VETERANS CORNER: Too much money spent on a nonsensical direction

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Veterans Administration facility at Togus. (Internet photo)

by Gary Kennedy

Since we last communicated V.A. at Togus, Maine, was in the middle of rebuilding some roads and sorely needed sidewalks. Recently they have, for the most part completed that segment of their construction plan. There are currently two buildings under construction, one of which will be an interior extension of building 200. Building 200 is the main medical entrance to specialty medical areas, emergency, operating rooms, dental, x-ray and medical supplies etc. The new formation of the Veterans Advocacy department as well as the pharmacy is located there on the first floor. Most advocates have been replaced.

The new security area that I spoke about is located in front of building 200. The other secured entrance is where the doctors’ offices and some business areas, such as Veterans Benefits Administration are located. This is important information as many of you are very upset with the new security protocols. I have only been here at the Togus facility for 47 years but I believe the VA facility was built somewhere near 1866. What’s strange to many of we veterans are in all the years we have been using this facility we were never denied access. Most of the time we use the VA for medical purposes of one sort or another and in other cases our visit to the V.A. was just to go to the store or have a meal with friends in the canteen.

Also, a few of us used the gym and some the pool. Covid has been an excuse to shut down these areas for the past couple of years. This is very sad as it has always been a place for veterans to do physical therapy with a P.T. associate or a caregiver.

The administrative rumor has been that the real reason was the lack of a life guard as the administration only wanted to use one part time. It has caused me personally a lot of harm as I have great need for the exercise aspect of that facility. I have spinal damage which requires a certain kind of exercise which the gym and pool supplied until it was shut down. I have been offered free access to the YMCA facilities but they were overrun by children and elderly folks just passing away the time of day. That was dangerous for me and an interruption to what I needed to do.

The sad part is we are one of the only V.A. facilities that have such a wonderfully needed area such as this. I am told it will reopen soon and V.A. doctors can make referrals to this place, which helps many of us. I am sure that with a little imagination this could be the focal point of many wonderful things for veterans and perhaps for others. V.A has hired more advocates to handle veterans’ problems and complaints but I doubt that is the answer. Unfortunately, VA administration has not taken seasoned veterans on their offer of help. I firmly believe that many great ideas could come from the joint efforts of veterans and administration working collaboratively. I believe it is a great innovative way to solve mutual problems. I suggested this in the past and it seemed to have been received with positive enthusiasm. However, with the change in administration came the advent of a different direction which I find to be adverse to the positive outcome previously envisioned.

I believe there is too much money spent on a nonsensical direction. A collective of opinions leads to a great result in the end, but if led by arrogance the outcome will be sure failure. I am a strong believer in involving those you are attempting to serve. The outcome will favor the individuals you are trying to make life improvements they so direly need. I hope those that this pen is intended for are reading this. You might need men and women such as us again. Don’t make promises that you have no intention of keeping. We are intelligent human beings.

The advocacy section has been totally replaced either by resignation or by discharge. Doctors hooked to the VA in years past as it was a safe haven for their skills. The civilian world became sue happy and VA gave some very fine doctors a safety net. However, even with this great umbrella of protection we have lost so many great minds. I have been here 47 years and there are some doctors/clinicians that I really miss. VA has been very fortunate, as have I, to have been under the care of some of the best. Unfortunately, the pendulum moves in two directions so some weeding needs to be done. I work with many veterans and hear many stories; they remain such with me until researched and proven. There are many VA employees that feel that a very large burden has been placed on them and eventually the burden becomes too heavy to bear. I am a strong believer that VA has to allow some of the load to be borne by the veterans themselves. By feeling like part of the solution the result will most likely be a very positive one.

As it is told to me I share with you. Allow veterans and employees to be part of the solution not just being considered the problem. Our world as we know it is under siege so let those who have been there and done that be part of the solution. We are as a family and the success of a family is the collective resolution of diversity. Don’t make this an administrative problem or only the few will participate and the result will be more socialistic then democratic. For some, VA is employment, for others who make this all possible it’s their life’s blood. When a veteran comes through the doors with humble bowed head he/she is seeking the best possible outcome and a longer and more comfortable life to share with those they love. If the shoe were on the other foot how would you look at it? Remember, what has been given for that which is being sought. It’s all in the attitude which hopefully originates from the heart.

Finally let me say Happy New Year to you and yours.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Fruit flies are a nuisance and can be a challenge in the home

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Fruit flies

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Recently, a family member moved into a rented house in a central Maine town that will remain nameless. Within weeks after occupying the house, they encountered a severe infestation of fruit flies. They called in an exterminator who assured them they were not the cause of the infestation, but that it had been present long before the move. Treatment has alleviated some of the nuisance, but the problem remains. Additional treatments have been scheduled.

Fruit Flies, Drosophila melanogaster, are of concern both as nuisance pests and as serious contaminators of food. Large populations of these flies can very quickly buildup in restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, and similar food service establishments, as well as in private homes. The ability of the adults to appear from “nowhere” when fruits are exposed and the fact that they seem to be “everywhere” are sources of amazement for most homeowners and individuals in the food industry.

Food processing plants, including wineries, pickle plants, dehydrators, and canneries (especially tomato canneries), consider fruit flies to be a greater menace than any other insect pest. These flies cause a high percentage of the insect contamination of fruit and fruit products. Fruit flies are frequently cited as the contaminating agent in reports of food seizures made by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration.

Female fruit flies lay their eggs on the surface of rotting fruits and vegetables. Each female may lay as many as 500 eggs. These eggs hatch into larvae which molt twice before becoming fully grown. The larvae feed on the yeast organisms and fungi growing in infested material, and through their feeding efforts, they soon turn their food into a semi-liquid “mess.” When the full-grown larvae are ready to pupate, they leave the food material for dryer areas. Complete development from egg to adult under summer conditions may be completed in 8 to 10 days. Mating takes place soon after adult emergence, usually within a few hours, and egg laying begins about 24 hours later.

These flies are variously referred to as vinegar flies, pomace flies, banana flies, sour flies, vinegar gnats, and lesser fruit flies. There are several species which are similar in appearance. Adults may be dull yellowish, brownish yellow, or brownish black in color and range from 1/10 to 1/5 inch long. Most species have red eyes. Larvae are very small (ranging from 1/10 to 1/5 inch long), dirty white, and maggot-shaped. They can be recognized by the stalked posterior spiracles on the last abdominal segment.

In warm weather, screen all openings to the outdoors with fine mesh screen or netting. Do not leave cut or spoiling fruit or vegetables, fruit salads, fruit juices, jams, jellies, pickles, etc., exposed in open containers. Do not keep whole raw fruit on hand in large quantities exposed to fruit fly infestations. Check vegetables such as potatoes and onions which are frequently stored in large quantities. There could be one rotten vegetable in the bottom of the bag which would be sufficient to support a sizable infestation.

Whenever possible, keep susceptible foods in cold storage in order to retard development of larval fruit flies. Should fruit flies become abundant, a careful search for the larval breeding areas should be made by the homeowner. Removal of any overripe fruit or vegetable material should alleviate any recurrence of these insects. Any lingering adults can be destroyed via the judicious use of pesticide aerosol space sprays or a fly swatter. Breeding areas can sometimes be difficult to locate. Possible situations include a “forgotten” potato in a storage bin, an apple kicked under the shelves of a storeroom, improperly cleaned garbage cans or disposals, and endless similar examples of improper or lax sanitation practices. “Emptied” beer, soft drink, milk, or catsup bottles with small amounts remaining in the bottom have been reported as breeding media.

