PHOTOS: Winslow travel soccer U-13 & U-10

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Winslow U-13: Front row, from left to right, Nixon Souviney, Charles Theobald, Noah Solomon, Scott LeClair, Bode Carlson, Jack Flaherty and Luca Churchill. Second row, Evan Barlow, Eliott Stepp, Carter Calvo, Peyton Stewart, Frank Farnham and Caden Giroux. Back, Coach Nick Souviney and Coach Joshua Giroux. Absent from photo, Renton O’Toole and Brody Brockway. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)

Winslow U-10: Front row, from left to right, Clayton Humphrey, Eli Nadeau, Deegan Grenier and Tobey McCabe. Back, Coach Wayne Doughty, Bradley Poulin, Nathan Rossignol, Jack Calvo, Preston Bailey and Coach Jarred Bailey. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)

SCORES & OUTDOORS – The great moose hunt: it wasn’t always that way

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Photo courtesy of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

The Maine moose hunting season is underway. It has not always been that way.

The moose hunting season was reintroduced in 1980 on an experimental basis, when 700 permits were issued to residents. At that time, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife estimated the moose population to be in the vicinity of 20,000 – 25,000 animals. In 2007, a wildlife ecologist estimated the moose population for New England and New York to be in the range of 50,000 animals.

A campaign was began in 1983 by a group of moose lovers to place the moose hunting question on a referendum ballot. The initiative failed. The legislature subsequently gave the DIF&W the authority to establish the number of moose permits handed out each year, while maintaining control of the moose lottery.

In 2002, for the first time in 21 years, state wildlife biologists recommended reducing the number of permits, for fear that the moose population may have been on the decline. There had been a high level of calf mortality with the culprit possibly being the tiny blood-sucking ticks that have become so numerous in recent years. Ticks killed more than half the moose calves in northern New Hampshire during a peak year. It was feared the same was happening in Maine.

After expanding for most of the 20th century, the moose population of North America has been in steep decline since the 1990s. Populations expanded greatly with improved habitat and protection, but for unknown reasons, the moose population was declining.

Lee Kantar, state moose biologist with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, stated, “the moose herd is dynamic. While young calves trying to make it through to their first birthday each May suffer from winter ticks that can be debilitating, in the core moose range generally from the Moosehead Region to the Canadian border, moose are abundant. But winter ticks depress reproduction in adult females and combined with moderate to severe overwinter mortality of calves in many years, annual population growth can become stagnant or decline with sporadic increases when annual winter tick levels ease.”

There were 4,030 permits issued this year including the 550 issued specifically for this year’s initial Adaptive (experimental) hunt to reduce moose densities in order to determine whether that can aid in breaking the debilitating impacts of the winter tick cycle.

The moose harvest in 2020 was 2,375.

Kantar continued, “September and October bull seasons have been variable. September had seasonable weather and moderate to high success rates. October bull season just ended Saturday and the week was unseasonably warm, keeping success rates lower.”

In northeastern North America, the moose’s history is very well documented: moose meat was often a staple in the diet of Native Americans going back centuries, with a tribe that occupied present day coastal Rhode Island giving the animal its name. The Native Americans often used moose hides for leather and its meat as an ingredient in a type of dried jerky used as a source of sustenance in winter or on long journeys. Eastern tribes also valued moose leather as a source for moccasins and other items.

The moose vanished in much of the eastern U.S. for as long as 150 years, due to colonial era overhunting and destruction of habitat.

European rock drawings and cave paintings reveal that moose have been hunted since the Stone Age.

Moose are not usually aggressive towards humans, but can be provoked or frightened to behave with aggression. In terms of raw numbers, they attack more people than bears and wolves combined, but usually with only minor consequences.

When harassed or startled by people or in the presence of a dog, moose may charge. Also, as with bears or any wild animal, moose that have become used to being fed by people, may act aggressively when food is denied.

A bull moose, disturbed by the photographer, lowers its head and raises its hackles. Like any wild animal, moose are unpredictable. They are most likely to attack if annoyed or harassed, or if approached too closely. A moose that has been harassed may vent its anger on anyone in the vicinity, and they often do not make distinctions between their tormentors and innocent passers-by.

Moose also tend to venture out onto highways at night. In northern Maine, especially, moose-vehicle collisions are common. The problem with that is the center of mass of a moose is above the hood of most passenger cars. In a collision, the impact crushed the front roof beams and individuals in the front seats. Collisions of this type are frequently fatal; seat belts and airbags offer little protection. In collisions with higher vehicles, such as trucks, most of the deformation is to the front of the vehicle and the passenger compartment is largely spared.

