LEGAL NOTICES for Thursday, October 26, 2023

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STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
COURT ST.,
SKOWHEGAN, ME
SOMERSET, ss
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
18-A MRSA sec. 3-801

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the estates noted. The first publication date of this notice October 26, 2023. If you are a creditor of an estate listed below, you must present your claim within four months of the first publication date of this Notice to Creditors by filing a written statement of your claim on a proper form with the Register of Probate of this Court or by delivering or mailing to the Personal Representative listed below at the address published by his name, a written statement of the claim indicating the basis therefore, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed or in such other manner as the law may provide. See 18-C M.R.S.A. §3-80.

2023-321- Estate of BRUCE ALAN BOWMAN, late of Palmyra, Maine deceased. Brenda J. Andrews, 65 Louise St., Palmyra, Maine 04965 appointed Personal Representative.

2023-287- Estate of CLIFFORD B. DAY, late of Cambridge, Maine deceased. Timothy A. Pease, 16 Evergreen Drive, Hampden, Maine 04444 appointed Personal Representative.

2023-245 – Estate of GLORIA ANNE-BEAULIEU-WILLETTE, late of Fairfield, Maine deceased. James Sabins of P.O. Box 541, Skowhegan Maine 04976 and Alan Sabins, II., 23 Green Road, Fairfield, Maine 04937 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2023-320- Estate of RANDALL DENNIS CLEMENT, late of Fairfield, Maine deceased. Kelli Jo Ramsook of 1701 Mirror Lake Ct., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23453 appointed Personal Representative.

2023-328- Estate of KAREN LEE MCCORMACK, late of Madison, Maine deceased. Jamie Lyn Durkee of 606 Preble Ave., Madison, Maine 04950 appointed Personal Representative.

2023-330- Estate of ROLLINS J. ARSENAULT, late of Skowhegan, Maine deceased. Coralee Whittemore of PO Box 96, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2023-331- Estate of WILDER AUGUST PARADISE, late of Jackman, Maine deceased. Alan Wilder Paradise, 60 Johnson Rd., Pittsfield, NH 03263 appointed Personal Representative.

2023-332- Estate of CLIFFORD H. ALLEN, late of Canaan, Maine deceased. Rhonda L. Allen, 38 Merritt St., Canaan, Maine 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2023-334- Estate of SHIRLEY G. CHADBOURNE, late of Palmyra, Maine deceased. Dana Chadbourne, 517 Lang Hill Road, Palmyra, Maine 04965 and Robert Chadbourne, 402 Lang Hill Road, Palmyra, Maine 04965 appointed Personal Representatives.

2023-338 – Estate of PATRICIA A. HARRIS, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Michelle Warren, 82 Purkis Road, Buckfield, Me 04220 and Jill Dow, 64 Bean Road, Buckfield, Me 04220 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2023-339- Estate of KENNETH R. WHITNEY, late of New Portland, Maine deceased. Janice Sargent Whitney, 15 Poulin Dr., New Portland, Maine 04961 appointed Personal Representative.

2023-258 – Estate of VIRGIL WHITE, late of Athens, Me deceased. Paula White, 93 Chapman Ridge Road, Athens, Me 04912 appointed Personal Representative.

2023-341- Estate of ALAN DAVID SCHWEITZER, SR., late of St. Albans, Maine deceased. Danielle L. Lopes, 17201 Talence Court, Tampa, Florida 33647 appointed Personal Representative.

2023-343- Estate of HAROLD W. CONDON, late of Palmyra, Maine deceased. Evelyn L. Brown, 601 Moosehead Trail, Newport, Maine 04953 appointed Personal Representative.

2023-345- Estate of GARY H. BROWN, late of Palmyra, Maine deceased. Christopher G. Brown, PO Box 84, Holden, Maine 04429 appointed Personal Representative.

2023-346- Estate of PHILIP E. MOULTON, late of Skowhegan, Maine deceased. Richard M. West, Sr., 16 Deer Run Drive, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

TO BE PUBLISHED October 26, 2023

Dated October 23, 2023

/s/Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(11/2)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
41 COURT ST.
SOMERSET, ss
SKOWHEGAN, ME

PROBATE NOTICES

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ESTATES LISTED BELOW

Notice is hereby given by the respective petitioners that they have filed petitions for appointment of personal representatives in the following estates or change of name. These matters will be heard at 10 a.m. or as soon thereafter as they may be on November 7, 2023. The requested appointments or name changes may be made on or after the hearing date if no sufficient objection be heard. This notice complies with the requirements of 18-C MRSA §3-403 and Probate Rule 4.

2023-187 – Estate of AZLAN TRYTON HEI. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Karyn M. Falco, 963 Middle Road, Skowhegan, Me 04976, requesting minor’s name be changed to Azlan Tryton Lybrook for reasons set forth therein.
SPECIAL NOTICE: THIS NOTICE IS ESPECIALLY DIRECTED TO NICHOLAS SCOTT HEI WHO IS OF ADDRESS UNNOWN.

2023-188 – Estate of MALAKI STORM HEI. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Karyn M. Falco, 963 Middle Road, Skowhegan, Me 04976, requesting minor’s name be changed to Malaki Strom Lybrook for reasons set forth therein.

SPECIAL NOTICE: THIS NOTICE IS ESPECIALLY DIRECTED TO NICHOLAS SCOTT HEI WHO IS OF ADDRESS UNKNOWN.

2023-285 – Estate of KIMBERLY JUDITH BURGOYNE. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Kimberly Judith Burgoyne, 94 Old Point Ave., Madison, Me 04950, requesting her name be changed to Kimberly Judith Arnold for reasons set forth therein.

2023-294 – Estate of MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER JAMES NORTON. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Michael Christopher James Norton, 290 Horseback Road, Anson, Me 04911, requesting his name be changed to Morgana Hypatia Moss for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: October 23, 2023
/s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(11/2)

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Inventions, agriculture & others

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The Lombard log hauler, one of only six remaining, at its home at the Redington Museum, in Waterville. (photo by Roland Hallee)

by Mary Grow

Previous articles have talked about how agricultural work changed from the 1700s through the 1800s, as manpower was replaced by animal-power and then machines.

