SCORES & OUTDOORS: How rare are black squirrels?

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From left to right: Black squirrel, Fox squirrel, and Grey squirrel.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

I know they exist, but just how many are there?

Several years ago I had the rare opportunity to see a black squirrel in Waterville. Last Monday, while driving along the Seaward Mills Road, in Vassalboro, I spotted another one as it was crossing the road in front of me.

In North America, black squirrels are uncommon, with one estimate putting them at a rate of one in every 10,000 squirrels. In 1961, students at Kent State University, in Ohio, released 10 black squirrels that had been captured by Canadian wildlife authorities. The squirrels now populate the campus and have become the school’s unofficial mascot. Their coloring might help them hide from predators, which might come in handy at Kent State: The campus is also home to hawks.

Black squirrels have been spotted in both the United States and the United Kingdom, and now scientists believe they know why. Like many animals with unusual color schemes, black squirrels are the result of a genetic detour. Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge University, and the Virginia Museum of Natural History, collaborated on a project that tested squirrel DNA. Their findings, which were published in BMC Evolutionary Biology, demonstrated that the black squirrel is the product of interspecies breeding between the common grey squirrel and the fox squirrel.

The black squirrel is actually a grey squirrel with a faulty pigment gene carried over from the fox squirrel that turns their fur a darker shade. (Some fox squirrels, which are usually reddish-brown, are also black.)

Scientists theorize a black fox squirrel may have joined in on a mating chase involving grey squirrels and got busy with a female. The black fur may offer benefits in colder regions, with squirrels able to absorb and retain more heat, giving them a slight evolutionary edge.

According to Mental Floss’ Jake Rossen, black squirrels are relatively rare, constituting just one in 10,000 of the seemingly ubiquitous rodents.

Black squirrels are actually grey squirrels with a genetic mutation that causes them to have black fur. They are more aggressive and territorial than the grey squirrels too, and the result is that the black squirrels will usually run all the other squirrels out of an area.

According to this new research, however, black fur actually results from a genetic mutation. This explains why the black squirrel is somewhat rare, making up for an estimated one in every 10,000 squirrels.

Black squirrels are the same species as grey squirrels, with the only difference being their fur color. The new work builds on research from 2014, which found that the black fur is caused by the grey squirrel having a pigment gene with a missing piece of DNA.

In mythical folklore, the black squirrel symbolism does not mean good luck. Instead, it means solar eclipse according to some legends. Therefore, a black squirrel is the enemy of humanity and needs to be destroyed if mankind wants to enjoy the heat and light of the sun. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to go out and dispatch a black squirrel just because he’s hanging out in your neighborhood.

Black squirrels normally live up to a year, but some have lived up to 10 years. Black squirrels will eat anything they are offered, often feeding on nuts and acorns, any kind of seed, fruit, insects and even bird eggs. Mating occurs from December through January.

WINTER PREDICTION UPDATE

I’m still watching Mother Nature to see what else I can learn from her signs.

I’m still getting mixed messages. I hate to say this, but the majority of signals from nature are that we should prepare for a severe winter. One of the signs is trees, flowers and vegetables. When leaves drop early, autumn and winter will be mild. However, when flowers bloom in autumn, a bad winter is at hand.

Well, the leaves are falling early, but the flowers are blooming late. I have a wild rose bush on the corner of my property, and it has bloomed for the third time this year. Usually, I get one, sometimes two. My neighbor across the street has two large lilac bushes. As everyone knows, lilacs usually bloom around Memorial Day. Well, these two bushes have bloomed for a second time this year. I have never heard of that.

Grey squirrels are also an indicator. I am seeing more and more of them with bushy tails. Another sign of a severe winter.

Again, draw your own conclusion, but I don’t think we are going to get the mild winter repeat from last year.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

What is the New England Patriots logo commonly referred as?

Answer can be found here.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 7, 2021

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KENNETH J. DIAS

CLINTON – Kenneth J. Dias, 79, of Clinton, passed away Monday, September 6, 2021, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. He was born October 24, 1941, in Massachusetts, the son of Wally and Mary (Barrows) Dias.

He enjoyed watching football and fishing.

Kenneth will be missed by his wife, Mamie; sons Eric Dias, Kenny Dias, Chris Dias, Kirk Dias, Van Gibson, Kentone Starling; daughter, Ton Kennya Starling; stepson, Stacey Adams; grandchildren; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; great-great-nieces and nephews; one sister and two brothers.

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 and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Kenneth’s memory to Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828.

AMANDA E. KIMBALL

WATERVILLE – Amanda Elizabeth Kimball, 40, passed away at her home in Waterville on Friday, September 10, 2021. Amanda was born on August 11, 1981, in Dover, New Hampshire, to Leonard Downes and Kathryn Wilson.

She graduated from Farmington High School, in Farmington, New Hampshire, in June 1999. She continued her education at the University of New Hampshire, in Durham, N.H., where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy in May 2003. Amanda was quickly hired at Inland Hospital (Northern Light Health), in March of 2004, where she spent her entire professional career, helping people rehabilitate and be healthier.

