiancée, Raychell, of Dover-Foxcroft; Aunt Vicki and Uncle Eddie, of Dover-Foxcroft; several nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins.

A funeral service was held on Friday, September 24, 2021, at Brooking-Smith, 133 Center St, Bangor, with the Pastor Steve Donahue officiating.

A private Viking send off (what Chuck wants, Chuck gets) will be held at a later date for immediate family. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.

PAUL C. BOWEN

WINSLOW – Paul C. Bowen, 73, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 17, 2021. He was born in Waterville, to Asher and Claudia (Perry) Bowen.

He graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and then worked at Keyes Fibre for over 13 years as a welder while starting up his own business. He owned and operated Paul’s Auto Repair and worked as a mechanic. He worked side by side with his son Robert at Paul and Son Garage and Sales for many years before retiring three years ago. He lived in Winslow for nearly 20 years.

Paul was the husband of Johnna Bowen (Butler). They had recently celebrated 28 years of marriage.

Paul loved eating breakfast everyday with friends at the Purple Cow, in Fairfield. He also loved spending time with family at their camp on Sheepscot Lake, in Palermo. He spent most of his time hunting and motorcycling. He enjoyed boating and vacationing on Campobello Island at their summer home as well as traveling in their R.V. to the Fryeburg Fair every year possible, staying for the entire fair. Paul really enjoyed watching westerns. He frequently enjoyed trips to Young’s Lobster Pound, in Belfast. He spent every Friday night having couples dinners with friends. He loved family time and built his grandchildren a very special tree cabin that they made many memories in and will always cherish.

He is survived by his wife, Johnna; a daughter Cindy Nelson and her husband Mark; a son Robert Bowen and his wife Kim; stepdaughter Jillian Jolicoeur and husband Richard; stepsons Benjamin Bolduc and significant other Annalee Morris, and Christopher Bolduc and wife JoAnn; many grandchildren, Courtney and husband Jon, Nicole, Danielle, Christopher, Derek, Vivianne, Meygan, Rori, Aubrey, and Ashton.his siblings Edward Bowen, William Bowen and wife Gwen, Ruth Watson and husband Gerald; many nieces and nephews; and a special niece Jennifer Hohenboken and husband Matt.

He was predeceased by his sister Barbie Bowen, brother David Bowen, and his parents Claudia and Asher Bowen.

There will be a private celebration of life for close, immediate family as these were Paul’s wishes for how we celebrate him.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at directcremationofmaine.com

FLORENCE F. ROWE

WATERVILLE – Florence (White) Fairfield Rowe, 90, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Florence was born on July 26, 1931, in Lewiston, the daughter of John and Addie White, of Fairfield.

She attended Fairfield schools and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1949. Her senior year she was one of seven cheerleaders at that time. All through her high school years she worked at the Fairfield Five and Dime store on Main Street after school and Saturdays.

In July 1949, Florence married Richard Fairfield, from Augusta, whom she met when she and a group of friends went dancing. Dick was in the service, and after the wedding reception they left for Ft. Benning, Georgia, where he was stationed.

Upon their return to Maine they lived in Augusta, then relocated to Randolph where she lived for 31 years. Florence and Dick had two sons, Richard Fairfield, Jr. and James Fairfield. Her husband Richard died in 1970.

In 1980 Florence married Merton Rowe and relocated to Waterville. They were together for 34 years until his death in 2011.

Florence was a member of the Randolph United Methodist Church for over 65 years, and a lifetime member of the Eureka Rebekah Lodge #83, of Gardiner, where she served as a Past Noble Grand and a District Deputy Marshall.

Florence was employed by the State of Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages, retiring in 1984. She also attended the Augusta School of Business while working for the State of Maine.

Florence was a kind and caring individual who always thought of others first. Until the very end, she continued to remember the important people in her life by sending birthday, anniversary, and holiday cards to all of her family members and special friends.

Florence was predeceased by her parents, both her husbands, a baby daughter in 1955, a sister, Harriet Gurney and her husband Roland, of Fairfield, and daughter-in-law, Ursula Holzkamper.

Florence is survived by her son, Richard Fairfield, Jr. (Sharon) and children, Michelle Smith (Mike), Samantha Thibodeau (Troy) and three children, Ericka Fairfield (Paul Sveum) and two daughters, her son, James Fairfield (Susan), children, Jonathan Fairfield (Kelly) and two children, Jeffrey Fairfield; Mert’s children Suzanne Thurlow (Fred), son, Jefferson Daggett (Mandy Hagenaar), Robert Rowe, Mark (Kathy) Rowe and sons, Ben Brown and Matt Brown (Erin) and two children, Kirby (Linda) Rowe and daughters, Rebecca (Adam) Goodpasture and three children, and Amanda (Chris) McTigue and two daughters; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two nieces, Mary Ann Campbell and family and Bettina (Alan) Page and family; two nephews, Curvin (Charlene) Farnham and families, and Ronald (Linda) Farnham and daughter Cindy (Adam) Casey.