Other changes, too, helped farmers produce more or expend less effort or both. One example is the development of wire for fences. (Barbed-wire fencing was mentioned in the Sept. 7 issue of The Town Line, in the account of the skaters who burned part of a farmer’s stump fence for bonfires and redeemed themselves by putting up barbed wire as a replacement).

In his history of Windsor, Linwood Lowden wrote, “As early as the year 1861, it had been modestly estimated that an old-fashioned wood or stone fence takes a strip of land at least four feet wide out of cultivation.”

Losing a four-foot strip was not a problem while a farmer was battling to clear trees and rocks to make fields to grow food for his animals and his family. When he intended to sell some of what he raised, and when wood became scarce, he needed different fencing material.

Wire fences were the solution, Lowden wrote. Citing an 1882 Maine Board of Agriculture report, he said the first fence wire might have might have been made as early as 1815.

The industry was “still in its infancy” in the 1820s, with an individual worker “able to produce but from 15 to 40 pounds of fence wire per day.” By 1882, new technology made it possible for a single worker to “produce between 1,000 to 2,500 pounds per day.”

(There is an on-line controversy about who invented wire. The candidate list begins with Thomas Malham, Sheffield, England, in 1830; Jean Francois Martin, of France, about the same time; and other contemporary foundry owners, unnamed. Another historian calls their nominations “manifest nonsense.” He says Egyptians in the time of the pharaohs [3,000 B.C. and following centuries] made wire from gold, silver and copper, and wire made from iron “was achieved about 1450, in Augsburg [Germany].”)

Barbs came later. Wikipedia says Lucien B. Smith, of Kent, Ohio, got the first patent for barbed wire in 1867 and “is regarded as the inventor.” In 1874, Joseph F. Glidden, of DeKalb, Illinois, made enough “modifications” (or, another source says, “invented a practical machine for its manufacture”) to get his own patent.

The Board of Agriculture report said in 1874, the United States had 10 miles of three-strand wire fence (in 37 states). By 1882, there were 166,000 miles (in 38 states; Colorado was added in 1876).

* * * * * *

The invention of wire fencing, unlike the use of it, had nothing to do with any part of Maine. However, Maine had its share of inventors, including some from the central Kennebec Valley area.

Vassalboro historian Alma Pierce Robbins named two Vassalboro inventors who helped with farm and other outdoor work. One was the comparatively well-known Alvin Lombard (see below).

The other, more obscure, was Hanson G. Barrows, who, she wrote, invented a mowing machine & a snowplow; models extant in 1971 “go to prove what a true genius he was.”

(On-line sources on the origin of the mechanical reaper [which the web discusses in reply to requests for mowing machines] do not mention Barrows, focusing instead on the competition between Obed Hussey [1792-1860] and Cyrus McCormick [1808 or 1809 – 1883 or 1884] in the 1840s and 1850s. Colby College historian Earl H. Smith included both these inventors in his 2021 book, Downeast Genius: From Earmuffs to Motor Cars Maine Inventors Who Changed the World.)

Hussey was born in a Quaker family, in Hallowell; they moved to Nantucket, Massachusetts, when he was a child, and his work was done in Maryland and Ohio. Smith commented that Hussey realized Maine was an unfair place to test his reaper – not only was Maine farmland “hilly and difficult to plow, the real curse was the rocks, which often broke the shafts and blades of his machines.”

Smith connected Virginia-born McCormick with Maine only through his “War of the Reapers” with Hussey, which covered much of the United States; in 1851 was part of London’s Great Exhibition, “the first world’s fair”; and later moved to France and elsewhere in Europe.

Robbins wrote that Hanson Barrows (1831-1916) was the oldest of three sons and two daughters of Caleb Barrows and his wife (whose name your writer cannot find). She called Caleb an early settler in Vassalboro; Henry Kingsbury, in his Kennebec County history, said he moved to Vassalboro from Camden in 1830.

Hanson Barrows spent his life on the farm he inherited from Caleb, named Twin Oaks, on Barrows Road (Kingsbury said the farm was “on the pond road,” probably meaning Webber Pond Road). In 1971, Robbins wrote, the Barrows family home still stood, with a view across the golf course to Webber Pond.

(Barrows Road ran west from Webber Pond Road to the section of Old Route 201 named Holman Day Road. On May 13, 2010, the Vassalboro select board ordered the road discontinued, without retaining a public right-of-way. Voters at the June 7, 2010, town meeting ratified the decision.)

Hanson Barrows and his wife, Julia E. (Wood) Barrows (1854-1942), are buried in Vassalboro’s Union cemetery. Their son, Leon Martell Barrows (Oct. 24, 1888 – March 5, 1956), in 1911 married Bertha May McCloud (1892-1913).

(Hanson’s brother Edwin [April 2, 1842 – April 20, 1918] was profiled in the article on Civil War veterans in the March 31, 2022, issue of The Town Line.)

* * * * * *

The Lombard house in Waterville, today, across from the public library. (photo by Roland Hallee)

Alvin Orlando Lombard was born June 15, 1856, in Springfield, Maine. Various sources say by the age of eight he was at work in the family mill – a shingle mill, in Lincoln, Maine, Smith wrote, where the “[s]toutly built, inquisitive, and energetic” boy “quickly mastered every woodland task from lumberjack to river driver and from stacker to mill sawyer.”

The child also built machines. Several sources mentioned his miniature water-powered sawmill (or wood-splitter – sources disagree) that he demonstrated by cutting up cucumbers.

Later, Lombard and his younger brother Samuel operated a blacksmith shop, in Waterville. Wikipedia said Alvin designed “sawmill and logging equipment” and Samuel supervised manufacturing.

Smith wrote that in the summer of 1899, Lombard, age 43 and already known as an inventor, shared a streetcar ride with his wealthy Fairfield friend, E. J. Lawrence. Lawrence “bemoaned the cost and cruelty” of using horses to haul harvested trees out of the Maine woods in the winter and asked Lombard if a machine could be used instead.

Two days later Lombard showed Lawrence a wooden model of a tracked vehicle. Lawrence liked it. The two built a full-size sample at Waterville Iron Works, “and on May 4, 1901, U. S. Patent #674,737 was issued for the Lombard Log Hauler, arguably the most significant invention ever to come from the State of Maine.”

