Northern Light Health joins Health Care Climate Council

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Displaying continued commitment to the health of its patients, colleagues, and community, Northern Light Health has been selected as the newest member of the Health Care Climate Council. Northern Light is leading the way in minimizing its environmental effects while providing excellent care in a sustainable manner.

Northern Light’s focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction is a key component of its efforts, as it recently signed the Health Sector Pledge to halve its emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. So far, Northern Light Health has reduced its emissions by about 10 percent since 2021. Additionally, Northern Light recently completed a Climate Resiliency Plan to address operational risks and vulnerabilities related to extreme weather events and the changing disease burden.

“Northern Light Health is proud to join the Health Care Climate Council, which is leading the health care sector’s urgent response to climate change,” said Tim Doak, chief environmental sustainability officer. “Our bottom-line goal is to help people lead healthy and happy lives. Working to make Northern Light Health a leader in emissions reduction furthers our mission and supports our patients and community.”

Established by Health Care Without Harm, the Health Care Climate Council is a leadership body of health systems committed to protecting their patients and employees from the health effects of climate change and becoming anchors for resilient communities.

Together, the 19 member systems represent 500 hospitals in 28 states and 250 Congressional districts with a total annual operating revenue of more than $180 billion and more than one million employees.

Health Care Climate Council members implement innovative climate solutions, inspire and support others to act, and use their trusted voice and purchasing power to move policy and markets to drive the transformation to climate-smart healthcare.

“We are delighted to welcome Northern Light Health to the U.S. Health Care Climate Council,” said Jessica Wolff, Health Care Without Harm’s U.S. director for Climate and Health. “With the addition of Northern Light, the Climate Council further demonstrates its commitment to the sector’s transition to 100 percent renewable energy and climate-smart healthcare. We are looking forward to continuing our work with the Climate Council on ambitious mitigation and resilience initiatives and harnessing the powerful voice of its members to help patients, staff, and communities understand that climate change is about health.”

FINANCIAL FOCUS: Why see a financial advisor?

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Submitted by
Rachael Siegfriedt

Investing for your future is important – but it can be challenging. How can you navigate the complexities of the financial markets and make the right decisions for your situation?

Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone. A financial advisor can help you in these key areas:

• Developing a personal financial strategy – Many factors go into creating a long-term financial strategy. What is your risk tolerance? When would you like to retire? What sort of retirement lifestyle have you envisioned? What are your other important goals? A financial advisor will ask these and other questions in getting to know you, your family situation and your hopes for the future. By taking this type of holistic approach, a financial advisor can help you create financial and investment strategies appropriate for your needs.
• Avoiding mistakes – A financial advisor can help you avoid costly investment mistakes. One such mistake is attempting to “time” the market. Investors pursue market timing when they try to “buy low” and “sell high.” In theory, of course, this is a great idea – if you could consistently buy investments – stocks, in particular – when their price is down and then sell them when the price has risen significantly, you’d always make some tidy profits.

The main drawback to this technique, though, is that it’s virtually impossible to follow, especially for individual investors. Nobody, not even professional money managers, can really predict with any accuracy when stock prices have reached high or low points. Consequently, those who try to make these guesses could miss out on opportunities.

For example, investors who are determined to buy low might not want to purchase investments when the market is up – but this practice could lead to taking a “time out” from investing just when the market is in the midst of a rally. But a financial advisor can steer clients toward a more disciplined approach, such as buying quality investments and holding them for the long term, regardless of the ups and downs of the market.

• Checking progress toward your goals – If you were to invest without any guidance, you might not be looking at your investments’ performance with the proper perspective. For example, some investors simply compare their portfolio returns against a widely used market index, such as the S&P 500. But this comparison may not be that useful. The S&P 500 only measures the stock prices of the leading publicly traded U.S. companies by market capitalization – but your investment portfolio, if properly diversified, will include investments other than U.S. stocks, such as bonds, government securities, international stocks and more.

Consequently, the performance of your portfolio won’t track that of the S&P 500 or any other single index, either. Your financial advisor can help you employ more meaningful benchmarks, such as whether your portfolio’s progress is on track toward helping you meet your financial goals. Also, a financial advisor will review your portfolio and investment strategy regularly to determine what changes, if any, need to be made, either in response to the markets or to events in your life.

Investing for your future can be exciting and rewarding — and you can feel more confident in your decisions when you have someone helping you along the way.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

Rachael Siegfriedt’s office is located at 82 Maple Ridge Dr., in Monmouth. Her email address is Rachael.Siegfriedt@edwardjones.com.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: The red-winged blackbird a sure sign of spring

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Red-winged blackbird

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

The old reliable spring indicator appeared in my backyard over the weekend, twice. The robin made its presence known.