A funeral service was held at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, on Saturday, September 25.

A private family burial will take place beside her husband at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta.

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

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

GARY R. FULLER

BELGRADE – Gary Robert Fuller, 58, of Belgrade, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Gary was born on January 13, 1963, the son of Robert Fuller and Marilyn (Coan) Brown.

Gary grew up in Sidney and graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, in 1981.

In 1982, Gary married the love of his life, Ellen MacDonald, of Augusta, where they made their first home. In 1996, Gary and Ellen built their dream home in Belgrade where they raised their three children.

Gary was highly regarded as the Codes Enforcement Officer for the city of Augusta, and the towns of Belgrade, Sidney, and several other surrounding towns. Over the course of his long career, Gary developed many lifelong friendships. Gary had a very strong work ethic and felt extremely fulfilled and proud of his long career. He retired from the City of Augusta in 2018 and continued to serve the towns of Belgrade and Sidney.

Gary was so proud to achieve his Master Maine Guide license. He opened Daze Off Guide Service and thoroughly enjoyed hosting guided rabbit hunts with his beagles. He was an avid outdoorsman who had a passion for hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and four wheeling. He made many wonderful memories with friends and family on their numerous hunting trips “upta” camp.

Gary was very social and loved being around people. He could always be counted on for his quick-witted humor or to be the first on the dance floor. He was incredibly loyal and dependable to all whom he loved. He would drop anything with no questions asked to help a friend in need.

Following his retirement, Gary was able to spend more time doing the things he loved. He especially enjoyed building and spending time at his camp and going on many tropical vacations with Ellen and their closest friends. He was the ultimate family man whose children and grandchildren brought him tremendous joy.

Gary was predeceased by his father, Robert Fuller; his stepfather, William Brown; brother-in-law, Peter Vashon; in-laws, John and Leah MacDonald.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 39 years, Ellen; daughters, Melissa Fuller and Amanda Favreau, and son-in-law Kristopher Favreau; son, Andrew Fuller who was affectionately referred to as Gary’s “shadow”; grandchildren Clarice Fuller, Paxton Lovejoy, Emilia Favreau, and Benjamin Favreau; mother, Marilyn Brown; sisters Janet Vashon, Helen Michaud and “brother-in-law,” Robin Day; aunt Carole and uncle Bill Quackenbush; his sister-in-law, four brothers-in-law; many nieces, nephews; cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at the Augusta Elks Lodge on Sunday, October 10, at noon. All who knew and loved Gary are invited to attend.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at directcremationofmaine.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine or the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.

RICHARD W. LEVINE SR.

OAKLAND – Richard ‘Dick’ W. Levine, Sr., 79, of Oakland, passed away on September 22, 2021, at Northern Light Inland Hospital in Waterville. He was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on July 15, 1942, the son of the late Max and Gentlelena (Marchetti) Levine.

Dick grew up in Bangor and graduated from Bangor High School. He served with the Maine National Guard and was proud of his military service. He retired from Keyes Fibre Company (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville, where he worked in the shipping and facilities departments.

Dick enjoyed hunting, especially when given the chance to go on a caribou hunt. At home with his wife, he enjoyed time with their horse, fussing in his garage, and his time spent with family.

Dick will be remembered by all those who loved him, especially by his wife and life partner, Cheryl York, of Oakland; his son, Richard W. Levine, Jr., of Marblehead, Massachusetts, wife Cynthia; and grandsons Jordhan and Kooper; his daughter Caroline N. Levine, of Unity, her partner Becca; stepson, Thane Foster; Dick’s siblings Karen Levine, her husband Andy, Don Levine, his wife, Patty, and Robert Levine; mother of his children Carole Levine; and late mother-in-law, ’Sitto’ and Julia York.

Visiting hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. with prayers and a time of sharing to begin at 7 p.m., on Thursday, September 30, at Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, in Oakland.

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

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church Street, Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA) https://www.msspa.org/.

LINDA A. RAVEN

CLINTON – Linda Alice (McFarland) Raven, 75, passed away at EMMC in Bangor, Wednesday, September 22, 2021. Linda was born in Pittsfield, November 10, 1945, the daughter of Leamon and Vutes (Stotelmyer) McFarland.