Lombard’s machine was powered by “a steam engine with an upright boiler” and ran on steerable front skis and rear caterpillar treads. Here is Smith’s description: “A continuous belt of hinged steel lags (treads) was fitted over two pairs of geared wheels, allowing the heavy machine to pull itself along on a rolling carpet of steel…, like a caterpillar.”

These machines replaced “the work of 50 lumber-pulling horses,” one source said. Another called the log-hauler the model for “every snowmobile, tank and bulldozer ever built.” Even after trucks succeeded tractors in the Maine woods in the 1930s, the caterpillar tread continued to expand its uses world-wide.

The Maine Forest and Logging Museum website lists the six known Lombards remaining of the 83 built between 1900 and 1917. Two are at the museum in Bradley, the website says.

In addition to the log hauler for which he is best known, Smith wrote that Lombard’s commercially successful inventions included “a device for tossing (de-barking) pulpwood, and an apparatus that separated knots and sawdust from ground pulp.”

Smith said Lombard was most proud of an 1893 invention, “an automatic mechanical device…that maintained the speed and power of water turbines.” Lombard made and sold this useful regulator for six years before selling the patent and, according to Smith, dividing his time between his house in Waterville, where he had a basement workshop, and his country house in Vassalboro.

An online genealogy says Lombard and Mary Etta Bates (Sept. 8, 1856 – April 13, 1931) were married June 13, 1875, in Webster Plantation. They had one daughter, Grace Vivian Lombard Vose (Dec. 8, 1876-Aug. 24, 1947).

Alvin Lombard died Feb. 21, 1937. He, his wife and their daughter are buried in Waterville’s Pine Grove cemetery.

Online sources list two memorials to Lombard. Mount Lombard, in Antarctica, recognizes his contribution to driving over snow; and his Waterville house, now an apartment building, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Your writer, and Vassalboro Historical Society president, Janice Clowes, add Lombard Dam, on Outlet Steam, in Vassalboro, recently removed to allowed alewives to migrate into China Lake, and Lombard Dam Road.

Who invented the snowmobile?

Earl Smith nominated O. C. Johnson, of Waterville, who, inspired by Alvin Lombard’s log hauler, “is said to have built one of the first snow machines in 1909. It was ten feet long and powered by a ‘one lung’ engine.”

Your writer failed to find additional information on O. C. Johnson. On-line sources say early versions of the snowmobile were invented in 1911 by Harold J. Kalenze, of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada; in 1915 by Ray H. Muscott, of Waters, Michigan; in 1917 by Virgil D. White, of Ossipee, New Hampshire; in 1922 (much improved by 1935) by Joseph-Armand Bombardier, of Valcourt, Québec, Canada; and in 1924 (patented in 1927) by Carl Eliason, of Sayner, Wisconsin.

A snowmobile history found on the Volo Museum’s website credits White, Eliason and Bombardier, and agrees with Smith. The website says: “One of the earliest snowmobile ancestors is the steam-powered Lombard Log Hauler….”

Appeal to our readers

An appeal to our readers, especially those in Windsor, to help an out-of-state historian.

Peter Pettingill, from Barrington, New Hampshire, is seeking local information on an event in Windsor that he described as “the death of Charles Northey, Jr., which occurred in South Windsor, in October, 1905, resulting in the sensational six-and-a-half-week trial of resident Alice Spencer Cooper.”

He added, “It was the longest trial in Maine’s history at the time and was in the press from Maine to California and involved countless folks from your area and a lot of prominent Maine characters.”

Mr. Pettingill has done a lot of on-line research; he visited the area this past summer to check out graveyards and remaining buildings. He would appreciate more information from local people – does anyone have an ancestor in the Northey or Cooper family, or perhaps one who was involved in the trial?

In 2022 he published Porter: The Murder of David Varney (your writer found favorable reviews on line). His second book, titled The Murder of Mattie Hackett, is due out by the end of the year, he said.

For anyone with relevant information, Mr. Pettingill’s email address is pettingillp@yahoo.com. His postal address is 58 Waterhouse Road, Barrington, NH 03825.

Main sources

Kingsbury, Henry D., ed., Illustrated History of Kennebec County Maine 1625-1892 (1892).
Lowden, Linwood H., good Land & fine Contrey but Poor roads a history of Windsor, Maine (1993).
Robbins, Alma Pierce, History of Vassalborough Maine 1771 1971 n.d. (1971).
Smith, Earl H., Downeast Genius: From Earmuffs to Motor Cars Maine Inventors Who Changed the World (2021).

Websites, miscellaneous.

Vassalboro scouts learn orienteering

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Front row, from left to right, Lion Scouts Alex Madison and Boone McLaughlin, Tiger Scouts Greyson Malloy and Kasen Maroon. Second row, Webelos Scouts Henry Gray, Anthony Malloy, and Eli Richmond, AOL Scouts Christopher Santiago, Hunter Brown, and William Vincent, Wolf Scouts John Gray, Sam Madison, Beckett Metcalf, Connor Millett, Lux Reynolds, and Declan McLaughlin. Back row, Cubmaster Chris Santiago and members of the Maine Wardens Service. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Members of the Maine Warden Service took time out of their schedules to teach Scouts in Vassalboro Cub Scout Pack #410 orienteering to help the Scouts understand how to navigate their way in Maine’s woods. The compass training took place at Thurston Park, in China, on Monday, October 16. Jessica Murray was very pleased, “Thank you wardens,” she said. “My kids learned a bunch and we appreciated the time everyone gave the kids and parents.”

VETERANS CORNER: Back problems another subject worth looking into at the VA

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by Gary Kennedy

Many veterans complain about back pain and perhaps that is one of the most common complaints from our new veterans, especially if they are vets who are retiring after 20-plus years. If you take into consideration the nature of this type of career you will find that many of the venues residing within the military are extremely taxing on the human body. A soldier must be fit or put in shape in order to perform at peak proficiency. Calisthenics for most are a daily necessity. As time goes on this, coupled with the veterans military occupational specialty, MOS, can take its toll on the body. Some handle physical activity with relative ease while others have anatomical structures that don’t stand the test of time. Some bodies reach conflict before they complete even one tour of duty. Unfortunately, there is no way of telling for sure whose body will stand the test of time.