Moose lack upper front teeth, but have eight sharp incisors on the lower jaw. They also have a tough tongue, lips and gums, which aid in eating woody vegetation. A moose’s upper lip is very sensitive, to help distinguish between fresh shoots and harder twigs. A moose’s diet often depends on its location, but they seem to prefer the new growths from deciduous trees with a high sugar content, such as white birch.

Moose also eat aquatic plants, including lilies and pondweed. (We could sure use a few of them on Webber Pond). Moose are excellent swimmers and are known to wade into water to eat aquatic plants. This trait serves a second purpose in cooling down the moose on summer days and ridding itself of black flies. Moose are thus attracted to marshes and river banks during warmer months as both provide suitable vegetation to eat and as a way to wet themselves down. Moose avoid areas with little or no snow as this increases the risk of predation by wolves and avoid areas with deep snow, as this impairs mobility.

So, moose are a vital commodity to Maine, and we must do what is necessary to preserve them, and continue to harvest them responsibly.

Can anyone answer this question? If you have a legal moose hunting permit, you are on your way to the hunt, and you collide with a moose and kill it – and you survive – does that count as your moose, or can you continue to the hunting zone and claim a second moose?

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Who was the last Red Sox player to be named World Series MVP?

Answer can be found here.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 21, 2021

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VIRGINIA C. BELANGER

WATERVILLE – Virginia “Jinny” Clara Belanger, 91, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 13, 2021, at the Hillcrest Convalescent Center, in Durham, North Carolina. Jinny was born on April 29, 1930, in Skowhegan, and was the daughter of the late Roger Lee Dickinson and Dora Day Dickinson.

She grew up and attended schools in Fairfield. She married the love of her life and husband of 63 years, the late Donald Wilfred Belanger, longtime Waterville resident, on May 1, 1954, after he returned from Army deployment during the Korean War.

Jinny was very much about her family. She selflessly gave up extended periods of her time at home to take care of her mother, father, sisters, children, and friends during serious illnesses.

Jinny was well known as owner and operator of Jinny’s Variety store, in Waterville. She loved this work interacting with people and made many lasting friendships throughout her years there. She held many other jobs and was always a homemaker to her family. She also enjoyed bowling, golf and letter writing.

Recently, Jinny has resided at Chatham Ridge Assisted Living, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald, son David Belanger, and sisters and their husbands, Melda and Leo Ouellette, Dorothea and Phillip Porter, and Muriel and John Shepherd.

Jinny is survived by two sons and their spouses, Richard Belanger and Eileen, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Jeffrey Belanger and Pamela, of Augusta; grandchildren, Adam and Stefanie Belanger, Kathrin Belanger and spouse Eric Grimes, and Nicolyn and Justin Brown; great-grandson, Christopher; and great-granddaughters Chloe and Daniella; many nephews and nieces, Kenneth Chapman, Joseph Shepherd and James Porter.

The family plans to hold an internment service in Fairfield Center, in the spring at Friend Cemetery which she, Don and Muriel mowed and meticulously maintained for years.

Donaldson Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Jinny Belanger.

Condolences may be left at http://www.donaldsonfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Jinny’s memory to the hospice program that took such great care of her husband, Medical Foundation of North Carolina, 880 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

GEORGE W. MICHAUD

BRANDON, Florida – George W. Michaud, 63, passed away from natural causes on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. George was born in Caribou and grew up in Fairfield, the son of the late Wilbert L. Michaud and Maxine Michaud Morissette.

George attended local schools and was a 1977 graduate of Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. Shortly after graduation, George enlisted in the United States Air Force and went on to have a very successful military career.

During George’s military service he was stationed all over the world, serving in Egypt, Turkey, Japan, and Saudi Arabia as well as throughout the United States. He served with distinction in the first Gulf War. George was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida, when he retired as a Tech Seargent in 1998 and made the Tampa Bay area his home.

George continued to work upon retirement, first for IBM, and then for Menzies Aviation at the Tampa Bay International Airport.

George was predeceased by his father, Wilbert L. Michaud.

He is survived by his mother, Maxine Michaud Morissette; his siblings, Terry Michaud and his wife Lori, Theresa Sullens, Roger Michaud, Bernadette Staples and her husband Lloyd, Kevin Michaud, Elizabeth Surrette; Denver Brown and his wife Victoria, and Elmer Brown and his wife Debbie; and by several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

A graveside service with military honors was held on Friday, October 15, at Maplewood Cemetery, in Fairfield.