However, it was what happened Monday that certified that old folklore. I know spring officially arrived this past Tuesday, March 19. That is a day or two earlier than usual, but it seems everything is early this year.

Going back to what confirmed spring is here was the sighting of the red-winged blackbird. Of all the migratory bird, it is generally the first species to make its way back north.

The red-winged blackbird is a bird found in most of North America and much of Central America. It breeds from Alaska and Newfoundland south to Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, and Guatemala, with isolated populations in western El Salvador, northwestern Honduras, and northwestern Costa Rica. It may winter as far north as Pennsylvania and British Columbia, but northern populations are generally migratory, moving south to Mexico and the Southern United States.

Claims have been made that it is the most abundant living land bird in North America, as bird-counting censuses of wintering red-winged blackbirds sometimes show that loose flocks can number in excess of a million birds per flock and the full number of breeding pairs across North and Central America may exceed 250 million in peak years.

Regarding its numbers, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the red-winged blackbird of least concern.

The red-winged blackbird is sexually dimorphic; the male is all black with a red shoulder and yellow wing bar, while the female is a nondescript dark brown. Seeds and insects make up the bulk of the red-winged blackbird’s diet.

The red-winged blackbird is a sister species to the red-shouldered blackbird that is endemic to Cuba. These two species are together sister to the tricolored blackbird that is found on the Pacific coast region of the California and upper Baja California in Mexico.

Depending on the authority, between 20 and 24 subspecies are recognized which are mostly quite similar in appearance.

The red-winged blackbird breeds in marshes, brushy swamps, hayfields; forages also in cultivated land and along edges of water. Breeds most commonly in freshwater marsh, but also in wooded or brushy swamps, rank weedy fields, hayfields, upper edges of salt marsh. Often forages in other open habitats, such as fields and mudflats; outside the breeding season, flocks gather in farm fields, pastures, and feedlots.

One of the most abundant birds across North America, and one of the most boldly colored, the red-winged blackbird is a familiar sight atop cattails, along soggy roadsides, and on telephone wires. Glossy-black males have scarlet-and-yellow shoulder patches they can puff up or hide depending on how confident they feel. Females are a subdued, streaky brown, almost like a large, dark sparrow. Their early and tumbling song are happy indications of the return of spring.

Red-winged blackbirds may come to your yard for mixed grains and seeds, particularly during migration. Spread grain or seed on the ground as well, since this is where Red-winged Blackbirds prefer to feed.

The red-winged blackbird is a highly polygynous species, meaning males have many female mates – up to 15 in some cases. In some populations 90 percent of territorial males have more than one female nesting on their territories. But all is not as it seems: one-quarter to one-half of nestlings turn out to have been sired by someone other than the territorial male.

Male red-winged blackbirds fiercely defend their territories during the breeding season, spending more than a quarter of daylight hours in territory defense. He chases other males out of the territory and attacks nest predators, sometimes going after much larger animals, including horses and people.

Red-winged blackbirds roost in flocks in all months of the year. In summer small numbers roost in the wetlands where the birds breed. Winter flocks can be congregations of several million birds, including other blackbird species and starlings. Each morning the roosts spread out, traveling as far as 50 miles to feed, then re-forming at night.

The oldest recorded red-winged blackbird was 15 years, 9 months old. It was banded in New Jersey in 1967, and found alive, but injured in Michigan in 1983. It was able to be released after recovering from its injuries.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

What Boston Celtics player holds the distinction for hitting the most 3-point baskets in one season?

Answer
Antoine Walker, 222, in 2001-2002 (surprisingly Larry Bird wasn’t even in the top 10).

ShineOnCass announces scholarship

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Cassidy Charette, a longtime summer camper at Hart-to-Hart Farm. (photo by Monica Charette)

The ShineOnCass Foundation announces a new $1,000 ShineOnCass Community Ser­vice Scholarship to be awarded annually to one area high school senior who makes service and kindness part of their everyday life. The scholarship is created in honor and memory of Cassidy Charette, a longtime volunteer in the central Maine community and former Messalonskee High School student, in Oakland, who died in a hayride accident in 2014.

Qualified applicants for the scholarship must live in the school district of Lawrence, Messalonskee (RSU #18), Waterville, or Winslow high schools; be accepted into a 2-year associate degree program, or 4-year college/university; and demonstrate their commitment to service in their community. Deadline to apply for the ShineOnCass Community Service Scholarship is April 22, 2024.