Uncleaned mops and cleaning rags that have been left to sour may serve as breeding sites. Accumulations of food materials, usually small and hidden, may buildup in corners, under counters, under baseboards, in the cracks of, or around drain boards, in cracks around sinks, etc. In addition, common sources of infestation in residences are “homemade” marmalade, preserves, chili sauce, mustard, pickles, etc., put up in jars. Wine, vinegar, sauerkraut, “homebrew,” and cider are also common attractants.

For more current information, contact your local county extension office.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Name the first NFL AFC team to win a Super Bowl.

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, January 6, 2022

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Trivia QuestionsName the first NFL AFC team to win a Super Bowl.

Answer:

The New York Jets, Super Bowl III, January 12, 1969, 16-7, over the heavily-favored Baltimore Colts (The Jets have not appeared in a Super Bowl since).

OBITUARIES for Thursday, January 6, 2022

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JEANNINE F. GILES

WATERVILLE – Jeanine F. Guarente Giles, 46, of Waterville, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly Sunday, December 5, 2021. Jeanine was born June 5, 1975, in Massachusetts, born to Robert Guarente and Judy Tyrell.

She was a hard worker, working as manager at McDonald’s, in Waterville, for many years. She then went to work at T-Mobile, in Waterville, until her retirement due to medical reasons.

Jeanine was predeceased by her father Robert.

She is survived by her mother Judy Tyrell, daughters Cierra Guarente, 21, Bella Giles, 11; her stepdaughter Danielle Sugerman Castle, 38, and her boyfriend Paul and their son William (Liam) Smith.

A celebration of life is yet to be determined.

WAYNE G. ANDREWS

OAKLAND – Wayne Gary Andrews II, 59, of Oakland, passed away Monday, December 6, 2021, at MaineGeneral Medical Center. He was born in Bangor, on April 8, 1962, the son of Wayne and Beverley (Stimpson) Andrews.

Wayne preferred to be called by his middle name “Gary”, and many of those that spent time with him only knew him by that name.

Gary grew up in Oakland and graduated from Messalonskee High School with the class of 1981. He worked for Colby College, in Waterville, for a few years before beginning work for Hannaford Brothers, in Waterville, where his strong work ethic was displayed for 34 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, trips to the ocean, and going to the gym. Gary was always there to help family and friends in need and was the first person to be called upon to house or pet sit. All who loved Gary are going to miss his kind disposition, easy going outlook on life, and sense of humor.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Reginald, and Nellie Andrews, and Everette and Natalie Stimpson, all of Old Town.

He is survived by his parents Wayne and Beverley Andrews, of Oakland; his sister Debbie Luce and her husband Brian; his niece Katie, and nephew Neil, both of Sidney.

Arrangements are in the care of the Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

ALICE M. SAVAGE

WINDSOR – Alice M. Savage, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, 86, of Windsor, passed peacefully on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, followin a brief illness. Born Nov­ember 21, 1935, to George Thom­as Savage and Mary Frances (Walsh) Savage, Alice was raised in Portland.

After graduating from Portland High School, she continued her education at the University of New England, class of ‘55 (formerly Westbrook Junior College), Mount Holyoke and Brown University. Alice spent her career in medicine at Togus VA Medical Center as an Infectious disease specialist and was chief of staff for over 25 years.

Alice’s extraordinary, devoted and loyal service to organizations that mattered to her were the hallmark of her personality. She distinguished herself through various civic activities and was an inspiration and a pillar of our Central Maine community.

Through Kiwanis, Alice had an opportunity to be a part of a global big picture, positively affecting the lives of children in small yet momentous ways. Her passion earned her a Kiwanis Red Jacket, a Zeller and a Hixson award. She served on the Kiwanis Foundation New England board as a director and also served as a Kiwanis International Foundation trustee. She served as a lieutenant governor of Kiwanis district in Maine and as president for the Augusta Maine club. As a Kiwanis Children’s Fund Trustee, she was a major donor to the Eliminate Project, a program protecting the lives of babies and mothers all over the globe from maternal and neonatal tetanus. Another initiative important to her was the fight against iodine deficiency disorders. Her generous donations made it possible to build an elementary school in Africa, something of which she was very proud. Her legacy certainly lives on in the lives of the children in many countries across the globe.

Throughout her long career in teaching, medicine and health administration, her commitment and affection for Westbrook Junior College and the University of New England has been notable. Alice was recognized with the Tower Award, membership in the Deborah Morton Society and election to the UNE Board of Trustees. Her endowed scholarships enable students to follow their dreams and contribute to society. Alice established the Friends of the Maine Women Writers Collection Endowment Fund with her dear friend Elizabeth Babbott Conant, helping to ensure the growth and longevity of the inspirational collection and its continued importance to scholarly endeavors on the lives and influence of Maine women writers. The Marine Sciences Laboratory is named in her honor and provides an excellent atmosphere for teaching and research.

Alice made a difference in the lives of many Maine high school and college students with her generous philanthropic gifts and scholarships over the years. And her passion for animals was evident in her regular weekly donations to the Kennebec Humane Society, in Augusta. Throughout her life, she retained an absolute passion for the natural world, for walking, fishing, enjoying song birds, trees and beauty where ever she traveled. She donated generously to numerous nature and wildlife funds.

Alice was predeceased by her parents; and sister, Helen Frances (Savage) Joyce.

She is survived by her partner and best friend, Carolyn B. Perry, of Windsor; Jennifer Perry and Cindy Morin, of Pownal, Dave Perry and Judy Whyte, of West Gardiner; Janie Bouchard, Megan Perry, and MacKenzie Perry; and nieces and nephews Helen Aylward, Judith Vaillancourt, Barbara Bonetti, Patricia Joyce, John J. Joyce Jr., William Joyce.

There will be a celebration of life to be announced at a later date.

Any donations may be made to the Augusta Kiwanis Foundation, P.O. Box 966, Augusta, ME 04332.

ERIC M. FRITH

WATERVILLE – Eric Matthew Frith, 23, of Waterville, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 9, 2021. Eric was born on Sep­tember 9, 1998, in Wat­er­ville, the son of Tarsha Dou­cette and Matthew Hubbard.

He was educated in the Messalonskee school system, in Oakland, and graduated in 2016. He enjoyed being outdoors, spending time with his family and friends and was always willing to help anyone in need. Eric would give anyone the shirt off his back and had a heart of gold.

Eric enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, sports, especially cheering on his San Francisco 49ers, and paint balling.

Eric was employed at Duramag, in Waterville.

Eric is survived by his mother, Tarsha Doucette and her husband; his stepfather Travis Doucette; by his father, Matthew Hubbard; and his girlfriend Mckenzi Dixon; his siblings Travis Doucette, Piper Doucette, Maddie Hubbard, Gage Hubbard, and Kyle Hubbard; his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins.

A celebration of life will be planned and announced at a later date.

DANIEL H. CROMMETT

AUGUSTA– Daniel H. Crommett, 48, of Augusta, died on Thursday, December 9, 2021. He was the son of John H. Crommett Jr. of Augusta, and the late Lauret F. Crommett, who passed away in 2012.

Dan attended special education programs in Hallowell and Augusta. In 1993, Daniel graduated from the special education program at Cony High School, in Augusta. For the bulk of his life, Dan lived at home in Augusta with his mother. For the last ten years, he lived in a group home for disabled adults in Gardiner. Dan attended day programming through Skills Inc., in Hinckley.

Some of Dan’s favorite activities were bowling and apple picking, going to McDonald’s or Burger King to get a “new one” (soda), riding in the car, and spending time with his loving family. His favorite day was Wednesday, when his father would pick him up and together they would go on adventures.