Linda was a member of Clinton Baptist Church in her earlier years, and Shawmut Chapel later in life. She was part of a group that sang locally, and she enjoyed this very much.

Linda was predeceased by her father and mother, Leamon and Vutes McFarland; her two sisters, Virginia Crummett, and Helen Lewis; and her niece, Ronda Getz.

She is survived by her son, Kevin Raven and his wife, Linda; her grandchildren Devin, Lyndsee, Derick, and Kendra; her great-grandchildren Evelin, Annabell, Gabriel, Thea, Benjamin, and Dominic; her brother, Leroy and his wife, Geneva McFarland; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a small graveside service on Saturday, October 2, at 1 p.m., at Town House Hill Cemetery, on the Hinckley Road, in Clinton.

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.

CHIEF GARY L. PETLEY

CLINTON – A Celebration of life for Ret. Chief Gary Lee Petley, who died April 17, 2020, from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at the Clinton Lion’s Club Fairgrounds, 1450 Bangor Road, in Clinton, at 11 a.m.

Gary’s family invites you to join us as we gather to celebrate his life and accomplishments, and honor his service and dedication to the Clinton Fire Department and the Town of Clinton. Masks are required. This is an outdoor venue; please dress accordingly and bring a camp chair to help with seating and social distancing. In remembrance, coffee and donuts will be provided after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Clinton Fireman’s Association.

THOMAS A. LINNELL JR.

SAVANNAH, Georgia – Thomas A. Linnell Jr., 44, died Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at a hospital in Savannah, Georgia, of pneumonia due to Covid-19. He was born in Waterville to parents Diane and Thomas Linnell, Sr.

He graduated from Waterville High School and participated in track and football, and was manager of the hockey team.

He served in the Army for eight years and served in Germany, New York and Fort Benning, Georgia. He was honorably discharged in 2012. While in the army, he met Denise Pierce. Upon leaving the army, he moved to Garden City, Georgia.

He had a dream to write books, and started nine books. He was an Uber driver and worked at FedEx.

Surviving are his wife, Denise Linell; mother-in-law, Kathleen Boles; son, BJ; daughter, Dawn Stonwick and husband Mattiew; mom, Diane and husband Jim Wilson; father Thomas Linnell Sr. and wife Lyssa; sisters Jessica Linnell Smith, Felicia Williamson; brother, Jason Williamson; niece, Mackenzie Rowe and baby Brycen; nephews Bryce and Trey Gunzinger.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Marie and Roland Nadeau, paternal grandparents Carroll Sr. and Cecilia Linnell; stepdad, David Rowe.

There was a graveside service at St. Francis Cemetery, on Grove St., Waterville, at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 25, 2021. In memory of Thomas, please send money to Denise Linnell’s email, denise.linnell74@gmail.com.

MARY ELLEN TWOMBLY

WINSLOW – Mary Ellen Twombly, 79, died on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at MaineGeneral Medical Center. Mary Ellen was born in Barnstable, Massachusetts, to Ruth (Nadeau) and James L. Twombly on July 16, 1942.

After a few years in the Washington, D.C., area, Mary Ellen assumed her role as a “True Mainer” when the family returned to Monroe, Maine, in 1951.Throughout her life Mary Ellen was a storyteller and adventurer who welcomed new experiences – both personally and professionally. These adventures started early on with the construction of a two-story treehouse and continued through her years at the University of Maine at Orono, where she focused on journalism covering campus news and a local strike in Old Town. This taste of Union activity led to positions with the Maine AFL-CIO and the International Machinist Union’s newspapers.

Mary Ellen’s concern for people then led to many years working for the state of Maine. The crowning adventure of her life, however, was the design and construction of her own cord wood house in Knox. This was accomplished with the support and assistance of her second family – the friends of Bill W.

In later years, Mary Ellen became active in the Knox Historic Society and was, with Clayton Larrabee, instrumental in the restoration of the East Knox School, currently located on Route 202 near the Mount View schools.

Declining health dictated Mary Ellen’s move to the Waterville area where she continued to live independently, though greatly supported by sister, Ann, cousin, Mary, and dear, dear friends, Peggy Sweet and Larry Horvath.

Mary Ellen was predeceased by her parents, Ruth and James Twombly, as well as by aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her sister, Ann Twombly and brother-in-law, Thomas Wellman; cousin, Mary McAleney; nephew, Joshua Twombly; niece, Lisa Twombly, and four great-nieces and great-nephews.

A committal service will be held September 25, 2021, at 1 p.m., in the Old Monroe Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 other celebrations/remembrances of her life will be held at a future date.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at http://www.familyfirstfh.com.

