EVENTS: UVD event rescheduled

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

photo credit: United Valley Democrats Facebook page

The United Valley Democratic (UVD) Committee ‘End-of Summer’ Event will instead celebrate Autumn on Saturday, October 7, at 327 Stevens Shore Road, in Palermo. It was originally scheduled the day the hurricane passed close to Maine’s coast, when many residents lost their power.

United Valley Democratic Committee (formerly the China Democratic Committee) was recently organized by combining Democratic committees from the adjacent towns in the Sheepscot River Valley including China, Vassalboro, Palermo and Windsor. While continuing to grow with other towns, the UVD committee meets regularly on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., and welcomes new members. Their facebook page has the most current event details.

Mark Brunton, chairman of the UVD Committee, explained the need for the reorganization, “UVD brings people together to make our communities stronger, healthier and improve the lives of all our neighbors. It made sense to combine our committees to raise our visibility and let people know they are welcomed to join us.”

To show your support, join the United Valley Democratic Committee’s Fall Celebration on October 7, from 2 – 8 p.m.

For more information, contact the UVD Committee at unitedvalleydems@gmail.com.

Golf Fore Kids’ Sake raises $31K (2023)

/0 Comments/in , /by

First place gross: Huhtamaki

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine’s 2023 Golf Fore Kids’ Sake, at Belgrade Lakes, presented by Kennebec Savings Bank, raised over $31,000 on September 1, to support one-to-one youth mentoring in Kennebec Valley.

Belgrade Golf Fore Kids’ Sake 2023 Tournament winners:

First Place Gross: Huhtamaki (Jerrod Bentley, Connor Dayton, Christopher Farrar, Ricky Kennedy).

First Place Net: MaineGeneral Health (Jason Brown, Rick Polkinghorn, John Smith, Andy Dionne).

Additional team winners included Goose River Golf Club (Second Place Gross) and Bank of New Hampshire (Second Place Net). Individual awards were presented to: Joyce Sachi (Ladies Longest Drive); Corey Gillespie (Men’s Longest Drive); Seth Doughty (Chipping Contest).

To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, or to get involved as a supporting partner or volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, visit bbbsmidmaine.org.

First place net: MaineGeneral Health. (contributed photos)

CRITTER CHATTER: An unusual release

/0 Comments/in /by
by Jayne Winters

I wasn’t sure what this month’s column would be about, but I needn’t have worried. Don always has a story or two (or more) to tell about the critters and experiences at the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center!

After over 50 years in wildlife rehab, you’d think that he’s seen about everything, but he was anxious to tell me about the release of two red foxes a couple of weeks ago.

He and volunteer Jeff had taken the sibling foxes to an area near a gravel pit for release. The foxes had been placed in individual large pet carriers and tolerated the ride to the release site very well. The first to be released cautiously headed down a gravel road and around the corner, out of sight. The second fox followed a few minutes later, in the same direction, so Don and Jeff quietly went down the road to see where they had gone. There was a flooded area across part of the road, significantly larger than just a rain puddle.

Don was surprised to see one of the foxes standing belly deep in the middle of the water, not drinking or playing, just standing statue still. The other fox was on the edge of the water, but gradually waded over to where his brother was, working his way into the deeper part. They eventually left the pool of water and leisurely made their way into a nearby wooded area. While this may not sound especially noteworthy to us, Don said he had never seen anything like it in his many years of working with foxes. Although he always releases wildlife into areas with streams or ponds, he has never seen foxes swimming or standing in water much above their “ankles.”

Of course, I had to Google “Do foxes swim?” and learned that although canines, like our pet dogs, they don’t generally swim “for fun” unless they’re overheated, trying to escape a predator, or looking for food, such as ducks or fish. They keep their noses in the air and their tails straight, doing the familiar “doggy paddle.” However, they’re not strong swimmers, averaging 2-3 miles an hour, and usually try to avoid water since they don’t enjoy getting wet.

Of particular interest, one article I read stated, “They may even try to stay away from puddles if they are capable of doing so.” Don and I guessed that the foxes in this story sought relief from the hot and humid weather of the past couple of weeks by cooling off in the water before striking out to explore their new surroundings.

There were two admissions during the hour I visited with Don last Sunday. The first was a young gray squirrel which apparently had a foot injury from an encounter with a dog. It didn’t appear to be broken, but Don will further examine and observe it. Hopefully, a little TLC and rest will be all that’s needed.

The second critter was an opossum that had been found by the side of the road. Initially, the couple who saw it were able to encourage it to move away from the asphalt, but noted later that it had returned and was quite lethargic. They were able to get it into a plastic tote and brought it to Don. At cursory examination, Don suspected it had run into the tire of a passing car as there was obvious jaw injury, but no evidence of body abrasion or bleeding. It was semi-feisty, which is always a good sign in wild animals brought into human contact, and seemed to be healthy otherwise.

It will be fed milk and vitamins with a syringe for a while and eventually canned cat food mixed with milk in a blender until its jaw has healed enough for semi-solid food. Don noted that trying to set and wire the jaw would stress the animal, reducing its chance of survival; Mother Nature is often the best healer.

As noted previously, other rehabbers are generously providing 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.