Amanda was happily married to Robert Bruce Kimball Jr. for 14 years. She had two children with Robert, Caleb T. Kimball (14) and Noah H. Kimball (12).

Amanda truly enjoyed and was proud of her calling as an occupational therapist, and of course, it thrilled her to spend time with family and friends every chance she got.

She was an excellent cook as she loved to prepare wonderful recipes for her family and bake goodies for her “boys”. Her immediate family always knew they had the best mom/wife they could ever ask for. She truly enjoyed all animals and adored her dog, Lovey and cat, Bella.

Amanda loved spending time outside doing most anything in the sunshine. She enjoyed camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, exercise, movies, video games and, of course, all sports with her “boys”. Amanda was full of life each and every day. She always made everyone around her feel special and loved every day with a big something extra on birthdays and holidays.

Amanda is survived by her father, Leonard Downes and mother, Kathryn Wilson; as well as her husband, Robert, and two boys of her own; by her sister, Jennifer Breton.

You may offer your condolences and share fond memories with the family by visiting Amanda’s guestbook at Veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

Family and friends are encouraged to join for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 16, at 1 p.m., at Fort Halifax Park, in Winslow.

A service of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, ME 04901. 207-872-7676.

RICHARD E. BROWN SR.

WATERVILLE – Richard Earl Brown Sr., 92, passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, while residing at Oak Grove Nursing Facility, in Waterville. He was born in Wilton on April 2, 1929, to Lester Brown and Elise (Lane) Brown.

He grew up in Norridgewock, attending school until the passing of his father, at which time he went to work to help support his family. Farm work and then nearly 30 years at Norrwock Shoe Company. He was a veteran who proudly serviced his country in the United Stated Army during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge. Once returned to Maine, he resumed his career as a shoemaker.

In 2013, he married Laura (Blodgett) Brown. She was his companion in their home where she took very good care of him in an immaculate home. Richard, in later years, resided at Togus Veteran Facility, in Augusta, and then, finally, at Oak Grove.

Richard is survived by his wife, Laura Brown; two sons, Allen and wife Cindy, all of Norridgewock, Richard Jr. ,of Anson; brother, Harold Brown and wife Joan, of Norridgewock; many nieces and nephews; as well as great-nieces.

He was predeceased by his parents; first wife, Marguerite; grandson, Richard Brown III; brothers Carroll, Herbert, Clayton, Lloyd Sr., and Robert, sisters Beatrice, Barbara and Ruth.

A graveside service was held on Saturday, October 2, at the Oak Cemetery, in Norridgewock

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

FREDERICK PELLERIN

WINSLOW – Fredeerick Pellerin, passed away on Monday, September 17, 2021.

The fifth of seven children of Arthur and Juliette (St. Amand) Pellerin, Fred was a graduate of Winslow High School and served in the U.S. Navy. He attended the Portland School of Art, and over the course of his life created and shared original works of art with family and friends. He worked for the Dunphy Corporation, in Portland, and in sales for Domtar Corporation, in Montreal, Québec, Canada, where he was able to practice spoken French, the first language in the Pellerin home. In 1986, Fred returned to Maine and worked in sales for Maine Poly and PureStat, and in real estate sales until his retirement. He and Bill spent winters in Florida and summers in Maine.

Fred was in Florida at the time of his passing, undergoing treatment for chronic peripheral artery disease, complicated by a painful and stubborn leg wound and atrial fibrillation.

Fred was predeceased by his parents; his sisters Evangeline Bourassa, Ann Michaud, and Esther Poulin, brothers-in-law Lionel Bourassa and Roland Michaud; niece, Kathleen (Bourassa) Waterman and nephew, Lee Michaud.

Fred will be missed by all who loved and knew him, his life partner, Bill Witherell, of Wales, and Pompano Beach, Florida; his brothers and their spouses, Arthur and Sandra Pellerin, Paul and Theresa Pellerin, and Robert and Rhonda Pellerin, all of Winslow, a brother-in-law, Roger Poulin, of South Carolina; a cousin, David (Patricia) Gagnon, West Palm Beach, Florida, and Palermo; many cousins; and nieces and nephews; children of his eldest sister, Evangeline Bourassa, with whom he and Bill celebrated holidays and gatherings over the years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the convenience of the family, with internment in St. Francis Cemetery, Waterville.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred’s memory may be made to the Maine Audubon Society, 20 Gilsland Farm Rd., Falmouth, ME 04105, or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 7528-0692.

PAMELA E. GORDON

WINDSOR – Pamela E. (Peaslee) Gordon, 72, passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

Pam was born and raised on her family’s farm in Windsor. She was the youngest of eight children of George and Gwendolyn (Suitter) Peaslee.

Pam loved growing up on the homestead but often spoke of her dislike of a certain rooster. She enjoyed taking her mom on shopping trips with her sister Judy and Judy’s two children, Richard and Pammy, who she raised like they were her own children.

Pam met the love of her life, Daniel Gordon, while the two of them were working at Kirschners. They married and built their home just down the road from the family farm where they resided for 44 years until Dan’s passing in February 2021. She nursed Dan through his sickness for over a year, making sure he was able to stay in the home they built together.