Dan liked to listen to and sing tracks from classic Sesame Street and Barney the Dinosaur soundtracks, along with his favorite Christmas song, Do You Hear What I Hear?, which he would sing year-round. Dan also enjoyed coloring books/markers, stickers, playing UNO, and Connect Four. He loved the color green! Dan was a friendly, social man. He greeted everyone (whether he knew them or not) with a giant hug.

In Dan’s younger years, he participated in therapeutic horseback riding at Friendship Stables with his equine buddy, Blue. This brought Dan such joy; he talked about these memories for years to come.

With his family, Dan traveled to Florida, Washington D.C., and Boston – as well as many camping outings around New England. Some vacations included his grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Others included his “honorary family”, the Billing family, of Augusta.

Dan is survived by his father John and his step-mother Carolyn Neighoff; siblings, John Crommett, of Biddeford, Carrie Francis and her husband Paul, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and his twin, Krista Crommett of Pittsfield; nieces Laura Francis, of Groton Connecticut, Sarah Francis, and nephew Ryan Francis, both of Plymouth, Massachusetts; his uncle Frederick (Rick) Fischer and his wife Anne, of South China, and several cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial celebration of Daniel’s life to be held on Saturday, January 15, at 11 a.m., at Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church, 209 Eastern Avenue, Augusta, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Daniel’s name may be made to Maine Developmental Disabilities Council, 225 Western Avenue, Suite 4, Augusta, ME 04330.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting www.plummerfh.com.

NORMAN E. BRAGG

SOUTH CHINA – Norman E. Bragg, 60, of South China, passed away after a brief illness on Thursday, December 16, 2021. He was born in Augusta, on October 22, 1961, to Omar Bragg and Brenda (Cunningham) Bragg.

Norman believed in doing what makes you happy. He loved his time in the military and his service to our country, always saying he would do it again if they would take him. To Norman, family was everything.

Norman loved singing and was the front man for “Norm and the Storm”. He enjoyed all the people who came to hear him sing during that time. Not a day went by that he was not singing a song, telling a joke, or making someone smile. He was the kind of man that would help anyone in need at any time – he was just a phone call away.

He shared his passion for shooting, guns and ammo with his brother Wade. He also enjoyed working with wood and was glad when his brother Mark got a sawmill so he could run the saw.

He was predeceased by his parents, and his mother-in-law Joyce Goodine.

He is survived by his wife Carol (Goodine) Bragg, of 20 years; his daughters Dawne and Shannon; granddaughters Sage and Fern; brothers Wade and partner Mary, Mark and wife Tanya; sisters Wendy and partner Jon, and Dana; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; his father-in-law Sheldon Goodine, and the extended Goodine “clan”.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.

MARY ANN GRAVES

WATERVILLE – Mary Ann Graves, 81, of Waterville, passed away on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Cap­tain Lewis Res­i­dence, in Farm­ingdale. Mary Ann was born on Dec­ember 30, 1939, to Annette Therrien and Charles Abbott.

She was raised by Gerard and Annette Therrien. The eldest of four, she adored her siblings, looked out for them as children and continued a very close relationship with them through her final days.

Mary Ann had tremendous love for her family. She loved the holidays and being together, especially on Thanksgiving, which was her favorite.

Mary Ann worked as a nurse’s aide at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, and as a bookkeeper at a local business.

She later worked as a van driver for Penquis Transportation and KVCAP, where she received several safety awards.

Mary Ann was an amazing supporter of her children’s sports endeavors, which included horseback riding, dirt bike riding, and gymnastics. She loved being a spectator at her granddaughters’ sporting events, loved watching the New England Patriots and “her” Tom Brady, professional tennis, ice skating, and most of all the Olympics. She was a fabulous cook and enjoyed making homemade meals and desserts from scratch. Among the family favorites were her chili, spaghetti sauce, corn chowder, and New York style cheesecake.

Mary Ann had a deep love for all animals. She enjoyed nature, gardening, hiking, birdwatching, feeding her backyard visitors, and just being outside. She loved to keep busy and always eemed to be in motion. Her greatest passion was the K-9 training she and her late husband, Mel, did with their numerous German shepherd dogs. We must not forget her latest “love” Felina, a little west highland white terrier.

Mary Ann was predeceased by her husband Melvin Graves.

She is survived by her three children, Cindy (Jerry) Hunt Lockear, Gordon Corson Jr., and Angela (Douglas) Frame; two stepchildren, Michael Graves, and Jennifer (Kevin) Whitley; her three siblings, Linda (Ray/Artie) Lemieux, Leona (Mike) Miller, and Gerard (Kim) Therrien Jr.; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A graveside ceremony will take place at 12 p.m., on Monday, June 6, 2022, at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta, Maine.

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

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

NANCY ADAMS

WINSLOW – Nancy Adams, 81, passed away on Sunday, December 19, 2021, following a brief illness. Nancy was born on August 8, 1940, the daughter of Earl and Florence (Taber) Doody.

She graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, class of 1958.

On June 21, 1958, she married her husband of 51 years, Donald Adams, who passed away in 2010. Throughout their marriage they did everything together and were rarely apart. They especially enjoyed their trips to the coast and would most often end up at Pemaquid Point, Old Orchard Beach or Belfast.

She spent her life as a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She was heavily involved in all her children and grandchildren’s activities including Booster Clubs for midget football, Little League, basketball, band, majorettes, Girl Scouts, dancing, swimming, and chaperoned countless trips in support of them. Through these activities she made many lifelong friends.

Nancy was a member of the Fairfield Church of the Nazarene and was the pianist and music director for 30-plus years. She also played for many community services and numerous weddings and funerals. She loved the Lord and never refused to use her talent for His glory, no matter how inadequate she felt. She also taught Sunday School and gave herself fully to the Wednesday Night Youth Program. She loved every one of the kids that came through the door and always had a listening ear for them.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; her sister, Gwendolyn Scott and her husband, Norman; her brothers-in-law, Kenneth Adams, and Ballard Nash; and her sister-in-law, Debbie Adams.

She is survived by her son, Andrew Adams and his wife Brenda, of Holly Springs, North Carolina; her daughter, Donna Burgess and her husband Robert, of Winslow; her grandson, Adam Burgess and his wife Rebecca and their children, Jordynn, Levi and Owen, all of Winslow; her granddaughter, Leeann Lallemand and her husband, Tyler and their children, Mariah Grace and Eli; her sisters-in-law, Marie Adams, of Connecticut, and Patricia Nash, of Poland Spring; her brother-in-law, Joseph Adams, of Connecticut; a cousin, Elaine Washburn; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, December 28, at the Fairfield Church of the Nazarene, in Fairfield.

Arrangements are in the care of the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

JASON V. LINT

WINSLOW – Jason V. Lint passed away unexpectedly at his home, in Winslow, on Monday, December 20, 2021.

He was an incredibly caring and loving person with a warm smile, and unique laugh.

Jason is survived by his two sons, Wyatt Lint and Dominic Lint, both of Gardiner; his father Peter Lint, of Oakland, and his mother AnnMarie Ulrich, of Windsor; and his grandfather Daniel Gorgone, of Windsor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jason’s name to the Barbara Bush Foundation for Children.

HELEN G. WAKEFIELD

FAIRFIELD – Helen Grace (Lester) Wakefield, 83, died peacefully Monday, December 20, 2021. Helen was born on May 17, 1938, the fourth of seven children born to Helen and James Lester.

At the time of her birth, her family lived in Norcross where Helen developed her love of nature and storytelling.

As a young child, Helen’s family relocated to Long Island where her visceral connection with the sea originated. Helen’s fondest memories and best stories described her exploration of the coastline and island woods of Casco Bay with both human and animal co-conspirators.