PHOTO: Football season in full swing

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Waterville Junior High School running back, Alex Roth, #17 (eighth grader), during a recent game vs. Brunswick, held in Waterville. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

OBITUARIES for Thursday, September 28, 2023

/0 Comments/in /by

DALE C. ALLEN

SOMERVILLE – Dale (Swift) Clark Allen, 74, of Somerville, passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, September 4, 2023. Dale was born August 12, 1949, in Gardiner to William H. and Mary E. (Sullivan) Swift.

She attended schools in Hamilton and Beverly, Massachusetts, graduating from Hamilton-Wenham High School. After graduating she returned to Maine marrying David Clark and together, they raised two daughters. She worked for the State of Maine for 33 years at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, then Marine Resources, retiring in 2009.

Dale enjoyed painting and working with stained glass at her camp on Long Pond. After a long engagement she married David Allen in 2020. Together they loved traveling and visiting the national parks. Dale was very adventurous with a love of the outdoors. Together they visited many countries while taking many cruises.

She enjoyed family gatherings, yearly trips to Martha’s Vineyard with her special friends but she loved her grandchildren more than anything on this earth.

Dale was predeceased by her parents; and her brother, Brian Swift.

She is survived by her husband, David Allen; her daughters, Terri Belanger and husband Moe, Jackie Cartlidge and husband Tony; stepsons Rusty (Lori) Allen, Bert (Kelly) Allen, and Ryan (Georgia) Allen; grandchildren, Dave (Amber) Belanger, Walter (Kristi) Travis, Dannie Belanger, Crystal Dale (Christopher) Dolan, Samantha (Dylan) Peaslee, Brandon (Elizabeth) Cartlidge, Brooke (Isaac) Noon; 11 great-grandchildren, Joseph, Jeremiah, Jaelynn, Dylan Jr., Avery, Harper, Chloe, Owen, Evan, Aidan and Piper; her sister, Darlene (Bryan) Potter; brothers Billy (Irene) Swift, Bruce (Ellen) Swift, Barry (Martha) Swift and Bradford (Samantha) Swift; brother-in-law, Glen Allen; as well as a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life at Somerhill Events, on Friday, September 29 at 1 p.m., 826 Somerville Rd., in Somerville.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity in Dale’s name. Dale gave to many charities over the years, she was partial to military, autistic, and cancer charities

VIRGINIA L. LABBE

SMITHFIELD – Virginia L. Labbe “Ginny”, “Jenny”, 78, born September 24, 1944, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. Ginny was born in Sidney on the Middle Road. Her birth was one of the last home births at that time.

At the young age of one, she moved to San Marcos, Texas, with her parents until the age of six. On the return to Maine, they bought an old camp on Messalonskee Lake, Oakland, which they moved across the ice, to a lot on the east side of the lake. During that summer they lived in a tent while remodeling the camp which became her year-round home until she graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland, in 1963.

On August 11, 1971, Virginia married the love of her life, Michael Labbe. Mike and Ginny worked hard raising five children while building a home on Messalonskee Lake, in Sidney. During that time Virginia worked for Coughlin Real Estate Agency as a sales associate and office manager.

Her love of life was no secret to anyone who knew her. She was always seeking out adventures with her family. Many fond family memories were of her carrying her favorite rod to numerous bodies of water to catch brook trout from the Maine brooks to the massive rivers and lakes of Québec and Labrador. She always dreamed of the next fishing trip before the one she was on was over.

She was ready for the snow to fly when the fishing season ended. Snowmobiling was her winter passion. She was often seen signing the trails or running a snowmobile business, Dana’s Rental, in Jackman, with her husband, Mike, and son, Dana. After a day of work or riding, she and Mike could often be found at the Northland Hotel owned by Margaret Hall, telling tales of snowmobiling and trail conditions with Gerry Smith and fellow riders. She was an avid snowmobiler throughout Maine and Québec for the last 50 years, always looking forward to her spring ride in the Gaspé Peninsula, in Canada, with Mike, her long-time friend, Sue Milspaugh, along with anyone who would like to join them.

Virginia was predeceased by her parents Bernard and Annie Ratliff Bulmer; and her daughter, Lorna Labbe Brackett.

She is survived by her husband, Mike Labbe; her children, Rick Labbe and wife Nancy, Dana Labbe and wife Barbara, Michael Labbe, Jeffery Labbe and wife Tracy; grandchildren, Tyler Brackett, Maureen Brackett Mosher, Mercedes Labbe, Ciera Labbe Lambert, and Jenna Labbe Murray; step-grandchildren, Jack and Christopher Belyeu; several great-grandchildren; aunts; nieces, and nephews.

Celebration of life was held at the Smithfield Fairview Grange on September 24. A family graveside service will be held at a future date.

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Jackman Border Riders Sportsman’s Club, P.O. Box 413, Jackman, ME 04945.

MARY E. LEWIS

UNITY – Mary Esther (Fogg) Lewis, 83, of Unity, passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023. Mary Esther was born Nov­em­ber 10, 1939, in Livermore Falls, to Ernest A. and Barbara L. Fogg.

She was the youngest of six, Robert Fogg, Elizabeth Pray, Claire Jane Fogg, Barbara A Lamb, and Janet Tucker.