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

RAYMOND B. SHEELY

SOUTH CHINA – Raymond Berndro Sheely, 74, of South China, passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. Born on February 15, 1947, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, he was the son of the late Harold Russell Sheely and Alma Ida Sheely of Orleans, Massachusetts.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University and MBA from Suffolk University, both in Boston, Massachusetts, before beginning a life-long career in health care and health care education. Ray took immense pride in the number of lives he saved as a respiratory therapist throughout his long career at St. Annes hospital, in Fall River, Massachusetts, and Eastern Maine Medical, in Bangor.

In between his time as a health care practitioner, Ray spent two decades as an educator, building the respiratory therapy program and teaching business administration classes at the Community College of Rhode Island.

Ray was also a veteran of the United States Army where he trained to be a medic. He enrolled in ROTC during his time at Northeastern and entered active duty in 1970. He was an Army reservist from 1971 until he was honorably discharged in 1988.

Outside of work and family, Ray’s passion was nature and photography. He was an avid fisherman, gardener, and a nationally recognized photographer. Never shy about taking the perfect shot, much to the chagrin of his wife and kids, Ray often risked life and limb to get the angle that no other person would even consider. Thanks to those risks, Ray received many awards and he leaves behind a beautiful collection of photos that show the world as he saw it.

Ray is survived by his wife, Kimberley Ehrlich Sheely, of South China; his daughter Sara Thompson, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; his son Andrew Sheely and wife, Mollie, of Danville, New Hampshire; his daughter Becky Bugbee and husband, Greg, of Windham, Connecticut; five grandchildren; his brother Greg Sheely and wife, Nancy, of Harwich, Massachusetts; his sister Karen Crystal, of Tampa, Florida; and his ex-wife Kathleen Forget, of Londonderry, New Hampshire.

He was predeceased by his second wife, Virginia Sheely, and his sister Sandra Rotzien.

The family will be having a private celebration at a later date.

The family is establishing a scholarship fund to assist high school students in Maine that are pursuing a higher education in the respiratory therapy field. Donations to the Raymond B. Sheely Respiratory Therapy Scholarship, can be sent to the Southern Maine Community College Foundation, Fort Road, South Portland, ME 04106.

PRISCILLA E. WESCOTT

VASSALBORO – Priscilla E. Wescott, 81, passed away Sunday, September 26, 2021, in Zepherhills, Florida. She was born August 9, 1940, in Morrill, the daughter of Harry B. and Lytle (Thomas) Eaton.

She graduated from Belfast High School in 1958 and was employed for many years in data entry, auto sales, and home health care. She was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, in Augusta. Priscilla enjoyed knitting, sewing, playing cards and social gatherings.

Priscilla is survived by her partner, Dale Clement, of Vassalboro; son, Chris Wescott and wife Shelley, of Vassalboro; grandson, Corbin Wescott, of Vassalboro; brother, Gary Thurston, of Florida, two sisters, Gayle Thurston and Pamela Thurston, both of Florida; many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

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 Priscilla’s memory to Gulfside Heathcare Services, Attn: Carla Armstrong, 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes, FL 34639, online http://www.gulfside.org.

BERNARD P. DUGAL

WINSLOW – Bernard P. Dugal, 69, of Winslow passed away in his home on Monday, October 4, 2021. Bernard was born the sixth of eight children to J.R. Alyre Dugal Sr. and Frances Olive (Veilleux) Dugal, in Waterville, on August 15, 1952.

He graduated in 1970 from Winslow High School. He served as a Seabee in the U.S. Navy. He attended the Washington County Vocational Technical Institute (W.C.V.T.I.) and started his career as a pipe welder. In September 2019, after working proudly with his brethren at the UA Local #716 Plumbers & Pipefitters Union, Bernard celebrated his decades long career as a dedicated and hardworking pipe welder by retiring.

Bernard’s family was everything to him and his daughter Brittany was his world. He loved his friends, hunting, the ocean, lobster, and fiddleheads, and gave the best and biggest hugs. He was a member of the Waterville Elks Lodge #905.

He was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers J. Robert A. Dugal, Jr. and Daniel F. Dugal.

Bernard leaves behind his daughter Brittany Dugal; three sisters and their spouses, Christine and Chuck Wendler, of Iowa, Pauline and Rick Curry, of Old Orchard Beach, and Jeannine and John Robinson, of Waterboro; two brothers and their spouses, Gerald and Sandy Dugal, of Durham, and Conrad and Lynn Dugal, of Augusta;19 nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; many cousins.