KIRBY STEVENS

WATERVILLE – Kirby Stevens, 60, passed away following a long and valiant battle with cancer on Monday, June 7, 2021. He was the son of Carroll E. Stevens and Florence J. Nadeau Stevens.

He is a graduate of Waterville High School and subsequently became a carpenter of considerable knowledge and expertise. He enjoyed interacting with the natural world and most of all a true passion for the game of golf. It was one of his true joys. Everywhere he went he made the world a better place.

Kirby was a great brother, uncle and friend. He is and always will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Kirby joins his parents Carroll and Florence, his grandparents Gracia Rancourt Nadeau and Fred J. Nadeau, his paternal grandparents Maurice J. Stevens and Gertrude Lord Stevens and a brother-in-law Scott O. Selwood.

He is survived by his sister Jean A. Stevens Selwood, of Augusta, and his brother Wayne C. Stevens and his wife Paula, of China.

A graveside service will take place on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 10 a.m., at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove Street,

CHINA: Land parcel sale back to square one

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by Mary Grow

As of Sept. 27, China selectmen’s effort to sell a 39-acre piece of land on Lakeview Drive is back where it was before they agreed on a buyer at their Aug. 30 meeting.

On Aug. 30, China realtor Lucas Adams told selectmen they had two bids, $10,000 from the local People’s Park group headed by Lindsey Harwath and $80,000 from former China residents Austin “Gerry” and Lynda Ogden. Selectmen authorized Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood to negotiate with the Ogdens. At their Sept. 13 meeting Hapgood said the Ogdens bought the property for $83,000.

At the Sept. 27 meeting, Adams said he had not known China subdivision approvals expire if work is not underway within five years. The land, therefore, is no longer legally a subdivision, and the Ogdens have withdrawn their $83,000 offer.

Adams revised his valuation of the lot from $80,000 upward to $55,000 upward. There are currently three bids, he said: the People’s Park has again bid $10,000, the Ogdens have bid $40,000 and resident Troy Bulmer has bid $40,000.

Adams told Selectman Janet Preston that Bulmer does not want to see the land developed. Lindsey Harwath, President of the People’s Park group, said she had talked with him.

After half an hour’s discussion, selectmen voted unanimously to authorize Adams, with whom they have a six-month contract, to market the property at $59,000, with bids due by their next meeting, which will be at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 12 (rescheduled due to the Oct. 11 Indigenous People’s Day holiday); and meanwhile to negotiate for higher bids from the three current bidders.

Adams said he would keep Hapgood informed.

Audience comments on the issue included a prepared statement by resident Marie Michaud urging selectmen to leave the land undeveloped to protect its varied wildlife and avoid more run-off into China Lake. In addition to potential run-off from developed areas, a stream on the lot “flows directly into China Lake,” she said.

Michaud reminded selectmen that in two town visioning sessions held as part of the process of updating the town’s comprehensive plan, residents had indicated a preference for preserving green spaces, open land and farmland. Selectmen are “currently not following what your constituents said they want,” she said.

Harwath, Stephen Greene and Brent Chesley had questions about Adams’ research and marketing.

Adams told Chesley the property had been listed online, and he had received telephone inquiries. He agreed with Chesley’s comment that no sign was posted on the ground until late in the process.

Adams said wetlands lower the property’s sale value. He and Selectman Wayne Chadwick discussed whether it has a septic system easement for the condominiums on the west side of Lakeview Drive, or whether all such easements are on an abutting lot.

In other business at the Sept. 27 selectmen’s meeting, board members chose, conditionally, a supplier for heat pumps for town buildings and agreed with Regional School Unit (RSU) #18 on a bus parking area on the town office grounds.

At their Sept. 13 meeting, selectmen looked at five bids for heat pumps for the transfer station and the town office. They postponed a decision while Hapgood confirmed which venders are “Efficiency Maine commercial qualified partners” eligible for rebates (if state funds are available).

Hapgood said all but one bidder is so qualified. Selectmen therefore awarded the bid to the lowest qualified bidder, Rod’s HPAC Installs, of Windsor, for $14,520. The decision is contingent on Selectman Blane Casey’s being satisfied with the proposed scope of work that he will review and compare with at least one other bidder’s.

RSU #18 Transportation Director Lennie Goff explained that the RSU needs room to park from three to occasionally five buses. Hapgood said she and Goff had considered school and town properties and agreed on an area off the back entranceway to the town office complex, between the buildings and Alder Park Road.