She graduated from Buckfield High School and attended what is now known as the University of Maine Farmington (formerly Farmington State Teachers College), where she earned her teacher’s degree.

Mary Esther was the wife of Clair Howard Lewis Jr. for 46 years, whom she met through his sister Eleanor and married on June 26, 1965. They made their home in Unity, raising two children, Barbara Louise Jewett (Eric) and Christopher Lewis (Michelle).

From a young age, Mary Esther held a deep faith in God. She and her husband were long-term members of the Unity Union Church, and later in life were very active in the Belfast United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clair; daughter, Barbara Louise; parents; and siblings.

Mary Esther had a deep passion for her family, church, and community. She was always creating “crafty” items to benefit a church or community effort, cooking for potluck suppers, or knitting for the grandchildren. As her youngest child entered school, she returned to the classroom at Unity Elementary. She enjoyed her students as well as fellow teachers, staying in touch with them through the years.

Her five grandchildren were her greatest joy, Alinda Lewis Smith (Justin), Keith Jewett, Ian Jewett (Miranda), Tad Jewett (Hallie), and Daniel Lewis; along with her three great-grandchildren.

The funeral was held on Friday, September 15, at Liberty Baptist Church, in Liberty. A private family burial followed.

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Good Steward Thrift Shop, c/o Unity Union Church, 13 Depot St., Unity, ME 04988 in Mary’s memory.

LUCILLE ROMUNDO

WATERVILLE – Lucille Romundo, 100, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Born September 6, 1923, (youngest of seven children) to Maud and Victor Robichaud.

She became the matriarch of a family growing to more than 30 (four generations).

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., in Waterville.

To read the obituary in its entirety, go to http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.

PATRICIA A. PARADIS

WATERVILLE – Patricia Ann Paradis, 84, passed peacefully on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Northern Light Inland Hospital, inWaterville. She was born October 2, 1938, in Belgrade, the daughter of James Paradis and Jeannette Grivois Paradis, and twin to Patrick.

Despite living with learning disabilities she had a full and active life. Her happiest days were spent at the Muskie Center, in Waterville, where she made many friends.

Patricia is survived by her sisters Mary Boulette and Celia Williams; and brothers Omer Saucier and Mike Paradis; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by sisters Germaine Paradis and Theresa Jurewicz and brothers Patrick and Paul Paradis.

There will be no funeral at this time and she will be laid to rest with her parents at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Waterville.

She will be remembered for her outgoing nature and love of family. In her memory just be kind..

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.

NORMAN F. POULIN

SIDNEY – Norman “Norm” F. Poulin, 83, of Sidney, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 18, 2023, at the Androscoggin Hospice House, in Auburn. Norm was born in Sidney on October 11, 1939, the son of the late Alfred and Desange (Bernier) Poulin.

He attended school in Sidney and then on to Cony High School, in Augusta, graduating in 1958. During his high school years, he worked at Kennebec Brick, in Sidney.

After high school, he joined the Air National Guard and attended boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base, in San Antonio, Texas. Upon returning home, he continued to be active in the Guard until 1964 while working at Eastern Packing, in Waterville, where he helped to make different kinds of meat products. He then went on the road delivering these products to various businesses and dedicated 30 years of commitment to the company. Norm also raised broiler chickens for Maplewood Poultry, in Belfast. Along the way, Norm built many friendships and established connections that he carried with him throughout the years.

Norm’s next adventure was purchasing his own pastry business, delivering a variety of pastries throughout the Central Maine area.

From the time he was a boy, Norm always loved country music and listened to the Grand Ole Opry and WWVA’s Wheeling Jamboree. He would ride his bike to Augusta’s City Hall to watch the local country musicians. At the shows, Norm would befriend the performers backstage, which grew into lifelong relationships, both professional and personal. He was also the Maine State Fan Club representative for Loretta Lynn for 10 years.

Back when Norm was working for WKCG Radio, in Augusta, he heard Yodelin’ Slim Clark give an interview on the station. In 1970, after speaking with Yodelin’ Slim, Norm came up with the idea to start putting on shows to get musicians in front of the crowds, establishing Norm Poulin Productions, which later evolved into the Country Music Pioneer Show featuring Maine country artists, as well as performers coming up from Nashville, Tennessee, to perform throughout Maine. Norm’s saying “If the ticker ticks, the music clicks, and they come from the cities and out of the sticks” which certainly rang true when seeing the thousands of people that attended the shows throughout the years. As a result of his dedication and passion for country music, Norm was honored and proud to be inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame in 2021.

Many people throughout Central Maine would often see Norm’s truck with a sign advertising blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or corn for sale. If you stopped to buy from Norm, plan on an extended sale because you would hear several stories from Norm with a few wise cracks thrown in for free.

After the seasons were done for selling, he would enjoy his favorite hobbies of deer and bear hunting. His love for the hunt started at a very early age for Norm, often choosing his favorite spots on his own family homestead where he was born and lived his entire life.

Norm enjoyed sharing holiday meals at his brother and sister-in-law’s home, and later attending many holiday dinners at his niece, Kimberly’s home, where he truly enjoyed her raspberry pies, and a haircut when needed. When Norm had business or financial questions, or just someone to lend a hand, he would call on his nephew Ryan who was always willing to help Uncle Norm.