Today we will go over some of the back/spinal issues one might encounter due to their serving their country through military service. As I have mentioned before it is very important how an issue is presented and to what it is applied, if not a stand alone situation. This is also reason to be prepared by acquiring a Veteran Service Officer, V.S.O., to stand with you and guide you through the process. At this point it is assumed that you have a Primary Care Physician, P.C.P. to call your own. This is where you will take your initial complaint and where your problem will be analyzed, developed and referrals will be made. I suspect you will be sent to Orthopedics who, in turn, will order X-rays to see what is going on inside of your back. At this point the orthopedist will arrive at a diagnosis and log all necessary notes regarding your situation based upon what the X-rays and examination show. This will be the inception of a potential compensable claim. The best part is you will receive the medical care you deserve.

Backs are one of the most complicated areas of the human body as they are part of many systems of which affect or are affected by many different problems and/or conditions. Some of the most common addendums to this area are as follows: Sprains-strains, traumatic injury, fractures, herniated discs, sciatica, lumbar spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, etc.

Back sprains and strains can be rated from 10-100 percent depending on how severe the symptoms, pain and loss of range of motion. Extremely severe pain, loss of motion hit the high end. When it comes to traumatic injuries VA relies on Disability Benefits Questionnaires, D.B.Q. to collect disabilities information. This can be done by the veteran’s doctor or by VA to make a benefit evaluation. I prefer the latter, then comes fractures which are rated by schedules which are primarily based upon earning capacity. Separate diagnostic codes are used from 38 U.S.C.A. § 1155; 38 CFR. Next is Herniated Disc which last less than four weeks in the past 12 months may be able to qualify for 20 percent, episodes that last less than six weeks can be rated at 40 percent. This could go north of 60 percent. Lumbar Stenosis can be rated from 30 percent to 100 percent depending on the inability to move the spine. Osteoarthritis is usually given 10 – 20 percent depending on severity. (Diagnostic Code 5003) Scoliosis is curvature of the spine. Scoliosis is considered an idiopathic disorder. The cause of scoliosis is basically unknown and cannot be cured. Scoliosis can be considered for compensation if it is caused by military service or aggravates a pre-existing condition. It’s beneficial to know that scoliosis can cause other problems to occur such as spinal stenosis and arthritis.

There are three degrees of scoliosis. 1) Mild – less than 20 percent; 2) Moderate- which indicates a curvature of 25 – 40 percent degree of curvature and; 3) Severe – 50 percent more.

Scoliosis proof needs to show a nexus to an in-service event or show aggravation of a pre-existing injury. Medical reports as well as lay evidence can be used to establish a claim. This type of claim is not the most common of claims so make sure you contact your V.S.O. for his/her advice in the matter. They can guide you along. There is much more that we can address next time.

God Bless and have a safe weekend.

Palermo residents propose using funds to honor veterans

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by Jonathan Strieff

On Thursday, October 19, the Palermo Town Council heard a proposal from two residents interested in using charitable fundraiser proceeds to honor veterans from town. Representing the American Legion, Palermo residents Paul Hunter and Gary Jones approached the town council after being selected by the Palermo Friends and Neighbors ATV club as one of four recipients of an annual fundraiser. Jones and Hunter sought to utilize the Hometown Hero Banner Program to decorate all 59 utility poles on major roads in Palermo with custom made flags, each paying tribute to a different past or present military service member raised in Palermo.

The idea came from existing Hometown Hero banners on display in Benton and Fairfield. The council unanimously blessed the project, but encouraged Hunter and Jones to contact Central Maine Power for permission to use the utility poles. Palermo residents will have the opportunity to nominate family members or friends for recognition on one of the 59 flags. Details about the nomination process will be printed in the December newsletter from the Town Office.

Volunteer Fire and Rescue Chief, Roger Komandt, also addressed the council with his department report. Since January 1, Fire and Rescue has responded to 183 emergency calls: 119 EMS runs, 64 fire runs, and 12 calls for mutual aid to surrounding towns. At this pace, Komandt anticipates responding to well over 200 calls before the end of the year, significantly more that in 2022. Two new hires are moving through their training smoothly, beginning a pump class offered in Liberty. An annual test of all 15,000 feet of fire hose in use by the department found only three failing sections, totaling 250 feet. The failed sections of fire hose may be available to area farmers or crafters to put to use.

Komandt also described a difficult experience attempting to contact a former new hire from 2021. According to Komandt, the individual cut off all contact with members of the department very soon after joining Fire and Rescue. Komandt has attempted to reach out through phone, text, email, physical mail, and through family members but after a year of trying nothing has worked. The individual is in possession of $1,500 worth of personal protective equipment that could serve another member. The town council offered to send a notarized letter to the individual’s current address.

Jonasthan Strieff is a freelance contributor to The Town Line.

Vassalboro board works toward solving heat problems at school

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro school board members have decided on measures to minimize heat waves inside Vassalboro Community School (VCS), no matter what the weather outside does.

At their Oct. 17 meeting, board members unanimously approved two recommendations from Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer.

They will have ceiling fans installed in almost every room, as an interim measure; and they will find a consultant to do a comprehensive energy audit, to plan future improvements to cooling, heating and lighting in the building.

Pfeiffer had a bid for $27,740 for ceiling fans in all classrooms and most other spaces, a figure that includes installation costs. Postponed are the high-ceilinged spaces like the gymnasium, cafeteria and music room.

Principal Ira Michaud said after considering two types of fans, the recommendation is for Hampton Bay Industrial ceiling fans, because they move more air than the other type. He said he stood under one and can testify the moving air will not throw papers around.

Michaud said installation will begin during the Christmas break, with the top-floor classrooms first on the list. Next priority, probably during February and April vacations, will be the east-facing ground-floor classrooms that get a lot of sun.

Pfeiffer intends to use most of the rest of the school department’s federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act funds for the ceiling fans.

Shelley Phillips, director of maintenance and grounds for Vassalboro and Winslow schools, said the fans do not make much difference in the electric bill. Winslow High School has had fans since about 2012, she said; two have needed to be replaced so far.

All three administrators emphasized that the fans and the controls will be high out of reach of curious young students.

Pfeiffer summarized the process for an energy audit, which he said has not been done at VCS for 17 years. The school board would contract with an energy company, whose representatives would do an inspection and present a report. Board members would then select a company to make changes. After that company made a public presentation and the board accepted its plan, work could begin, possibly in the summer of 2024.