The newly-created ShineOn­Cass scholarship is in addition to the foundation’s annual $4,000 ShineOnCass Memorial Scholarship in Memory of Cassidy Jean Charette, originally established by Cassidy’s Messalonskee High School Class of 2016.

To apply for the ShineOnCass Community Service Award, or to learn more about other scholarship opportunities offered by the ShineOnCass Foundation, visit shineoncass.org.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 21, 2024

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MICHAEL A. THIBODEAU

FAIRFIELD – Michael Allen Thibodeau, 70, of Fairfield, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024.

Mike, “Sparky” as he was known by friends and colleagues, was a master electrician bringing light into people’s lives and homes throughout Maine for the past 40 years. He was a dedicated, skilled and conscientious businessman. The only thing he worked harder for than his clients, was his family.

He raised his family in the home he himself grew up in and renovated, and he always had an open door for friends and family alike. He was generous with his time and advice, always thoughtful and thorough in his approach to passing on his insights both in his work and life.

He was a simple man with a love of the outdoors, books and family. A loving, and fun grandfather, he spent many afternoons with his grandchildren around his home and garden teaching and laughing, as well as summers fishing, kayaking and camping out in the back yard. In his later years he spent his free time traveling throughout Maine and Massachusetts, going on adventures with his partner Karen and vacationing with her family.

Those closest to him will remember him for his teasing nature and big old grin.

He was predeceased by his parents Maurice and Methyl (Haslem) Thibodeau, brother Lawerence Thibodeau, sister Brenda Buzzle and the mother of his children Barbara Caswell. He is survived by his children, daughter Hilary Shorey and son-in-law Jimmy-lee Shorey; son Travis Thibodeau and his partner Nikki Cole; grandchildren, Leo Shorey, Haylee Shorey, and Tyler Cole; the love of his life, and high school sweetheart, Karen Sidelinger and her family, Matthew, Amanda and Isabella Hall, Mark, Stacey and Lauren Hall, and Nathan Sidelinger; his brothers and their families, Richard and Stephanie Thibodeau, Stephen Thibodeau, Kevin Thibodeau; and his neices, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at Fairfield’s Victor Grange, on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from noon to 4 p.m.

DAME MARIE F. DEEB

WATERVILLE – Dame Marie Fefa Deeb, 98, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Marie Fefa was born Sep­tem­ber 27, 1925, to Sam and Lottie Deeb.

It was Dame Marie’s great honor to have been invested into the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Maronite Bishop Gregory of the Archdiocese of Brooklyn on August 24, 2018, for life service to the Maronite rite. She lived her many years in Waterville valuing family, faith, education, and service.

Marie Fefa worked at C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, in the accounting office for 17 years, then chose to pursue higher education. In 1959, she attended Thomas College, in Waterville, receiving a bachelor’s degree in business education. She continued on to receive master’s degrees in economics and accounting from the University of Maine at Orono. Marie touched the lives of many young people as a professor of finance and economics at Thomas College until she retired after 26 years.

Service to St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church was an integral part of Marie Fefa’s life. A choir member at seven years old to the choir director for 32 years, Marie was a lifelong contributor to the church community. She was on the Church Council and served as president for two years, member of the Maronite Guild and two-year president, on the Rosary Sodality, Bingo, and finance committees, and headed the church accounting office for 32 years. Marie Fefa was awarded the prestigious Massabki Medal in 1954. This is one of the highest honors bestowed on NAM (National Apostolate of Maronites) members for extraordinary contributions of their time, talent and treasure. “Fefa” was known for cooking on her wood stove, baking bread and cookies in the Lebanese tradition, and regularly cooking for church festivals and events.

Marie’s service extended to the greater Waterville community as well. She was an active volunteer at the Waterville Public Library for 27 years and the Waterville Boys Club for 23 years, where she was honored in their hall of fame. She was involved in the Haines Charity, Zonta Club (president), AAUW (American Association of University Women), Delta Gamma sorority for teachers, and she donated her time and talents to several other charitable and religious organizations.

Dame Marie is survived by her niece Rosemarie (John) Masetta, of Irving, Texas; nephew Sam (Kathleen) Deeb, of East Syracuse, New York; great-nieces and -nephew, Brittany (Christopher) Schwarz, Ryan Masetta, and AnneMarie and Mary Kate Deeb; great-great-nephew River Schwarz, many cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, Sam and Lottie Deeb, brother and sister-in-law George and Jean Deeb, and several cousins.

Family and friends may call from 10-11 a.m., on Tuesday, April 23, at St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church, 3 Appleton Street, Waterville. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated immediately after the calling hour. Family and friends are invited to a reception following the service in the church hall.