As an adult, Helen was a self-directed, fiercely independent woman and lifelong experiential learner. She developed successful careers as a real estate broker, house flipper, financial manager, sport fishing boat crew member, professional baker, restaurateur, head of the chamber of commerce in Calais, entrepreneur, and assistant director of an adoption agency.

Her interests included studying the Bible, painting, camping, hiking, gardening, walking the Maine woods and shoreline, completing home renovations, hunting, fishing, kayaking and becoming a published author in her late 70s. Helen traveled extensively and traversed the Great Wall of China. She was an advocate for the elderly and volunteered spiritual comfort to hospital patients and their families. Helen was an active member of the Getchell Street Baptist Church, in Waterville.

Helen was generous, funny, occasionally mischievous, and rarely idle. She ignored pre-established barriers, was a role model for resiliency and valued faith, self-determination, independence and education. She supported her children and grandchildren’s hobbies and careers as equestrians, automobile enthusiasts, gardeners, artists, scientists, hunters and fishermen.

Helen was predeceased by her parents and her siblings Eddy, Shirley, Charlie, Patrick, Hilda and Angeline. She held her memories of them close to her heart and they live on in her stories, as do the friends and animal companions who predeceased her.

She is survived by her three children, Grace, James and Rebecca and their respective families, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A springtime celebration of her life will take place near the sea on a date to be determined.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME. To express condolences or share stories, please visit http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Getchell Street Baptist Church, at 3 Getchell Street, in Waterville.

DANIEL M. BROWN

SOUTH CHINA – Daniel Marc Brown, 70, passed away on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. Dan was born in Lewiston, on October 29, 1951, the son of Vernon and Bibian Brown.

He graduated from Lewiston High School class of 1971.

He was a hard working, loyal employee at Zayre/Ames where he worked for 18 years and was promoted to manager. He then went into the mental health field where he committed over 25 years before retiring in 2014.

Dan met his “Soulmate”, Laurie Pelkey while at work and they were married on August 9, 1986. They have four children, son Pastor Nathan and wife Erika Pelkey, of Unity, daughter Duska and husband Pastor Josh Lovelace, of Jefferson, son Pastor Brandon and wife Nicole Pelkey, of Troy, and daughter Danielle and husband Derek Granquist, of Monroe; eighteen grandchildren, Jada and husband David Peterman Jr., Brynn, Elijah, Caleb, Isaiah, Bailey, Daniel, Elizabeth, Landon, Evan, Lauren, Sawyer, Riley, Autumn, Connor, Cassidy and Emma and one great-granddaughter Catie.

Dan was a family man and enjoyed making memories with each of them. He loved serving at church, researching ancestry, camping, restoring furniture, finding sand dollars and building sandcastles at the beach, gardening, watching his grandchildren play sports and soaking everyone with a garden hose.

With a big family the door was revolving with visits from someone almost daily. There were multiple gatherings a year, but he was always there with a big smile, hugs and lots of teasing. He also enjoyed organizing get-togethers with his seven siblings and family reunions so everyone could be together.

Dan received Jesus as his personal Saviour when he was a young man and lived his life to honor and glorify the Lord. He proved it in the way he loved his wife, raised his children, and the influence he had on his grandchildren and everyone that knew him.

He attended Church Hill Baptist, in Augusta, for many years until his son Pastor Nathan Pelkey was sent out to plant Bible Baptist Church, in Unity, in 2008, where he was an active charter member. He loved his church family and made everyone feel welcome with a big smile and friendly conversation.

He was predeceased by his parents Vernon and Bibian Brown, mother in- law, Muriel Griffin, sisters-in-law, Lucille Brown and Patsy Brown, brothers-in-law, William Draper, William Manson, John Lasky and Mike Griffin.

He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren; father-in-law Dale Griffin and wife Lillian Foss; brother George Brown, Lorraine and husband Roland; sister Joan Draper and companion Bill Short; brothers Dick and wife Carol Brown, Ronnie Brown, sisters Anita and husband Wayne Johnson, and Rita and husband Sonny Stewart; sisters-in-law Angela Spencer and husband Jim, Donna Pelkey, Jackie Putnam and husband Lee, Lynn Gordon and husband Mark, Julie Shepard and husband Steve, Joan Griffin and companion Roxanne Silva; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews.

There will be a Home Going Service on Saturday, January 8, 11a.m., at Church Hill Baptist Church, 258 Church Hill Road, Augusta, ME. There will be a reception immediately following the service downstairs in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations towards medical expenses can be made to Bible Baptist Church, P.O Box 236, Unity, ME 04988.

CONSTANCE B. HIGGINS

WATERVILLE – Constance “Connie” Boynton Higgins, 95, passed away on Tuesday, on December 21, 2021. She was born April 17, 1926, to Winifred and Vernon Boynton.

Winifred passed in 1927 and Connie was raised by her grandparents, Theda and Harry, of Windsor.

She attended China schools, graduating from Erskine Academy, class of 1943. She went on to attend the University of Maine at Orono, graduating in 1949 with a concentration in romance languages. She put herself through college by working summers as a chambermaid at the Atlantic House, in Scarborough. She married Seth “Bud” Higgins Jr., in December 1950. The two raised five children, Bill, Joe, Cindy, Mike, and Jon in their South China home.

After a short stint as a medical transcriptionist and a telephone operator, Mrs. Higgins spent a long and fruitful career in education, teaching children to read. She taught in Columbia Falls and Fairfield for a short time, before she began her dream job in the Winslow public school system. Her more than 30-year educational career is commemorated by the acknowledgment of her students. She could hardly go to a grocery store, pizza shop, or local restaurant without hearing someone exclaim, “Hi Mrs. Higgins!” She was fondly regarded by all her former students, and she always remembered each one.

After retiring from education, she went on to teach several of her grandchildren and even neighborhood children to read, using games and tools she had created and developed throughout her life and career. She later went on to put her gifts to work, writing and leading Bible studies with her family.

Her love for her family was unmatched, second only to her love for God and her Lord and Savior Jesus. Her greatest delight was sharing the love of Christ with her family, and anyone she met. She was a spiritual giant in her petite four-foot, 10-inch frame. She had great joy in gathering with her family, and she was the driving force behind the “Higgins Parties.” She was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, crossword puzzle expert, tea party and sleepover hostess, and cribbage “shark.” Her granddaughters share fond memories of sleepovers, trying on her jewelry/makeup, and being sung to sleep with, I Am a Little Kitty. She adored horses, lighthouses, visiting Pemaquid with family, lobster rolls, and fried scallops. She spent much time teaching her children and several of her grandchildren to play cribbage, rummy, and how to drive a standard. Her years of driving five children before seatbelts created her “automatic arm,” that would pin her grandchildren to the seat whenever she hit the brakes. She was affectionately known as Mom/Nan/Connie and ended every conversation with “love you, bye-bye” or “love you, toooo!” She was adored and admired by all who crossed her path, and memories of her will always evoke feelings of great love and joy.

Connie was predeceased by her son Jon, mother Winifred, father Vernon, stepmother Abbie, brother Larry, sister Joyce, and former husband Bud.

She is survived by her sister Linda and husband Bob, of Florida, children, Seth III, of Brunswick, Joel and his wife Patricia, of Randolph, Lucinda and her husband Scott, of Albion, Michael, of South China, and daughters-in-law Thelma Webber and husband Norton, and Mary Quirion and husband Lloyd; nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A private funeral service, open to family members, will be at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, Maine. The service will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2022. There will be an outdoor committal service in the spring with plans for an outdoor gathering afterward for all who can attend.