Vassalboro school department would incur no bills until the project was under way, Pfeiffer said – the audit would be paid for along with the work.

Phillips said because “a whole new world of new equipment that is very energy efficient” has been developed in the last 17 years, changes should quickly result in lower costs.

Superintendent Pfeiffer supported his recommendations with colorful charts showing the days over 90 degrees and over 80 degrees since 2018. The charts showed increasing warmth in May and June and, especially in 2023, September and early October. A staffer at the National Weather Service Office, in Gray, had enjoyed preparing the charts for him, Pfeiffer said.

The Oct. 17 meeting included an update on the daycare program at VCS by Jennifer Lizotte, who heads it. The program runs on school days from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Lizotte said, and some parents need to use it at both ends of the day as they commute to out-of-town jobs.

There are currently 54 children enrolled, from pre-kindergartners to sixth-graders. A space rearrangement agreed with Michaud and assistant principal Tabitha Brewer will provide space for five more, to be taken from the waiting list.

Lizotte praised Michaud and Brewer for their help, and the Vassalboro Parent-Teacher Organization for including the daycare program in their fall festival.

Pfeiffer also praised Vassalboro’s “really awesome” PTO volunteers.

Michaud’s principal’s report included a photo of the new sandbox for the younger students. He thanked PTO members Julia Sidelinger, Chris Reynolds and Jandee and Kevin McLaughlin for getting materials and building the box, and said donated sand was due to arrive Oct. 19.

Among policies board members reviewed and updated (one of their on-going responsibilities) was the VCS homework policy. Michaud commented that teachers assign less homework than they used to, because parents – and older children responsible for younger siblings – are so busy.

Board member Erin “Libby” Loiko said there is less homework for high-school students, too, partly because of study halls during the school day. Michaud said the heads of Erskine Academy and Waterville High School have assured him VCS students are well prepared to enter their schools.

Pfeiffer observed that the Oct. 17 meeting was held during National School Bus Driver Appreciation Week, and praised Vassalboro’s drivers; other towns have had shortages, but “our folks are here every single day.”

The next regular Vassalboro school board meeting will be Tuesday evening, Nov. 14, the second Tuesday rather than the usual third Tuesday to avoid Thanksgiving week.

CRITTER CHATTER – Hit or miss: a squirrel and chipmunk

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chipmunk

by Jayne Winters

When I visited with Don today, there were two new admissions in small cages in his living room: a young chipmunk and a gray squirrel, both likely HBC (Hit By Car) victims. The chipmunk wasn’t in good shape; he was hunched up in a corner of his cage, his fur very disheveled. Don said he didn’t appear to have any broken bones, but initially had a bloody mouth and was in shock.

Even if an injury is minor, shock can quickly kill. When I researched on-line, I found it interesting to learn that an animal with a mild head injury may be more likely to survive than one with minor fractures because the ability to register fear and pain can be impaired from a head injury, whereas fractures cause more pain, fear and stress, which can lead to shock. Being careful not to handle the chipmunk much and further traumatize him, Don has syringe-fed him with squirrel or puppy milk to provide nourishment and hydration. Over a couple of days, the chipmunk has been able to eat and drink on his own, as well as ‘go potty’ and is moving around the cage, albeit stiffly. He’s being kept warm with a small heating pad.

The squirrel came in the same day as the chipmunk and physically looks to be in much better condition. He had a bloody nose upon arrival, but his larger size probably helped him tolerate the impact better. He, too, was sleeping soundly when I was at the house, but curled up in a normal position; he’s now been eating and drinking appropriately. I also learned that small animals can be given infant or child ibuprofen for pain; dosage is determined by the animal’s weight.

squirrel

According to World Atlas, about 41 million squirrels are killed by drivers annually. Researchers theorize that squirrels (and I would assume other rodents and small mammals) view oncoming cars as predators. Squirrels tend to stop and start and change direction constantly in an effort to confuse and avoid predators such as hawks, owls, and foxes. They often freeze and then run out of the way at the last minute in an effort to escape claws and jaws. Unfortunately, that instinct doesn’t work well with cars.

In addition, because their eyes are positioned on the side of their heads, depth perception and any ability to sense how fast cars are moving are severely limited. Their visual perspective is much different than ours – their eyes are about 2 inches from the pavement! While they may comprehend something is coming, their brain and vision can’t process the concept of speed. By the time instinct kicks in, it’s simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time that determines whether it successfully gets across the road or not.

Autumn seems to be peak time for squirrel fatalities on the road. They’re busy collecting food for the winter and looking for places to store it, crossing roads more frequently. Young squirrels are out of the nest and on their own for the first time; inexperience and lack of evasive maneuvers from potential predators increase their chance for collisions.

Despite what some people may think, it’s highly unlikely that wildlife play tag or chicken with on-coming cars or trucks. Sadly, there are drivers who find sport in chasing down an animal, no matter its size or species, and intentionally swerve out of their way to hit it, but I hope they are few and far between.

A follow-up to the opossum I mentioned in last month’s article: another suspected HBC victim, it had suffered a broken jaw. Although it was fed milk and vitamins with a syringe for a couple of days, Don was concerned about its ability to survive in the wild. He took the opossum to the vet and they discovered in addition to the broken jaw, its nasal cavity was also severely fractured. These injuries were not anything that would heal well; the kindest thing to do was humanely euthanize it.

Other rehabbers continue to generously provide assistance to help keep critter care at Duck Pond manageable.

They are greatly appreciated! Please check the following web sites to see if there is a rehabber near you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html.

Donald Cote operates Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a non-profit state permitted rehab facility which is supported by his own resources and outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. Please note the previous e-mail address is no longer monitored.

New primary care doctor comes home to care for his community

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Gavin Hannon, DO

Northern Light Primary Care, in Oakland, welcomes Gavin Hannon, DO, to its team. Dr. Hannon grew up in Oakland and has come back to care for his hometown community.

Dr. Hannon earned his medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Biddeford, and his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Maine. He is board-certified in Family Medicine from the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians.

“I had always wanted to be a ‘small town doc’, a resource for the community, and I couldn’t think of a better place than Oakland to achieve that goal. Further than being able to achieve my professional goals, I know firsthand Oakland is a great place to build a life. The people are kind and caring; it’s the type of place where neighbors still help each other. We’re close to the mountains, we have the lakes, and I couldn’t imagine a better place to live and practice,” shares Dr. Hannon.