A celebration of Bernard’s life will be held at Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, on Friday, October 15, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m.

A burial will take place at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta at the convenience of the family.

Please visit http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share your condolences.

FOREST PEASLEE

SOMERVILLE – Forest Peaslee, 73, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 7, 2021. Forest was the oldest son of Forest and Delia Peaslee, born on November 15, 1948, in Somerville.

Forest had a passion for hard work and dedication to family. He started helping his father at the early age of 8 pulling parts from vehicles in the junkyard. It was that dedication to family and a strong will that allowed Forest to build a successful multi-faceted company against all odds with only an 8th-grade education and an idea for success.

Forest had an infectious smile and laugh that made him a bright light for people to gather around and his ability to connect with great friends, wonderful employees, and the dedication of a loving family that truly made all of his endeavors so successful. He especially loved to share the workload with his three sons Jamie, Joey, and Johnny. Through the combined efforts of all of these wonderful people and talented drivers, Forest and the team at LLP company proudly built a fleet of 35 Peterbilt trucks with shining chrome flying pigs on the hood leading the way down countless roads throughout the country.

Forest lived the fullest of lives. He enjoyed logging, driving trucks over the road, racing cars at Wiscasset speedway, and spending time talking with folks at the store he built in the ‘90s, Peaslees’s Quick Stop. Forest had many friends in life that meant so much to him but to continue this history without mention of his favorite partners in crime JR and JP would be a true injustice, those two little pups meant the world to him. He also loved his farm and enjoyed spending many hours on his equipment building roads throughout the woods and in the pastures where the buffalo, elk, and deer herds roamed freely. It was these same roads that he most enjoyed bringing new visitors, friends, and family on gator rides to spend time with all his animal friends. Forest’s love of automobiles was always present in his life and most recently as he started to slow down from work and enjoy what we will call “semi-retirement” he collected a few really nice ones. He had the deepest appreciation for his ‘28 Buick and it’s very possible you might recall seeing him driving down the road in one beautiful ride or another,

Forest was predeceased by his father Forest Earland Peaslee Sr., his mother Delia Grace Smith Peaslee; sisters Muriel Anne and Marianne Potter; his brothers Peter Peaslee, Frank Sidelinger, and Frederick Sidelinger.

Forest is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda Brann Peaslee; his sons Jamie Peaslee and wife Kelly, Joey Peaslee and Johnny Peaslee; his five grandchildren Katelynd Peaslee Scofield and husband Thomas Scofield, Kelsey Peaslee Smith and Hayden Peaslee; five great-grandchildren Konner, Jace, Carter, Isaac, and Jacob; his brothers Teddy and wife Eileen, Dannie and wife Charlie, Neil and wife Susan, Kenneth Sidelinger and wife Gladys, and brothers Larry and Hunter; sisters Jane Huegel, Bunny Daniels, Ceceil Rogers and husband Jimmy; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation is set for Sunday October 17, from 7 – 9 p.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, where a funeral service will be held on Monday October 18, at 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life will take place at Broken Acres Retreat, in Jefferson, following the burial in Fairview Cemetery, Jefferson.

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

JANE E. LOWELL

WATERVILLE – Jane Elisabeth Lowell, 85, passed away Thursday, August 19, 2021, after suffering the effects of dementia for over six years. She was born on February 15, 1936, in Bangor, to the late Bion E. Lowell and Etta (Sally) Thompson Lowell.

Jane graduated from Waterville High School in 1954. She furthered her education attending Boston University, in Boston, Massachusetts, and with her business degree later worked for Occidental Life Insurance of California in their Boston and Baltimore offices. After being offered the opportunity, she accepted a position in the law firm of Spiro Agnew, later elected vice president to Richard Nixon.

After moving back to Waterville to be closer to friends and family, she worked many years for Scott Paper Company, in Winslow, rising to the level of Customer Service Manager for the Northeast Commercial Products Division. Jane was known and respected throughout the company for her expertise in resolving difficult customer service issues. She retired in 1995 when Scott merged with Kimberly Clark.

Jane was an active member and Deacon of the First Congregational Church of Waterville (later United Church of Christ). She enjoyed most types of music, singing in the choir and at many weddings and funerals as well as numerous plays and musicals. For hobbies she made beautiful items including windows and lamp shades from stained glass.

She is survived by her brother, B. Edwin Lowell, his wife, Catherine M. Lowell, their daughter, Ashleigh Jane Long, her husband, Robert W. Long and their son, Connor W. Long, all of Charlotte, North Carolina.

A service was held on Saturday, October 16, at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, Maine.