RSU #18 will create and maintain a gravel parking lot and provide electrical service to it, and will take care of snow removal at the same time as school grounds are cleared. Goff and Hapgood both will look into any possible insurance needs.

Hapgood said the area will have minimal impact on the office buildings. She and Goff agreed that the buses will be moved temporarily to the school grounds if the town needs extra parking, for example during an election.

Selectmen unanimously accepted the agreement.

They also approved exploring options and getting cost estimates to repair the dry hydrant on Routes 202 and 9 at the head of China Lake, between the blinker at the Route 137 intersection and the Circle K gas station and convenience store.

Hapgood said the new hydrant installed at the causeway froze over the winter, leading firefighters to ask about repairing the old one. No one knows whether it is plugged or whether a pipe is broken.

The manager said costs would be paid from the volunteer fire departments’ reserve fund.

In other business, selectmen appointed a list of ballot clerks for the Nov. 2 election and appointed Terry Demerchant secretary for the Municipal Building Committee.

They authorized Hapgood to sign American Rescue Plan Act funding documents. She is still accepting suggestions for ways to spend ARPA money.

CHINA: Follow-up on land sale story from last week

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The property in question, from Google Streetview.

Lucas Adams, head of Adams Realty in China, has provided additional information to supplement the story on the People’s Park group in the Sept. 23 issue of The Town Line.

China selectmen agreed at their Aug. 30 meeting to sell about 39 acres of town-owned land on the east side of Lakeview Drive to Austin “Gerry” and Lynda Ogden. The Ogdens bid $80,000, and after negotiations with Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood agreed to $83,000.

The only other bid was from the People’s Park, a group headed by Lindsey Harwath hoping to acquire the land for a public park. Their offer was $10,000.

Adams confirmed Harwath’s report that she and the Ogdens met at his office on Sept. 15 and the Ogdens offered to sell the back (eastern) part of the property to the People’s Park group for $110,000.

The Ogdens also offered to put in a road and an electric power connection to the eastern area, at an estimated cost of $30,000, and to follow through at their expense if the cost estimate turned out to be low, Adams said.

And, he said, the Ogdens were willing to wait until next spring for payment, to give the People’s Park group time to collect donations.

His conclusion is that with those conditions, the $110,000 price is “a very fair offer.”

The Ogdens’ initial plan was to keep two of the lots designated in the former Candlewood subdivision, on the north side of the proposed, but unbuilt, access road. They later decided to keep a third lot, Adams said.

They offered to the People’s Park group two lots on the south side of the access road and all the property east of the former Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington railroad track that is now a recreational trail.

Adams said he had not “discouraged” anyone else from buying the land from the town. He had talked with one person who decided not to buy, he said. He told China selectmen on Aug. 30 that he had received only the two offers; he surmised interest was low because much of the parcel is wet.

Adams said Ogden has not been associated with Adams Realty since the 1980s.

“Gerry’s an investor,” who owns property all over the State of Maine, Adams said.

History of Candlewood Camps property

The about 39 acres the Town of China has just sold was part of the Candlewood Camps property owned for years by Lucas Adams’ grandparents, Albert and Muriel Adams.

After the Adamses retired, Wachusetts Properties acquired and subdivided the land. At the Sept. 8, 2015, planning board meeting, then Codes Officer Paul Mitnik reported that he thought the subdivision permit had expired, until he found a modification approved in June 2015 that extended its life.

China’s Subdivision Ordinance says that a subdivision plan approved by the planning board becomes “null and void” if “substantial construction” has not started within five years. When a plan expires, the planning board is to have a notice placed in the state Registry of Deeds,

When Wachusett Properties failed to sell subdivision lots, they offered the land to the Town of China. Voters accepted the gift at the polls on Nov. 8, 2016. That fall, town officials considered using the property for a new China Village fire station or holding it for later resale.

In March 2017, voters amended China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program to add the Lakeview Drive lot to areas eligible for TIF-funded development projects.

In November 2018 they approved $5,000 from the TIF account for “concept drawings” for an emergency services building and community center on the lot. The emergency services section was intended to include a new China Village fire station; space for a police office and vehicle; and perhaps room for one of Delta Ambulance’s vehicles (since China Rescue cannot provide transport).

In June 2019, however, voters refused to take $25,000 from unexpended fund balance (also called surplus) to develop engineering plans and cost estimates for the building. The vote, as recorded in the June 13, 2019, issue of The Town Line, was not even close: 72 “yes” votes to 332 “no” votes.

Selectmen therefore asked at the June 8, 2021, town meeting for authorization to sell the land, with proceeds “to be put into an assigned fund to reduce the mil rate in the fiscal year following the sale.” Town meeting voters approved.