“My practice philosophy is to create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere that promotes open and honest conversation so we can better work together to create an individualized treatment plan that is specific to a patient’s goals. It’s critical for patients to be engaged in their own healthcare,” says Dr. Hannon.

Dr. Hannon is welcoming patients 16 years and older. Please contact the office at 465-7342 to schedule an appointment. The practice is located at 74 Water Street, in Oakland. Learn more at inlandhospital.org.

Local student inducted into National Scholastic Honor Society

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Saint Anselm College student Christopher B. King, of Sidney, a Natural Sciences major in the class of 2024, has been inducted into the Tau Chapter of the Delta Epsilon Sigma National Scholastic Honor Society for the 2022-2023 academic year, in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Students are considered for membership if they have completed at least 50% of the credit requirements for their degree and are ranked in the top 20% of their class.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 26, 2023

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EDWARD N. TANSEY

WINSLOW – Edward Nelson Tansey, 79, of Winslow, passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023. He was born, in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 11, 1944.

As a youth, Ed enjoyed sports and outdoor activities, and achieved the Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts. He attended the University of Maine, Orono, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. While in college, Ed participated in the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corp.) program, and entered the United States Army Officer Candidate School upon graduation. After two years of active duty, he transitioned to the U.S. Army reserves where he eventually attained the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Professionally, Ed was a guidance counselor, teacher, and swim coach for Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, where he worked for 32 years. In addition to this, he was a national champion bowler and excelled at golf and softball – especially as a lefty.

Ed and his wife Darlene loved wintering in Florida, where they enjoyed the beaches, theaters, and dancing the night away. He thought he was too young for a golf cart, he always used his bicycle.

Ed is survived by his wife, Darlene Caron Tansey; his children Lisa S. Tansey, Heather L. Hatch, and grandson Matthew Hatch; his step-son Shane A. Gagne and grandsons Parker and Kyle Gagne; step-daughter Tara L. Bradstreet and her husband Dan, her children Justin Martin and wife Maddy, Nathan Martin and wife Haley; and his granddaughter Arianna Bradstreet; his sisters Barbara J. Poulin, and Marilyn T. Hamm and her partner Peter Bland; and brother J. Alden Tansey and his wife Darla; .

Ed was predeceased by his parents Edward Eugene Bevan Tansey and Elizabeth Nelson Alden Tansey, and nephew Michael Tansey.

Interment will be at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, in the spring.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or act.alz.org.

LORI A. CAYFORD

WATERVILLE – Lori Ann Cayford, 51, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, following a brief illness. Lori was born in Waterville to Vance A. Cayford Sr. and Nancy A. Dubois Cayford.

Lori worked at Thayer Hospital and Fireside Inn and Suites, both in Waterville.

Lori had an infectious smile, loved kids and animals and traveling with her mom and stepfather, Dan, especially to the coast, Las Vegas and Oxford/ Foxwoods. We will miss her teasing and kidding and the twinkle in her eyes that came with that.

Lori is survived by her mother, Nancy Cayford, stepfather Daniel Pooler Jr.; father, Vance A. Cayford Sr., and stepmother, Karen Pressey Cayford, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Lori was predeceased by her grandparents Ivan and Evelyn Cayford, Wallace and Shirley Dubois, Lynn and Pauline Pressey, her brother Vance A. Cayford, Jr., her uncle Tim Dubois, and aunts Susan Moffett and Linda Nivison.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers donations in Lori’s memory may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, 10 Water Street, 3rd Floor, Waterville ME 04901.

GERARD J. BECHARD JR.

SIDNEY – Gerard (Tiny) Joseph Bechard Jr., 74, passed away peacefully at home following a long two years, on Tues­day, September 26, 2023. He was born in Waterville on January 12, 1949, the son of Gerard Bechard Sr. and Theresa Bechard.

He graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland, in 1968, with a scholarship to Votech Institute Massachusetts as a machinist.

He loved sports, played football, was a fantastic ice hockey player. For years, he did Judo, scuba diving, fresh and deep sea fishing, hunting, shooting range, rode his Harley, was a UBM representative, loved dogs, farming and haying for his folks, Theresa and Gerard Sr.

He had a very fulfilling life. He was a machine parts fabricator for Edwards Mill, in Augusta, the state of Maine, and Bath Iron Works, drove a snowplow for the Maine Department of Transportation and the town of Sidney, drove class 2 school and tour buses, was a welder, member and bartender for Le Club Calumet, in Augusta, was Eagles Club president and vice president, in Augusta, belonged to the Maine State Employees Association and SEIU union representative, Chelsea substitute teacher, was on the Sidney Fire Department and planning board, and more.

Gerard owned a seafood store and large apartment building with his son, Gerard III.

He considered everyone a friend, and many in all walks of life, like Gov. John McKernan, U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe, Malcolm Forbes, Willie G. Davidson, and many policemen.

Gerard is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ernestine (Tina) Bechard); his son, Gerard Bechard III; grandson Gerard (Jake) Bechard IV; a sister Anita Breton and husband James Breton; sisters-in-law Nancy Davis, Mary Copage Colfer and Aurora Carreia; brothers-in-law Brian Squires and wife Carol, Dick Colfer and wife Mary, Mark Colfer and wife Brenda; cousins Roger and Maddie, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW Post #887, 509 Leighton Rd., Augusta, on Saturday, November 18, from 4 – 5:30 p.m., 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. potluck supper, 6:30 – 11 p.m., live band and silent auction, plus a 50/50 raffle.

MARIE A. PELOTTE

WINSLOW – Marie A. Pelotte, 100, of Winslow, died peacefully on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. She was born in Fort Kent on May 17, 1923, the first daughter born to Alphie Hebert and Isabelle (Dufour) Hebert.

Marie loved fishing and hunting. She loved foraging for berries and fiddleheads and she excelled at Beano and gambling, and she always won. She loved and adored her family and couldn’t wait to get her hands on the “babies” that would emerge throughout the years in her family. She was kind and loving and enjoyed spending her summers at Moosehead Lake having fish fries.