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901 or to the Habitat for Humanity.

RALPH J. LOMBARDI

WINTERPORT – Ralph “Russ” Joseph Lombardi, 76, passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021, in Bangor. He was born on October 10, 1945, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Modesto “Marty” and Irene “Arlene” Lombardi (Polk).

He completed his undergraduate degree at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, in Boston, Massachusetts, and his Masters of Music with honors from the New England Conservatory. Upon graduation, he taught at Berklee College of Music before becoming Registrar. He then moved to Maine and became publisher of the Jackman Moose River Chronicle, and then the Somerset Gazette, in Skowhegan, also providing private music lessons at the Prism Music Center, in Skowhegan. Later he taught at The University of Maine in Augusta. He had many original compositions published, performed at Carnegie Hall, and was flown to Prague to oversee his music being recorded by the Pilsen Philharmonic Orchestra. He enjoyed retirement in Smithfield before a recent move to Winterport. Throughout his life, Russ has instilled a love for the outdoors in his family.

As an Army veteran, Russ felt strongly about honoring and supporting our military and first responders. Two of his favorite charities were the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project.

In lieu of any flowers or gifts, the family asks that you consider donating to either of these organizations.

He leaves behind his best friend, soulmate, and wife of 51 years, Gail (King); his daughters and families, Ann Lombardi and Chris Hutchins, Toni and Nick Barboza; and three grandsons, Austin, Michael, and Andy; his brother, Ron, Delane and family, and the whole King family.

A small private gathering was held on his birthday, October 10, in a Celebration of his Life.

A full obituary can be found at: https://brookingssmith.com/book-of-memories/4742169/Lombardi-Ralph/index.php

ROBERT C. MacARTHUR

FAIRFIELD – Robert Charles MacArthur, Jr., of Fairfield, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, October 8, 2021.

Robert graduated from Rockland High School in Massachusetts, class of 1963.

He married Lorraine (Sabine) on July 10, 1983, and they enjoyed a full life together. They greatly enjoyed each other’s company. In their earlier years they enjoyed camping, playing cards, and, of course, their ever-growing family. Lorraine predeceased Robert on December 20, 2017.

Robert served our country in the U.S Air Force as an Air Policeman from August 1963, through August 1969. He was also a member of the US Army Reserves from 1971 to 1986.

Robert retired from Bath Iron Works in 1998. He was a member of the Grover-Hinckley Post #14, American Legion. His hobbies included coin collecting, and hunting. He also loved traveling throughout the U.S.

Robert was a loving, and wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his three sons, Michael and his partner Sherrie Dyer, of Fairfield, Mitchel and his partner Valerie Brown, of Benton, and Robert and his wife Patricia, of Fairfield; his two daughters, Lillian and her husband Ahmed Farag, of Augusta, and Valerie Tesla, of Fairfield; 18 grandchildren; many great- and great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Bruce and his wife Brenda, of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 23, at Brookside Cemetery, in Rome, with a celebration of Robert’s life to follow at the American Legion, on Main Street, in Fairfield.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the: Togus VA Hospital, in Augusta.

GAYLEN J. SAWYER

LACONIA, New Hampshire – Gaylen John Sawyer, 85, of Old North Main Street, Laconia, New Hampshire, passed away after a period of declining health, on Monday, October 11, 2021, at the Laconia Rehabilitation Center, in Laconia, New Hampshire. Gaylen was born on May 1, 1936, in Fairfield, the son of Adrian and Georgianne (Hodgson) Sawyer.

Gaylen served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1956-1960 as a ship engine man. After being honorably discharged, Gaylen worked for Brewer’s Dairy, his wife Janet’s family dairy, in Augusta. Gaylen and Janet moved their family to Nashua, New Hampshire, where Gaylen worked as an operations manager for AT&T for 33 years before retiring in 1996.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, and restoring vintage cars.

Gaylen is survived by his sons, Steven J. Sawyer, and his fiancée Beth, of Concord, New Hampshire, Jeffrey F. Sawyer, and his fiancée Stephanie, of Laconia, New Hampshire, and Shawn M. Sawyer, and his wife Deanna, of Nashua, New Hampshire; his daughter Laurie A. Sawyer, of Laconia, New Hampshire; his 11 grandchildren, Benjamin Sawyer, Autumn Sawyer and her fiancé Chris Hudon; Cole Sawyer, Nathan Sawyer, Nicole Sawyer, Michael Sawyer and his wife Shannon, Shannyn Burns, Jacob Burns, Patrick Sawyer, Amy Herb and her husband Jason; Jonathan Sawyer and his partner Elizabeth; his nine great-grandchildren; and one niece, Sandi Cullen and her husband Tom, of Massachusetts.