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marie Fefa’s name to St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church.

LEONETTE B. FORTIN

WINSLOW – Leonette “Lee” Bernadette Fortin, 86, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, March 6, 2024, following a courageous battle with COPD. Leonette was born in Waterville on March 26, 1937. She is the daughter of Antoinette (Cabana) and Armand Rossignol.

She graduated from Waterville High School in 1954. With the ability to speak both French and English, she secured a job with Central Maine Power Company as an interpreter in the sales department. After meeting the love of her life, she moved to Connecticut, married, and began a family. In 1971, the family came home to live in Central Maine.

Lee worked in the community for many years. She worked as a housing manager for both Seton Village, in Waterville, and Chateau Cushnoc, in Augusta. At the age of 49, Lee was diagnosed with lung cancer. With the expertise of her surgeon Sheridan Oldham and her faith, she believed in a complete healing and was so appreciative of every day thereafter.

In her retirement she was employed part-time and volunteered for the Hospice Volunteers of Waterville organization, which held a special place in her heart. She was a longtime member of Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville. She served on the board of trustees for New Dimensions FCU as well as the Seton Village housing program. She enjoyed her years as a snowbird and spent many days soaking up the sun.

In the weeks preceding, her home was filled with an abundance of warmth, love, and laughter. Lee was encircled by friends, family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Lee was the glue that held the family together! She was determined to attend every family event wherever and whenever it took place. She was a social butterfly who made friends that lasted a lifetime.

Lee’s Catholic faith anchored her through the storms of life and fed her soul. She had a compelling belief in forgiveness and walked in that truth.

She was predeceased by her parents Antoinette and Armand Rossignol, brother Vincent Rossignol and special friend Leonette Fortier.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Joseph G. Fortin, of Winslow; her three daughters, Jean Donovan and husband Wally, of Waterville, Shyla Fortin and husband Chip Button, of Madison, and Lori Albee, of Winslow; her sister Ann Rossignol Hinck, of New Edgecomb; sister-in-law Bonnie Rossignol, of Benton; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; nine grandchildren: Nichole Fortin and wife Leigh Tanner, of Weaverville, North Carolina, Jamey Davis and husband Jeremy, of Plymouth, Lisa Albee and Doug Wellman, of Palermo, Bethany Murphy and husband Mike, of Readfield, Eric Albee II and significant other, Anne Kornkven, of Whitefield, Danielle Hart and husband James, of North Yarmouth, Joseph Albee, of Madison, Renee Williams and husband Eric, of Pearl River, Louisiana, and Meagan Albee and significant other, Josh Linn, of Jacksonville, Florida; 17 great-grandchildren, Dylan and significant other, Cheyanne, Dessie and fiancé, Patrick, Addion, Grant, Marshall, Ivy, Greta, Aurora, Everest, William, Dakotah, Adalynn, Jacob, Avery, Shane, Casey, Mason; and one great-great-granddaughter Amelia, daughter of Dylan and Cheyanne.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine 04901. A reception will follow in the church hall.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Volunteers of Waterville at http://www.secure.givelively.org/donate/hospice-volunteers-of-waterville-area.

TAMERA AUCOIN

FAIRFIELD – Tamera Aucoin, 46, passed peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday March 6, 2024. She was challenged with diabetes at an early age and faced this battle with determination, yet her tiny body could take no more. Tammy was born in Waterville on May 29, 1977, to parents Mark “Marty” Aucoin and Christine (Proulx) Aucoin, of Shawmut.

She worked as a server in the Waterville area for many years until her health declined, ultimately bringing her back to her childhood home in Shawmut where she took her first and final steps.

She was loved by many and will be sadly missed. Tammy’s compassion for those in need was to be admired, and she helped whenever she could, even if it meant she would go without. Fly high my angel.

Tammy was predeceased by maternal and paternal grandparents; father Mark Aucoin; aunt Angie Aucoin whom she had a special bond with, and uncles, Gary and Mark Proulx and Bruce and Gary Aucoin.

She is survived by her daughter Kaitlin Overlock and partner Gaige Fuller; mother Christine Aucoin and partner Mark Thibodeau; brother Jeffery Aucoin and wife Stephanie; aunts and uncles, Lenny and Norma Proulx, Danny and Brenda Proulx, Scott Proulx, Denise and Cliff Jones, Nanette and Dan Wells, Mary Proulx, Jenanne Proulx; step-grandmother Ladonna Proulx, Kathy and Bill DeRoche, Greg Aucoin, Pam Aucoin and Bob Bouchard; and “half-brother” Dustin Thibodeau; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 1 p.m., at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield. A gathering, at the Fairfield VFW will be held immediately following the celebration.