Many people knew Norm as the greeter and card checker at Sam’s Club, in Augusta, where he worked for 17 years. To many, he was not just the greeter, but the conversation starter.

Norm was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Desange; his brother, Henry, sister, Jeannine, and sister-in-law, Helen Poulin.

Survivors include his brother, Gerald Poulin, of Sidney; niece, Kimberly Murgo and husband Lorenzo, of Benton; nephew, Ryan Poulin and wife Charity, of Sidney; niece, Ann Lefebvre and husband Rick, of Waterville; and niece, Rose Hunt and husband Phil, of Norridgewock; along with several great-nieces and great-nephews.

At Norm’s request, there will be no services or celebration of life. Norm would want you all to continue celebrating life every day and live it to the fullest. As Norm would say,” I’ll see you when I saw ya”, and “Toodeloo”.

Arrangements are under the direction of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Services of Skowhegan. The family invites you to visit Norm’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/norman-poulin-2023 to share condolences, share photos and special memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Maine Country Music Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 62, Athens, ME 04912.

LEON P. JOLER

WATERVILLE – Leon Paul Joler, 72, passed away recently He was born in Fairfield to Lawrence and Jeannette (Gagnon) Joler.

He graduated from Winslow High School in 1971. While in high school he worked for the local IGA, then Purlac Dairy, delivering milk door to door. From there he went on to work for Oakhurst Dairy and lastly working and retiring in 2000 after 25 years, from Nissen Baking Co (IBC).

His undying love for the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, and New York Giants was like no other. He was a wealth of knowledge and useless information that he kept “all right here”. He was a self taught skilled woodworker that spent many hours building many wooden projects. He loved to be in the woods cutting trees, on the water fishing, or in the truck on an “adventure”.

Leon was predeceased by his parents; his in-laws Harold and Arwilla Higgins; his sister and brother-in-law, Claire and Donald Phair; “Best Aunts Ever” aunt, Neta Morrissette and aunt, Irene Ware, uncle, Bill Morrissette, uncle, Louis Ware; sisters-in-law Nancy Cote and Lera McGray; nieces Valerie Phair and Nicole Wilkie.

He is survived by his wife Jeannie whom he met on a blind date, they would go on to enjoy each other for 54 years through the good times and the bad. Also left behind are his daughters Lori and husband Vincent Arduini, of Leicester, Massachuset, and Jocelyn and husband Chad Pooler, of Winslow; grandchildren Riley Pooler, Garrett Pooler, Jordan Clarke, and Connor LeBlanc; his only brother, James Joler and wife Linda; cousins Jean Morrissette and Bill Morrissette and wife Dodie; nieces Missy Dorr, Michelle Joler-Labbe, and Danielle Lazcano; nephews Jeremy Lagasse, Marc Cote, Ben Jandreau, Tyler Jandreau, and Mike Cote; goddaughter, Melissa Morrissette; Also, but not forgotten, his baby girl, Fenway.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, September 26, at Notre Dame Church, Silver St., Waterville.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com for the Joler family.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.

ELIZABETH B. LaCHANCE

WATERVILLE – Elizabeth B. LaChance, of Waterville, passed away in Waterville, September. 15, 2023.

Visiting hours will be Friday, September 29, from 5 – 7 p.m., at Gal­lant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

You can read a full obituary at http://www.gallantfh.com and sign guestbook, share condolences and memories.

Share your condolences, kind words and remembrances below. You must be logged into the website to comment. Subscribers, please login. Not a subscriber? Register to comment for free or subscribe to support our work.

EMILY ZAHRADNICK-FENDROCK

WATERVILLE – Emily Zahradnick-Fendrock, 85, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

She was born February 11, 1938, in Archbald, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Bertha and Andrew Zahradnick.

She graduated from St. Patrick’s High School and Lackawanna Business School, in Pennsylvania. Her working career was on Wall Street, which she enjoyed very much.

She had many interests with season tickets to the New York Metropolitan Opera, many years of competitive tennis at various country clubs, including the Arthur Ashe Flushing Meadows Tennis Club and season tickets to the New York Football Giants, where she traveled every Sunday to Yale Bowl, before the Giants had their stadium built.

Survivors include her partner, John Alden III; two sisters, Alice Gaskin, of Scarsdale, New York, and Cheryl Lieberman and her husband Irv, of Dayton, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by brothers Andrew, Paul, Jerry, Ambrose, and sisters Pat Law and Ann Krisanda.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 29, at 2 p.m., at the Leeds Plains Cemetery, Leeds.

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

MARY L. DAVIS

PALERMO—Mary L. Davis, 86, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the Maine Veteran’s Home, in Augusta, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born in Lewiston to Theda (Tompkins) and Leslie Crommett Sr. on March 23, 1937.

For over 35 years, Mary worked as a florist; designing floral pieces and working with customers gave her great satisfaction. Mary enjoyed listening to country music, and in her younger days, attending Saturday night dances. She was a true Mainer who looked forward to camping trips and being outside during all seasons especially while gardening. She also enjoyed decorating her home for every holiday season.

Mary was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and TOPS. In her last years, Mary could often be seen holding her baby dolls which gave her great comfort.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, William J. Davis; her daughter, Heidi Glidden; and siblings, Leslie Crommett Jr., Myrtie Nowlin, and Joanne Shorey.