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

In lieu of flowers at the service, friends and family who so choose may donate to the charity of their choice.

JEANNINE BRETON

WINSLOW –Jeannine Breton, 81, passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Jeannine, a resident of Meadowview Estates, in Winslow, was born on April 30, 1940, in Winslow, the daughter of Bertha Martin and Chester Plourde, also of Winslow. The love of her life for 47 years, Armand Breton, predeceased her in 2007.

Jeannine enjoyed being an entrepreneur with her husband, building the A&J Mini Mall, in 1972, on the Cushman Road (currently named Halifax Crossing), and operating several shops. She also worked as a substitute teacher while living in Skowhegan. She was a die-hard sports fan and loved watching football, ice hockey and baseball.

Jeannine had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. After the loss of her husband, she moved back to Winslow where she could be closer to her siblings and friends during retirement.

She is survived by two brothers, Robert Plourde and his wife Rita, and Lawrence Plourde and his wife Noella; her children, Gerard Breton and his wife Deborah, of Cumberland, Andrew Breton, of Chandler, Arizona, Nicole Breton and her partner Christopher George, of Cartersville, Georgia, Angela and her husband Andrew McMann, of Telluride, Colorado, Celeste and her husband Daniel Smith, Noella and her husband Brian DesPres, Monique and her husband Randy Dionne, all of Skowhegan; 17 grandchildren, Caroline and Matthew Breton; Ryan, Chase, and Ben Breton; Ragan, Lauren, Kate McMann; Morgan Smith; Renee, Camden, and Nolan DesPres; Nathan and Darrin Dionne and Abigail, Emily and Tanner George; and one great-grandchild, Emmerson Dionne.

Honoring Jeannine’s wishes, there will be no visiting hours. A funeral Mass and internment will be held this coming spring 2022.

Arrangements are entrusted to Smart and Edwards Funeral Home, http://www.SmartandEdwardsFH.com.

Donations may be made in Jeannine’s memory to the Skowhegan Area High School SCTC, c/o Armand Breton Scholarship Fund, 61 Academy Circle, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

ANN S. WOOD

WATERVILLE – Ann S. Wood, 59, passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, following a short battle with cancer. She was born to Clayton and Brenda Coffin on December 22, 1962.

Ann was a graduate of Nokomis High School, in Newport. She first went to work at the Hartland Tannery. She then became a Contract Grant Specialist for S.C.H., of Pittsfield. When she married Frank Wood, of Waterville, she then took a job in Augusta as a Contract Grant Specialist at the Maine Dept. of Public Safety.

Ann loved her family and spent a lot of time with her grandchildren. She loved gardening, fishing and camping with her husband Frank. Ann enjoyed crafting and would give them as gifts to friends and family.

She is survived by her husband Frank; son Joshua and daughter Jessica Johnston; children of her former husband Ivan Johnston; her mother Brenda and step-father Joseph Lucey; brother Clayton Coffin; half-brother Frank Coffin; step-mother Alice Coffin; step–daughters Asia and Nathan Taylor, Adi Wood, Lexi and Scott Rice; grandchildren, Jack, Theodore and Charlotte, children of Joshua and Sarah; Seth, Camron, Peyton and Connor, all children of Jessica Johnston; Charlotte and Elizabeth, children of Lexi and Scott Rice.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be announced in the spring. Memories and condolences may be shared at directcremationofmaine.com.

RODNEY S. TYLER

SOUTH CHINA – Rodney S. Tyler, 51, died Saturday, December 25, 2021, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following a brief illness. He was born in Au­gusta, on February 27, 1970, a son of the late Ronald V. and Beverly A. (Lucas) Tyler.

Rod, as most knew him, was a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, and earned an associate degree from Central Maine Community College, in Auburn.

He was employed by Clyde Billing Auto dealership, in Augusta, for several years before they were purchased by O’Connor Motors, where he continued to work as a Master Volkswagen Technician. He was known far and wide as the guy to call for Volkswagen help and parts. Rod was happiest outdoors with friends and family camping, fishing, hunting, ATVing and searching for the elusive big buck. Best known as the life of the party and the first to offer a helping hand. His absence from these activities leaves a tremendous loss for all that loved and knew him.

Rod is survived by his wife of 18 years, Lori A. (Wentworth) Tyler, of South China; two sons: Lucas Tyler, of Montville, and Ryan Tyler, of South China; a daughter, Lauren Tyler, of South China; a brother, Richard Tyler and his fiancée Melissa Ingraham, of Knox; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends may visit on Thursday, January 6, 2022, from 4 – 6 p.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Road, Rt. 32, Windsor where a memorial service will take place on Friday, January 7, 2022, at 11 a.m. Burial will be at a later date.

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

SHAWN D. GIROUX

BENTON – Shawn D. Giroux, 50, of Benton, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday December 22, 2021, following a long illness.

Shawn grew up and went to Winslow schools. Being a carpenter by trade he really loved his craft and ran his own construction business most of his adult life. Having an extraordinary green thumb, Shawn really enjoyed growing plants and outside gardening. Shawn had several hobbies but was most passionate about motor sports such as four wheeling and snowmobiling, he also enjoyed playing guitar. Being a family man who loved his family with all his heart, loved to have barbecues and family gatherings. Shawn was also very excited about becoming a grandfather. He will be missed by so many who loved him.

Shawn was predeceased by his father, Leon Giroux, of Oakland, stepfather, Gabriel Dostie, of Sidney.

He is survived by his wife, Misty Giroux, of Benton; three daughters, Monique Giroux, of Tennessee, Ariel Giroux, of Benton, Victoria Giroux, of Norridgewock; his mother, Donna Dostie, of Sidney; two sisters, Tammy and Bill Mullen, of Oakland, and Cheryl and Jim Wentworth, of Sidney; three nieces; one nephew; one great-niece, and several aunts and uncles.

Family and friends may visit from 1 – 3 p.m., on Sunday, January 2, 2022, at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine.

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

In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area ,100 Webb Road,Waterville, Maine 04901, whereas the Kennbec Behavior Health of Skowhegan will be donating on behalf of Shawn to the Humane Society Waterville Area, due to his love of animals.

LORRAINE B. QUIRION

WATERVILLE – Lorraine (Beaudry) Quirion, 93, passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2021, at Mount Saint Joseph long term care, in Waterville, from Covid-19. Lorraine was born in Augusta, on October 23, 1928, to the late George and Marie Ange (Vachon) Beaudry.

She was educated in the Augusta School System and was a communicant of St. Michael Catholic Parish, in Augusta

Lorraine was employed at Edwards Division of Bates Mill, several shoe factories and most recently she spent 10 years of service at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta.

She enjoyed watching TV, word finds and shopping at Wal-Mart. After the death of her son, she moved to John Marvin Tower where she enjoyed several activities, luncheons, and gatherings. While living at John Marvin Tower she made many friends and would enjoy shopping and going to lunch with them at several of their favorite restaurants in the area.

She is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Donald E. Quirion, on May 5, 2001; and her son, Patrick on April 17, 2016.

She is survived by her brother Valmond Beaudry and his wife, Lorraine, of Chelsea; a sister-in-law, Ann Quirion, of Augusta; several nieces and nephews; and a cousin, Lucette Fecteau.

A private burial will be held at the Maine Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives 82 Western Ave., Augusta, Maine, 04330.

STEVE POTTLE

CHELSEA – Steve A. Pottle, 55, passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2021 at Maine­General Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born on January 31, 1966, in Waterville.

Steve attended school in Fairfield and Waterville. He attended Seventh-day Adventist Church in Augusta.