AULDEN D. REYNOLDS

FAIRFIELD — Aulden Dean Reynolds, 82, passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

A full obituary and an online guestbook is available on the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home website, http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

A funeral service was held at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield, on Monday March 18, 2024, followed by interment at the new Maine Veterans Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta.

RICHARD K. PARENT

SOMERVILLE – Ret. Lieutenant Colonel, Richard Kalikino Parent, 80, of Somerville, died Friday, March 8, 2024, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. He was born in Honolulu, Hawai’i, on January 7, 1944, the son of Francis and Ida (Dumas) Parent.

Richard graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, in June 1962. He was an ROTC candidate with the U.S. Army starting in 1960 and later enlisted as active duty in 1962. He served 16 years in active duty and another 16 years in the National Guard. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1994.

He was a decorated serviceman being awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Air Medal, Air Medal (2D-9th Awds), Vietnam Campaign Medal, 60 DVC Bronze Service Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal.

Richard was the owner/operator of Beaver Brook Campground, in Winthrop, for 10 years upon his military retirement.

He served on The board of the Maine Veterans Home for 13 years. He also participated with the Disabled American Veterans.

Richard was the kindest and most generous man you could meet. He was loved by everyone he met. When he became a friend, it was for life. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for anyone, all you had to do is ask and he was there.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Richard is survived by his wife Linda (Burns) Parent, of Somerville; his wife’s children Jessica Forrest and spouse Craig Forrest and their three children, Timothy Huntington, and spouse Pamela Huntington and their six children; granddaughter Jessica and spouse Matthew Guba and four great-grandchildren; and granddaughter Justice Kent; many cousins.

Richard’s visiting hours are from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., on Saturday, March 23, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner.

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

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

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Maine Veterans Home, 35 Heroes Way, Augusta, Maine 04330 or http://www.mainevets.charityproud.org/Donate.

ROBERT M. NELSON

BELGRADE – Robert “Bob” Merrill Nelson, 86, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 9, 2024, following a long battle with Parkinson Disease.

Bob lived his early years in and around Wayne, New Jersey, graduating from Wayne High School and Newark College of Engineering. He started working for Keyes Fibre (now Huhtamaki), in 1963, in Morristown, New Jersey. In 1983, when the supporting engineering division was closing the doors in Fairfield, New Jersey, he transferred to the engineering department in Waterville, retiring in 1993.

In 1986 he and Robert Bartlett Sr. put their resources together and started Wrabacon in a two car garage at Bob Barlett’s home in Oakland. The business grew and eventually built a large building at its present location in Oakland. Bob retired for the second time in 2013 and sold his interest to Robert Bartlett Jr. Wrabacon, under Mr. Barlett’s leadership it continues to thrive today.

Bob enjoyed all four seasons of outdoor activities. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved to ski and was a season pass holder at Sugarloaf for over 30 years. He was determined and succeeded to ski until he turned 80 so his pass was free! Playing golf was also an important pastime and was a member of Waterville Country Club for 39 years.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Jessie and Merrill Eugene Nelson.

He is survived by his wife Sharon of 38 years; his children Maryann Gilman and her husband Larry, of Brick, New Jersey; Michael and his wife Roselin, of Florida and Wharton, New Jersey; Todd of New York City, New York, and Rockaway, New Jersey; stepdaughters, Dana Maino and husband Tom of Bluffton, South Carolina; Lisa Sevret, of Gresham, Oregan; his brother Calvin and his wife Mary of Rindge, New Hampshire; and nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Burial will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to the compassionate care of Wheeler Funeral Home, located at 26 Church Street, Oakland. Memories of Bob can be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Northern Light Home Care & Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 679, Portland, Maine 04104, (207) 973-5055 http://www.northernlightheallth.org/giveHCH.

VERA A. McDANIEL

OAKLAND – Vera Alice (French) McDaniel, 82, of Oakland, passed away on the morning of Sunday, March 10, 2024, at her home. She will be in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home where a full obituary can be read and an on-line guest book can be signed at http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

BEULAH A. WOODBURY

WATERVILLE – Beulah Ann (Norwood) Woodbury, 89, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the Oak Grove Center ,in Waterville. She was born on August 6, 1934, in Bangor, to Harold Norwood Sr. and Bertha Norwood. She was one of 11 children.

Ann was a wonderful homemaker and a friend to all who knew her. She enjoyed reading, listening to country music, watching the TCM Channel, writing poetry, and having a DD coffee and donut. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary. It’s impossible to remember the names of everyone that she sent cards to.