Pam enjoyed doing things for the special people in her life. She was always giving a thoughtful gift, helping to clean a home, calling to tell you how much she loved you. Her home was thoughtfully decorated with pictures of her loved ones, and every card she’d ever been given was tucked away in a box or basket. Her family meant everything to her and she made sure they knew how much she loved them.

Pam was a longtime member of the North Windsor Baptist Church where she served for many years as a deacon, a Sunday school teacher, a VBS teacher and a BYF leader. She was much loved and will be greatly missed by her church family.

Pam worked at Joseph Kirschner Co. for several years before she took a position at the State of Maine for over 25 years until her retirement. She recently came out of retirement to do in-home care so others could live independently.

Pam enjoyed taking care of her flower gardens, watching cowboy movies with her nieces when they spent Friday nights with her and Dan, talking to her dogs and making sure they had more than enough toys, dog beds and treats. Pam loved family gatherings, always beautifully decorating her home for Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. She decided she wasn’t taking down the Christmas tree this past year because she liked it too much.

She was predeceased by her parents George and Gwendolyn Peaslee; her husband, Daniel Gordon; brothers Garfield, Neal and Jerry Peaslee; a sister, Molly VanSyckel; and a niece, Vada-Leigh Hendsbee Peaslee.

She is survived by her two grandchildren, Shawn and Alexis Colfer; two brothers, Keith Peaslee and Clarence “Hank” Peaslee and his wife Elizabeth; a sister, Judith Hutchinson and her husband Richard; nieces and nephews.

Services were officiated by Pastor Brian Casey, on Saturday, October 2, at the North Windsor Baptist Church. Burial followed at the Rest Haven Cemetery, on Rte. 32, in Windsor.

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

CLARA T. MAYO

WINDSOR – Clara Tibbetts Mayo, 85, of Windsor passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. She was born in Whitefield on October 13, 1935, the youngest daughter of Charles Edward and Gladys Gertrude (McDonald) Tibbetts.

She was a 1953 graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, and worked until retirement in 1990, for the State of Maine as an Assistant Safety Compliance Officer. Clara enjoyed reading, spending time with her grandchildren, and traveling.

Clara was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, George Herbert Mayo, who she shared many wonderful years with until his passing in 2012; her brothers Donald, Harry, and Stanley Tibbetts; and her sister, Dorthy Hardy.

Clara is survived by her two daughters, Rosemarie Cole, of Grantham, New Hampshire, and Leanne Moll, of Windsor; her grandchildren Anneliese Moll, Leticia Moll, Hannes Moll, of Windsor, and Adriana and Marika Ohar, of New Hampshire; her brother-in-law, John Mayo and his wife, Judy, of Weeks Mills; her sister-in-law, Martha Mayo, of Lincoln; and her two sisters, Mary Page, of Connecticut, and Louise Comer, of South Dakota.

Per her request, Clara will be cremated. At a later date, the family will have a private gathering.

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

GRETA M. GARDNER

UNITY – Greta M. (Wilson) Gardner, 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, September 24, 2021. She was born on June 13, 1930, in Scarsdale, Nova Scotia, Canada, daughter of Ainslie W. Wilson and Cora B. (Dunn) Wilson.

Family was Greta’s greatest joy. She was a devoted wife and the best mother in the world. She loved to hold and rock her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and sing to them. Her great-grandchildren affectionately called her “Candy Grammy” because she always had treats on hand when they visited her. She radiated joy and enjoyed all life’s simple pleasures. She loved to laugh.

Greta is survived by her five children, Kendall B. Worthley, Jr. and his wife Barbara, of Oakland, Lynn M. Warman and her husband Brian, of Unity, Fern L. Ward and her husband Lawrence, of Belfast, Stacy A. Venable and her husband Chad, of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Lori J. Gardner and her partner Kevin Redmond, of Sidney; 10 grandchildren, Heather Corson, Todd Worthley, Chrissy Hunter, Letitia Slimm, Tabatha Littlefield, Stanley Ward, Eric Warman, Karen Waddell, Ashley Spangler, and Phoebe Venable; 19 great-grandchildren, Brittany Doucette, Victoria Corson, Aricka Corson, Amber Worthley, Rachel Worthley, Serentity Worthley, Christian Hunter, Amber Hunter, Isaac Hunter, Lori Ward, Ezekiel Littlefield, Daniel Littlefield, Odelia Littlefield, Zebadiah Littlefield, Azalia Littlefield, Edward Warman, Ernest Warman, Eleanor Warman, and Esther Warman; and six great-great-grandchildren, Luk Dexter, Mia White, Blair White, John Stecher, Thia Stecher, and Paityn Wagner.

In addition to her parents, Greta was predeceased by her husband, Stanley F. Gardner; her brother, Harold Wilson; her grandson, Steven Reynolds; and her stepsons Philip E. Gardner and Joel S. Gardner.

A memorial gathering was held at Riposta Funeral Home, in Belfast, on Saturday, Oct. 2. Burial took place at the old Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, on Monday, October 4. Memories and condolences may be shared at http://www.ripostafh.com.