Steve married the former Kimberly Ann Bouchard on August 1, 1998. Together they had two children, Danielle and Dylan.

Steve enjoyed many things including snowmobiling, motorcycling, and working on his vehicles. A hard worker, Steve worked as a commercial driver delivering oil and driving a ramp truck. For many years he worked with his brother-in-law at his auto dealership, in Waterville, and as a mechanic for VIP. He enjoyed helping his friend Adam Penney at his salvage yard, in Winslow.

In his younger years he loved helping his dad work on his race car and going to help in the pit as part of the pit-crew. He was quite the roller-skater, and would often be seen skating around town. He also put a lot of miles on his bicycle growing up.

Steve was a quick thinker and was not one to give up when facing a challenge! He was proud of his time as a boxer. In 1981, he won the Golden Gloves Championship, and became, for a time, the state’s only undisputed champion in his 106-pound class.

He is survived by his daughter Danielle Bishop and his grandson Ayden Landry; his son Dylan Pottle; mother Lily Glidden; father Lawrence Pottle and wife Audrey; sister Laurie Bourgoin and husband Eric; brothers Wayne Harmon and wife Nicole, Lewis Howard and wife Noreen; aunts Janice Harmon, Linda Douglas and husband Steve, Yvonne Pottle; uncles Allan Pottle, Robert Costain; father-in-law Roland Bouchard; sister-in-law Michele Sucy and husband Scott; brothers-in-law Darren Bouchard, Shane Bouchard and wife Amy; many nieces, and nephews.

Steve was predeceased by his wife Kimberly Ann Pottle, grandparents Lawrence and Hester Pottle, Arthur and Dorothy Cady, mother-in-law Barbara Bouchard, aunt Valerie Costain, uncles Donald and Gerry Pottle, and Rodney Harmon, step-fathers Wayne Harmon and William Glidden, and sister-in-law Johna Goodale and cousin Jamie Pottle.

Celebration of life and burial will occur in the spring.

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

JEAN-LUC POMERLEAU

SIDNEY – Jean-Luc Pomerleau, 73, died Monday, December 27, 2021, at his home following a long illness exacerbated by Covid. He was born in St. Martin, Québec, Canada on September 5, 1948, a son of the late Alphonse and Therese (Cliche) Pomerleau.

Mr. Pomerleau was educated in Canada and was a communicant of St. Augustine Catholic Church, in Augusta. He had been employed most of his life as a drywaller, working for several construction companies, including Melanson Construction.

Jean-Luc enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and was a professional arm-wrestler in Connecticut and Massachusetts, proudly taking home several trophies in his day. He loved to go clamming on the coast and always looked forward to his summer visits at Old Orchard Beach with his family from Canada, which always ended with a big lobster feast.

Mr. Pomerleau was predeceased by his brother, Raymond Pomerleau, his sister, Diane Bousquet, and his step-grandchild, Bryan Levesque.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Connie (Rodrigue) Pomerleau, of Sidney; two daughters, Cindy Poulin and her husband Mark, of Sidney, and Chantal Levesque and her husband Mark, of Scarborough; three sisters, Lise Maheux, of Montreal, Canada, Caroline Pomerleau, of Québec City, Canada, and Claire Pomerleau, of St. Hyacinthe, Canada; four grandchildren, Dominic Pomerleau and his wife Lindsey, of Sidney, Felicia Dyer and her husband Tyler, of Sidney, Kayla Savage, of Tampa, Florida, and Luke Levesque, of Scarborough; three step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

At his request, there will be no public visiting hours.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 14, at 10 a.m., at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Northern Ave., Augusta. Burial will be in the spring in Holy Family Cemetery, Augusta.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, Maine. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Jean-Luc’s memory be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.

JAMES R. CAREY

FAIRFIELD – James Richard Carey, 57, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. Jimmy was born March 27, 1964, in Waterville, the son of Richard and Norma Carey.

He attended Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and graduated in 1983; and graduated from Southern Maine Vocational-Technical Institute, electrical school in 1985.

He was employed by Central Maine Power Co. since 1987, for over 34 years. His greatest pride and joy were his sons, Adam, and Spencer. He loved to watch his boys participate in sports throughout the years and would travel wherever the games were. He was a member of the Corpus Christi Parish, Waterville/Winslow. He belonged to the Waterville Elks Club and was on the PAL board, in Fairfield, for several years.In his early years he loved to spend time traveling and camping with family and friends, and spending time out at the family camp in Belgrade. He participated in the Trek Across Maine and completed it 15 times.

He is survived by his son Adam Carey and wife Corinne, his granddaughters Hazel and Haven, of Hampden; his son Spencer Carey and partner Adrianna, of Fairfield, and the boys’ mother Gisele Carey; his father Richard Carey and companion Diane Bishop, of Winslow; his sister Nancy Cunningham and husband Lee, of Vassalboro, and their children Amy Cunningham, of Mt. Vernon, and her children Aubrie and Camden; Jessica Cunningham, of Vassalboro; his sister Susan Jacobs, of Oakland, and husband Paul, her children Aaron Higgins and wife Stephanie, of Canaan, Meagan Grant and husband Ben, of Oakland, and their son Reece.

He was predeceased by his mother Norma, his brother Matthew and his in-laws, Neil and Jeanne Martin.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, January 5, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral and Cremation Care, Fairfield where memories and condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Lung Association Trek Across Maine, 122 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330.

CHINA: Hapgood: with budget time coming, short meetings have come to an end

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by Mary Grow

With work on the 2022-23 budget not quite ready to start, China Select Board members had another short meeting with a varied agenda on Jan. 3.

Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood reminded them their brief meetings are about to end. She has tentatively scheduled a joint meeting with the budget committee for Monday evening, Jan. 24, and is likely to recommend weekly select board meetings in February.

At the Jan. 3 meeting, board members expressed their approval of the survey Hapgood is circulating. Available on the town website and Facebook page, and on paper at the town office, it is designed to get residents’ views on town office and transfer station hours and similar service-related issues.

Hapgood is collecting opinions to find out how residents’ use of town services has changed with the pandemic, and to seek their preferences on how to reduce hours at the office and the transfer station, if selectmen decide to do so.

In other business, board members unanimously approved spending $21,590 from the China Rescue Unit (CRU) reserve fund to buy a replacement 12 Lead electrocardiogram machine.

Rescue spokesman Thomas Alfieri explained that the current machine is so old it is unusable; that the equipment is essential, both as a requirement for CRU’s state license and to save lives; and that he and his fellow CRU members want to act now, not in the next budget year, especially because of the pandemic.

The $21,590, lowest of three bids he presented, was from Master Medical Equipment (MME) in Jackson, Tennessee. Alfieri said MME is also equipment supplier for Delta Ambulance; China’s unit will match Delta’s, making for a smooth transfer for a patient.

By other unanimous votes, select board members:

  • Gave owners of four properties on which the town has foreclosed for unpaid taxes another 60 days to pay in full; and
  • Formally dissolved the town police department, which has already been replaced by an agreement with the Kennebec Sheriff’s Office (KSO). The vote was requested by the assistant director of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, which oversees training of local police forces.

Board member Wayne Chadwick told KSO Deputy Ivano Stefanizzi that he, for one, is entirely satisfied with KSO coverage. When Board Chairman Ronald Breton asked if the 2022-23 budget should provide funding for more than the current 10 hours a week (in addition to China’s share of service as a Kennebec County town), Chadwick and fellow board member Blane Casey said no.

Because Monday, Jan. 17, is the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the town office will be closed and the next select board meeting is postponed to Tuesday, Jan. 18. Hapgood said one agenda item will be the town personnel policy, which has been reviewed and revised by town attorney Amanda Meader.