Her most loved moments were hearing about and seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ann was predeceased by her parents, daughter Barbara J. Dow, daughter-in-law Karen Woodbury, second husband George Dow, and third husband Earl Woodbury.

Ann is survived by her children and their spouses Kenny Woodbury, Marie (Gordon) Pinkham, Robin (Junior) Libby, Annie (Joey) Woodbury, and Lisa (David) Lindquist; grandchildren and their spouses, Darcy Woodbury, Brandy Woodbury, Larenna Woodbury, Lacy Woodbury, Kimberly Pinkham, Wesley Libby, Summer Libby, Dillon Libby, Tony Dow, Harold (Sarah) Dow, Adam Woodbury, and David (Delancy) Lindquist II; and numerous great-grandchildren.

A private burial will be held by the family later this summer.

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

In lieu of flowers and for her love of reading, donations can be made to your favorite library’s children section.

KENDALL L. COOK

SOUTH CHINA—Kendall L. Cook, 72, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at his home. He was born on July 12, 1951, to parents Delma (Tyler) and Kenneth Cook.

Kendall grew up in South China and graduated Erskine Academy, class of 1970, where he played on the football team. As a youngster, Kendall was in the Boy Scouts and had fond memories spending summers at Camp Bomazeen. Eventually, he was inducted to the Order of the Arrow.

Throughout his life, Kendall experienced a variety of careers. Following school, Kendall traveled to Key West, Florida, where he was employed as a cook and fisherman, a time of his life that generated many stories. Later, he received his welding certificate in Ohio and for eight years was employed at Bath Iron Works (BIW), in Bath, as a welder. He also spent a few years as an on the road truck driver. Kendall spent many years employed at Digital Equipment Corporation, in Augusta, in the shipping and receiving department and finished his working career at SnoPro.

Kendall enjoyed camping, hiking, gardening, spending time on the lake and boating, and was always tinkering around his house. He was an avid pool player and supported the Elks for over 30 years. Kendall was the happiest while riding motorcycles. A past member of the “Weed Monkey’s” club, Kendall felt a sense of freedom while on the bike that gave him peace.

Kendall will be remembered for his outgoing personality and the love he has for his family.

Kendall was predeceased by his parents, including his stepfather, Charles M. Jones.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Kelly-Jo Cook; his brother, Willard Cook and his wife Karin; his nephews Bradley Cook and Justin Cook; his stepchildren, Regina Fletcher and her husband Scott, Michael Cook and his wife Jessica, and Kristin Merrill and her husband Zack; and his many granddaughters, to which he was lovingly known as “Paw-Paw”.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kendall name may be made to The China Food Pantry and/or MaineGeneral Hospice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363.

Waterville’s Bob Chenard inducted to Franco-American Hall of Fame

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Maine State Rep. Bruce White, D-Waterville, right, nominated Robert Chenard, left, to be inducted into Maine’s Franco-American Hall of Fame on Tuesday. Chenard is an author, lecturer and instructor with a specialty in Franco-American genealogy. He has volunteered at the Taconnett Falls chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society for the past 32 years, helping to connect many with their ancestry and heritage. (contributed photo)

Legislative Update for Thursday, March 21, 2024

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(photo by Eric W. Austin)

L.D. 2242, S.P. 964

An Act to Set a Debt Limit for the Anson and Madison Water District. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator FARRIN of Somerset)
(Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp. The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.)

China planners approve solar farm on Windsor Rd.

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by Mary Grow

After a lightly attended March 12 public hearing, China planning board members approved Perennial Sand Pit Solar’s planned community solar farm in a gravel pit on the west side of Route 32 (Windsor Road) in southern China (see The Town Line, issues of Feb. 22, p. 3, and March 7, pp. 2 and 3).

Before the unanimous decision, board chairman Toni Wall read an email from abutting landowner David Orr opposing the project. Applicants Nick Lacasse, of Perennial Sand Pit Solar, in Hallowell, and Andrew Johnston, of Atlantic Resource Consultants, in Freeport, answered questions from board and audience members.

On another issue, Chris Harris attended the March 12 meeting to talk again about his proposed subdivision on the north side of Route 3. Board members found his application complete and scheduled a public hearing for their March 26 meeting.

The March 26 meeting will include another public hearing, on proposed changes to China’s Land Use Ordinance to incorporate relevant parts of the new state housing law, commonly called LD 2003. Wall commented that town attorney Amanda Meader “did a really nice job” revising the ordinance.

Codes officer Nicholas French explained that with voter approval, the ordinance will allow up to two more “dwelling units” on some lots with single-family houses. One of the new units must be inside or attached to the original building; the other can be separate.