JOHN F. COTE

WATERVILLE – John F. Cote, 65, of Waterville, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 24, 2021, at Maine Medical Center. John was born in Waterville on November 24, 1955, to Frederick and Floraine Vashon Cote.

He was a 1975 graduate of Waterville High School.

John married Kathleen Harrington on May 20, 1983, and together they raised one daughter, Crystal.

John started his career in mechanics while in high school working for Bud’s Service Station, then moving on to Larson’s Wrecker Service. John worked for Arbo’s Towing and Repair, in Waterville, maintaining many trucks for different businesses in the city.

As time went on, he became a heavy equipment operator and inspection mechanic. He also worked for Pro Seal Paving and Fanado Pelotte driving truck.

John was known to many as “Cote” or “Johnny”.

John was predeceased by his parents Frederick and Floriane Cote; brother, Richard “Dickey” Cote, sister, Rose Crosby; and father-in-law, Bill Harrington.

John is survived by his wife Kathy of 38 years; daughter, Crystal Clement; sisters Jean (Norman) Thibodeau, Lena (Leo) Poulin; and mother-in-law, Marjorie Harrington; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, October 5, at St. Francis Cemetery, on Grove Street, in Waterville, under the direction of Dan and Scott Cremation.

JOHNA J. GOODALE

OAKLAND – Johna Jean Goodale, 36, of Oakland, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 26, 2021. Johna was born on July 17, 1985, to John Jason and Barbara Bouchard, in Waterville.

Johna was predeceased by her father, John Jason, mother, Barbara Bouchard; and sister, Kim Pottle.

She is survived by her four sons, Tyesn Paz, of Fairfield, Evan Inman, of Waterville, and Keegan and Daniel Cram, of Augusta; siblings Darren Bouchard, of Waterville, Michele Sucy, of Oakland, and Shane Bouchard and wife Amy, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; seven nieces and nephews, Danielle and Dylan Pottle, Brittany and Tyler Bouchard, Ryan and Jessica Sucy, Lyla Bouchard

At the family’s request there will be no viewing or funeral service. A combined celebration of life will be held on Sunday,October 10, at the Oakland Legion, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., for Johna and sister, Kim Pottle, who passed away on November 8, 2020, during COVID-19.

Arrangements are being handled by Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, ME 04330.

ELAINE G. PRENTISS

WATERVILLE – Elaine G. Prentiss, 89, passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021, at Woodlands Assisted Living, in Waterville. She was born in Winslow on June 26, 1932, the daughter of the late Henry C. and Marie M. (Poulin) Poulliot.

Elaine was raised in Winslow and attended Winslow schools. She retired from C.F. Hathaway Co., in Waterville, in 1995. She was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Winslow.

Besides her parents, Elaine was predeceased by her sisters Pauline and Bernice; her daughters Baby Girl, Bonnie, and Lisa Marie, her son, Drake, her grandson, Shane Wood, and her son-in-law, Darrell Wood.

She is survived by her son, Morris Prentiss III and his wife, Brenda, of Waterville; her daughter, Lori Doty, of Fairfield; her grandson, Maury Prentiss and his wife, Jessica, of Vassalboro; her granddaughter, Jaime Masse and her partner, Jerimiah Masse, of Fairfield; her great-granddaughters Bryanna Prentiss, of Vassalboro, and Ciera Masse, of Fairfield; and her special friend, William Greene, of Skowhegan.

There will be no viewing or funeral service. Burial will be at Gracelawn in Auburn.

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.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, 304 Main St., Waterville, ME 04901.

PRISCILLA E. NUTTING

CLINTON – Priscilla Elizabeth Nutting, 90, passed away Monday, September 27, 2021, at her home of 47 years, in Clinton. Priscilla was born to Leon and Edna Cousins, of East Millinocket, and was a cherished sister to Margaret Cousins, Leon and his wife Lilia “Betty” Cousins and Rosemary Cousins.

She met her husband of 68 years, Chester A. Nutting, from Skow­hegan, at Farm­­ington State Teachers’ College. Priscilla taught kindergarten for two years before she dedicated her life to raising her eight children: James, John, Mark, Neal, Chet, Bill, Diana and Dan.

Priscilla was active in her church choir at the Brown Memorial United Methodist Church, in Clinton, and especially enjoyed her Tuesday Crafting Group there.

This mother of eight cared deeply for her children’s spouses; her 14 nieces and nephews were very dear to her.

Memories of their grandmother will be treasured by her 14 grandchildren; one great-grandson; and four step-grandchildren.

Burial services were held on Saturday October 2, at the East Millinocket Cemetery.

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.

ROBERT G. O’MALLEY

SIDNEY – Robert G. O’Malley, 84, passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021, following a long illness. He was the son of George and Marie (Wright) of Exeter, New Hampshire,. Bob was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, on February 14, 1937.

He attended St. Michaels School and graduated from Exeter High School and Bentley University, in Waltham, Massachusetts.