In addition to his parents, Gaylen was predeceased by his wife Janet (Brewer) Sawyer, who passed away September 20, 2021, his brother Warren Sawyer, and his sister Colleen Jacobson.

A celebration of life will be held to honor Gaylen at a later date.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, N.H. 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements.

For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit http://www.wilkinsonbeane.com.

ANDY W. ELVIN

FAIRFIELD – Andy W. Elvin, 58, died peacefully at MaineGeneral Medical Center, following a long illness. He was born May 20, 1963, in Maryland, the son of David and Nancy (Malone) Elvin.

He grew up in Augusta, graduated from Cony High School in 1981, and attended the University of Vermont, where he earned a BA in political science.

His professional life began in Boston. Massachusetts, working for Filene’s Department Store. He became recognized as a gifted salesman, launching a career affording extensive travel that moved him to San Francisco, California, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — his kindness and good humor drawing an expanding circle of dear friends.

He loved his family, and visited his parents, sister, and friends on Mount Desert Island at every opportunity.

Surviving Andy, in addition to his partner, Kenneth Pamphrey, of Fairfield, are his mother, Nancy Elvin, of Bass Harbor; sister Susan and her husband Bill Comstock, of Arlington, Massachusetts, and their son Noah, of Brooklyn, New York.

Andy was predeceased by his father, David.

There will be a private family service in Southwest Harbor at a later date. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.

Those who wish to remember Andy in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Preble Street Social Services, 55 Portland St., Portland, ME 04101.

RICHARD A. COLE

FLORALA, Alabama – Richard Allen Cole, 90, formerly of Bog Road, Albion, passed away Sunday, June 13, 2021.

He was the son of Burleigh Reuben Cole and Bertha May (Crosby/ Webber) Cole, and was the oldest of five children, Roger Sherman Cole, Sr., Beverly Cole Hayes, Jennie May Cole Gould and Thomas Reuben Cole.

Richard married Arlene (Barker) Cole, of Fairfield, in 1948. Their three children are Linda Jean Cole, Cynthia Ann Cole Michaud, and Richard Allen Cole, Jr.

Richard is survived by his daughter Cynthia; son Richard Jr.; sister Jennie; brother Thomas and his wife Kathy (Gilbert) Cole; many nieces and nephews.

His parents, his wife Arlene, daughter Linda and siblings Roger and Beverly, preceded him in death.

A good son, he worked with his father on the family farm. In 1944 he served as an ambulance driver in the Philippines.

Dick worked as a mechanic and supervisor at Harris Bakery, in Waterville. Later on he worked with Delta Ambulance, West Lynn Creamery, and other private interests on the big trucks he knew so well. He also raised beef cows and had a poultry barn for many years.

Richard and Arlene led a 4-H club for 35 years. He taught children gardening, animal husbandry, forestry, electricity and various mechanic arts.

Richard was a skilled mechanic. If you needed something to run, call Dick and by some force of logic or will, he made it work one way or another.

In 2015 Richard moved to Alabama with his family where he resided until his death. He spent many days basking in the sun and navigating his power chair through the neighborhood. He lived his remaining years in peace until he went to be with the Lord.

A graveside service will be held for both Richard and his daughter Linda, at Albion Number Four Cemetery (on Unity Road), Saturday, October 23, at 11 a.m. Pastor Buddy Hawes officiating.

LINDA J. COLE

FLORALA, Alabama – Linda J. Cole, 70, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2020.

She was the daughter of Richard Allen Cole and Arlene Mae Barker Cole, of Albion. Her paternal grandparents were Burleigh R. and Bertha M. Cole, Albion. Her maternal grandparents were Thomas and Annie Mae Barker, of Fairfield.

She attended Besse High School, in Albion. She graduated in 1968. She graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 1972.

She was predeceased by her mother, Arlene and father, Richard; and her grandparents.

She is survived by her brother, Richard Jr.; sister, Cynthia Cole Michaud; and several aunts, uncles; and many cousins.

A graveside service will be held for both Linda and her father, Richard, at Albion Number Four Cemetery (on Unity Road), Saturday, October 23, at 11 a.m. Pastor Buddy Hawes officiating.

 

 

Sew for a Cause at St. Bridget’s Center

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Some of the items created and collected by Sew for a Cause and American Legion Post #126 for veterans this Christmas.