Turning to the proposed solar ordinance, planning board members unanimously approved the only change recommended by select board members at their March 11 meeting. The result is deletion of the sentence requiring that solar energy systems with more than two acres of panels “be further buffered such that they are not visible year-round from public roads.”

Members of both boards agreed that the requirement would be impossible to meet in some places in town; and that because of other buffering requirements, it is unnecessary.

The March 26 planning board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the town office meeting room.

Vassalboro planners OK repairs to boathouse; two other applications postponed

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro planning board members approved one of the three applications on their March 12 agenda and postponed the other two.

Approved were repairs to David Low’s boathouse at 8 Norton Road, in the shoreland zone on the southwest side of Webber Pond. It was damaged when a tree fell on it during a recent windstorm.

Elwin “Al” Gero, who is in charge of the repairs, explained plans to board members. Board chairman Virginia Brackett told Giroux he also needs a building permit from codes officer Jason Lorrain.

Mark L. Brown presented preliminary information on his plan to develop a remote campground on part of his property on Taber Hill Road. Board members and Brown discussed the beaver dam that has created a wetland on part of the property; the different state agencies whose regulations and standards are involved; and what documents Brown should submit for a local permit.

The third application was from Paula Stratton, to open a business at 913 Main Street, in North Vassalboro, in one of two buildings owned by Raymond Breton. Neither Stratton nor Breton was at the March 12 meeting, and board members found the application incomplete.

They tabled the application and asked Lorrain to ask the applicant to answer its questions in more detail.

Several retail businesses have been in and out of this building and its neighbor in recent years.

In other business, Lorrain said Tim and Heather Dutton’s permit to re-open the East Vassalboro store was issued Feb. 7, 2023. He was unsure how much progress the Duttons have made.

Brackett recommended he invite them to apply for a six-months extension (which can be followed by a second six months, if needed), to make sure the permit does not expire.

Board member Douglas Phillips shared the select board’s proposed amendments to Vassalboro’s Marijuana Business Ordinance. If the amendments are submitted to and approved by voters at the June town meeting, the planning board will have some responsibility for implementation, he said.

Board member Paul Mitnik proposed the board prepare a local ordinance to increase water quality protection in Vassalboro’s lakes. After others suggested possible methods, he offered to have a preliminary draft at the board’s April 2 meeting.

Windsor select board opens three sealed heat pump bids; postpones decision

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by The Town Line staff

At the February 27 meeting of the Windsor  Select Board, Ray Bates, Select Board Chairman, opened three sealed heat pump bids/RFPs. A bid was submitted by RJ Energy Services, Inc. The proposal included three options. A bid was submitted by C.B. Haskell Fuel Co. Inc.

The proposal included three options. A bid was submitted by Augusta Natural Gas. The written proposal included five options. The bids were reviewed. Discussions and questions were asked to John Ramsey representing RJ Energy and owner/operator of Augusta Natural Gas, Miles Hafner, both were present to answer questions about their induvial quotes as well as other questions the Select Board had. The select board discussed having reference checks done and having an opportunity to discuss the bids with the absent select board member prior to making the decision. William Appel Jr. made a motion to table making a final decision to do reference checks and discuss the bids with the fifth select board member, the select board will reconvene in two weeks to discuss more regarding heat pump bids, and possibly make a decision at that time seconded by Thomas McNaughton and approved 4-0-0.

Town Manager Theresa Haskell reviewed updates made to the transfer station brochure. The brochure and price changes were discussed at the November 21, 2023, select board meeting. A few of the changes include an increase in tire charges. Passenger car/light truck tires up to 20 inches are now $5 each. Truck Tires are now $25 each. skidder tires are now $100 each. TV Monitors, Laptops under 25 inches are now $12 each. TV monitors, laptops under 25 inches are now $25 each. The transfer station will now accept propane tanks up to 20 lbs. at a cost of $5 each and will accept propane tanks 21 . lbs – 100 lbs. at a cost of $25 each. Residents can see the new brochure posted on the website. The select board approved the changes 4-0, with select board member Andrew Ballantyne absent.

Darcy Aronson, a Windsor resident who owns land off Griffin Road asked the select board why they allowed her road to be named by another town resident without her knowledge. Aronson stated Windsor residents Chris and Johanna Oberg and Paul Bernier have a right-of-way through her land to their property. She explained she owns approximately 700 feet of the said Road that was recently named Landworks Lane. The road begins off Griffin Road and Aronson reported that she owns the beginning section of the road. The other residents only have a right-of-way. Chris Oberg spoke on behalf of himself, his wife, and his father-in-law Paul Bernier. They are the landowners that have the right-of-way through Darcy Aronson’s property.