Vassalboro select board to meet January 6, 2022

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by Mary Grow

The Vassalboro Select Board will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in the town office meeting room. The advance agenda is the same as for the Dec. 22, 2021, meeting that was canceled due to treacherous roads, including a public hearing at the beginning of the meeting.

The hearing is to determine whether the former church on Chad Caron’s property at 14 Priest Hill Road, North Vassalboro, meets the definition of a dangerous building.

Vassalboro Select Board agendas are posted on the town website, Vassalboro.net, usually by the Tuesday afternoon before a Thursday evening meeting.

Vassalboro school board approves raising hourly wage for substitutes

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro School Board members had the usual variety of issues on their Dec. 21 agenda, with more discussion than decision-making.

One decision board members made, unanimously, was to raise the hourly wages of substitute food service personnel, educational technicians and teachers to meet the new state minimums effective Jan. 1, 2022.

Board members, Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer and an audience member suggested offering substitutes minimum wage is not enough to attract personnel. Since Vassalboro Community School (VCS), like many other schools nation-wide, is struggling with staffing issues, board members are likely to consider further pay increases as they develop the 2022-23 budget request.

Pfeiffer reported that VCS has conditional approval from the state Department of Education to expand the pre-kindergarten program in the 2022-23 school year, if there are enough interested families.

The additional early release days approved at a previous board meeting started in December. Assistant Principal Greg Hughes said teachers found them useful.

Two early release days a month are planned for the rest of the school year. They are listed on the calendar on the school website, vcsvikings.org.

Hughes thanked the Parent-Teacher Organization for supporting school staff, and Pfeiffer thanked the many donors who made the VCS Christmas giving program a success.

Board members accepted the resignation of school social worker Tabitha Sagner. Pfeiffer said she has accepted a job closer to her home. “We will miss her,” he said.

As at previous meetings, board members continued review of school policies, approving an updated policy on public participation at their meetings, reaffirming the policy titled “Magnet School Program,” and beginning review of policies on dropout prevention and student conduct on buses.

Board Chairman Kevin Levasseur said he did not know of a VCS student enrolling at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics, in Limestone, in recent years.

School policies are available for public viewing on vcsvikings.org. Under the heading “Main Office” is a subheading “Superintendent’s Office,” and one of the 10 items under that heading is “Policies.”

The next Vassalboro School Board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. There will be no school on Monday, Jan. 17, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

January’s early release days are Friday, Jan. 14, and Thursday, Jan. 27.

China resident looks to fill a need for women veterans

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Below left, left to right: Sooz R., Holly L., Rachel P., U.S. Navy Quilt of Valor recipient, and Kristin S., during Quilt of Valor Ceremony on November 6, 2021. (contributed photo)

by Eric W. Austin

Nichole Jordan

“Women veterans in general are so overlooked and underappreciated,” says China resident and U.S. Army veteran Nichole Jordan. “Women are truly the invisible aspect of after-service to our country.”

While many excellent veterans organizations exist, like the American Legion and VFW, historically the focus of these organizations has been on male veterans and the support they need. With men making up about nine-in-ten of all U.S. military veterans, this makes sense, but Nichole Jordan saw a need for more supportive activities aimed at women veterans. To this end, she started Women Veteran’s Glamping in 2019.

“Glamping” is a portmanteau of the words “glamorous” and “camping” and aims to provide participants with modern amenities while enjoying the Great Outdoors.

At the first Women Veteran’s Glamping event Jordan heard from many of the attendees who said they only knew one other woman veteran in the state. “Being a woman veteran, that really hurt to hear,” she says.

The WVG logo designed by Got Vinyl?, in Vassalboro.

With some amazing sponsors and support, Women Veteran’s Glamping was born. Local graphic design experts from Got Vinyl? Ink & Printing, in Vassalboro, helped design their logo featuring a dragonfly, which represents dedication, beauty, honor, courage, love and selflessness. The goal of Women Veteran’s Glamping is to provide a safe and supportive environment for women veterans to relax and connect with other veterans while enjoying the best of Maine’s natural scenery.

At each event, a Quilt of Valor is presented to a deserving veteran to honor their service and sacrifice to the country. “The quilt equals healing,” says Jordan. “The warmth of the wrap and love that is put into it comforts one’s soul on a day when all seems lost or forgotten. Focus is on those most in need of comfort and healing first; those who need to know their sacrifice is acknowledged, those who need the affirmation of a hug, and those who never heard the words ‘Welcome home.’”

Left to right: Vicki B. US Navy, Nichole J. US Army, Jannene B. US Army & US NAVY, Sheryl M. US Navy, Dawn O. US Navy, during a Quilt of Valor Ceremony on October 30, 2021. (contributed photos)

Women Veteran’s Glamping has partnered with two local businesses, Maine Forest Yurts, in Durham, and House in the Woods, in Lee, Maine, to host their weekend retreats. During the first two years they served mostly women veterans in Maine, but in September of 2021, they became an official nonprofit and expanded their events to include women veterans in all 50 states.

Women Veteran’s Glamping has held three previous events with 16 women veterans attending each. This year, they are stepping up their game with seven events planned throughout the year. So far, 152 women have signed up. The trips start on Friday and run through Sunday. Five of the events are scheduled at Maine Forest Yurts, in Durham, with two additional weekends taking place at House in the Woods, in Lee, Maine. Jordan hopes to extend the weekend trips to week-long getaways in 2023.

Interior view of a Maine Forest Yurt, in Durham, ME. (contributed photo)

“Our five-year plan is finding 50 to 100 acres for our own retreat center that will be open year round,” Jordan says. “We will continue to keep Women Veteran’s Glamping in Maine and hope we can secure the land and buildings needed for this down the road. The U.S. has 300,000 women veterans, not including active duty women. There is a calling and a need for this. One step at a time. With God and Country behind us all things are possible.”

Currently, cost for participants is $250 and includes lodging, food, all activities and required supplies, but Jordan is busy fundraising, hoping to cover expenses for most participants in the future.

Outer view of a Maine Forest Yurt in Durham, ME. (contributed photo)

On Saturday, January 15, Women Veteran’s Glamping will hold a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m., at St. Bridget Center, in Vassalboro. Then, on Friday, January 28, there is a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., at the Auburn VFW Post #1603, 588 Minot Ave. (To-go boxes will be available if pandemic restrictions require either of the events to be take-out only.) They have an on-going quilt raffle as well, with the winner announced live on their Facebook page on February 19 at noon. T-shirts, printed by Got Vinyl? Ink & Printing, in Vassalboro, will be available for a suggested donation of $20 each. They have also connected with local redemption centers throughout Maine and set up accounts to collect funds, so check with the business where you drop off bottles and cans if you’d like to donate them to the cause.

“This year alone we need over $65,000 in fundraising,” she says. “It grows as time goes on. We still have to purchase 25 sleeping bags; a large, flat top grill with 30-pound propane tanks; and we are fundraising for a 7×16-foot trailer to haul all our event gear in.”

Jordan says fundraising has been difficult because many companies are already giving to veteran organizations with a male focus. “Men get $8,000 hunting trips given to them, yet women veterans do bottle-and-can redemption collections, meal fundraising and quilt raffles to cover the lodging, food and activities for women veterans,” she says. “We have sent out 350 donation request letters to the top companies in Maine, New Hampshire and across the country. We get back lots of rejection letters. Some say they don’t want to donate because we are so new, some say they can’t donate because they already support other, predominately male veteran programs in the state of Maine. We offer an opportunity for recreation and the camaraderie of shared experiences in a safe environment. We will continue to hope that companies and others will want to help honor Women Veteran’s Glamping.”