After working for various banks in Maine and New Hampshire, he was appointed by Governor Kenneth Curtis in 1972 to manage a small business loan program for Maine veterans. Because of the success of the program, he was appointed by Governor James B. Longley to manage the program for all Maine residents. In 1984 he returned to banking and worked for Northeast Bank, in Guilford, Greenville and Dover-Foxcroft. He later became president of Norstar Bank, serving Guilford, Greenville and Dover-Foxcroft.

Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was instrumental in the creation of Merrymeeting Chapter of Trouts Unlimited where he served as president.

He is survived by his wife Anna (Goff) O’Malley, of Sidney; son, James O’Malley and wife Lisa, of Fort Kent, daughter, Susan Moore and her partner Rick Barrie, of Kittery Point, son, Patrick G. O’Malley and wife Erin, of Kennebunkport; stepson, Edward J. Maillet III and wife Amie, of Brunswick; five grandchildren, Meghan Dineen and husband Marty, of Woodland, Matthew O’Malley, of Kittery, George Moore and his wife Carolyn, of Melrose, Massachusetts, Alex Moore, of Manchester, New Hampshire, and Flynn O’Malley, of Kennebunkport; one step-grandson, Kyle Maillet, of Sanford; and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 7, 11 a.m., Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 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.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you make contributions in Robert’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Rte. One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.

DAVID H. ALTHENN

WATERVILLE – David Herman Althenn, 69, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wed­nesday, September 29, 2021, at Mount St. Joseph, in Waterville.

David was born in Augusta on October 2, 1951, the son of Herman and Lona Althenn.

He was the husband of Terri Althenn.

He graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 1970. Upon graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1970-1974, during the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged he was employed by Scott Paper Company, in Winslow, for 23 years. Later, he enjoyed working with students during his time as a driver’s ed instructor and local school bus driver. He also spent some time employed by Bisson Transportation Company.

David loved country music, watching NASCAR races, and the Green Bay Packers. He will be remembered for his love of animals, family, and his sense of humor.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Diane Lane; his stepmother, Charlotte Althenn and his stepfather, Kenneth “Pop” Ingraham; as well as his father-in-law, Renald Lachance, and his stepfather-in-law, Leland Giroux.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Terri Althenn; his two brothers, Russell and Patty Althenn, of Weeks Mills, and Daniel and Becky Althenn, of Sidney; his three daughters, Crystall Davidson and her significant other Joey Waraskevich, of Oakland, Heather and Christopher Gehosky, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Sarah and Randy Marsh, of Old Town; his two stepsons, Jason and Samantha Evans, of Waterville, and Jamie and Amy Evans, of Sidney; 11 grandchildren, Michael, Taylor, Tahtan, Connor, Riley, Alysa, Lexie, Julia, Haley, Hannah, and Harper; as well as two great-grandchildren on the way. He always held a special place for his former stepdaughter Stacy.

He is also survived by his first wife and mother of his three daughters, Judy Rollins; his mother-in-law, Beatrice Giroux and stepmother, Marlene Lachance; and a cousin Rick Plato; sister-in-law, Linda Hamlin and husband Larry; as well as many other cousins; nieces and nephews.

A Maine veterans memorial service will be held at a date to be determined.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

CECILE F. MARIN

WATERVILLE – Cecile F. (Pelletier) Marin, 88, passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at North­ern Light Con­tinuing Care – Lake­wood. Cecile was born October 26, 1932, in Eagle Lake, the daughter of the late Dona and Lorena (Albert) Pelletier.

She was the wife of the late Leonard Marin. She was a resident of Clinton for many years and attended Patten High School. Cecile worked as a cook in food service for many years. She cooked for many people and organizations and especially enjoyed the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, in Vassalboro. She loved hunting and fishing, having achieved her Maine Guide License. She had the opportunity to travel to Northern Labrador, Canada, on hunting and fishing trips. She built her own cedar strip canoe and loved fishing on Martin Pond. She loved to garden and always canned plenty to have and share throughout the year.

She was predeceased by three children, Patricia, Joseph, and Tony, two brothers, Lawrence and Harold, two sisters, Mildred Chouinard and Lila Martin, a son-in-law, Gregory Bickford and a grandson, Nicholas.

Cecile is survived by eight children, Maynard, of New Gloucester, Gerard and wife Patricia, of Clinton, Lynn Sweet and husband Wendell, of Clinton, Linda Bickford, of Waterville, Tami Ciquera and husband Mike, of Bristol, Connecticut, Cindy Doiron and husband John, of Berwick, Leonard Jr. and wife Desiree, of Benton, Bob and wife Annette, of Benton; two sisters, Louise Hameren and husband Jim, and Jacqueline Dorko; daughter-in-law Patricia, of Winslow; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Cecile’s visiting hours will be in the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St. Fairfield, on Saturday, October 9, 2021, from 11 a.m. -1noon.

Her Memorial Service will be in the Funeral Home beginning at noon. Interment in Town House Hill Cemetery, Clinton, immediately following her service.

There will be a Celebration of Cecile’s life at the Masonic Hall, 1136 Main Street, Clinton, from 2 – 4 p.m., following her graveside service. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

Arrangements are in the care of the 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.