Marie was a homemaker and also worked for prominent families in the community. She also assisted with child rearing for these families. She love to cross stitch and make quilts. Many of her quilts were donated to the Waterville Homeless Shelter, and were known as Mémère’s blankets. She kept busy in her earlier years with frequent garage sales and getting a bargain anywhere she could.

Marie was predeceased by her husband, Adelard J. Pelotte; her parents; her two children, infant son, baby Gerald and daughter, Elena Giroux; several brothers and sisters; her granddaughter, Tina Pelotte Libby; and great-grandson, Joseph W. Violette II.

Marie is survived by a son, Thomas Pelotte (Claire), of Benton; granddaughter, Kathy Violette, of Winslow, with whom she made her home, and four more grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Robert Hebert, of California, and her sister, Jane Poulin, (Charles), of Waterville; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, October 24, at St. John Church, in Winslow, followed by burial at Saint Francis Cemetery, on Grove Street, in Waterville.

CLARENCE G. BUTLER

WATERVILLE – Clarence “Ken” G. Butler, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 6, 2023. He was born October 22, 1929, in Oakland, to Nellie and Clarence Butler Sr.

Ken was raised by his mother and stepfather, Frank Kenniston. Frank gave him the nick-name “Ken” which stayed with him for life. He attended schools in Oakland and enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17, spending time in Germany during the war. Ken took classes at the University of Maine in Farmington when he returned to civilian life.

He was a long-time member of the Newhall Street Second Baptist Church, in Fairfield, for many years. He was a deacon and trustee of the church and he and his wife also sang in the choir.

Ken was an extremely hard worker, holding many jobs over the years. Back in his youth, he worked at the Oakland Axe Shop. He also drove truck, yellow cab, and a school bus. He was employed by Harris Bakery, Redman’s pet care, and taught driver’s education. He retired in 1995 from security at Thomas College, in Waterville.

Ken was predeceased by one son, Derril Butler, as well as stepchildren Darlene Nicholas and Daniel Sawtelle.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara Butler; sons Craig, Eric, Jeff and Ben Butler; a daughter, Michelle Waters; stepsons Dana Sawtelle and his wife April, Daryl Sawtelle with his wife Tina, and Donald Welch with his wife Kristina; also including many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Please visit Ken’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/clarence-g-butler-jr-2023 to share condolences, photos, and special memories.

JAMES E. DODGE

WINDSOR – James E. Dodge, 72, of Windsor, passed peacefully at the Comfort Care/Hospice Unit at Glenridge, on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, following a battle with Fronto­temporal Dementia and a sudden diagnosis of colon cancer.

Jim was born on November 10, 1950, to the late Dorothy and Erskine Dodge and grew up in Farmingdale. In 1969 he graduated from Hall-Dale High School. He continued his education and graduated from Unity College in 1973. James went on to teach Earth Science at Cony High School, in Augusta, for 36 years from 1973-2009. He started soccer as a club sport and coached the Rifle Club in his earlier years. Jim and Sue were married in June 1974. They moved to Windsor where he built their forever home and raised their three children.

James was a man who never stopped working, from running Windsor Video out of their home in the late ‘80s, working at Western Tool after school with Jason, farming, cutting wood down back, milling lumber, haying, hunting, rebuilding antique cars with Josh, creating amazing woodwork pieces for all, taking care of Sue’s “L” shaped pool for Katie’s daycare kids, growing an enormous garden, and golfing at Natanis Golf Course, in Vassalboro. James was very skilled at whatever he did. Although his facial expressions didn’t always show it, he was a caring man underneath.

Jim was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. At this time he loved telling jokes and still remembered everyone. He spent any time he could with his six grandchildren. In his last year, he and Sue were able to drive to Florida where they vacationed for two months. Jim loved taking videos with his camera and collecting shells on the beach. His days back home were spent filling picture frames, albums, and walls with photos. He called it his scrapbooking. He loved giving his photos to people with his famous handwritten Post-it notes. Reminiscing with family through his home videos was a daily activity. Each day he would awake and ask “Susie, where are we going today?” hoping for a shopping trip to Sam’s Club, Walmart, or Marden’s.

Jim will be remembered by his “high school sweetheart” and wife of 49 years, Susan (Wallace) Dodge; his three children and their families, son Joshua Dodge (wife Rena children Dylan and Addison Dodge of Vassalboro), daughter Katie (Dodge) Bailey (husband Chad, children, Duncan and Delia Bailey of China), son Jason Dodge (wife Megan twin boys Charles and Sawyer Dodge-Michigan); his sisters, Kitty Carrier (husband Roger) and Bonnie Squiers (husband Tom) and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

A graveside service was held on Friday, October 20, at Rest Haven Cemetery, in Windsor. A celebration of life followed at Le Club Calumet, in Augusta, on Friday, October 20.

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

KYLEE A. TURCOTTE

LISBON FALLS / WINSLOW – Kylee Ann Turcotte, 30, passed tragically on Friday, October 6, 2023. Kylee was born February 23, 1993, in Waterville, daughter of Michael and Susan Ri­singer, of Winslow.

She graduated from Winslow High School (2011) where she loved being part of the basketball and softball teams. She was someone who always put her nose to the grind to reach success. She graduated from Thomas College (2015), in Waterville, where she earned her master’s degree in accounting.

In 2014, Kylee met Adam Turcotte, of Lisbon, at FHC, Inc., of Bowdoin, where Kylee was on an internship. Kylee and Adam married October 15, 2016, bought their first home, adopted their chocolate lab Zeus, and then became parents of a handsome little boy, Xavier, within 15 months. For the past seven years, she was employed as Controller for Precast of Maine (Division of Crooker Construction), in Topsham.

Kylee was beautiful, caring and loving. Her family and friends will remember Kylee for her amazing work ethic, her beautiful smile and her passion for making a difference in the lives of others no matter the cause. She enjoyed scrapbooking, couponing, running, and going to the gym.

Kylee was the brightest light to others and she now lives in their hearts. Kylee made an instant impact on everyone she met and on thousands who never will.

In addition to her parents, Kylee is survived by her handsome little boy, Xavier; husband, Adam Turcotte; his sister Jill Risinger; by in-laws Darlene Culbert (Pat) and Paul Turcotte; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 28, at 1 p.m. at FHC, 1201 Main St., Bowdoin.