Her brother, Herbert Crommett joined Mary in the afterlife later on the same day, September 21, 2023.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Angel Hall and her husband, Rodney; son- in-law, Rodney F. Glidden; her siblings, Clayton Crommett, Vincent Crommett, Darrell Crommett, Grace Davis, Barbara Mayberry, Vicki McPhee, Dianne DeMerchant, Beverly Smith, and Marietta Field.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 11 a.m., at the Palermo Christian Church, 322 Branch Mills Rd., Palermo, ME 04354. Burial will follow at the Greely Corner Cemetery, on Rte. 3, in Palermo.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting www.plummerfh.com.

MADELINE D. STEVENSON

UNITY – Madeline Dickey Stevenson, 96, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 21, 2023. She was born to Alice (Nickerson) and William Dickey, on November 23, 1926.

Madeline grew up on a farm in Swanville and graduated from Belfast High School, and then from the University of Maine in 1949. She spent 25 years as an educator teaching high school English and serving as school librarian. She received a master’s degree in library science from UMaine in ’71 and was an avid reader.

She married Dana P. Stevenson in 1950 and together they raised three children while continuing to work and serve in the community. They built a home in Unity, where Madeline spent many hours in the garden raising vegetables and creating beautiful flower beds to attract pollinators and birds. Madeline loved bird watching and kept a journal of the varieties of bird she spotted. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors on the golf course or swimming in her pool.

As a young girl she learned cooking, sewing, and knitting skills from her family and she used these skills throughout her life. The kitchen in her home always smelled wonderful. She sewed clothes and quilts and knit mittens, hats, and sweaters for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She got together with crafters in town to create handmade items for church fairs. She also enjoyed painting and playing bridge with her friends.

Madeline was an active member of the community. She served as a Representative in the Maine Legislature for five years and served multiple terms on the Board of Trustees at Unity College. She was involved with the Unity Barn Raisers, in Unity Union Church activities and was an active member of the Maine Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an organization for women educators.

She was predeceased by her husband of 38 years, Dana Stevenson; son-in-law Peter Young, granddaughter Meghan Young; brother Joseph Dickey and nephew Alan Dickey.

She is survived by her son David Stevenson and wife Sonia, of Vassalboro; daughter Paula Young and husband Dana Turcotte, of Skowhegan; and son Jeff Stevenson and wife Brenda, of Orono; six grandchildren, Aaron, Jenny, Anthony, Shannon, Elizabeth, and Megan; nine great grandchildren; two nieces; and one sister-in-law.

The family will hold a graveside service to celebrate Madeline’s life on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 1 p.m., at Unity Pond Cemetery, on Kanokolous Road, in Unity Maine.

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

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Madeline’s memory may be made to: a charity of one’s choice.

JOHN T. GRANT

WATERVILLE – Born in Waterville, John Thomas Grant was a descendant of the Thomas family, founders of Thomas College. He was raised primarily by his mother, Freda Gagnon Grant, a woman of great resourcefulness, love, and grit.

John attended St. John School,, in Winslow, and Winslow public schools, received his BS in psychology from Uni­versity of Southern Maine (where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity), and his Master of Social Work from the University of New England, in Biddeford

. A man of great kindness and generosity, John dedicated his career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to serving individuals facing severe challenges. He worked at the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, at various agencies as a mental health crisis worker, and ultimately became Director of Residential Services at Kennebec Behavioral Health.

John had extraordinary talents as a comic and could crack jokes even in the darkest moments (as the doctors and nurses caring for him during his last year could attest). He once appeared on the front page of the Waterville Morning Sentinel dressed in drag singing You Are So Beautiful into a mirror. His favorite activity was bantering with his son Casey Ford Grant, the greatest love and joy of his life. He was also an aficionado of the Blues and Rock-and-Roll, with a special fondness for Bob Dylan.

He died of cancer at home surrounded by family. Among those who will miss John the most are his son, Casey (and Casey’s mother, Teena French); and his wife, Ankeney Weitz; his sister, Amy; his stepson and stepdaughter, Miguel and Lily Schwiderke; his aunts, Linda Gagnon and Ida McDonnell.

Friends and family will meet to share their fondest memories of John from 12:30 to 2 p.m., on Saturday, September 30, at the Winslow Town Gazebo (114 Benton Ave.). A reception will follow.

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.

Those who wish to remember John with a gift might consider donating to the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England, 219 East Main St., Ste 100B, Milford, MA 01757, https://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/.

OTHERS DEPARTED

MILLICENT DONAHUE

BRATTLEBORO, Vermont – Millicent “Millie” Donahue, 92, died peacefully on Sat­urday, Sep­tember 2, 2023, in her cottage at her daughter’s home in Brattleboro, Vermont.

She was born on October 29, 1930, in Fairfield. Millie graduated from Lawrence High School, where she was the childhood sweetheart of Patrick Donahue. Millie and Patrick were married on June 21, 1952.

After the passing of her husband, Patrick, when she was 81 and in failing health, she relocating to a quaint cottage in Vermont at her daughter’s home.