The Sew for a Cause group is working with American Legion Post #126, in Vassalboro, on a project. The ladies have made a couple hundred patriotic themed Christmas stockings.

Members of American Legion Post #126 are also collecting personal care items such as shampoo, shaving cream, socks, soap, etc., and snack treats to fill the stockings. The stockings will be donated to veterans at Togus VA, in Augusta. Anyone interested in donating items can contact St. Bridget Center, at 207 616-3148.

Maine’s Congressional district map approved

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by Jeanne Marquis

The last week in September, the bipartisan Maine Apportionment Commission approved final congressional and legislative district maps based on the 2020 census results and submitted both to the legislature. The Maine Senate and House of Representatives approved the state’s congressional and legislative district maps. September 29, 2021, Gov. Janet Mills signed the legislation enacting the redrawn congressional and legislative districts, which will take effect for Maine’s 2022 elections.

In developing the new district maps, the Apportionment Commission followed the instructions outlined by the Maine Constitution mandating that districts be “compact and contiguous, and that they cross political subdivision lines as few times as possible.” Following these directions, the new congressional district map leaves counties mostly intact.

Congressional District 1, population of 681,179; includes the towns of Albion, Benton, China, Clinton, Litchfield, Pittston, Unity, Vassalboro, Waterville, West Gardiner, Windsor, and Winslow; and the counties of Cumberland, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and York.

Congressional District 2, population of 681,180; includes the towns of Augusta, Belgrade, Chelsea, Farmingdale, Fayette, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Monmouth, Mount Vernon, Oakland, Randolph, Readfield, Rome, Sidney, Vienna, Wayne, and Winthrop; and the counties of Androscoggin, Aroostook, Frank­lin, Hancock, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington.

The approved legislative district maps for State Senate and State House of Representatives can be found on Maine.gov at https://legislature.maine.gov/apportionment/final-maps/11534.

Winslow town manager to hold coffee and conversation

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Town of Winslow Manager Erica LaCroix is hosting a series of events entitled “Coffee with the Manager” to discuss issues and ideas that are important to residents and community members during an exciting time of new business growth, development opportunities, and regional entrepreneurship activities. Providing a forum for feedback and supporting future area planning initiatives, with the backdrop of current and forthcoming historical federal funding opportunities, Winslow is poised to continue its trend of resilience and growth.

Within a casual yet collegial setting, the overarching goal of the series is to evaluate how the Town of Winslow can more effectively support local businesses and community members to enact meaningful municipal change and prepare for current and forthcoming federal funding opportunities. Discussion topics will include but are not limited to: education, workforce development, business development, waterfront planning, infrastructure, and general municipal efforts.

“Hearing their stories and building relationships with the community will provide the Town of Winslow with the opportunity to continue to get to know its residents, learn what the community is passionate about, and breathe life into new and existing strategic projects,” LaCroix explains. “I look forward to having the opportunity to engage thoughtfully with residents to create tangible and positive change.”

Winslow town manager Erica LaCroix (contributed photo)

LaCroix looks to promote intentional engagement with the community and local businesses, producing short- and long-term goals aligned with the needs of the municipality. Giving residents the opportunity to talk about placemaking initiatives and growing the urban core along the waterfront, “Coffee with the Manager” will provide a forum for open discussion and ideation, empowering community members to impart feedback on the issues that matter most.

“Public participation and input lay the groundwork for impactful municipal projects and sustainable economic development initiatives,” states Sabrina Jandreau, development coordinator at Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC). “Winslow’s businesses and residents understand the importance of stimulating local economic growth and cultivating the conditions for positive change, and “Coffee with the Manager” invites residents and interested parties to invest in the future of the town.”

“Coffee with the Manager” kicked off its first gathering on Wednesday, October 20, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Winslow Parks and Recreation Office, located at 114 Benton Avenue in Winslow.

China TIF committee proposes revision to grant form

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by Mary Grow

China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee members used their Oct. 18 meeting to propose revisions to the three-year-old application form for a grant from TIF funds.

TIF money comes from taxes paid on the Central Maine Power line that runs north-south through China and on CMP’s substation in South China.

The funds are used to promote economic development in China, a broad concept that embraces various ways of attracting people, money and attention to the town. The causeway project at the head of China Lake, completed this summer, was the most expensive to date, intended to create better facilities for fishing and boating.

Other grants have been approved for a variety of purposes, especially improving other recreational assets (like snowmobile trails and Thurston Park).

Grants are also available for events that call attention to China. For example, TIF funds contribute to the annual China Community Days weekend.