In lieu of flowers donations in Cecile’s name may be made to Northern Light Continuing Care – Lakewood, Residents Activity Fund, 220 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville, ME 04901 or Beacon Hospice, 5 Community Drive, Suite A, Augusta, Maine 04330.

ROBERTA A. BAKER

WATERVILLE – Roberta A. Baker, 82, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, October 1, 2021. She was known as Bobbie to her friends. Bobbie was born in Malden, Massachusetts, July 27, 1939, the daughter of Charles and Mary Gibson.

She grew up in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, and graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1956, and Cardinal Cushing College in 1958.

On October 14,1961, she married Frank Baker. Bobbie worked as a medical secretary most of her life. She and her husband moved to Maine in 1967 and she went to work for several orthopedic surgeons, the last being Dr. Pepe from which she retired. During her retirement she went to work as the parish receptionist for Corpus Christi, in Waterville, for 12 years retiring again in 2011. She and her husband loved the coast, especially Arcadia National Park, where they would spend a week in Southwest Harbor. Bobbie loved helping people by volunteering at the Home for Little Wanders and for Hospice, of the Waterville area, back in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

She was loved by all, especially her friends. She was devoted to her sons and her husband of 60 years.

She was predeceased by her parents, and two brothers.

Bobbie is survived by her husband of 60 years, Frank, of Waterville; two sons, Thomas James Baker, of Keene, New Hampshire, and Gregory Charles Baker, of Southington, Connecticut; two grandchildren, Colby and Hillary Baker.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., on Friday, October 8, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville. Burial will be held at a later in Marshfield, Massachusetts.

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 at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers donation may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, P.O. Box 282, Waterville, Maine 04903 or to the Waterville Home of Little Wanders, 93 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine 04901.

China group cancels fall WindowDressers workshop

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by Eric W. Austin

The China for a Lifetime Committee has announced they will not be moving forward with a WindowDressers workshop this fall. Current uncertainty regarding conditions around the COVID-19 pandemic as well as low participation were the reasons for the cancellation.

WindowDressers is a volunteer-led, community initiative that aims to build low-cost window inserts to help reduce residential heating costs. The program is sponsored by the nonprofit WindowDressers organization based out of Rockland.

In an email sent to committee members, chairman Christopher Hahn wrote, “My recommendation is that we not go forward with a Community Build or measuring this year. Taking into account the responses I received from most of you regarding the survey from WindowDressers and the continued COVID-19 trending in Maine and the uncertainty regarding the twists and turns of the pandemic, I feel a greater obligation to help people stay safe than to reduce the heating costs for a handful of people in the area. I am not minimizing that issue but with the contagiousness of the Delta variant and the established fact that vaccinated individuals can asymptomatically transmit the more deadly variant to unvaccinated individuals, I would be horrified to learn that one of our recipients contracted the virus from our event.”

Participants who had planned to order inserts from the China workshop this year may be able to process their orders through other community builds. WindowDressers will work with them to accommodate any orders already received. Anyone still hoping to order inserts should sign up on the WindowDressers website at https://windowdressers.org/insulating-inserts/.

According to a community survey conducted by the China for a Lifetime Committee in 2017, 12 percent of local residents struggle to sufficiently heat their homes. The planned WindowDressers workshop was one way the committee hoped to address this need. The committee was working in concert with a number of other local groups as well as several residents of Vassalboro who had participated in a previous workshop.

The committee plans to continue its work supporting local residents in line with its mission to “develop initiatives that improve the quality of life for residents of China, South China, Weeks Mills, and Branch Mills.” To this end, they created a China Volunteer Program (CVP) several years ago to assist community members in need. They can be reached through their email address at ChinaforaLifetime@gmail.com or through the Friends of China Facebook group. More information about the committee can also be found at their website, chinaforalifetime.com.

Vassalboro selectmen hold public hearing on mass gathering

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro selectmen spent the first half of their short Sept. 30 meeting hosting two public hearings. The first was to seek comment on the new Mass Gathering Ordinance that will be on the Nov. 2 local ballot. The second was the annual hearing on permits for junkyard/auto graveyard permits and auto hobbyist permits.

The 12-page Town of Vassalboro Mass Gathering Ordinance is on the town website, www.vassalboro.net, in the center column, under the heading “Notice of Public Hearing.” Selectmen wrote the ordinance in preparation for a planned country music festival in town next July.

The ordinance defines a mass gathering as “an outdoor gathering intended to attract, or, in fact, attracting five hundred (500) or more persons assembled together, for any purpose.” It goes on to exempt gatherings in established or permanent places of assembly, which selectmen have said include the Olde Mill, St. Bridget’s Center and Natanis Golf Course, among others.

The purpose of the ordinance is to promote public health, safety and welfare. The theory behind the exemptions is that permanent places are adequate to hold gatherings safely and without disturbance or disruption.

Resident William “Billy” Pullen asked selectmen how they came up with the 500-person figure. He pointed out that his Vassalboro Days car show at the town office had probably attracted that many people. And, he asked, who keeps count?