She is survived by her children Pat Donahue Jr. (Amy), Belgrade Lakes; John Donahue (Karen), Falmouth; Andy Donahue (Richard), Northampton, Massachusetts; Sue Strasenburgh (Paul), Falmouth; and Meg Donahue (Lisa), Brattleboro, Vermont; eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, James Donahue, Ali (Austin) Brown and daughters Winnie and Mari; Kylen (Owen) Bolster and their son Sean Mathew; Gabe (Tom) Ray and son Thomas John; Tyler (Casey) Strasenburgh; Eric (Bridget) Strasenburgh and daughter Aria; Jason Donahue and Annie Donahue.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday October 1, 2023, at 2 p.m., at the Woodlands Country Club, in Falmouth.

VASSALBORO: HVAC main topic for school

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

A main discussion topic at the Vassalboro school board’s Sept. 19 meeting was HVAC – heating, ventilation and cooling – with the emphasis on cooling.

Vassalboro Community School (VCS) was uncomfortably warm during the September hot spell. Assistant principal Tabitha Brewer said teachers in the top-floor classrooms were invited to move their classes to cooler spaces elsewhere in the building.

Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer pointed out that when the VCS building was built in 1992, cooling “was not even on the architect’s radar.” Now, he and Director of Maintenance and Grounds Shelley Phillips are seeking input as they consider three main options: ceiling fans, heat pumps or a whole new HVAC system.

Ceiling fans would be the quickest and least costly option, as a temporary fix. Phillips brought photos of what she labeled “newer style commercial ceiling fans:” three blades “styled more like a wind turbine,” variable speed, with a 20- to 25-year life expectancy.

Winslow High School has them, she said, and staff find them effective and not disruptively noisy. They cost around $500 each; if fans were ordered this fall, they could probably be installed over Christmas vacation.

VCS has a heat pump to cool the office area for administrators who work in the summer, Pfeiffer said. Phillips has doubts about relying on heat pumps to cool so large and complex a building as VCS, which she said has 77,000 square feet of interior space.

There would have to be many of them, at $5,000 to $6,000 apiece, she said. Although state energy efficiency funds contribute to the initial cost, the pumps would need replacing every eight to 12 years without, as far as she knows, state aid.

A third option would be to hire an energy management consultant to review the current system, talk with staff and make recommendations for the building, probably including lighting as well as HVAC. This choice would be expensive and would take time.

From the audience, Chris French, chairman of the Vassalboro select board, suggested there might be state energy efficiency grants to help with the cost.

Resident John Melrose (who was instrumental in signing up Vassalboro for a solar farm project that has reduced electricity bills for the town and the school, Pfeiffer remembered) recommended assessing building energy use as background information for a consultant. A consultant might well come up with ideas locals had not considered, he added.

School board members intend to continue the discussion at future meetings. Board member Zachary Smith is leaning toward installing ceiling fans as a temporary solution.

“I just want the teachers to hear that we hear them, and we have a plan,” he said.

In other business Sept 19, VCS Principal Ira Michaud reported the school year had begun well. Pfeiffer, speaking for finance director Paula Pooler, said the budget is in good shape so far.

French asked if there was interest in exploring joining an organic waste diversion program. Pfeiffer suggested French and Phillips talk about it; Phillips said she has heard they’re expensive.

Board members discussed beginning to plan for the June 2024 promotion ceremony, remembering more elaborate pre-Covid recognitions of departing eighth-graders.

The next Vassalboro school board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Vassalboro Community School.

PHOTO: First day at China Primary School

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Contributed photo

Students in Mrs. Dunn’s class had an amazing first day of school at China Primary School! They got to make crowns to celebrate the occasion, and everyone was smiling at the end of the day! Wishing them a great year of learning as they start their educational journey at RSU #18!

Vassalboro select board discusses changes in town operations

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

At their Sept. 21 meeting, Vassalboro select board members debated at length three changes in town operations they hope will benefit residents.

One they approved: changed town office hours, effective at the beginning of the next calendar year for a 90-day trial (see box).

Updating town office electronics and adding electronic meeting information and perhaps electronic participation will take longer, and will cost money.

Updating the transfer station will take still longer and cost even more.

Town Manager Aaron Miller has been interested in upgrading electronic systems since he took office in January. A recurring theme is making it possible to broadcast select board’s – and probably other boards’ and committees’ – meetings so residents can watch from their homes. (See the report on the TownCloud presentation at the board’s Sept. 7 meeting in the Sept. 14 issue of The Town Line, p. 2.)

Making it possible for residents to participate remotely has been part of the discussion. By Sept. 21, newspaper reports of people harassing board meetings in other area towns led to expressions of doubt about that aspect.

Board members and Miller want to make sure all town committees obey state open meeting laws. However, they also want to avoid confusing residents with incomplete information. For example, they debated, inconclusively, whether draft meeting minutes, which might be subject to correction, should be made public, or whether to publicize only approved minutes.

Resident Laura Jones, a technical expert who brought a large screen to the Sept. 21 meeting and displayed relevant documents on it, will record a demonstration from Town Hall Streams for board members to review before their Oct. 5 meeting. The Town of China is among Maine municipalities using this service to broadcast and record meetings.

On a related issue, select board chairman Chris French said a needed upgrade of the Vassalboro town office telephone system will require upgrading “the whole IT [information technology] system.” He suggested Miller be authorized to ask for price quotes for the job.