Arrangements are in the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family at http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a fund for her son Xavier Turcotte, c/o Lisbon Comm. F.C.U., P.O. Box 878, Lisbon ME 04250-0878

DALE R. COLLIER

OAKLAND – Dale R. Collier, 88, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023. Dale was born on April 19, 1935, son to Glendoris (Nadeau) and Victor H Collier.

Dale was brought up in Oakland and raised his family in Belgrade, close to his childhood roots. He married his bride, Bernadette Busby, in 1958. They celebrated their 65th anniversary on October 4, 2023.

Dale joined the U.S. Army just out of high school and was eager to support his country. He was a member of the American Legion, Waterville Elks, and a proud U.S. Veteran. Dale was a great enthusiast for all sport venues, participating in his youth as well as a spectator in his later years.

He was predeceased by both parents and his oldest son Lucky.

Dale is survived by his daughter Kellie with Max; son Jack with Annie; grandchildren, Joshua, Madisyn, Sydni, Caitie; great-grandson Brody; brother David with Bonnie; many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at the Elks, 76 Industrial Street, Waterville, Fridasy, November 10, from 1 – 4 p.m.

Dale will be buried at the Collier family cemetery at a future date to be announced.

Please visit Dale’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/dale-collier-2023 to share condolences, photos, and special memories.

NANCY VanDERVEER

WINSLOW – Nancy VanDerveer, 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday October 14, 2023. She was born in Waterville on May 26, 1944, the daughter of the late Leonel J. and Andrea (Talbot) Fortin.

Nancy graduated from Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, in 1962. On September 7, 1968, she married the love of her life, James VanDerveer. Together they made their home in Winslow with their two children Holly and Scott. Nancy worked for Central Maine Power Co. until her retirement. She and Jim enjoyed rides to the coast, a good lobster roll, spending quality time at the Samoset Resort, in Rockport, and spending countless hours with their grandchildren.

Nancy was a woman of strong faith and a was a lifelong communicant of St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow. She was an avid QVC client and faithful to many news programs, with CNN being her favorite.

She was very soft spoken and kind hearted. Her Lakewood family said she always had a beautiful smile on her face. After Jim’s passing you could always find her son Scott by her side whether they were getting ice cream, groceries, going to Mass or visiting family. They shared a very special bond.

Along with her parents Nancy was predeceased by her husband Jim, her sister Louisette (Lou) Roy and her brother Reggie Fortin; brothers-in-law Robert Roy, Ron LaPlante, and Carl Vanderveer.

Nancy is survived by her son Scott, of Winslow; her daughter Holly (James) Anderson, of Vassalboro and her granddaughters Rachel, Lauren, Tori and Kara and great granddaughter Elainna Linnell; her sister Jeanne LaPlante and her companion Chuck Perkins, of Waterville; her brother Michael Fortin and his wife Jill,of Winslow; sister-in-law Joan Gould, of Littleton New Hampshire, and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, at 9 a.m., Friday, October 27, 2023. Burial will immediately follow at Saint Francis Cemetery, on Grove Street, in Waterville.

Please visit http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com to share your condolences and memories with Nancy’s family.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Nancy’s name to Spectrum Generations/Muskie Center, 39 Gold St., Waterville, ME 04901.

KATHY ROWLETTE

ALBION – Kathy Rowlette, 81, of Albion, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

A graveside service for Kathy and her husband Fred, who passed away January 23, 2022, will take place at Puddledock Cemetery, on the South Freedom Road, in Albion, on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 1 p.m.

Following the service, the family invites guests to the Bessey building, on Main Street, in Albion, for a luncheon, where they will have a Celebration of Life and share memories of Kathy.

SAMUEL N. GODDARD

WATERVILLE – Samuel Nevers Goddard was born in Waterville in what was known as Thayer Hospital on August 25, 1938.

Sam had a good life; born to educated/ professional parents. He attended Waterville Public Schools, graduated from Waterville High School in 1956. In high school, he was part of the prestigious “Club 56”. He graduated from Maine Central Institute (MCI), in Pittsfield, in 1957, and from the University of Maine at Orono in 1961, with a science degree of entomology.

In 1961, Sam married his high school sweetheart, Jeannette Bard. Shortly after their marriage, Sam proudly served in the U.S. Army as a medical specialist. At Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio Texas, he was part of a M-A-S-H Unit; he taught biology and worked in the hospital treating burn victims; he was later transferred to Fort Devons, Massachusetts, where he worked as a game warden.

Sam was decorated with various medals, including “Expert” in markmanship.

Discharged from the Army, he joined the family insurance business (then known as L.O. Tebbetts) He was instrumental in the merger of that family business with another Waterville insurance agency (J. B. Friel Co); it then became known as Goddard-Hodgdon-Mitchell (now known as GHM Agency). He served GHM Agency as its president, and was the designated broker for their real estate division. Retired from GHM in 2001, and became a “gentlemen farmer” in his country home of China Village.

Sam enjoyed hunting and fishing, locally, throughout the country and internationally; he valued the friendships of his long-time (some life-long) friends.

Restoration of his 1925 Pierce Arrow became a fun and challenging hobby for him; parades, conventions and met many new friends.

Sam had a lifelong interest in volunteerism. Shortly after his discharge from the military, he co-started and was troop leader for Boy Scouts of America at the First Baptist Church,, in China. Among the many volunteer functions, he served as Assessment Review chairman, for the city of Waterville; Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Moderator for First Baptist Church; Chairman of Waterville Osteopathic Hospital (now Northern Light Inland Hospital) New Horizon; Chairman of Foundation Board and Finance Committee for Kennebec Behavioral Agency, and took pride in the 40 years of service to the agency. He was proud of his Scottish heritage of the Colquhoun clan.

Sam was a 50-year member of the Waterville Rotary Club, and served as its treasurer and president in 1964 and was awarded the coveted “Paul Harris Fellow”. Sam was a charter member of the China Historical Society. He is named in the “Outstanding Young Men of America” (1971).

Sam was predeceased by parents G. Cecil and Clara “Pat” Nevers Goddard; and niece Julie Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Jan; daughters Suzanne, of China Village, Rebecca (David) Bean, of Williamsburg, Virginia; sisters Jacqueline Black, of China Village, Melissa Ayer, of New Jersey; nephew James Smith, and niece, Joanna Bearce.

At his request, there will be no funeral; a private burial will take place at a later date.