Selectman Barbara Redmond said after reviewing other towns’ ordinances, 500 seemed a reasonable, middling number. The ordinance envisions promoters of gatherings like the country music festival keeping count through ticket sales.

Board Chairman Robert Browne assured Pullen the ordinance would not affect his annual car show.

During the second public hearing, Codes Officer Paul Mitnik said he and his replacement-in-training, Ryan Page, had inspected the seven graveyards/junkyards and three hobbyists’ properties. Mitnik recommended, and selectmen accepted, six approvals; two approvals with conditions; and two denials.

Denied were:

  • Dale Clement, at 471 Taber Hill Road, because Mitnik said the business appeared to be closed. He awaits a reply to a 30-day notice he sent.
  • Hobbyist Keith Lemieux at 79 Priest Hill Road, because Mitnik saw no evidence his old cars were being restored or otherwise worked on, as the law requires. Mitnik said he sent Lemieux a notice, too.

Conditional approvals were for:

  • Olin Charette, 1499 Riverside Drive, who needs to maintain his screening and keep a second gate free; and
  • Hobbyist James Jurdak, 7 Baker Road, who needs screening.

Annual permits were approved for James Cogley (Ron’s Parts), 510 Main Street; Bill Pullen (Freddie’s Service Center), 163 South Stanley Hill Road; Stanley Garnett (Garnett Motors), 1616 N. Belfast Avenue; Voit Ritch (Autowerkes), Route 3; Roger Pomerleau (RAP), 1702 Riverside Drive; and hobbyist Robert Dore, 919 Church Hill Road.

The approved permits are all renewals.

Selectmen spent the rest of the meeting with routine business, including reviewing reports from town departments and approving bills for payment.

Town Manager Mary Sabins said that since the recently-hired bookkeeper had resigned, the remaining town office staff members have been extremely busy. Retired bookkeeper Jean Poulin had been coming back to help as her time permitted, Sabins said.

The next regular Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14.

Planning board: subdivision permit on Lakeview Dr. land has expired

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by Mary Grow

With two pending permit applications postponed, China Planning Board members had a short meeting Sept. 28.

They did not hold a public hearing on, or discuss, Miguel Rivera’s application to convert the former Knowles Mechanical Building at 1097 Route 3 to a medical marijuana business (see The Town Line, Sept. 23, p. 3). Codes Officer Jaime Hanson said preliminary steps had not been completed.

Board members hope they will be able to hold the public hearing at their Oct. 12 meeting.

They did not review an amended subdivision plan involving relocation of Fire Road 19. This project, Hanson said, is awaiting a surveyor’s report. It might be ready for planning board review at the Oct. 26 meeting.

Hanson informed board members that the subdivision permit for the town-owned 39-acre lot on Lakeview Drive that is for sale for the second time (see The Town Line, Sept. 30, p. 3) has expired.

Subdivision permits do not expire under state law. However, municipalities are allowed to have stricter rules. The China Subdivision Ordinance says, “Failure to commence substantial construction of the subdivision within five years of the date of approval and signing of the Plan shall render the Plan null and void.”

Hanson said the last recorded activity on paper was an amendment approved in June 2015. There has been no on-the-ground activity, he said; the planned road is not built and no lots have been cleared or sold.

Planning board members voted unanimously that the five-year period to start construction has been exceeded and the subdivision permit is no longer valid. They think it is the responsibility of the landowner – the Town of China – to put a notice in the Registry of Deeds.

The other action taken, also without opposition, was adoption of the remote participation policy recommended by the Maine Municipal Association. Adoption allows municipal board and committee members to participate in meetings via zoom or other on-line technology, if criteria are met.

Other China boards have adopted the policy, with the understanding that it does not allow a whole municipal committee to meet remotely, as was legal during the proclaimed state of emergency due to the Covid pandemic. If a member is sick, or is temporarily unable to travel to the meeting, he or she may participate on line.

Downer is pleased that China meetings are routinely broadcast on Live Stream and taped for later viewing; he thinks the procedure benefits interested residents. However, he expressed concern about the cost.

The next regular China Planning Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, in the portable building behind the town office.

Selectmen approve CBC distribution of flyer

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by Mary Grow

China selectmen held a special meeting Tuesday evening, Oct. 5, for one purpose: the China Broadband Committee (CBC) asked them to meet to approve distribution of a revised informational flyer on the proposed new internet system for the town.

Selectmen unanimously approved distribution of the flyer. CBC Chairman Robert O’Connor will have it printed at Saturn Business Systems, in Waterville; town office staff will mail it to every China address, with printing and postage costs to come from the CBC budget.

Before the vote, resident Joann Austin suggested selectmen should be supportive of committees they appoint if they want people to volunteer, and shared information from Consumer Reports on benefits of municipally-owned utilities, including broadband. After the vote, Selectboard Chairman Ronald Breton thanked CBC members for doing “a great job” providing information for voters.

On Nov. 2, China voters will decide whether to authorize, but not require, selectmen to borrow up to $5.8 million to help pay for new broadband infrastructure throughout town.