The proposed changes at the transfer station are aimed at providing a drive-through building. Two lanes of traffic could go through, with drivers emptying trash into hoppers on each side; and there might be outside lanes allowing access from both sides of each hopper.

Changes in office hours

Vassalboro select board members voted unanimously to change town office hours, effective at the beginning of January 2024. Their goals were to accommodate people who want time to do business before they go to work, as well as those who stop in on the way home; and to give town office staff a four-day work week.

The new hours will be as follows:

  • Mondays: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Tuesdays early opening: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Thursdays late closing: 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Fridays through Sundays closed.

The total hours the office is open to the public will increase from 38.5 to 39, Town Manager Aaron Miller said. There will be no effect on Monday holiday closings. Staff will continue to work another 15 minutes after closing as they do now.

These hours will remain in effect for a 90-day trial, during the first quarter of 2024, select board members said.

The plan is similar to one prepared some years ago and rejected as too expensive – during the Sept. 21 discussion, Douglas Phillips, who is on the Transfer Station Taskforce, referred to it as “the million-dollar plan.” Lesser changes have been made since, implementing some of the recommendations.

Miller is envisioning a 60-by-80-foot building, perhaps a large Quonset hut, on a concrete pad. After discussion, board members decided the first step is to issue an RFP (Request for Proposals) inviting engineering firms to provide a cost for an engineering study of building needs and traffic design. Proposals will be due the afternoon of Nov. 16, before that evening’s board meeting.

The project is expected to include a new entrance from Lombard Dam Road, another issue that has been discussed at intervals for years.

Board members envision a two- or three-year project. Funding sources include the town’s transfer station reserve account, federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money, perhaps local TIF (Tax Increment Financing) money and, Phillips suggested, grant money once the town has a plan in place.

TIF funding is currently unavailable because Vassalboro’s 2014 TIF development program has a short list of TIF-eligible projects, not including the transfer station. French said the local TIF ordinance needs to be updated.

French would also like board members to consider changing transfer station hours to give employees two consecutive weekdays off. Currently, the station is open from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Board member Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., said those hours were approved in 1980, while his father was on the select board.

In other business Sept. 21:

  • Board members held a public hearing on state changes in general assistance funds, with, as usual, no public comments. Miller told board member Michael Poulin Vassalboro overspent its general assistance budget two years ago and underspent last year; this year, voters at the June town meeting approved $3,000 (which state funds supplement) and so far only a little over $300 has been spent.
  • Board members unanimously authorized Miller to spend $8,487 (from $10,000 budgeted) to buy a new Canon copier for the town office, with a five-year maintenance contract. It will be the office’s first color copier, Miller commented.
  • They appointed Scott Wentworth to the Cemetery Committee. Wentworth explained that he is familiar with cemetery maintenance issues through his genealogical research and work in cemeteries in Winslow.

The next Vassalboro select board meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, Oct. 5.

China landowners seek moratorium on power line development

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

The Sept. 25 China select board meeting began with a request from two landowners on the section of Parmenter Hill Road known as Moe’s Mountain. They seek a China moratorium on power line development, like those adopted by Albion and Palermo voters in the hope of influencing the proposed LS power line.

Joshua LaVerdiere and Jesse Haskell said one of the potential power line routes would run over the hill, including over Lowell “Moe” Thomas’s grave, destroying a scenic view, damaging the natural environment and reducing the value of their homes and farmland.

Select board members discussed options at length.

A moratorium requires an ordinance adopted by town voters. There is not time to add a question to the Nov. 7 ballot; the next annual vote will be in June 2024.

For a special town meeting, China has a quorum requirement: 100 registered voters are needed to open the meeting.

Select board members can call a meeting on their own initiative; or they can require the interested parties to collect more than 200 petition signatures requesting a meeting, in order to demonstrate public interest and increase the chance of attracting 100 voters.

A draft ordinance could be part of a petition for a meeting; or select board members could present an ordinance to voters. LaVerdiere and Haskell suggested adapting Palermo’s, which was adapted from Albion’s. Daniel Pepice, joining the meeting later in the discussion, provided a copy.

Jeanette Smith, chairman of China’s Thurston Park committee, added that the LS power line might run close to park boundaries.

LS Power is supposed to send letters to potentially affected landowners. Smith has not received one referring to the park. LaVerdiere said he never got one; Pepice estimated 40 percent of potentially affected landowners in the China-Palermo area have not been notified.

Select board members voted unanimously to ask town attorney Amanda Meader to review the Albion/Palermo ordinance. They hope to have her opinion by their first meeting in October, when they will consider whether to call a special town meeting or to require a petition for one.

Smith attended the Sept. 25 select board meeting to talk about repairs in Thurston Park, still recovering from the Dec. 23, 2022, rainstorm that caused major washouts. Two trails were damaged when fallen branches blocked culverts. There were also washouts on the access road in Albion, though Smith said it is usable.

Transfer station returns to stickers Jan. 1

Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, China and Palermo residents will need a sticker on their vehicle to enter the China transfer station. Stickers will cost $2, and should be available at town offices by Nov. 1.

On a 3-2 vote at their Sept. 25 meeting, China select board members adopted the new policy recommended by their transfer station committee (see the Sept. 21 issue of The Town Line, p. 3).