Chris Oberg handed the select board a written layout to include mapping of what his plan could and would be pending a decision of the select board regarding the naming of the road. Chris Oberg made it known that he, his wife, and Paul were not aware that it was a problem to name the road. They began building their new home on the property and were told by the town that they had to give the road a name by Arthur Strout, Codes Enforcement Officer. They came up with several names and ultimately decided on Landworks Lane.

Arthur Strout, Codes Enforcement Officer, sat in on the discussion and he confirmed that he did let the Oberg’s know that the road did need to be named. After much discussion, all parties agreed they would have a discussion among themselves to try and come to an agreement. If more town involvement is needed, the residents will be in contact with the appropriate officials. The name of the road will stand at Landworks Lane for all purposes including the E-911 system at this time.

Moira Teekema, a resident of Windsor, spoke with the select board regarding cost and placement of road signage around the town. Discussion ensued about Amish carriage signs and the cost of the signs and where they could and should be placed. It was brought up that there were Amish carriage signs in the town of Whitefield donated. It was brought up in discussion by another resident in the audience that the speed limit should be reduced in a couple areas around town where here are sharp corners and blind drives. Theresa responded that speed limits are not something the town can control. Haskell noted speed limits are controlled by Department of Transportation. The D.O.T. increases and decreases speed limits as they deem necessary.

In other business, Haskell reported that Katie Yates, Program Manager, from Central Maine Power attended the meeting to discuss and answer any questions the select board may have regarding the agreement CMP has with the town of Windsor and surrounding towns to repair any damage done to the town’s roads while CMP is traveling on them to do their work while the towns have them posted. The roads that will be most used by CMP in the town of Windsor at this time are Vigue Rd., Doyle Rd., Divine Rd., Griffin Rd., Maxcy’s Mill Rd., and Baker Rd. The out-of-state contractor CMP is contracted with is Ironwood Heavy Highway LLC and M.J. Electric LLC. They would be responsible for repairing any damage done to the town’s roads per the agreement.

– Haskell noted Delta Ambulance was planning to attend the meeting. Delta contacted her to let her know they had to cancel. Delta will be placed on the agenda at a future date.
– Ray Bates shared parts of an email sent to him from State Representative Katrina Smith. Smith highlighted key points around Delta Ambulances’ finances and encouraged towns to ask Delta Ambulances to provide financial records moving forward.
– Haskell reported that Windsor will post on the website information regarding FEMA disaster assistance including a number to call with questions about disaster relief. The number is 1-800-621-3362. Haskell also added the Manchester Fire Department will be open for walk-ins Monday – Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m., if anyone has questions about the FEMA disaster assistance from the December 2023 storm.
– McNaughton reported that the IRS has extended the tax due date to June 17, 2024. The Internal Revenue Service announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of Maine affected by severe storms and flooding that began on December 17, 2023. People can contact the IRS with questions.
– Haskell reported a vacancy for a Democratic Election Clerk. Kelly McGlothlin has asked to appoint Terry Bailey as Democratic Election Clerk effective through April 30, 2024. William Appel Jr. made a motion to appoint Terry Bailey as Democratic Election Clerk effective through April 30, 2024, seconded by Chester D. Barnes Jr. and approved 4-0-0.
– Haskell reported as of December 5, 2023, the E-911 assistant has changed and updated 45 addresses in the E-911 system. Greg Feltis is still working on address updates. This is very important for emergency services. Although this may be frustrating and a hardship for some residents if an address change is made, it is necessary for emergency services. He will continue fielding calls as any concerns about address changes come up.
– Haskell reported that civil papers have been served on the Ridge Road property. Next steps will be taken if necessary.
– Haskell reported the new fire truck has arrived at the Windsor Volunteer Fire Station.
– Haskell extended an invitation to the select board, on behalf of the Windsor Volunteer Department to their annual meeting on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will include dinner for the select board members and a guest who chooses to attend. The select board is to let Haskell know as soon as possible.
– Chester D. Barnes Jr. made a motion to increase Timothy Coston’s hourly wage and overtime wage to be what the Public Works Road Supervisor’s wage is as he is now handling the supervisory role while the supervisor is out.

Animal Control Officer Ryan Carver reported he has contacted all but about ten people on his door-to-door list for unregistered dogs. If the residents that have received their 10-day notice do not get their dogs registered, they will receive the 14-day notice and after that they will be issued a summons for keeping an unregistered dog.

The next meeting of the select board was scheduled for March 12.