2020 was a difficult year for everyone with the pandemic going on, but it was a particularly painful one for Nichole Jordan. That year, just before Mothers Day, she received the news that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Within three weeks, she had part of her right lung removed. While recovering, she moved back with her folks who had recently bought a house in China. “I am here for when they need me as they age and as I heal from my lung cancer,” she says. “If God lets me live to see 50 years old this year, I promised I would be giving back for my next 50 years to Women Veteran’s Glamping.”

Previously, Jordan lived with her family in Vassalboro from 2010-2012. Her son graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, before attending the University of Maine at Presque Isle, and then enlisting for active duty in the U.S. Air Force. Her daughter graduated from China Middle School before moving to Texas for high school. Nichole Jordan currently lives in China with her parents and her loyal black lab, Willow Grace.

To find out more about Women Veteran’s Glamping or sign up for a weekend retreat, please visit their website at www.WomenVeteransGlamping.org. To contact Nichole Jordan or to find out more about donating to the cause of women veterans, call 456-6114 or email WomenVeteransGlamping@gmail.com.

Longtime Boy Scout leader steps down

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Scott, left, and his wife Priscilla. After 32 years as Scoutmaster of Troop #479, he is now serving as the Troop’s Committee Chairman and as the Treasurer of the Bomazeen Old Timers as he tries to save the Scout camp he loves. (photos courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

As 2021 is now in the rear view mirror, we can not let the year pass without recognizing one milestone that took place. Scott Adams stepped down as Scoutmaster of Scout Troop #479 in China, a position he held since August 29, 1989.

When Scott Adams became Scoutmaster of Troop #479, there were only four Scouts including his son Matthew. Thirty-two years later, Troop #479 remains one of the healthiest Scout Troops in Kennebec Valley District and can boast having seen 44 Scouts from their troop earn their Eagle Scout rank. Adams is remaining active as the Committee Chairman of Troop #479 and as the Treasurer of the Bomazeen Old Timers which is working to prevent the camp from being sold.

Scott Adams and Greenbar Bill. (contributed photo)

Adams has recently received his 60-year Scouting Veteran pin. He was a Scout in Troop #479 in 1966 under Scoutmaster Preston Mosher. “I joined because that was the thing to do,” Adams recalled. “The Scouting program was much larger back then. My two best friends were in the troop so I joined, too. I was into sports so cooking and camping were all new to me. I enjoyed Scouting but didn’t stay with it as a youth,” he said. But rejoined the program in 1984 as a member of the Pack Committee for Albion Pack #410. The next year, his son Matthew joined the Cub Scout program and Scott has not left it since. When the family moved to China, Scott and Matthew joined Pack #479 which was struggling and being reorganized. Scott and other adults stepped up and the “Pack took off.” Scott served as Den Leader and then Webelos Leader. When Matthew crossed over into Boy Scouts, Scott went with him. Three other Scouts crossed over as well and they made up the entirety of the troop at that time as it had been inactive for most of the year. Scott became Scoutmaster, received training for the position, and focused the program on the youth and getting them into the outdoors each month. “Our first camping trip was to my hunting camp in Unity,” Scott said. “The Scouts slept in tents but there was a cabin with running water if we needed it. We had a latrine but they learned how to dig their own, anyway. Scouting is about getting the kids into the outdoors. If you get them outside and show them that they can enjoy themselves out there, they will stay with the program. The longer they stay in the program the more they will learn about Citizenship, Character, Fitness and Leadership Development. We’re teaching life-long skills but doing it in a way that they enjoy it.”

Christian Hunter, who earned Eagle under Scoutmaster Adams, became the troop’s new Scoutmaster in February. “Looking back it is hard to believe all that Mr. Adams did as Scout­mast­er,” Hunter said. “Mr. Adams planned at least one campout and service project for the troop every month to keep the troop active and to help every scout in have the opportunity to advance in rank. At outings, Mr. Adams always kept the troop on tight time schedule to make sure we could get the most done in a day as possible, but still have some time to have some fun. Also at every outing we had delicious food and plenty of it. Scouts learned to cook in the outdoors. Mr. Adams was an excellent teacher, as Scoutmaster, and taught me and all the other Scouts in our troop many important lessons. Mr. Adams taught us how to plan outings, how to do everything in the Scout Handbook, and how to support and take care of our community. If you had a question about anything, Mr. Adams always had the answer, and would explain it to you so that you would understand. He always made sure to test us on the skills he had taught us, to make sure they would stay with us and help us as adults.”

Adams always kept the program flexible to accommodate the busy schedules of the Scouts. “We had a camping trip scheduled,” he recalled. “But only four Scouts signed up. When I asked, I found out that there was a dance they all wanted to go to on Friday night. No problem, we left for the camping trip early Saturday morning instead of on Friday night. Instead of four Scouts, we had 16 take part.”

There were two events he stressed that all of the Scouts take part in each year: Scout Sunday service at China Baptist Church and Memorial Day services. Adams explained that Pastor Ron Morrell would let the Scouts lead many aspects of the service on Scout Sunday. “One year we had 26 Scouts in the church choir on Scout Sunday,” he said. He also, over the years, brought the Scouts of Troop #479 to camporees both local and all over the nation, and to two that were held in Canada.

Scott Adams. (contributed photo)

Bomazeen Camp Director Bruce Rueger had nothing but praise for Adams’ dedication and appreciates his work with the Bomazeen Old Timers. “Scott is the most passionate and effective Scout Leader I have worked with in the program,” Rueger said. The Old Timers raise funds throughout the year to provide camperships for youth in the area to attend Camp Bomazeen and to purchase building material and supplies for the camp. “I can’t even begin to imagine where the camp would be without all of his work.” Now Rueger and Adams are working together to keep the camp from being sold so that Scouts from Waterville, Skowhegan and Augusta areas will continue to be able to use it for decades to come. “Bomazeen to me is what Scouting is all about,” Scott Adams said. “I will challenge anyone to come up with a waterfront and camp that is better than at Bomazeen. People do not realize the treasure that they have. It is simply outdoor camping at its best.”

Kennebec Valley District Chairman Joe Shelton was recruited by Scott. “Scott has been a steadfast member of his community through Scouting, Masons, Fire Dept. and Community support,” Shelton said. “I’ve known Scott since 2010 and he will help anyone who asks. If he can’t help he will find someone or someway to help. In the end Scott will do whatever he can for anyone who asks! I’ve never seen him turn anyone away that deserved his insight, guidance or assistance.”

Adams’ advice after more than three decades as Scoutmaster to others in the Scouting program: “I like to think that we had a program run by the Scouts. We always tried to make every kid feel welcome and give them an opportunity to succeed. Having a strong outdoor program made all the difference.” He said that sometimes life sent challenges to his Scouts. “I had a Scout who told me he had to quit. I asked why and he said that he was failing in school and needed to quit. I told him that he did need to focus on his school work but when he was ready, Scouting would be waiting to welcome him back whether that was in two weeks, two months or two years. He could pick up where he left off.”

Scott’s wife Priscilla has joined Scott on his Scouting journey. “He is always willing to help everyone,” she said in December 2021 during a regional Scouting leaders’ meeting where Scott was drawing the winning tickets for the latest Bomazeen Old Timers’ raffle. “He has always put just as much time and energy into the family as he has put into Scouting.”

Scoutmaster Hunter said, “Taking over as scoutmaster of Troop #479 is a huge undertaking because Mr. Adams was an excellent leader. There is no way I’ll ever be a Scoutmaster like Mr. Adams, but with the skills he taught me I will do my best to fill his shoes.”