Board chairman Wayne Chadwick and member Blane Casey voted no. Chadwick said his vote was only because he opposes the $2 fee, not because he opposes stickers.

Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood presented a Transfer Station Access Policy that tells China and Palermo residents where to paste the stickers and explains alternatives for temporary admission (for seasonal residents or contractors working for residents, for example).

“We’ll try it for a year, see how it goes,” Hapgood said.

Residents who paid the $10 fee for an additional RFID (radio frequency identification) tag may return the tag to the town office and, with proof of purchase, get a full refund, between Nov. 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024.

Board members postponed action on the one bid for trail work, hoping for more bids. Because the access road is in Albion, they took no action on road work until Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood finds out whether it is legal to spend China money on an Albion road.

Smith explained that the park committee does not recommend access from the south because the abutting landowner objects. When, years ago, the town legally abandoned Yorktown Road, which runs north-south through the park, a public right-of-way was preserved, she said.

Smith shared a video from a group called National Fitness Campaign that helps build outdoor gymnasiums or fitness courts full of exercise equipment. The campaign approached China earlier this year, she said. She does not consider the idea appropriate for Thurston Park.

In other business:

  • Board members accepted the lowest of three bids for new gutters on the town office building, $2,457 from Builders Installed Products, of Portland and Hermon.
  • They postponed discussion of the proposed storage vault to be added to the town office building and of a new town logo, awaiting more information on both topics.
  • They accepted an emailed apology from Tyler Bragdon for any inappropriate statements at the Sept. 11 select board meeting and accepted his offer to pay a $3,500 fine for mistakes in controlling erosion at a Pond Road work site, instead of the $5,000 originally assessed.
  • They approved the state’s new general assistance payment levels, after a short public hearing.

Because the next regular select board meeting would fall on Oct. 9, the Indigenous Peoples Day holiday, board members moved it to Tuesday, Oct. 10; and because the planning board meets at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10, they scheduled the select board meeting for 5 p.m.

Young man shows that one person can help save lives

/0 Comments/in , /by

Photo by Gary Mazoki

by Roberta Barnes

The ribbon cutting ceremony held on September 23, 2023, in Palermo, was for a lifesaving resource added into the Recreational Field, on the Turner Ridge Rd. Family, friends, fellow scouts, first responders and law enforcement officers from Palermo and neighboring towns were present to celebrate this vital resource.

This resource that is beneficial for all surrounding communities is the result of the completion of an Eagle Scout project. An Eagle Scout Project is a community service effort that comes at the end of a scout’s career and must be completed to attain scouting’s highest rank.

The Eagle Scout project Kaleb Brown completed is evidence that one person’s idea can result in creating a resource that can save lives. The project that Brown, senior Patrol Leader of Palermo Boy Scout Troop #222, and high school senior, presented to the Scout Council was for a permanent LifeFlight helicopter pad to be built in an area where it is needed.

Transportation and time are essential factors when critical care is needed. In Maine over 37,000 patients have been airlifted to receive critical medical care by LifeFlight since it was founded in 1998. Just in the past year over 2,000 patients were airlifted. Each airlift requires a safe landing site.

What inspired Brown to take on this project was an event that happened when he and his best friend were each 15 years old. His friend was critically injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver and died on route to the hospital. The only permanent concrete pads for airlifting close to Palermo were in Augusta and Belfast. His mother, Barbara Files-Lucier, assistant scoutmaster who had been a paramedic for 14 years, also served as an inspiration for his project.

When Brown met a woman at a hospital whose daughter had died, it let him know he had chosen the right project. At the ribbon cutting ceremony instead of him cutting the ribbon he asked the woman whose daughter had died if she would like to cut it. She lives close by and had enjoyed watching as the pad was being built.

As with all Eagle Scout projects, Brown’s project required determination, discipline, and hours of hard work to coordinate everything required to complete the project. His first step after the Sount council had approved his project was to get permission to use a sizable portion of the field from the youth association owning that field. After that he went door to door asking businesses for donations.

Brown going door to door resulted in generous donations by local businesses, and individuals that covered the entire $20,000 cost. Once enough donations had been received, he still had to be available to keep the construction of the pad smoothly on track. Eagle Scouts are allowed mentors and community support, but the responsibility of the completion of their project is on their shoulders.

An example of the community coming together and people volunteering time was Brown and family members painting the pad. The painting was after all the steps required for the pad’s construction pad had been completed by businesses and individuals donating their time and materials.

Brown’s project required 500 hours of his time and dedicated work to complete a resource that can save lives. Now first responders in all areas surrounding Palermo have this site keyed into their systems to use when needed. If other landing areas used in the past are not available at a needed time, this pad can now be used.

Prior to the ribbon cutting along with speakers from associations and various levels of government, Kaleb Brown, and his mother each spoke.

While Bown and his mother outlined all that had gone into the project they each gave a heartfelt thank you to all the people who had donated funds, materials, and their time at various stages of the project. They expressed how each person’s donation was important in making this life saving resource a reality.

As Brown’s mother spoke, stepping stones for the commitment required to complete his Eagle scout project were explained, including the discipline required for school grades and his martial arts training.

Kaleb Brown’ s words that summed up this project were, “Hard things are right things.”