Groups seeking funding, like the Thurston Park Committee and the Four Seasons Club, fill out an application each year. If the TIF Committee endorses a grant, China Select Board members have the final say in approving or denying it.

At the Oct. 18 meeting, committee members suggested ways to make the application form more useful for both applicants and reviewers. Committee Chair Thomas Michaud and Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood plan to prepare a draft.

Hapgood said China’s TIF Second Amendment, approved by voters at the June 8 annual town meeting, still awaits state approval. She expects questions state reviewers had will be answered soon.

Hapgood gave committee members copies of the original 2015 China TIF document and the 2017 First Amendment for their records. She promised them a copy of the Second Amendment when it becomes official.

The next TIF Committee meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15.

CHINA: Consultant advises select board on fire department compliance

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by Mary Grow

CORRECTION: The headline on page 2 of the October 21, 2021, issue of The Town Line may have been misleading. In no way, shape or form was the consultant intended for fire department compliance. The presenter, Lynn Gilley Martin, of Fire Service Compliancy Associates, offers municipalities advice on compliance with state labor laws and regulations for each town department. It was an editing error. The original article follows:

In addition to acting on the sale of town-owned land on Lakeview Drive (see The Town Line, Oct. 14, p. 3), China Select Board members heard a variety of reports at their Oct. 12 meeting.

A new one was from consultant Lynn Gilley Martin, of Fire Service Compliancy Associates, who said she works with, but not for, the state Department of Labor. Her specialty is offering municipalities advice on compliance with state labor laws and regulations.

She makes sure each town department is informed about required programs and trainings for employees, both initial and annual; and about maintenance and inspection records for facilities and equipment, monthly and annual.

Martin showed board members an 8.5-by-11-inch public works manual that appeared to be close to three inches thick, and told them the corresponding manual for a fire department is even thicker.

Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood had gotten in touch with Martin about adding China to her clients. China employees are obeying regulations, Hapgood said, “but we could do it better.”

She and board member Wayne Chadwick agreed that carefully documented adherence to regulations ought to lower the town’s insurance costs.

Board members unanimously approved taking $3,650 from their contingency fund to contract with Martin for a year. In return, the town gets assistance that includes copies of department manuals and an annual consultation.

Hapgood intends to forward information to China’s three volunteer fire departments.

Because the meeting agenda was long, Hapgood emailed the monthly reports from town department heads instead of reading them. They included the following information:

  • Town Clerk Angela Nelson said as of Oct. 13, new voters must register in person. Oct. 28 is the deadline for requesting absentee ballots and for voting early for the Nov. 2 election.
  • Dog licenses for 2022 have been available since Oct. 15, Nelson said. The fee is $6 for a spayed or neutered dog and $11 for an unaltered dog.
  • Public Works Director Shawn Reed reported he already bought cutting edges for town snowplows for this winter. The price increased 56 percent over last year, he said, and he was warned they “may become difficult to obtain” later in the year.

The next China Select Board meeting will be about 6:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 25, in the portable building behind the town office. It will follow a 5:30 p.m. recognition party for Irene Belanger, who is retiring from the board in November after 42 years of service to the town.

CHINA: Medical marijuana retail store approved

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by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members have approved Miguel Rivera’s application to open a medical marijuana retail store in the former Knowles Mechanical Building, at 1097 Route 3.

They have scheduled a Nov. 9 public hearing on Jayson Mortimer’s application to open an automobile repair garage, at 86 Vassalboro Road.

Board members began their Oct. 12 meeting with a discussion of Rivera’s application, followed by a short public hearing.

Neighbor Steve Belden wanted to make sure Rivera would not grow or process marijuana in the building, creating an odor. Rivera said the building would be for retail sales only.

After discussion of wetlands on the back of the property, parking, lighting, signs and other topics, planning board members reviewed the ordinance criteria and voted unanimously that Rivera’s plan meets all of them. They added one condition: he needs to provide a letter from the Weeks Mills fire chief saying the property meets fire safety requirements.

Planning board Chairman Randall Downer reminded Rivera that the permit is subject to appeal for 30 days.

Mortimer explained his plan to do automobile repairs and inspections in the existing garage on his property. He does not intend to house junk cars; work will be indoors, minimizing noise and other possible disturbances; he plans no new outside lighting.

Codes Officer Jaime Hanson told Mortimer what additional information he should submit. Because the proposal is for a new business, board members voted unanimously to hold a public hearing before acting on the permit application.

The next China Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Oct. 26, but Mortimer said he would not be available that evening. The public hearing is therefore scheduled for Tuesday evening, Nov. 9.