To publicize and explain the ballot question, CBC members have held a series of lightly-attended informational meetings and have created a website, chinabroadband.net. The informational flyer will supplement these efforts.

CBC members met for an hour Sept. 30 to put the flyer into final form, discussing grammar and graphics more than content. The content they were satisfied with, believing it will be helpful as voters try to understand the significance of their Nov. 2 decision.

Selectmen denied permission to use town funds to mail out an earlier draft of the flyer, because they saw it as one-sidedly in favor of the broadband project. The revised version has more details, including information on finances and on other issues raised in public discussions.

It also has a new section titled “Risk Factors, including Taxation.” The section points out uncertainties in predicting how smoothly construction work would go and how many residents would sign up for the new service. CBC members expect the new service, if approved by voters and authorized by selectmen, will be self-supporting and need no tax money, but they cannot guarantee that result.

Click here to view the China Broadband Committee’s informational flyer.

China Broadband Committee (CBC) informational session draws small audience

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by Mary Grow

The China Broadband Committee’s third public informational session, held on-line only Sept. 26 and hosted from the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, in China Village, drew a small audience with many questions.

CBC Chairman Robert O’Connor and Axiom Technologies President Mark Ouellette repeated information from earlier public meetings: the advantages of fiberoptic cable over current local transmission methods; the plan to have subscribers, not taxpayers, cover costs; the reasonable rates; and the responsibility of Axiom for all management and maintenance.

Audience members’ questions led to additional information. Some of the on-line questions were interrupted or distorted, something CBC members expect would not happen if the fiberoptic system were in place.

Ouellette explained that the present systems have all users on the same line, so to speak, so when a lot of people are on at the same time, service slows. With fiberoptic, he said, a single fiber goes from the central office to each home; there is no sharing.

When such a system is built, extra fibers are included to accommodate future users.

(See all our stories about the China broadband initiative here.)

Asked about the system’s life expectancy, Ouellette cited federal depreciation figures giving a half-life of about 17 years. In practice, he said, he knows of fiberoptic cable working for 40 years; he would not expect fiber installed in China in the next year or so to need replacement “in our lifetimes.”

Office equipment seldom lasts as long as the cables, Ouellette said, but Axiom keeps replacements on hand.

Axiom will have a technician in or near China to do repairs that cannot be handled by a telephone call. In case of storm damage, he expects repairs would be accomplished within 48 hours.

He pointed out that before fiberoptic cables can be fixed, utilities need to deal with dangerous live electric wires. Sometimes, he said, fiberoptic cables will stretch rather than break when stressed.

Yes, he assured resident Eric Austin, promised repair times – and many other details – will be in the contract Axiom signs with town officials, assuming the project goes ahead.

The next step is the Nov. 2 vote. If voters approve the bond issue, Axiom will begin signing up future subscribers and accepting $100 down payments as evidence of serious intent. The down payments will be applied to the first monthly bills.

If enough subscribers sign up in the next six to eight months to make the project financially viable, selectmen have the option of applying to the Maine Bond Bank in the spring of 2022.

CBC members expect after the first two or three years, subscriber fees will more than cover all costs, creating a surplus for the town. Use of the surplus, if it materializes, will be a local decision, Ouellette and CBC member Tod Detre emphasized. It could be used to pay off the bond faster; to reduce subscribers’ monthly fees; to create a fund to help low-income subscribers; to reduce property taxes; or for some other town purpose.

Detre asked Ouellette what would happen if Axiom went bankrupt, and partly answered his own question: since the town would own the broadband infrastructure, town officials could offer it to another service provider.

Ouellette added that, unlike some larger companies that are serving or have served China residents, Axiom has not gone bankrupt nor changed ownership in its 17 years of existence, and doesn’t plan to. It is a Maine-based company, serving towns all over Maine.

Axiom does not have the national reach of larger companies, but loss of scale leads to an increase in customer relationships, he said. After all, he pointed out, here is the company president participating in a zoom meeting on a Sunday afternoon.

More information is available on the CBC website, chinabroadband.net.

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, October 7, 2021

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To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@townline.org!

SOARING HIGH: Tina Richard, of Clinton, photographed this immature eagle flying high in the sky.

GUARDING THE FOOD: Pat Clark, of Palermo, captured this Baltimore Oriole standing guard at a suet feeder.

CHECKING THINGS OUT: Jayne Winters, of South China, snapped this deer in her backyard.

Erskine Academy announces National Merit Scholarship students

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Aidan Larrabee, left, and Sarah Praul, right.

Erskine Academy has announced that Aidan Larrabee, son of Carrie and Jeremy Larrabee, of China, has been named a semifinalist in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Larrabee has an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a scholarship and the Merit Scholar title. National Merit Scholarship winners of 2022 will be announced beginning in April.

In addition, Erskine Academy has announced that Sarah Praul, daughter of Erika and Darryl Praul, of China, has been named a Commended Student in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program. Praul is among approximately 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation who are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although Praul will not continue in the 2022 competition for National Merit Scholarships, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2022 competition by taking the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Commended students receive a Letter of Commendation from their school and the National Merit Scholarship Program in recognition of this honor.